In a recent interview with PEOPLE, Joanna Gaines shared her reflections on the transition of her older children entering their teenage years and the joy she finds in nurturing her youngest child, Crew. At 46, Gaines acknowledges that her four eldest are becoming increasingly independent, leading her to focus on creating meaningful moments with her family. This shift in perspective has inspired her latest children's book, The World Needs the Wonder You See, which celebrates the curiosity and awe that young children bring into the world. Through this project, Gaines aims to reconnect with the childlike wonder that often fades as we grow older.

Gaines and her husband Chip welcomed Crew in 2019, and since then, he has become a source of inspiration for both his parents and the new book. As her older children prepare to leave the nest, Gaines is making a conscious effort to savor every moment with Crew. She explained that while her older kids are growing up quickly, Crew’s presence reminds her to slow down and appreciate the simple joys of life. "I feel like I’m always in a tug-of-war with time," she admitted, but now she feels more grounded despite her busy schedule.

Crew’s natural curiosity and sense of wonder have deeply influenced Gaines. She observed how he interacts with the world around him, always noticing small details that others might overlook. "He’s always looking out the window, the first to notice something," she said. This childlike approach to life has taught Gaines to pause, put her phone down, and take in the beauty of nature. The book, which will be released on January 28, was born from an interview Gaines conducted with Crew on their porch, where she asked him what he sees in the world. His responses became the foundation for the story’s illustrations and narrative.

Gaines hopes that through The World Needs the Wonder You See, readers will be reminded of the importance of slowing down and appreciating the wonders that surround us. As adults, she believes, we tend to lose touch with the childlike heart within us. "We all have a childlike heart in us," she reflected. "So now and then, I’ll go out in the garden and just stare at a bloom, look at all the wonder in that flower the way Crew does with a bug." This shift in perspective brings gratitude and thankfulness for the beauty in everyday life.

While Gaines admits that watching her older children grow up has been bittersweet, having Crew has brought a renewed sense of purpose and joy. "Having Crew makes me feel younger, and really anchors me," she said. "It’s been such a gift." Through her writing and parenting, Gaines continues to find balance between the responsibilities of adulthood and the wonder of childhood.