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Draw the Line
When two boys draw their own lines and realize they can connect them together--magic happens!
But a misstep causes their lines to get crossed.
Push! Pull! Tug! Yank!
Soon their line unravels into an angry tug-of-war.
With a growing rift between them, will the boys ever find a way to come together again?
But a misstep causes their lines to get crossed.
Push! Pull! Tug! Yank!
Soon their line unravels into an angry tug-of-war.
With a growing rift between them, will the boys ever find a way to come together again?
48 pages, Hardcover
First published October 10, 2017
4 people are currently reading
225 people want to read
About the author
Kathryn Otoshi
20 books84 followersKathryn Otoshi is an acclaimed author, illustrator and speaker best known for her character-building books, Zero, One, and Two. She travels across the country inspiring students through reading, art and the power of literature. Her books, Beautiful Hands and Draw the Line, make important statements about connecting and building community.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 130 reviews
October 28, 2018
It amazes me sometimes how much of a story can be written without a single word. This adorable book tells the story of two little boys whose playtime turns into an argument. The boys themselves are drawn nicely enough, but what really made the illustrations for me was the abstract watercolour in the backgrounds. It perfectly captures the moods of the boys as they work their way through playfulness, annoyance, anger, and eventually reconciliation.
The simple concept of a drawn line is used to perfection. It works better here than it did in another wordless picture book I read recently called Lines by Suzy Lee. I had much more of an emotional investment in Draw the Line, perhaps because there was an actual story here.
Quotable moment:
The simple concept of a drawn line is used to perfection. It works better here than it did in another wordless picture book I read recently called Lines by Suzy Lee. I had much more of an emotional investment in Draw the Line, perhaps because there was an actual story here.
Quotable moment:
October 10, 2017
Many thanks to @kidlitexchange for the opportunity to read and review this title. All opinions are my own!
Words can't explain how much I love wordless picture books (pun fully intended!) and this is a great one! It is a tale of friendship and reconciliation after conflict. The story is told mostly in black and white with carefully chosen splashes of color. There are so many bold emotions in the illustrations, from surprise to frustration, anger to joy. Plus, this book is a great opportunity to talk about repairing friendships when they hit a bump in the road, which is a great topic for all children to discuss. Highly recommended, especially for school libraries and elementary school counselors.
Words can't explain how much I love wordless picture books (pun fully intended!) and this is a great one! It is a tale of friendship and reconciliation after conflict. The story is told mostly in black and white with carefully chosen splashes of color. There are so many bold emotions in the illustrations, from surprise to frustration, anger to joy. Plus, this book is a great opportunity to talk about repairing friendships when they hit a bump in the road, which is a great topic for all children to discuss. Highly recommended, especially for school libraries and elementary school counselors.
September 7, 2017
Thanks to the publisher for providing me with a review copy of this title.
This wordless picture book will be a great one for sharing with children in lessons on conflict resolution. The artwork is excellent and perfectly conveys the emotion and events of the story.
I withheld the 5th star simply because I reserve those for guaranteed story time read-aloud success, and with large groups, wordless books can be challenging if students can't see the details of the story.
This wordless picture book will be a great one for sharing with children in lessons on conflict resolution. The artwork is excellent and perfectly conveys the emotion and events of the story.
I withheld the 5th star simply because I reserve those for guaranteed story time read-aloud success, and with large groups, wordless books can be challenging if students can't see the details of the story.
July 21, 2017
Two boys drawing their own lines run into each other and soon realize they can connect their two lines into one. What starts off as cooperative play, soon devolves into a giant chasm being drawn between them.
This wordless picture book is rich with points for discussion.
This wordless picture book is rich with points for discussion.
October 17, 2017
Beautiful book that shows childhood - cooperative play turning into an argument that grows bigger than it needs to, until one child finds a way to give in and they can make up. Of course, it can also be interpreted into something bigger - would be interesting to use this with older students, too!
November 9, 2017
Finding the words to express how much I absolutely LOVE this wordless picture book is hard, but I'll try!
Two boys bump into each other while they are being privately creative, their mishap turning into an opportunity to create, and play, together. Joyfully playing for a while, another mishap occurs and anger quickly replaces joy, as it so often does when something unfortunate suddenly happens. A chasm between the two boys grows and grows and grows and reconciliation seems further and further away, but maybe one small gesture can bring them back together. Will it?
Kathryn Otoshi has crafted one of the best books I've ever seen to help learn about how friendships start, how things happen that can cause pain, and how to work together to get beyond that pain and back to having fun together. The illustrations are fantastic, especially the facial expressions.
This will be one of our go-to-books when people are looking for books about friendship, anger, and reconciliation. AND, it is fun too!!!
Two boys bump into each other while they are being privately creative, their mishap turning into an opportunity to create, and play, together. Joyfully playing for a while, another mishap occurs and anger quickly replaces joy, as it so often does when something unfortunate suddenly happens. A chasm between the two boys grows and grows and grows and reconciliation seems further and further away, but maybe one small gesture can bring them back together. Will it?
Kathryn Otoshi has crafted one of the best books I've ever seen to help learn about how friendships start, how things happen that can cause pain, and how to work together to get beyond that pain and back to having fun together. The illustrations are fantastic, especially the facial expressions.
This will be one of our go-to-books when people are looking for books about friendship, anger, and reconciliation. AND, it is fun too!!!
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March 14, 2019A very sweet wordless book. My son enjoyed it. The conflict resolution without words was nice. The illustrator/author did a good job of conveying emotion through the characters' posture and body language.
June 27, 2017
I've loved Otoshi since One, and this new book is simply glorious. A family library/classroom library must-have.
November 18, 2017
A wordless picture book about compromise, cooperation, and sharing. I like the "widescreen" format of the book, but the art style did not appeal to me. I found it gloomy.
January 11, 2018
The concepts of conflict and resolution expressed in arresting images in this wordless picture book.
February 18, 2024
A great wordless picture book about learning to play together, and then learning how to reconcile when disputes happen.
I’d recommend this book for every school library!
I’d recommend this book for every school library!
March 25, 2018
I will be real honest. I love Kathryn Otoshi's work. Her writing is always so spare, her use of color evocative, and images consistent and add so much to the story. She is a perfectionist who won't stop until a work is "just right". She is a marvel at making difficult concepts approachable for young people to understand. This wordless book is no exception.
Two boys drawing lines bump into each other. At first, they play together joyful, until one boy is tangled up in his lines and falls down -- which makes the other laugh at his predicament. This angers the boy who fell, who retaliates by pulling the line enough that a huge rift forms between the two, growing in size as each pulls on his end of the line. When they are tired of the tug of war, they begin yelling at each other over the rift, ostensibly blaming the other for the rift. Their anger spent, they head toward the origin of the rift and discover it can be bridged. They again play nicely until they run off into the distance together happily.
Black and white illustrations are enhanced with the use of yellow and 50 shades of purple to show the emotions these two boys are experiencing. The darker the purple, the more intense the emotion.
This would be a great title for counselors and teachers to use when talking about conflict resolution. As it is wordless, this could be used in conjunction with a writing exercise. For grades 1-3.
Two boys drawing lines bump into each other. At first, they play together joyful, until one boy is tangled up in his lines and falls down -- which makes the other laugh at his predicament. This angers the boy who fell, who retaliates by pulling the line enough that a huge rift forms between the two, growing in size as each pulls on his end of the line. When they are tired of the tug of war, they begin yelling at each other over the rift, ostensibly blaming the other for the rift. Their anger spent, they head toward the origin of the rift and discover it can be bridged. They again play nicely until they run off into the distance together happily.
Black and white illustrations are enhanced with the use of yellow and 50 shades of purple to show the emotions these two boys are experiencing. The darker the purple, the more intense the emotion.
This would be a great title for counselors and teachers to use when talking about conflict resolution. As it is wordless, this could be used in conjunction with a writing exercise. For grades 1-3.
January 4, 2018
This interesting wordless picture book brings a whole new meaning to the saying about drawing a line in the sand. Two boys are playing outdoors and are so intent on their task of tracing lines in the sand that they bump into each other. After the initial confusion, one thing leads to another, and they actually realize that they can pick up the line, which now seems to be a large rope or heavy thread. But inevitably, conflict ensues, leaving them angry with each other and isolated from one another across a large rift in the earth. They eventually find a way to fill in the gap, manipulating a colorful substance to patch things up. After finishing their task, off they go into the wild blue yonder. Parents and teachers can surely use this title to demonstrate the advantages of cooperation, problem solving and learning to get along with others. Readers will realize that it is impossible to always get along with others, but even after conflict, there are ways to heal and repair a relationship, as is evidenced here. I liked how the author/illustrator relied primarily on black and white colors for the boys and their clothing and bits of color for the background.
January 6, 2019
A wordless picture that will grow readers' social emotional intelligence as they use picture clues and inferencing skills to understand how this story of two boys who must find their way back to each other when hurtful actions are keeping them apart, is the story of each and every one of us. At the heart of this story is the importance of being brave and reaching out to those we feel have wronged us or have been wronged by us to heal self and the relationship. This is a book that should be shared by all, not just younger children, as its message is universal in need. The title "Draw the Line" is both literal and metaphorical, these boys meet while they were drawing lines individually, connect while collaborating on making their two lines one, and disagree and hurt each other with the same line that brought them together. Where will you "Draw The Line" when it comes to healing and repairing important relationships in your life?
January 3, 2020
Meh. This one was somehow both over-done and under-done at the same time.
October 21, 2017
I absolutely love wordless picture books. They're so intriguing and can quickly hook a child's interest. This book gives lots of room for young children to discuss the conflict they see arise between two friends and watch the forgiveness play out between them. What starts out as a small line between the two friends quickly becomes a deep gorge. The symbolism is as beautiful as the simple watercolor illustrations.
This book is great for preschool kids, but the message is still one that students up to third grade can learn from and appreciate. I would use this book in a classroom for making inference and predictions based on the pictures as well as teaching symbolism.
Genre- Children's fiction
This book is great for preschool kids, but the message is still one that students up to third grade can learn from and appreciate. I would use this book in a classroom for making inference and predictions based on the pictures as well as teaching symbolism.
Genre- Children's fiction
December 21, 2017
In this wordless picture book, two boys are drawing lines towards each other without realizing it. When they bump into each other, they join their lines together. But then with an accidental rude tug, the two of them begin a tug of war over their line. Soon an actual rift begins to form between them. The more they pull, the larger the rift grows. Is there a way for them to reach across the newly formed divide? Otoshi plays with the idea of art bringing people together and then introduces competition and a certain amount of tension into the story. The art is playful and uses colors to show the emotions the children are feeling in each scene. A strong picture book about art and friendship. Appropriate for ages 4-6.
October 2, 2019
Wordless book (I love these) that uses simple lines and colors to tell an emotionally rich roller coaster ride of a new friendship.
September 6, 2017
This is a beautiful story that truly does not need words. It is about 2 boys who connect while drawing lines. Once they realise they can connect their lines the adventure begins. They run onto a few snags and a rift forms between them. How do the boys handle this? You will have to see for yourself.
I liked how the boys are opposite of eachother in looks but are the same on the inside. The artwork is well done. The limited use of colors helps to set the tone of the story as it progresses allowing the black and white drawings to speak volumes.
I received an advance copy of this book from Roaring Book Press in exchange for my honest opionion of this title.
I liked how the boys are opposite of eachother in looks but are the same on the inside. The artwork is well done. The limited use of colors helps to set the tone of the story as it progresses allowing the black and white drawings to speak volumes.
I received an advance copy of this book from Roaring Book Press in exchange for my honest opionion of this title.
January 18, 2018
Thanks to the @kidlitexchange network for the review copy of this book. All opinions are my own. #kidlitexchange #partner
Draw the Line is a great wordless picture book for younger elementary school-aged kiddos. The book starts out with two children playing independently but side-by-side. You see them realize one another and join forces for more advanced play. Then, like any activity with two or more people, conflict ensues. The beauty of this book (besides the simple yet beautiful illustrations) is how the children realize that playing together is worth the compromise. A great visualization on conflict resolution.
Draw the Line is a great wordless picture book for younger elementary school-aged kiddos. The book starts out with two children playing independently but side-by-side. You see them realize one another and join forces for more advanced play. Then, like any activity with two or more people, conflict ensues. The beauty of this book (besides the simple yet beautiful illustrations) is how the children realize that playing together is worth the compromise. A great visualization on conflict resolution.
February 7, 2018
@kidlitexchange #partner
Thank you to @kidlitexchange for the review copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Draw the Line is an incredibly creative wordless picture book! It shows the story of two boys whose drawn lines become real. The boys draw, laugh, talk, push, pull, argue, play tug of war, and laugh some more. This would be a great book to use to spark writing ideas in young children! I think children would really enjoy creating the story to go with these fabulous pictures. This book is a winner for children of all ages! I also think it would be fun to pair this with The Dot by Peter Reynolds!
Thank you to @kidlitexchange for the review copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Draw the Line is an incredibly creative wordless picture book! It shows the story of two boys whose drawn lines become real. The boys draw, laugh, talk, push, pull, argue, play tug of war, and laugh some more. This would be a great book to use to spark writing ideas in young children! I think children would really enjoy creating the story to go with these fabulous pictures. This book is a winner for children of all ages! I also think it would be fun to pair this with The Dot by Peter Reynolds!
October 20, 2017
Kathryn Otoshi illustrates a situation easily understood by children: a conflict develops during play. The conflict grows, and becomes it's own thing. Otoshi develops the simple play conflict into a metaphor of conflict in general and how it grows in a way that children will follow and have interesting conversations and emotional reactions to. It culminates in metaphor of how conflicts can be abated. This also should generate interesting lines of thought (pun intended :) among children and adults, and exploration of conflict and reconciliation.
March 5, 2019
Draw the Line is a wordless picture book. The illustrator uses lots of negative space to show emphasis on the colors and the boys. Other than black and white, the only two colors used are purple and yellow. I had to look over this book two or three times before realizing purple and yellow represented a certain emotion. The point of view can be interpreted in a few ways- one way being as an onlooker and the other being placing yourself into the boys' position. The pacing of the book is quick- which I based off of the change in emotions/ colors.
November 11, 2017
The great thing about wordless picture books is the vast number of possibilities when it comes to putting words to the pictures. Children will love narrating the simplicity of this story about two boys who bump into each other while drawing in the dirt and discover a friend as well as all the emotions that come with a friendship. Draw the Line by Kathryn Otoshi would be a great choice for kindergarten through 2nd grade for a unit on friendship, problem solving or drawing.
December 27, 2017
One boy's line becomes a rope when another boy joins him. But sunny yellow turns to angry purple as the rope is used in a fierce game of tug-of-war. When the boys fall on either end of the rope a giant chasm emerges separating the boys until one of them dips his fingers into the chasm and draws another line. Together the boys draw their way out of their purple funk and back into a yellow/purple sunset.
March 2, 2018
This book appears on the surface to be a simplistic, wordless book of imagination. On closer inspection, the reader discovers themes of collaboration, anger, and resolution. With muted shades of purple and yellow Otoshi brings the reader into the emotions of the two boys who begin with a pencil and a line. I recommend this for both school and public libraries, but it must be shared with readers to get it out of the library and into the discussions of children, teachers, and parents.
April 29, 2018
Kathryn Otoshi’s new book, Draw the Line, is surely a book that will start a lively dialog. Two boys, drawn on opposing pages, are both drawing lines with crayons when BUMP! They collide. From there, they begin to draw and play together. However, it’s not all smooth sailing and the boys must find a way to deal with their conflicts.
For the full review: https://twobookwormsblog.wordpress.co...
For the full review: https://twobookwormsblog.wordpress.co...
October 27, 2018
The cover art caught my attention as I walked through the picture book section of the Library. We are big fans of random grabs (no peeking inside until a read at home). So this one came home with us.
This wordless book was delightful. The kids enjoyed the imagination and the expressive illustrations. I liked that it had a positive message that we could talk about. Definitely recommend, great for story prompts and bedtime “reads” alike.
This wordless book was delightful. The kids enjoyed the imagination and the expressive illustrations. I liked that it had a positive message that we could talk about. Definitely recommend, great for story prompts and bedtime “reads” alike.
May 31, 2019
Kathryn Otoshi is such a master with both words and illustrations, and in this book, she tells her story using no words at all. It is about two boys who connect while drawing lines. The way Otoshi depicts their connection and the rift that forms between them is nothing short of masterful.
I love Otoshi's limited color palette and expressive art, full of energy and emotion. This book has so much meaning, and is so layered. Highly recommend!
I love Otoshi's limited color palette and expressive art, full of energy and emotion. This book has so much meaning, and is so layered. Highly recommend!
August 29, 2019
This worked well for me and my four year old. I appreciate books about conflict that give attention to resolution. Many of the conflict resolution books we've read spend most of their pages teaching children how they can be mean to each other. Few focus on how simply conflicts happen between friends and how they can be resolved. This is one of the good ones. In addition, I often struggle narrating wordless books but this one was well paced and simple in a way that I found easy to translate.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 130 reviews