Dots, Spots and Buttons!

This week I'm all about dots!

Books

Did you know there is an "International Dot Day?"  It's actually not until September 15, but I couldn't wait to share my enthusiasm for these cheerful circles.  The celebration of creativity was inspired by Peter Reynold's book The Dot, a story about a girl who learns how to make her mark by taking one small step.  The author's website (www.peterhreynolds.com) includes a "Dot Activity Page"

Pete the Cat and His Four Groovy Buttons by James Dean and Carl Litwin
Click on the video- it says it all!  Warning--the song is addictive :-)

Dog is white with one black spot on his left ear, but he doesn't stay that way for long! In Dog's colorful day : a messy story about colors and counting by Emma Dodd,  you can spat, splish, and splosh through the many colors of Dog's messy day. (Cats are never that messy...)

More Books

There are TONS of books on dots, spots and buttons- here are some from the Iowa City Public Library:

• 600 Black Spots: A Pop-up Book for Children of All Ages by David A. Carter 
• One Red Dot by David A. Carter 
• Lots of spots by Lois Ehlert
• Ten black dots by Donald Crews 
• Lots of dots by Craig Frazier [also available on OVERDRIVE]
• Dog's colorful day : a messy story about colors and counting by Emma Dodd 
• Press here by Hervé Tullet 
• The dot by Peter Reynolds 
• Put me in the zoo by Robert Lopshire [also available on OVERDRIVE]
• Pete the Cat and His Four Groovy Buttons created & illustrated by James Dean ; story by Eric Litwin

YouTube Playlist

Here I have assembled a few book trailers on dots.  Some are professionally done, while some are parents and adults enjoying the books.

And while we are on the topic of book trailers, why not make your own and share them with us!  Make a YouTube video of your child talking about one of the books the read, snap a few pics and put them in Animoto, or even record them reading the book, and post a link in the comment section.

Apps

The Art of Glow lets you draw some really cool dot pictures on your android device.  Also available for Mac devices through  iTunes.  Even small paws like mine can make make beautiful art!

Crafts and Activities

Dot Pictures by Rebecca Lynn Baker
Dog's Colorful Day Activities from makinglearningfun.com

 Marlo Landis' Pintrest board "Dot Day Activities"

Messy, neat, huge, tiny, all black or rainbow colored-- you know you love dots, spots and buttons!