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tophat8855's review against another edition
1.0
Welcome to "Heather over-analyzes a children's book yet again!"
I got this book at the library because I thought Margaret would like it. She's in a coloring phase and thought it would go well with that.
The story started off nice enough. His parents and family are supportive of his desire to do art. When Tomie gets to kindergarten, he finds the quality of the art supplies disheartening. It was a nice reminder: it's probably better that my kids have a few good art supplies than a lot of crappy ones. I think the quality of the materials definitely affects whether or not they'll want to continue with art. Who really wants to draw with those waxy crayons from the restaurant anyway?
But then it just got crappy. Tomie wasn't allowed to use the crayons he brought to school- with no explanation. "You must all use these same crayons- and you can't wear down the points!" Oi. I hate that schools have rules just to have rules. And how are you supposed to use a crayon if you can't use the point? Then when he finally does have art class, it's about copying. The "compromise" of "you can draw what you like after you do what we say" is a slap in the face. "The most important things in school are crowd control and getting through curriculum. Actually encouraging you to want to learn and grow is something that might come later, after we regulate and put stipulations on you." Arg.
Having worked in the schools- in fact in a school district that didn't feel art was important/academic enough for elementary schools, and having seen the herding and curriculum push, this just emphasized why I don't want my kids in schools.
I think dePaola was lucky to go through all that (this was autobiographical) and still become an illustrator. I don't think he came out unscathed, though, because he doesn't seem to realize that the "happy compromise" was no compromise at all.
I got this book at the library because I thought Margaret would like it. She's in a coloring phase and thought it would go well with that.
The story started off nice enough. His parents and family are supportive of his desire to do art. When Tomie gets to kindergarten, he finds the quality of the art supplies disheartening. It was a nice reminder: it's probably better that my kids have a few good art supplies than a lot of crappy ones. I think the quality of the materials definitely affects whether or not they'll want to continue with art. Who really wants to draw with those waxy crayons from the restaurant anyway?
But then it just got crappy. Tomie wasn't allowed to use the crayons he brought to school- with no explanation. "You must all use these same crayons- and you can't wear down the points!" Oi. I hate that schools have rules just to have rules. And how are you supposed to use a crayon if you can't use the point? Then when he finally does have art class, it's about copying. The "compromise" of "you can draw what you like after you do what we say" is a slap in the face. "The most important things in school are crowd control and getting through curriculum. Actually encouraging you to want to learn and grow is something that might come later, after we regulate and put stipulations on you." Arg.
Having worked in the schools- in fact in a school district that didn't feel art was important/academic enough for elementary schools, and having seen the herding and curriculum push, this just emphasized why I don't want my kids in schools.
I think dePaola was lucky to go through all that (this was autobiographical) and still become an illustrator. I don't think he came out unscathed, though, because he doesn't seem to realize that the "happy compromise" was no compromise at all.
lamphouse's review against another edition
had a great time at ten pm realizing the library has tomie depaola books and then suddenly remembering i was deeply in love with the art teacher in this
lisawhelpley's review against another edition
Nice book for the 5-8 year old set and, I would say, for elementary teachers to remember that kids have individual talents and interests.
thecamilleae's review against another edition
5.0
My 7 year old burgeoning artist loves art and he loved this book.
pacifickle's review against another edition
3.0
Wow. This is NOT a flattering depiction of teachers, which is sad. But it's a great book about persisting in learning what you want to learn!
theelazyyonee's review against another edition
5.0
I love Tommy for standing up for his creativity! Use all those Crayons Tommy! Every last one!
Use your imagination to be creative, don't be a copy machine! Loved the book though~
(Date(s) & Time(s) Read: 12th August 2019; 1:54pm to 12th August 2019; 2:02pm)
Use your imagination to be creative, don't be a copy machine! Loved the book though~
(Date(s) & Time(s) Read: 12th August 2019; 1:54pm to 12th August 2019; 2:02pm)
mrsbond's review against another edition
3.0
Young boy knows he wants to be an artist. His teacher limits him to 8 crayons and a single sheet of paper, and then asks him to copy (something he was told to never do). The art teacher is a little more sympathetic and works within the rules to allow him room to grow.
books_n_pickles's review against another edition
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
3.0
Cute, autobiograpgical picture book from a beloved children's author. I'm sure some parents will gripe that Tommy breaks rules and still gets what he wants in the end: to use his own special crayons to draw an original picture in art class instead of copying the art teacher's example using school supplies. But for those who can get past that, here's a story of a boy whose love for drawing is all over his life, whose friends admire his work, with adults who teach him boundaries--no drawing on sheets or walls, do the class work first--while appreciating his talent.
snowelf's review against another edition
2.0
I like the pictures fine but something about the story rubbed me the wrong way. In fact, I found most of it quite irrelevant, detailed facts about an experience the author had with an art teacher during his childhood. Not sure what the message is aside from you-may-run-into-stupid-people-in-life and don't think kids will care all that much. I mean, it's great that he pulled through it, but what exactly is he trying to communicate to children with this book?