Children’s Book

As Promised from a couple of weeks back, my new book All Creatures Most Small is now out. This is my first book that is exclusively children’s poetry and was appropriately illustrated by my young friend Emilia (9 years old). Watching both Emilia and my friend and graphic designer Robert Keller come onboard to illustrate and frame my poems was a huge blessing in my life. I am grateful to them for their enthusiasm and advice as well as the kind and encouraging words from both Emilia’s mom and grandmother.

Here is another little peek – Into what All Creatures Mostly Small is about

We were having a great time storytelling and singing around the campfire, late into the night at our church camp out for boys. The youngest of them felt like we were in the wilderness even though it was really just behind the house of one of our church members. When the time came for everybody to head for bed, it took a while to get the boys settled into their sleeping bags. While I lay there listening to the cicadas singing and the frogs chirping, a little voice whispered from the back of the tent, “We can’t sleep. It sounds scary!”

“Oh, don’t be afraid.” I told them. “That just sounds like God talking to me.” I answered back. “Oh!” The small voice whispered. Then just a few minutes later things got quiet and I could hear the gentle snoring of the boys telling me that yes, they had heard God speaking too. I am thankful for all the lessons both large and small that God has taught me with the voice of even His tiniest creatures. and I invite you in these poems to hear God talking to you too.

Here is the softcover edition which is available on Amazon today. This is also an e-book format for those who prefer tablets instead of physical books.

Than Any Dreams

Today I recalled a song that I loved as a teen-ager by Joni Mitchell called, “Both Sides” There was something hauntingly beautiful about her lyrics (and her voice!) singing about the other side of clouds and dreams. But at the time that was another side that was unknown to me. I was so sure of right and wrong and completely rejected any kind of made up religion. Then life happened and my concepts, my hopes and my own dreams broke down, and got mired in a mud pit. That is where Jesus found me and I am so glad He did. This simple contemplative glance back shares a little of my journey and I pray it may be a blessing to you as well.

Than Any Dreams Could Be

The future was so far away
And I had dreams and hopes so true
I hadn’t time for growing old
There was so much to do

Till aches and pains became my friends
That stumbled on my way
And loss and grief showed up to greet
My heart from day to day

Then weaknesses and failures came
To teach Christ’s way for me
And show His cross was precious more
Than any dreams could be!

Than Any Dreams Could Be -by Peter Caligiuri
copyright 2021 All Rights reserved

It occurred to me today that some of my younger generation readers have no idea of who Joni Mitchell is (I get it..my Mom liked The Tommy Dorsey Band but I never heard of him from anyone else!) So here is a link to her live performance of that song, though the audio recording is poor, it actually shows Joni in concert.

Poetry in Motion

I have been at work on my Winter/ Spring now turned Summer writing project of a book of children’s poetry. Beyond the writing part I am not too sure of what I am doing but have been blessed to have several friends jump on board to help with everything from illustrations to some graphic design advice. Hopefully “All Creatures Mostly Small” will be out by early July. If like me you feel bogged down by a writing goal, don’t give up, resort to imitation of others or settle for less than your very best. The toughest part of course is that often our very best gets knocked down, ignored or rejected along the way. But if we are called to write, then doing our best in the way we are gifted is pleasing to the author and editor of our faith. I am not sure why God has given me a fascination for tiny things. No matter where I turn it seems He is talking to me through the smallest members of His creation and so I give you my smallest for HIs highest. If you would like a sneak peak here is a little sample from the introduction. I hope it brightens your weekend. Blessings to you all.

Hummingbirds and Eagles


Of hummingbirds and eagles
And ears and eyes and nose
Of Ibises and flower seeds
And how God’s garden grows
These pages are all filled for you
With creatures mostly small
That God made God’s to show to us
His amazing loving plan!


Hummingbirds and Eagles by Peter Caligiuri copyright 2021 all rights reserved.