Books that touch hearts by revealing the deep connections we can have to this amazing earth are perfect for this time of year. As the earth settles in for its winter nap we can give others, and ourselves, a gift that lets us curl up with words and pictures that inspire new and timeless ways of relating to nature and spending time out of doors.

The classic children’s books, which speak to the heart and soul of all ages, by author Byrd Baylor and illustrator Peter Parnall are some of the most powerful messengers of nature’s call for connection to her soul. My favorite four books from this talented duo remind readers to find the quiet within, and without, so that one can truly see and hear the wonders of nature. Each book’s pages are sparsely, yet simply and elegantly, filled with Baylor’s poetic words and Parnall’s delicate line drawings.

The Way To Start A Day (a Caldecott Honor Book) shares how each day has been, and can be, honored and cherished as the sun rises in the east. The book begins: “The way to start a day is this – Go outside, and face the east, and greet the sun…” It continues showing how this simple ritual of celebrating each day has gone on way before recorded time, throughout all the ages and cultures. Honoring each day is as relevant now as it has been in the past.

The Other Way To Listen tells the story of a wise old man who could “walk by any cornfield and hear the corn singing” and a young child who wants to learn how to hear the earth speak. The man instructs the child to begin by quietly listening to one small thing and tells how he first learned to hear while sitting quietly in a tree.

I’m In Charge Of Celebrations is the story of a young woman who reminds us that if we are quiet and still we will find the most amazing things to celebrate. She celebrated Coyote Day, Dust Devil Day and The Time of Falling Stars as part of many celebration days of her own making. This book has inspired others to keep celebration day journals as they create new days of gratitude and joy.

Everyone Needs A Rock shares a child’s ten simple rules for finding a rock that will become a friend, maybe forever. This rock will become a comforting companion, something we could all use at this time in history, no matter what our age.