The Art Lesson

Tommy knows he is going to become an artist when he grows up in this autobiographical picture book from celebrated and prolific children's author and illustrator Tomie dePaola. Creating pictures everywhere he goes, he receives only positive feedback from his many relatives and friends. Looking forward to first grade, when he will get to experience his very first art lesson, our young hero is instead dismayed when he is not allowed to use his own crayon box—which has many more colors than the school box—is given only one sheet of paper, and worst of all, told to copy the art teacher's Thanksgiving picture. Surely a real artist never copies work! Fortunately for Tommy, when he voices his objections, his art teacher listens, allowing show more him a chance at a second drawing, after he finishes his assignment...

I've read quite a few books from dePaola at this point, from his Strega Nona series to his many folkloric retellings, but I think The Art Lesson is the first of his many realistic stories I have picked up. I know he is also known for his chapter-book autobiographies, starting with the Newbery Honor title, 26 Fairmount Avenue, but this isn't an area of his work I have previously explored. I am glad to have changed this, as I found this one engaging, and appreciated the glimpse it offered of a young Tomie dePaola, his family and friends, and his passion for art. I also appreciated it as a story about a creative young person in general, and how the constraints of schooling don't always immediately lend themselves to free expression, but how the support of an understanding teacher can make a difference. Recommended to dePaola fans, and to picture book audiences looking for stories about creativity, and about being a young artist. show less

The reason I enjoyed this book so much, was because everything Tommy went through was true. Teachers are really like that. Schools run that way. I went through it and I hated it. I would get in trouble in the ways Tommy did, and its sad that things have to be that way. However, Tommy knows what he wants to do and he doesn't give up his dream. he continually works harder and harder to achieve his goal. This story is inspiring and also contains gorgeous illustrations. A wonderful read for children of all ages. =)

I liked this book because of two reasons, first, the illustrations. The pictures were colorful and represented the text well. I believe this story would be great for students of all different ages and abilities. The text is sophisticated enough to hold the attention of older children and the illustrations would appeal to younger students as well as, those students who prefer visuals to aid in the learning process. The other reason why I like this book is the plot and the big idea that goes along with it. The Art Lesson is a relatable story to all readers because it follows a young boy who loves to draw and wants to be an artist. Even though, his love for art is not recognized at first, the little boy is determined to follow his dreams show more and do what he does best. This is a great message to students to always follow your dreams and do your best no matter what. show less

Little Tomie loves to draw. His older cousins tell him never to copy, he must make original pictures. But Tomie gets in trouble when he tries just that during his first art class. This is a great story to teach kids that though there are rules,sometimes they can be changed. dePaola's sweet illustrations of himself as a boy and all of his beloved family members enhance the simple message of the story. It is okay to be different.

I love Tomie dePaola's art, but this (autobiographical?) story didn't do it for me. The child's love of drawing, and his focus on it, are great. But school ends up looking demoralizing and deadening -- no art teacher "this year" (kindergarten); then when she comes they get one piece of paper, regulation crayons, formulaic and non-creative lessons -- it's art by rote. The lessons he receives from his cousins -- art students -- are that "real artists don't copy", which is utterly untrue: Real artists copy all the time, and in fact, copying is one of the fundamental ways we learn art, or anything else. As a depiction of a kid that has a passion, and has to learn to compromise to explore his passion, the story works pretty well.

I love Tomie dePaola's art, but this (autobiographical?) story didn't do it for me. The child's love of drawing, and his focus on it, are great. But school ends up looking demoralizing and deadening -- no art teacher "this year" (kindergarten); then when she comes they get one piece of paper, regulation crayons, formulaic and non-creative lessons -- it's art by rote. The lessons he receives from his cousins -- art students -- are that "real artists don't copy", which is utterly untrue: Real artists copy all the time, and in fact, copying is one of the fundamental ways we learn art, or anything else. As a depiction of a kid that has a passion, and has to learn to compromise to explore his passion, the story works pretty well.

The Art Lesson shows how it is important to always try your best to achieve the things you want. In the book the Tommy want to be a real life artist, so he practices and draws all of the time. I like how the book shows that Tommy did not give up, even when his teacher did not let him us the crayons he wanted to use, or when she said he had to paid pilgrims. Tommy is very persistence, and patience through the entire book. He draws in on paper, on the sheets, on the wall, and anywhere else he can find a "canvas" for his visions.