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    The ‘One Big Canvas’ Book Series | Book Spotlight

    Bianca SchulzeBy 3 Mins Read Ages 0-3 Ages 4-8 Ages 9-12 Art Picture Books Social Emotional

    One Big Canvas
    The Children’s Book Review

    Autism is a highly prevalent and often misunderstood neurological disability. The ‘One Big Canvas’ book series seeks to celebrate differences, showcasing how each individual can be an integral part of a much larger picture regardless of their unique qualities.

    One Big Canvas Series

    About the Books

    Sometimes the most effective way to get a message across is through storytelling. That is the idea behind the REED Foundation for Autism’s book series, ‘One Big Canvas’. Each illustrated work, written by children’s book author Jay Miletsky, tells a story of acceptance and understanding through the use of colorful characters.

    Without ever mentioning any particular challenge or disability by name, these stories help children recognize and understand autism and impress upon them the importance of showing kindness to those who are different.

    Written in verse, the books combine the lyrical rhythm of Dr. Seuss, with the playfulness of Mo Willems, in a bright, colorful fantasy world where all people, regardless of their differences, prove to be an important part of the community canvas.

    The Masterpiece

    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 it’s colorful circles, and angry green line.
    It was a true masterpiece, not one thing was wrong,
    including the hum of their single-note song.

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    The Molding of Clay Cover

    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.

    Buy the Book

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    You can learn more about the REED Foundation for Autism here: https://www.reedfoundationforautism.org/

    What to Read Next:

    1. One Big Canvas | Dedicated Book Series Review
    2. One Big Canvas | Beyond the Book Activities
    3. Silent Days, Silent Dreams, by Allen Say | Book Review
    4. Excellent Architecture Books for Kids and Your Budding Frank Lloyd Wright

    *Disclosure: Please note that this post may contain affiliate links that share some commission. Rest assured that these will not affect the cost of any products and services promoted here. Our team always provides their authentic opinion in all content published on this site.

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    Bianca Schulze is the founder of The Children’s Book Review. She is a reader, reviewer, mother and children’s book lover. She also has a decade’s worth of experience working with children in the great outdoors. Combined with her love of books and experience as a children’s specialist bookseller, the goal is to share her passion for children’s literature to grow readers. Born and raised in Sydney, Australia, she now lives with her husband and three children near Boulder, Colorado.

    80 Comments

    7. Nathalie Lebeau on

      Would love to win this prize because my son is on the spectrum. I would donate the book to his school to make other children autism aware.

      Reply
    11. Susan P. on

      This is a good book to start (or continue) the conversation about differences in people and how to be kind and accepting of others.

      Reply
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