The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds is an inspiring story. It is about having confidence to believe in yourself and encouraging and nurturing others.
Most children struggle at some point and feel like they just can’t do something. The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds is a wonderful story that helps to show that with a little perseverance and a change of perspective, amazing things are possible.
At the beginning of the story we meet a young girl, Vashti. Her art class is over but her paper is empty.
Vashti’s teacher approaches.
Vashti yells…
I just can’t draw!
The teacher smiles gently and encourages Vashti to just make a mark. In a rage Vashti grabs a felt-tip pen and jabs the paper.
Then, the teacher does something magical. She pushes the paper towards Vashti and quietly asks her to sign her name.
The next time Vashti goes to her art class, what does she see? The jab of pen… the little dot… is hanging above her teacher’s desk in a beautiful frame.
Seeing her artwork displayed so beautifully inspires Vashti to do better. She gets to work and starts painting a red dot, purple dot, yellow dot. Then she starts experimenting with colour mixing, always painting dots.
Vashti even made a dot by NOT painting a dot.
Vashti’s dots form an impressive display in the school art show.
A little boy gazes up at Vashti. He wishes he could draw and be a fantastic artist like her but he can’t even draw a straight line with a ruler. Vashti gives the boy some paper and a pencil and asks the boy to show her one of his lines. She looks carefully at his work and then says…
Sign it.
Vashti’s teacher sparked her confidence and imagination allowing her to begin her creative journey. In turn, Vashti then becomes an inspiration to the little boy.
The teacher’s encouragement of Vashti ripples outwards and has a positive impact on others.
Talk about
Vashti goes from being a sad and angry child, with no confidence, to someone who has the maturity and ability to help someone else to believe in themselves.
The story doesn’t feature the other children in Vashti’s art class, it is about her personal journey, not comparing herself to others but challenging herself to do better. It seems to be human nature to constantly compare ourselves to others, but this often gets in the way of our own personal progression. When you begin to focus on your own individual milestones it can be much easier to get on with moving forward, rather than wasting energy on worrying about what everyone else is doing.
Here are some ideas or questions that you might want to use to start a discussion in your family. You know your family and which questions they are ready to tackle now and which can be left for another day:
- How does Vashti feel at the beginning of the story?
- Why does Vashti feel like that?
- What does Vashti’s teacher do to help Vashti?
- Why does Vashti decide to paint more dots?
- Do you think that Vashti is a good artist?
- What is more important: that Vashti is a good artist, or that Vashti is happy and able to make other people happy?
- Is there anything that you think you can’t do?
- Do you really think you can’t do it, or is it just that it is difficult and needs practise to become better?
- What things would you like to practise, so that you can get better?
- Who inspires you?
Crafts and activities for kids
The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds is thought-provoking and allows children to explore the idea that everyone has to start somewhere.
Just make a mark and see where it takes you.
Take a look at the Pinterest Board full of crafts and activities for kids or take a look at the activities below, to accompany reading the book:
- Read and Create Dot Markers Dot Art
- Read and Create Cotton Bud (Q-Tip) Painting
- Teach Preschool Paper Plate Spin Art
- Deep Space Sparkle Collaborative Circle Painting
- Rainbow Skies and Dragonflies Watercolour Dots
- We Heart Art Marshmallow Stamping
- Housing a Forest Compass Painting
- Playful Learning Natural Mandala Art
- Create Art With Me Kandinsky Watercolours
- No Time for Flashcards Circle Inspired Art
What books have you read this week?
Always looking for books and activities about having confidence so I can encourage the shy child.I love visiting all your other contributors and look forward to this link up, thanks Kirsty.
Lesley recently posted…Tanglewood by Margaret Wild
I haven’t heard of this book before. It sounds like it is a great story with a really good message. Will have to look out for it for my son.
Mummy of Two recently posted…A is for… #alphabetphoto
Omg, never mind about inspiring children, just reading this inspired me. I’m sure we’ve all felt that “I can’t do it” notion, I have all my life, and who knew a kids book would give me the kick I need to know I can. x
Michelle recently posted…#BirdsEyeInspirations at The World’s First Pay-By-Picture Restaurant
This looks like a fantastic book to have on the bookshelf. I love books that teach children something and this looks like a perfect book that sends a good message.
Helen Dickinson recently posted…Why Is My Child Unimportant When It Comes To Free Childcare?
How fantastic to make something so simple into something so powerful and to pass it on! Beautiful book. Loving this series Kirsty and good luck in the Bibs X
Anya from Older Single Mum and The Healer recently posted…The Truth about Being an Older Mum.
This looks like a lovely book. Loving the pictures and the principles behind the story. Anything which helps a child to build confidence and self-esteem is a good thing in my eyes.
Donna recently posted…Why I love my bike? I’d be mad not to
This looks like a great book, I’ve never heard of it before so thank you for sharing x
Kirsty - Hijacked by Twins recently posted…Cheap Budget Meal - Roasted Butternut Squash Spaghetti
What a brilliant story, very inspirational and a great talking point
Bex recently posted…Playmobil is 40
This sounds like such a lovely story. I’d like to get it for my son. He’s always saying that he can’t draw and it breaks my heart a little. When he does draw something, I do display it in a special place. I think I need to set a good example maybe and do more drawing myself
Lizzy - Muddle-Headed Mamma recently posted…International Blog Swap Day - Introducing Polly
How lovely -I’ve not heard of this book before but it sounds like the sort of read that would benefit Kitty x
Mammasaurus recently posted…Photocise
Trevor says
I’ve long admired Dot (and Peter Reynold’s similar but different “ish”) and have given them as presents to a fair few people. (Not just children either.)
Wow Kirsty, I LOVE your book reviews, they are so thorough, anyone can land here and have tons of ideas on how to take the book that one step further or plenty more too.
Fabulous and such an encouraging book for young and old (me)
I haven’t come across this book, but it looks fantastic. I was always taught to never ask a child what tere drawing was, but to say “tell me more about your drawing”
Jen aka The Mad House recently posted…Karcher K 4 Compact Home Pressure Washer Review
what a good book for social problems that kids have
ninjacat recently posted…Slow cooker Pulled Lamb #RTChallenge
This looks like such a beautiful book. I LOVE the illustration x
You Baby Me Mummy recently posted…My paper love
this looks a great book for the little ones, i love fabulously illustrated books x
What a cute little book. i love when your posts about new books!
What a lovely story - I would have loved this a couple of years ago for my little boy x x
Cass recently posted…Make money from your car when you’re not using it….
The story is fantastic, I’ll be popping to the bookshop to grab a copy tomorrow so I can read it to the girls before bed.
Paul H recently posted…We have a problem but how do we fix it?
this sounds like a great book, will have to see if i can get a copy!
Polly recently posted…Blog Swap - Misadventures in Motherhood
Ooh I have never heard of this book before, it sounds lovely. I shall have a look for it in the library.
Nikki Thomas recently posted…In May we love …
What a lovely story and such a wise tale to tell a child; trying hard it the most important thing, not whether we are the best t something. A lesson my daughter struggles to learn, so this book could be a good addition to our bookshelf…
Helen Neale recently posted…Five steps to a positive bedtime routine for kids
Gosh that first image gave me a huge sense of deja vu so I must look into the Author. Very weird! Sounds like a wonderful story, I love the sentiment of it. POD would love it I’m sure
I love the illustration style here - very reminiscent of Quentin Blake. As always your questions and activities give dimension and room for learning in what is already a super book
Vicky ( recently posted…Viking Direct Review: Stationary and Office Supplies and Everything in Between
This looks like a lovely story. Relatives are always asking what books they can buy for D - I’ll put it on the list!
Mummygadgetgeek recently posted…Review - Shnuggle cosy baby bath
I can’t believe I’ve never heard of The Dot before , it sounds absolutely brilliant. I’m going to see if I can order a copy right now - thanks Kirsty! x
Just a most beautiful book, wish I had come across it earlier, one of mine loves art the other not so, although he has discovered it now!
Aww what a good book for a child to read. I think all kids would benefit from this. I’m going to buy it! I’m also going to look at your linky as I need some inspiration to get reading more with my kids, I’m slacking rather a lot at the moment
xx
That sounds like such a wonderful book. I will have to get it for the kids who say they can’t draw - sadly too many.
Rebecca recently posted…Homemade Number Bean Bags
Haven’t heard of this book before, but what a fabulous book to inspire and grow confidence. Will keep an eye out for it x x x
My Life As A Mummy recently posted…Lucas 0-4 Months
Love this …art should be fun and creative not ‘good or right’ an inspiring story
Becky recently posted…What does a 4 year old know about money? (We asked Ozzy)
Looks like a great book. The artwork is lovely
Shell Louise recently posted…A is for….Aiden #alphabetphoto
What a beautiful story - I love the pictures too
Kara recently posted…Act on Red
I love the illustrations in this book, one I will be on the lookout for
Kizzy recently posted…The reasons behind our love for Disneyâs Sequoia Lodge
love those illustrations, I’ve not heard of this book before! x
Fritha Strickland recently posted…Doing my bit for national sandwich week
We love this book, it has such a great message in it too. x
Lori recently posted…NEXT HOME & GARDEN EVENT AND SUPER SLEEP ADVICE