The Dot

Author: Peter H. Reynolds
Publication Date: 2003
Type of Book: Peer Recommended Picture Book

This story is about a young girl in art class who refuses to work because she claims she can't draw. The art teacher suggested she make any mark and then she can work from there. Vashti make one dot on her paper and called it quits but her teacher still had her sign it. When she came into art the following day she saw her dot framed and hung up behind her art teachers desk. She couldn't believe her art teacher had hung up her silly little dot. She then realized that she knew she could make an even better dot. From there Vashti created a ton of dots of all different sizes and colors. Her artwork was eventually displayed in the schools art show. When a little boy came up to her and said how much he loved her artwork and he wishes he could draw, Vashti knew just what to do. She asked him to draw a line for her and then had him sign it.

I really enjoyed this story and the idea that it only takes one little idea to create something wonderful. Many times people are afraid to start something because they don't believe they're good enough or know how to do it properly. By allowing someone to start small you provide them with the potential to create something they didn't know they could. My favorite part of the story was the ending when Vashti helped another little boy who didn't have confidence in himself, just like her teacher had helped her.

I would recommend this story to children in any grade level. Students in younger grades may need this story shared as a read aloud or they could read it themselves if it is at their reading level. Teachers in upper grades could use this story as well to show students the important message it shares. They could create a project where they draw a series of dots of varying sizes. Each dot could represent an idea that they have and as they add onto their idea the dot can get bigger. Students could sign their work in the end and the teacher can display it for everyone to see.

Image References:
http://www.thedotclub.org/dotday/get-inspired/making-a-mark