The German playwright, artist, and natural scientist Johann von Goethe once wrote what he wanted in his day: "One ought, every day at least, to hear a little song, read a good poem, see a fine picture, and, if it were possible, to speak a few reasonable words." In this marvelous children's book inspired by the famous German's life and botanical treatise The Metamorphosis of the Plant, Diana Cohn pays tribute to the spiritual vitality of wonder.
The story, set in the 1830s, revolves around Anna, a young girl, and Mr. Goethe, her elderly neighbor, and the relationship they establish across the generations. She wants to be an artist just like him and while visiting his garden, Anna is taught to draw. When she asks him how he manages to get the plants to look so alive, he responds:
" 'First,' he said, 'I listen with my eyes. I give each plant my full attention, as I do you. Like friends, plants tell you their secrets only when they know you care.'
"I did not understand what he meant, but Mr. Goethe often said strange things, so I repeated his words silently to myself.
" 'Don't worry,' he said, as he picked up my drawing pad and handed it back to me. 'Just practice listening with your eyes, and one day when you least expect it, you will see with your heart and be swept up into nature's dance.'
" 'Nature's dance?' I asked, wondering again what he meant.
" 'Oh, yes,' Mr. Goethe said, 'nature never stands still, not for a single moment! She's always changing and moving in a rhythm all her own.' "
The delightfully rich illustrations by Paul Mirocha vividly convey the enchantments in this wonderful book that makes the natural world into a very special place. The last pages contain a biography of Johann von Goethe (1749 - 1832). This book is suitable for children ages 6 - 9 years old.
