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The Art Lesson

Tomie dePaola

Ages 4–10

Readers rate it 4.3 (6 on Hardcover)

40 pages · Released Mar 15, 1989

Content report card

The Art Lesson parent’s guide: what’s inside

High confidence

Violence

Language

Sexual content

LGBTQ+ themes

Scary or mature

Substance use

What it offers

A note for parents

This is a gentle, autobiographical picture book celebrating artistic individuality and creative expression. Tommy learns to balance personal creativity with classroom expectations, guided by a wise and supportive teacher. The story encourages children to embrace their unique talents and persist in pursuing their passions, making it an ideal read-aloud for young children and early readers.

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From the publisher

This modern classic celebrates the individuality in all of us and the joy of artistic expression. Tommy knows he wants to be an artist when he grows up. He can't wait to get to school and have real art lessons. When Tommy gets to school and finds out that the art lessons are full of "rules", he is surprised and dismaye... This modern classic celebrates the individuality in all of us and the joy of artistic expression. Tommy knows he wants to be an artist when he grows up. He can't wait to get to school and have real art lessons. When Tommy gets to school and finds out that the art lessons are full of "rules", he is surprised and dismayed. How the wise art teacher finds a way to give Tommy the freedom to create and stay within the "rules" makes a wonderfully perceptive picture book about growing up and keeping one's individuality. Tomie dePaola is the author and illustrator of many beloved books for children, including the Caldecott Honor Book Strega Nona. Fans of all ages will be pleased to hear that The Art Lesson is, in fact, based on the artist's own experiences growing up, and offers a welcome glimpse into his past. This bright picture book is as covered with drawings as the walls of Tommy's parents' and grandparents' houses, and sends an inspirational message to budding artists and individualists. Break out the crayons!

Shelved under

  • Juvenile Fiction
  • Young Adult
  • Fiction
  • Artists
  • General

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ISBN 9780399216886 · G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers

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