This review posted in partnership with The Children’s Book Review and the REED Foundation for Autism.


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.
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April 23 | The Children’s Book Review | https://www.thechildrensbookreview.com/ | Book Review |
April 24 | Over Coffee Conversations | https://gmarcianoblogs.wordpress.com | Beyond the Book Activity |
April 25 | Mommy Ramblings | http://www.MommyRamblings.org | Book Review |
April 26 | Life Is What It’s Called | lifeiswhatitscalled.blogspot.com | Book Review |
April 27 | Crafty Moms Share | https://www.craftymomsshare.com/ | Book Review |
April 28 | Barbara Ann Mojica’s Blog | https://bamauthor.me | Book Review |
April 29 | A Dream Within A Dream | http://adreamwithindream.blogspot.com | Book Review |
April 30 | Book Bug Ca | https://bookbugca.wordpress.com/ | Book Review |
May 3 | Jrsbookreviews | Http://www.jrsbookreviews.com | Book Review |
May 4 | Heart to Heart | tynea-lewis.com | Book Review |
May 5 | Fairview Elementary School (Library) | https://fveslibrary.blogspot.com/ | Book Review |
May 6 | Lisa’s Reading | https://lisasreading.com | Book Review |
May 7 | icefairy’s Treasure Chest | http://icefairystreasurechest.blogspot.com/ | Book Review |
May 10 | Confessions of a Book Addict | http://www.confessionsofabookaddict.com | Book Giveaway |
May 11 | The Children’s Book Review | https://www.thechildrensbookreview.com/ | Book Review |
May 12 | Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers | https://insatiablereaders.blogspot.com | Book Review |
May 13 | The Children’s Book Review | https://www.thechildrensbookreview.com/ | Beyond the Book Activity |
My Review
The Reed Foundation for Autism is promoting the One Big Canvas series. These books are wonderfully written and illustrated and have a theme of being kind and understanding of those who are different. The book’s characters are paint brushes and a lump of clay. Each paint brush has it’s own name and personality. Some of these brushes have symptoms of autism. When “Clay” comes to visit he notices that various brushes are displaying odd symptoms. He asks why. One of the brushes always replies with a kind and caring explanation.
These brushes respond to humming, rocking, or outbursts with understanding and patience. These books are great for teaching children to understand and be kind to anyone who is different. When the paint brushes are considerate of the needs of their fellow brushes, a masterpiece is the result. The One Big Canvas needs all the different brushes to participate in order to create a masterpiece. This series definitely paints a beautiful picture.

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.
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My young niece would love this! She shows so much interest in art & is already so creative!
These sound like such good books.
Sounds like cute reads.