A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 214

Terrific Trio: Book 1

Picture Book: Mr. Wayne’s Masterpiece                           

Author & Illustrator: Patricia Polacco

Summary: This is the true story of the author’s entrance into a drama class in school because of her paralyzing fear of speaking in front of her classes. Patricia loved to read and write, but she couldn’t orally share her wonderful writing. Mr. Wayne, the drama teacher, cleverly gave Patricia a backstage role so that she could use her art skills to paint backdrops. As Patricia painted, she heard the rehearsals and learned all the lines so Mr. Wayne asked her to be the prompter. When a key actor dropped out, Patricia was convinced to take the role. More importantly, Mr. Wayne understood her fears and worked with her to overcome them and build skills and confidence. Patricia learned to "let the play take her". As she spoke her first few lines the night of the public performance, the audience disappeared in her mind and she became the role. Afterwards, Mr. Wayne told Patricia, “Tonight, you’re my masterpiece.”

Hanna’s Comments: This book begins a PBT Terrific Trio in which this author and illustrator offers 3 tributes to specific teachers who made a fundamental difference in her life and helped her discover her gifts and her vocation. Consider these 3 books encouragement for you to consider who has inspired and helped you in your journey of discovery and exploration of your gifts. Be grateful and tell them so if you are able.

Publisher & Date of Publication: G. P. Putnam’s, 2014

Age & Grade Appropriateness: 5 and up, K and up

# of Pages: 40

Available in Spanish? Not at present

Formats other than Book: Tablet

PBT Category: Fresh off the Press, Biography

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: abilities, action, adaptation/assimilation, affirmation, anxiety/worry, art, bravery/courage, challenges, chosen, communication, confidence, creativity/imagination/ingenuity, disabilities/handicaps/limitations, doubt, education/learning/school, emotions/feelings, encouragement, fear, gifts/talents, gratitude/thanksgiving, mentors/teachers, participation, partners/teamwork, risking, self-discovery, shyness, transformation, trust/trustworthiness

Scripture Connections: Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30); every good and perfect gift is from above (James 1:17); as each has received a gift, use it to serve one another (1 Peter 4:10)

Idea(s) for Application: Consider using this book with a confirmation class and talk to your children about discovering their gifts and using loving adults as resources and encouragers. Also, emphasize the importance of gratitude in these situations, gratitude to God for the gifts and gratitude to the loving adults for their support and encouragement.