Invisible Things

"Invisible Things!" by Andy J. Pizza and Sophie Miller is a creative and visually captivating exploration of the unseen elements that influence our everyday lives.

The book introduces young readers to the concept of "invisible things" — not just physical phenomena like wind or gravity, but also abstract concepts such as love, anxiety, and imagination.

Each spread focuses on a different "invisible thing," brought to life through Andy's captivating illustrations. The book invites children to think about the emotions and forces that shape their world. It encourages them to understand and appreciate what lies beyond the visible.

For example, the author and illustrator (a couple with three kids themselves) describe invisible “echoes” as “copycats” and suggests children can find this invisible sound under bridges, in churches, and in tunnels.

The narrative's goal is to make the abstract more tangible, providing a framework for children to recognize and discuss feelings and ideas that may otherwise seem confusing or overwhelming.

"Invisible Things!" promotes emotional awareness, imagination, and interconnectedness. By highlighting invisible forces like friendship, courage, and curiosity, the book encourages children to explore their feelings. It also emphasizes the importance of empathy—understanding that everyone experiences these invisible forces differently.

Educational Benefits

1. Promoting Emotional Literacy: The book encourages children to identify and understand different emotions, such as love, fear, and curiosity. By personifying these emotions, it makes them less intimidating and easier for children to talk about. This helps children build the vocabulary they need to express themselves effectively.
2. Fostering Empathy: By exploring the invisible experiences of others, children are encouraged to understand that everyone has unseen feelings and thoughts. This understanding helps foster empathy and encourages children to consider others' perspectives.
3. Stimulating Imagination and Creativity: The book celebrates the power of imagination, showing children that many invisible things—like ideas and creativity—can lead to wonderful and tangible outcomes. This encourages children to value their own creativity and understand the importance of dreaming and thinking outside the box.
4. Introducing Abstract Thinking: "Invisible Things!" helps children start thinking about abstract concepts, which is an important cognitive skill. By giving shape to invisible forces, the book makes it easier for children to grasp ideas that go beyond the physical world.

About the Author and Illustrator

Andy J. Pizza, known for his creative approach and motivational messages, is an illustrator, podcaster, and author whose work focuses on inspiring creativity and positivity. He is best known for his podcast "Creative Pep Talk," where he shares insights on how to nurture and sustain a creative career. In "Invisible Things!”, Pizza brings his passion for storytelling and his talent for making complex ideas more digestible to a younger audience.

Sophie Miller‘s work in this book is characterized by imaginative depictions on busy pages. She has a talent for taking abstract concepts and bringing them to life in a way that is engaging and visually appealing for young readers. She is also a fiber artist, hailing from England, but currently residing in Columbus, Ohio with Andy.