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Ish Paperback – September 5, 2005
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A creative spirit learns that a drawing doesn''t have to look exactly like anything in this gentle fable from the creator of the award-winning, bestselling picture book The Dot.
An inspiring, encouraging story for budding artists everywhere, the acclaimed illustrator of The Dot, Sky Colour and the Judy Moody series tells the story of Ramon, who loves to draw. Anytime. Anything. Anywhere. Drawing is what Ramon does. It''s what makes him happy. But in one split second, all that changes. A single remark by Ramon''s older brother, Leon, turns Ramon''s carefree sketches into joyless struggles. Luckily for Ramon, though, his little sister, Marisol, sees the world differently and she opens his eyes to something a lot more valuable than getting things exactly right...
- Reading age4 - 8 years, from customers
- Print length32 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- Dimensions8.86 x 0.16 x 8.82 inches
- PublisherWalker Books Ltd
- Publication dateSeptember 5, 2005
- ISBN-101844282961
- ISBN-13978-1844282968
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Product details
- Publisher : Walker Books Ltd
- Publication date : September 5, 2005
- Edition : New edition
- Language : English
- Print length : 32 pages
- ISBN-10 : 1844282961
- ISBN-13 : 978-1844282968
- Item Weight : 5.6 ounces
- Reading age : 4 - 8 years, from customers
- Dimensions : 8.86 x 0.16 x 8.82 inches
- Part of series : Creatrilogy
- Best Sellers Rank: #181,876 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- Customer Reviews:
About the author

Thanks for the tremendous support of my work which includes books I have written and illustrated, (The Dot, Ish, Happy Dreamer, The Word Collector) as well as collaborations, (Someday with Alisan McGhee, the Judy Moody series with Megan McDonald, Going Places with my twin brother, Paul, and the I AM series with Susan Verde)
My children's media company, FableVision, located in Boston, is dedicated to crafting "stories that matter, stories that move." I also make creativity tools for the classroom - FableVision LeanMy twin brother, Paul, and I founded an independent bookshop in Dedham Square, MA called The Blue Bunny. www.bluebunnybooks.com
Much of my work is designed to inspire all of us to navigate our true potential - to be brave, original, inspirational, inspired, and active.
My hope is that my work will also inspire YOU to make YOUR mark - and see where it takes you.
Let's stay connected - follow me on twitter - @peterhreynolds : )
Customer reviews
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Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers find this book inspirational, particularly for children who are perfectionists, and appreciate its great teaching opportunities. Moreover, the story receives positive feedback, with one customer noting it's a wonderful tale about making artwork. Additionally, the book is excellent for kids of all ages, with one mentioning it's perfect for first graders. The illustrations are well-received, with one customer highlighting how they encourage children's love for drawing and cursive writing. Customers also praise its readability as a great read-aloud, and its simplicity makes it accessible for young readers.
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Customers appreciate the book's message, noting it provides great teaching opportunities and is particularly helpful for children who are perfectionists. One customer mentions it sparked organic conversations with their kids.
"...Great message, great teaching opportunities with this book." Read more
"This book is perfect for building that growth mindset in your kids...." Read more
"...Great for students of any age. They have a great message. Beautifully illustrated." Read more
"...We both thought it was excellent. Good confidence-builder and great graphics." Read more
Customers enjoy the book's story, describing it as cute and wonderful, with one customer noting it's particularly engaging for young creative minds.
"...We both loved the sweet story and charming illustrations. The first thing he said was I'm going to ask my mom to read that to me again later...." Read more
"...It's such a cute book! The best part is, it inspires creativity while also showing the mean and nice sides of others- teaching child not only to..." Read more
"Such a great story on how you shouldn't judge someone else's art or anything else for that matter. My students really took this lesson to heart!" Read more
"Great story." Read more
Customers find this book excellent for kids of all ages, with grandchildren particularly enjoying it.
"Great book for kids 3-9. I got it for my grand kids, and they all live it( ages 4,6,9)...." Read more
"...It has such a good message written so well. Inspiring. My kids like it. The pictures are great...." Read more
"I think this series of books make for great bedtime reading and are doing a lot of good. Can’t decide if this one is my favorite." Read more
"...It's good for older kids, too!..." Read more
Customers appreciate the illustrations in the book, noting they are good and include cursive writing, with one customer mentioning that Ramon, the protagonist, illustrated the book himself.
"Wonderfully written and illustrated. Simple and straight to the point...." Read more
"...It's a really sweet story and illustrations are beautiful. If you could only buy two of his, I would also highly recommend "The Dot"." Read more
"...We both thought it was excellent. Good confidence-builder and great graphics." Read more
"...This is a book that shows the enjoyment someone gets from drawing, the effects of people who don't like is drawn, and a little boy struggling to see..." Read more
Customers find the book easy to read and suitable for reading aloud, with one customer noting it's not too long for reading to 10 kids.
"...Look for the beauty in all you see. This book is an Accelerated Reader making it all the more popular at our school...." Read more
"...Great for everyone to read. Simple wisdom is the most profound. Quiet. Charming. Memorable." Read more
"...The book cover feels good too. It was not too long to read to 10 kids and not too short." Read more
"...The messages are clear: don't let anyone scornful stop you from creating; don't try to be perfect; and enjoy your creativity. Good book, Mr. Reynolds!" Read more
Customers appreciate the simplicity of the book, with one mentioning it can be read with little help and another noting it explains concepts on a very basic level.
"...This is a simple, straightforward, inspirational work." Read more
"Wonderfully written and illustrated. Simple and straight to the point...." Read more
"...the characters name, but other than that, he read the whole book with little help. Good story for young creative minds!" Read more
"My kids loves this story! So simple but hits deep." Read more
Reviews with images

Nurturing creativity and embracing imperfections
Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on November 26, 2024Format: HardcoverVerified PurchaseIn Ish, Peter H. Reynolds tells a heartfelt story about the importance of embracing creativity and the joy of expression. Ramon, a young boy who loves to draw anything and everything, finds immense happiness in his art—until a thoughtless comment from his older brother, Leon, shatters his confidence. Suddenly, drawing becomes a burdensome task, robbing him of the joy he once felt.
Fortunately, Ramon's little sister, Marisol, has a refreshing perspective on art. She encourages him to see the beauty in imperfection and the value of creating for the sake of creativity itself. Through their interactions, Ramon begins to understand that art should be about expression, not perfection.
Ish combines the simplicity of a fable with the depth of a parable, highlighting the importance of nurturing one's creative spirit. Reynolds' charming illustrations and uplifting message resonate deeply with readers, making Ish a must-read for anyone seeking inspiration and a reminder that creativity flourishes when we allow ourselves to be free and playful in our artistic endeavors.
- Reviewed in the United States on October 7, 2024Format: HardcoverVerified PurchasePower to the Ish within all of us! I have an artist friend who was feeling a bit stuck. Yes, I did send him a child's book, but not until I read it through myself. It lifted my spirits and it did for his as well. This small book delivers big inspiration and joy. Remember joy? We need more of it. This little book helps.
- Reviewed in the United States on February 12, 2024Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase"Ish" by Peter H. Reynolds is a whimsical and profound exploration of creativity, perfectionism, and the beauty of embracing imperfections. 🎨 The story follows Ramon, a young artist who is disheartened when his older brother criticizes his drawings as "ish." Reynolds artfully weaves a narrative that unfolds into a journey of self-discovery and artistic liberation.
The brilliance of "Ish" lies in its ability to convey a profound message with simplicity. The concept of "ish" becomes a powerful tool for understanding that art is not confined by rigid standards but is a fluid and subjective expression. Ramon's evolving perspective, from frustration to acceptance of the "ish-ness" in his creations, is a lesson in resilience and the joy of embracing the unique and imperfect beauty of individuality.
This is a gentle reminder for both young minds and adults that creativity knows no bounds and that every stroke, even if "ish," contributes to a masterpiece. 📘✨
5.0 out of 5 stars"Ish" by Peter H. Reynolds is a whimsical and profound exploration of creativity, perfectionism, and the beauty of embracing imperfections. 🎨 The story follows Ramon, a young artist who is disheartened when his older brother criticizes his drawings as "ish." Reynolds artfully weaves a narrative that unfolds into a journey of self-discovery and artistic liberation.Nurturing creativity and embracing imperfections
Reviewed in the United States on February 12, 2024
The brilliance of "Ish" lies in its ability to convey a profound message with simplicity. The concept of "ish" becomes a powerful tool for understanding that art is not confined by rigid standards but is a fluid and subjective expression. Ramon's evolving perspective, from frustration to acceptance of the "ish-ness" in his creations, is a lesson in resilience and the joy of embracing the unique and imperfect beauty of individuality.
This is a gentle reminder for both young minds and adults that creativity knows no bounds and that every stroke, even if "ish," contributes to a masterpiece. 📘✨
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- Reviewed in the United States on November 7, 2014Format: HardcoverVerified PurchaseThis book is amazing. I have child who has my perfectionist tendencies and that's hard for a kid that is 6 and has had motor delays. There are things his brain wants to do that his hands and fingers can't figure out just yet. This is a book that shows the enjoyment someone gets from drawing, the effects of people who don't like is drawn, and a little boy struggling to see that he can actually draw (despite what his big brother says). His little sister opens his eyes to ish which allows him to enjoy his drawings again. I also loved it was a sibling who tried to pull him down and yet another sibling that pulls him back up to show how we really do influence each other. Such a great little story on so many levels. We even started a book we called "Ish" and we spent the summer (trying to sneak in a little school and fun) drawing ish drawings of the things we did or experienced. It was great and something my boys (5 and 6) want to do every summer now.
- Reviewed in the United States on October 12, 2023Format: HardcoverVerified PurchaseWonderfully written and illustrated. Simple and straight to the point. I recommend reading the book to any child, but don't be surprised if you aren't inspired too. My wife gave it to me for my 82nd birthday to read to our 7 year old granddaughter.
- Reviewed in the United States on October 22, 2023Format: HardcoverVerified PurchaseI bought this book for my 7 year old grandson. He only had trouble pronouncing the characters name, but other than that, he read the whole book with little help. Good story for young creative minds!
- Reviewed in the United States on April 8, 2024Format: PaperbackVerified PurchaseGreat book to teach a lesson, author's message or theme!
Top reviews from other countries
- NinjaReviewed in Australia on January 28, 2024
5.0 out of 5 stars Good book about trying
Format: PaperbackVerified PurchaseLovely book to encourage the perfectionist to try even if they can't do it perfectly
- Siddharth shankaranReviewed in India on January 26, 2024
5.0 out of 5 stars One of the best children’s books!
Format: PaperbackVerified PurchaseA great children’s book that deals with the topic of perspective and imperfection ever so ingeniously and ingenuously!
- Petite féeReviewed in France on December 7, 2015
5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect !
Format: PaperbackVerified PurchaseI cannot be objective, I love all his books and keep offering them around me ! Keep creating Peter !
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Andrea LopesReviewed in Brazil on September 3, 2024
5.0 out of 5 stars Muito bom para criancas
Format: HardcoverVerified PurchaseA historia deixa uma linda mensagem para os pequenos que estao preocupados com as criticas às suas criações.
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Iñigo y NereaReviewed in Spain on June 19, 2019
5.0 out of 5 stars Interesante
Format: PaperbackVerified PurchaseInteresante y a buen precio, 5,75 euros.
Un poco difícil de traducir el sufijo -ish, pero vamos aprendiendo palabras nuevas en inglés.
Dibujos atractivos y temática inspiradora, déjate llevar y confía en ti mismo.
A nuestra hija de casi 5 años le ha gustado y aunque no creo que entienda todavía el mensaje final, poco a poco irá calando
Iñigo y NereaInteresante
Reviewed in Spain on June 19, 2019
Un poco difícil de traducir el sufijo -ish, pero vamos aprendiendo palabras nuevas en inglés.
Dibujos atractivos y temática inspiradora, déjate llevar y confía en ti mismo.
A nuestra hija de casi 5 años le ha gustado y aunque no creo que entienda todavía el mensaje final, poco a poco irá calando
Images in this review