This is one of those rare picture books that actually delivers on its promise. It's not just about art—it's about the moment when someone believes in you enough that you start believing in yourself.

The story is deceptively simple: frustrated kid makes an angry dot, teacher frames it, kid realizes she can make art after all. But Reynolds nails the emotional beats, and the illustrations have this loose, confident energy that reinforces the message.

It's become a classroom staple for good reason—teachers read it on the first day of art class, therapists use it with perfectionistic kids, and parents pull it out when their child is stuck in 'I can't' mode. The fact that it works for all those contexts without feeling didactic is impressive.

If you have a kid who says they're 'not creative' or refuses to try new things because they won't be immediately good at them, this book is basically required reading.