Monday, July 5, 2010

Book Review - The Dot





















By: Peter H. Reynolds
Published: by Candlewick Press
Released: September 2003
Source: Library
Rating: 4.5 Stars

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.


What a delightful treasure this book is. Simple cartoon like drawing fill the pages of this book. As someone who struggles with creativity and artistic endeavors I found this children's picture book inspiring. Perfect for an art class, an insecure child or a child struggling in any area of their life. Within the few pages of this book we see Vashti transformed from a discouraged student to budding artist by the simple act of an inspired teacher. Eventually Vashti's success allows her to motivate another child to create his own art.

Next time I walk into my office to find it strewn with art supplies I'd do well to remember this book and encourage my children's artistic endeavors instead of being frustrated that once again my floor is littered with scraps of papers, crayons and glue.

2 comments:

  1. I adore books that encourage creativity!! This is an awesome find.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I'm going to have to go find this book at the library! It sounds like a great read.

    ReplyDelete

I would be most content if my children grew up to be the kind of people who think decorating consists mostly of building enough bookshelves. ~ Anna Quindlen

Good children's literature appeals not only to
the child in the adult, but to the adult in the child.
~ Anonymous ~