Skip to content

'Marianne the Maker' Children's Book Embraces Imagination and Craftsmanship

Authors Kelly Corrigan and Claire Corrigan Lichty discuss their latest collaboration, "Marianne the Maker," in an interview with NPR's Mary Louise Kelly.

Authors Kelly Corrigan and Claire Corrigan Lichty discuss their latest book, titled "Marianne the...
Authors Kelly Corrigan and Claire Corrigan Lichty discuss their latest book, titled "Marianne the Maker," with NPR's Mary Louise Kelly.

'Marianne the Maker' Children's Book Embraces Imagination and Craftsmanship

Hey there! Ready to chat about a fun new book? It's called "Marianne The Maker," and it's written by Kelly Corrigan, the lovely lady behind the "Kelly Corrigan Wonders" podcast, and her daughter, Claire Corrigan Lichty.

So, let's meet our main character, Marianne. She's a rambunctious 7-year-old (yes, they've already disagreed on her age) who's had enough of soccer. To get out of it, she tells a little white lie, and voila, she's free to pursue her true passion – making things!

Marianne invents all sorts of whacky gadgets, from a Dr. Seuss-inspired "moodleboot" that lets her float around with her dog, Patrick Swayze (you need a dog named Patrick Swayze in your life), to other random contraptions she whips up in the blink of an eye.

Now, you might be thinking, "I wish I had time to spend making stuff instead of running around like a headless chicken." Well, Claire wants to remind you that even the mundane tasks we do daily can be turned into creative experiences. She calls it "small-C creative acts."

Take, for example, the way you arrange your workspace or how you prepare your lunch. By putting a deliberate spin on these tasks, you're making them more creative and fun, which can boost your mood and foster a sense of play.

Kelly agrees and explains that simply observing and appreciating the creativity of others—like appreciating fine tailoring or enjoying a beautifully crafted meal—can also provide similar benefits. She calls this beholding. It's all about finding joy in the small things, even when life gets chaotic.

Lastly, does Marianne's dad cave in and let her pursue her artistic dreams? Well, Marianne puts in a solid effort to apologize for her misdeeds, takes ownership of her identity as "Marianne the Maker," and eventually, her dad sees the light and becomes her new apprentice.

So there you have it! A delightful story about the power of creativity and the joys of making things, even when you're stuck in the thick of things. Enjoy reading "Marianne The Maker" and let your inner maker shine!

  1. This book, "Marianne The Maker," can also inspire you to explore different areas of lifestyle, such as incorporating creativity into fashion-and-beauty, food-and-drink, home-and-garden, and even relationships.
  2. If you're a pet owner, you might find amusement in Marianne's imaginative creations, like the "moodleboot" for her dog Patrick Swayze.
  3. Traveling the world can open up new experiences in arts, crafts, and various forms of local creativity, making for fantastic entertainment and education-and-self-development opportunities.
  4. As you shop for books, consider adding "Marianne The Maker" to your collection to share its inspiring message with friends and family, promoting a culture of creativity and self-expression.
  5. Engaging in creative activities like reading, making crafts, or cooking can provide relaxation and stress relief, helping you grow holistically while deepening your connections with others in relationships and through shared experiences.

Read also:

    Latest

    Festivities are back in full swing! Whether you're a festival newbie or a seasoned vet, the...

    Festival Essentials You Absolutely Need:

    Excitement brews as festival season kicks off once more! You're likely home, pulsating with eagerness, counting down the moments. Be it your inaugural festival experience or numerous past attendances, you'd undoubtedly prefer to not miss a beat to savor the full festive vibe.