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Creatrilogy
The Dot
With a simple, witty story and free-spirited illustrations, Peter H. Reynolds entices even the stubbornly uncreative among us to make a mark -- and follow where it takes us.
Her teacher smiled. "Just make a mark and see where it takes you."
Art class is over, but Vashti is sitting glued to her chair in front of a blank piece of paper. The words of her teacher are a gentle invitation to express herself. But Vashti can't draw - she's no artist. To prove her point, Vashti jabs at a blank sheet of paper to make an unremarkable and angry mark. "There!" she says.
That one little dot marks the beginning of Vashti's journey of surprise and self-discovery. That special moment is the core of Peter H. Reynolds's delicate fable about the creative spirit in all of us.
Her teacher smiled. "Just make a mark and see where it takes you."
Art class is over, but Vashti is sitting glued to her chair in front of a blank piece of paper. The words of her teacher are a gentle invitation to express herself. But Vashti can't draw - she's no artist. To prove her point, Vashti jabs at a blank sheet of paper to make an unremarkable and angry mark. "There!" she says.
That one little dot marks the beginning of Vashti's journey of surprise and self-discovery. That special moment is the core of Peter H. Reynolds's delicate fable about the creative spirit in all of us.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published September 15, 2003
About the author
Peter H. Reynolds
202 books870 followersPeter Hamilton Reynolds is an author and illustrator of children's books and is the co-Founder and CEO of educational media company FableVision.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,139 reviews
December 27, 2014
This is one of those books that makes me unaccountably teary when I read it.
About kids and creativity. Highly recommended.
About kids and creativity. Highly recommended.
May 9, 2018
Her teacher smiled. "Just make a mark and see where it takes you."
One of two great Peter Reynolds books on art lying around this house. I liked Ish better, but they make the same basic point that you have to be yourself and follow your own path to creativity. Vashti can't draw, hates it, and so at her teacher's urging, she begins with a dot, stops right there, signs it as her teacher suggests, and the teacher frames it. Vashti is suddenly dissatisfied with her dot and so tries different approaches to this, and begins to explore dot-ness.
At dot art show, a kid comes up and says, wow, you are so good, I can't draw at all. Vashti takes out a paper and says, "Here. Just make a mark."
One of two great Peter Reynolds books on art lying around this house. I liked Ish better, but they make the same basic point that you have to be yourself and follow your own path to creativity. Vashti can't draw, hates it, and so at her teacher's urging, she begins with a dot, stops right there, signs it as her teacher suggests, and the teacher frames it. Vashti is suddenly dissatisfied with her dot and so tries different approaches to this, and begins to explore dot-ness.
At dot art show, a kid comes up and says, wow, you are so good, I can't draw at all. Vashti takes out a paper and says, "Here. Just make a mark."
March 26, 2021
عالی 💯
May 13, 2024
This is a children's book. It is all about just making a mark and seeing where that mark takes you or where it goes. I love it shows kids you should just jump in and try it even if you are scared. I read this book to my twin boys today, but I have read it to them several times.
February 10, 2022
خیلی بهم چسبید. منو برد تو دوران کودکی.
یادمه دوران ابتدایی مدرسه که میرفتم انقدر از نقاشی متنفر بودم که حتی حاضر نبودم یک نقاشی کوچیک بکشم.
معلم هنرم تمام بچه ها رو بخاطر جایزه نقاشی های زیباشون برد که فیلم تام و جری ببینند ولی من رو نبرد و توی کلاس خالی من رو تنها گذاشت چون ورقم خالی بود و خیلی لجبازانه میگفتم نه نمی‌کشم. یادمه اصلا اعتماد به نفس نداشتم توی نقاشی.
کاش این معلم توی کتاب معلم دوره اول ابتداییم می‌بود و یا این کتاب داستان رو می‌داد تا بخونم.
امیدوارم تو این دورو زمونه مثل دوران من کسی معلم قرآن رو نذاره معلم هنر که اینجوری غیر حرفه ای عمل کنه.
1400/11/20
یادمه دوران ابتدایی مدرسه که میرفتم انقدر از نقاشی متنفر بودم که حتی حاضر نبودم یک نقاشی کوچیک بکشم.
معلم هنرم تمام بچه ها رو بخاطر جایزه نقاشی های زیباشون برد که فیلم تام و جری ببینند ولی من رو نبرد و توی کلاس خالی من رو تنها گذاشت چون ورقم خالی بود و خیلی لجبازانه میگفتم نه نمی‌کشم. یادمه اصلا اعتماد به نفس نداشتم توی نقاشی.
کاش این معلم توی کتاب معلم دوره اول ابتداییم می‌بود و یا این کتاب داستان رو می‌داد تا بخونم.
امیدوارم تو این دورو زمونه مثل دوران من کسی معلم قرآن رو نذاره معلم هنر که اینجوری غیر حرفه ای عمل کنه.
1400/11/20
March 11, 2018
"Please... Sign It."
The Dot is a self-confidence story of a little girl Veshti who is upset and angry that she cannot draw anything. Her teacher helps her out and how!
Everyone who are dealing with kids who feel a bit low at any point of their lives about any field, should grab this one immediately.
Highly recommended!
Full stars!
The Dot is a self-confidence story of a little girl Veshti who is upset and angry that she cannot draw anything. Her teacher helps her out and how!
Everyone who are dealing with kids who feel a bit low at any point of their lives about any field, should grab this one immediately.
Highly recommended!
Full stars!
March 31, 2009
The problem with an old teacher is she has so many experiences that connect to almost anything anywhere anytime. And The Dot reminds me of a time when I was teaching first graders, and I encouraged them to paint. I gave them each of the primary colors one color at a time. The day I gave them two was the day of discovery, like the girl in the book. But more importantly, to the chagrin of the principal, I displayed all paintings. Each little artist enjoyed the experience from the girl who drew a two-dimensional drawing of house with flower garden and, yes, the white picket fence, to the boy who just let red cover the whole paper and a little of the floor. Unlike the perceptive teacher in Reynolds’ story, the principal told me not to hang it; the parents would be embarrassed. That was early in my career, and to this day I remember that as a defining moment. I KNEW I was philosophically oriented to a student-centered. If I ever see this principal, later superintendent, again…well. Back to the book.
Reynolds’ simple lines, hand lettering, and water color and tea illustrations make this a charming book of primitive art. His illustration style matches the text, the story, and the theme.
The representational realistic characters remind me of the illustrations Parker did for Action Jackson. When Vashti grabs the marker and makes her dot, it is like Jackson’s movements around his huge canvas. I noticed the transition from the limited dark colors at the beginning to the bright sun-colored dot to the double-page spread for the mulit-colored art show at towards the end. And of course all pictures are made with dots and lines, so the introduction of the new artist experimenting with line is apropos. Reynolds’ use of the white space to encircle the child helped set the tone of being alone, closed in, and unsure of herself.
The hand lettering is close enough to a child’s writing that it fit the story. It was spread out enough to be readable and childlike enough to look like the child’s diary or journal. The balance between text and picture telling the story led my eye through both to understand.
In addition to the art, hand lettering, and use of white space, Reynolds’ appreciation, respect, and empathy for children and their potential is illustrated in this book. A must for the collector who needs a reminder of the promises and potential of children.
Reynolds’ simple lines, hand lettering, and water color and tea illustrations make this a charming book of primitive art. His illustration style matches the text, the story, and the theme.
The representational realistic characters remind me of the illustrations Parker did for Action Jackson. When Vashti grabs the marker and makes her dot, it is like Jackson’s movements around his huge canvas. I noticed the transition from the limited dark colors at the beginning to the bright sun-colored dot to the double-page spread for the mulit-colored art show at towards the end. And of course all pictures are made with dots and lines, so the introduction of the new artist experimenting with line is apropos. Reynolds’ use of the white space to encircle the child helped set the tone of being alone, closed in, and unsure of herself.
The hand lettering is close enough to a child’s writing that it fit the story. It was spread out enough to be readable and childlike enough to look like the child’s diary or journal. The balance between text and picture telling the story led my eye through both to understand.
In addition to the art, hand lettering, and use of white space, Reynolds’ appreciation, respect, and empathy for children and their potential is illustrated in this book. A must for the collector who needs a reminder of the promises and potential of children.
October 18, 2017
Wonderful and inspiring little book.
December 2, 2009
Another delightful story by Reynolds, in a very similar vein as Ish (which I absolutely adored!).
Here we find a young child who "Can't draw" anything. Supposedly. But when the teacher gets our protagonist to draw a dot and then "sign it" - well, one thing leads to another and the dots become more and more elaborate.
This is a great book to inspire creativity in kids who think they "can't" something. If the beauty of art is in the eye of the beholder, then this illustrates that so long as you're enjoying creating the art, then that is what matters.
Again, the illustrations in this book are simple but fantastic, and they perfectly complement the text.
Personally, I enjoyed Ish more, but it could have been because I read it first. I would most certainly recommend this book!
Here we find a young child who "Can't draw" anything. Supposedly. But when the teacher gets our protagonist to draw a dot and then "sign it" - well, one thing leads to another and the dots become more and more elaborate.
This is a great book to inspire creativity in kids who think they "can't" something. If the beauty of art is in the eye of the beholder, then this illustrates that so long as you're enjoying creating the art, then that is what matters.
Again, the illustrations in this book are simple but fantastic, and they perfectly complement the text.
Personally, I enjoyed Ish more, but it could have been because I read it first. I would most certainly recommend this book!
October 3, 2012
Vashti thinks she is no good at art, but an encouraging teacher helps her to enjoy herself. The teacher's approach seemed more focused on self-esteem than actual art skills, but I guess that's more the more important thing for young kids.
This was cute, and I liked the bit at the end with Vashti encouraging another child, but there are several similar books I think are better, including the same author's Ish.
This was cute, and I liked the bit at the end with Vashti encouraging another child, but there are several similar books I think are better, including the same author's Ish.
February 13, 2019
I'm sure we all know someone (or we are someone) who says they can't draw. In this story, Vashti is one of those people. She thinks she can't draw, so she doesn't even try... until her teacher gets her to start with a dot. Just a dot.
That might've been the end of it, except that the teacher frames Vashti's piece and hangs it on the wall. Thinking she can do much better than a simple dot, Vashi gets out her paints and begins to experiment. Eventually, she gains the confidence to help inspire other young artists who think they can't draw.
The illustrations are simple but effective, mostly black and white except for some backgrounds and Vashti's artwork (the characters themselves don't have any colour at all). I've seen some of the illustrator's work before, and liked some of it more than others. I think it really depends on the context. In this case, the illustrations work really well with the subject matter.
This is a nice story about trying something new. Just because you think you can't do something doesn't mean you're right. Vashti found that out in a fun and colourful way, and managed to pass on the message to someone else who needed to hear it. Hopefully, readers of the book can do the same.
Quotable moment:
That might've been the end of it, except that the teacher frames Vashti's piece and hangs it on the wall. Thinking she can do much better than a simple dot, Vashi gets out her paints and begins to experiment. Eventually, she gains the confidence to help inspire other young artists who think they can't draw.
The illustrations are simple but effective, mostly black and white except for some backgrounds and Vashti's artwork (the characters themselves don't have any colour at all). I've seen some of the illustrator's work before, and liked some of it more than others. I think it really depends on the context. In this case, the illustrations work really well with the subject matter.
This is a nice story about trying something new. Just because you think you can't do something doesn't mean you're right. Vashti found that out in a fun and colourful way, and managed to pass on the message to someone else who needed to hear it. Hopefully, readers of the book can do the same.
Quotable moment:
March 2, 2023
Soy una fiel creyente que los libros para niños no tienen que enseñar nada pero debe ser bueno, y este libro cumple con mostrar cosas importantes y es excelente.
La historia nos habla del valor que le damos a nuestras pertenencias, simbolizadas por el primer punto que se crear, y la autodeterminación para mejorar, pero también deja un claro mensaje acerca de la importancia de dar retroalimentaciones a los niños de forma tal que estos puedan desarrollar todo su potencial.
Historia hermosa como pocas
La historia nos habla del valor que le damos a nuestras pertenencias, simbolizadas por el primer punto que se crear, y la autodeterminación para mejorar, pero también deja un claro mensaje acerca de la importancia de dar retroalimentaciones a los niños de forma tal que estos puedan desarrollar todo su potencial.
Historia hermosa como pocas
May 31, 2020
Featured in today's grandma reads session. . .
Well-received - message suggests disengaging from refusals to move forward on actions in which actor feels they have failed to achieve the goal. In the moment thereafter, just TRY SOMETHING and whatever happens: own it. Act on any subsequent sparks, and be amazed at the freedom those actions allow. . .enjoy the happy surprises. Encourage others, pass on the joy.
Sweet story, message and art.
4 stars!
Well-received - message suggests disengaging from refusals to move forward on actions in which actor feels they have failed to achieve the goal. In the moment thereafter, just TRY SOMETHING and whatever happens: own it. Act on any subsequent sparks, and be amazed at the freedom those actions allow. . .enjoy the happy surprises. Encourage others, pass on the joy.
Sweet story, message and art.
4 stars!
January 11, 2018
Check out more Picture book reviews @ Perspective of a Writer...
Vashti doesn't believe she can draw, when her art teacher urges her to just make a dot and sign her name it changes Vashti's entire view of herself and others.
I wasn't sure I liked this story as I read it with my nephew. He'd read it before in school and was excited to read it again. We did the audio narration that was part of the ebook and as I listened I found myself quite captured. My nephew chose Vashti's art show as his drawing and it was also my favorite spread of the book. It quite captures the message of the story too...
I love that this reluctant child wasn't argued with or forced. She was persuaded and it was the subtle reactions of the adult that won her over. Creativity was the issue here not talent. She was capable just as much as any student. It is our attitude that holds us back.
The art was quite good. I enjoyed the way the illustrations were inked with color added for pop.
BOTTOM LINE: Every child needs to read this book and understand they are creative too!
______________________
You can find this review and many others on my book blog @ Perspective of a Writer. See my picture book reviews in a special feature called Boo's Picture Gallery...
September 28, 2020
After a little girl struggles to draw and feels close to giving up she is inspired by the gentle but firm guidance of her teacher. She finds numerous creative ways to draw a dot. This would be a great inspirational short story to read when students seem stuck or frustrated with their school work or a project.
April 13, 2020
The Dot is a children’s picture book — but, like the dot that begins this story, it’s so, so much more. Adults will love The Dot — and its message of encouraging learning and passing the love of learning. and of art, on — even more than children will. Truly a book for all ages!
January 2, 2023
Libricino sulla crescita, soprattutto quella artistica, che inizia proprio appena iniziamo a disegnare all'asilo, ma anche prima quando con i genitori proviamo a creare qualcosa. L'importante non è pensare di esserne capaci, ma provarci, sempre!
October 30, 2020
Awww! Such great great short story about how encouragement does helps! And the best part : it spreads!!
Definitely one I will let my future children read/hear.
Definitely one I will let my future children read/hear.
June 26, 2021
You can do the thing you think you cannot do.Just start.
April 27, 2020
This is a kid's book but it's pretty fun.
SPOILER: The idea is roughly that a kid doesn't want to do any art, and just makes a dot, which the teacher frames. Ok, it’s more magical than that of course, but you will have to read it.
It's a powerful statement. Surely, I needed to hear this at age 18 or 28 as much as I did when I was 8.
I suspect that parents will enjoy the sentiment even more than their children, but it is still a fun idea, and is a good prompt for kids to create their own art. Simple enough for a 4 year old, this book has had enough of an impact that grade school teachers have developed ideas to spin off of it.
For those without young kids, well, it's a 20 page book,and may be not be something on your radar. That's fine. It might be a quick library read though.
SPOILER: The idea is roughly that a kid doesn't want to do any art, and just makes a dot, which the teacher frames. Ok, it’s more magical than that of course, but you will have to read it.
It's a powerful statement. Surely, I needed to hear this at age 18 or 28 as much as I did when I was 8.
I suspect that parents will enjoy the sentiment even more than their children, but it is still a fun idea, and is a good prompt for kids to create their own art. Simple enough for a 4 year old, this book has had enough of an impact that grade school teachers have developed ideas to spin off of it.
For those without young kids, well, it's a 20 page book,and may be not be something on your radar. That's fine. It might be a quick library read though.
June 29, 2022
As a teacher, I learned a lot. I wish this inspirational book could be presented as a short film for Teacher's Day or Children's Day.
Vashti could not draw. The teacher asked her to start with a dot. After marking the paper with a small tiny black dot, the teacher appreciated her effort and took Vashti's 'art' and hang it in the office.
From there, Vashti started to draw and paint bigger dots, abstract dots, colourful dots using different materials. Her dots evolved. Her skill sharpened. Finally, her works were featured in the art gallery.
As a teacher, I learn a lot. I must appreciate my students' effort - not the product. The appreciation must be shown. As for Vashti's teacher, she showed it via hanging the dot in the office wall.
Vashti could not draw. The teacher asked her to start with a dot. After marking the paper with a small tiny black dot, the teacher appreciated her effort and took Vashti's 'art' and hang it in the office.
From there, Vashti started to draw and paint bigger dots, abstract dots, colourful dots using different materials. Her dots evolved. Her skill sharpened. Finally, her works were featured in the art gallery.
As a teacher, I learn a lot. I must appreciate my students' effort - not the product. The appreciation must be shown. As for Vashti's teacher, she showed it via hanging the dot in the office wall.
June 15, 2023
واقعا زیبا بود
چقدر گفتار و رفتار یک نفر به ویژه معلم‌ها میتونه در مسیر آینده کودکان تاثیر گذار باشه
کتابی که تو کمتر از ۲ ۳ دقیقه خوانده میشه ولی بسیار آموزنده است
هم برای بچه‌ها هم برای بزرگسال‌ها
نقاشی‌هاش هم قشنگ بود
چقدر گفتار و رفتار یک نفر به ویژه معلم‌ها میتونه در مسیر آینده کودکان تاثیر گذار باشه
کتابی که تو کمتر از ۲ ۳ دقیقه خوانده میشه ولی بسیار آموزنده است
هم برای بچه‌ها هم برای بزرگسال‌ها
نقاشی‌هاش هم قشنگ بود
March 4, 2019
bir çocuğun içindeki yaratıcılığın farkına varması için milyonlarca yol izleyebilirsiniz. ya da bir yetişkin olarak çocuğun bir şey yapmak istememesinin asıl sebebinin, o şeyi yapmanın çocuk için korkutuculuğu/bilinmezliği olduğu bilgisine sahipseniz çocuğun özgüvenini geliştirebilirsiniz. bu kitapta muhteşem bir öğretmen ve korkan küçük bir asi var. bu asinin bir sanatçıya nasıl dönüştüğünü miniğinizle birlikte okuyup görün derim.
November 25, 2009
I'm not sure I liked this one quite as much as "Ish" but that could just be because I read "Ish" first and was so refreshed by the story encouraging a child's artistic freedom and creativity. Still, I will give this one five stars for the same purpose! ;-) It's amazing how art can blossom from a dot!
February 28, 2024
Un cuento sencillo que enseña que aunque pienses que no harás bien algo, no se pierde nada por intentarlo. El comenzar por las cosas sencillas.
Lo encontré buscando cuentos sobre autoestima y me gustó bastante. Se puede encontrar fácilmente en Youtube.
Lo encontré buscando cuentos sobre autoestima y me gustó bastante. Se puede encontrar fácilmente en Youtube.
April 7, 2024
El punto es una lectura breve, fácil de leer y con un mensaje muy importante: en vez de rendirse, hay que empezar con una idea pequeña y luego con el esfuerzo y las ganas de mejorar, todo el proceso habrá merecido la pena. ✨ Empecemos a cumplir nuestros sueños a partir de un punto 🔵
September 18, 2013
This hand-lettered book, the first in the series "Creatrilogy," is all about encouragement of artistic self-expression. Vashti doesn't believe she has any ability to create. With a small invitation to "just make a mark and see where it takes you" by her teacher, she begins a journey that leads to art that is all her own.
The creativity in each of us needs encouraging. I truly know that. From just a word, a push, a smile, blossoms can bloom. It is not just about drawing or painting either. Writing, sculpting, playing a musical instrument, weaving, any form of art can show up with just that nudge.
Mr. Reynolds illustrates his book using watercolors, ink, and tea. Yes, tea! The illustrations are fun as they prompt the reader to turn page after page, looking forward to Vashti's next artistic endeavor. They remind us all that we have some buried creative expression that needs to be unearthed.
International Dot Day is September 15th. You can find information about it @ http://www.thedotclub.org/dotday/ Follow them on Twitter @ twitter.com/DotClubConnect Visit the Dot Day Facebook page @ facebook.com/InternationalDotDay to see what others are doing and to share what you are doing on International Dot Day and everyday, for that matter! Use the hashtags #DotDay or #Makeyourmark
FableVision Learning is an educational publishing company founded by Peter Reynolds. His twin brother, Paul, is CEO, over a great team of very creative people. Their website is http://www.fablevisionlearning.com/ and they have a Dot Day link on their blog: http://fablevisionlearning.com/blog/2...
And then there is The Dot Project by a class of first graders and their teacher, Mr. Colosi: http://www.thedotproject.org/ The world is invited into their project as well. Lots of fun!!
This one little book has a multitude of Awards:
- The Christopher Award
- Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award Winner
- Irma S. and James H. Black Honor--Bank Street College of Education
- Publishers Weekly - STARRED Review
- Booklist - STARRED Review
- Chicago Public Library Best Books for Children and Teens
- School Library Journal - STARRED Review
- Nick Jr. Family Magazine - "Best of 2003" Awards - "Most Inspiring Book"
- Borders Original Voices Selection
- "Best Book of the Year" - Valerie Lewis "Children's Book Review"/Hicklebee's
- Book Sense 76 selection
- Babyzone Amazing Book Awards 2003
- Book Links Editor's Best of 2003
- Chapman Awards for Best Classroom Read-Alouds
- #15 spot on TOP 100 GREATEST BOOKS FOR KIDS List by Scholastic PARENT and CHILD Magazine!
Reading Level: 3 months - 18 years
Peter H. Reynolds loved to doodle as a child. "I often visit classrooms and ask who loves to draw," he says. "In kindergarten and first grade, all the hands go up. In second grade, most of the hands go up. In third grade, half the hands are up. By fourth and fifth grade, most of the hands are down, or perhaps pointing to ‘the class artist.’ It’s sad to see the artistic, creative energy slowing down, being packed away. I am convinced it’s because children learn early that there are ‘rules’ to follow. But when it comes to expressing yourself, you can invent your own rules. You can change them, you can stretch them, or you can ignore them all and dive headfirst into the unknown." The illustrator of the Judy Moody series by Megan McDonald, Peter H. Reynolds was recently honored as Literacy Leader of the Year by Verizon. He is the president and creative director of FableVision Studios.
Go visit Peter H. Reynolds @ his website. It's a lot of fun too: http://www.peterhreynolds.com/
Book Information:
ISBN-13: 9780763619619
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Publication date: 9/15/2003
Pages: 32
Product dimensions: 8.42 (w) x 7.70 (h) x 0.30 (d)
The creativity in each of us needs encouraging. I truly know that. From just a word, a push, a smile, blossoms can bloom. It is not just about drawing or painting either. Writing, sculpting, playing a musical instrument, weaving, any form of art can show up with just that nudge.
Mr. Reynolds illustrates his book using watercolors, ink, and tea. Yes, tea! The illustrations are fun as they prompt the reader to turn page after page, looking forward to Vashti's next artistic endeavor. They remind us all that we have some buried creative expression that needs to be unearthed.
International Dot Day is September 15th. You can find information about it @ http://www.thedotclub.org/dotday/ Follow them on Twitter @ twitter.com/DotClubConnect Visit the Dot Day Facebook page @ facebook.com/InternationalDotDay to see what others are doing and to share what you are doing on International Dot Day and everyday, for that matter! Use the hashtags #DotDay or #Makeyourmark
FableVision Learning is an educational publishing company founded by Peter Reynolds. His twin brother, Paul, is CEO, over a great team of very creative people. Their website is http://www.fablevisionlearning.com/ and they have a Dot Day link on their blog: http://fablevisionlearning.com/blog/2...
And then there is The Dot Project by a class of first graders and their teacher, Mr. Colosi: http://www.thedotproject.org/ The world is invited into their project as well. Lots of fun!!
This one little book has a multitude of Awards:
- The Christopher Award
- Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award Winner
- Irma S. and James H. Black Honor--Bank Street College of Education
- Publishers Weekly - STARRED Review
- Booklist - STARRED Review
- Chicago Public Library Best Books for Children and Teens
- School Library Journal - STARRED Review
- Nick Jr. Family Magazine - "Best of 2003" Awards - "Most Inspiring Book"
- Borders Original Voices Selection
- "Best Book of the Year" - Valerie Lewis "Children's Book Review"/Hicklebee's
- Book Sense 76 selection
- Babyzone Amazing Book Awards 2003
- Book Links Editor's Best of 2003
- Chapman Awards for Best Classroom Read-Alouds
- #15 spot on TOP 100 GREATEST BOOKS FOR KIDS List by Scholastic PARENT and CHILD Magazine!
Reading Level: 3 months - 18 years
Peter H. Reynolds loved to doodle as a child. "I often visit classrooms and ask who loves to draw," he says. "In kindergarten and first grade, all the hands go up. In second grade, most of the hands go up. In third grade, half the hands are up. By fourth and fifth grade, most of the hands are down, or perhaps pointing to ‘the class artist.’ It’s sad to see the artistic, creative energy slowing down, being packed away. I am convinced it’s because children learn early that there are ‘rules’ to follow. But when it comes to expressing yourself, you can invent your own rules. You can change them, you can stretch them, or you can ignore them all and dive headfirst into the unknown." The illustrator of the Judy Moody series by Megan McDonald, Peter H. Reynolds was recently honored as Literacy Leader of the Year by Verizon. He is the president and creative director of FableVision Studios.
Go visit Peter H. Reynolds @ his website. It's a lot of fun too: http://www.peterhreynolds.com/
Book Information:
ISBN-13: 9780763619619
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Publication date: 9/15/2003
Pages: 32
Product dimensions: 8.42 (w) x 7.70 (h) x 0.30 (d)
November 20, 2009
I had just read the book Ish, also by this author/illustrator, and then was alerted to this book, which was published first.
I think that I might like Ish slightly more, but only very slightly. This is a wonderful book too.
This is an attractive book. The author hand lettered the text and illustrated the book with watercolor, ink, and tea. Yes, tea! Painting with tea is so clever! I like modern art and I enjoyed the illustrations.
The story is what art should be about, it’s how art should be taught. Given that many children have negative experiences that discourage them from expressing themselves creatively, maybe they’ll at least come across this book and get inspired again. In this book, a youngster who is convinced she can’t draw is given encouragement by her teacher, and then passes on what she’s been given.
I just love this author/illustrator! I hope he’s really prolific. On the back inside cover he says he goes into classrooms and asks kids who likes to draw, and in kindergarten and first grade everyone raises their hand (I actually know one kid who would not have raised his hand) but by the fourth and fifth grade most do not raise their hands. With Ish and this book, Peter H. Reynolds does a admirable job of encouraging his readers to play and be creative.
This would be a perfect gift for anyone who aspires to be an art teacher.
Oh, and I especially love the "swirly gold" frame!
I think that I might like Ish slightly more, but only very slightly. This is a wonderful book too.
This is an attractive book. The author hand lettered the text and illustrated the book with watercolor, ink, and tea. Yes, tea! Painting with tea is so clever! I like modern art and I enjoyed the illustrations.
The story is what art should be about, it’s how art should be taught. Given that many children have negative experiences that discourage them from expressing themselves creatively, maybe they’ll at least come across this book and get inspired again. In this book, a youngster who is convinced she can’t draw is given encouragement by her teacher, and then passes on what she’s been given.
I just love this author/illustrator! I hope he’s really prolific. On the back inside cover he says he goes into classrooms and asks kids who likes to draw, and in kindergarten and first grade everyone raises their hand (I actually know one kid who would not have raised his hand) but by the fourth and fifth grade most do not raise their hands. With Ish and this book, Peter H. Reynolds does a admirable job of encouraging his readers to play and be creative.
This would be a perfect gift for anyone who aspires to be an art teacher.
Oh, and I especially love the "swirly gold" frame!
February 19, 2020
Frustrated at her inability to get anything onto her paper in art class, Vashti informs her teacher that she simply can't draw, only to be met with kind but firm encouragement to "make her mark." Reacting with defiance, Vashti takes her marker and makes a single dot on the white page. Surprised when she returns to art class the next week and discovers that her "picture" has been framed and hung on the wall, Vashti is inspired to play with the idea of the dot, eventually creating a number of interesting and imaginative paintings, all with the same theme. When a younger child admires her work at the school art show, and then confesses that he can't draw, Vashti knows what to do...
Like his subsequent picture-book, Ish (which I happened to read first), Peter H. Reynolds offers encouragement here for young kids who feel that they simply aren't cut out to be artists, demonstrating that sometimes all it takes to create something wonderful is to just make a beginning. I appreciated how Vashti's teacher reacted to her frustration, starting from the position that Vashti is already an artist, and helping her to see that by taking her initial, not-so-sincere effort seriously. By showing respect for Vashti's efforts, she encourages Vashti to do the same. As one would expect in a picture-book meant to encourage young artists, the illustrations here are charming, with a simple but expressive style that captures Vashti's varying moods. Recommended to young children who think they aren't artistic, and to the adults in their lives who are trying to convince them to give creative endeavors a try.
Like his subsequent picture-book, Ish (which I happened to read first), Peter H. Reynolds offers encouragement here for young kids who feel that they simply aren't cut out to be artists, demonstrating that sometimes all it takes to create something wonderful is to just make a beginning. I appreciated how Vashti's teacher reacted to her frustration, starting from the position that Vashti is already an artist, and helping her to see that by taking her initial, not-so-sincere effort seriously. By showing respect for Vashti's efforts, she encourages Vashti to do the same. As one would expect in a picture-book meant to encourage young artists, the illustrations here are charming, with a simple but expressive style that captures Vashti's varying moods. Recommended to young children who think they aren't artistic, and to the adults in their lives who are trying to convince them to give creative endeavors a try.
February 17, 2013
Add The Dot to my list of favorite books! As someone who can regularly be heard denouncing any ability to draw, stay inside the lines of coloring pages, or paint something that doesn’t result in a murky blob, Peter Reynolds’ simple fable about personal creativity and artistic acceptance has filled me with hope.
Vashti believes she cannot draw, but when her teacher gently tells her to “just make a mark,” she jabs at a blank sheet of paper and signs her name. The next week, her art teacher has framed the dot, and the action sets Vashti on a journey of artistic freedom and self-discovery that culminates in the little girl passing on her new-found creative spirit.
The Dot speaks to the choice teachers have to either crush or inspire their students in creative pursuits. I hope that when I become a teacher (and that day is getting closer and closer!) I always choose to say the right words at the right time, and not let my bad days and sure-to-be-overworked nerves hinder me from encouraging my students to reach their potential, achieve their personal best, and be happy.
So, while I still need to work on my 'teacher handwriting,' I will now keep Vashti as a constant reminder that no matter what I produce, the best thing to do is “sign it” and see where it takes me.
Vashti believes she cannot draw, but when her teacher gently tells her to “just make a mark,” she jabs at a blank sheet of paper and signs her name. The next week, her art teacher has framed the dot, and the action sets Vashti on a journey of artistic freedom and self-discovery that culminates in the little girl passing on her new-found creative spirit.
The Dot speaks to the choice teachers have to either crush or inspire their students in creative pursuits. I hope that when I become a teacher (and that day is getting closer and closer!) I always choose to say the right words at the right time, and not let my bad days and sure-to-be-overworked nerves hinder me from encouraging my students to reach their potential, achieve their personal best, and be happy.
So, while I still need to work on my 'teacher handwriting,' I will now keep Vashti as a constant reminder that no matter what I produce, the best thing to do is “sign it” and see where it takes me.
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