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The purple bamboo eater
January 31, 2009
I'm not sure what put my children into the fantastical creature frenzy that we find ourselves in this week. Maybe it has something to with Celine's insatiable reading of all things fantasy. Or maybe it's because the kids have been watching BBC's Life of Mammals over the course of the last couple weeks.
Whatever the cause, the kiddo's collective imagination has been inspired to dream, design, draw and sew what can be best described as fantasy mammals.
You'd be amazed what the kids learn when they follow their imaginations.
"Mom, what would be the latin name for a weasel-cat?" Laurent settled on Felis mustela, roughly translated: cat weasel. In addition these creatures have blue wings and litters of up to 3 little youngin's that hang from mama's tail like oppossums.
"Hey, my creature looks similar to an agouti". You know, the Brazilian agouti, with a snout similar to capybara. Don't know what I'm talking about? Neither did I till Celine pointed it out in our American Mammals reference book.
Then of course there's the inevitable crafting. Celine's still stitching her as-of-yet unnamed feathered, tree climbing, omnivore... brown creature. Complete with gussets (don't feel bad I don't know how to sew them either) and leather tail.
And since Brienne's still limited in her sewing ability I offered to help make her Bamboo Eater, not to be confused with the cuddly panda bear you most often associate with bamboo.
This creature is purple with an appetite for not only bamboo but brightly colored poisonous berries and plants that transmit their poisonous properties to the animal itself. Those bright colored feathers are like a neon light advertising its "don't eat me" status to all would be predators. And if that isn't enough it also breathes fire.
Where do kids come up with this stuff?
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Jamie on Feb. 1, 2009, 3:36 p.m.
I LOVE this story and how great that you get to play along. Their creatures sound awesome.
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Andie on Feb. 1, 2009, 3:42 p.m.
"where do kids come up with this stuff?"
That's an easy answer...from Mamma's like yourself who are creative, nurturing and know how to give their kids the freedom to be themselves. xxoo, a.
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Dad on Feb. 1, 2009, 10:43 p.m.
Reading about the creative talents of my grand kids brings back memories of my child hood. Growing up in a home with 7 siblings and limited funds and no TV we had to create our own entertainment. My imagination was the beginning of many creations which took the place of the present day consumer who feels that without the latest toy/gadget they some how feel that they are missing out. Thanks Renee and Damien for giving your kids this wonderful enviroment to create and bring out these creative talents.
dad
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renee on Feb. 2, 2009, 2:25 a.m.
Dad, thanks for posting this comment and sharing memories of your childhood. I feel all warm and cozy now. Love you!
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ELK on Feb. 2, 2009, 2:46 a.m.
renee ~amazing gems here ~thanks for sharing this slice of your life... like the changes in your header too
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nicola on Feb. 2, 2009, 6:32 p.m.
and when do kids lose this? i am so envious of them but so thrilled to be able to revisit this kind of imaginary play and art through my own kids! nicola http://whichname.blogspot.com
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~kristina~ on Feb. 9, 2009, 12:19 a.m.
These are awesome! It is fascinating to see what kids come up with.
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Kirsten on Feb. 1, 2009, 3:28 a.m.
"Mom, what would be the latin name for a weasel-cat?"
LOL! What creative and smart children you have!