Though at first glance the contents of this bucket don't look especially original, what kids do with them is the true beauty of this set. Besides the kit's twenty-four plain wooden animal shapes that practically beg to be painted, there's a paintbrush, black marker, wiggly eyes, and 8 colors of acrylic craft paint in the bucket, as well as a little book with big ideas. Children will be in awe as they look through this book, gathering inspiration for their artwork.
Before I presented this project to my eager group of little testers, I wrestled with the idea of showing them the accompanying idea book that is filled with painted animals in styles ranging from simple to fanciful. Part of me worried the children might close their minds and resort to copying the ideas instead of coming up with their own. I ended up showing them the book before they attempted their own painting, and, in fact, the opposite happened. The ideas were totally inspiring! Instead of slapping a quick coat of paint on the animals for quick results — which likely would have happened if I'd vetoed the book — I slowed them down (they were very anxious to get started). Flipping through the book, we talked about which animals we liked best, and how the artists might have accomplished each. (Fortunately, the book generally explains how certain effects were created). Then, I encouraged them to really think about what they were going to do with each wooden animal. They brainstormed, formulated plans, and finally came up with imaginative ideas they could call their own. The end results were impressive. Some focused on creating realistic-looking animals, and most turned out fanciful finished products using unexpected colors and unique add-ons.
Deciding what to do with the wooden animals after the fact was also an exercise in creativity. One tester came up with an idea to spruce up a plain picture frame with the painted animals by gluing them onto the frame in ways that suggested animals in motion. (Adding one or two painted cats to a frame would be a wonderful way to showcase a photo of the family pet). Each animal sports a well-placed little hole for hanging, and some ideas provided in the book include turning the animals into fridge magnets, "plant pals", and bookmarks.
There are plenty of art kits available with instructions that must be followed closely, and though finished creations can look snazzy, every child's creation ends up virtually the same. These kits can be engaging and teach children to follow instructions — an important life skill. However, kits with few rules — meaning endless possible outcomes — should never be overlooked simply because they look plain. The Painted Zoo contains no rules, only suggestions (for example, a toothpick can be used to apply details to an animal in lieu of the more clunky paintbrush, and painting with a cotton ball produces lovely stippled effects). Although children can create wonderful animals using only the items supplied, it's helpful to have additional items on hand like sponges, glitter, and glue. Parents will appreciate the fact that this set is gender-neutral as well, and a whole family of kids (and their friends) can create side by side.
Start with a simple set and idea, add a book of pure inspiration, and let imaginations do the rest. Kids can produce things they will be proud of, and art they can call their own. Even Nintendo "addicts" will consider this time well spent.
