“I can’t draw”: Book Review of The Dot
Review by Sarah Mist

A young girl, Vashti, thinks she can’t draw, but her art teacher inspires her and she realizes her own creative talent.

A sweet, inspiring story about cutting through narrow limiting concepts about art and creativity. I love the simple line and water colour illustrations and even the scratchy font was an inspiration. I think this book really hit the mark with my seven-year-old son who went through a phase of thinking that leaves could only be painted green and the sky had to be blue. I did notice a distinctive shift in his approach to art after reading this lovely little book.

★★★★★ 5 stars from my seven-year-old son

This book can be read by primary to intermediate level. The story is about a girl who thinks she can't do art but then is motivated by her teacher to try. The little girl was apprehensive about trying but then after she did try, she realized wait I can do better than this and she got inspired to make more dot art.

Vashti says she can't draw, but her teacher encourages her to just make a mark and see where it takes her. (Spoiler: It takes her on a journey wherein she learns she CAN make art!) ( )

Independent reading level: Grades K-4
Awards: Andrew Carnegie medal ( )

Independent Reading Level: K - 4th Grade
Awards: Borders Books' Original Voices 2003 Award