Emily's Art

"What a gorgeous painting," exclaimed the judge of Ms. Fair's first-grade art contest. "What a beautiful rabbit!"

For Emily, the words are a shock.

Her painting is of her dog, Thor. Not a rabbit.

But instead of thinking: What's wrong with this judge? Emily takes the words, and the judgment, to heart.

Just as she takes her art.

Not everyone, not Ms. Fair, or even Emily's best friend, Kelly, can see that.

At first.

Publishers Weekly

"Catalanotto subtly conveys the value of creating art for art's sake in this tender picture book about a first grade art contest," PW said. "Aspiring Picassos everywhere will find much to contemplate and cheer about here." Ages 5-8. (Dec.) Copyright 2007 Reed Business Information.

Peter Catalanotto has written nine picture books, including two companion volumes to this one, Daisy 1, 2, 3 and Matthew A.B.C., and Emily's Art, of which School Library Journal said in a starred review, "Whether viewed from afar or up close, this creative and heartfelt book is a masterpiece." He has illustrated thirty books in all, among them several collaborations with George Ella Lyon. Their most recent book, Mother to Tigers, received a starred review in School Library Journal and was one of the New York Public Library's 100 Titles for Reading and Sharing in 2003. He lives with his family and his two dogs in Doylestown, Pennsylvania.