When was the last time you really thought out of the box? Kids do it all the time. They’re naturally creative because they haven’t yet “learned” to give automatic responses to common problems. We need to nurture that creativity. Not only in our kids, but in ourselves. I just discovered a fabulous book that brought home the idea of looking at everyday items in new ways: The Black Book of Colors by Menena Cottin and Rosana Faria (Groundwood Books). Originally written for blind people, the book opens anyone’s eyes to a new way of seeing. Every page is totally black (yes, black!), with raised line drawings and braille lettering. And each spread describes a color through senses other than sight. “Red is sour like unripe strawberries.” Imagine yellow “as soft as a baby chick’s feathers.” Green “smells like grass that’s just been cut.” Picture white. How would you describe it? I’ve gone back to “read” this book umpteen times. Each time opens my eyes to new ideas. Pretty soon, I’m going to be thinking like a kid again. — Wendy Smolen

Guest Blogger Wendy Smolen is co-founder of Sandbox Summit®. She has been professionally evaluating toys for over 15 years. Her three children have literally gone from crib to college proving (or dis-proving!) her theories on play.
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