Misstropolis

Tuesday, November 27, 2007

The Creative Vision of Peter H. Reynolds

by Susan Graage

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A recent adventure in Dedham, MA let to an unexpected discovery: The Blue Bunny, a charming independent children’s bookstore founded by Peter H. Reynolds, local author and founder of the award-winning educational media company Fablevision.

Reynolds, author and illustrator of the classic creativity fables The Dot and Ish, and illustrator for the beloved Judy Moody series, is spreading his creativity across an array of inspired ventures.

Raised by peripatetic British parents in a tight-knit family of six siblings that eventually settled in Chelmsford Massachusetts, Reynolds clearly holds family dear in his life and business enterprises. He begins every day at a downtown Dedham coffee shop (drinking tea) near the Blue Bunny with twin brother Paul, his aide de camp and President of Fablevision. He thrives on working in public open spaces, referring to himself as “a piazza guy.”

The mission to help people engage in the creative process is at the forefront of all of Reynolds’ work. A self-described doodler and non-traditional learner, he cites Roald Dahl and Charles Dickens not as stylistic antecedents but as favorite childhood authors who captivated him with “the themes of a child facing great odds…I am a ‘glass is half full’ guy. I get charged by thinking of a way out of the impossible.” Other illustrators who have captured his interest are William Steig and Charles Schultz – both of whom appeal, like Reynolds, to children and parents. Members of the latter group are, after all, always amenable when children choose a Reynolds title before bed.

Reports of the alleged demise of the independent bookstore incited Reynolds the author to become Reynolds the bookseller. He revealed to Misstropolis that “it was the very fact that the species of ‘Indy Bookstores’ was endangered that spurred me on to open one of my own.  I have been horrified to see Big Box stores ripping small independents to shreds. Not only bookstores, but little hardware stores, boutiques, markets, shoe stores have become extinct in many communities. My mission is to inspire people to think ‘outside of the big box.’ And this kind of thinking is fueled by great ideas and great stories - all of which can be found in a great independent bookstore.” No surprise then that he chose downtown Dedham, which is undergoing its own urban renaissance, as the site for the store.

The Blue Bunny is warm and inviting, with shelves stocked with a careful selection of books for all ages, games, puzzles and, not at all surprisingly, arts and crafts supplies.  The staff provides informed recommendations, and related store events include creativity workshops for bunnies young and old, lectures for parents and educators, and story times and author visits.

Reynolds points to the synergies between the Blue Bunny and Fablevision, noting that “having a bookshop as part of this growing enterprise keeps us centered on the mission of powerful storytelling. All our Fablevision employees are encouraged to work in the bookshop – some work there weekly to get a dose of kids, families, storytelling and creativity. I think this keeps our instincts fresh and separates us from the pack of those who are in labs wiring experiences to distract kids – or worse – to invite them into violent role playing universes.”

Rather than making Reynolds anti-technology, his focus on the creative process has motivated him to find a way to make electronic media enhance his artistic vision. Fablevision, for example, not only produces short movies and publishes books but also creates acclaimed educational software. The Fablevision website features online versions of many of Peter’s books, his creative tips, and other fun activities, and if you can’t make it to the Blue Bunny in person the website is a great place to step into Peter’s universe with your kids. 

You and your children may be inspired to contribute a story to “The Prune Library of Children’s Writing”, a collection of fables submitted by fans worldwide; use the North Star Constellation Map Maker to define your own unique star; or just to share a tea recipe in the Fablevision Café. Reynolds sees how technology can strengthen our connection to and participation in the creative process. When asked about the Kindle, for example, he gave a response one might not expect from the owner of an independent book store: “I am a fan of ANYTHING that allows stories and ideas to flow and connect. I think the Kindle is a great idea!”

Misstroplis invites readers to stop by the Blue Bunny for the Book Illustrators Trunk Show, an event that will appeal to book lovers and aspiring art collectors. Storybook Art will be coming to The Blue Bunny on November 30 and December 1 to exhibit original artwork from notable children’s books. Works by Reynolds, Norman Bridwell, Marjorie Priceman and David McPhail will be on display and available for purchase.