Ideas Are All Around

Children's author Philip C. Stead, who often works with his author/illustrator wife Erin E. Stead - their 2010 picture-book A Sick Day for Amos McGee was a Caldecott Medal-winner - unfolds the story of a day spent searching for ideas in this gentle, contemplative book. Afflicted with writer's

Show More

block, Stead heads out for a walk with his dog Wednesday, realizing, as the pair make their way through their neighborhood, that everything he encounters has a story, and is a possible inspiration.

Although I can understand why some question whether Ideas Are All Around is really meant for children - as mentioned, it is quite contemplative, and doesn't really feature a traditional story, so much as a series of encounters, loosely strung together - I think that it provides a valuable exploration of the creative process. It could be paired to great effect with Kobi Yamada's What Do You Do With an Idea?, a recent indie picture-book bestseller. The collage artwork here, which utilizes photographs and painted elements, matches the story, with a quiet, uncluttered sensibility that feels very refreshing. Recommended to young would-be writers, or to anyone searching for picture-books focused on the creative process.

Show Less