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The Masterpiece
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
their painting was perfect, It all meshed just fine,
with it's colorful circles, and angry green line.
It was a true masterpiece, not one thing was wrong,
including the hum of their single-note song. Written in verse, "The Masterpiece" combines the lyrical rhythm of Dr. Seuss, with the playfulness of Mo Willems, in a bright, colorful fantasy world where all people, regardless of their differences, prove to be an important part of the community canvas.
the wisdom their now-painted canvas
their painting was perfect, It all meshed just fine,
with it's colorful circles, and angry green line.
It was a true masterpiece, not one thing was wrong,
including the hum of their single-note song. Written in verse, "The Masterpiece" combines the lyrical rhythm of Dr. Seuss, with the playfulness of Mo Willems, in a bright, colorful fantasy world where all people, regardless of their differences, prove to be an important part of the community canvas.
24 pages, Hardcover
Published September 25, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
May 16, 2021
This installment in the ONE BIG CANVAS series introduces readers to basic concepts such as sharing, caring, and acceptance, while educating them on in a broad sense on the range of the autism spectrum.
I really loved the author's sensitive portrayal of these amazing characters. Reese was a guiding force throughout both adventures, and a brush from which a lot can be learned, but he alone did not make the stories! Estelle with her single, low note was dying to participate, and her one-on-one invitation to join was just the ticket to gain her interest. Byron and his circle desire, and Lee with the splatters, both of which the other paint brushes made work so very well into the overall picture. Seeing the final scene that they had created all together truly showed the harmony that could be found by open hearts and open minds.
**copy received for review; opinions are my own
I really loved the author's sensitive portrayal of these amazing characters. Reese was a guiding force throughout both adventures, and a brush from which a lot can be learned, but he alone did not make the stories! Estelle with her single, low note was dying to participate, and her one-on-one invitation to join was just the ticket to gain her interest. Byron and his circle desire, and Lee with the splatters, both of which the other paint brushes made work so very well into the overall picture. Seeing the final scene that they had created all together truly showed the harmony that could be found by open hearts and open minds.
**copy received for review; opinions are my own
April 28, 2021
One Big Canvas books are a series of children's picture books that have a cute story, fun illustrations, and also make learning about autism easier for kids. The books include a note saying that the series will feature a "growing number of titles, characters, and storylines centered on understanding, accepting, and demonstrating kindness to all." I think that this statement perfectly aligns with what each of the books achieve. The stories are short and have a rhyme scheme that's easy for young readers to listen and pay attention to. We're introduced to a number of paintbrush characters, some of who demonstrate autistic behaviors. The lead brush named Reese calmly explains to the other brushes that it's just the way they are and it's nothing to be scared of or to make fun of. They're just different and that's totally fine - by the end we see that their masterpiece was perfect exactly as it was, including the odd behaviors that had happened.
The illustrations were adorable and went along perfectly with the stories. They were bright and colorful and took up the entirety of every page in the book. By pairing the rhyming story and these fun illustrations, the book easily holds the attention of even the smallest of children. I very highly recommend these books to kids of all ages, especially those who are learning to read by themselves and those who still enjoy being read to.
Disclosure: I received a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
The illustrations were adorable and went along perfectly with the stories. They were bright and colorful and took up the entirety of every page in the book. By pairing the rhyming story and these fun illustrations, the book easily holds the attention of even the smallest of children. I very highly recommend these books to kids of all ages, especially those who are learning to read by themselves and those who still enjoy being read to.
Disclosure: I received a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
January 28, 2020
Beautiful rhyming - Gorgeous colors - Timeless story line - Ageless themes-This is truly a masterpiece! Jay Miletsky has created an exceptional pathway to promote the understanding of Autism. Boys and girls will love this very unique book and its friendly characters.
December 1, 2019
Loved the inclusion message!
January 8, 2021
A masterpiece of showing how including everyone can bring about something beautiful.
Read
February 28, 2021welcoming classroom
April 24, 2021
All the brushes do something different to create a masterpiece.
Want to Read
May 28, 2021amazing
Read
March 28, 2023Neurodivergent Content: Autistic rep by way of paintbrushes with stereotypical "autism behaviors"
June 15, 2024
Good for explaining neurodivergent to very young, doesn't use any terminology or specific diagnoses
August 24, 2019
Great Inclusion Message!
This charming book delivers an easy to understand message that sometimes people in our group act differently than we do , and that 's ok! The text is written in clever rhyme and the colorful illustrations do a great job of distinguishing between the different paintbrush characters. This would be a terrific resource for any classroom which includes "differently-abled" students.
This charming book delivers an easy to understand message that sometimes people in our group act differently than we do , and that 's ok! The text is written in clever rhyme and the colorful illustrations do a great job of distinguishing between the different paintbrush characters. This would be a terrific resource for any classroom which includes "differently-abled" students.
August 7, 2019
Beautiful, well-written story
The author did a wonderful job of showing how many different bushes can work together in their own ways to create a wonderful masterpiece. As a Special Education teacher, I especially appreciated the loving and accepting manner in how every brush was given it's own time and way to contribute to the final masterpiece.
The author did a wonderful job of showing how many different bushes can work together in their own ways to create a wonderful masterpiece. As a Special Education teacher, I especially appreciated the loving and accepting manner in how every brush was given it's own time and way to contribute to the final masterpiece.
June 28, 2019
Perfection
Illustrations are beautifully and tastefully done. They support the narrative and add to eat while avoiding competing with the text. Love the rhymes abs cadence of the story and the plot is fantastic, entertaining and easy to follow yet has an important message!
Illustrations are beautifully and tastefully done. They support the narrative and add to eat while avoiding competing with the text. Love the rhymes abs cadence of the story and the plot is fantastic, entertaining and easy to follow yet has an important message!
August 5, 2019
A beautiful book
The illustrations in this book are truly lovely. The way the artist captured the different personalities of the brushes came through loud and clear. And the message is a good one as well.
The illustrations in this book are truly lovely. The way the artist captured the different personalities of the brushes came through loud and clear. And the message is a good one as well.
August 5, 2019
Perfect and Relatable
This is a perfect book for preschoolers through adults to introduce and relate to children with different abilities. The characters are so sweet and the metaphor of paintbrushes, each unique, creating a “masterpiece” is positive and poignant!!
This is a perfect book for preschoolers through adults to introduce and relate to children with different abilities. The characters are so sweet and the metaphor of paintbrushes, each unique, creating a “masterpiece” is positive and poignant!!
August 6, 2019
Beautiful story, beautiful illustrations
My 5 year old loved this story about how differences make the world more beautiful and rich. It’s a fun read filled with bright, engaging illustrations
My 5 year old loved this story about how differences make the world more beautiful and rich. It’s a fun read filled with bright, engaging illustrations
August 19, 2019
Autism mom, Tourette's sister. Love it!!!
I love it!!! This book gave me a big, warm feeling of joy in the center of my heart. I recommend it for anyone and everyone who lives in this colorful world.
I love it!!! This book gave me a big, warm feeling of joy in the center of my heart. I recommend it for anyone and everyone who lives in this colorful world.
June 27, 2019
Awesome
This is quite a masterpiece of writing and illustrating. I think it will appeal to many audiences- both young and old. It has a universal message of acceptance.
This is quite a masterpiece of writing and illustrating. I think it will appeal to many audiences- both young and old. It has a universal message of acceptance.
June 29, 2019
My 8 year old loved it
She really loved the masterpiece when it was finished. And she loved how the brushes included everyone, even when they acted a bit differently.
She really loved the masterpiece when it was finished. And she loved how the brushes included everyone, even when they acted a bit differently.
August 7, 2019
A wonderful story of acceptance...
This book is beautifully drawn and written. It has a great message of acceptance of all learners and benefits a great cause.
This book is beautifully drawn and written. It has a great message of acceptance of all learners and benefits a great cause.
August 12, 2019
Beautiful
Beautifully written rhyming and gorgeous illustrations. This book is amazingly written to teach kids about differences in others. Great for beginning of the school year.
Beautifully written rhyming and gorgeous illustrations. This book is amazingly written to teach kids about differences in others. Great for beginning of the school year.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews