My current favorite children’s book is The Dot. It’s about a girl who doesn’t think she can draw. Her teacher urged her to try so “Vashti grabbed a marker and gave the paper a good, strong jab.”

While some teachers might reprimand a student for not trying or for being sassy, this teacher says, “Sign it.”

Here the educator in me gets curious and the parent in me–who has been feeling a little nervous about sending her five year old to kindergarten come fall–feels hopeful.

What happens when someone gives you permission to just do what you can do? Sees something special in you? Gives you some encouragement? The Dot tells that story. And I’m not going to spoil the ending.

What I will say is that I tear up on the last page every time, and I’ve read it to my son at least fifty times in the last few weeks. The first time a waterfall rushed down my cheeks. Cavanaugh heard my choked voice then looked at me. “Happy tears. These are happy tears,” I said.

What I didn’t say is that if he gets a teacher like the one in The Dot, kindergarten is going to be just fine. He’s  been asking a lot of questions about school next year. The Dot couldn’t have come at a more perfect time.

The Dot by Peter H Reynolds is a 32 page picture book for 5-9 year olds. It’s especially perfect for kids entering school, reluctant learners whether for art or any subject.

I really love this book. And so does my son. He asks me to read it over and over in one sitting though he normally doesn’t like to have books repeated immediately. The Dot stayed in our bedtime line-up for weeks without a break, which is almost unheard of at our house. It’s definitely worth a read, and a re-read, and another one.

To find more of my book recommendations, check out the Read This category on mamaTRUE. Please let me know what you think about any of the books you try. I’d also love to hear about your favorite books so Cavanaugh and I have some new ones to try too.