cover image Growing Up Creative

Growing Up Creative

Teresa M. Amabile, Teresa M. Amabible. Crown Publishers, $17.95 (0pp) ISBN 978-0-517-56939-9

The thesis that ``creativity can and should be a part of the daily life of all children and adults'' is illustrated with charm and conviction here. Amabile, a professor at Brandeis University, emphasizes that motivation rather than talent is the crucial element in creativity, and the home environment can either crush or spark a child's urge to be creative. She provides samples of creativity, e.g.: as Christmas presents one child gives services, such as car washings; a 10-year-old has established a public library in his underserved neighborhood. Research, observations of her own child, interviews with parents and teachers, and with novelist John Irving, are the foundation for Amabile's innovative, multi-faceted approach to an encompassing concept of creativity in the development of children. Suggestions, example and practical techniques make this study an ex cellent resource for parents and teachers of young children. (Sept.)