Studies have found that art can not only open up a child’s natural creativity but can also enrich children’s cognitive, social and emotional abilities. With this in mind, award-winning artist, Andy Sykes, launches The Hexjibber Colouring and Activity Book as a fun way to inspire young minds.

Studies have recently found that art can act as a natural stimulus for growing minds and can serve as a way of giving children the chance to communicate and express what they think while enhancing their own behavioural and intellectual skills.

With the ever increasing popularity of computer consoles and a growing dis-interaction with parents, children sometimes do not learn the proper skills needed to express themselves. It has been found that art can serve as a link for communication which is crucial in relating to society.

With this in mind, Andy Sykes, an award-winning artist, set about creating The Hexjibber Colouring and Activity Book, as a way for children and adults alike to tap into the expressive sides of their personality.

The book is a series of distinctive animations and illustrations, allowing children to interact with art and to booster their creativity. The Hexjibber Colouring and Activity Book can also bring about a sense of accomplishment whilst at the same time being lots of fun.

Furthermore, it has been found that interaction with tangiable images by colouring can build a link with art and can also give a child the joy of creating something magical. Whilst this improves hand-eye coordination, this type of exploration can teach a child to physically interact with the outside world.

Speaking of the ways his activity book can bring out the excitement and imagination of children, Andy Sykes said,

‘I love the way art awakens my senses and I wanted to give children the chance to explore their senses as well. Reading the studies of well-renowned psychologists made me realise the importance of what Fox and Berry call ‘sensory and exploration activity’.

‘These studies taught me that the power of art can give children a sense of control and autonomy. By making this book I wanted to give children and adults the chance to explore themselves. Thinking that my art can make children more interactive and expressive is something I am very proud of, I want to inspire the minds of children and, hopefully, adults too’.

The Hexjibber Colouring and Activity Book is available from Amazon.co.uk for £6.00.

This release also includes a sample illustration from the book, so why not try it yourself and see if Hexjibber can bring out the creative in you!

More information on the link between cognitive development and art can be found at the following websites:

Art in Early Childhood: Curriculum Connections
Making Connections: How Children Learn

Studies have been carried out by the following psychologists: Baney, Dr. Coutler, Fox and Berry.

As well as self-publishing “The Hexjibber Colouring and Activity Book”, Andy has blown up its pages to create giant colouring-in events in shopping centres, parties, club nights, gigs and film festivals.

Andy’s work includes the short, animated film “Stupid Table”, winner of the award for “Best Short” at Bradford Animation Festival 2009.

Andy is currently working as a freelance animator and you can see his work at hexjibber.com