Module 15

Summary

Draw Me a Star by Eric Carle is a story about an artist and his art work. This book begins with the artist in the story drawing a star. In the book the artist next draws the sun, a tree, a human couple, a house, dog, cat, bird, butterfly, flowers and many more items that surround us on our planet. In this book, the artist draws many beautiful things that give meaning to our lives.

Impressions

This book was very interesting to me. I like it because it is a very soothing and calming book. I felt like the artist was getting directions from someone or something outside himself. I believe this book could be controversial because some might assume that God is telling the artist what to draw. The artist basically could be drawing the creation story just not in exact order. The renderings of the man and woman could be controversial as well. Distinctive male and female parts are part of the drawing. Some may not want their child to see so much detail. I think Eric Carle has created yet another great book – using imagination and imagery to make you think and consider.

Reviews

From Amazon.com Customers

This is one of Eric Carle's best works, and can be enjoyed by many ages and at many levels. First, there's the art, which is as bright and bold as his later works (Papa Get Me the Moon, and Slowly, Slowly, Slowly, Said the Sloth). I think that the rainbow picture in this book would make an excellent print, as well as the flying Artist and star page.

Then there's the simple story of creatures asking for other creatures to be made with child-like associations (dog asks for a cat, cat asks for a bird, bird asks for a butterfly), and the neat cycle of starting and ending with a star.

Then there's the whole creation myth aspect. Not "The Creation Myth" which starts with darkness, but one that starts with the need to create the heavens; darkness comes much later in this story. The Artist ages as the world is being created. Could he be the embodiment of Time itself?

Or is the Artist Mr. Carle? I cannot read this without wondering if Mr. Carle is contemplating his life and work. If so, Mr. Carle, grab that star. By wayn3

The paintings/illustrations in this book are classic Eric Carle and are actually on a bigger scale than many of his books. They are glorious and beautiful and in his completely unique style.

The story flows really well and can easily be seen as a religious tale. But, like the Chronicles of Narnia, it can be read just as a straightforward story, too.

Yes, the first time you read the story, if you aren't ready for it, the picture of the naked couple will catch you off guard. That isn't the usual fare for a children's book (although potty training books have no problem showing the same thing on children). The drawing is not highly detailed and almost impressionistic. So, if you are worried about that, be sure to preview it before you buy it and read it to your child. If you aren't aware of it, your reaction might only emphasize it more for your child and then they will focus on it, possibly in a way you don't want.

If you like Carle and his style, you'll probably like it, especially the drawings. The story is simple but can lead to discussion with older children about its meanings. By S. A. Johnson

From Publishers Weekly

During his youth, this gifted author artist explains in his newest book's afterword, his German grandmother would often draw him a star while chanting a nonsense rhyme. Taking that symbol as his foundation, Carle here creates a world pulsating with life and color-a world that bursts forth from a good star sketched by a young artist. This kaleidoscopic pentagram requests a sun from the artist's pen; the sun asks for a tree, and so on until a man and woman are living happily among Carle's characteristic collages-flora and fauna of all shapes, sizes and vivid hues. Meanwhile the artist, now a bearded old man, continues to draw and create. This unusual, practically plot less work seems to embody a personal scenario close to the artist's heart. His unadorned language, pulsing with a hypnotic rhythm, adroitly complements the familiar naive artwork. Though some may be disturbed by similarities between Carle's evolving world and the biblical creation story (the unclothed male and female figures, for example), this tale of imagination and creativity pays homage to the artist within all of us-and may well fire youngsters' imaginations. Ages 4-up.

Library Setting

I would use this book as a read aloud with younger students due to some illustrations. I would not make a big deal out of it because if you do than the students will pick up on it. I would use this because it has great illustrations and introduces space for a science lesson because there are stars, clouds and the moon to discuss from this book. Then I would have the children tell me the parts of space and illustrate it.