By Kirk Charlton
Success Stories
Real people. Real transformation. Real hope.

“Art helped me think before reacting.”
James
AIO participant, age 31
“I drew my first picture in 20 years and it felt like breathing.”
Cynthia
participant in a recovery facility
“The value exercises helped me finally forgive myself.”
Marcus
incarcerated participantProgram Impact
- 5% recidivism rate for AIO graduates (compared to 50% state average)
- Active in prisons, recovery centers, and reentry programs
- Hundreds of participants have completed the curriculum since 2016
Before & After
Participants leave with a renewed sense of identity, the tools to manage stress, and the mindset to build a better life. Art becomes the foundation—not just for creativity, but for self-control and empathy.
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BOOK STORE
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Art Inside Out
Welcome to Art Inside Out! We call it AIO for short. Relax and believe that you will benefit from this program. If you think about it, we use a lot of the same methods in creating art that we use to better our lives.
Art is fun! We all want to create and produce something. When we are unaided and unlimited, our creative minds are in overdrive and will create and entertain. This is powerful and an opportunity to introduce positive dialogue.
This is a recovery program that will naturally elicit a genuine response from you. The primary goal of Art Inside Out is to use creativity as a vehicle to get to your true and genuine self. In other words, who you were meant to be.
Art Inside Out will combine Art and encouraging material to help create a better you. When we are isolated and alone, we do a lot of thinking and ruminating about our lives thus far. AIO believes that this can be a time to be creative and productive.
About the Author
Kirk Charlton, creator of the Art Inside Out program, is committed to using art as a powerful tool for personal growth and self-discovery. With a lifelong passion for creating, Kirk has experienced the transformative benefits of art in fostering confidence and self-worth. He shares his own story of overcoming feelings of insignificance, helping others to recognize their value and importance. In addition to his program, Kirk is the award-winning illustrator of Daddy, Are You a Duck? and the author and illustrator of the I Want to Be children’s book series.
Through Art Inside Out, Kirk guides participants to understand how creativity can bring beauty, purpose, and connection to their lives.
The Baby and the Seed
This is a book for everyone. In using the metaphor comparing the raising of the seed of wheat with that of a baby, the importance of a nurturing environment is presented. Using a poem for structure, accompanied by colorful illustrations that convey the message in each stanza, we can better understand the significance of a good start in life.
I Want to be an Artist
A valuable painting is missing from the art museum. Can Kirk and Jilly solve the mystery?
Take a trip to the museum and learn about different kinds of art. In the end, you may want to be an artist too.
I Want to be a Marine Biologist
IWANNABE Inspirational Books for Children By Kirk Charlton All Illustrations Hand Drawn by Kirk Charlton
I Want to be a Jazz Musician
IWANNABE Inspirational Books for Children By Kirk Charlton All Illustrations Hand Drawn by Kirk Charlton
Daddy, Are You a Duck?
Daddy, Are You a Duck? îs a story about a young girl who follows her Daddy around the farm trying to deduce why everybody calls him “Duck”.
You don’t quack like a duck.
You don’t have a beak like a duck.
You don’t swim like a duck.
A simple question, “Daddy, are you a duck?” guides her through a series of funny and lighthearted comparisons between her daddy and his namesake.
At the end of the book are some amazing educational facts about ducks.
Page Count: 42
ISBN: 978-1-963377-17-0
Written by Lisa Corduan
Lisa Corduan is the award-wining author of “Daddy, Are You a Duck?” She enjoys outdoor adventures and cuddle-time moments with her grandchildren. This has inspired her to create heartwarming, fun, interactive children’s stories. Her favorite pastimes are reading, hiking, traveling, and laughing with her husband Ralph and their family.
Illustrated by Kirk Charlton
Aloha! My name is Kirk, and I have spent my life creating art. I understand the endless benefits that the arts and creating give us all.
I Want to Be a Soccer Player
Paul teaches Melly all about the game of soccer. Learn about the positions, scoring, and why millions of people around the world love the game.
I Want to Be a Soccer Player is part of the I Want to Be series which helps children explore unique careers and hobbies.
Author’s Note:
Kids are smart and impressionable at a very young age. When we decide what kind of books our children read, we decide what content and material is important and how they are influenced. The benefits of reading are well-documented, and kids love to read when it becomes a positive experience in their lives. The time we spend reading with our children is special and facilitates bonding and intimacy. It is for these reasons that I have developed the I Want to Be reading adventures.
The I Want to Be series can enhance the close experience of reading with a child while sparking new interests and dreams. These books introduce creative and intellectually stimulating jobs, vocations, hobbies, and activities that may be new to the reader. Traditional service jobs have been covered well in children’s literature, but kids’ unquenchable curiosity demands other options.
When my daughter Sophie was eight years old, she told me that she wanted to be a paleontologist. Children dream big, and her interest inspired me to write and illustrate these books. My Hawaiian cultural identity made it important to reach children from diverse backgrounds while exposing them to a world of unlimited possibilities. Sophie helped me see that children want to explore new things, and they want to make a difference.
The I Want to Be children’s books are about kids from all cultures and ethnicities who become fascinated with unique careers and activities. The stories are informative, inspirational, and educational.
I Want to Be an Archeologist
Embark on a journey of discovery with I Want to Be an Archeologist by Kirk Charlton, an engaging picture book that sparks curiosity and imagination in young readers. Through the adventures of Ian and Kia, children learn about the fascinating world of archaeology. From uncovering ancient artifacts to understanding the importance of teamwork and history, this book introduces kids to the exciting work of archaeologists.
Written and illustrated by Kirk Charlton, the book is a perfect blend of storytelling and education. It explores the tools, methods, and adventures involved in archaeology while weaving a captivating tale of friendship and discovery. The vibrant illustrations and accessible explanations make complex concepts about human culture and history easy for kids to grasp.
I Want to Be an Archeologist is part of the I Want to Be series, designed to inspire children to dream big and explore unique careers. Whether it’s finding buried treasures, riding camels, or showcasing discoveries in museums, this book celebrates curiosity and the joy of learning. Perfect for classroom discussions, family reading time, or as a gift, it encourages children to think about their future and the adventures they can have in the world around them.