A couple years ago, Caramel reviewed Stink: The Incredible Shrinking Kid, a 2005 book written by Megan McDonald and illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds. Soon after, Marshmallow reviewed Judy Moody Goes to College, yet another book written by McDonald and illustrated by Reynolds. But Peter Reynolds is not just an illustrator who works on other people’s books; he has his own books as well. Today Marshmallow reviews one of his most cherished books, The Dot, on its twentieth anniversary. Sprinkles is taking notes and asking questions.
Sprinkles: So Marshmallow, can you tell us a bit about this book?
Marshmallow: This is a book about creativity and artistic expression, even when you do not think you have it in you to be creative.
S: That is a neat recap of this book Marshmallow. So maybe let us go a bit into details. What exactly is the plot?
M: There is a little kid named Vashti and she thinks she cannot draw. So at the end of art class, her paper is still empty. And her teacher says, just make a mark and see where it takes you. And so she does. She stabs the paper and makes a dot.
S: Okay, then what happens?
M: Her teacher tells her to sign it.
S: Just a dot?
M: Yes.
S: Then what happens?
M: Well, I don’t want to give away the full story, but her teacher supports Vashti by showing that she values Vashti’s work even when Vashti does not think much of it. And then Vashti gets inspired to create more and more. And in the end, we see her encouraging another young person like her, who believes they are not creative at all, by telling them to “just make a mark and see where it takes you”.
S: So the idea is that you just get started, and then things go from there. Right?
M: Yep. You do not have to feel creative, you do not have to think you know what you are doing. But just get started, and just make your mark. The rest will follow.
S: The author / illustrator dedicated this book to Mr. Matson, his seventh grade math teacher who “dared” him “to make [his] mark”. So even though the book is about art, it could be seen as a fable that is about any other thing we are not confident about, no?
M: Yes, I think so. I think the book is really inspiring.
S: I agree. What do you think of the illustrations and the visual aspects of the book?
M: I really like Peter Reynolds’ style. It is very simple, minimalistic, and sparse. But with the very few strokes of his pen, he draws really effective images.
S: Agreed.
M: I also like the way he uses color. Most of the book is in black and white but there are several well-placed splashes of color, which bring attention to specific items on the page. They add a lot to the feel of the whole book. By the way, the illustrations were apparently done with water color, ink, and tea. I wonder how he uses tea.
S: I have no idea!
M: I would like to know. But anyways, all in all I think this is a really neat book.
S: I agree. But Marshmallow, this is a picture book, and you do not review picture books much anymore. Do you perhaps not think this is for young bunnies only?
M: No, I think it can be inspirational for any bunny. Everyone needs some encouragement now and then.
S: Alright, that works for me. Maybe it is time to wrap up this review. What do you want to tell our readers?
M: Stay tuned for more amazing reviews from the book bunnies!
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