This is a gorgeously-illustrated book that highlights the importance of what it's like to be a child. To imagine, to dare, to dream, and to not let limits get in the way of your creativity and imagination. It's a wholesome message that's inclusive and welcoming of everyone. I was torn on how technology was handled, but ultimately decided that it's fine -- if we want kids to dream and do, we do have to disconnect ourselves from the screen and start creating and being messy.

10/10 I'll have it on display as often as I can.

With an awesome color palette, this beautiful
book would be a great text to read aloud at the beginning of a writer’s workshop to explain how powerful your imagination can be.

Beautiful art style. Almost like watercolor pastel. Vibrant and textured. I did find the text difficult to read at times because the colors were so bright, but I adjusted. Inclusive and representative characters featured in the art too! The message is beautiful and clear with wonderful supporting art on each page. This story brought tears to my eyes. I'm calling it, this one will win an award. I'm very interested in more children's stories by this author and illustrator.

The artwork in this book is absolutely incredible! I loved the use of color throughout. Sadly, the story itself was not engaging enough for my son. He quickly lost interest. I feel like this book is great in theory, but is something that I think adults will enjoy more. The message about sparking your imagination is fantastic. My son has such a great imagination.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC!

I wonder what your spark looks like? I loved the color and beauty on the pages of this book. I liked the theme of finding your imagination and letting it run wild at times. The emphasis on play and imagining and not looking at screens all the time is great. There needs to be more books about that!

Great for little ones and families.

This lushly illustrated book is a tribute to the imagination. It encourages children to befriend and protect their own little spark of imagination. I love the creative and colorful illustrations and the encouragement of kids to cultivate their imagination, but I was disappointed at the focus on screens as spark stealers, in part because beautiful movies and thoughtful audiobooks can inspire the imagination, and in part, because sometimes it’s other people who cause us to hide our sparks. It was a moment that felt off in an otherwise delightful story. Yes, I’ll probably read it and celebrate it with kiddos, but I’d hope to have a more nuanced conversation about protecting your spark after storytime.

I have so many things to say about this book. First things first the illustrations are absolutely stunning. There is so much color and vibrancy throughout the whole book. There is so much inclusiveness with the children there was a little representation for everyone. What I really want to highlight though is the story it's self. I am not ashamed to say that towards the end of reading this to my daughter the first time I was getting choked up. This book for me as an adult was such a strong reminder of losing ourselves in screens and work and just life in general. The message of how important it is to nurture, and protect our imaginations was beautiful. I loved the way that it showcased how unique and special everyone's imaginations are and how being special and unique is perfectly perfect! I will be first in line on the 16th to get a copy of this beautiful book.

The text is not where this book shines. It’s a simple encouragement to exercise your imagination. The star…is the art.

I am fascinated by this book’s artwork, and wish I could find any information on what medium Hogtun works in. Some pages seem to be watercolors, while others have visible daubs of thick paint. I think human facial features might be added in computer design, given how crisp they are, compared to the softness and blending of the rest of the image.

I hope Hogtun gets to release an artbook sometime. Or sell prints. Thee are definitely some pages here that would make amazing nursery decorations.

I think this could be a great gift to someone entering art school, or becoming an art teacher. It’s just visually stunning, and a pointed message to allow yourself to explore and daydream.

Advanced reader copy provided by publisher.

Loved this gorgeously illustrated book that was colorful, inspiring and moving. I will be ordering for my library.

Awesome book! A story such as this is so, so important for kids to read in today's world. In other words, this book is wildly relevant right now. I'll start by talking about the writing. It flowed very smoothly and in a poetic way, which worked really well for me. It was impressive how the author was able to achieve this with the writing even though there was no use of rhyming. Additionally, the way the author played with font capitalization and size was super smart and creative. It will keep readers on their toes and push the message of this book even further. Lastly, I want to give credit to the illustrator. Choosing to use soft yet vibrant watercolors for this book was such a clever idea! It accentuates the dreamy and imaginative tone of the book, and will in turn stun the reader and inspire their own creativity and artistic skills.
Bravo!

Sparks of Imagination is absolutely magical!!! The illustrations are so stunning and colorful, and the story is incredible. This is a must read for all children!

I received an ARC from DK | DK Children via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

What a moving book about how special our sparks of creativity are! As an adult, it was bittersweet to read this with my daughter; I’m reminded of how much I have neglected my spark as she is starting to really thrive in hers. This sweet story has bright and vibrant illustrations that help encourage us to nurture our precious spark of creativity and how to let it shine out and lead us through our lives. My daughter and I are both feeling I spired to go and do something imaginative and creative tomorrow.

The illustrations in this book are gorgeous. The author used his own children’s art pieces and incorporated them into the story. It adds such a beautiful watercolor feel.

My favorite part is when the words like “Stretch” are being stretched. It gives the words characters and keeps me the reader engaged and excited to read more.
I don’t believe the story is in rhythm form. Which kinda threw me off since the majority of books I read for children have rhymes. (I could be wrong though, I might just not gotten the beat)

It’s a cute story talking about imagination aka Spark and how the reader should never let it be smothered.
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Thank you NetGalley, DK Children, and Stephen Hogtun for the early access copy of Sparks of Imagination.

Sparks of Imagination is a beautifully illustrated children's book that shows the power of wondering and using your imagination. It fosters the importance of finding and cultivating your spark. The story is well-written, and the imaginary is breathtaking. Sparks of Imagination will be a wonderful tool for libraries and schools to show children the importance of your imagination, individuality, and finding your spark.

Woooooow!!! I love this book! - Lisa age 6

The look of wonder on my littles face during the entire book was priceless! Everyone has a special spark, it’s up to you to keep it alive! Stunning, colorful pictures, beautiful prose and a wonderful lesson to be learned.

Is it ok to admit I cried reading a children’s book? Because I sure did. This book sang to my heart. Keeping the spark of imagination alive is something I’ve taught for countless years, in the classroom as well as at home.
The message paired so well with the fantastical illustrations, which made my daughter and I giggle with delight.
What a treat to get the opportunity to read and review this book. It was lovely in all ways.

This book was absolutely phenomenal!!! My kids adored it and asked to read it over and over again. I loved the concept, the illustrations and just the beautiful story it contained.

Sparks of Imagination is a picture book exploring & nurturing your imagination that has truly gorgeous watercolor illustrations.

I really loved this one! It would be great to read aloud & discuss imagination with the kiddos & all of the different ways you can use yours.

Thanks to NetGalley, Stephen Hogtun, and DK for the chance to read and review!

Sparks of Imagination is a beautiful picture book with a wonderful message... that every person has a creative companion that will be with them throughout their life. While the illustrations are lovely, with washes of color that draw you from page to page and delightful details that a young child will enjoy pointing out to the adult reading the book, the text is aimed at a more mature audience. This is a book for a caregiver to share with a child, perhaps as a gift or as the foundation for a holiday tradition, but it may not circulate heavily or become a story time favorite in a group setting given the tone of the text. Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this arc!

I am a sucker for children's books with beautiful and interesting illustrations and this book is one of the best I've seen. Hogtun incorporates his childrren's drawings into each of his illustrations, which makes them so lovely. And the story - about not losing your childish imagination - is wonderful! I love everything about this book! And I'm a retired preschool teacher, so I have read my share of children's books!