From time to time, I get asked the ubiquitous What Is This Book About question and I invariably mention the fact that Here Comes Ingo is my honest attempt as an artist and a parent of young children

to provide young readers with a set of creative tools that can serve them well in the future via a colorful picture book that keeps them entertained and engaged.

At the same time, this book is uniquely crafted to embrace children’s imagination and their innate sense of coloring,wonder and fun as they are invited to expand the story of Ingo by drawing, coloring and painting ON the page.

Unaccustomed with this type of

direct creative transference from book maker to book reader

kids are incredulous at first but it doesn't take long for them to immerse themselves into the pleasures of process art while letting their imagination roam free through the pages of the book.

The parents, on the other hand, seem to be the ones who struggle with the book concept. Accustomed to the idea of a picture book as a story with accompanying illustrations, (most) parents I have spoken to are reluctant to let their little ones "mess the book".

Oh, but the pictures are so pretty, they would tell me.

No way, I cann't let her paint on it, she's only four, a well-meaning mom said.

Are you serious? You really want them to draw ON TOP of your illustrations? asked another one.

Yes!

I really intent for children to interact with the book with complete sense of agency.

Dear parents,

• Approach "reading" Here Comes Ingo like open-ended play—for example, provide a variety of materials and see what happens as the child leads the art experience
• Make a joyful experience. Let children use more paint, more colors, and make more and more artwork. Here's a list of art supplies for young budding artist.
• Provide plenty of time for children to carry out their plans and explorations in order for Ingo to come to life
• Let children come and go from their art project at will
• Notice and comment on what you see, ask children to "tell" the story. They take pride in their creations.