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How a Math Teacher Changed Peter H Reynolds' Life

How a Math Teacher Changed Peter H Reynolds’ Life

Posted on August 24, 2016May 9, 2024 by Pragmatic Mom

Most of us swoon at the mention of picture books The Dot or Ish, making Peter H. Reynolds a household name among those of us who love children’s books. But did you know his twin brother, Paul Reynolds? Together, they are the co-founders of Fablevision and they also write books together.

For any child who doubts the artist inside, read The Dot, and its sequel Ish. And if you want to see authors and illustrators create their own dots, check out Celibri-Dots.

The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds

Finding the artist within can be as simple as making a dot; even when made in anger! How to turn the agony of a blank sheet of paper into a piece of art! This book is dedicated to Peter H. Reynolds’ math teacher who dared him to make his mark … more on that below. [picture book, ages 4 and up]

The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds

Ish by Peter H. Reynolds

This companion book to The Dot takes the idea of a frustrated almost-artist a step further. Sometimes art is in the eye of the beholder. Perhaps hyper-realistic renderings are overrated? Reynolds tries to dissuade the idea that art is not necessarily limited to technical drawing skills. [picture book, ages 4 and up]

Going Places by Peter and Paul Reynolds

Two kids enter a go-card building contest using identical kits. Raphael follows the instructions to the letter but Maya thinks differently. She’s inspired by nature and she takes the materials and turns it into a whole different kind of machine. [picture book, ages 4 and up]

Going Places
by Paul A. Reynolds and Peter H. Reynolds

Judy Moody and the Bucket List by Megan McDonald, illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds

I didn’t realize that Peter H. Reynolds is the illustrator for this popular series! [early chapter books, ages 6 and up]

Judy Moody and the Bucket List by Megan McDonald

 

As referenced obliquely in the dedication of The Dot, there was a special teacher in Peter’s life who noticed his constant doodling and challenged him to do something outside of the box. His twin brother Paul recounts how Peter H. Reynolds became an author.

 

 

My son and I were at the Charlesbridge Publishing event for Paul and Peter’s new STEAM/STEM series. It probably wouldn’t surprise you that Paul has a great rapport with kids. He made it a point to talk to my son at the event. Thanks, Paul!

 

Peter and Paul Reynolds new book series

 

If you are wondering what it is like to work with your twin, here’s your answer straight from Paul!

 

I haven’t had a chance to review their STEAM book series yet, but I’ll try to get my hands on a copy soon!

Meeting Paul Reynolds of Fablevision

Go Green! by Peter and Paul Reynolds

Go Green! by Peter and Paul Reynolds

Full Steam Ahead! by Peter and Paul Reynolds

Full Steam Ahead! by Peter and Paul Reynolds

 

 To examine any book more closely at Amazon, please click on image of book.

How a Math Teacher Changed Peter H Reynolds' Life

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

 

My books:

We Sing From the Heart picture book cover reveal of The Slants Simon Tam

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Cover Reveal: Boxer Baby Battles Bedtime!Amazon / Signed or Inscribed by Me

Food for the Future: Sustainable Farms Around the World by Mia Wenjen, illustrated by Robert Sae-Heng

Food for the Future: Sustainable Farms Around the World

  • Junior Library Guild Gold selection
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  • Selected as one of 100 Outstanding Picture Books of 2023 by dPICTUS and featured at the Bologna Children’s Book Fair
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 Amazon / Barefoot Books / Signed or Inscribed by Me

cover for Sumo JoeChanging the Game: Asian Pacific American Female Athletes by Mia WenjenAmazon / Scholastic / Signed or Inscribed by Me

The Elusive Full Ride Scholarship: An Insider’s Guide

How To Coach Girls by Mia Wenjen and Alison FoleyAsian Pacific American Heroes

6 thoughts on “How a Math Teacher Changed Peter H Reynolds’ Life”

  1. MaryAnne says:
    August 24, 2016 at 1:47 pm

    This looks like an awesome author event. I love “The Dot” and “Ish”

    Reply
    1. Pragmatic Mom says:
      September 8, 2016 at 10:41 am

      Hi MaryAnne,
      It was so nice to meet Peter! He’s awesome and so dedicated to kids and learning (while not actually being a teacher!).

      Reply
  2. Erik - TKRB says:
    August 24, 2016 at 9:03 pm

    That’s really neat! It’s really cool that you got to meet him! 😀
    Erik

    Reply
    1. Pragmatic Mom says:
      September 8, 2016 at 10:42 am

      Hi Erik,
      Fablevision Studios throws these open parties from time to time. There’s one coming up in September and their office space is in the Children’s Museum in Boston!

      Reply
  3. Patricia Tilton says:
    August 25, 2016 at 5:39 pm

    Lucky you and your kids. Like the idea of stem books. Haven’t met Paul, but studied with Peter Reynolds at Southampton’s Stonybrook University a few years ago. Fun to be with someone so creative and inspiring. Loved my week there. Have always wanted to visit the Blue Bunny in Dedham Square.

    Reply
    1. Pragmatic Mom says:
      September 8, 2016 at 10:44 am

      Hi Patricia,
      How wonderful to study with Peter! If you can, there’s a party at FableVision Studios coming up and Paul was sincere in inviting everyone! I think the date is on their website.

      Reply

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