The Masterpiece (One Big Canvas)

I love Mr. Jay's books and the illustrations are so bright and colorful. I read to a preschool and my kids loved this book. We talked about how everyone is different and everyone is important, and we show kindness to everyone, even if they aren't like us. I also have a granddaughter who is autistic, this made me think of her and her talents. Thank you Mr. Jay.

This book will both show kids how to accept those who are slightly different - and we see three types of autism behaviors, but never hear the word "autism" - and how to incorporate everyone into the group. It could send a message to kids on the spectrum that there's a place for them, too. The "kids" in this book are colorful paintbrushes. The illustrator infuses the kids with color to brighten, illuminate, and soothe - trust me, the kids will instinctively reach out and want to touch these pages. He's fantastic. Bonuse points for hiding a ladybug on every page. And so these artistic kids set out to create a masterpiece. As there are interruptions, the leader of the group deftly acknowledges the ones who don't quite fit in. He makes inclusive statements and takes them into the group as best he can. There is a place for everyone, even those who are simply and positively acknowledged.+ It's fun to see the paintbrushes upside down busily painting throughout much of the book, and kids will simply love the bright, lush colors. The masterpiece painting at the end is just that.

This is a beautifully written and illustrated book! I love the message of inclusion, and the delivery is spot on for young children.I worked in early childhood for years, this book belongs on every teachers bookshelf! I have purchased several copies to give to teachers and friends. It’s just that good :)

So beautiful! Again, the color was so crisp, and the message was shockingly beautiful. I thought by looking at it it might be a little longer than I thought me and my one year old were ready for lol but it was so sweet and not long at all.This was amazing, i loved the psychologist in the back i think this team did a wonderful job and as an artist myself i was very blessed to enjoy this masterpiece.

How exciting for our son who has moderate autism to read a book celebrating autism. His differencing make him wonderful just the way he is and this book delivers that same wonderful truth! Looking forward to many more books from the Reed Foundation for Autism!

I just got finished reading the Masterpiece to my 11-month old. While it's sold as a children's book, the messages and lessons from the story are completely universal. As an elementary educator, it can be challenging to address student exceptionalities in a way that is relatable and easy to digest. This book is the perfect tool to remind students that our differences should not only be accepted but celebrated. I'm excited to dive into the corresponding teacher tools and to think about how to bring this into my classroom regularly. I hope this isn't the last we hear about these sweet brushes!

Cute book. Like the visual story telling to describe differences in people.

My son is Autistic and the cover was so inviting. I decided to give this book a try to see what the buzz was about. Let me tell you, I have never read anything that seemed so educational and inclusive all at once. Not one mention of the normal terms involved with autism. The author was able to completely educate his readers on the “colorful life” my son lives each day without pointing it out! I loved it!

PLOT: A friendly set of paintbrushes, forgotten in a dusty study, decide to paint a masterpiece, one that shall last through the ages. Soon, however, some of the paintbrushes show different behaviours to that of their peers: they hum for instance, rock back and forth, or repeatedly go around in circles... Do they not know what to do? Are they misbehaving? Or are they maybe contributing to the masterpiece in their own special ways?REVIEW: While the story is predictable, the book‘s subtle message that diversity and inclusion matter can’t be delivered to young readers often enough—particularly if it’s done in such a subtle and warm way as here. Jay Miletzky has clearly a talent for rhyming, and I enjoyed his perfect dactylic meter. Luis Peres, as always, did a stunning job in bringing the characters to live and in setting the right mood on each spread. My boys and me enjoyed this book and so will you.

I am swiftly becoming a fan of Jay Miletsky's work, and so are my kids! The Masterpiece in particular is bright, funny, imaginative - the perfect combination to capture and hold any child's attention.I love the way this author can seemingly take any inanimate object and bring them to life in such a beatiful way. Highly recommended!

A beautiful story of inclusion told in a delightful way. My daughters and I really enjoyed the story. The illustrations are absolutely fantastic too. Thank you!

What a wonderful book. My daughter and I read it this evening and she spent a long time after going back and looking through the pages by herself. The message of everyone being different but still being able to work together to create a masterpiece is supported brilliantly by the amazing illustrations.5 Stars ☆☆☆☆☆

This book is much more than exquisite art. Every preschool and kindergarten teacher needs to read this book, share it with students and share it with parents.