by Amanda Soule

OK, so while I consider myself a creative person, I am not exactly artsy-craftsy. Even as a kid I wasn’t big on construction paper and safety-scissors and those smelly pots of glue. So while I’m always griping that families should do more art together, I’m frankly often at a loss for suggestions of how to incorporate art into our lives.

So that’s why I love this book and tend to “permanently loan” it out to all my other glue-pot-averse friends. Cultivating creativity in the home doesn’t stop at posting stick-figure drawings on the fridge. It means taking time out to paint, yes, but also to dig in the garden, to sew and make nature tables, play dress up and celebrate milestones and family rituals.

Author Amanda Soule knows that it can be hard to make time for these sorts of things in our busy lives, so this book teaches parents that creativity is inherent in the family dynamic already and not complicated or expensive to incorporate into your day. Through tips, craft ideas, and project plans, she lays everything out in four levels: develop your own creativity; nurture your child’s imagination and creativity; strengthen family by creating together; and build greater community through art and joy. A fantastic resource for parents—artsy-craftsy or otherwise—and for anyone else with kids in their lives.

Paperback, 6.5″×8″, 212 pages