I Want to Be an Artist: A My Community I Can Read

by Laura Driscoll, Catalina Echeverri (Illustrator)

Overview

A Level 1 I Can Read story for the child who says, “I want to be an artist when I grow up!” And for any child interested in the many ways people can have a career making art.

Visit art shows and workspaces with Papa and his grandchild, soaking in all the art along the way, in this Level 1 I Can Read My Community book ideal for early readers learning to sound out words and sentences.

Find out more about the community helpers who do so much for us in this ninth book in the I Can Read My Community series full of characters who are diverse in terms of gender, race, age, and body type. Whether shared at home or in a classroom, the short sentences, familiar words, and simple concepts of Level One I Can Reads support success for children eager to start reading on their own.

Meet these artists:

• painter
• sculptor
• hand-lettering artist
• potter
• graphic designer
• photographer
• illustrator
• animator
• cartoonist
• botanical illustrator
• muralist

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780063276512
Publisher:	HarperCollins
Publication date:	12/03/2024
Series:	I Can Read Book 1 Series
Pages:	32
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x (d)
Age Range:	4 - 8 Years

About the Author

Laura Driscoll is the author of many beginning reader books, including I Want to Be a Doctor, I Want to Be a Pilot, and other books in this series. She lives in central Connecticut with her husband and two kids.

Born in Bogotá, Colombia, Catalina Echeverri now lives in London with her family. Catalina is never without her sketchbook. She particularly enjoys working on projects that make a positive impact on people’s lives.

Editorial Reviews

"A joyful glimpse into the notion that a pleasurable childhood activity could be a lifetime pursuit." — Kirkus Reviews

“The text is perfect for early readers, with simple sentences, repetitive phrases, and a clear narrative structure that will build confidence in young readers. The illustrations in the book are vivid and engaging. Recommended for its engaging storyline and inspiring message about creativity and self-discovery.” — Booklist

From the Publisher

2024-08-30
A child and grandfather—both artists—explore the range of professional possibilities open to creative people.

This beginning reader opens in the midst of the child’s school art show. The brown-skinned, curly-haired youngster has created a portrait of the child’s beloved grandparent, complete with a balding brown pate, bushy eyebrows, rectangular spectacles, and a red bandana around his neck. The following week, the duo visit a gallery opening of modern work, where they mingle with abstract painters and a sculptor. When the youngster wonders about being a “real artist,” Papa initiates a tour of his own workspace (he does hand lettering) and neighboring studios. The protagonist enjoys exploring the output of this diverse cast of characters, from a potter and animator to a book illustrator and cartoonist. While some of the vocabulary includes longer words that may be unfamiliar, such as “botanical artist” and “photographer,” the context provided by Echeverri’s lively illustrations provides clues to help children through repeated readings. Beautiful, colorful combinations, varied textures, and interesting patterns in the art, clothing, and hairstyles kick this format up a notch. The narrative concludes with the pair participating in the creation of an outdoor mural. Part of a series introducing various occupations, the book ends with a page briefly defining each type of artist mentioned.

A joyful glimpse into the notion that a pleasurable childhood activity could be a lifetime pursuit. (list of types of artists with definitions)(Early reader. 4-7)

Kirkus Reviews