HANDS: growing up to be an artist by Lois Ehlert

HANDS is in the perspective of the author and her childhood experiences of her mom and dad's passion for making.  The picture book is told in first person and invites the readers to interact with the pages.  Several pages have hidden folds that reinforce the positive memories of the author, often revealing specific memories of creative activities.  The pictures on the pages are very realistic and look three dimensional, inviting the readers to run their hands through the pages to potentially reveal more memories.  The book celebrates the meaningful creations hands are responsible for and the life of makers.  The author also suggests the readers to celebrate creative process and imagination—a great lesson for an art classroom and a lesson that all art educators should be teaching students everyday.  From the words of the author, "Creativity is within all of us; we just need time—and a place—to nurture it.