Creatively Human - (Orca Think) by Lois Peterson (Hardcover)

About the Book

"Part of the nonfiction Orca Think series, this illustrated book for middle-grade readers explores creativity and how it affects our lives and our world."--Provided by publisher.

Book Synopsis

Creativity is everywhere and everyone is creative.

Our brains and bodies are built to make and innovate, and that instinct is as old as humanity itself. Starting when we're babies, we draw, tell stories, invent, dance, perform, make music, among dozens of other creative acts. Did you know that our ancestors were weaving 12,000 years ago and using pigment to make paintings 17,000 years ago? Today, creativity is all around us, in public and private spaces and places all over the world. From graffiti and flash mobs to music class and TV screens, Creatively Human encourages young readers to look at the world with a creative eye. Explore the origins and impact of ideas and inventions, arts and technology, and learn about the developments and advances that change and improve the lives of everyone. It's time to recognize and celebrate how everyone--including you--contributes to our world in so many creative ways!

The epub edition of this title is fully accessible.

From the Back Cover

Creativity is everywhere, and everyone is creative. Our instinct to draw, tell stories, invent, dance, perform and make music starts when we're babies, and it's as old as humanity itself. Did you know that our ancestors were using pigment to make paintings 17,000 years ago, or that a children's orchestra in Paraguay uses instruments made from recycled materials? Discover why we have such a strong urge to create and how our creativity has made the world a better place.

Review Quotes

"[Helps] readers understand that people from the beginning of time used creativity to solve problems and make the world better...Take a closer look at your collection to make sure that it includes something that tells your non-science types that their interests and passions are worthy also. You may find that you need Creatively Human: Why We Imagine, Make and Innovate. Highly recommended."

-- "CM: Canadian Review of Materials"

"An earnest pep talk for beginning or tentative inventors, artists, up cyclers and would-be innovators. Wide-ranging and rousing in tone."

-- "Kirkus Reviews"

"Peterson helps readers explore myriad attributes and expressions of creativity. Highlight[s] representation of diverse cultures, problems with cultural appropriation and gender bias, and adaptive and assistance technologies that aid the creative process. Additional lists, photos, sidebars, and colourful illustrations further promote the engaging themes."

-- "Booklist"

"Yee's art is soft, warm, and inviting. Peterson has taken care to explore every aspect of how creativity can be expressed. Hand this book to a favorite elementary or middle school art teacher."

-- "School Library Journal (SLJ)"

About the Author

Lois Peterson writes articles and short stories and is the author of one writing book for adults. This is her 10th children's book with Orca Book Publishers and her second nonfiction, after Shelter: Homelessness in Our Community. When she is not writing, teaching writing or walking on the beach, she makes art with all kinds of paper, pencils and paint. She lives on Vancouver Island.

Madeline Yee is a Chinese Canadian illustrator with a background in design and science, and a passion for bringing unique stories to life through visuals. She graduated from the Illustration program at the Ontario College of Art and Design University in 2023. Her practice is currently based in Edmonton.