Evaluation
I was extremely intrigued by this book. Although it is a picture book for younger children, the message was almost adult-like in nature. I loved looking at the pictures on the billboard and the feeling that you were being pulled towards the end of the story without really knowing where you were going. The illustrations were absolutely breathtaking. I loved the detail in the faces, the spattering of paint on the ground and the landscape pictures that emerge in the middle of the story. Even without the text, the reader would probably have fun guessing what was going on in the story. This would make for an excellent picture walk for younger and middle level children. The emotion painted on the boy in the beginning of the story is one of hopelessness and want. I also love the picture on the second page where the older man is patiently explaining to the boy what they must do together on the first day of work. Not only has this man given the boy a place to stay but he has become his mentor.
Since I was a child, I have always loved dream quotes and stories about dreams. When I was growing up my parents told me that I could do anything and be anything I wanted as long as I gave 100% effort every day in working towards those goals. This story is not just about one dream, but many dreams. The man and the boy share a common dream of expressing their art even if it means living a very modest lifestyle. There is also a man talking on the phone at the end of the story who has a dream of building a roller coaster known as “Arrowstar” which we learn is what the billboard is for. I think the most beautiful quote presented in this book is when the boy says, “what is the point of caring about your work when no one else is even looking.” A true worker is one that gives 100% effort even if his work is not being appreciated by the world. What kind of person will you be when no one is looking?
I think that this book would be perfect to use at the beginning of the year or perhaps even the middle of the year when you students need help motivating themselves in their studies and their friendships. You may decide to have the students create their own billboard as an art project with a dream that is meaningful to them. What is their goal? How will they go about achieving it?
