The Magic of Imagination
“A well-composed book is a magic carpet on which we are wafted to a world that we cannot enter in any other way.” - Caroline Gordon
Reading enhances imagination. It cultivates it in a way nothing else can. The more a child's imagination grows, the more they are open to new ideas, seeing things from a fresh perspective, or simply creating new things all on their own. Imagination helps with critical thinking and reasoning; it’s what allows kids to solve problems creatively.
Reading is truly the best exercise for imagination as words begin to form images and worlds in your mind. Words portray images all the while creating pictures in the brain. You can be transported to another world, another place, or another time. You begin to see things and feel things you may have never felt before. It becomes extremely personal as it is all happening to you, in your own mind. Your understanding and experience with a book is different than anyone else’s.
Written and Illustrated by Antoinette Portis
If it's not a box, what could it possibly be? This ingenious rabbit certainly has plenty of ideas. It’s like having a conversation with a child who is sharing what they see when they look at an object you see as something ordinary but for them is extraordinary.
The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend
Written and Illustrated by Dan Santat
A story about an imaginary friend who goes on a grand adventure to find the real child imagining them. When they do meet up the imaginary friend gets a name, Beekle, and they friends are able to spend time doing their favorite things together. A wonderful story with rich colorful illustrations about imagination, belonging, and friendship.
This is Sadie
Written by Sara O'Leary, Illustrated by Julie Morstad
Sadie is the story of a little girl with a wild imagination. She goes on adventures near and far on boats or to Wonderland. Sometimes she even transforms herself along the way into a mermaid or even a hero. A book with a perspective into the mind’s eye of a child’s imagination.
Written and Illustrated by Jonathan D. Voss
Olive has a big imagination but Hoot, her best friend, is worried his imaginator is broken. The second installment of Hoot and Olive is as enchanting as the first; it's all about imagination and friendship. Only the best of friends try to help you regain your imagination, or keep it from slipping from your leaky ears.
