Write On!
Written By Alicia Potter
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Eric Carle author-illustrator of The Very Hungry Caterpillar among 70-some titles
Each child is an individual and should be encouraged to express herself in her own way. If you provide your children with simple art supplies and sit at the table and draw with them, if you read books together and ask them to tell you a story, they will understand that you value who they are and the particular way they express what they're curious about. I have always loved to draw, since I was a young boy. And I can still recall the bright sunlit room and colorful paints of my kindergarten and the warm encouragement of my teacher Miss Frickey. While I did not grow up with a lot of books or create books of my own as a child, I was surrounded by a large family who was always talking and telling stories. I now realize that's where my ability as a storyteller comes from.
Lois Ehlert author-illustrator of Leaf Man and Wag a Tail
When kids want to know how they can be an artist or a writer, I say start by having your own spot. It doesn't have to be large or complex, just a place that is quiet and conducive to thinking. If they have their place and supplies all ready, ideas will come out when they're ready. Just making materials available is enough. Wrapping paper, sticks, leaves, seeds: Art supplies are really all around us.
