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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.

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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

    4. Judi Imperato on

      I would love to win these books to read to my grandson. Thank you for the opportunity to win the books.

      Reply
    11. JEANETTE H SHEETS on

      as a mother with a son with autism i love the ideal of this books and the message,would love to win to teach my own son and take to church with me to teach during bible studies with others,so much we need to learn abou t autism but the most imortatnt is to accept and interact ,thank u

      Reply
    22. Lisa Williams on

      I would love to win this for my nieces,they love all things that have to do with arts and crafts and these books sound so fun.

      Reply
    26. Christina on

      These books would be great for integrating curriculum areas with SEL! Really looking forward to reading them.

      Reply
    28. gloria patterson on

      I get all types of books for my great niece. I want her to see that there is so much out there for her someday

      Reply
    29. gloria patterson on

      Would go to my great niece who loves her books. I like to get all kinds of books for her……. helps her grow

      Reply
    35. Lynnette on

      I am an elementary school librarian and I would love to add these to our collection. We have a therapeutic learning program and these books would be perfect to help our students better understand their classmates with behavioral differences.

      Reply
    36. Barbara on

      This would be gifted to my son for his classroom. I think it would send a message and hopefully encourage children to be kind to others when they see they are different.

      Reply
    38. Natalie on

      I would love to win this because I know several autistic kids and this book would help my niece appreciate different personalities/behaviors/characteristics of her schoolmates.

      Reply
    44. Lynnette on

      I would love to add these books to my elementary library. Our kids could really benefit from learning about differences and how to be good friends.

      Reply
    50. Kathleen Zolondek on

      Books are our gateway to a broader understanding of so much. It is one of the generators of imagination.

      Reply
    51. Dana Matthews on

      I love books, for one! Also, thought provoking reading is great for my kids and I like to see them intrigued and drawing their own conclusions. Did I mention, I love books?

      Reply
    52. cynthia feimster on

      I work at a special needs school where most of our students are diagnosed with Autism. They always appreciate books that explain or make them feel included.

      Reply
    53. Vikki Billings on

      I love this giveaway, My granddaughter is autistic and I know she would love these books….For Christmas, I give all of my grandchildren new books, because reading is so important! Thank you for the chance!

      Reply
    61. deanna on

      We are expecting a baby in October. My husband is really excited about raising a reader! We would love to win to have more books to add to out collection.

      Reply
    62. Debra Branigan on

      Who wouldn’t? The books are wonderfully illustrated and have a great message. My grandchildren would enjoy these.

      Reply
    63. Lisa on

      I want to win because it would be a great book for someone in the family who is learning to read. The rhyming and the illustrations sound like the would hold a child’s attention. I think boys or girls would enjoy this story.

      Reply
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