The Dot: questions to ask and activities to try
Vashti says she can't draw, so she makes a single dot. The Dot shows children that a tiny start is still a start, and that confidence grows from there.
What age is it for? The Dot is best for ages 4–8. Good for: Children who say 'I can't' before they've tried.
The Dot (Peter H. Reynolds)
- Age
- 4-8
- Best for
- Children who say 'I can't' before they've tried
Read it when your child says “I can't”. Pause at the framed dot and ask how Vashti might feel seeing it on the wall. Then make some dots of your own.
What it helps with
- Saying “I can't” before trying
- Feeling stuck with a blank page
- Seeing a small start as worth something
- Encouraging someone else to try
Comprehension and discussion questions
Pick two or three, not all of them. “I don’t know” is a fine answer, and you can always come back to it another day.
- “Why did Vashti think she couldn’t draw?”
- “How did she feel when she saw her dot framed?”
- “What did she do next?”
- “What did Vashti do for the little boy at the end?”
- “Is there something you think you can’t do?”
- “What could your first “dot” be?”
5-minute activities to try together
Dot day
Each make as many different dots as you can: big, tiny, coloured, dotty dots. Choose one to “frame” on the fridge.
Sign it
Like Vashti, sign your child's picture. Talk about what it feels like to put your name on your work.
Free printables: The Dot worksheet and activity pack
This book’s one-page worksheet with the questions and activities above, plus our activity pack: printable scenario cards, three 5-minute activities and a “What could I try?” page for practising everyday skills together. Enter your email and download them straight away.
Free. We’ll only email you if you tick the box.
If your child liked this, try
Ish (Peter H. Reynolds)
- Best for
- Children who give up because their work isn't 'right'
- Age
- 4-8
The Most Magnificent Thing (Ashley Spires)
- Best for
- Frustration, persistence, making mistakes and trying again
- Age
- 4-8
Beautiful Oops! (Barney Saltzberg)
- Best for
- Little ones who get upset about spills, tears and smudges
- Age
- 2-6
Search all our books by what's happening →
By the Growing Wise team · Last reviewed: 6 October 2026
Growing Wise offers educational ideas for parents and carers. It is not a substitute for professional medical, developmental or mental-health advice. As an Amazon Associate, Growing Wise earns from qualifying purchases.