WHAT INSPIRES

Just when you think nothing’s happening.

Three friends—all dark-haired, one presenting Black and using a wheelchair, one tan-skinned, one pale-skinned—visit the park one morning. Nothing’s going on. The wind rustles leaves, sending seedpods dancing. This inspires the kids to twirl. Others, inspired by the friends, also dance spontaneously. A delighted baby claps and sings; her mother joins in accompaniment. A neighbor taps a cane. The friends and other children draw instruments out of chalk on the pavement and then pretend to play them. Inspiration’s everywhere, with no signs of stopping! The kids construct a castle out of a tree and wave to a “passing ship”—children in a nearby jungle gym. A battle, chase, and parade ensue. Pausing to rest, the children look up to witness the “shifting stories” in the clouds. With the sun setting, the friends hurriedly head home, where more inspiration awaits. Marvelous ideas soon take flight in their dreams. This is an uplifting, beautifully written story about possibilities and letting creative ideas play out freely. It demonstrates that inspiration is everywhere, even in small things and moments; we need only look for it to unlock our own creative potential. The colorful, dynamic illustrations were created with pencil, textured and found papers, and digital drawing tools. Background characters are diverse.

An inspired story about letting the creative spirit freely move you.