Book Cover
Book Summary
The artist in this book begins by drawing a star. The star asks for a sun, and the sun asks for a tree. Each new drawing asks for another until the artist has drawn an entire world. After drawing a final star, the now old artist holds on to the star to be flown across the sky.
APA Reference of Book
Carle, E. (1992). Draw me a star. New York, NY: Philomel Books.
Impressions
Typical of Eric Carle books, this book has beautiful illustrations and a simple, but sweet story. The main character uses his artistic skill to shape the world around him. This book encourages budding artists to keep drawing and shape their world as well. I find the controversy that often follows this book to be undeserved. Yes, there is a naked couple in the book, but they are general outlines and not graphically depicted at all. The claims that the book forces creationism on the reader I feel are unfounded. The artist in the book draws a world for himself, but I find no indication that this drawn world is supposed to represent the world in general or that the artist is supposed to represent God as the creator. In fact, in the author's note, Carle describes a dream he had which ended with him flying across the night sky with a star. Clearly, that part of the book, at least, was inspired by his dream.
Professional Review
"A young boy is told (readers are not sure by whom) to "Draw me a star." The star then requests that the boy it a sun; the sun asks for a "lovely tree," and throughout his life the boy/man/artist continues to create images that fill the world with beauty. The moon bids the now-elderly artist to draw another star, and as the story ends, the artist travels "across the night sky" hand-in-hand with the star. This book will appeal to readers of all ages; its stunning illustrations, spare text, and simple story line make it a good choice for story-hour; but older children will also find it uplifting and meaningful. Especially pleasing is a diagram within the story, accompanied by rhyming instructions on how to draw a star: "Down/ over/ left/ and right/ draw/ a star/ oh so bright." An inspired book in every sense of the word."
Larkin, E. (1992). [Review of Draw me a star by Eric Carle]. School Library Journal, 38(10), 80. Retrieved from: http://www.slj.com/
Library Uses
This would be a good book for an early elementary aged art program. The book provides simple instructions for drawing a star, but there are many other suggestions in the book of things that children can draw just like the artist in the book.
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