Customer Reviews
Inspiring ideal 
2008-05-12
I love the philosophy, love the ideas. Its a way of family life to aspire to, but I wonder
how many of this can pull it off on a daily basis. But, I believe it's good to have an ideal
inspiring us to do better.
SouleMama makes my heart sing 2008-05-03
I devoured The Creative Family in one night, snuggled in bed with a flashlight until the wee hours. This book is food for the soul.
It is full of simple, inspiring ideas to enjoy with your family. I feel encouraged to let my children explore their creative sides in spite of the messes. It can be so easy to plop children down in front of TV or video games, but they really do hunger for more creative pursuits.
If you find Amanda's blog inspirational, you will love having something tangible to drag around the house with you and read in all your comfy spots. My copy now has a place of honor in the bathroom right next to the extra roll of TP.
Awesome! 2008-05-02
After awaiting this book for over a year it's already lived up to everything I had hoped. Being along time reader of Amanda's blog I have loved her ideas for a long time. I just can't say enough good things about her book.
So many ideas to connect with your family, your soul, nature and the earth.
Wonderful Informative Family Book!! 2008-05-02
I love this book, as does my almost 3 year old.
I received it in the mail and handed it to him, he proceeded to look through it and say "this is a good book!"
It's so full of do-able projects, especially with young ones.
I'm absolutely thrilled with this book. Also makes just a good reference book.
Re-Inventing the Wheel 
2008-04-27
Amanda Soule has a wonderful blog, as far as entertainment goes. It's a good read once in a while to get out of a rut, but give me a break. Isn't all the stuff she writes about stuff that has been and is being done over and over in "Creative" families around the world?? Nothing new here. Get some good Montessori and Waldorf books and you'll be better off. I do not get the "know it all" and "I am so great...look what I did with my kids" thing that runs through her book and blog. Disagree with me if you want, but many of us have been doing what she does for years (and years) and we don't claim it as our own original ideas. It's just good parenting and common sense. This book is way over-rated.
For your child... and your inner child 2008-04-23
Between work and school, music lessons, and sports practice, there is less and less time to connect as a family. Those few moments together are often spent making meals, doing homework, or watching TV. In this inspiring book, Amanda Soule, a young mother of three, presents simple ways to use arts and crafts and other forms of creativity to deepen family connections.
For parents of all backgrounds, The Creative Family offers unique creative activities for the whole family. The range of projects includes: imaginative play such as dress-up, home theater, and parlor games; arts and crafts such as family drawing time and knitting with children; nature explorations such as creating garden journals and using natural toys; and family celebrations that include making music and displaying children’s art. These fun and engaging alternatives to television, video games, and the computer are meant to captivate children’s imaginations, celebrate their achievements, and express love and gratitude as a family.
Beautiful Book! 2008-04-22
I'm an unschooling mama to 6 kids, and this book fits so wonderfully into our lives. I love her detailed photos. She explains everything so well. It's nice to read a book that not only focuses on creativity, but on nurturing children and encouraging family relationships. I would love to go into more detail as I devoured the entire book last night, but my babies are waking up for the day.
Your children need you to read this book! 2008-04-17
In today's society where so many children are raised by strangers in daycare from the time they are 6 weeks old, and motherhood is not a valid profession since it does not come with a hefty paycheck, it is refreshing to read this wonderful little book. It is a gentle reminder that all we need to be a good parent is plenty of free playtime to spend with our children and free playthings you find in your house and in nature.
This is an inspiring and enjoyable read. Stay out of ToysRUs, raise your own babies, and explore the world around you!
wishing every parent could have this book 2008-04-07
I was excited to receive an advance copy of Amanda Soule's new book. The Creative Family is her sweetly inspiring collection of projects, ideas and thoughts on family life at home. Home with little ones- precious, curious children just beginning their own creative adventures. Like her blog, the book is a clever handbook of the ways that a family can simply play and learn together, enriching each other's creativity with imagination and invention.
I am loving this little book- small enough that it sits perfectly on top of the stack here. It is beautifully designed and easy to dip into, though harder to put down. Most of all, I love the way that Amanda's parenting style fills their lives with creative discovery. Children are natural teachers too, their gentle ways instilling respect and affection for siblings, a calmer pace for the household. I like the accessible crafts that the family has created- sewn, built, mixed from simple materials and resources. Handmade knitting needles (how cool!), art-on-the-go bags, a banging wall from kitchen pots and pans. Rituals, traditions, parlor games, all within budget, without commercially marketed products. Fabulous, thrifty, home-made fun.
You know how you hear people jokingly say over the heads of their children, Where's the owner's manual? I think it's here, in the pages of thoughtful books like Amanda's. This wonderful book reminds us that there is no better, or more natural way to nurture our children- and ourselves- than with our own enthusiasm, patience, care and creativity.
As it should be! 2008-04-07
I preordered this book last year and literally cried when I finished it. Its is beautiful. Simply. This is the parenting book I have always wanted. Like its title, it focuses on family creativity which allows for the closeness we all desire. Her projects are easy, no fuss and beautiful.
I recommend this book to everyone who is a parent or is becoming one.
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