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Reviewed by Jennifer Senick for Readers' Favorite
To dot or not to dot, that is the question. That’s exactly what a bunch of colorful dots is trying to figure out in What Dots Are For by Christina Lumenara. They gather together, look around, and wonder what they’re supposed to do. Since nobody has an answer, they start experimenting. First, they make a straight line. Then a circle, followed by a spiral and a squiggle that doesn’t seem to have a beginning or an end. Before long, they’re forming all sorts of objects, from a flower and fish to a cloud and star. Some creations seem familiar, while others are just a bit unusual. That’s okay with them. They keep playing around with different possibilities, sometimes rolling, bouncing, or scattering in the process. There’s always something else they can try. What might happen when a simple group of dots decides there are no limits to what it can create?
What Dots Are For by Christina Lumenara is such a clever story, and I think kids will get into it quickly. The writing is direct and easy to understand, and the steady pace keeps things moving without making the book feel rushed. I also liked the idea that there isn’t always one right way to create something. I’d love to share this with my kindergarten students for a day centered entirely around dots. They could design pictures from circle stickers or bingo markers, arrange patterns, practice counting, and talk about what else a simple circle could become. The illustrations are bright and playful, and the page with the swirl on it caught my eye because the spiral almost looks three-dimensional. Children who enjoy colors, shapes, and being creative will want to read this one. Albert Einstein said, “Imagination is more important than knowledge,” and that fits this story perfectly because these little dots show just how far your mind can take you. This book deserves a place in homes, schools, and libraries everywhere.
