For any child who wants to write but doesn't know where to start, for any parent or teacher wanting to ignite that creative spark, for anyone of any age wanting to create with words … this book is guaranteed to have you picking up your pen or pencil and enjoying every second of the creative process.
Author Karen Benke is a writing coach, free-write facilitator and poet–teacher in the California Poets in the Schools program, where she specialises in leading workshops for children. And this wealth of experience is evident in the cleverly structured exercises that form Rip the Page!
'Word Lists' inspire children to savour language and 'collect' their favourite words. 'Try This …' are quick exercises designed to encourage different ways of thinking and viewing the world; for example, 'If you could disappear into one colour for a day, what colour? What day?'
'Suddenly a Story' sections teach aspiring writers to find inspiration in everything and everywhere. 'Definition Decoders' explore aspects of grammar and style — such as the difference between 'sly similes' and 'mighty metaphors'. And then, of course, there are those 'Rip the Page!' pages where writers can let loose and cover the page with whatever comes to mind before … SHOCK, HORROR! … ripping it out of the book. (But only if it's your book!)
Every page oozes humour, warmth, encouragement and fun. Rip the Page! might be aimed at children, but as far as I'm concerned this is an invaluable resource for anyone wanting to bring more creativity into their life.
A second book in the series, Leap Write In!, is also available.
Title: Rip the Page!
Author: Karen Benke
Publisher: Roost Books, $21.99 RRP
Publication Date: July 2010
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781590308127
For ages: 9+
Type: Non-fiction
