Fuse 8 n’ Kate: The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds
I’m a terrible cheat. I haven’t done this in a long time. I broke our rule that we wouldn’t consider a book less than 20 years old for this podcast. But today’s book is 19 years old so is it really breaking the rule or, rather, stretching it to its limit? The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds is a book that gives me the impetus to declare, “All teachers know this book.” That is, insofar as I’m concerned, a true fact. Today, we look a little closer at the story where the kid who says they’re not into art gets a private showing of 28 pieces. Does this book deserve the sheer amount of attention and acclaim that it’s attained in the intervening 19 years since its publication? Gotta listen and see.
Listen to the whole show here on Soundcloud or download it through iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, Google Play, PlayerFM, or your preferred method of podcast selection.
Show Notes:
Today’s book may be the first we’ve done that has its own holiday. Curious about International Dot Day? Check it out at its own website. A bit lacking on its own history, and parts need to be updated, but still cool.
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“Stab” or “jab”? What would you label this physical action?
Kate and I are trying to work out why the dot page here has these little blue swirls on it. Our best working theory at the moment is that it wasn’t just framed but was framed under glass. This indicates reflections on the glass.
Extra points for Negative Space Dot.
Thoughts are hard to draw. Reynolds does a nice job of showing them congealing in a brain.
I mention that the upcoming title Peace Train is coming out May 11th and is credited to “Cat Stevens” as the author. I’m a little amused that the cover declares loudly, “#1 New York Times Bestseller” before the darned book has even come out. I figure it’s referring to Peter, but it’s phrased rather broadly. One could be forgiven for assuming it means this book itself.
Betsy Recommends: Dear Hank and John
Kate Recommends: A Bridgerton Experience
Filed under: Fuse 8 n' Kate
About Betsy Bird
Betsy Bird is currently the Collection Development Manager of the Evanston Public Library system and a former Materials Specialist for New York Public Library. She has served on Newbery, written for Horn Book, and has done other lovely little things that she'd love to tell you about but that she's sure you'd find more interesting to hear of in person. Her opinions are her own and do not reflect those of EPL, SLJ, or any of the other acronyms you might be able to name. Follow her on Twitter: @fuseeight.
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Maybe all elementary teachers know this one? Not one that I have read, but I do very few picture books.
Hope you get a chance to read it : ) It’s a quick read, but has a message I feel passionately about. Being able to see potential in a person even before they can see it themselves. <3
And, if you listen to the podcast itself, in spite of being a sprightly 19 years old, we give it some “classic” props.
Phewwwww. I loved doing The Dot when I taught preschool! For any commenters looking for a fun project – cover a round table with bulletin board paper. You’ll need 2 pieces for a large preschool table. Tape it down securely so it won’t wiggle. Put out ALL of the drawing stuff – crayons, markers, dot bottles, oil pastels, naked crayons for rubbing – all of it. Leave it out until the whole table is covered with color. Then, take a black naked crayon and rub it along the edge of the table, all the way around several times to make a bold outline. Untape the paper and – voila – a HUGE collaborative dot. Post it by the front door of your school for Back to School Night – so impressive! You’re welcome.
I love that!
Peace Train came out May 11 of last year. I think that’s why it bears the bestseller moniker. Either way, PHR deserves every bit of attention he is granted!
Mystery solved! Shows how closely I was paying attention when I grabbed that image. Thank you!