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By Peter H. Reynolds

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The Dot is about a young girl named Vashti. Who is doubting her ability to draw. One day after art class was over Vashti was sitting alone with an empty paper. When her teacher approached her and told her to "make a mark and see where it takes you." Vashti took a maker and mad a dot after she had done this her teacher told her to sign it. The next day when Vashti walked in to class the next week her "dot" was hanging on the wall with a gold frame around it. This then made Vashti determined to make a a better dot than the one that was framed. After this she kept making more and more dots in different colors and sizes. Vashti even made a not dot. In the end all of her dots are put up at the art show which is where she inspires a little boy to draw. She does this by the same exact way her teacher inspired her. Instead of a dot he made a squiggle and signed it.

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Peter Reynolds is an amazing author and illustrator.  He also is the founder of FableVision. He has written and illustrated over 10 books. He has illustrated over 25 book some of which include the Judy Moody series and Stink series.   Below is a link to Peter's website. As Peter mentions on his website The Dot is #15 in 100 greatest books for kids list by scholastic parent and child magazine.

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Thanks for dropping by my on-line studio/gallery/cafe. : )

Although I'm a fan of sitting in cafes, sketching on paper, splashing real paint, and talking face to face... this is a great way to get to know my work, my mission and me a bit better.

Peek "behind-the-scenes" at my newest projects before the rest of the world sees them. Read some of my stories. Thumb through my journal to see my private poems and doodles. Drop me a line. Check out my tips on how to inspire your own CREATIVE SPIRIT and those around you.

My hope is that my site can also inspire you to get to that project you've been meaning to do. While I find great joy in drawing, thinking, writing, painting, and sharing, what really makes me happy is seeing OTHER people enjoying the same feeling. I want to help remind you to keep a journal, write that poem, story or book, paint that painting, as well as use your talents and energy to "make your mark."

I've got lots to share. Stroll through the site and let me know what sparked you. Or what you'd like to see. This is a work in progress... so keep coming back. : )

Cheers,
Peter

To learn more about Peter: My Mission My Blog My Photo Album Outside Webpages
About, or Affiliated with, Peter

FableVision- my brother's and my media company, located on the 6th floor of the Children's Museum in Boston.

The Blue Bunny Books and Toys - my family's bookstore in Dedham, MA.

Fitchburg State College - I'm a proud FSC alumnus!
Verizon Foundation Community Champions
Everbody Wins Metro Boston - a non-profit literacy and mentoring organization serving the communities of Greater Boston. I'm on the EWMB Board of Trusties.

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Thanks for dropping by my on-line studio/gallery/cafe. : ) Although I'm a fan of sitting in cafes, sketching on paper, splashing real paint, and talking face to face... this is a great way to get to know my work, my mission and me a bit better.

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Vashti's teacher inspired Vashti to love art.

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Vashti inspires this boy to draw like her teacher inspired her.

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Vashti is the main character in this story.

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10 Amazing Art Projects Inspired by “The Dot”

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Amazing things can happen with just one dot.

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More ways to use The Dot in the classroom.

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More ways to use The Dot in the classroom.

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Have you heard about International Dot Day? It's celebrated on September 15th, and it's all about encouraging kids to discover how they can make a difference. Why is it called "Dot Day"? To find out, read the book that inspired this special day!

, written by Peter Reynolds, is a short picture book suitable for all ages. It's the story Vashti, who became upset in art class because she didn't think she could draw. Her teacher challenged her to "Just make a mark and see where it takes you." So Vashti defiantly jabbed the paper and made a dot, and what happened after that shows how one simple act can snowball into something big.

If you haven't read the book, you can listen to a quick YouTube video of it before you read this post. If you like it, order a copy of The Dot now so you'll have it in time for Dot Day! If it's too late to order a paper or hardback copy, you can purchase the Kindle version and display it digitally for your class.

The Dot is a simple book, but it's definitely one with a message to share. Actually, it has several important messages. Children will be able to relate to the central theme about "making a mark" and making a difference. As a teacher, I was also reminded about how important it is for us to support our students and believe in them. Vashti's teacher honored her simple dot by framing the signed picture, and this small bit of encouragement was enough to help Vashti discover a hidden talent.

International Dot Day Resources

I had heard from several friends about International Dot Day, so after I read The Dot, I began looking for resources online to support this event. Boy, did I find them! Peter Reynolds is the founder of Fablevision Learning, and they've created a website full of resources for teachers to use when reading the book to students and celebrating Dot Day.

The best place to begin on the official Dot Day Website is the " Getting Started" page, and from there you can sign up to get this amazing free Educator's Handbook. It's 16 pages long and includes a letter of introduction from Peter Reynolds and a great collection of ideas for celebrating International Dot Day. Here are some other ideas to get you started.

Ideas for Celebrating Dot Day or Dot Week

Read and Discuss The Dot After you read the book aloud to your students, you can use this free set of International Dot Day Discussion Cards to spark discussion. Printable and digital task cards are included. You may want discuss these questions in a whole group setting first, and then use them as writing prompts later. This freebie includes a link to a Dot Day Virtual Journal that you can use as a follow-up activity after your discussion.

Host a Dot Day Virtual Group Chat! My International Dot Day Freebie includes links to a Google Slides Virtual Chat that I created with digital versions of the discussion cards. Each of the 8 slides has one discussion question in the center surrounded by text boxes where students can type their responses.

Create Dot Artwork Use some of the suggestions in the Educator's Handbook to have students create dot artwork individually or with a group. Since I'm a big fan of cooperative learning, I especially liked the Buddy Dot idea on page 9. What a unique idea!

Participate in Skype in the Classroom See page 13 in the Educator's Handbook for details about how to get involved.

Use Technology to Animate Dot Drawings If you have an iPad with a camera, students can use technology to bring their colored dot drawings to life. Read this blog post about the free ColAR app that can transform 2D coloring pages into 3D animations. It's absolutely amazing, and I know that students will love seeing their own artwork transformed this way! Be sure to watch the short video demonstration to see how it works. The app is free and the Dot Day coloring page is free, too.

Share YOUR Celebration Ideas!

If you have celebrated this event in the past or have special plans for celebrating it this year, please share your tips and strategies with us. It's one small way you can make your mark!

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Make Your Mark on International Dot Day!

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Have you heard about International Dot Day? It's celebrated on September 15th, and it's all about encouraging kids to discover how they can make a difference. Why is it called "Dot Day"? To find out, read the book that inspired this special day! , written by Peter Reynolds, is a short picture book suitable for all ages.

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I immediately feel in love with this book when it was introduced to me last year.  I was introduced to this book when I was helping out in a classroom back home. I love this book because there is so much you can do with it in the classroom. This book can be used in all grades which makes this book so amazing. I would rate this book a 10/10 in all areas weather it is in illustrations or the writing of the book.