I have always liked making stuff.

As a boy I loved to draw, especially dinosaurs, cars and airplanes. I also spent a lot of time making paper airplanes and model rockets. One time, I even made a flute out of a stick I found – and it actually played music!

I studied art in college, which came in quite handy while I was writing my series of art appreciation books, Bob Raczka’s Art Adventures. I also studied advertising, a creative field I have worked in for more than 30 years.

A few years ago, I discovered how much I enjoy poetry. It wasn't long before I started writing my own. I've always loved playing with words. Poetry and children's books give me an outlet for that.

If I could share just one message with today's kids, it would be this: Make stuff!

Draw imaginary creatures. Build forts. Write comic books. Make up games. Invent a new baseball pitch. Design your own Halloween costume. Try your own recipe.

Dare to be creative.