Creativity &#8211; Bedtime Stories

LET’S DISCUSS THE STORIES ~ IDEAS FOR TALKING WITH KIDS

Creativity, Imagination

1. What would you do with that box?

2. Can you think of another three things you could do with that box?

Bedtime Story written by Tania Kliphuis

Illustrated by Nicola Anne Smith

Designed by Mari Retief

Edited by Angela Briggs

Music Video from zapsplat.com

* THE STORY ‘THE BOX’ WAS CREATED BY BOOK DASH AND IS LICENSED UNDER A CREATIVE COMMONS ATTRIBUTION 4.0 LICENSE. MINOR FORMATTING CHANGES MAY HAVE BEEN MADE TO THE ORIGINAL WORK FOR EASE OF READING ON OUR WEBSITE.

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The Little Joy Garden

Jade Maitre — Sun, 23 Jul 2023 23:00:00 +0000

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LET’S DISCUSS THE STORIES ~ IDEAS FOR TALKING WITH KIDS

Mindfulness, Growth Mindset

1. What do you think it means to plant seeds of fear? How about love?

2. What are some ways that we can put energy into things that bring happiness and positivity into our life?

3. Can you think of some ways that we can keep our energy out of less helpful emotions?

Bedtime Story written by Jade Maitre

Illustrated by Yesim Serce

Music Video from zapsplat.com

The post The Little Joy Garden first appeared on Bedtime Stories.

Sam’s Treasures

Book Dash — Sun, 28 May 2023 23:00:04 +0000

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LET’S DISCUSS THE STORIES ~ IDEAS FOR TALKING WITH KIDS

Empathy, Boundaries

1. There is a saying that “one person’s junk is another’s treasure”. What do you think this means?

2. Do you think it was fair for Dara to tell Sam that he was collecting junk? Why or why not?

3. When Dara criticises Sam for doing something he loves, Sam says it is “fine with him”. Why do you think Sam was not upset about what Dara said?

4. Was he right not to be upset? Why or why not?

Bedtime Story written by Jon Keevy

Illustrated by Princess Kabeya

Designed by Jessica Janutsch

Edited by Kelly Norwood-Young

Music Video by “Funin and Sunin” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com), “Townie Loop” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com), Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License, http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

* THE STORY ‘SAM’S TREASURES’ WAS CREATED BY BOOK DASH AND IS LICENSED UNDER A CREATIVE COMMONS ATTRIBUTION 4.0 LICENSE. MINOR FORMATTING CHANGES MAY HAVE BEEN MADE TO THE ORIGINAL WORK FOR EASE OF READING ON OUR WEBSITE.

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The World’s Best Ice Cream

Jade Maitre — Sun, 22 Jan 2023 22:00:58 +0000

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© Storyberries 2023

LET’S CHAT ABOUT THE STORY ~ IDEAS FOR TALKING WITH KIDS

Healthy Eating, Imagination, Conversation

1. Why do you think Angelina is imagining a broccoli ice-cream when she has to eat broccoli for dinner?

2. Would YOU like to eat a broccoli ice cream? Why or why not?

3. What is your favourite ice-cream flavour?

Bedtime Story for Kids written by Jade Maitre

Illustrated by Svetlana Sintcova

Book design by Jade Maitre & Svetlana Sintcova

Music Video by Shaving Mirror Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com), Boogie Party Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com), Celebration Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License, http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

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The Black and White Baby Adventure Book

Jade Maitre — Sun, 30 Oct 2022 22:00:15 +0000

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© Storyberries 2022

LET’S CHAT ABOUT THE STORY ~ IDEAS FOR TALKING WITH KIDS

Creativity

What is your favourite picture in this book? Why?
Can you think of some other things that you could draw in black and white?

Bedtime Story for Kids written by Jade Maitre

Illustrated by Natacha Whitlock-Chartrand

Book design by Jade Maitre

Music Video by Fox Tale Waltz Part 1 Instrumental Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License, http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

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Top 10 Art Books for Kids

Storyberries Book Reviews — Sat, 30 Apr 2022 21:51:00 +0000

Inspiring a love of art

Why do we look at art? Why should we care about it? How do we make it? What is art anyway? These and other questions lie at the heart of these ten books, with plenty of opportunities for young learners to get their hands messy along the way. And, honestly, parents can learn right alongside their children–because there’s no such thing as knowing too much about art.

“The School of Art: Learn How to Make Great Art with 40 Simple Lessons” by Teal Triggs and Daniel Frost

“Colour, composition, line, perspective–this illustrated guide is the perfect way to help kids take their creative skills for a spin. There are forty lessons, accompanied by forty try-at-home activities, and together they form a solid art-and-design foundation for anyone who’s ever been curious. Welcome to the School of Art!” Storyberries

“Mix It Up! by Hervé Tullet
“This interactive, read-aloud exploration of colour will delight the whole family. Preschoolers and early readers will love the chance to mix different shades and test different combinations, coming into an understanding of how adding colours together creates totally new ones. And parents will love watching their children’s artistic imaginations come alive.” .Storyberries

“These Colors Are Bananas” by Jason Fulford and Tamara Shopsin
“This art lover’s guide to a range of hues, inspired by the Whitney Museum, takes everything you think you know about color and blows it up into a rainbow of possibilities. So many different objects we see every day can come in so many different shades that it’s a whole project of its own to even try to name them all! Take your child on a ride of richly realized colors, as seen on apples, dogs, and the grass under our feet.” Storyberries

“I’m NOT Just a Scribble…” by Diane Alber
“Sometimes, to create amazing art, you’ve got to start with a scribble. This colorful, visually recognizable story will take kids on a journey of exploration and acceptance across different types of drawings. In the end, they’ll learn that it takes all kinds of skills and personalities to build the rich world of art.” Storyberries

“Art Workshops for Children” by Hervé Tullet
“Making art is pretty great. Making it together is even better. Parents and teachers will find in this book the ideal tool for organizing and running fun and fruitful workshops for young people. From home to school to a party to a museum, the activities will show kids (and adults!) that art can be encountered–and loved–everywhere.” Storyberries

“How to Draw All The Things for Kids” by Alli Koch
This book has it all in a wonderfully light hearted and easy-to-follow format. As well as giving clear instructions on how to draw all kinds of things, young artists are encouraged to develop their own flavour and style. This would make a beautiful gift – one that is sure to please and to be used over and over again. Storyberries

“Why is Art Full of Naked People? and other vital questions about art” by Susie Hodge

“This book is full of questions we all have about art–from its history and its creators to its weird trends–but only kids are brave enough to ask. Twenty-two of those questions make their way into these pages, providing kids the space, imagery, and information to draw their own conclusions about the wacky world of art. A fun learning experience for art appreciators of all ages.” Storyberries

“Art Lab for Kids” by Susan Schwake and Rainer Schwake
“This workbook walks kids through one assignment or project a week, encouraging them to think outside the box. From pencils, paints and brushes to mixed media, the message is that anything can be used for art. And with 52 lessons laid out, your kids will be set for the next year!” Storyberries

“Journal Sparks: Fire Up Your Creativity with Spontaneous Art, Wild Writing, and Inventive Thinking” by Emily Neuburger

“This handy and colourful guide engages all your child’s artistic tendencies, from doodling and writing to collaging. In fact, it will help journal keepers of any age to be creative. It invites the user to consider their own life as a focal point of their art and to find the spark of inspiration in their day-to-day routine. After spending a little time with this book, both you and your child will see the world in wonderful new ways!” “Storyberries

Tangle Art and Drawing Games for Kids: A Silly Book for Creative and Visual Thinking by Jeanette Nyberg
“‘This book is one big spark of encouragement–not only for kids who are already excited by art and drawing, but for kids who may be a little intimidated by it or don’t consider themselves capable of being creative. It’s all about sneaking artsy ways of thinking into everyday life and “making it silly.” An endearing reminder that creating art is about the journey as much as (if not more than) the destination.” Storyberries

Tiny Notes To The Sun by Sue Clancy
“A wordless fable and a wordless poem” is how fine artist Sue Clancy introduces this experimental and thoughtfully created book which encourages children (and adults) to create their own stories using her beautiful pictures as prompts. Pure delight.

How to Draw a Dragon by Sue Clancy
Kids will love making use of this free-to-download activity colouring book which doubles as a delightfully fun story, and contains a template to make a starry crown – just like the one worn by the rabbit in the story.

“Mogau’s Gift
Mogau has a wonderful gift for paintng. In this story which forms part of the Storyberries African stories collection, Mogau and his family go on a very special journey to find a place for Mogau to be an artist – and find a colourful place indeed!

Where Is Yellow

In this imaginative story, a tube of yellow paint is hiding. She doesn’t want to mix with the other colours around her, afraid of what might happen if she does. The artist in the house needs Yellow to help her finish her picture that she wants to make as a gift for all the children of the world. Will Yellow help her? Read the story with its delightful illustrations to find out.

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How To Help Your Child to be Creative

Storyberries Bloggers — Sun, 01 Aug 2021 02:15:00 +0000

How to encourage a child to tap into their creativity, and to think imaginatively about their world.

We find creativity in everything around us. Everything we use was created by someone who expanded their minds to do something useful. We find it in art, in original ways of doing things, new paradigms, problem resolution… everywhere! Creativity is the use of imagination or original ideas, especially in the production of an artistic work.

Why is it good to encourage creativity?

Encouraging this ability in children is really important to improve general development, especially if you want your kids to be independent, active thinkers who can process difficulties. Children develop many of the skills that will shape their future in their first six years of life. Among these is the skill of creating.

How do kids become more creative?

Although all children are naturally creative, there are ways to encourage them even further. A creative mindset helps them to find original solutions to everyday problems and to get to really know themselves, in turn helping them be more adaptable to new situations and to be happier. Children who are encouraged to be creative often show a better attitude to novel situations and feel less frustrated by change. Follow these simple suggestions to help them tap into their creativity, and to think creatively about their world.

Create an inspirational spot
Use a whiteboard or a dedicated place in the home (maybe even an indoor or outdoor wall) where they can use paints and other art materials to play and free their imagination. This can be a special space to free themselves.

Respect playtime
Try not to overburden your kids with out-of-class activities – they need time to play and be creative in their own way. Similarly, prioritise activities, chores and free time where they can have the freedom to be imaginative and spontaneous.

Be positive about their ideas
Even though they may be hilarious and sound a little bit crazy, try not to laugh at their ideas, dances, songs or stories… It is important for kids to perceive what they have done or said as valuable. This also means celebrating every time they give interesting or original solutions to a problem.

Kids learn by playing
Allow them to have free, undirected play. If you play with them, let them lead the game.

Introduce them to art
Go to a museum, go sightseeing or visit nature spaces. Visiting a museum or an exhibition can be an adventure for children. Invite them to express their vision for an object or painting. Allow them to explore their world through excursions – how about making a picnic and then heading to the beach or to a park?

Lots of reading!
Create new tales with them: Stories amuse and entertain children, but also enhance their creative capacity and imagination. Change something about the main character or invent a new situation and let them complete it. Make stories from scratch, start with “once upon a time…” and let them continue.

Show real interest in their likes and preferences
Plan activities related to their interests. Kids show from an early age if they are into music, dance, painting, reading etc., so make the most of their talents.

Help them develop critical thinking
Ask them questions, and allow them to do the same. Discuss different topics related to their everyday life.

Set challenges!
Set challenges and goals (and help kids to set their own) in ways that are enjoyable, achievable and hard enough to be stimulating.

Limit time on TV and computer or other devices
Try to make the time in which they use these devices more positive by using games that encourage their imagination and critical thinking.

And the most important thing!
Be a model of creativity yourself! Don’t forget that children believe more in what you do, than in what you say.

Read some additional ways to boost your child’s creativity and imagination at Twinkl.

Some Free Books About Creativity at Storyberries

We All Fit Together
A class of schoolchildren have fun creating a giant picture puzzle to celebrate their diversity and their appreciation of each other.

Manu Mixes Clay and Sunshine
A lovely story about Manu and the special time he spends with his father and grandfather, discovering and sharing their love of pottery.

Bastien’s Apple Salad
Bastien loves being creative by having fun and in the kitchen! Join him as he makes a deliciously messy apple salad for his family!