The Art Lesson
by Tomie dePaola

Why You will like this book

Tomie dePaola is very well known both for his illustrations and as an author of children’s books. The Art Lesson is fictional picture-book that seems autobiographical. Tomie (Tommy) is 5 or 6 in this story. His extended family frame his art work and hang it all over the house and workplace. Tommy can’t wait to go to first grade when he can be in a real art class. When the time comes for art, he discovers he can’t use his own crayons and is expected to copy what the teacher draws.

What I appreciated was Tommy and the teacher's ability to compromise and find a solution making art class even better for Tommy.

Synopsis

The Art Lesson written and illustrated by Tomie dePaola is picture book for 5 - 8 year olds. Tommy who is very creative at home anticipates with excitement his first grade art class. When he attends his first class, he has to face some disappointment. By persevering and doing some compromising, Tommy is able to pursue his dream.

Description

Tomie dePaola’s wonderful, colorful, expressive illustrations create a children's art book that almost needs no text. This is a story of a creative child who enters first grade with much anticipation. When he arrives he encounters rules and kindly, but unbending teachers who, if they had remained unyielding, might have squelched his dream. Tommy’s obvious love of art is able to sway the art teacher encouraging her to compromise. Tommy’s creativity and love of art continues undiminished.

What others said about this book

"Inventive and revealing, dePaola provides a lyrical blend of text and art. This is an inspired and child-like offering, perhaps one of dePaola’s best." ---Publishers Weekly