As parents and educators, it is our responsibility to nurture the growth of a child’s creativity and imagination. Although it may seem silly at times when a child talks about their imaginary characters, these thoughts are essential tools in building their confidence to become more creative. One effective way to cultivate creativity is by introducing picture books to kids. In this article, I have compiled a list of picture books that I and my son have enjoyed reading and a few more that are on our reading list. These books feature a central theme of imagination and creativity, making them perfect for inspiring young minds.
I HAVE AN IDEA! BY HERVE TULLET
This book delivers a straightforward but impactful message. Herve begins by expressing the exhilaration of conjuring up an idea. He then goes on to describe the often chaotic, intricate, and even dull process of refining and grouping ideas to arrive at a truly exceptional one. But why put in all this effort? Sometimes it’s just for the sheer enjoyment of the process, and other times it’s to make a positive impact on the world.
ON SUDDEN HILL BY LINDA SARAH
Birt and Etho are close buddies who spend their time on Sudden Hill creating amazing cardboard box contraptions. However, a new boy named Shu expresses interest in joining them. Birt feels hesitant about allowing Shu to participate, and his jealousy consumes him to the point where he chooses to stay indoors and avoid playing. Eventually, Etho and Shu visit Birt at his home, presenting him with their most remarkable cardboard creation yet. This poignant and engaging story emphasizes the importance of embracing new people and welcoming them into our lives.
ROXABOXEN BY ALICE McLERRAN
Marian, her sisters, and their friends transform a rocky hill covered with wooden boxes into a make-believe town. In the desert, they find a unique spot where they play games that mimic adult life. They build houses, pretend to drive cars, bake bread, ride stick ponies, engage in battles, and even bury their imaginary dead. This book takes us on a journey back to the world of make-believe.
HENRI’S SCISSORS BY JEANETTE WINTER
The author’s attention is on the artist’s later years when he was restricted to a bed and wheelchair. During this time, Matisse used coloured paper and scissors to create art pieces that his assistants would hang on the walls of his seaside cottage. Matisse praised the usefulness of scissors and was surprised he never considered using paper-cutting techniques in his earlier designs.
RUBY’S SWORD BY JACQUELINE VEISSID
The story of Ruby revolves around her relationship with her two older brothers. It’s a tale that highlights the importance of sharing and imagination among siblings. One day, Ruby comes across three sticks that she decides to use as swords. Despite sharing them with her brothers, they exclude her from the battle, prompting Ruby to entertain herself. The book, Ruby’s Sword, is stunningly illustrated and evokes memories of childhood innocence, where even a simple stick had the power to become a treasure.
PERFECT BY MAX AMATO
In this amusing and lighthearted picture book, a picky eraser attempts to keep the pages clean by removing the scribbles of a playful pencil. However, it doesn’t take long for the eraser to realize the fun that can ensue when two opposing forces come together. With humour and a sharp sense of imagination, Max Amato tells a charming story that highlights the joys of working together.
THEY ALL SAW A CAT BY BRENDAN WENZEL
“They All Saw a Cat” is a book with stunning illustrations that teaches us an important lesson about how our different perspectives affect the way we see others. The story follows a cat as he goes for a walk, and each new character that he meets uniquely sees him. For example, a flea sees the cat as a bushy forest of fur, while a fish sees him as two enormous yellow eyes blurred by water and glass. To a fox, the cat looks like a plump treat. This visual delight of a book delivers an important message about the importance of understanding and respecting different perspectives.
IDEA JAR BY ADAM LEHRHAUPT
This story is about a jar of characters who escape and create various writing ideas. The illustrations are stunning, and the story is humorous and engaging.
I WONDER BY K.A.HOLT
This story features a diverse group of characters who contemplate imaginative and thought-provoking questions about the world. For instance, they ponder questions such as “What do clouds taste like?”, “Do my toys miss me when I’m away?”, and “Could there be a galaxy in my belly button?” Through these questions, young readers will be inspired to think of their big questions about the world.
IMAGINE THAT: A HOOT & OLIVE STORY BY JONATHAN D. VOSS
Olive, a little girl, with a curious imagination and her stuffed owl Hoot loves going on adventures. On rainy days, they stay inside and imagine new worlds. Just as they are about to begin their adventure, Hoot realizes that his imagination is broken. As the two are about to give up, Olive remembers the secret ingredient to the imagination and encourages Hoot to give it one more try.
WHAT DO YOU DO WITH AN IDEA BY KOBI YAMADA
This is the story of a brilliant idea and the child who helps bring it to life. As the child gains confidence, the idea grows stronger and more refined. Then, one day, something truly amazing happens. This is a story for anyone, of any age, who has ever had an idea that felt too big, too strange, or too challenging. It’s a story that inspires you to embrace your ideas, give them the space they need to flourish, and see where they can take you. Because your idea is not going away, it’s just getting started.
WHAT IF BY SAMANTHA BERGER
This story is about a determined girl who wants to express herself through art. If she can’t draw, she’ll try sculpting, building, carving or collaging. If those options aren’t available, she’ll turn her surroundings into a canvas. And if she’s left with nothing, she’ll sing, dance, and dream. The book features stunning mixed-media illustrations, lyrical text, and a breathtaking gatefold that conjures powerful magic. It’s a heartfelt affirmation of art, imagination, and the resilience of the human spirit.
BEAUTIFUL OOPS BY BARNEY SALTZBERG
One of the most important lessons that all parents want their children to learn is that it’s perfectly fine to make mistakes. We should celebrate our mistakes! A mistake is an opportunity for creativity and discovery. For instance, a spill on a drawing can be turned into the shape of a funny animal. Similarly, an accidental tear on a paper may seem like a disaster, but it can be transformed into the roaring mouth of an alligator.
GOING PLACES BY PETER AND PAUL REYNOLDS
Oak Hill School’s annual go-kart race, “Going Places,” provides identical go-kart kits and instructions. Maya, an artist, creates something unique when she participates, inspiring her neighbour Rafael to team up.
SKY COLOR BY PETER H REYNOLDS
Marisol, an artist, was excited to paint a mural at school. She claimed the sky as her portion but found no blue paint. On her bus ride home, she saw a sunset with no blue. The next day, she mixed her paints and created a beautiful “sky colour.”
If you want to encourage your child’s creativity, these captivating books can inspire them to explore their imagination. They have enchanting stories that can awaken the wonder and limitless possibilities that lie in every young mind. Whether you want to inspire a budding artist or young inventor, dive into this treasury of creativity and let your child’s imagination come to life.
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