Every once in a while when I’m out in the stacks doing my librarian thing, I discover a little gem of a book that I had no idea existed until I happened near its place on the shelf.  Actually, that pleasant experience happens more than this sensible librarian might care to admit, but I digress.  The Creative Family:  How to Encourage Imagination and Nurture Family Connections by Amanda Blake Soule is exactly the kind of book I knew I was going to love from the moment I spotted it.  Amanda Blake Soule, an amazing mother and writer, has created a beautiful book filled with projects, activities, and ideas to inspire the inner-crafter in you as well as the peace activist, environmentalist, chef, and artist.  The book is fully illustrated with photographs of Amanda and kinder engaging in all manner of sweet activities like building fairy houses and knitting for boys (oh yes, boys can do that.)  She’s what many would classify as “granola” but also appears to really live the message of her book.  She presents ideas big and small and has some truly wonderful inventions.  To highlight just a few:  art galleries of her kids’ drawings using binder clips and magnets, homemade birthday crowns for each child, book bags for bedtime stories and jammies, and a “banging wall” in her backyard out of old muffin tins, pots, and pans. 

Amanda’s message isn’t for couch potatoes or those who like their life, food, clothes packaged and delivered fast and right to their door.  She really does believe in turning off that TV and getting yourself and your kids outside to play, to grow, to explore.  Need a sweater?  Knit your own!  Like strawberries?  Grow ‘em.  And it doesn’t hurt she lives in coastal Maine, land of lighthouses and beautiful sunrises.  But she keeps it real too and offers a reassuring, “bloom where you’re planted” message to her readers.  (I should mention Amanda also has a blog, www.soulemama.com)  Even if you’re just growing one plant in pot on a windowsill-it’s a way to connect with nature and learn with your kids.

This book inspired me to work with my own children on living more creatively in our home.  It’s too easy to get bogged down in the hum-drum of daily life and overlook teaching moments and opportunities to create something with my family.  So my son’s going to learn how to knit, just as soon as I teach myself. 

The Book:  The Creative Family:  How to Encourage Imagination and Nurture Family Connections by Amanda Blake Soule

The Bottom Line:  great book for anyone looking to connect and nurture creativity in their life and home.