Happy Perfect Picture Book Friday, dear friends. I totally needed this book when I was a kid. I loved to draw…I had a big round cookie tin that was filled with broken crayons. I remember the day I got a new box of Crayola crayons…the big 64 color box with the SHARPENER…it was 1958 (that was the first year Crayola released the 64-crayon box with the sharpener) and I was 11 years old – and I felt like I had just gotten the best gift ever! But I didn’t have much confidence in my art – and most of the time, I colored in coloring books…allowing my creativity to be confined within the boundaries of the lines on the page. Danielle Dufayet’s newest book, BENFORD DRAWS A BLANK, is all about creativity and imagination and believing in oneself…and something many of us writers experience – not knowing where to begin! And before you begin reading this post, I want to let you know that the lovely Danielle is offering a fabulous giveaway: winner’s choice of either a signed copy of the book OR a Picture Book Critique! WOW!

BENFORD DRAWS A BLANK
Written by Danielle Dufayet
Illustrated by Katia Klein
Published by Capstone
Ages: 4-8
Themes: Imagination, be yourself, art
Synopsis: From Amazon:
Benford loves art, and his very first canvas is ready and waiting! But he can’t think of a single thing to paint. Not one! Nothing! His mind is completely BLANK! How will Benford break free from his painter’s block? Author Danielle Dufayet highlights the importance of silencing the inner critic by letting go of perfectionism and letting loose. See Benford’s final masterpiece where he adds the missing piece to get his painting “just right”.
Why I Love This Book:
1. We all get stuck – children and adults, writers and artists…I love that every child reader will be able to relate to Benford!
2. Wonderful text that takes the reader on Benford’s journey of discovery!
3. Fabulous illustrations that engage the reader and keep you turning the pages!
And guess what!!! Author Danielle Dufayet stopped by to chat and she’s sharing a little bit about the path to publication for this book…I always love to get an inside peek at the story behind the story.
DANIELLE: I was so torn as to what to paint after a long dry spell, but somehow, I started seeing blank canvases everywhere I went: once in Target just passing through the art supplies, once in my grandson’s school where they were getting ready to paint small canvases and a third time my friend called me to tell me she picked up a canvas for me at a garage sale for a really great price. All in the same day! I took it as a sign, but it did feel like blank canvases were stalking me! I definitely wanted to add that funny element to my story. I love how the illustrator gave it beady eyes!
ME: I love that, Danielle. It just goes to show how in tune we need to be with the Universe…which is always sending us ideas for stories!
RELATED ACTIVITIES:

Photo courtesy: https://artfulparent.com/how-to-encourage-drawing-skills-confidence-creativity-in-young-children/
Please visit this fabulous website and read this important post about how parents can encourage the artist that lives inside of every child. One of the most important tips is: DON’T DENIGRATE YOUR OWN ARTISTIC ABILITY! (I am definitely guilty of this…even when I do a school visit…I can hear myself saying…oh, the art in my book dummy is so bad. What I think I’m doing is letting the kids know that even though I don’t draw like a professional artist, I do it anyway…but perhaps there is a better way I can say it. It’s kind of like if a parent makes a face when spinach is served…kids clue into not only what we say, but they watch what we do…and then the kid doesn’t want to eat spinach either.
Before I sign off I want to remind you all to leave a comment for a chance to win the FABULOUS giveaway of a Picture Book Critique with author Danielle Dufayet OR a signed copy of BENFORD DRAWS A BLANK. And if you share on social media (which I hope you will), you get extra tickets in the giveaway hat.
I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!
I love this book already. I think it will be read side-by-side with ISH to encourage kids who too early label themselves as bad at drawing. Thank you and congratulations!
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Thank you, Gretchen. It’s so easy to compare ourselves when really we should just focus on our own journey and the joy it brings.
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‘Stalked by blank canvases’ I love it, AND that it became a wonderful book!
I’ll also be sharing the Related Activities with many. 🙂
It would be lovely to have a critique from Danielle Dufayet ~
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Thank you, Anneliese. I loved the idea of Aaron Reynolds wonderful picture book, Creepy Carrots -I think subconsciously I wanted something that would be creepy in my life and I got my wish!
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Blank paper, blank canvas. They have a lot in common.
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Thank you, Diane. Yes, blank is blank! 🙂
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Actions definitely speak louder than words and the kids are watching everything we do. I hope this book and your school visits encourage kids to see themselves as artists.
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Thank you, Maria. We adults are truly role models. I was so lucky to have a great artist-mother role model. She showed me what creativity required -a lot of determination and self-discipline, for sure. She taught me that a “blank” was just an invitation.
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Blank books and blank canvases have a lot in common.
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Absolutely!
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Can’t wait to read this! Thanks for the giveaway too!
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Thank you, Cathy, for your support! Good luck for the give-away!
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Thanks Vivian and Danielle! The image of a canvas with eyes is hilarious. I can’t wait to read the book.
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Thank you, Mary. I was so happy to add that hilarious element in my story and it’s actually not too far-fetched!
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Your book will resonate with me as I too sit for hours and think but it’s about my writing not painting pictures. Can’t wait to read it. Best wishes in 2023.
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Thank you, Leslie. It’s easy to overthink whether it’s starting a new painting or book. We all want that amazing, finished product, but we can never get there if we are paralyzed with perfectionism. I hope my book reminds everyone to create without self-imposed limitations.
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I need this book for my 7 YO and for myself!
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Thank you, Elizabeth. It took me a long time to stop comparing myself to my amazing mother-artist. That’s when my painting journey began.
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Thank you for telling me to go ahead with the artwork I never could do. Stick figures were my friend, but now they look so different with butterfly wings added to them.
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Thank you for that comment. I wish I could see how your stick figures transformed. Something’s telling me they are fantastic!
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I can’t wait to read this book. The theme of this book is one of my very favorites. Very inspiring! Awesome giveaways!!! :-))
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Thank you, Lauren. That makes me happy to know my book inspires you! Create, create, create…and enjoy!
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What a lovely concept and idea! I resonate with this when I stare at a blank word document on my computer screen. 🙂
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Thank you, Effie. A blank word document can be intimidating too. I hope my book reminds you to see all that white space as a welcoming and safe invitation.
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Staring at BLANK anything is intimidating! Sounds like a great book and I love how the illustrator made it funny with eyes! We often forget when we say something to children like the spinach they take it as golden! Lesson learned and thank you! Thank you for the opportunity
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Thank you, Kelly. I agree anything blank is scary, but oftentimes jumping in is the best solution.
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Fate does knock on my door once in a while, gently whispering. But today, with your email sent to my inbox, fate was breaking down the door. This is what I received before I clicked to go onto the actual site:
Site logo image VIVIAN KIRKFIELD – Writer for Children
Perfect Picture Book Friday: BENSON DRAWS A BLANK Plus Critique Giveaway.
After reading the blog with the title, BENFORD DRAWS A BLANK, and about Danielle’s book, I discovered the answer to my new years writing resolution; the question of including, as a novice, illustrations into my toolbox. The original email misprint title says it all and Danielle’s book gave me permission to start. By the way, my name is really BENSON. (place Twilight Zone intro music here.)
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Thank you, Benson. I love it when life works serendipitously. I’m so happy you are inspired to get started. Just starting is the best way to conquer the “blank”.
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This looks like an important, fun book to share with kids of all ages (grown-ups, too!)
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Thank you, Rose. I truly hope my book reminds kids (and adults) to let go of perfectionism and find the pure joy in making art whether it’s writing, painting, or music -or anything creative for that matter.
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Thank you Vivian. I can’t wait to read Danielle’s book to see what Benford creates. I had a big box of broken crayons, too, as a kid! And those boxes of 64 with the sharpener!!
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Thank you, Judy. What Benford ends up creating are the things he loves most – but he never planned it. Abstract art is a lot like that. It’s about letting go and seeing what wants to emerge.
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Love the title and the cover art! Looking forward to this one.
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Thank you, Elise. I, too, love the cover and am so happy I got paired with the wonderful illustrator, Katia Klein. She did an amazing job…and the title, well, it was my wonderful critique partners that helped me come up with that one!
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Such a great book for kiddos (and adults) who find it daunting to just start! Thanks for writing this!
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Thank you, Erica. Yes, just start! Let go of expectations and create to your heart’s content.
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A book for perfectionists! Hallelujah! This looks wonderful.
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Thank you, Laurie. We all want to create that perfect painting or book or song -or whatever. But it’s only perfect if you enjoyed making it.
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Thanks Danielle for sprinkling a little art magic!!!
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Thank you, Jany. I hope I’ve inspired anyone who wants to try their hand at a little abstract art. It’s so much fun!
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You kept me reading this post, Vivian, when you said “the 64-crayon box with the sharpener.” I had one, too, and thought it was THE OPTIMUM.As for Danielle’s book–congratulations! This book sounds like a block-breaker for all ages! I hope it’s a block-buster, too!
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Thank you, Jane. I agree, that box of colorful crayons was like an ambrosia for the gods! Colors light my fire and inspire me to create. What inspires you?
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Perfect picture book for us writers drawing blanks this morning!
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Thank you, Patricia. Ha ha…hope you shake those blanks off and create what your heart desires!
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Hearing ’64-crayon box’ pulled me in by the nose. Oh, the smell of those new crayons fresh from the box! Congrats Danielle for this all-age relatable story!
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Thank you, Geigerlin. I remember the smell too – almost like candy! You can imagine how I feel going into an art store!
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Thank you for the opportunity =)
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Thank you, Angel. Good luck!
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I needed to read this after a post-COVID dry dry spell – blank page and nothing to write. I need to let go and let it become just right! Thanks!
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Thank you, Robin. Yes, let go and see what wants to be created. It truly is a collaboration. What you want to create wants to be created. It is magical.
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I can totally relate to this and imagine all the fun activities it can spark. I also believe in signs!
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Thank you, Deb. This is your sign to let go and let loose. When we just trust the process and have fun, the end result can be surprisingly wonderful. 🙂
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I too LOVED the 64-crayon box. Oh, the names of those 64 colors: sunflower, sienna … And oh, how I find the blank page/screen daunting! Danielle Dufayet’s book sounds like a perfect choice for all ages. I’m eager to read it. Thank you!
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Thank you, Laurie. Yes, those crayons had delicious and interesting names which were inspiring in and of itself! Push through that daunting feeling and see what happens…then, start again tomorrow!
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So much in this post to relate to!
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Thank you, Rachelle. I’m glad you can relate, and I hope it is inspiring you to create!
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Thanks for sharing this book, Vivian and Danielle! I look forward to reading it!
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Thank you, Kim. I hope you enjoy it and I hope it reminds you to happily create whatever your heart desires.
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What a wonderful book! Can’t wait to read it!
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Thank you for your enthusiasm. I appreciate it! 🙂
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Book looks wonderful- congratulations to Danielle and Katia (both of whom have clearly overcome blank paper and blank canvas!)
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Thank you, Natasha. Anyone can overcome the “blank” when we let go of expectations and just enjoy the process.
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I want to share this book with my reluctant grands. Perfect! And Vivian, I too can remember the thrill of the 64 crayon box with sharpener!
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Thank you, Valerie. I hope they see the humor in how we can drive ourselves crazy with perfectionism. Anything creative should elicit joy, in my opinion.
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This book is certainly getting a lot book love! Everywhere I turn I see a glowing review. It is a topic children and adults will relate to — I know writer’s block and staring at a blank page. Enjoyed the interview with Danielle and learning more about her journey. My grandkids would adore this book! They like funny!
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Thank you, Patricia, for your kind words. The creative block is something we all (or will) experience at one time or another (or a lot of the times). We need to make the “blank” our friend. I’ve learned to look at it as an invitation to express who you are and what you are passionate about.
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This looks wonderful! What to do with a blank canvas…Can’t wait to read it! Congrats, Danielle and Katia!
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Thank you, Angie. What to do with a blank? That’s the million-dollar question. The blank is just waiting for you to express who you are and what matters to you. For me, it’s anything joyful, colorful, inspiring and uplifting. What is it for you?
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rubber stamped cards and lots of craft supplies!
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This book is going to be so helpful and inspirational to read. I can’t wait to find out how it ends. Blank canvases and pages are so intimidating sometimes.
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Forgot to mention I shared on tumblr: https://yesreaderwriterpoetmusician.tumblr.com/post/706993506617638912/via-perfect-picture-book-friday-benford-draws-a
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Thank you, Danielle. I hope you see what Benford added at the very end to make it just right. I don’t think it’s obvious, but it truly brings it full circle and it reminds us that what we create is what is uniquely important to us. Do you see it?
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This one is on my list! I think it will speak to me, not just to kids!
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Thank you, Jilanne. I hope it speaks to you. We all struggle with the “blank”, but it is conquerable. We just have to let go of perfectionism. easy, right?
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This looks wonderful! I loved Danielle’s waiting book, so I’m thrilled to see this one coming! Congrats, Danielle!
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Thank you, Marci! I’m so happy you loved Waiting Together. I loved writing it! I loved writing this one too. I guess I love writing, lol, but believe me, I struggle with the “blank” just like everyone else. I try to see the “blank” as an invitation -an opportunity- to create something I care about. But the only way to get into the creative zone is to let go of expectations. That’s when the magic happens -especially when I’m painting. If you’re interested, here’s my art website: https://www.danielledufayet.com
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I cannot tell you how many times I heard my students say they couldn’t make a picture because they didn’t know how to draw! Looks like a great book to bring into the classroom.
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Thank you for that! I agree, we stop ourselves even before we get a chance to start! That’s why I especially love abstract art. For me, it’s like dancing with creamy colors and seeing what wants to emerge. I love it when I’m pleasantly surprised.
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Looking forward to adding this book to our collection! Blank canvas, here I come!!! 🙂
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Thank you so much. It sounds like maybe my books has inspired you! happy writing or painting…or whatever it is you love to create.
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Love to read, write and “attempt” to draw!!! 🙂
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This looks wonderful! I love books about the creative process! Thanks for sharing with us! 🙂
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Thank you, Rebecca. Sometimes the creative process is a mystery, but I think it’s about letting go of expectations and experiencing the joy it is intended to bring. That doesn’t mean the creative process is not challenging and often difficult, but we must always remember that joy is an important part of the process.
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Great premise for a book!
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Thank you, Judith -it’s based on real life (sort of)!
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I love to hear the story behind the story. Can’t wait to read this!
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Thank you, Amita. Yes, it’s fun to see how a story is sparked sometimes.
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This sounds like a great book, especially for writers who sit down to stare at a blank page and have no idea what to write!
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Thank you, Stefsennn. I hope my book inspires the writer/artist to just start with something, anything and see where it takes them. Sometimes, the page has to stay blank for a while until we’ve worked out what we want to express, subconsciously.
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Letting go of perfection is something we all need to remember. And I do agree that every child/every person is artistic in some way. Having the encouragement to experiment and just try/make things is so important for little ones.
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Thank you, Marty. Yes, perfectionism is a creativity killer. Having fun and experiencing joy is what makes the creative process so enjoyable and satisfying, but it’s not easy to let go and trust the process, especially as we get older.
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I am so excited to read your book, Danielle. It’s so relatable to adults and kids, and an important message that perfectionism and a great result aren’t the end goal, but letting go and letting your creativity fly is what is the fun part!!
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Thank you, Jessica. Yes, having fun and finding the joy in the creative process is the end goal, really.
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What a great idea for a book! I’m looking forward to reading it!
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Thank you, Jan. I hope you enjoy it, and I hope it inspires you to create! 🙂
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It’s so important to talk about self-denigration! Children are listening. ❤️ This looks like a wonderful book for kids and adults alike!
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Thank you, Joyce. How we talk to ourselves determines the quality of our lives! We should teach a class in school that addresses self-talk and the power it has on us.
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Indeed ❤️
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This looks like a great kids’ book. I love the picture of the dog and cat!
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Thank you, Carolsue. I love the illustrations too -so grateful to have been paired with Katia Klein.
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This is so great! I already can relate to this! When things don’t come easy, children tend to label themselves as a bad (fill in the blank). I can’t wait to read this book to some kiddos I know. Congrats!
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Thank you, Ellen. I agree, we’re so quick to put ourselves down -ugh! We need to learn how to be our own best friend and cheerleader. That was my goal in Fantastic You. It’s so important how we talk to ourselves.
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🤔
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What a great book for all of those “I can’t think of anything” moments! I used to work with gifted kids and as smart as they were, they often drew a blank.
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Thank you, Donna. We are our own worst enemy because we tend to want to make something perfect or great the first go-around. Whether writing or painting, we just need to start. Sometimes we have a plan, but when we don’t, we shouldn’t quit. (But it is hard to see beyond that big, white blank sometimes!)
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DANIELLE: OH, I AM SO IN LOVE with Benford–and his ADORABLE dog starring up at the canvas, expectantly! SWEET detail! And I LOVE the backstory to creating the story. Vivian’s right: we need to pay attention to what the universe is trying to tell us–then maybe our canvases won’t stare at us so blankly! THANK YOU for the INSPIRATION! I CAN’T WAIT to read this one–ESPECIALLY on days I need help facing my own blank canvases or computer screen.
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OH, thank you so much, Natalie! Yes, I love Katia’s sweet dog who’s trying so hard to be Benford’s inspiration! And the cat… who couldn’t care less. Typical! Did you notice Benford added Van Gogh at the very end? Some see it, others, don’t. 🙂 Good luck facing the blank. I know you can do it!
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Wonderful advice. Thank you
We all draw our own “blanks “ at times… that is until we find ourselves in a new box of colors!
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Thank you, Meredith. Yes, a big box of beautiful crayons can be very inspiring!
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Can’t wait to read this!
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Thank you, Kim. I hope you enjoy it!
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Oh my gosh! I can’t wait to read this book! Especially knowing the canvas has beady eyes! 😆
I had a similar experience where I kept encountering the same thing again and again, until I finally sat down and wrote about it! Gotta listen to those signs!
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Thank you, Jessaroux. Yes, the signs finally get our attention in the end. Funny how that happens sometimes. Glad you listened and went to work!
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