The Dot Irma S and James H Black Honor for Excellence in Childrens Literature Awards

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.

User Ratings and Reviews

1 Star Celebrating Mediocrity
This book was read at back-to-school night at Rosendale Elementary by the newly hired principal. The book celebrates mediocrity by framing in gold a half-hearted splotch of ink… once the teacher set such a low bar, the child thinks “I’ve got talent” and proceeds to create large quantities of mediocrity.

It’s all part of the dumbing down of quality and a feel-good educational system that rewards the smallest of effort.

5 Stars A must have
I love how this book helps kids make their mark. I use this book in my class rooms and it goes great with my little ones who are just learning how to make art for the first time.

5 Stars The Dot
Simple, yet profound. Many lessons can be learned from this story. The Dot is encouraging and uplifting and I recommend it to everyone.

5 Stars very touching
Just like “Ish” this story warms my heart and I have enjoyed sharing it with my 4th grade students. It is a great way to teach that ALL art work is special, unique and valuable!

5 Stars Great Book!
This is a great children’s book. I have read a few of this author’s books and I like this one the best.

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