Pistes d'exploration

Discuss the concepts of talent, hard work and perseverance. Do you need all three to succeed?

Interview the art teacher or an artist you know about the creative process. Plan your questions in advance.

With a friend, begin with a dot and take turns turning the dot into something else. Create the story that goes with your changing dot.

Discuss how Vashti’s teacher helped her. What did Vashti create? What happens next? Do you think she has a good imagination? How does Vashti help the little boy? What is the author’s message?

September 15th is International Dot Day, a day to celebrate creativity. Create your own original drawing that starts from a dot. What did you draw? Describe your creation.

Write the story of the little boy and what happens to him. What does he do next?

The Line, Press Here, Ish, ThePencil

Mots-clés

Picture book , art , creativity , dots , drawing , perseverance , self-confidence , self-expression

Commentaire descriptif

Vashti stares helplessly at her blank paper at the end of art class. Her wise and witty teacher convinces her to get started by simply making a mark to “see where it takes you” and instructs her to sign it. One thing leads to another, as Vashti gains both confidence and pride in her own creativity. A powerful reminder that “can't” is only in the mind (and that the beauty of art is in the eye of the beholder), this poignant fable about the creative spirit in all of us is told in circular fashion. When Vashti winds up at the school art show, she notices a wistful boy staring at her painting, wishing he could draw too. Her advice? To make his mark— and then sign it. Hand lettered font, reminiscent of a child's writing, and simple, free-spirited illustrations on the white page—in watercolour, ink and tea—work seamlessly to invite readers of all stripes and abilities to make their mark on the world.