Seeing storytelling as an effective way to get a message through to young children, the REED Foundation initiates the One Big Canvas book series to help promote understanding for individuals with autism. Learn about the first two books in the series and enter to win a wonderful prize pack!
My Review
In book one The Masterpiece, a team of paintbrushes gather together to create a masterpiece on a big canvas. Not all of them can stay focused though. For instance, Estelle can't help rocking back and forth and singing continuously with a single, low note; Byron keeps painting in circles; Lee suddenly loses control and starts screaming and spinning around, scattering paint all over the place. But no one makes a fuss or makes fun of them. Instead, the other members, under the leadership of Reese, come up with creative ways to support the special ones and make sure they feel like part of the team.
The second book The Molding of Clay follows the visit of special guest Clay to the art studio after the masterpiece is completed. Unaware of the unique makeup of the paintbrush team, Clay gets surprised and confused at first by some of the members, such as Paul, who seems unusually disturbed by loud sounds, and Jerry, who tends to repeat everything he knows about what he is passionate about. After being reminded to be kind and considerate, Clay quickly learns to play along nicely with his new friends.
Written in lyrical rhyming verse, both books feature whimsical illustrations characterized by rich vibrant colors, nuanced facial expressions and gestures suggestive of behavioral differences. The paintbrushes are easily distinguished by their differences in color, height, hairstyle, and initials inscribed around their collars. All these intriguing details help young readers follow the stories and feel connected to the characters.
The series does a stellar job of delivering the message about kindness, compassion, acceptance and teamwork. The stories not only help young readers understand that their autistic peers might act differently not because they are being naughty, but also show how we could help them make progress without hurting their feelings. I look forward to seeing more fun stories being added to this thoughtful, educational series.
About the Books
One Big Canvas: The Masterpiece
Written by Jay Miletsky
Illustrated by Luis Peres
Ages 3-9 | 24 Pages
Publisher: New Paige Press | ISBN-13: 978-0578496382
Join a spunky collection of paintbrushes as they set out to create a grand masterpiece.
When some of the brushes don’t cooperate, is it because they are misbehaving…or is there another reason entirely? In this story, young readers are introduced to some of the behavioral differences in their autistic peers.
Without ever mentioning any particular challenge or disability by name, this story helps children recognize and understand what autism is, and impress upon them the importance of showing kindness to those who are different, wrapped into a fun story with lighthearted, engaging characters.
They worked through the day, then stopped and admired,
the wisdom their now-painted canvas inspired:
their painting was perfect, It all meshed just fine,
with its colorful circles, and angry green line.
It was a true masterpiece, not one thing was wrong,
including the hum of their single-note song.
Order a copy on Amazon
One Big Canvas: The Molding of Clay
Written by Jay Miletsky
Illustrated by Luis Peres
Ages 3-9 | 24 Pages
Publisher: New Paige Press | ISBN-13: 978-0578496382
The brushes are back! Join Reese, Estelle and the rest of the gang in the art studio in another adventure as they learn the value of kindness and understanding.
When Clay comes to visit from the other side of the art studio, the brushes are excited to welcome their friend. But when a few of the brushes start acting differently, Clay needs to be reminded that it’s important to be accepting:
“Some brushes are different, so we like to remind,
it’s kind to be caring, so take care to be kind.”
Will Clay leave the brushes in frustration, or will he learn to mold his thinking as he comes to understand and accept that brushes have different abilities and challenges? Without ever mentioning autism or any particular disability, The Molding of Clay helps introduce children to the behavioral differences of their autistic peers, creating an opportunity for discussion. It helps teachers and parents impress upon them the importance of understanding, acceptance and kindness, through a fun, lighthearted story with quirky and colorful characters.
Order a copy on Amazon
About the Foundation
The REED Foundation for Autism is committed to providing individuals with autism the opportunity to learn, live, work and thrive at every stage of their lives. For more information, please visit www.reedfoundationforautism.org.
One grand prize winner will receive a One Big Canvas Prize Pack!
It includes:
- A hardcover copy of One Big Canvas: The Masterpiece
- A hardcover copy of One Big Canvas: The Molding of Clay
- A $50 Amazon gift card
Two additional winners will each receive hardcover copies of both books in the One Big Canvas series!
Giveaway ends 5/23. Open to US 13+ only. Please complete your entries below. Good luck!
a Rafflecopter giveaway Disclosure: This is a sponsored post in partnership with The Children’s Book Review and the REED Foundation for Autism. All views and opinions expressed are my own. icefairy's Treasure Chest is not responsible for winner selection or prize fulfillment.
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