We are thrilled to take part in the One Big Canvas Awareness Book Tour. One Big Canvas: The Masterpiece is a delightful and insightful book that uses colorful paintbrush characters to help children understand what autism is. The book never mentions autism verbatim, instead it talks about the different ways someone with autism might act. This makes it seem not so scary or odd for kids and helps them to accept other’s differences. It is reassuring that all is okay even though some behavior is different.
I think this book is a great resource to use with your own children or in a school setting. Tolerance and understanding is what we need to impress on kids when dealing with everyone’s uniqueness. Helping children understand and accept that not everyone is the same and that is okay, can help them embrace these differences instead of being afraid or annoyed by them.
The other book I was sent, One Big Canvas: The Molding of Clay dives a little deeper into how to interact with kindness and understanding. The paintbrushes are excited for their new friend Clay’s visit. They go about preparing a banner to welcome him. However, when Clay arrives, his loud voice is too much for Paul who covered his ears and rolled up in a ball. Clay asks the other brushes what’s wrong with Paul who kept repeating it was too loud. Reese steps up to tell Clay that loud sounds bother Paul and that they try to speak low.
Clay learns that Estelle will stop humming when she is ready and that Jerry loves boats and ships so much he talks about them over and over. When Clay gets annoyed, Reece steps in again and reminds him of the importance to be caring and kind. When Clay thinks it over, he comes back in the shape of a ship. He explains it’s for Jerry to have a fun trip. Clay does not forget to let Paul know that they will quietly float on the blue painted waves. All the brushes jump onboard and show kindness and compassion is the way.
I think both of these books help convey the message that everyone is unique and the things we may at first think are annoying may be something more. Instead of responding with anger or frustration, it can help children understand that there may be other reasons why someone hums low or says the same thing over and over.
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
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
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.
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.
GIVEAWAY
Enter for a chance to win a ‘One Big Canvas’ book series prize pack!
One (1) grand prize winner receives:
- 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 (2) winners receive:
- A hardcover copy of One Big Canvas: The Masterpiece
- A hardcover copy of One Big Canvas: The Molding of Clay
The giveaway begins April 23, 2021, at 12:01 A.M. MT, and ends May 23, 2021, at 11:59 P.M. MT.
I have partnered with The Children’s Book Review and the REED Foundation for Autism in this book tour. While I received the books to facilitate my review, all opinions and views are 100% my own.
Carolyn, I have a special little one in mind to share these books with. The bright colors are going to be a big hit with her.