Not Just a Dot

by Loryn Brantz (Illustrator)

Dot is feeling a bit underappreciated. After all, Dot is only a dot, and what good is a dot? It looks like Dot could use a reminder of his important place in the world. How could a person see if he only had one dotted eye? And what would a dalmatian be without all its spots? More importantly, how could children ask for sweet treats without the dot in a question mark? Dot is about to get a big lesson on just how important he is—because there’s a special spot for every dot in this world!

From author/illustrator Loryn Brantz comes a witty story about confidence and value. Interactive dialogue and illustrations encourage readers to point out missing dots on each page and makes Not Just a Dot a wonderful tool for teaching self-confidence.

Sky Pony Press, with our Good Books, Racehorse and Arcade imprints, is proud to publish a broad range of books for young readers—picture books for small children, chapter books, books for middle grade readers, and novels for young adults. Our list includes bestsellers for children who love to play Minecraft; stories told with LEGO bricks; books that teach lessons about tolerance, patience, and the environment, and much more. While not every title we publish becomes a New York Times bestseller or a national bestseller, we are committed to books on subjects that are sometimes overlooked and to authors whose work might not otherwise find a home.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Storytime, Fiction, Comics

32 pages, Hardcover

First published August 19, 2014

About the author

Loryn Brantz is an author, artist, poet, and director. She is the creator of two best-selling board book series, Feminist Baby and It Had To Be You (Love Poems Your Baby Can See), and is also a two-time Emmy Award winner for her work on Sesame Street. She is currently a consulting creative director for the beloved children’s education program, Ms. Rachel. Her debut poetry collection, Poems of Parenting, will be available Spring, 2025.


Her greatest desire is to make the world a better place through art, even if just a little — but hopefully, a lot. Loryn lives in New York City with her husband, architect Jake J. Brotter, and children, Dalia and Ronen.

Reviews

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

As an English teacher, I endorse this book. Love the period and question mark parts.

[Kate Lydon · Rating 5 out of 5]

My whole family just loves this book! The sweet story, playful drawings, and invitations for reader participation will have your child engaged and cheering for Dot through the last vibrant, masterfully illustrated page. And in addition to being a total pleasure to read, it closes with a great message. An instant classic and sure bedtime favorite!

[Fahula · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute story about a dot who feels insignificant. Very young readers will enjoy seeing where in the illustrations the dot proves to be useful. Kids might enjoy coming up with more uses for Dot, maybe extend their thinking to other shapes and their uses, as well.

[Gwen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good little reminder that no matter how small you may be, you're still very important.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dot is convinced she is just a small nobody. But she is proven wrong in this sweet story.

[Sherry Scheline · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book to teach little ones their significance. Each child is important even if they feel like a useless dot.

[Jennifer Ilisher · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have a dot on me and it's not just a dot. And be proud of who you are ;)

[Historic Hummingbird · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book is so cool. It teaches that even if you are tiny you matter!

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

é fofinho
e seria uma leitura boa para crianças também

[Maui Rochell · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nighttime read for my child. ☺️

[Cody B · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Not Just a Dot" by Loryn Brantz is the perfect gift for me to give the children I babysit and tutor. I am so lucky this came out when it did -- just in time for back-to-school!

The book is absolutely beautiful, visually and in terms of its message. It's fun, but it's not meaningless fun. The kids enjoy it and it has a point. It's cute without being corny and the art is just fantastic. I now will have to check out "Harvey the Child Mime."

PS. Forgot to had I found this book through its trailer...didn't know books had trailers...!

Trailer for NOT JUST A DOT:
bit.ly/Zr5A2x

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every now and then a children's book comes along that is thoroughly original. That is how I feel about, Not Just a Dot" In this book the young reader gets to show little dot how he is useful. It's funny, sweet, and has a poignant, thought-provoking ending. It's engaging for children of all ages and adults as well. I fell in love with little Dot. It's also beautifully illustrated.

[Jen G · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a charming book with a meaningful lesson about life. The illustrations are fun and complement the story so wonderfully. I love the interactive aspect--a great way to get kids involved and have fun reading! The stickers are a great bonus. Love this book!

[Kate Hastings · Rating 3 out of 5]

Grades K-2. Dot feels small and unimportant until the author shows it how much dots are needed. The audience participates by pointing out where Dot needs to help.

I thought this might be another story to share on Dot day.

[Marilyn Woodward · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a wonderful little book! Not only is the story full of fun and life-lessons for children but I just loved the illustrations by Loryn Brantz. A great choice as a gift for kids you love!

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute

[Ashley · Rating 2 out of 5]

A blending of the interactive style of Herve Tullet and a self help book designed to encourage the ideal that everyone is important, this title while cute wasn't exactly subtle.

[Shamekia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute, but not earth-shattering. I may use it for storytime in the future, we'll see.

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dot feels unimportant and unnecessary until the narrator, with the reader's assistance, shows just how important a dot can be.

[Alyssa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had fun with this one! Not much of a story, but interactive. Child has to point out where the dot is missing.

[Rosa · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun book that focuses on having a role to play, even if it seems small. There's lots of interactivity and the art style is bright and colorful.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked the concept, but I didn’t feel that it was executed very well.

[Wendy Kuzma · Rating 4 out of 5]

My early elementary teacher friends, you should check this one out! :)

[Bethe · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh, not much memorable here.