Emily's Art

First of all I read this book because it had my name and I loved it! I think this would be a fun book to read in art class. This is a cute book about a girl discovering she loves art and other people do too!

The book is about a girl named Emily and her love for making art. At her school, they have an art contest that she ends up not winning. She is discouraged but finds support through her friend Kelly and her teacher Ms. Fair. I would recommend this book it is a reminder to not be discouraged if you don't win something and to believe in your own abilities. This would be a good book for 2nd graders or a read aloud for 1st and 2nd graders.

Emily's first grade teacher Ms. Fair announces to the class that they will be creating pieces of art to enter in a contest. She explains what a contest is and that a contest means finding out who is the best. Every day that week Emily paints something different and really creative. Her best friend Kelly just paints a different colored butterfly everyday. The nest day in the contest, the judge says that she hates dogs and therefor hates Emily's painting, and Kelly's butterfly wins. Emily gets discourages and buries her paintings under leaves in the playground and vows to never paint again. Emily feels "sick" and asks to go to the nurse. Later, Kelly arrives also feeling "sick". The kids were asking her to paint them pictures but she only show more knew how to paint a butterfly. Emily teaches her how to paint a dinosaur and Kelly tells Emily that she is a really good artist. Emily gains confidence again and realizes that just because one person doesn't like her art, doesn't mean it is bad. She retrieves her painting from outside and go back to class where Ms. Fair is celebrating everybody's artwork. Appropriate for ages 4-6.
(Children's Museum of Tacoma Library) show less

This seems like the sort of book that Mr. Catalanotto might have written about his own daughter. I really liked it. I was impressed and I loved the message.

Review:
In this story, Ms. Fair, Emily's first grade teacher announced that their will be an art contest that coming friday. Emily spends all week painting and enters a picture she painted of her dog. However, the judge mistakes her painting for a rabbit and ends up not choosing Emily's painting. As a result, Emily does to never paint again until she is reaffirmed by her best friend and teacher.
Critique:
This book is a pretty good example of realistic fiction in that is follows the feelings and events of a first-grader that could very well happen in contemporary society. However, as a whole, the plot of the book seemed very predictable and almost cheesy, which does not affect the genre, but more of the quality of the story as a show more whole.
Use:
1. One way to use this book would be to read it aloud to a class of younger students if competition becomes a problem as far as classroom unity is concerned. After reading, the teacher can discuss how it is ok for them to have their own unique ideas and opinions without putting down o=somebody elses.
2. Another way to use this text would be to read this book aloud and then have kids create their own paintings. However, instead of picking a winner, students can leave comments about what they like about each other's paintings.
Age Appropriateness: Primary, Intermediate
Media: watercolor, gouache, and acrylic show less

Emily is excited to enter her painting into an art contest for the school, but wonders how the judge will know which painting is best. On the day of the contest, the judge doesn't choose Emily's painting simply because she does not like dogs, rather than judging the quality of artwork. This makes Emily very sad until her best friend Kelly reminds her that she is a good artist. Then, the whole class celebrates all of their artwork.

This book is a book of passion and all kids that paint with their heart and soul. That as long as you like something thats all that matters and friendship and good praise is all that is needed to put a smile on your face.