The Scraps Book: Notes From a Colorful Life    by Lois Ehlert Order:  USA  Can Beach Lane, 2014 (2014) Hardcover, e-Book     Reviewed by Bob Walch A writer and illustrator of dozens of children's picture books, Lois Ehlert uses a picture book format to explain to the reader how she finds inspiration and creates one of her signature books. You are invited to step into the artist's studio and her life as well to follow the creative process that has produced a number of award winning books. The ideas are a little fragmented but the art holds the book together and you'll quickly see how this artist/writer finds inspiration, usually in nature, and then translates it into an idea that a picture book can be constructed around. A collage of idea boards, sketches and photos along with some commentary take you through the steps that ultimately result in a finished product. This approach is as creative and unusual as Ehlert's regular books and is a refreshing way at looking at how a picture book, at least for this person, comes together. This book is aimed at a younger audience but probably teenagers and adults will benefit most from reading it. Art teachers will be particularly interested in what Ehlert has to say. Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more Kids books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews