How to Raise Out-of-the-Box Thinkers: A Chat with Peter H. Reynolds

Peter H. Reynolds is well known for having written and illustrated inspiring children’s books like The Dot, Ish, Going Places, and The North Star. Among his illustration credits are all of the Judy Moody books.

Peter is one of my favorite children’s book authors, primarily because of the mission behind his work: He seeks to “foster human potential in creative ways.” His commitment to this principle is obvious when you read his books or hear him speak. Recently, Peter spoke with me about his work and about how parents can nurture their children’s creative potential.

In other interviews, you’ve talked about growing up in a home where creativity was valued. In fact, you even said that there were markers and paper in cutlery drawers in your kitchen, instead of forks and knives! Without having to relocate silverware, how can parents use your books to help develop a culture of creativity in their own homes?

While sacrificing your cutlery drawer might be a bit extreme, I do recommend having art supplies handy somewhere in the kitchen. It’s one of the main family gathering places. And my books (The Dot, Ish, Playing from the Heart, and others) are conversation starters to get kids and parents talking and thinking about creativity.

Through your art, your writing, and your philanthropic work, and as the owner of an independent bookstore and co-founder of FableVision, you have found many ways to express your own creativity and further your mission to support kids. When are you most connected to your own creativity, and what can parents do to help their own kids find this connection for themselves?

I love people. I love being around the buzz of thinkers and talkers. I feast on their energy for my work.

I listen carefully for people’s stories and jot down the big ideas they share, but I also need my alone time to hear myself think. I keep my journals handy to draw and write.

Parents should model good behavior and try to create some “Devices Off” time and show their kids how it’s done. Balance the quiet and reflective times with some group connection time. Dinner table conversation is perfect for this. Talk about art, ideas, generosity, innovation, music, and inventions. Better yet, show your kids your own art, ideas, generosity, innovation, music, and inventions!

On your website, you explain that you are particularly focused on helping “off-the-path” kids. You’ve said that you were such a child. How can parents tell if they have an “off-the-path” kid and what should they do about it?

Well, to some degree, all children are “off the path.” I think most parents hope for their kids to turn out to be originals — to be comfortable being themselves. Some kids are more clearly marching to the beat of a different drummer. The best advice I can give: Know who your child is. Get to really know them, what they love, what makes them nervous, and what they dream about. Encourage their interests and get them the tools and support to explore those interests. Above all else, love them with all your heart.

This is an especially exciting moment to talk with you because you have a new book, Playing from the Heart. Can you tell us a bit about the message it brings and the inspiration behind it?

Playing from the Heart is about a boy and his piano. It’s a very personal story, but the themes are universal. I wanted to celebrate the natural energy and fearlessness that children are born with and to encourage all of us, as we learn rules and techniques, to not forget that original joy.

I also wanted to remind us that it’s okay to bend, break, reinvent, and even ignore the rules if your heart is nudging you in new directions. Creativity thrives on bravery and originality. Let that flow and see where you go.

My own musical journey inspired me to write this book. After years of lessons, my music teacher said, minutes before the spring concert began, to keep my bow an inch from the cello strings at all times. He was suggesting that my bow not come into contact with the strings so that I would not make any sound during the concert! I was devastated and retired my cello that evening.

Years later on a business trip in San Francisco, I sat at a hotel piano, closed my eyes, and played. My meandering song finished and I was surprised to hear applause from folks who had gathered around me. I had finally had my “concert.” I smiled. Soon after, back in Boston, I bought an old piano. I plunked happily, making my own kind of music-ish. [If you’ve read Peter’s book Ish, you will understand this phrase!] To this day, when inspiration hits, I sit at the keys and make sounds that bring me peace and joy.

Is there a question that no one has ever asked you in an interview that you’d love to answer? 

Question: What is the most memorable amusement park ride you had as a kid?

Answer: The Turkish Twist at Whalom Park (also known as The Rotor), where the ride would spin and suck you to the wall through centrifugal force. It was such a unique and strange experience that it stayed with me. It taught me that there is magic waiting to be discovered when you let yourself be open to new experiences in daily life.