Picture Books
Welcome!
Unsure where to channel your creativity?
Do you believe in a myth that you have no creativity?
Want to add more spark to your life?
Read on
Picture Books and Creativity
Back in the day, when I was forced to take naps but didn’t want to (unlike now), my mom would give me a stack of picture books. My favorite was The Little Rabbit Who Wanted Red Wings. She’d read it, and then I’d spend the next hour pouring over the illustrations, remembering the words that went with them. Recently, I bought a copy to revisit what that book did for me at ages three and four.
The story itself is sweet- a rabbit wishes for wings and magically gets them by looking into a wishing pool. However, once he grows the red wings, he can no longer do everything he used to do, and his friends no longer recognize him. He grows lonely and frustrated. Ultimately, the little rabbit returns to himself, content and happy. It’s a good message about loving yourself for who you are. The illustrations are sweet. The writing is lyrical. Reading the book as an adult helped connect me to my former self and fueled my creative tank.
A picture book has the potential to spark imagination and elicit creativity. The illustrations capture attention and stimulate the visual senses. Because picture books may also depict fantastical or whimsical settings, they can transport us to new worlds and encourage us to envision stories beyond the pages.
We often dismiss books for kids, but themes of imagination, creativity, and exploration engage us in our own imagination. Varied textures and cutouts can stimulate tactile senses, making the reading experience more immersive. Stories that include diverse characters can help us break away from stereotypes and think about the richness of the world.
When I reread The Little Rabbit Who Wanted Red Wings, I reflected its theme about accepting and appreciating one’s self. I considered my longings and then rounded back to gratitude for my life as it is.
My message here? Don’t discount picture books. Read one. They’re so much more than stories for little kids. They can be full of beauty, imagination, and curiosity, all sparking our creativity.
What was your favorite childhood book? Reread it and see what it does for you.
Quotes to Remember
“Promise me you’ll remember, you are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, smarter than you think.””
Creative Inspiration
To help unleash your creativity, link here to check out a list of picture books from 2023. Who knows, you might find one that sparks your interest. Read Brightly is a great site for children’s books.
Quotes to Remember
“And all at once in a room where no one else is quite like you, the world opens itself up to make some space for you.”
“Be who you are and say how you feel because those who mind don’t matter, and those who matter don’t mind.”
Thanks for reading. Creativity is not a command performance, but I hope you’ll stay and become inspired. If you know someone interested in creative endeavors, please forward this on!Yours in spirited creativity,