The Dot (Creatrilogy)

by Peter H Reynolds (Author) Peter H Reynolds (Illustrator)

The Dot (Creatrilogy)
Reading Level: 2nd − 3rd Grade
Series: Creatrilogy

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.

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Publishers Weekly

Starred Review

In this engaging, inspiring tale, Reynolds (illustrator of the Judy Moody series) demonstrates the power of a little encouragement. Minimal narrative and art elucidate the plight of Vashti, who sulks next to her blank paper at the end of art class: "I just can't draw!" The art teacher sagely responds, "Just make a mark and see where it takes you." The scowling girl takes a marker and jabs at her paper, making a minuscule dot. The teacher "pushed the paper toward Vashti and quietly said, Now sign it.' " When Vashti returns the following week, her signed picture hangs in a gilded frame over her art teacher's desk, which inspires the budding painter to greater feats. A later spread, guaranteed to evoke smiles, reveals an extensive display of Vashti's dot paintings (and even a similarly themed sculpture) at the school art show, where a boy praises her for being "a really great artist." When he insists that he can't draw, she emulates her art teacher's example. Rendered in watercolor, ink and tea, Reynolds's spare, wispy illustrations exude a fresh, childlike quality pleasingly in sync with his hand-lettered text. Offering a rare balance of subtlety and hyperbole, this small-format volume should give reticent young artists a boost of confidence-and encourage spontaneity in their artistic expression. Reynolds pulls off exactly what his young heroine does, creating an impressive work from deceptively simple beginnings. Ages 5-up. (Oct.)

Copyright 2003 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

School Library Journal

This simple, circular story is the answer to every child who ever said, "I can't draw." Follow up by giving all students a piece of paper with their very own dot.

Copyright 2004 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Review quotes

Simplicity itself, like the dot in the title, this small book carries a big message.
—Booklist (starred review)

A fable about the creative spirit in every child.
—Nick Jr. Family Magazine Best Books of the Year

This small gem of a book tells the story of Vashti. . . . It's the beginning of a love affair with dots in many different colors, sizes and patterns — and a marvelous lesson about what art is.
—Washington Post

Readers can wonder about unsigned works that lie before us all.
—Chicago Tribune

In other hands this story about the power of the creative spirit could be preachy and overdone, but Reynolds keeps the voice fresh and the message subtle.
—Book Links

A wise and delightful tale for all ages.
—Yellow Brick Road

Reynolds' pictures in this parable . . . emphasize that all art, from the most impressive masterpiece to a child's simple scrawl begins the same way and by definition there is no right or wrong way to express oneself — an important lesson for anyone who is learning something new.
—Syndicated Column - Lynne Burke

This is a charming fable about faith and art. Reynolds's drawings have just the right lightness and whimsy to keep it all afloat in a cartoony watercolor-washed world.
—Boston Globe
Peter H Reynolds
Peter H. Reynolds is a New York Times best-selling illustrator who has created many acclaimed books for children. In addition to his Creatrilogy -- The Dot, Ish, and Sky Color -- he is the author-illustrator of Rose's Garden, The North Star, and So Few of Me and the illustrator of Megan McDonald's Judy Moody and Stink series. Born in Canada, Peter H. Reynolds now lives in Dedham, Massachusetts.
Classification
Fiction
ISBN-13
9780763619619
Lexile Measure
500
Guided Reading Level
L
Publisher
Candlewick Press (MA)
Publication date
September 15, 2003
Series
Creatrilogy
BISAC categories
JUV003000 - Juvenile Fiction | Art & Architecture
JUV039140 - Juvenile Fiction | Social Themes | Self-Esteem & Self-Reliance
Library of Congress categories
Self-confidence
Schools
Art
Christopher Awards
Winner 2004 - 2004
South Carolina Childrens, Junior and Young Adult Book Award
Nominee 2005 - 2006
Golden Sower Award
Nominee 2006 - 2006
Keystone to Reading Book Award
Nominee 2006 - 2006
North Carolina Children's Book Award
Nominee 2006 - 2006
Irma S. & James H. Black Award
Honor Book 2004 - 2004

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