Great things are happening here at Empowered by Play. I apologize for not posting since last Tuesday, but we are making steps toward becoming a registered not-for-profit and that has been keeping me busy the last few days. We’ll keep you posted as things progress!
I have also been busy enjoying the incredible change of seasons here in the Northeastern United States. There are so many beautiful ways to enjoy the fall colors, and I am grateful for them all. We have been apple picking, nature walking and pumpkin carving. It seems as though everywhere you turn, folks are going for bike rides, visiting farmers markets, stuffing scarecrows, playing touch football and more.
In other great news, I recently heard from the author of a wonderful children’s book, Imagine This! The book is a collection of poems and illustrations that celebrate make-believe and daydreaming. The book was written and illustrated by the mother and daughter team of Joanne Froh and Frances Plagens. Their website is www.JoanneFrances.com., visit the site and you can learn more about the book and see some of the amazing illustrations.
The book is delightful and perhaps my favorite poem is the closing one – pictured here. Joanne writes,
Always Remember…
A box is not a box
If you can climb inside
Put the door on the floor
Cut a window in the side.
A castle? A cave?
A great place to hide?
Whatever it is
It’s yours to decide.
Thanks, Joanne, for sharing your book! If anyone else has great ideas for children’s books that celebrate imagination, please let us know. The mainstream media does not often depict children engaged in healthy, imaginative play, so it is useful to have a collection of stories on hand to help young ones tap into their own imaginations.
Ironically that is thinking outside the box.
-Windsor parent
Absolutely! I am all for thinking outside the box.