An Ancient Story of Beginnings for Today's Children and the Adults Who Love Them.
One of the best things I ever learned came from the late Dr. H. Stephen Glenn. Steve said that, "if a teenaged child has 5 adults who will listen to them, take them seriously, and not shame or blame them for their questions, that child is practically immune from ever attempting suicide.
Here's the thing... the world is a whole lot more complicated now than ever before and we can't wait until they're teenagers to start!!!
A Creation Poem... lets you start where they are! With wonder!!! This intentionally inclusive book is a mystical poem with artwork created to draw them into a place where THEY belong... and you, with them!
Praise for A Creation Poem...
"This beautiful, inclusive rendition of “The Creation” took me right back to my childhood! Originally written by the prolific author of “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” James Weldon Johnson, whose words were a staple in my household, as well as those of the other Harlem Renaissance poets. Dr. Sue’s evocative, layered and surreal images, set to this poem create aliveness that a caregiver can read over and over and never tire from.”
Lettie Sullivan
Bestselling Author, International Speaker, Life Coach, and Priestess
"A lovely, easy to read rendition of the story of Creation. Sue Boardman has been able to infuse a lilting, magical feel to this ancient story of how it all began. Her colorfully sweet illustrations invite us ever so gently into the wonder of this story. As a Reverend and 'fiercely compassionate grandmother' she is devoted to seeding much good into this world, so that not only her grandchildren, but all children, can evolve and more easily realize their potential. I could feel this in her "CREATION PICTURE BOOK". A delightful read!"
Eásula Sedlmaier - author, artist, and coach
"This book is an accessible, inclusive, and beautifully rendered version of the origin story of the world. A story where a non-gendered Creator decides to make other beings in order to have community is resonant in our world today. "
Laura Ross, DPT
""A Creation Poem..." by Dr. Sue Boardman is the Creation Story that I wish I had been told when I was a little. To experience a loving and lonely Creator joyfully and playfully creating each wonderful day of creation describes how I love to imagine looking around at our precious world- as a masterpiece of joy. This is not a story of an "Almighty" doing his/her/their serious job. It is the story of the Divine creating by flinging the paint of possibility filled with the colors of love and with Creator's own pleasure bringing life into being with artistry, bliss and spit. The paintings are delightful and whimsical, adding to this feeling of playfully creating a world that truly is so very good. Children will delight in the fun descriptions and colorful paintings. Adults will delight in what creation, all creation, can be about. This is one of those books to read over and over as children chime in, with glee, "That's good!", as they imagine the worlds that they can create!"
Havi Mandell, PhD, Visionary Artist, Intentionally Creativity® Kabbalah Coach
" A Creation Poem… tells the story of creation through poetic imagination and artistic expression. It opens the doorway to sit together with young children and explore the ultimate question… Where did we and all of this come from? The imaginative words and images present opportunities to spend loving time connecting around the many questions of childhood with those little ones we love. Dr. Boardman‘s images and words invite curiosity and new ways to imagine the wonder of Creation."
Robby Carroll M.Div. LMFT
"Dr. Sue Boardman’s A Creation Poem… handles one of the most fundamental questions that all young people ask: How did our world come about? Sue accomplishes this with a beautiful combination of words and art which embody a tone of love and a peaceful assurance that all is well. The book explains creation in a manner that a very young person can understand; yet it is written from a universal standpoint which respects the diversity of adult views on this subject.
A Creation Poem… is suitable both for Abrahamic traditions, and other world
religions, as it concentrates on the similarities of the concepts most all religions share. I find this particularly beneficial my extended family includes many faith traditions (at least five Protestant denominations, Catholics, Jews, Muslims and Buddhists!) This is a book that I can gift to parents of young children, as well as share with young people when they visit my home."
Laura Panatera
"We are in a new era where we need our youth to understand how to do-create. This book is a must read. Run - don’t walk - to get copies for your entire family!"
Julie Steelman, The Prosperous Feminine
"Sue had me at the bear on the cover! Rich, bold art illustrates this story as ancient as time. A Creation Poem… joins many origin stories around the world shared with children to help them make sense of their place. We know this story. But we haven’t heard it told this way, with inclusive language, progressive theology, and images familiar to a North American child.
This is not Where’s Waldo, but you & your child will have fun looking for God in the gorgeous art of A Creation Poem. Sue - theologian, writer and artist - has updated this ancient story with love, and the results are bold, fresh, and powerful. I can’t wait to add it to our children’s library!"
"A Creation Poem is a feast for the eyes, and the tongue! Sue has taken an old familiar story and created a read-aloud version with stunning art, inclusive language, and wonderful teases for the imagination. This book is a must for littles and their big people to explore together as they work to answer that timeless question, “Why am I here?”
Natalie Moyes
Interim Family Ministries Leader, Bedford United Church, Bedford, Nova Scotia