Children’s Book On Design Teaches Them (& Grownups) The Power Of Meaningful Work
By Mikelle Leow, 10 May 2022
Image via A Kids Company About
Navigating the world as adults is an endless challenge, and, each day, people pick up new lessons to move with the evolving cultural landscape. If only some of these things were taught back in school. While there’s no reverse button for time, these tidbits of wisdom can be imparted to the little ones.
A new book entitled A Kids Book About Design resolves to help children get in touch with their innate designer to create things and solve problems, ultimately encouraging them to build a brighter future that’s more compassionate and inclusive. It’s part of a series by publisher A Kids Company About, which delves into delicate topics like racism, voting, cancer, divorce, optimism, and being nonbinary.
The colorful, 62-page read was written by Jason Mayden, the first Black industrial design intern at Nike who went on to helm the brand’s Jordan division. The designer, a father of two, also owns a kids’ shoe brand and was appointed the CEO of design collective Trillicon Valley, Fast Company reports.
Image via A Kids Company About
While the book is described to be for ages five and up, the news outlet points out that it’s for the adults too. Imbued in bright colors and bold typography, the pages explore inclusive design and discuss how thoughtful design can help create a better world to live in.
Image via A Kids Company About
The concepts are tied with Mayden’s own experiences growing up; a blood infection during his childhood had been the catalyst for his getting in touch with his imaginative side.
The author tells Fast Company that a book on design is a natural fit for kids, as tapping into their sense of make-believe comes as an instinct for them.
Image via A Kids Company About
It’s his wish for the book to resonate with at least one young reader, as he didn’t really have a creative role model growing up.
[via Fast Company and A Kids Company About, images via A Kids Company About]