John's Pictures

Wishing for something is a common childhood trait; in fact it is one of the most endearing characteristics of young humans. As we grow older and reality sets in, some people lose it entirely while others productively channel it into a drive for success. This book does some of that, the creation is not based on wishes but on what a boy named John draws with his crayons. It all starts with John drawing a figure of a man. That man comes to life and draws a wife because he is lonely. Then together, the man and the woman draw two children, a house, car, back yard and other necessities. The high point of the book is when the family is at dinner and the boy draws himself another bowl of ice cream. Truly, the dream of every child! This is a delightful book and had I known of it when my daughter was young, I would have read it to her. She would have loved it.

This book is one of our family's favorite picture books. The subject matter is enchanting. A stick-figure man comes to life once the little boy who drew him goes off to dinner He picks up the boy's colored pencils and draws himself a wife, some children, and eventually a house, dog, cat, and so forth. The children get into the action by secretly drawing themselves some ice cream for dessert after dinner. At the end, the man draws a note on the front door for the milk man and goes to bed. The illustrations are realistic and very charming. I'm always glad when one of my children brings this book over for bedtime reading.