Thank you to Net Galley for an advanced reader copy of this beautiful children’s book. The illustrations are absolutely gorgeous. I already know my littles will be asking to see them all and explore the pages. The story is complimented by the drawings, and is an encouraging story for all children to explore their own minds.

This book is undeniably artsy and poetic, with a strong message about creativity and seeing the world through a different lens. The illustrations are delicate and dreamlike, complementing the reflective tone of the text.

However, as much as I appreciate the intent, it didn’t resonate with me emotionally. I understood the message, but I didn’t feel it. Perhaps it’s one of those books that will deeply touch some readers, while others—like me—will admire its artistry without forming a strong connection.

The illustrations in this book are absolutely stunning. The watercolor-esque style is the perfect fit for a story about imagination. I love then inclusion of screens and devices being the stealers of imagination as it is so beyond true. I see this reality every day as I work with kids. There is a stark difference between the kids who have a screen shoved in their face nearly from birth and those who have been given the space and time to build an imagination all their own. Over all a wonderful book with a beautiful and important message.

This is a beautifully illustrated and inspiring book for children. For children who love rainbows and bright colors, this will be especially lovely.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this ebook in exchange for my honest review.

Beautiful artwork, but the text itself wasn't anything new. It was uplifting and positive, but very generic.

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.