All I See

by Cynthia Rylant, Peter Catalanotto (Illustrator)

A child paints with an artist friend who sees and paints only whales.

Genres: Picture Books, Art, Childrens, Friendship, Realistic Fiction

32 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1988

About the author

Cynthia Rylant is an American author, poet, and librarian whose deeply felt books for children and young adults have made her one of the most beloved voices in contemporary literature. Writing across picture books, novels, short stories, nonfiction, and poetry, she has published more than one hundred works, many of them rooted in memory, family, solitude, and the emotional landscapes of ordinary life. Her fiction often draws from her upbringing in West Virginia and reflects the textures of Appalachian life with unusual tenderness and clarity.
Raised in modest circumstances, Rylant spent much of her childhood with her grandparents in a rural setting that later became central to her imagination as a writer. Those early years, marked by hardship as well as warmth, shaped the emotional honesty and quiet resilience that define her work. She later studied English and library science, and after working as a waitress, librarian, and teacher, she began publishing books inspired by the world she had known so intimately.
Among her most acclaimed works are Missing May, which received the Newbery Medal, and A Fine White Dust, a Newbery Honor Book. She also earned Caldecott Honors for When I Was Young in the Mountains and The Relatives Came. For younger readers, she became especially well known through the enduring Henry and Mudge series, as well as other popular books and series that combine gentleness, humor, and emotional depth.
Rylant's writing is distinguished by its compassion for lonely, searching, or overlooked characters, and by its reverence for animals, nature, and small human connections. Whether writing about grief, wonder, childhood, or belonging, she brings a lyrical simplicity that resonates across generations. Her books continue to offer comfort, recognition, and beauty to readers of all ages. She remains a singular literary presence in children's literature and beyond today.

Reviews

[Alyssa Bloom · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a great example of facing your fears. It shows you need to believe in yourself and how good things will come from it. He built a friendship from facing the fears he had about his artwork.

[Tweller83 · Rating 4 out of 5]

1/13/25: Another fantastic read about a very shy young man being taught to paint. Cynthia Rylant doesn't disappoint. I think this particular book might have a smell to it so I might have to get rid of it, but if it doesn't I will keep it for the grandchild. Great book.

[Sarah Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars. Hit me right in the feels. Precious and sweet.

[Haley Boggess · Rating 4 out of 5]

A story about a boy coming out of his shell and learning to be an artist. Loved the illustrations.

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a serene book that is about a developing relationship between an artist and a young curious boy. Their relationship eventually grows into a friendship and apprenticeship when the artist teaches the young boy how to be an artist. The illustrators medium used in the story is water color. This story gave me a sense of serenity and calmness. I love painting; especially nature. I enjoyed how the book encourages its reader to use their imagination when it comes to painting. Just because you are in front of a world of pictures doesn't mean you are limited to what is in front of you. I gave this book
5 starts for its peaceful drawing and cute story line on how Gregory and Charlie's relationship came to pass.

This is a good book for shy children so that they can learn to slowly make friendships. It is also good to help children realize that their imagination can only go as far as they want it to. This book can be well connected in an art class or if a teacher has art in her classroom and is wanting to introduce something new to the children. Students can be put together in groups of two and asked to face a certain side of the classroom. Each student can paint what think they see; keeping the story in mind of how Gregory saw his scenery.

Grade:3, Lexile:790L , Guided Reading level: M

[Tara Geske · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this book would be a good book to read aloud to students. It has beautiful pictures and it shows that adults and children can have friendships. At the end of the book, Charlie doesn't know what he will end up drawing, but he knows one day he will be like Gregory who really loves to draw one thing. I could ask the students what they think Charlie will draw, or what would each student draw if they were in Charlie's position.

[Restokes92]

This is a book about a boy who develops a friendship with an adult artist and he discovers the creative and imaginative side of himself. I think this book would be a great read aloud for my class especially when it comes to imaging. The students could imagine the illustrations before they are shown the wonderful ones in the book.

[R.L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has got to be one of my all time favorite picture books. Perhaps it is because I'm an artist that I enjoyed it so much. I see this story about the artist as a story about a man who sees beyond the mundane. And he helps a small child to see what he sees. Lovely illustrations by Peter Catalanotto.

[Yingwen]

After reading the book, I felt a sense of serenity and was moved by the genuine friendship between the adult artist and the young boy. All the paintings that the artist paints comes from his imagination. The young boy must learn a lesson about painting what he believes rather than just what he sees. Many beauties go beyond the mundane world. I love this book!

[Carissa Worm · Rating 4 out of 5]

This lesson would be great to teach children to be proud of their work/art, and to know that time only brings perfection. It is also a good lesson on finding what you love and going for it. I also feel like the art was beautiful and went along perfectly with the writing.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an older book, but it is worth a second look. It has lovely pictures and it is about Gregory, a painter, who takes Charlie, an aspiring painter, under his wing. It reminds us how we learn from those who have gone before!

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good for inspiring my kids to make art from their imagination.

[Teri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story about a man teaching a boy to paint. Nice illustrations, and inspiring.

[Kelsey · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a harder book for me to read/listen to and follow along with. Mainly aimed at grades preschool to third or fourth grade.

[Jim · Rating 5 out of 5]

a beautifully done picture book about the nature and nurture of art

[Marjorie Cummings · Rating 4 out of 5]

A young boy notices a man painting by a lake. They become friends and the man teaches the boy to paint and awakens his artistic vision.