GIVEAWAY
Enter for a chance to win a ‘One Big Canvas’ book series prize pack!
One (1) grand prize winner receives:
Two (2) winners receive:
The giveaway begins April 23, 2021, at 12:01 A.M. MT, and ends May 23, 2021, at 11:59 P.M. MT.
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
Publisher’s Synopsis: 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.
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3v9ibq3
Written by Jay Miletsky
Illustrated by Luis Peres
Ages 3-9 | 24 Pages
Publisher: New Paige Press | ISBN-13: 978-0578496382
Publisher’s Synopsis: 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.
https://amzn.to/3dIFdxZ
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 https://www.reedfoundationforautism.org.
MY REVIEW
Books to promote social and emotional learning (SEL) are very useful in classrooms and other group settings, but can also be helpful in gently introducing young family members to how to get along. Each of the stories in the One Big Canvas series involves a group of paintbrushes that all share the same art studio. The vibrant illustrations show each separate personality and the brushes are easy to tell apart due to their color, shape, and size as well as their actions.
In The Masterpiece, the brushes decide to create a painting together. As they begin to work, several brushes act differently than the others. But the group is patient, even when it seems that the different behaviors will spoil the picture, and the finished product makes that patience worthwhile. The second story, The Molding of Clay, shows the brushes being visited by their friend Clay (yes, he is an actual lump of modeling clay). Clay is taken aback by the behavior of some of the brushes and has to be reminded that each individual has unique needs.
As it explains in the REED Foundation’s website, “Without ever mentioning any particular challenge or disability by name, these stories help children recognize and understand autism, and impress upon them the importance of showing kindness to those who are different.” Actions of the brushes include spinning in circles, humming monotonously, being overwhelmed by loud noises, and having a favorite topic that dominates conversation. Any of those behaviors could be something that diverts the attention of a group, but can also be accepted into the pattern of classroom or family dynamics with a little flexibility and coaching.
TOUR SCHEDULE
The Fairview Review is participating in the Awareness Tour in partnership with The Children’s Book Review and the REED Foundation for Autism.
