This is a story of an artist who, from his earliest years, draws. The artist draws a star! Then, the tree, house, flowers, clouds, rainbow, and night. In drawing, he discovers not only his art, but his life. Holding on to his star, he creates a world of light and possibility. With his brilliant collage, poignant and powerful in its simplicity, Eric Carle creates an unforgettable story that celebrates imagination and the artist in us all.

Contains more than six hundred circle time and group activities designed by teachers to use with children three to six years old, each including a suggested age, a list of materials, and step-by-step directions, and features lists of related books, songs, and poems.

Collects artisitic activities based on the illustration styles in such popular picture books as Leo Lionni's Swimmy, Eric Carle's Draw Me a Star, and Lois Ehlert's Draw Me a Rainbow.

Provides literature-based activities for teaching math to students in grades one through three, each with activities, reproducible patterns, and recording sheets.

“Will inspire, inform, and delight those of any age who areengaged in—or by—the arts.” — The Horn Book Renowned children’s literature authority Leonard S. Marcus speaks with twenty-one of the world’s most celebrated illustrators of picture books, asking about their childhood, their inspiration, their creative choices, and more. Amplifying these richly entertaining and thought-provoking conversations are eighty-eight full- color plates revealing each illustrator’s artistic process in fascinating, behind- the-scenes detail. This inspiring collection confirms that picture books matter because they make a difference in our children’s lives.