Books to Read When... You are Feeling Creative

Have you ever felt the urge to make something? Or had a genius plan just download into your brain? It’s called creative inspiration, and it gives you a burst of enthusiasm and motivation to make or innovate. Books are a great place to go to find ideas or research the many possibilities that are out there in the world. Here are a few book recommendations for when the mood strikes you.

Get Crafting for Your Hip Hamster
By Ruth Owen
Minneapolis, MN: Bearport Publishing, 2021. Informational. 24 pages.

This is one crafty book in the Playful Pet Projects series, and I don’t know who will have more fun -- you or your hamster! There are step-by-step instructions to make a popsicle stick hamster house, carrot cupcakes, a mini hamster maze, and a snuggle pouch. This one is sure to inspire some one-on-one time with your cute little fluff ball.

Craft Lab For Kids

By Stephanie Corfee

Beverley, MD: Quarry Books, 2020. Informational. 143 pages.

This do-it-yourself manual has 52 projects in 7 different categories focusing on unique self-expression. Using everything from paint to pipe cleaners, you will manufacture, embellish, or upcycle items to beautify your surroundings and give meaningful gifts. A true treasure of excitement and empowerment!

How to Write a Story

By Kate Messner

San Francisco: Chronicle Books, 2020. Informational. 42 pages.

Kate Messner, author of more than 60 books, gives her 10 step formula for writing a story. Overflowing with encouragement for young writers, she outlines the whole process from idea collection to sharing it with friends. Do you have an idea for a story that wants to be told?

Off-Limits

By Helen Yoon

Somerville, MA: Candlewick Press, 2021. Picture Book.

You never know when creative inspiration will strike or with what! What could you do with a roll of tape? Or some paper clips? In this story, our main character has a hard time resisting a full remodel of Daddy’s boring gray office. He won’t mind, will he?

I Worked Hard on That!

By Robyn Wall and A.N. Kang

New York: Simon & Schuster, 2024. Picture Book.

What happens when all of your artistic hard work gets ruined? Just ask Kiara, an itsy-bitsy-spider whose web-spinning skills are put to the test. Should she quit? Is it all lost? Find out what Kiara learns in this delightfully illustrated story.

Dude, That's Rude! (Get Some Manners) by Pamela Espeland & Elizabeth Verdick

If there's one book today's kids need to read, it is Dude, That's Rude! (Get Some Manners) . The authors provide a fun format for teaching etiquette to children. They discuss proper behavior at home, at school, at other people's homes and in public places. The information is completely up-to-date with cellphone manners and netiquette included. Fun, cartoony illustrations are on practically every page giving the book great visual appeal. This book is perfect for boys and girls in the fourth grade or older. WARNING: Bodily functions are discussed.

Funny Farm by Mark Teague 2009

There are things I liked about Mark Teague's newest book, Funny Farm , and things I didn't like. Where should I start? I'll do the "didn'ts" first. The illustrations show animals personified. Well, some of the animals are. The main characters, Edward, and his farm family relatives, all dogs, are humanized. They stand upright, do farm chores, eat at a table, wear clothes, knit (yes, with paws) and sleep in beds. Most everybody else on and around the farm, who are also animals, act like animals. They are outside, roll in mud, live in the barn, and require care from their owners. It struck me the most on the page spread where there are pigs playing in puddle in the rain and Edward, a black and white boxer, watches from inside the house. I thought "You're a dog! Go play with them!" But, alas, he can't, seeing as how he goes through his entire visit to the farm wearing a suit and red bow tie. Another picture that bothered me was the maple syrup pa...

Faces of the Moon by Bob Crelin

Faces of the Moon by Bob Crelin Illustrated by Leslie Evans Charlesburg; 2009; unpaged Faces of the Moon is a short nonfiction book that describes the different phases of the moon and why the moon appears like it does on certain nights. This book is short and sweet so even the youngest of moon lovers will enjoy it. The layout is simplistic and easy to follow. I don’t know much about the moon so I found it very interesting.

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