Ozzie and the Art Contest

by Dana Sullivan

Ozzie loves to draw. Ozzie loves drawing and being an artist more than anything—even more than skateboarding! So when his teacher, Miss Cattywhompus, announces an art contest, Ozzie can’t wait to get started. He works really hard on his picture of a goat. He knows it will win first place. There is only one problem. Miss Cattywhompus didn’t ask the class to draw pictures of goats—the contest instructions say "Draw a Boat." Ozzie’s picture doesn’t win first place. And even though it does win honorable mention, he is devastated. How could he not win? He worked so hard. With a little help from Miss Cattywhompus, Ozzie comes to see that he, with his love of art, has won something far more important than a contest. In his picture book debut, Dana Sullivan has used his personal experience with artistic disappointment to create a warm, lovable character whose story will feel familiar to anyone who has followed his or her passion and hit an ever-so-slight bump in the road.

Genres: Picture Books, School, Art, Childrens

32 pages, Hardcover

First published July 1, 2013

Reviews

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great message! Ozzie and the Art Contest is about a vividly blue dog, Ozzie, with a vividly enthusiastic attitude toward an art contest. Unfortunately for Ozzie, while his project (in his humble opinion) is in the running for first prize, in his haste, he'd not taken the time to listen carefully to instructions from his teacher, Miss Cattywhampus. A modern-day Aesop's with humor and wit!

[Dorothea Holcomb · Rating 2 out of 5]

While looking for fun books to read to preschoolers, this came across my recommended list. While I know this is geared toward young children, I didn’t find it funny or helpful. Ozzie doesn’t read the instructions carefully and draws the wrong type of picture then is disappointed when he only gets an honorable mention. Not exactly a lesson in following directions. Even with that aside, the story wasn’t funny or entertaining. Sorry.

[AMY · Rating 5 out of 5]

Funny story about a dog who draws the wrong subject during an art contest. He gets very upset. Cute illustrations and nice solution/conclusion. Highly recommended for ES; Grades K-2

[Mary Zychowicz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book! This one will be a winner with the kids for sure!

[Margaret Peot · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Ozzie!

[Hannah · Rating 3 out of 5]

"winning isn't the only reason to do things. especially when it's something you really like to do."

i don't love the art style but this message is important

[Sophia Chow · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a great picture book! It was so enjoyable! (Even though I am 9) I went to the book signing and they did a puppet show based on the book and I was Ozzie! I don't at all know how he gets all of these awesome and fantabulous idea's! It is fantastic and great for all ages. Even the parents will enjoy it and while they are enjoying this wonderful book they will be thinking How is he this clever? How did he come up with this idea? Why did do the book about a dog? I can pretty much tell you these answers. 1. he is just so witty and funny and clever . 2. He came up with this idea because he had a dog named Max(R.I.P. :0() That was blue and he loves art so... he came up with this book. But your probably wondering why he did not name this book Max and the art contest. Well...... He was gonna name the book Max and the art contest but another author made up a book called max and the art masterpiece or something like that and he did not want to many books named max and the art blah blah blah so he came up with the name Ozzie. 3. He did a book about a dog because (like I said in the second answer) His dog Max past away. :0(

Okay.... Peace!,



Sophia Chow:0)

[Tima · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ozzie is very excited about the art contest at school. His teacher reminds him to read the instructions, but Ozzie is too excited. He works on his masterpiece all weekend. Back at school on Monday, he is very disappointed to learn that his art project has only received honorable mention. But his teacher points out that while his goat is very well drawn, the instructions say to draw a boat. Ozzie learns a very valuable lesson about paying attention and following the rules. He also learns about accepting situations and fixing mistakes.

Children will love the playful pictures that help illustrate the story. The message in the story is perfect for young children and students who are having a hard time understanding the importance of listening. The multi-level message will teach the lessons of listening, paying attention, and not complaining about our mistakes. My children enjoyed the story, especially the way Ozzie adapted once he learned from his mistake.

I received this book free of charge from Children's Lit in exchange for my honest review.

[Anna Olswanger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ozzie and the Art Contest is about a Blue Heeler named Ozzie, who is bursting with creativity and is sure he'll win the kindergarten art contest. I asked the author Dana Sullivan how he happened to write the book. He said that when he didn't win a certain graphic design/illustration proposal, he was devastated. He was perfect for the job! After he was done blaming the judges, he wondered what he could do with all that emotion. In the true spirit of Art and Literature, he set out for revenge, I mean, he channeled the experience into Ozzie and the Art Contest . Dana has a wonderful sense of humor and a big heart, and both come through in this book. Highly recommended.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

When his class has an art contest, Ozzie, an artistic blue heeler, is sure that he will win. But his teacher, Miss Cattywhompus, points out that he's actually lucky to receive an honorable mention since he didn't follow directions correctly. With his new perspective, he realizes that there is more to life than winning. The book contains a great message about approaches to life and philosophy. The colorful illustrations and characters are appealing. My favorite picture shows glasses-wearing Miss Cattywhompus showing Ozzie the directions that he disregarded. Young readers will relate to Ozzie's plight.

[Mother Goose Librarian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ozzie is excited to enter the art contest ~ after all, he knows he is an expert at drawing goats. But he isn't very careful when reading the contest rules. After receiving honorable mention, Ozzie feels bad. When his teacher points out his mistake and helps him realize that honorable mention isn't so bad, Ozzie makes the most of the situation.

[Paula · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ozzie the dog loves to draw and when his kindergarten teacher announces an art contest, he is sure he will win but he fails to follow directions, loses the contest, and is sad until Miss Cattywhompus reminds him that art is not about winning.

[Valerie · Rating 4 out of 5]

http://vst3in.wordpress.com/2014/10/1...
On the blog. I really liked this book!

I support INdependent Booksellers. You can, too:http://www.indiebound.org/book/978158...

[Sarah BT · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute story about winning not being everything. Nice comic/cartoonish style artwork.

[Linda Atkinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Getting excited is great, but getting too excited can make one overlook some important items. Been there, done that ;-)

[Connie]

Evelyn loved this one....

"Winning isnt the only reason why we do things, especially if we like doing them...."

[Jason · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was decent, and my boys responded to it. It facilitated a discussion about enjoying games and not just playing to win. A hard thing for toddlers to grasp...possibly more so for twins.

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed this cute book about getting past mistakes and making the best of disappointment. The illustrations are adorable. Great for story times.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

My five year old loved this one. We read it many times.

[J.S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

The bright colors and playful storyline will make young readers fall in love with Ozzie!