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What happens when an illustrator, an award-winning singer/songwriter, and a passion for the natural world come together?
In the hands of artist and author/illustrator Betsy Franco-Feeney, the answer is a body of work that turns science into story—and story into an invitation to explore.
The current exhibition at Columbia University’s Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory brings together artwork from three of Franco-Feeney’s picture books, showcasing her distinctive approach to introducing young audiences to science and environmental issues through humor, imagination, music, and visual storytelling.
After illustrating six children’s books for traditional publishers, Franco-Feeney dreamed of choosing the stories she would illustrate. She approached award-winning singer/songwriter Christine Lavin, whose imaginative songwriting had long inspired her, about collaborating on a book.
The result was Amoeba Hop.
Because Amoeba Hop combined whimsical children’s fiction, real science, and a lively song, traditional publishers struggled to categorize it. Rather than compromise the concept, Franco-Feeney founded Puddle Jump Press (PJP), an independent publishing house that enabled her to publish the book on her own terms.
Her dream of creating children’s books that were not only entertaining, but more importantly, “edutaining,” was finally realized.
Shortly after its publication, Amoeba Hop received a “Best Books” Award from Science Books & Films (SB&F), a program of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS).
Franco-Feeney’s work was recently recognized with the Literary Artist of the Year Award from the Arts Council of Rockland (ACOR). The award honored her contributions as a children’s book creator and informal educator, particularly her innovative approach to transforming STEM learning into STEAM through art.
Art sparks curiosity. Science gives that curiosity somewhere to go. And a story can be the beginning of both.
ART MEETS SCIENCE
Steve Goldstein, Interim Director of Lamont-Doherty, invited Franco-Feeney to exhibit her work as part of their “ART meets SCIENCE" initiative.
Said Goldstein, “Art and Science are both driven by the desire to make sense of the world around us — to find and understand patterns that emerge from the noise. Our mission is to discover and to share our newfound knowledge widely. Betsy’s exhibit will resonate with adults and enhance our efforts to educate kids.”
Franco-Feeney’s work demonstrates that science education does not have to begin with a textbook. Sometimes it begins with a song, a picture, a microscope—or a tiny creature with a very big story to tell.
FROM PAGE TO CLASSROOM
Franco-Feeney extends her work far beyond the printed page through interactive school programs that combine art, science, storytelling, music, microscopes, and puppets. She has visited dozens of schools throughout the tri-state area and beyond.
During a 2005 visit to Radburn Elementary School in Fair Lawn, New Jersey, students performed Amoeba Hop as a one-song musical.
Nearly two decades later, a parent recalled the experience on LinkedIn, writing that her daughter still talked about Amoeba Hop and adding:
“I think it’s why she’s a scientist!”
For Franco-Feeney, that lasting impact is precisely the point. Her mission is summed up in her personal tagline:
“Author/illustrator who, through her books, is planting seeds to grow scientists to help the next generation save the planet.” — BFF
ABOUT BETSY FRANCO-FEENEY
A longtime Piermont resident, Betsy Franco-Feeney has been described as “a passionate artist with a keen eye.”
An author/illustrator, photographer, graphic designer, documentary filmmaker, and environmentalist, Franco-Feeney brings a multidisciplinary approach to storytelling through art. After illustrating six children’s books for traditional publishers, she founded Puddle Jump Press to unite her artistic practice with her commitment to environmental education.
Her books and educational programs use humor, music, imagination, and visual storytelling to make scientific and environmental concepts accessible to young audiences.
ABOUT CHRISTINE LAVIN
Christine Lavin is a multi-award-winning New York-based singer/songwriter and musician who has created more than 25 solo albums. Known for her imaginative lyrics, humor, and storytelling, she collaborated with Franco-Feeney on Amoeba Hop, transforming one of her songs into a visual and literary exploration of science.
Their creative partnership continued with Hole in the Bottom of the Sea, another environmentally themed picture book inspired by music and science. Kirkus Reviews wrote of the book:
“If the fate of the planet is in the hands of our children, reading them books like this might be a wise idea.”
Franco-Feeney says that her two collaborations with Lavin enabled her to write and illustrate the third book represented in this exhibition, Jewels of the Sea... The Hunt for Floating Treasure.
She dedicates the exhibition to Christine Lavin:
“For her kindness, generosity, and brilliant mind.” — BFF
“Whimsical Science… tiny creatures and BIG Ideas!”
An exhibition by Betsy Franco-Feeney
Now through May 31, 2027
Gallery Hours: 9 AM - 5 PM
Contact Miriam Cinquegrana for more information/appointments.
OPENING RECEPTION
September 16, 2026, 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM
Monell Building, Columbia University’s Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory
61 Route 9W, Palisades, NY
Click here to RSVP (required):
https://forms.gle/Q57ac49jCbFGCx6X8
MEDIA CONTACT
Betsy Franco-Feeney
