Whispers of Color (Children's Book)
Transcript of Whispers of Color (Children's Book)
Whispers of Color
for children
by Sue Elizabeth Lee
Whispers of Color for Children
By Sue Elizabeth Lee
Illustrations by Michael C. Stokes
Copyright 1996
All rights reserved
Many have asked me where the idea for my DVD programming
“I Believe in Me!”came from. Well, here it is,
from my book for children written in 1996,
Whispers of Color for children.
There’s a Whispers of Color for adults as well.
The use of color in this way came to me “As whispers in the night”
to this day I am forever grateful that I woke up and began writing. . .
www.ibelieveinme.tv
To contact Sue Lee email: [email protected]
Colors are in alphabetical order:
Almond Periwinkle
Ambrosia Petal Pink
Aqua Plaid
Beige Poppy
Berry Powder Blue
Black Pumpkin
Brick Red Pure White
True Brown Purple
Butterscotch Rust
Cappuccino Cream Silver
Chartreuse Silver Threaded Mercury
Crystal Clear Sparkling Gold
Daffodil Yellow Straw
Deep Red Tangerine
Earth Blue Teal
Emerald Green The Blue That Has No Name
Faded Blue Jeans Violet
Fern Green Willow
Forest Green Yellow
Indigo Blue
Inlet Green
Lavender
Lime
Mauve
Midnight Blue
Mist
Navy
Neon Blue
Neon Yellow
Orange
Peach
Pearl Gray
ALMOND
What is Almond?
Almond is the sound of slippers
coming down the stairs.
The sipping of soup
and the eating of crackers.
It is falling asleep on the couch
with the cat
and the dog.
Almond is watching
people on the sidewalk
below your apartment building.
It is riding a horse
that will go real slow
and that kindness can be strong.
What is your Almond?
AMBROSIA
What is Ambrosia?
Ambrosia is running barefoot
and ripples upon the lake.
It is knowing how to laugh
how to cry
and how to be sure of yourself.
Ambrosia is hot chocolate on a cold day
and ice cream on a hot one.
It is the truth that grass grows,
flowers bloom,
snow falls,
and rain makes puddles.
What is your Ambrosia?
AQUA
What is Aqua?
Aqua is the smooth part
left on the sand
when the waves have pulled back.
It’s giving a hug
to others when they hurt
and telling them, “You’ll be okay.”
Aqua is playing in the sprinklers
on a hot summer’s day.
It is being small,
yet strong
and doing all that you can.
What is your Aqua?
BEIGE
What is Beige?
Beige is quiet
It is walking as softly as you can.
It is a gentle breeze,
the rock of a cradle
and the flicker of a candle.
Beige is telling the truth,
being kind,
lending a hand.
It is the smell of cake,
the sound of a kitten’s purr,
and the feel of a feather.
What is your Beige?
BERRY
What is Berry?
Berry is using stepping stones
to get across the stream.
looking ahead and knowing where to go.
It is unloading groceries for Mom,
putting toys away
and feeling proud to be a helper.
Berry is doing what needs to be done
and not getting mad.
It is being glad
about what you can do!
It is how everyone should feel.
What is your Berry?
BLACK
What is Black?
Black is the night sky
where stars hang.
It is the times you yell “Hooray!”
and the turning of circles
until you’re dizzy.
Black is knowing that good things happen
and wishes can come true.
It is remembering when things seem hard,
to keep trying and trying
until you can say, “Hey that’s easy!”
What is your Black?
BRICK RED
What is Brick Red?
Brick Red is knowing you can
cross the road,
shovel snow,
and share with friends.
It is being brave
when you might be a little scared.
Brick Red can be practicing sports,
playing the piano,
or learning to dance.
It is doing what it takes
and loving yourself
for who you are
and what you can do.
What is your Brick Red?
TRUE BROWN
What is True Brown?
True Brown is playing hide and go seek
and being the best hider.
It’s climbing a tree
you’ve never climbed before.
It is trying hard
and getting to where you want to go.
True Brown is making a fort,
catching a football,
and riding your bike
up and over a big hill.
It is being determined.
What is your True Brown?
BUTTERSCOTCH
What is Butterscotch?
Butterscotch is the sound
of walking in the sand,
the call of a picnic,
the topside of ice cream
on a summer’s day.
It is Mom stirring something in a bowl
and Dad setting the table.
Butterscotch is watching TV
when there’s a snowstorm outside.
It is the doorbell ringing
and company is coming!
What is your Butterscotch?
CAPPUCCINO CREAM
What is Cappuccino Cream?
Cappuccino Cream is smooth like milk,
soft like silk,
and quiet like a hush.
It is the look
in a pony’s eyes,
the smile of a llama,
and the thoughts of a butterfly.
Cappuccino Cream is sitting on the bench
at the playground
and feeling really good.
It is climbing in the car
and being able
to buckle your own seat belt.
What is your Cappuccino Cream?
CHARTREUSE
What is Chartreuse?
Chartreuse is when you keep trying
to get tough things done.
Being stung by a bee,
being brave and feeling big.
It is the squeaking of the swing,
the jangle of Mom’s jewelry,
and Aunt Gertie’s laugh.
Chartreuse is the sound of a sneeze,
the gaze of a snake,
and standing on top of a tall place.
It is knowing the answer that is just right
and asking a hard question.
What is your Chartreuse?
CHILI PEPPER RED
What is Chili Pepper Red?
Chili Pepper Red is the sound of “Wow”
It is the “Oh My” of life.
It is standing up
for what is right,
and listening to others
instead of a fight.
Chili Pepper Red is hot soup on a cold day
and covers pulled up when it’s cold at night.
It is giving food to the hungry
and gifts to those in need.
What is your Chili Pepper Red?
CRYSTAL CLEAR
What is Crystal Clear?
Crystal Clear is the squeak of a shoe,
the clap of your hands,
and the snap of your fingers.
It is the giggle in your belly,
rain drops falling on your head,
and the splash of a puddle jump.
Crystal Clear is knowing to
open the door for someone,
pick up trash,
and put dirty dishes in the dishwasher.
It is when you help without being told
and helping when you’re asked.
What is your Crystal Clear?
DAFFODIL YELLOW
What is Daffodil Yellow?
Daffodil Yellow is
the gentle glide of the porch swing,
the last spin of the top,
and being able to sit still.
It is a field of flowers
that you can run through
and it’s okay.
Daffodil Yellow is the sound
of the phone ringing
and it’s grandma and grandpa calling!
It is the smile a robin gives,
the song a grasshopper sings,
and the way a hug
from a caterpillar would feel…
What is your Daffodil Yellow?
DEEP RED
What is Deep Red?
Deep Red is a fire
during a winter’s storm
having a coat to keep you warm
and a hat to put on your head.
It is your favorite blanket
the song you love to sing
and the movie theater
right when the lights go out.
Deep Red is wrapping presents,
giving gifts
and having gifts to open.
It is better than happy!
What is your Deep Red?
EARTH BLUE
What is Earth Blue?
Earth Blue is helping the animals.
Feeding your pets,
caring for birds,
enjoying the deer,
the fox,
and the squirrel.
It is the quietness of the pond
and the silence on the path.
Earth Blue loves to laugh,
yet knows how to cry.
It is listening to your heart
and doing what’s right
with all your might.
What is your Earth Blue?
EMERALD GREEN
What is Emerald Green?
Emerald Green is magic.
The wonderful things
that seem too good to be true.
It is warm sunshine,
a gentle breeze,
and a hammock to lie in.
Emerald Green is when
the leaves in the tree,
work like an umbrella
and keep you dry.
It is when someone believes in you
and they really do know
how special you are!
What is your Emerald Green?
FADED BLUE JEANS
What is Faded Blue Jeans?
Faded Blue Jeans is the smoothness
of a worn river rock
and the patch of grass
gone from the yard
where the dog walks.
It is feeling wonderful,
feeling terrific,
and feeling fantastic!
Faded Blue Jeans is
going to birthday parties
blowing out birthday candles
and eating birthday cake!
It is when life feels special and
you do something about it!
What is your Faded Blue Jeans?
FERN GREEN
What is Fern Green
Fern Green is a baby’s breath
upon the cheek
or the curve of a pillow
under your head.
It is believing in yourself,
trusting your friends,
and telling no lies.
Fern Green is the shadows on the playground,
the twirl of the jump rope,
and the sound of tires over the road.
It is the look in the eyes of an owl,
the smile of a deer,
and birds in their nest.
What is your Fern Green?
FOREST GREEN
What is Forest Green?
Forest Green is winning the race,
being first in line,
and hiding in a tree.
It’s knowing some people are different,
some are the same,
and we’re all okay.
Forest Green is caring for others,
helping when someone is sick
and feeding the neighbor’s dog.
It is being in the right spot at the right time.
What is your Forest Green?
INDIGO BLUE
What is Indigo Blue?
Indigo Blue is never going away
and knowing someone will always be there.
It is gentle,
strong and good.
Indigo Blue is how happy you feel when
hurt feelings are made better
and go away.
It is knowing it is okay to take a cookie
and you can put your feet
up on the furniture when you
take your shoes off.
What is your Indigo Blue?
INLET GREEN
What is Inlet Green?
Inlet Green is the path secrets take
and the feeling in your heart when you smile.
It is the shadow of little animals
and the gentleness of large ones.
Inlet Green is the moss on the forest floor,
the skirt of a fairy,
and the hat of an elf.
It is when tough things
become easy
and bad things are made good.
What is your Inlet Green?
LAVENDER
What is Lavender?
Lavender is the sound of thunder far away,
the beginning of snow,
and the hole in my sock.
It is what it feels like
when you are riding your bike.
It is your Grandma’s smile
and what hides in her pocket.
Lavender is seeing the leaves from under a tree,
or looking at a fish from under the water.
It is holding hands with your best friend.
What is your Lavender?
LIME
What is Lime?
Lime is the look on the pioneer’s face
and the sound
of an astronaut’s heartbeat.
It is the smell of the campfire,
the snap of a twig,
the call of an owl.
Lime is the lizard’s footprints on the sand,
the tasting of salt and not making a face.
It is being able to say “I’m sorry”
when you hurt someone’s feelings.
What is your Lime?
MAUVE
What is Mauve?
Mauve is being able to blow a bubble,
knowing that 1+1=2
and that the letter s comes after r
in the alphabet.
It is being able to tie your shoe
and being able to reach the top shelf.
Mauve is setting the table
and remembering where the
knife, fork and spoon go!
It is that you know marvelous
means to feel good
and yucky means to feel bad.
What is your Mauve?
MIDNIGHT BLUE
What is Midnight Blue?
Midnight Blue is holding your head up
and having courage
when you feel afraid.
It is being able to stay up late
and sleeping in, in the morning.
Midnight Blue is coming out of the shower
and how wonderful
it feels to have a soft towel
to dry off with.
It is skipping and jumping with joy,
even when you have lost the race,
because you know you can’t always be first!
What is your Midnight Blue?
MIST
What is Mist?
Mist is where you go when
you want to be alone.
It is curling up with your teddy bear
and reading it a book.
Mist is hunting for
small stones along a path,
shells from the beach,
or pine cones in the forest.
It is when you can
turn grumpy into happy
and hate into “I’m sorry.”
What is your Mist?
NAVY
What is Navy?
Navy never cheats.
It’s doing the best you can
over and over again.
It is standing tall,
taking a bow,
and playing by the rules.
Navy is big ships,
small airplanes,
and station wagons full of kids.
It is scoring in soccer,
making a touchdown,
and breaking the ribbon
at the end of the race.
What is your Navy?
NEON BLUE
What is Neon Blue?
Neon is riding in a fancy car
and seeing city lights at night.
It is eating in a fancy restaurant
and not spilling anything on yourself.
Neon Blue is riding a roller coaster,
hiking on a tough trail,
and sleeping out at night.
It is doing new things and feeling bold.
What is your Neon Blue?
NEON YELLOW
What is Neon Yellow?
Neon Yellow is hitting a homerun,
the smell of pizza,
and the yell of the crowd.
It is walking on top of a wall,
riding in an elevator,
and sledding down a hill.
Neon Yellow is shouting for joy,
and whispers of, “I did it! I did it!”
It is Playing tag,
at night in the house with flashlights.
What is your Neon Yellow?
ORANGE
What is Orange?
Orange is the beginning of a skip,
the end of a jump,
and the turn of the merry-go-round.
It is the smell of breakfast on the table
and feeling sunshine
coming through the window.
Orange is knowing to say, “Pass the biscuits, please.”
Orange is giving smiles and receiving hugs.
It is having a brother and a sister.
What is your Orange?
PEACH
What is Peach?
Peach is talking with your Mom at night,
the warmth of the fireplace,
and the softness of your pajamas.
It is when you fall asleep on Daddy’s lap
while watching TV,
and feeling safe.
Peach is remembering
to give Grandma a hug
and the feeling when you wear Grandpa’s hat.
It is when something great happens
and puts a smile on you face.
What is your Peach?
PEARL GRAY
What is Pearl Gray?
Pearl Gray is the whistle of the train,
the feel of dew on the grass
and the tail of a deer as it disappears.
It is remembering good times
knowing you can get through bad ones
and if you wait, the good ones happen again!
Pearl Grey is the smell of hot chocolate
and marshmallows that you have
after playing in the snow.
It is going back to a favorite spot
and finding new ones.
What is your Pearl Grey?
PERIWINKLE
What is Periwinkle?
Periwinkle is the sound of the crunch of the snow.
The look in Grandma’s eye
when you’ve snuck a cookie!
It is the tight coolness of a popsicle,
your fingers crossed
and skipping down the street.
Periwinkle is running fast,
playing hard,
and being able to turn a somersault.
It is where you go when you
play hide and go seek.
What is your Periwinkle?
PETAL PINK
What is Petal Pink?
Petal Pink is making a wish and
hoping it will come true,
believing in yourself and in others.
It is the cat’s tongue,
the rabbit’s nose,
and the path of a parade.
Petal Pink is crawling into bed
and dreaming of tomorrow.
It is trying your best,
giving all you can,
and knowing you’re a great player.
What is your Petal Pink?
PLAID
What is Plaid?
Plaid, “Wow” what a color,
it’s everything come together.
It is the shiny spot on the apple
and the smile of all your friends,
Plaid is packing for a trip,
remembering to take everything
and being able to pull your own suitcase.
It is what is fun,
like rounding the corner at the end of the race,
finding money in your pocket,
and paint on your face.
What is your Plaid?
POPPY
What is Poppy?
Poppy is the chirping of the birds
early in the morning,
and the cat waking you up.
It is knowing Mom will be at the bus stop.
Remembering trips to the zoo,
that monkeys climb trees
and that strawberries will always
taste like strawberries.
Poppy is sitting on the bench in the park,
watching the lady who feeds the birds,
and the people who walk their dogs.
It is knowing that tomorrow comes after today,
and that some things happen in an order.
What is your Poppy?
POWDER BLUE
What is Powder Blue?
Powder Blue is the tingle of a bell.
the side of a cloud,
and the smell of Spring,
It is when the light changes
and you know when
to cross the street.
Powder Blue is when you
ride the bus and hold Daddy’s hand.
It is the sound dry markers
make on the marker board,
and playing at your preschool.
What is your Powder Blue?
PUMPKIN
What is Pumpkin?
Pumpkin is the “oomph” of a good hug,
the dust under your feet on a summer’s day.
It is asking, “Can I help?”
It is the bounce of the lamb,
the waddle of the geese,
and the scattering of chickens.
Pumpkin is the smell of pumpkin pie,
the remembering of Thanksgiving
and always being kind.
It is looking for the good times
that come in each day.
What is your Pumpkin?
PURE WHITE
What is Pure White?
Pure White is the flutter of a butterfly’s wing,
a kitten’s step,
and happy wishes to a friend.
It is when you think of something fun
or a song that you like.
Pure White is remembering to say,
“Please” and “Thank you.”
It is going to bed when you are told.
What is your Pure White?
PURPLE
What is Purple?
Purple is knowing you see with your eyes,
smell with your nose,
taste with your tongue,
and feel with your skin.
It is the path the car leaves
when your family drives at night.
Purple is helping your friends to
feel good
and telling them they did a good job.
It is a letter in the mailbox
that is just for you.
What is your Purple?
RUST
What is Rust?
Rust is the path the old rocker
has worn on the porch.
It is the weather vane on the barn
and the city bus at night.
It is the twinkle in the eyes of
the old woman who you call friend.
Rust is the chiming of the clock in the hall,
the turning of the wagon wheels long ago.
It is remembering that good times happen
and so do hard ones.
It is learning to do some grown up things
the best way that you can.
What is your Rust?
SILVER
What is Silver?
Silver is remembering fun times,
walks with Dad,
shopping with Mom,
and playing with your family.
It is going to the corner store.
and helping to push the grocery cart.
Silver is the path the newspaper takes
when the paper man throws it.
It is what the cat leaves on your arm
when she licks it!
What is your Silver?
SILVER THREADED MERCURY
What is Silver Threaded Mercury?
Silver Threaded Mercury
is sliding down a slide,
jumping in a pool,
and sleeping out all night long
in a tent.
It is truth, trust and believing.
Silver Threaded Mercury is sharing a story
and listening to others.
It is knowing you are growing up
and soon will be going to school.
What is your Silver Threaded Mercury?
SPARKLING GOLD
What is Sparkling Gold?
Sparkling Gold is the feeling of
running faster than anyone else.
It is the jumping into leaves,
the look on your Grandpa’s face,
and the dog taking you for a walk!
Sparkling Gold is knowing you
can do anything
and be anybody.
It is like carrying a secret in your pocket
and no one knows it’s there.
What is your Sparkling Gold?
STRAW
What is Straw?
Straw is the first rays of light
in the morning.
It is the spot where the rabbit
sits under the fence,
It is the smell of cookies fresh
from the oven.
Straw is gentle and kind.
It is like laying down on a bed of feathers.
It is when you smile at someone
and they smile back.
What is your Straw?
TANGERINE
What is Tangerine?
Tangerine is walking barefoot in the creek,
scratching the horse’s nose and
hiding in a tree house.
It is taking a nap because you’re tired
and the puppy comes up
and curls up by your side.
Tangerine is playing late at night,
having friends to sleep over
and watching videos with popcorn to eat.
It is fun times,
that you can do again and again.
What is your Tangerine?
TEAL
What is Teal?
Teal is the beginning of a laugh,
the middle of a jump,
the up in the air of riding a swing.
It is running in the door
knowing your Mom has made lunch.
It is how you feel when
the ice cream truck comes.
Teal is sitting on the grass
with your favorite friend.
It is just feeling good to feel good.
What is your Teal?
THE BLUE THAT HAS NO NAME
What is the Blue That Has No Name?
The Blue That Has No Name
is the moment you get an idea
and say, “Hey, what about this?”
It is being kind instead of mean,
and knowing everyone makes mistakes.
The Blue That Has No Name
is the sky on a summer’s day,
the slick spot on the ice,
and the smell of flowers in the spring.
It is the path the ants take
determined, strong,
and never giving up.
What is your Blue That Has No Name?
VIOLET
What is Violet?
Violet is when you squeeze
your eyes real tight,
and what you see
in the middle of the night.
It is swimming under the water
and not being afraid.
because you know
how to hold your breath.
Violet is not getting mad
when your friends can’t play,
It is knowing that the nightlight
will come on
when the lights go out
at the end of the day.
What is your Violet?
WILLOW
What is Willow?
Willow is how nice your hand feels
when it’s inside your Daddy’s hand.
It is drawing pictures on the
sidewalk with colored chalk.
Willow is waiting your turn,
not being pushy,
and being what adults call patient.
Willow is the quietness at the end of the day
and the waking up in the morning when you
still feel just a little bit sleepy.
What is your Willow?
YELLOW
What is Yellow?
Yellow is Grandma’s favorite color.
It was the twinkle from her eyes
and the sound of her laughter.
It is the feel of the warm sun,
the touch of the wind,
and the sound a moving cloud makes.
Yellow is pancakes,
cookies,
and apple pie.
It is what feels good
and what makes people happy.
What is your Yellow?
Dear Young Reader,
Thank You for reading, Whispers of Color for children. I hope you enjoyed it – I enjoyed writing it.
I’d love for you to share your ideas for the colors written! You can
do that by going to www.ibelieveinme.tv and send me your colorful
ideas… simply write, just like in this book:
Begin with: The name of the color
Next write the question: What is (color you are writing about)?
Then write: What you think it might be.
Finish by signing your name and age
It’s OK to get an adult to help you – this is all for fun and some of
you are too young to write the words on your own.
We’ll try to post as many as we can – you can see what other
kids write as well!
Thanks for reading!
And, keep on reading and writing yourselves,
the world needs lots of writers!
Sue Lee