There’s more than one way to make a sandwich. That’s the theme of Ross Burach’s beloved book, How Not to Make a Jelly Sandwich. But of course, parents and kids who read this story will come away with a lot more than just tips on making more interesting lunches. They’ll also learn a thing or two about creativity, imperfection, and living a joyful life.
“Fear blocks creativity,” says Ross Burach in an interview with Scholastic. “If kids are scared to be wrong, or to make mistakes, then they’ll never explore new creative ideas.”
Burach is an award-winning author and illustrator known for series like The Very Impatient Caterpillar and Bumble and Bee. He also enjoys visiting schools to share his perspective on imagination — and to inspire kids to tell their own stories.
Because creativity doesn’t come from elaborate crafts, expensive supplies, or professional outcomes. It comes from freedom, boredom, curiosity, experimentation… and books!
Ross Burach’s Tips for Creative Kids
Make a mess. Many families want to nurture creativity, but don’t know where to start. But the best way to tap into creativity is simply to leave room for imagination.
“Having a space that fosters creativity is helpful, a place where they can make a mess,” Burach says. “Take advantage of the endless cardboard boxes that come from online shopping. Encourage them to use those boxes to build a cardboard rocket ship or a racecar.”
Want to level up? Burach says he enjoys taking his kids on a trip to the hardware store. “We buy basic wheels, or LED push lights, and add them to the project. They love it.”
Let your kids be bored. Burach says this is one of the most important things you can do: “It’s so important for fostering creativity, especially in kids. I notice it in myself while writing. If I get stuck, my first instinct is to turn to my phone and distract myself instead of pushing through. Kids find ways to be incredibly creative and entertain themselves when they are allowed to be bored.”
Embrace being an amateur. Parents sometimes feel that they need to be a professional artist — or at least, a Pinterest-worthy one — to model creativity for their kids. Not so, says Burach. Building the habit of curiosity and imagination can be as simple as making “holiday decorations at home instead of buying them from the store.”
He adds, “My kids and I also love to watch shows like Lego Masters and Kids Baking Championship. Use these show formats as inspiration for a family bake-off or Lego-building challenge.”
Ready to exercise your young artist’s imagination? Stock up on Ross Burach books from our list below, or search The Scholastic Store for inspiration.
About Ross Burach
Ross Burach is the creator of the riotously funny Very Impatient Caterpillar series that includes The Very Impatient Caterpillar; The Little Butterfly That Could; Goodnight, Butterfly; and Make Way for Butterfly. All the books combine humor with curriculum-friendly science topics and relatable social-emotional themes. Ross's other acclaimed books include the picture book Truck Full of Ducks, the board books I Love My Tutu Too!; Potty All-Star; Hi-Five Farm!; and Hi-Five Animals!, named the best board book of the year by Parents Magazine, and the Acorn early reader series Bumble and Bee. He also illustrated Audrey Perrott’s Moo Hoo and Baa Haa. Ross lives with his family in Brooklyn, New York. You can visit him online at rossburach.com.
