Module 15 Censorship: Draw Me a Star

Draw Me a Star 

Bibliographic Information
Carle, E. (1992). Draw me a star. New York: Philomel Books. 

Summary
The first words of the story are instructions, "Draw me a star."  A young boy does what is asked and draws a star, which then asks the artist to draw a sun.  This pattern continues throughout the book, where each thing he draws asks him to draw something new.  Finally the blank, white background is covered with everything he's drawn combined in a beautiful work of art, and the artist has grown into a man. After adding "the night" to his work, we find ourselves back where we began, with the now elderly artist once again being asked to draw a star.  The story ends perfectly, with the artist holding onto the star he created, and "together, they traveled across the night sky." 

Impressions 
This book is a true work of art.  The text could be seen as a simple story of an artist creating more and more throughout his life, but readers could also find deeper, more complex ideas underneath.  The blank, white pages at the beginning and circular ending seem to represent the cycle of life and Creation.  The illustrations really are wonderful.  Their vibrant colors set against the white background are captivating.  Whether reading one-on-one or with a group of students, this work is meant to be shared and enjoyed. 

Review
A young boy is told (readers are not sure by whom) to "Draw me a star."  The star then requests that the boy draw it a sun; the sun asks for a "lovely tree," and throughout his life the boy/man/artist continues 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 lines 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. 

Review Reference
Larkin, E. (1992, October). [Review of Draw Me a Star, by E. Carle]. School 
     Library Journal. Retrieved from http://libproxy.library.unt.edu:2114/ehost/
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Library Use
~ This would be an excellent book to use with younger students for a story time.  The large, colorful illustrations and simple text would capture their attention, and they could use the instructions in the book to draw a star as a follow-up activity.