Beyond the Canvas: Inspiring Creativity with Sean E. Avery

The Lil' Leaders Podcast

Beyond the Canvas: Inspiring Creativity with Sean E. Avery

Today, we're thrilled to introduce our first big feature leader! Welcome to author, illustrator, and art teacher, Sean E. Avery! If you've ever needed tips and tools to boost your creativity, explore unique ways of making things, manage multiple passions well, or ignite a love for art in children, then you're in the right place. Join us as we dive into a fun and insightful conversation uncovering valuable insights to help your journey of discovery and growth.

Kid Recommended Picture Books:

a. The Dot

Author and Illustrator: Peter H. Reynolds

With a simple, witty story and free-spirited illustrations, Peter H. Reynolds entices even the stubbornly uncreative among us to make a mark — and follow where it takes us. Her teacher smiled. "Just make a mark and see where it takes you." Art class is over, but Vashti is sitting glued to her chair in front of a blank piece of paper. The words of her teacher are a gentle invitation to express herself. But Vashti can’t draw - she’s no artist. To prove her point, Vashti jabs at a blank sheet of paper to make an unremarkable and angry mark. "There!" she says.

b. When I Draw A Panda

Author and Illustrator: Amy June Bates

From the acclaimed author and illustrator of The Big Umbrella comes a delightful celebration of creativity and gumption about a girl and her panda that’s Calvin and Hobbes meets If You Give a Mouse a Cookie! Sometimes when they say to draw a perfect circle, mine turn out a little wonky. I can draw a perfect fluffy cloud, a perfect scoop of ice cream, and a perfect flat tire. So when I draw a panda, I keep drawing more and more not-perfect circles until I see a panda. Then I step back and think, Does it need something else? He probably needs a hat, and then he is my panda. When a girl draws a panda, it comes to life and helps her embrace her own creativity and unique way of seeing the world.

c. Frank's Red Hat

Author and Illustrator: Sean E. Avery

A story about never giving up on your talents, because even though what you do may not be appreciated right now, it may be in time. Possibly by someone you'd least expect. Frank is a penguin with ideas. Mostly terrible ones. That's why his fellow penguins are nervous when he shows them his strange new creation. Something they'd never seen or expected to see in their cold and colourless Antarctic world - a red hat.

d. Anywhere Artist

Author and Illustrator: Nikki Slade Robinson

"I don't need paint or paper. I can make art anywhere. My imagination is all I need." This appealing book inspires kids to create their own anywhere art! In spare, delightful text and illustrations, an exuberant young artist looks deeply at the world around her and make art from found objects. This sprightly book celebrates creativity and will inspire readers to find art all around them, unleash their imaginations, and invent their own artistic creations. An ideal book for young artists and nature-lovers in search of outdoor activities.

Questions For Discussion:

~ How does Sean E. Avery's journey as an art educator inspire you to celebrate creativity in your own life or within your community?

~ What do you find most remarkable about Sean's approach to turning dreams into realities by publishing his students' work? How do you think this practice impacts his students' confidence and motivation?

~ What strategies or insights did you hear him use to balance his roles as an artist, teacher, author, and illustrator?

~ In what ways do you believe Sean's fresh perspective on art education contributes to nurturing a love for the arts among his students and beyond?

~ After listening to Sean's story, how do you plan to incorporate some of his time management techniques into your own life?

~ What is your main take away from today's episode? Why?

Have a great week!

Keep Reading and Keep Leading,

Tina