"Ish" and "The Dot"

Yes-these are library copies. Sometimes inspiration strikes with books I haven't bought yet.

Book: Ish and The Dot by Peter Reynolds.

Target audience: Probably 5 and up for true appreciation of these books' meaning. Younger kids will still like them too.

Topic: Art, creativity, differences

Basic summary: For the creative spirit to thrive, we need to let go of other people's judgements. Give new skills a try.

I'm posting on both these books together because the message is the same: just let art be art. It's amazing just the way it is. Through Reynolds' beautiful illustrations, this idea comes to life with a story of a child discovering his or her artistic potential. At a deeper level, these books encourage children to pursue their passions no matter what the critics (even inner ones) say.

Extension activity:

After reading both books, look what happened during quiet time here at home:

My son found himself inspired to create 'dots' just like the story in one of the books. Bear in mind that we'd read the book several times before he wanted the watercolors out. This just made my heart sing though! Artistic inspiration from a storybook. And who knows? Maybe someone will be inspired in your house too. Or even better - maybe someone will develop a new interest even if he or she isn't great at it at first. Comment and tell me about it.