Carl Jung’s (and later Joseph Campbell’s) monomyth theory holds that all human stories—across all ages and cultures—experience the same basic journey. And over the course of that life story, the “hero” (or main character) encounters this cast of characters: Mentor Threshold Guardian Herald Henchmen Shape Shifter Hero’s Shadow (Villain) Trickster Take The Wizard of Oz, for instance:
I first heard about Ed Emberley at a Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators conference. Ed has been making kids’ books since 1961, when his first book was declared an ALA winner. Since then, he’s illustrated more than 50 (!) children’s books, including Caldecott winners. But that wasn’t what caught my attention about Ed.
Here are some of the many special people this community is remembering today, along with a little snapshot as to why. I hope this project inspires you to share your own story of a loved one. Loss does not take away legacy. It simply leaves it in our hands to champion that tale. I wish you a … More Loss and Legacy
We had boxes of these in my house growing up. Do you know what it is? It’s a toothpaste tube roller. My Great Uncle Albert made them—hundreds of them actually. He invented them. I remember going to Uncle Charlie’s inventors’ shop once when I was little. My eyes were just high enough to peer down … More Innovation
“Why don’t you blog about it?” That was a common joke between my husband and me, long before my friend Geraldine (a.k.a. The Everywhereist) encouraged me to embark on this endeavor. I thought back then (and often still do), that many blogs take themselves too seriously. Let’s face it: blogging is not exemplary journalism, literary excellence, … More Why Blog?
In honor of Children’s Book Week, here are 87 great kids’ books. (That should help keep your minions busy this summer.) Bookmark it, load up your library queue, or head to your local bookstore to pick up a few for someone special. Most of these are for younger kids, but if you scroll down to … More Kids’ Books
I want to know the stories of that special someone you’ve lost. Too many times, we’re encouraged not to talk about such things. But those people are still a part of us. And what better time to remember them and their life stories than Memorial Day? Share with me. Share with us. Last May, I did … More Memorial Day Project, Take 2
Once upon a time, there was a hero. (S)he lived in a world where things weren’t perfect, but they were livable. Then something happened to change all that. At first (s)he denied it. Then someone convinced the hero otherwise. (S)he set off to do something. Things challenged the hero along the way. Eventually, (s)he got … More Story
What do you get when you combine these? I wasn’t sure, but I had a blank wall in my guest bedroom and two blank canvases daring me to find out. Time for some DIY wall art. Care to join me? Here’s the step by step.
When I worked at Cranium, I learned a lot about Dr. Howard Gardner’s multiple intelligence theory. It stressed that there are multiple ways to be “smart,” beyond standardized tests for verbal-linguistic and logical-mathematic skills. Gardner demonstrated that humans actually have eight intelligences:
My Castle Heart Publications 