Creativity

BOOKS

Cassou, M. (2004). Kids Play:Igniting Children's Creativity. New York: Jeremy P.Tarcher/Penguin. An examination of and "how to" steps to foster children's creativity in art. Starting from what she calls the "Point Zero" method (creation for its own sake and the pleasure of the creator) Cassou uses a combination of theory, method and case study . An interesting and enjoyable read. A short section at the end with ideas for setting up one's own creative painting studio for children.

Davis, G. (2004). Creativity is Forever ( 5th Ed). Dubuque, Iowa: Kendall/Hunt Publishing Company. Davis' style is one you'll either love or hate. With tongue firmly planted in cheek, he takes the reader through a multitude of information and research on creativity and gifted education. Heavy emphasis on creative thinking/problem solving. Sections on assessment and development. Very readable, humorous presentation (Ya just gotta appreciate a guy who tells the reader to pronounce Csikszentmihalyi as "Smith").

Piirto, J. (2002). My Teeming Brain: Understanding Creative Writers. Cresskill, NJ: Hampton Press, Inc. Using her Pyramid of Talent Development, Piirto shows the reader what the creative writer is like. She uses 160 contemporary US writers in this study, which unpacks the creative process as it pertains specifically to this domain. I find her writing style to be fluid and enjoyable, while thorough and thought provoking.
Piirto, J. (2004). Understanding Creativity. Scottsdale, AZ: Great Potential Press, Inc. First reviewing pertinent theories/theorists and their contribution to the area of creativity, Piirto goes on to reveal her theory, the Piirto Pyramid of Talent Development. She then applies this to various domains. Sections on assessment and training. Enjoyable reading.