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12 of 13 found the following review helpful:
 Gorgeous book, best for new moms, has some flaws Sep 24, 2009
I waited over a year before reviewing this book because I wanted to give it a 5-star review. I love the idea behind the book, and I enjoy the author's blog a great deal. When I couldn't rate the book as highly as I wanted to, I decided not to review at all. However, I always look at the 1,2, and 3 star reviews before selecting a book because they give usually give the most useful information, so I'm going to point out where I think the book shines and where I think it falls short.
First, this is a beautiful book with lots of inspiring photos of the author and her children being happy together, and of pleasant spaces in and around the author's home. The projects are simple and, as other reviewers have noted, nothing that you couldn't find in other craft books, blogs, and magazines. However, they provide a good selection of techniques and media, and they are well-presented.
This would make a great book for a new parent looking for ways to nourish her own and her child's creative spirit. I would give it to moms who already had a creative mindset but I think it could also make a good gift for a parent who isn't especially crafty, because there are plenty of ideas for simply providing open-ended materials for kids (and adults) to play around with. I think it would also make good reading for families who've lost touch with their creative selves or with each other.
I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone who already has a creative, nurturing family life or who already 'makes stuff' with her kids. There really isn't anything new here for such readers. Even if you're an avid bibliophile like me, I would hold off on this one in preference for something with more projects or more in-depth discussions of how to nurture children. The writing style is enjoyable but the content is a little shallow and there are too many passages that sound vaguely familiar, as though the author is repeating herself in slightly different words.
I would also warn readers that the author sometimes comes across as condescending or smug. Her advice to buy small quantities of high-quality art materials rather than a whole lot of crap is good as far as it goes, but she is a little too sanguine in her reliance on thrift stores and surplus sales. Yes, sometimes you can get extremely lucky at the thrift store or a yard sale, and perhaps some art schools really do sell off surplus materials, but in the end most of us will have to budget for markers, paints, fabric, and yarn and we will have to make compromises based on what we can afford. The 'resource list' at the end of the book is painfully brief and includes only moderate to very expensive retailers. The book would have been better with a longer list of resources and more ideas about what materials to splurge on and what materials to buy cheaply.
In another section, the author encourages readers to find a 'special spot' out in nature where they will feel 'grounded and connected to the earth.' She urges us not to let 'financial or geographical circumstances get in the way of having a spot.." because nature can be found in the middle of a city! Coming from someone fortunate enough to live in coastal Maine, this is a bit much. I live in the city and yes, we have wildlife of the plant and animal kind here, but it does make a difference, contrary to what the author says a few pages later, "whether it's a small patch of dandelions on a tiny strip of city grass or a remote, wide-open lake with room to explore." It's silly and a little insulting to pretend that place doesn't matter.
Many readers, looking at the photo of the author's children paddling a canoe or playing on the beach will feel a little wistful that they can't provide that kind of experience for their children very often or even at all. Those of us who live in cities (or in poorly-planned suburbs) know that, despite cultural amenities and public transportation, the noise, crime, grime, and nature deficit all take their toll. Those of us who struggle financially know that it's impossible not to allow financial constraints to 'get in the way.' On the other hand, I almost feel I should praise the author for even alluding to a subject many authors would simply have ignored. I also feel I should thank the author, because she inspired me to begin writing a zine about enjoying nature and living creatively for limited-income urbanites like me!
That note of privilege and blissful ignorance is present throughout the book, as is a mild dose of self-congratulation. I think it's pretty easy to get past that and to enjoy the evident joy and pleasure the author takes in her children and in her lifestyle. It's refreshing to read about a homemaker who finds the work fulfilling and rewarding, especially because the decision to be a homemaker is almost incidental. Although the author can sometimes seem repetitious or a little smug, she also comes across as a happy, fulfilled mother who has lots of good ideas to share.
 Great starting place for those new to natural living/waldorf Aug 28, 2009
I ordered this book after reading Amanda Soule's blog, which I find to be both well-written and inspirational. Her blog set the bar so high! As a result, personally, I was a little disappointed in this book. However, I have read a lot on natural living and waldorf-style education. The reason I still gave this book 4 stars is because it is an *excellent* resource for those who are new to the concepts of waldorf and "natural living". Amanda Soule's tone is so comforting that even though most of her words felt repetitive to me in that I had heard them before, I still thoroughly enjoyed reading them. If you've read a lot on natural living, check this book out from the library. You'll still glean a few ideas and it's a worthwhile read. If you are new to these concepts, then by all means, buy the books and get ready to be inspired!
1 of 1 found the following review helpful:
Inspiring and affirming Aug 26, 2009
What I most enjoyed about this book was the celebration of being a mother who enjoys her children. In today's fast pace world this book inspires us to slow down and enjoy our life at home, attending to and creating alongside our children.
I have noticed that the author has been criticized for not being original, that the ideas are not new etc... I could jump on that wagon if I wanted, because as a homeschooler my family is already doing lots of the things she recommends. But I think a better way to look at it is this - for those of us living that life - her book is affirming. It is so good to be reminded you have made the right choice to live creatively with your children, it refuels you and gives a sense of camaraderie. Further, I appreciate that Ms. Soule has taken the time to gather into one place tons of ideas that can inspire and illustrate a lovely, creative life. As I read this book (since reading it the whole way through, now I pick it up from time to time and re-read whatever chapter it falls to) it reminds me of something I want to do with my kids and it makes me want to do better in my own life as a mom in general.
I love her photography too and find it inspiring to look at a lovely picture of a happy, healthy, creative family.
I will be buying her second book!
1 of 1 found the following review helpful:
 Re-locating YOUR inner artist. Jul 10, 2009
One of the chapters begins with a quote from Picasso: Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up.
This book completely motivated me to find the creative child I once was, and to help my children to never lose it. It is well written, well thought out and beautifully rendered.
I absolutely adored the photographs. I have bookmarked several of the ideas to immediately implement, and have already purchased materials and started a few others. The hard part is choosing where to begin, because they are all so good!
the creative family book Jun 24, 2009
i love this book. great writing, photos, and it is inspiring. great for parents of young children
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