Doodle Diaries
Inspire BOYS TO WRITE AND ILLUSTRATE
Inspired by The Manhood Manual book series, our e-newsletter brings parents and educators a blend of fun stories, challenges, and growth lessons for boys on their path to manhood. Expect a COOL IDEA for engaging learning, a BIG PROBLEM to ponder about growing up, and a LESSON LEARNED to help build remarkable boys.
THE COOL IDEA
Create Your Own Storybook
This month, we’re diving into a world of creativity with our newest book, The Manhood Manual – Doodle Diaries! We’re excited to take you and your little man on an artistic adventure where storytelling meets imagination, helping to shape his journey with every page. The activity is designing and Illustrating your own storybook.
What You’ll Need:
- A few sheets of blank paper
- Pencils, crayons, or markers
- A stapler or some tape to bind the pages together
- A cozy spot to write and draw
Spark your child’s imagination by helping them create their very own storybook! Begin by folding a few sheets of paper in half to make a mini book. Then, encourage your child to come up with a short story they’d love to tell. It could feature Jeffrey Crandle on a new adventure, a tale about their favorite pet, or even an entirely new world they dream up.
As they write their story, they can illustrate each page to bring their tale to life. This activity not only enhances creativity but also develops writing skills and narrative thinking. Your child will be thrilled to see their ideas come to life in a book they created from start to finish.
The Fun Part? After the storybook is complete, set aside time for a special reading session where your child can proudly share their creation with the family. You might even start a collection of homemade books, turning your child into a budding author and illustrator. It’s a fantastic way to encourage creativity, storytelling, and family bonding—all while having loads of fun!
Need extra Inspiration? Don’t forget to explore The Manhood Manual official website for more creative ideas and free resources that help inspire young minds. Who knows? Today’s storybook might be the beginning of your child’s lifelong love for writing and drawing!
THE BIG PROBLEM
“I’m Not an Artist!”
It’s common for kids to doubt their artistic abilities, often saying, “But I’m not good at drawing!” Here’s the truth: You don’t need to be perfect to enjoy creating. The joy lies in the process, not in achieving a flawless outcome.
A fantastic book that addresses this issue is “Ish” by Peter H. Reynolds. The story follows Ramon, a boy who loves to draw until a careless comment from his older brother shakes his confidence. Fortunately, his little sister helps him see that art doesn’t need to be perfect—it just needs to be “ish.” This book is a wonderful reminder that creativity is about expression, not perfection.
Encouraging your child to embrace their own unique style, just like Ramon does, can help them find joy in drawing and storytelling, without the pressure of getting everything “just right.” The more they practice, the more confident they’ll become—not just in art, but in thinking creatively in all aspects of life.
the LESSON LEARNED
Creativity is power! Creative activities like drawing and storytelling are crucial for developing cognitive flexibility, emotional intelligence, and problem-solving skills. They also provide a wonderful outlet for kids to express themselves when words alone aren’t enough.
The Manhood Manual – Doodle Diaries is all about channeling this creativity in a fun and engaging way. It’s not just a coloring book—it’s a stepping stone for boys to explore who they are and who they want to become.
As we start the new school year, why not make creativity a regular part of your routine? Grab a copy of The Manhood Manual – Doodle Diaries and embark on a new chapter of fun, learning, and growth with your child. Remember, the journey is as colorful as the imagination allows!
Invest a minute and inspire a lifetime . . .
