Art's Art - by Alliah A Livingstone

Book Synopsis

Teach kids about adaptability with this humorous, empathy-building Level 2 Paw Prints Reader.

More than anything, Cam loves to create art--he paints, he draws, he builds! What's more, his dad loves to display these creations proudly all over their walls!

It's no surprise that, when Dad surprises Cam with a rambunctious puppy, Cam names him Art. Art loves art just as much as Cam does. He loves to Stamp! Scratch! Plop! all over it. He stomps on Cam's paintings, he scratches Cam's drawings, and he knocks over Cam's buildings.

What will Cam do about all this mess? And what about his budding frustration with his new friend? Will Cam find a way to manage his anger and help Art redirect all that energy away from Cam's masterpieces?

Review Quotes

For the Hardcover Edition: ART'S ART by Alliah L. Agostini; illustrated by Paige A. Mason (ISBN: 9781223188928)
A young artist and his dog learn to create together.
Cam makes paintings, drawings, and small buildings that his dad proudly displays, but when Art arrives, the rambunctious dog shakes things up. He leaves paw prints all over Cam's paintings, knocks the boy's buildings down, and, worst of all, makes "his own buildings"--stinky messes that resemble chocolate kisses emanating steamy fumes. Cam and his dad are quite upset until the resourceful boy devises a plan to redirect Art's passion. He moves the art studio outdoors, dips the dog's paws and his own feet in "safe paint," and creates art that Dad is happy to hang on the wall. Art now understands the process of artmaking. "He fetched the blocks. Cam stacked them high." Cam doesn't even mind when Art continues to follow his instincts and makes "his own building" "It was okay. This time he was outside." The flattened cartoon illustrations emphasize the boy's art; kids will laugh at the scatological humor. Emphasizing short a sounds, this easy reader features concise and straightforward text and a simple story. Brown-skinned, dark-haired Cam and his father have a loving relationship, and budding artists will appreciate that Cam finds creative solutions that allow his canine pal to explore his artistic side.

An accessible tale that makes clear that anyone--even the four-legged--can be an artist. (Early reader. 4-7)

About the Author

Alliah L. Agostini grew up an avid reader in a cross-cultural African-American and Guyanese household in Buffalo, NY. After pursuing a career marketing everything from beauty and personal care to home decor, motherhood helped her return to her first love: children's literature.

Now an author and speaker, Alliah has spoken at schools, libraries, corporations, and on several podcasts. She is also the author of the acclaimed The Juneteenth Story: Celebrating the End of Slavery in the United States. Alliah and her work have been highlighted on the TODAY Show, CNN, WashingtonPost.com, Good Housekeeping, and more.

Alliah writes to spread joy, truth, and to help more children see themselves reflected on the page. She and her family live in the suburbs of New York City, where she enjoys impromptu dance parties, museum hopping, and summer festival season. Big Tune is her debut fiction picture book.