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The Dot Hardcover – Picture Book, September 15, 2003

by Peter H. Reynolds (Author, Illustrator)

4.8 5,531 ratings

Part of: Creatrilogy (4 books)

in Architectural Drafting & Presentation

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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.

Reading age

4 - 7 years, from customers
Part of series

Creatrilogy
Print length

32 pages
Language

English
Grade level

Kindergarten - 4
Lexile measure

AD500L
Dimensions

8.38 x 0.36 x 7.75 inches
Publisher

Candlewick
Publication date

September 15, 2003
ISBN-10

0763619612
ISBN-13

978-0763619619
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From the Publisher

creativity; art; drawing; orginality; painting; colors; imagination; inspiration

creativity, creatrilogy, Peter Reynolds, make your mark, drawing, art book

Author's note

"The Dot is about getting started — getting unstuck. It is also about creative teaching, exploring an idea in many ways, and sharing our gifts with others."


	The Dot	Ish	Sky Color

Customer Reviews	5,531	2,263	547
Price	$6.58	$10.59	$10.29
Read the whole series!	Vashti can’t draw - she’s no artist. To prove her point, she 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.	Drawing is what Ramon does. It's what makes him happy. But in one second, all that changes. Luckily for him though, his little sister sees the world differently. She opens his eyes to something a lot more valuable than getting things just "right."	Marisol loves to paint. So when her teacher asks her to help make a mural for the school library, she can’t wait to begin! But how can Marisol make a sky without blue paint?

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

A frustrated grade school artist, Vashti sits slumped over her blank piece of paper at the end of art class. "I just CAN'T draw!" she tells her teacher. Her teacher first uses wit, then subtle yet clever encouragement to inspire her student to go beyond her insecurities and become, in the words of a younger boy who "cant" draw either, "a really great artist."

Peter H. Reynolds crafts a quiet, pleasing story in The Dot--one that will strike a chord with children who have outgrown the self-assurance of kindergarten and begun to doubt their own greatness. His marvelous watercolor, ink, and, yes, tea illustrations are appealing in a Quentin Blakey way, especially as Vashti begins to go wild with her dots. The delightfully open-ended conclusion will have readers of all ages contemplating how they can make their own mark in the world. Highly recommended. (Ages 5 to 9) --Emilie Coulter

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 4-"Just make a mark and see where it takes you." This sage advice, offered by her intuitive, intelligent teacher, sets our young heroine on a journey of self-expression, artistic experimentation, and success. First pictured as being enveloped by a blue-and-gray miasma of discouragement and dejection, Vashti seems beaten by the blank paper before her. It is her defeatist declaration, "I just CAN'T draw," that evokes her teacher's sensitive suggestion. Once the child takes that very first stab at art, winningly and economically dramatized by Reynolds's fluid pen-and-ink, watercolor, and tea image of Vashti swooping down upon that vacant paper in a burst of red-orange energy, there's no stopping her. Honoring effort and overcoming convention are the themes here. Everything about this little gem, from its unusual trim size to the author's hand-lettered text, from the dot-shaped cocoons of carefully chosen color that embrace each vignette of Vashti to her inventive negative-space masterpiece, speaks to them. Best of all, with her accomplishment comes an invaluable bonus: the ability and the willingness to encourage and embolden others. With art that seems perfectly suited to the mood and the message of the text, Reynolds inspires with a gentle and generous mantra: "Just make a mark."-Kathy Krasniewicz, Perrot Library, Greenwich, CT
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

K-Gr. 2. Simplicity itself, like the dot in the title, this small book carries a big message. Vashti doesn't like her art class. She can't draw. So when her teacher tells her just to make a mark, Vashti belligerently hands in her paper with a single dot. But what a wise teacher Vashti has. She makes Vashti sign the paper, and then she frames it. Seeing her work on the wall encourages Vashti to do better, and she takes out her watercolors and begins experimenting with all sorts of dots. At a school show, her dots are a hit, and when a little boy tells her he can't draw, she invites him to make his own mark. The squiggle he puts down on paper gets him off and running. The pen-and-ink drawings accented with splotches of colorful circles aren't quite as minimalist as Vashti's work, but they reflect the same spareness and possibility. Art teachers might consider reading this at the beginning of each semester to quell the idea, "I can't draw." Ilene Cooper
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Review

In this engaging, inspiring tale, Reynolds (illustrator of the Judy Moody series) demonstrates the power of a little encouragement. . . . Reynolds pulls off exactly what his young heroine does, creating an impressive work from deceptively simple beginnings.
—Publishers Weekly (starred review)

With art that seems perfectly suited to the mood and the message of the text, Reynolds inspires with a gentle and generous mantra: 'Just make a mark.'
—School Library Journal (starred review)

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

About the Author

Peter H. Reynolds is the New York Times best-selling illustrator of the Judy Moody and Stink series written by Megan McDonald. He is also the creator of several picture books for children, including Ish, Sky Color, The North Star, and So Few of Me. The president and creative director of FableVision, Peter H. Reynolds was born in Canada and now lives in Dedham, Massachusetts.

Product details

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Candlewick; First Edition (September 15, 2003)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 32 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0763619612
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0763619619
Reading age ‏ : ‎ 4 - 7 years, from customers
Lexile measure ‏ : ‎ AD500L
Grade level ‏ : ‎ Kindergarten - 4
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 9.8 ounces
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 8.38 x 0.36 x 7.75 inches

Best Sellers Rank: #4,607 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #1 in Architectural Drafting & Presentation
- #2 in Children's Art Fiction
- #60 in Children's Self-Esteem Books

Customer Reviews:
4.8 5,531 ratings

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Peter Reynolds

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Thanks for the tremendous support of my work which includes books I have written and illustrated, (The Dot, Ish, Happy Dreamer, The Word Collector) as well as collaborations, (Someday with Alisan McGhee, the Judy Moody series with Megan McDonald, Going Places with my twin brother, Paul, and the I AM series with Susan Verde)

My children's media company, FableVision, located in Boston, is dedicated to crafting "stories that matter, stories that move." I also make creativity tools for the classroom - FableVision LeanMy twin brother, Paul, and I founded an independent bookshop in Dedham Square, MA called The Blue Bunny. www.bluebunnybooks.com

Much of my work is designed to inspire all of us to navigate our true potential - to be brave, original, inspirational, inspired, and active.

My hope is that my work will also inspire YOU to make YOUR mark - and see where it takes you.

Let's stay connected - follow me on twitter - @peterhreynolds : )

Customer reviews

4.8 out of 5

5,531 global ratings

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Gizem Aktan

Palette of possibilities

Reviewed in the United States on February 12, 2024

Verified Purchase

The story revolves around Vashti, a young girl who discovers her artistic potential through a simple dot. 🎨 Reynolds' narrative is not just about the act of drawing but a profound journey of self-discovery and confidence-building.

What sets this book apart is its empowering message – that even a small dot can be the starting point for boundless creativity. As a parent, I appreciate how "The Dot" inspires conversations about self-expression, embracing imperfections, and the beauty of individuality. 🌟 It serves as a gentle nudge for both children and adults to take creative leaps and discover their unique talents.

This is a timeless reminder that everyone has the potential to create something extraordinary. 📘✨

One person found this helpful

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Won1der

Great book

Reviewed in the United States on April 9, 2024

Verified Purchase

Read it at work. Bought it for my kids. Great for teaching them to try new things or things that they don't feel they are good at.

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Lori Hall

Encourages creativity and confidence!

Reviewed in the United States on March 30, 2024

Verified Purchase

I love, love, love this book because it fosters creativity! It is good for both teachers and parents to read to their children. The message is that everyone can create art in his or her own way and we shouldn’t be afraid to try! After reading it, your child can explore making dots and mixing colors using paint and brushes or paint dot dabbers.

One person found this helpful

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Cynthia B. Parker

This is a wonderful book for any age

Reviewed in the United States on November 2, 2023

Verified Purchase

I love this book. I first read it about 17 years ago. It's still speaks to everyone that reads it I'm sure. It's a great message. The illustrations are wonderful. I give it as a gift quite often. I have to say I like Mr Reynolds book "ish" even more. You can't go wrong with either one.

2 people found this helpful

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Shannon D

Sweet children’s book with cute art!

Reviewed in the United States on March 23, 2023

Verified Purchase

When I read this for the first time, it was so heartwarming, I decided to buy it for my sisters who had kids. Now I buy it every time I go to a baby shower. Instead of a card that they’re going to eventually throw away, I give them a book that’s going to teach their children a valuable lesson in self-acceptance and the power of encouragement. It’s such a sweet story. Highly recommend. And while this book may be cute for little kids and easy for them to understand, I also enjoy reading it as a 27 year old. I don’t get tired of reading it to my nieces and nephews. And it really impacted me the first time I read it.

4 people found this helpful

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Milburn Taylor

Love the book!!

Reviewed in the United States on October 12, 2023

Verified Purchase

Simple and to the point. Beautifully written and illustrated. It's a children's book, but should be required reading for anyone of any age interested in creative expression.

2 people found this helpful

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Kim Randolph

Good story for young creative minds.

Reviewed in the United States on October 22, 2023

Verified Purchase

I bought this book for my 7 yr old grandson. He read it with little to no help. Good story too!

2 people found this helpful

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Ginny Mapes

So Much to do the a Dot

Reviewed in the United States on September 10, 2023

Verified Purchase

Classic book, which appeals to the artist in us all. Check on Pinterest for tons of activities that go with this book for a variety of ages from 5—8.

2 people found this helpful

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Géssica da Costa Vilela Gambugge

Chegou rápido

Reviewed in Brazil on January 20, 2024

Verified Purchase

De acordo com o enunciado

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Christina Billyard

Wonderful!

Reviewed in Canada on January 17, 2024

Verified Purchase

I'm an art therapist and my husband is a teacher. We both love using this with the kids we work with for the message and the beautiful illustrations!

Helsb

Brilliant book

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 3, 2023

Verified Purchase

Brilliant book used to inspire children

Santiago Raga

Muy buena lección

Reviewed in Spain on May 7, 2021

Verified Purchase

"Inténtalo" es una lección tan simple y muchas veces tan complicada de aplicar. Da igual que no seas el mejor o que directamente seas malo, si no lo intentas nunca mejorarás en nada. Bravo por esta magnífica historia.

One person found this helpful

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Mum's opinion

It is important to believe in ourselves and have right facilitators

Reviewed in India on April 2, 2021

Verified Purchase

It is a beautiful and very relevant concept to teach to children that we all can excel at something if we believe in ourselves and make an attempt. Also, there is great need of facilitators in this world where the young ones are increasing told about what they cannot do or are not good at.

A kid who believes that she is not good at art is encouraged by her teacher to draw a dot and how that dot inspires the artist in the kid. And to bring a beautiful end to the story the girl in turn inspires another kid who thinks he cannot draw and starts his artistic career with a line.

Go ahead and read this simple and beautifully illustrated book to your young mind. These concepts will help them in building confidence in future.

5 people found this helpful

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Buy new: $9.34$9.34 FREE delivery Friday, May 3 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35 Ships from: Amazon.com Sold by: Amazon.com

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The Dot Hardcover – Picture Book, September 15, 2003

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From the Publisher

Author's note

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

From School Library Journal

From Booklist

Review

About the Author

Product details

Videos

Videos for this product

Flip through review of The Dot

Videos for this product

REAL REVIEW of The Dot {By a Teacher and Father}

Videos for this product

Look Inside Before You Buy and Review The Dot.mp4

Videos for this product

EVERY ARTIST MUST HAVE! The Dot

Videos for this product

Reviewed by an author. Find out my thoughts before buying.

Videos for this product

Can help all little artists everywhere!!

Videos for this product

Great story! Take a closer look in the book with Me!

Videos for this product

Sneak Peek into the book, The Dot

About the author

Peter Reynolds

Customer reviews

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