- About the Book
Ish
Written and illustrated by Peter Reynolds
Candlewick Press
Copyright 2004
If you're looking for a book to ease the self-doubt of your struggling young artist, storyteller, dancer, or creator of any kind, then Ish (Candlewick Press, 2004) by acclaimed author and illustrator Peter H. Reynolds may just be your golden ticket.
Ish follows the creative endeavors of a young boy, Ramon. He is an incessant drawer - no place is off limits for him to draw - not even on the toilet seat. Yet, his brother, Leon, injects doubt into Ramon's depiction of a vase of flowers when he laughs and asks, "WHAT is THAT?" The ease at which Ramon once drew disappears. For months, he just can't get it "right," and one day he declares, "I'm done." However, Ramon has a fan he doesn't know exists - his younger sister, Marisol. Ramon discovers all of his crumpled artwork displayed on the walls of her room. They stand together and look at the drawing of the vase of flowers that Leon had ridiculed. Ramon laments, "It doesn't even look like [a vase]." Marisol exclaims, "Well, it looks vase-ISH!"
And he's back! "ISH" becomes Ramon's artistic mantra. He begins to draw ish objects, ish feelings, and ish poems without reservation. Ramon understands that his work doesn't have to be perfect, and that he doesn't have to try so hard to make it "right," but just make it his own. Reynold's book illustrates that in the world of creative expression, what is not popular to one person (Leon), may be popular to another (Marisol).
- I Spy from a Counseling/Educational Perspective: Working with Feelings of Self-doubt
Self-doubt and frustration are common feelings when children take on a new task, learn a skill, or attempt to reach goals that require work and commitment. It is helpful for children who feel unsure to discover different ways to approach a task, practice a skill, or reach a goal. A child's confidence can also increase by talking through scenarios, planning steps, creating positive self-talk statements, and receiving positive reinforcement in the form of specific verbal praise ("You use the color red so nicely in that picture." Rather than, "That picture is great!"). Self-doubt creeps into our minds across the life span, not just as a growing child. As we age, having a positive internal dialogue does come in handy.
Ish is the sequel to Peter H. Reynold's award-winning book, The Dot, in which main character, Vashti, believes she cannot draw until her art teacher encourages her to "make a mark and see where it takes you." Reynold's website states that he will be writing a third book for what he calls his "creatrilogy." It will be interesting to see what obstacle the next character faces. Ramon could definitely help.
- I Spy, More!
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