Draw Me a Star

Rating:
Summary: Good but somewhat inappropriate.
Review: I trully love the works of Eric Carle. However, in this instance I do not believe this is a book that should be labeled for sale to ages 4-8. I am a preschool teacher and believe the graphics could have been more appropriately drawn to make this excellent story suitable for all ages. I love the storyline and the graphics in general. I was disappointed by the "graphic" nature of the book when it is supposed to be for children of the stated age range.

Rating:
Summary: beautiful
Review: This book is simply perfect. The artwork is wonderful(and very appropriate for children... I wonder if parents shy away from it because there is a drawing of a "naked" man and woman standing next to each other? If so, they are missing out on so much) and the story brings tears to my eyes with its simplicity. It is beautiful.

Rating:
Summary: Excellence at many levels
Review: This 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.