I Wish I Could Draw
by Cary Fagan
Date: 2014
Publisher: Groundwood Books
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 28
Format: e-book
Source: library
The narrator of I Wish I Could Draw shares a name with creator Cary Fagan and has the same curly hair and glasses. Perhaps most interesting of all, though, the narrator believes he has no artistic talent — just like the Cary Fagan, who not only wrote but also bravely and exuberantly illustrated this book. Fortunately for readers, both Cary-the-narrator and Cary-the-children’s-book-creator refused to let self-doubt stop them from trying to tell (and draw) the funniest and most exciting story they could think of. The result is a book that delivers plenty of excitement, silly jokes, and fun — and also an important message about self-confidence and perseverance. Designed to look like a child’s notebook, I Wish I Could Draw will inspire readers to pick up a pencil and let their imaginations do the rest.
(synopsis from Goodreads)
If I were an author who'd had their picture books illustrated as well as Fagan has, I might lack confidence in my own artistic abilities as well! In this book, Fagan laments the fact that he doesn't have much artistic talent and wishes he could draw. The result is a silly story illustrated by some pretty funky-looking doodles that, while not exactly ready to hang in a museum, are nonetheless clear and help to tell the story. The message is that, if you want to draw and you enjoy doing so, you should. You never know where those doodles might end up one day. (I mean, they'll probably end up on your mom's fridge, but it's a start.)
The premise is good, and the story is fine. The illustrations are meh, but that's the point. This would be a good book to give to someone who might feel intimidated about sharing their art (or even making it in the first place).
Meter: n/a
Writing: 4/5
Illustrations: 2/5
Originality: 4/5
Enjoyment: 3/5
Overall: 3.33 out of 5
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