Looking for a book to inspire your students' creativity (or your own)? Here are some new and classic favorites:
For preK/lower elementary students:
The Book of Mistakes by Corinna Luyken (Dial Books, 2017)
What happens when you draw one eye much bigger than the other? Or an extra-long leg? Luyken's breathtakingly beautiful book will help children appreciate not only the wonder of creativity, but how making a mistake can lead to something wonderful.
Also recommended: Radiant Child: The Story of Young Artist Jean-Michel Basquiat by Javaka Steptoe (Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, 2016)
For upper elementary/middle school students:
What Color Is My World? The Lost History of African-American Inventors by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (Candlewick, 2013)
Aspiring STEM students will love learning about the featured black inventors in this creative book. Framed by a lively, fun story about two curious twins wanting to find out more about the world they live in, the book showcases the people behind such inventions as cell phone microphones and improvements in open-heart surgery.
Also recommended: Under the Egg by Laura Mars Fitzgerald (Puffin Books, 2015)
For educators:
Studio Thinking from the Start: The K–8 Art Educator's Handbook by Jillian Hogan, Lois Hetland, Diane B. Jaquith, and Ellen Winner (Teachers College Press, 2018)
A follow-up to the popular Studio Thinking (Teachers College Press, 2007), this practical handbook focuses on how teachers can introduce creativity and hands-on learning to their classes. Packed with authentic examples from teachers and step-by-step guides on implementing the ideas.
Also recommended for high school students or adults: Art & Fear: Observations on the Perils (and Rewards) of Artmaking by David Bayles (Image Continuum Press, 2001)
