Sign in with Facebook
Loading...
La Clase de Dibujo
Ever since he can remember, Tommy has wanted to be an artist. Day and night, he paints anything he wants to, until one day, his art teacher asks the students to copy what she is drawing. Tommy draws something original instead. Based on his own life, dePaola's inspirational story encourages children to be creative and persistent.
Hardcover, 32 pages
Published
May 1st 1996
by Everest Publishing
(first published January 1st 1989)
Friend Reviews
To see what your friends thought of this book,
please sign up.
This book is not yet featured on Listopia.
Add this book to your favorite list »
Community Reviews
(showing
1-30
of
1,531)
This is a short autobiographical work about the artist author, and about how even as a boy he was an artist. It did bring me back to how I valued those boxes of Crayola 64 colors of crayons. (When I was a bit older and found boxes with an even bigger color selection of crayons, I was in art heaven.) I was a bit bothered by the form of the resolution this story had re the boy’s “permission” to be a the artist he was as a first grader, although Tomie dePaola certainly did ok with his background, s...more
2 likes · like · see review
view all 18 comments
Jun 14, 2008
Janelle
rated it
5 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
budding artist, fans of Tomie dePaola
Recommended to Janelle by:
LeVar Burton
Shelves:
reading-rainbow-books,
children-s-books
Tomie dePaola is one of my favorite children's author/illustrators. I love that this book is about how he became an artist.
It also discussed how other children have other hobbies and interests and talents, and how one finds a balance between conformity/following rules, and individuality. The main focus is on how Tommy (Tomie) develops and shares his talents with the world (including through this book)
I especially loved the reference to the 64 box of Crayola crayons because everyone knows the Cr...more
It also discussed how other children have other hobbies and interests and talents, and how one finds a balance between conformity/following rules, and individuality. The main focus is on how Tommy (Tomie) develops and shares his talents with the world (including through this book)
I especially loved the reference to the 64 box of Crayola crayons because everyone knows the Cr...more
My college professor read this to us in my "Art of the Picture Book" class. It is another great story from the life of Tomie de Paola. He knows he wants to be an artist when he grows up, so he draws pictures everywhere - once even on his sheets until his mom finds out. When he gets to school, he is excited to have art lessons with a real art teacher, but then finds out he is required to use school crayons, use only one sheet of paper, and COPY what the teacher draws for them. He does work out a...more
This is one of my two books written by Tommy dePaola for my author study:
This gentle book tells the early story of the world famous artist and author Tommy dePaola.
The illustrations in the story are very similar to others in Tommy's books. His characters are slightly cartoonish, yet the characters, especially in this story, maintain their ethnic characteristics. The soft color palette and gentle pencil and colored pencil illustrations seem to capture Tommy's gentle, but driven personality.
This...more
This gentle book tells the early story of the world famous artist and author Tommy dePaola.
The illustrations in the story are very similar to others in Tommy's books. His characters are slightly cartoonish, yet the characters, especially in this story, maintain their ethnic characteristics. The soft color palette and gentle pencil and colored pencil illustrations seem to capture Tommy's gentle, but driven personality.
This...more
A cute little book that teaches children to do what they are passionate about and to never give on their dreams. I loved this book because it showed a child growing up and doing what he always wanted to do, draw. ‘Tommy’, is passionate about drawing and has always been encouraged by his family in creating wonderful pictures. He loved to draw his own pictures however when he started art lessons in school, this wasn’t always the case. He found his teacher dictated him into drawing what she wanted...more
The Art Lesson is a story about a boy, named Tommy, who inspires to be an artist when he gets older. He loves to draw and does so all the time for his family to hang up and look at. He learned from his sisters who are artists as well, that he should never copy work from others, but be creative and make his own drawings. When he gets to school he gets let down multiple times. First, they are doing paintings. "If it was windy when Tommy carried his picture home, the paint blew right off the paper....more
This story is a reflection of Tomie dePaola’s early introduction to the world of art while at school. He does a very nice job of showing his love of drawing with illustrations of himself drawing on the sheets undercover with a flashlight and onto the walls of his house. He speaks of the vibrant colors in his box of crayons with shades of “red-orange and blue-violet.” The book also reveals some of his early frustration with the teaching of art. Tomie dePaola conveys that he was told by his teache...more
Welcome to "Heather over-analyzes a children's book yet again!"
I got this book at the library because I thought Margaret would like it. She's in a coloring phase and thought it would go well with that.
The story started off nice enough. His parents and family are supportive of his desire to do art. When Tomie gets to kindergarten, he finds the quality of the art supplies disheartening. It was a nice reminder: it's probably better that my kids have a few good art supplies than a lot of crappy ones...more
I got this book at the library because I thought Margaret would like it. She's in a coloring phase and thought it would go well with that.
The story started off nice enough. His parents and family are supportive of his desire to do art. When Tomie gets to kindergarten, he finds the quality of the art supplies disheartening. It was a nice reminder: it's probably better that my kids have a few good art supplies than a lot of crappy ones...more
Tomie dePaola, the prolific author and illustrator, of more than 250 picture books has created a unique blend of fiction and autobiography in The Art Lesson. Similar to Nana Upstairs and Nana Downstairs, this book resonates with its reader. My five year old daughter, who happens to “want to be an artist when she grows up”, absolutely adored this book. It has found a permanent home on her bookshelves and I believe inspired her.
The Art Lesson tells the story of a young Tomie dePaola and his passio...more
The Art Lesson tells the story of a young Tomie dePaola and his passio...more
Mar 24, 2011
Dolly
rated it
4 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
parents reading with their children
Shelves:
2011,
biography,
childrens,
art,
gardens-flowers,
education-school,
ireland-irish,
italy,
nonfiction,
pets,
thanksgiving
This is a fun tale that shows the beginnings of Tomie dePaola's interest in drawing and his early years as an artist. The illustrations are classic dePaola and I love the characters from some of his other stories featured in the pictures in the background. The story also offers a glimpse into his family's background, with Irish and Italian extended family members, a stay-at-home mother and a father who is a dentist. The story is interesting; I love that it shows the frustration of a young child...more
Jan 23, 2012
Patty Valencia
rated it
4 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
children-picture
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
I absolutely LOVE Tomie dePaola's books, but this is my absolute favourite of them all!
My son is half Italian and half Portuguese. These books were perfect for his half Italian side. The Strega Nona books are among this favourite childhood books (my son was born in 1991 so you see, he is no longer a child).
However, I, being an artist, myself, really related to this book. I loved this book so much that I made a recording of me reading it to give as Christmas gifts (along with the book) to my art...more
My son is half Italian and half Portuguese. These books were perfect for his half Italian side. The Strega Nona books are among this favourite childhood books (my son was born in 1991 so you see, he is no longer a child).
However, I, being an artist, myself, really related to this book. I loved this book so much that I made a recording of me reading it to give as Christmas gifts (along with the book) to my art...more
I enjoyed this book by Tomie dePaola. I didn't realize it was a true story based on the author until the very end when I went and read the inside cover and the dedications. I wasn't the biggest fan of the illustration type, but I think children would love it. The colors are great and vibrant, and the pictures are fun to look at because dePaola mentions what he draws in the text of the story. I liked what the author was trying to tell his audience, not only a story about himself, but about the im...more
Sep 19, 2012
Lauren Burrell
rated it
2 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
picture-story-books
This story tells the tale of a young student Tommy who thinks he wants to be an artist when he grows up. He is so excited to start his art lessons at school but is disappointed when he realizes they aren't what he expected. He doesn't like all the teacher's rules but finally works out a compromise so that he can continue to follow his goal of being an artist. The book was ok but not memorable. I didn't really like how limiting the teacher in the story was it almost seemed to discourage kids from...more
Year Published: 1989
Age Level: Grades PreK-3
I love Tomie dePaola books. When I was in college and taking education classes is when I first introduced to these books. I loved the illustrations that Tomie created and how he was able to craft a book sometimes as just a fun story and other times to teach a lesson. When I taught 2nd graders, I made sure to have lots of Tomie dePaola books in my classroom so everyone could read them. His pictures are so detailed and really help to tell the story. Kids...more
Age Level: Grades PreK-3
I love Tomie dePaola books. When I was in college and taking education classes is when I first introduced to these books. I loved the illustrations that Tomie created and how he was able to craft a book sometimes as just a fun story and other times to teach a lesson. When I taught 2nd graders, I made sure to have lots of Tomie dePaola books in my classroom so everyone could read them. His pictures are so detailed and really help to tell the story. Kids...more
Feb 19, 2013
Shamilah Gillani
rated it
4 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
3601-literacy-books,
3601-feel-good
The main character, Tommy, is based off of real life artist Tomie dePaola's experience when he was a child. "The Art Lesson" is about a child who loves art and is really excited about his art specials, but is disappointed by all the rules that the teacher presents. The teacher encourages him to be creative, but still follow the rules. I think this is such a cute book to read to students before they go to specials or before we do any art activities. Students can learn that with perseverance and p...more
This is a nice, simple story, very much an encouraging and teaching book, adorned with the always-tender paintings of Tomie dePaola. I seemed to sense an extra dimension of warmth to this story, probably because of how personal it is to Tomie dePaola, a budding artist from a young age who grew to do wonderful things for young readers.
Take this little story out every once and a while and read it to yourself, or to some kids, and let yourself be reassured by it once again. I am very fond of this...more
Take this little story out every once and a while and read it to yourself, or to some kids, and let yourself be reassured by it once again. I am very fond of this...more
Jan 26, 2012
Samantha
rated it
4 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Recommended to Samantha by:
Alexandria King
Shelves:
elementary-school,
reviewed
The reason I enjoyed this book so much, was because everything Tommy went through was true. Teachers are really like that. Schools run that way. I went through it and I hated it. I would get in trouble in the ways Tommy did, and its sad that things have to be that way. However, Tommy knows what he wants to do and he doesn't give up his dream. he continually works harder and harder to achieve his goal. This story is inspiring and also contains gorgeous illustrations. A wonderful read for children...more
This is a wonderfully cute story about the early life of famous author and artist Tomie de Paola. I really enjoyed this book because it shows us a story about a boy who is so passionate about a subject, art, and never gives up on it. Despite the rules and boundaries he encounters when he goes to art at school, he is able to work out a compromise with his art teacher, allowing him to draw more freely and openly. This would be an adorable story to read to students in art or even before students go...more
I'm in the minority not totally bowled over by this autobiographical picture book by Tomie DePaola. While it is nice to see a child know from a young age what he wants to do with his life and see the proud support of his family, his school experience bites---with paint that blows away in the wind and a teacher who tells him to take his crayons home. I guess the beauty of the book is that despite all this, he succeeds. Still, not one that I would pick for storytime sharing!
Jun 12, 2013
Fjóla
rated it
2 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
children-s-books,
kids-inspirational
I like the pictures fine but something about the story rubbed me the wrong way. In fact, I found most of it quite irrelevant, detailed facts about an experience the author had with an art teacher during his childhood. Not sure what the message is aside from you-may-run-into-stupid-people-in-life and don't think kids will care all that much. I mean, it's great that he pulled through it, but what exactly is he trying to communicate to children with this book?
If I were the art teacher, this is what I would have been thinking… Hmmm, this young man is clearly passionate about art. Oh, what can I do? I can’t let him do his own thing all the time, or else I’ll never have control of this room again. I don’t really understand why Mrs. Landers made such a big deal about his crayons. What can I do? I don’t want to crush his sweet spirit and determination. Ah, I’ve got it! First he has to do my project, which shouldn’t take him much time, and then he can do a...more
Mar 21, 2011
Auttumn C
rated it
4 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
children-s-picture-books,
1st-day-of-school
Tomie dePaola is one of my new favorite authors. His illustrations are adult and kid friendly. I used this book as an introductory lesson on my first day in third grade. I used it as a read aloud and then asked the students to write down three hobbies that they like and then draw me a picture. I also did the same acitity and shared and once everyone was finished we all shared them. I was a great lesson and I love looking back and reading their hobbies! :)
Feb 18, 2013
Tasasha Battle
rated it
5 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
pictures-tell-a-lot
Tommy is a little boy that has found a passion for drawing. He waits in anticipation for kindergarten year when he can take art lessons by a real art teacher. However, he find that art class and school was not really what he thought. This book can be used in a multitude of ways. One way is as a tool that shows students how powerful a picture can be in expression an idea. It is evident by dePaola's illustrations as well as Tommy's drawings.
Nov 01, 2010
Ashley Wampler
rated it
4 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
tomie-depaola,
prediction-books
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
This book is good for students interested in art. It tells a story of a boy who is passionate about art and overcomes hurdles, such as only receiving one piece of paper for a project, but continues to stick with it because it is what he loves to do. I think this is an important message because children should follow their dreams no matter what obstacles stand in the way, which is what Tomie dePaola is trying to say with this story.
The Art Lesson by Tomie dePaola is a story about a boy and his experiences relating to art in school. I appreciate this story because it's very relatable to how some children must feel when they are at school. This story displays the frustration they can feel, yet also offers a way to compromise or cope with the restrictions that they may be faced with. The characters in the story are extremely relatable. This only adds to its appeal to nursery and primary school children who may be going throug...more
Young Tommy didn’t want to do anything but draw. He freely drew at home. For his birthday, he got a box of Crayola crayons. In school his teacher wouldn’t let him use the crayons. Tommy was disappointed about the restrictions on drawing he had at school. Even though he was frustrated with his art class, he drew and drew. He still draws, even now when he is elderly.
This book is very creative. The author ties the story back to himself so it is like and autobiography. I think the pictures in the book are very well done. They give so much detail in the grass and the little boy, Tommys hair. The book is a longer read though and therefore i feel like it would be better for a little bit older students, maybe 4th and 5th grade.
What I believe to be Tomie dePaola's life story. A young Tomie dePaola is excited to begin school because of art class. Yet, when his dreams of art class are destroyed by a teacher who doesn't let the students be creative, the little boy doesn't let this bring him down. This is a cute story that students love and helps teach perseverance and believing in yourself.
There are no discussion topics on this book yet.
Be the first to start one »
Tomie dePaola (pronounced Tommy da-POW-la) is best known for his books for children.
He's been published for 40 years and has written and/or illustrated over 200 books, including 26 Fairmount Avenue, Strega Nona, and Meet the Barkers.
Tomie dePaola and his work have been recognized with the Caldecott Honor Award, the Newbery Honor Award and the New Hampshire Governor's Arts Award of Living Treasure....more
More about Tomie dePaola...
He's been published for 40 years and has written and/or illustrated over 200 books, including 26 Fairmount Avenue, Strega Nona, and Meet the Barkers.
Tomie dePaola and his work have been recognized with the Caldecott Honor Award, the Newbery Honor Award and the New Hampshire Governor's Arts Award of Living Treasure....more
Share This Book
No trivia or quizzes yet. Add some now »
