The Dot (Irma S and James H Black Honor for Excellence in Children's Literature (Awards))

Amazon.com

A frustrated grade school artist, Vashti sits slumped over her blank piece of paper at the end of art class. "I just CAN'T draw!" she tells her teacher. Her teacher first uses wit, then subtle yet clever encouragement to inspire her student to go beyond her insecurities and become, in the words of a younger boy who "can't" draw either, "a really great artist."

Peter H. Reynolds crafts a quiet, pleasing story in The Dot--one that will strike a chord with children who have outgrown the self-assurance of kindergarten and begun to doubt their own greatness. His marvelous watercolor, ink, and, yes, tea illustrations are appealing in a Quentin Blakey way, especially as Vashti begins to go wild with her dots. The delightfully open-ended conclusion will have readers of all ages contemplating how they can make their own mark in the world. Highly recommended. (Ages 5 to 9) --Emilie Coulter

Book Description

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.

Customer Reviews:

Big kids and The Dot.......2007-09-16

I'm a middle school art teacher. I read the book to every class on the first day. Then, I gave them a few different media to use, (watercolor, oil pastels, markers) and asked them to "make a dot and see where it takes you" We made two rules, you had to know where your original dot was and you had to work for 15 minutes. The results are great and we are off to a great start. I also own ISH by the same author and use it a little later in the semester.

Every kid and most adults ..........2007-03-07

... need the empowering message delivered in this book. Simple and straight forward with a zinger of a last line of dialog. You won't forget this book.

The perfect gift.......2007-02-14

Anyone who works with children and reaches out to give them a sense of self-worth deserves this book as a gift. It is simple, gentle and touching. The Dot is the story of a child who is frustrated with the artwork she makes until a teacher tells her simply, "sign it". That small interaction gives the girl the confidence to take chances and grow until, ultimately, she's the one saying "sign it". This book speaks to the idea that teachers really do touch eternity...they never know where their influence will stop. If you have a favorite teacher, give him/her this book.

Great confidence booster!.......2007-01-10

A beautifully written book to inspire all ages to be more courageous.

The Dot.......2006-11-10

A reminder to adults to encourage: a reminder to young people to find self confidence and determination.

Shaoey and Dot: A Thunder and Lightning Bug Story (Shoey & Dot)

Average customer rating:

God sees even in the dark!
Teacher approved
Two Thumbs Up!
GREAT!
Shoaey, Dot, and All Who Have Ears To Hear

Shaoey and Dot: A Thunder and Lightning Bug Story (Shoey & Dot)
Mary Beth and Steven Curtis Chapman
Manufacturer: Thomas Nelson
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Picture Books | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

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Shaoey and Dot: The Christmas Miracle
Shaoey And Dot: Bug Meets Bundle
Little Miss Ladybug & Her Magical Red Thread
The Red Blanket
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ASIN: 1400307430

Book Description

Shaoey and Dot help children conquer their fear of the dark.

When the lights go out one stormy night, Shaoey becomes frightened. Dot, her little ladybug friend, humorously explains that there are some things to be scared of-like if there's an elephant in the bunk bed above you or if you're with a bunch of monkeys and only have one banana. But, as Dot tells Shaoey, dark is just a place with the lights off, and God is in the dark just like everywhere else.

A Thunder and Lightning Bug Story, with adorable characters illustrated by Jim Chapman, was written from the experience of Mary Beth and Steven Curtis Chapman and is sure to comfort any little one who is hesitant to turn out the lights.

Customer Reviews:

God sees even in the dark!.......2007-03-29

This book shows children they have no need to fear in the dark because God is everywhere. Shaoey is an adorable little Chinese girl, and Dot is her ladybug friend. One night the lights go out during a thunderstorm. Shaoey is very frightened. Dot reminds her there are worse things to fear -- like sharing your bunk bed with a whale or having to help an alligator brush his teeth. Dot tells a few fun things to do in the dark, too. She concludes with "But the one thing to always remember is that God's there, wherever you are. He's always watching and taking care of you, and His eyes even see in the dark!"

Written by Steven Curtis Chapman and his wife, Mary Beth, this is the third book in the Shaoey and Dot series. Steven Curtis Chapman is well-known throughout the Christian community for his music. He and his wife have six children, three of which have been adopted from China. The Shaoey and Dot series grew from their experiences as adoptive parents. All the books in the series are illustrated by Mary Beth's brother, Jim Chapman. He and his wife have also adopted from China. The illustrations are cute and imaginative. Done almost entirely in line drawings, they are sketchy, but quite detailed.

What I Like: This book is perfect for all kids who fear the dark, be they adopted or not! It reminds kids God is their Protector and He's always there. I love the line about God seeing even the dark. The book has helped my daughter not be frightened. She loves it!

An added bonus: the main character is obviously Asian. My sister was adopted from Korea, so I love this series. While this book makes no mention of adoption, the series together does. It makes adoption understandable for children and features a little girl who looks similar to my kids' cousins. Every child, whether touched by adoption or not, will benefit from understanding the concept for all believers are adopted by God. The details of this truth are key to the Christian faith.

What I Dislike: It's short! There are only four lines of poetry on every other page. I expected the book to be longer -- especially considering the age recommendation. Also, the colors were a little too pastel for my taste.

Overall Rating: Good.

Tanya -- Christian Children's Book Review

Teacher approved.......2006-07-18

My sister teaches little kids and loves to read this book to her class. It is excellent for little kids to read or listen to.

Two Thumbs Up!.......2006-07-12

You remember when you were about three or four years old, a fear of dark places started to set in. You wouldn't go to bathroom by yourself unless Mom or Dad came with you. You couldn't sleep unless your night-light was turned on. You didn't want to open up your closet fearing that the "Boogeyman" might take you away. Now, as a grown-up, you know a little better than to be scared for those reasons, but it's your children's turn now! Guess what though! This book written by Mary Beth and Steven Curtis Chapman will help put your children to ease as they go through their stage of "fear-of-the-dark." "Shaoey and Dot: A Thunder And Lightning Bug Story" is a great book that teaches children not to be afraid when the lights aren't turned on. It lets them know that God is there with them too, just like He is when the lights are on. It will help your kids to be brave and courageous - even in the most scariest dark places!

GREAT! .......2006-06-05

This is an amazing book written by Mr. Chapman. Your kids will LOVE it!

Shoaey, Dot, and All Who Have Ears To Hear.......2006-06-02

Seven years ago, we fans watched as the Chapman family embarked upon this journey called adoption. It didn't take long for us to see that God was making miraculous renovations within the hearts of this family. And today, they continue to be amongst the most sincerely passionate adoption advocates in the world. The love within this faithful family is astounding to observe. Even the Chapman's three biological children continue to show genuine signs of spiritual and emotional growth as they work, alongside Steven and Mary Beth to raise the three newer little members of their forever family. It is impossible to listen to the stories of their personal adoption journey without confronting the inescapable truth, that all of us were orphaned and without a home until the love of God "took us in". God is writing a poignant and powerful story, not only for lonely children living in orphanages on the other side of the world, but for lonely people of all ages, everywhere, who are still lost and searching for the only home that is truly "forever".

This third installment of the Shaoey and Dot book series is a precious and creatively written story that everyone will not only enjoy, but be moved to share. Even if adoption is not a part of your personal journey, this is a book that will warm your heart and beckon you back to the kind of childlike faith that first lead you to accept the love of your Heavenly Father. That, in itself, makes it well worth the retail price. But I must warn you: Don't be surprised to find that those adorable little almond-shaped eyes (beautifully illustrated by Mary Beth's brother, Jim Chapman) open up some space in your heart that you never knew existed before. You AND your child will want to read this one over and over again for many years to come, and this will be the book series that you hand down through the generations. I cannot recommend it highly enough.

Average customer rating:

Wonderful story
Favorite childs book on adoption!
Not the best book on adoption, but oh-so-sweet!
Not as good as other china adoption books
Nice and very colorfull true story

Shaoey and Dot: Bug Meets Bundle
Mary Beth and Steven Curtis Chapman
Manufacturer: Thomas Nelson
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Picture Books | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

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Shaoey and Dot: A Thunder and Lightning Bug Story (Shoey & Dot)
Little Miss Ladybug & Her Magical Red Thread
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I Don't Have Your Eyes

ASIN: 1400304822

Book Description

Shaoey & Dot: Bug Meets Bundle is an endearing tale told from the point of view of one little ladybug, Dot, who happens upon a mysterious bundle one sunny day. Dot stays with the little bundle as she is carried to the place "where babies come to be found" and promises to stay with the little one throughout her journeys toward getting a family. Written by Christian music artist Steven Curtis Chapman and his wife Mary Beth, this heartwarming tale is inspired by the true story of their adoption of three little girls from China and is a story of hope and faith for all families who have been blessed by a "lost little bundle of love."

Customer Reviews:

Wonderful story.......2007-09-26

This is a great little storybook for a child adopted in China. Very sensitive portral of abandonment and adoption issues for a young child. My grandaughter loved it. Hard to read without getting a lump in your throat though.

Favorite childs book on adoption!.......2007-05-16

Loved it - it was a great book, cute pictures & story.

Not the best book on adoption, but oh-so-sweet!.......2007-05-11

Shaoey and Dot is written by Mary Beth & Steven Curtis Chapman. The book was inspired by the true story of their adopton of a girl from China. Shaoey (pronounced SHOW-ee) is a little Chinese baby discovered by Dot, a little Chinese ladybug. Together the two embark on the journey of adoption. Told through rhyming verse, the book describes the orphanage and the first experiences of these two in their different environments. Dot acts as protector and comforter for this bundle she's found. It ends with both Shaoey and Dot going on an airplane with their new family to their new home.

Steven Curtis Chapman has won four Grammy Awards, forty-seven Dove Awards and one American Music Award. He and his wife, Mary Beth, have six children, including three girls adopted from China.

The book is illustrated by Jim Chapman, Mary Beth's brother. (Her maiden name was Chapman.) He and his wife have also adopted from China. His illustrations consist of line drawings and soft watercolor. They are endearing and detailed.

What I Like: There are a ton of children's books about adoption, but very few with a Christian perspective. This is one of them. I love the tenderness of this story. My sister was adopted from Korea, so adoption is close to my heart. Furthermore, all believers are adopted by God, so it is something I feel Christians should understand and embrace. This book is a wonderful way to introduce the concept to children. I like that it is truthful without giving too many details. The circumstances leading up to adoption are not always pleasant. This book does a wonderful job keeping everything positive. Also, the book reads easily. My daughter has me read it over and over.

What I Dislike: The illustrations are too sketchy and pastel for my taste. The illustrator is obviously very talented, but the quality seems inconsistent to me. Some parts are extremely detailed and interesting, while other parts of the same illustration seem rushed or incomplete. Also, the ending of the book seemed abrupt. The authors spent a lot of time telling us about Shaoey and her home in China, but no time telling us about her new family or her new home in America. I would love to see the book expanded (or a sequel) to describe her adjustments to her new life.

Overall Rating: Good.

Tanya -- Christian Children's Book Review

Not as good as other china adoption books.......2007-04-07

My daughter really did not get this one. We have other books related to China adoption that capture her attention more and focus on family.
This book just does not connect for her her or us as a family.

Nice and very colorfull true story.......2007-01-04

It's nice for younger kids and has a good true story.

Average customer rating:

A fun read for preschoolers!
Easy early reader book

Hooray for Polka Dots! (Blue's Clues)
Alison Inches
Manufacturer: Simon Spotlight/Nickelodeon
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0689872100

Book Description

Blue and her friends are going to the fair! But what will they do when some of the rides seem too scary?

Customer Reviews:

A fun read for preschoolers!.......2007-08-09

The text in this book is pretty basic; it seems appropriate for preschoolers learning to read.

Easy early reader book.......2007-03-21

My daughter loves this book. She is a kindergartener who so badly wants to read her books by herself. Unfortunately most level 1 books have a lot of words that she didn't know. This book was one of the easiest for her to read and she reads it to me over and over. She is so proud of herself for finally being able to read a "real" book by herself.
Would definitely recommend!

Some of My Best Friends Are Polka-Dot Pigs

Average customer rating:

Fun!
fun fun fun
Polka, polka, polka dot, whirly purple maisy!
Polka Polka Polka-Dot Whirly Purple Maisie
We all love this book - Mom, Dad, and kids

Some of My Best Friends Are Polka-Dot Pigs
Sara Anderson
Manufacturer: Sara Anderson
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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A Day at the Market
Noisy City Night: Handprint Books
Hey Diddle Diddle and Other Nursery Rhyme Favorites: Handprint Books (Felt Read-and-Play)
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ASIN: 0970278403

Amazon.com

Some of my best friends eat porcupine pie
Some of my best friends are in love with the sky

Birds of a feather flock together? Not in Sara Anderson's exuberant, rhyming picture book Some of My Best Friends Are Polka-Dot Pigs. In fact, some of her best friends are whirligigs and moppety maisies or happen to eat purple daisies in this jazzy celebration of diversity and friendship.

Anderson's bold, colorful, two-dimensional illustrations--reminiscent of Varnette P. Honeywood's work in the "Little Bill" books--are lively and expressive. Simple images at the beginning of the book (the polka-dot pigs and the whirligig, for example) gather, intermingle, and dance together in double-page spreads that echo the cumulative rhyme. As the finale nears we are treated to a visual and verbal extravaganza: "Sticky feet can't be neat / marching ants climb your pants / dress in red stay in bed / porcupine sky / many hats wacky bats / Can't fly don't cry / polka polka polka-dot / whirly purple maisie." This jaunty, rhythmic read-aloud makes us want to twirl around and shout! (And have pineapple feet.) (Preschool to age 6) --Karin Snelson

Book Description

A read-aloud book Some of My Best Friends Are Polka-Dot Pigs is narrated by a young artist. The book tells a delightful tale filled with silly shenanigans, charming nonsense rhymes, and brilliantly colored cut-paper pictures, all inspired by her diverse and lovable circle of best friends. It's a lively and touching tribute to the beauty of color, the joy of individuality, and the gift of friendship.

Sara Anderson's bright, bold artwork is the perfect compliment to her rhyming verse as she tickles the fancy of young children who already know that friendship has many shapes and sizes.

Customer Reviews:

Fun!.......2001-03-30

I found this book delightful and colorful!

So much so, that I recommended it to my Planetpals.com website readers and listed it in Earthzine monthly Ezine!

Can't wait for Sara's next book.

fun fun fun.......2000-10-22

catchy ..... alive and fun...fun...fun..a must have ...great imagination....

Polka, polka, polka dot, whirly purple maisy!.......2000-09-16

We checked this out of the library recently and since our 18 mo old son loves this book so much will be purchasing it. He says "hi" to the girl at the beginning, giggles at the pineapple feet and bopps along to the beat of the rhyme. It is as fun to read (perhaps even more fun to read) as it is to hear.

Polka Polka Polka-Dot Whirly Purple Maisie.......2000-08-16

A colorful and lovingly-worded little book dedicated to a real polka-dot pig named Toute-Toute will make you happy, tout de suite. It begs to be read aloud even if you are quite alone, but is best when shared. Sara Anderson shares her inventively-crafted world of rich color and verse, cut paper art, and imaginative characters: women in red, wacky bats, hillbillies and ants in a variety of hats, and my favorite, the moppety maisies and purple daises that remind me of my niece in California and NY Asters in the late fall. The poetic language is hypnotic to a delightful degree and the message of friendship, acceptance, and love never wanes or becomes old. You always feel lucky at the end to have spent time with an author who's given so much of herself. The artist in the book (in wellies and beret) makes and remakes the world as both author and character, waving her paint brush as if a magic wand or conductor's baton. So the book resonates on several levels, celebrating acts of artistic creation, choices about how to experience the world, and lastly, honoring friendship as a fine art.

We all love this book - Mom, Dad, and kids.......1999-10-29

Our infant boys love the bright colors and the playful, sing-song text. More importantly, it's a book that my husband and I love to read to them, over and over. This is by far our favorite children's book.

Usborne Second Big Dot-To-Dot Book (Dot-to-dot)

Average customer rating:

Entertainment for hours
The best dot-to-dot I've seen

Usborne Second Big Dot-To-Dot Book (Dot-to-dot)
K. Bryant-Mole
Manufacturer: Educational Development Corporation
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

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Alphabet Dot to Dot
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ASIN: 0746013779

Customer Reviews:

Entertainment for hours.......2002-09-02

This book kept my kids -- 3 1/2 and 5 years old -- entertained for hours. This book includes all the numbers at the bottom of each page, so it is easy to use for kids still learning how to count. There are many dot-to-dot pictures on each page, so there are plenty of pictures to complete. I highly recommend it.

The best dot-to-dot I've seen.......2000-07-17

This book offers a range of skill levels that allowed my 5YO tobuild his confidence, while giving him challenges as he progressed.He loved the colorful pictures and was excited to discover the next puzzle. He likes to color with markers, and we found the paper used in the book doesn't "bleed" like many other books we've tried. I would highly recommend this book to any parent who is trying to teach their child numbers.

Ponder Meets the Polka-Dots (Hays, Richard. Noah's Park.)

Average customer rating:

Ponder Meets the Polka-Dots (Hays, Richard. Noah's Park.)
Richard Hays
Manufacturer: Faith Kidz
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Picture Books | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

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Dreamer and the Mystery of Cozy Cave (Hays, Richard. Noah's Park.)
Stretch's Treasure Hunt (Hays, Richard. Noah's Park.)
Ivory and the Blueberry Turtle (Hays, Richard. Noah's Park.)
Honk Finds a Moon Beam (Noah's Park)
Camels Don't Fly (Hays, Richard. Noah's Park.)

ASIN: 0781433770

Book Description

Richard Hays illustrated by Chris Sharp

The latest books in this endearing original series is loaded with
laughs, memorable lessons and lovable characters that children absolutely adore.

• Teaches children biblical lessons like kindness, courage, and
belonging to the family of God

• Helps youngsters develop an appreciation for Scripture

• Uses warm characters to reach your children

Average customer rating:

A simple yet fun read-aloud story for parents to share with children.
Every child's dream

The Curious Polka~Dot Present
Cheri L. Hallwood
Manufacturer: Forever Young Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0977442217

Product Description

A wonderfully heart-warming story filled with imagination and excitement. Feel the curiosity grow as a little girl receives a mysterious present in the mail, just in time for her birthday. Share in her delight as she discovers the special gift inside was made by someone very dear to her . . . her Grandma. With it's playful rhyming text and brilliant illustrations, this simple and charming story is sure to be enjoyed by grandchildren of all ages.

Customer Reviews:

A simple yet fun read-aloud story for parents to share with children........2007-09-07

The Curious Polka-Dot Present is a charming picturebook about a young girl who receives a mysterious present - large, oddly shaped, covered in polka-dot wrapping. She wonders what could possibly be inside, until she opens it and discovered it's a birthday present from her grandmother - a big soft doll hand-made to look just like her! Illustrated with warm color illustrations featuring soft purple, blue, pink and yellow highlights, The Curious Polka-Dot Present is a simple yet fun read-aloud story for parents to share with children.

Every child's dream.......2007-08-21

Every child dreams of that 'surprise present' for their birthday or special day. This book is about a little girl who receives a surprise present in the mail. The verses are lovely, and pique curiosity right to the end. The ending is wonderfully warm. The illustrations are beautiful and text leads the eye from one page to the next.

I highly recommend Cheri L. Hallwood's book, The Curious Polka-Dot Present to anyone with small children. Grandmothers would especially appreciate this for sharing with their young grandchildren.

Ferocious Animals Dot-to-Dot (Dot to Dot)

Average customer rating:

Ferocious Animals Dot-to-Dot (Dot to Dot)
James Halligan
Manufacturer: Sterling
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Ages 9-12 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 1402711271

Book Description

Fierce and wild and deadly: that's what these animals are, predators with claws, sharp teeth, and sometimes poison. Children might not want to meet them in real life, but they'll love seeing these creatures emerge on the page, in dot-to-dots. More than 20 ferocious examples range from flying vampire bats to orca whales, from african lions and grizzly bears to tarantulas and piranhas.

Average customer rating:

Sensitivity, Understanding & Problem Solving

The Night Search
Kate Chamberlin
Manufacturer: Jason & Nordic Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 094472731X

Customer Reviews:

Sensitivity, Understanding & Problem Solving.......2000-08-31

The Night Search is an excellent classroom tool for discussion, geared to younger grade school children. The story is told in a way that sighted children can really relate to and understand. The frustrations, emotions and problems that a vision impaired child learns to overcome are presented in a universal way. Any child could relate their own daily challenges to the character, Heather, in this story. Teaching children the process of solving problems and letting them know they are capable of doing so - is the most valuable tool we can give them. This book really helps build on the qualities of self reliance and perseverance. It's wonderful to have a book available with such an uplifting message for children - and to have it available in twin digit format is really great!

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