“The Dot” and “Ish”: Books that support The North Star Approach
I want to spotlight two other Peter H. Reynolds books, The Dot and Ish, which are very much in the spirit and philosopy of The North Star. If you’re reading this blog then you’re probably very familiar with The Dot and Ish, but if not, and you love The North Star and all it represents, then you must go out and find them.
While The Dot and Ish are very different stories than The North Star, they share The North Star’s messages of being yourself, being brave and following your interests and passions… without worrying what anyone else thinks or says. The three books are clearly in the same family in terms of philosophy… and no wonder, since all three were written by Peter H. Reynolds!
I took The Dot into a first grade classroom last month to read for a guidance lesson, and as soon as one little boy saw the book cover he said “I have that book! It’s my FAVORITE!” He quickly planted himself on floor right in front of me, and while the other kids put their materials away and joined us in the circle area, the little boy gave an impromptu summary of The Dot, and then added that he loves Ish too.
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been able to put a child at ease about something they’re writing or drawing… anything they’re creating or doing… by reminding them it can be “ish.” If the child knows the Ish story, then telling them that something can be “ish,” or story-ish, bird-ish, etc, immediately brings a smile to their face, and a calmness to their spirit… and they are most often able to complete their project with greater ease and confidence.
So, if you’re looking for more resources that reinforce The North Star approach and philosophy, be sure to add The Dot and Ish to your libraries.
June 8th, 2008 at 1:59 pm
Maribeth,
Excellent post and recommendation. For a long time, “The Dot” was my absolute favorite book (only slightly eclipsed this year by the North Star). My students LOVE the books because they have such a beautiful message.
I read “The Dot” and “Ish” to my college computer class last term and soon the “ish” was creeping in to the discussions. Amazing to me that the messages from both books resound with elementary aged students to adults….How many books can you say that about?
June 20th, 2008 at 4:00 am
I use “The North Star,” “The Dot” and “Ish” as beginning-of-the-year lessons. They set the mood for the school year. Recently, I have begun using the newer book, “So Few of Me” as a way to end the year. It is great for when things are getting crazy and there is SOOOO much to do. This year’s class in particular really appreciated the reading. We (I???) were able to “let things go” at the end of the year and enjoy our last few days together! Adults will totally relate to this one as well.