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DAVID’S DRAWINGS by Cathryn Falwell

DAVID’S DRAWINGS

by Cathryn Falwell & illustrated by Cathryn Falwell

Pub Date: Sept. 15th, 2001
ISBN: 1-58430-031-0
Publisher: Lee & Low Books

A shy, young, African-American boy making friends at a new school in this reassuring tale. On his way to school, David notices a pretty tree standing out against the winter-morning sky. When he arrives, he draws a picture of the image. It’s a little stark, but not for long. Soon enough a classmate mentions that the tree could use some color, and another notes it might benefit from some leaves. Everybody gets in on the act: a cat, a rainbow, and, certainly, some kids. As his drawing gains embellishments, David gains acquaintances. Finally, the “class picture” gets pinned to the bulletin board. Then, in an interesting twist, David goes home and draws the tree again. This time he leaves the tree in its winter simplicity, as if to have the best of both worlds: one, the shared; the other, his own. Falwell’s (Turtle Splash, p. 938, etc.) cut-paper and fabric collages are used to great effect, capturing the soft, snowy clouds as well as the colorful, busy classroom. David sits surrounded by children who lean over to improve on his drawing. Another impression of the tree stands apart, as something of a sidebar, white paper and bare tree becoming more elaborate as the children make suggestions. This story has the gentleness of a lullaby, but it also has the qualities of a real-life encounter, one that could well ease the process of making a home in a new school. (Picture book. 3-7)