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Little Big Nate Draws A Blank

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When Little Big Nate gets a new pack of crayons, his illustrations really come to life! In this delightful board book, Little Big Nate's imagination and love of drawing will inspire even the youngest readers to express themselves through artwork.

12 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2019

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257 people want to read

About the author

Lincoln Peirce

259 books1,111 followers
Lincoln Peirce is a cartoon artist from Portland, Maine. He lives with his wife and two children, and occasionally gives lectures to students about cartoon creating. Peirce writes the comic strip "Big Nate". Peirce's comic strip, Big Nate, is featured as an island on the famous children's website, Poptropica. Big Nate appears as the first cartoon on The Maine Sunday Telegram in the comics section.

He studied art at Colby College in Maine were he began cartooning. He also studied at the Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture before teaching art and coaching basketball at a New York highschool for 3 years. He currently plays hockey with "an old men's league" and describes it as his best sport as a child. In an interview with the Washington Post, Peirce stated that his last name is pronounced "purse" and is not a misspelling of "pierce."

Lincoln Peirce was a member of the "Surviving as a Print Cartoonist" Panel at the Maine Comics Art Festival with fellow cartoonists Corey Pandolph (Barkeater Lake, Toby: Robot Satan, The Elderberries), Norm Feuri (Retail, Gill) and with Mike Lynch moderating. On the panel Lincoln revealed he is currently working with some animation and licensing projects including the addition of a Big Nate island to the online game Poptropica.

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5 stars
234 (44%)
4 stars
56 (10%)
3 stars
73 (13%)
2 stars
43 (8%)
1 star
120 (22%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
Profile Image for Josiah.
3,486 reviews157 followers
August 17, 2020
Don't get me wrong; I'm delighted that Little Big Nate Draws a Blank exists. When Lincoln Peirce released his first Big Nate novel in 2010, a product similar to Jeff Kinney's mega-selling Diary of a Wimpy Kid series, it pleased me that he was venturing into children's literature. Now this board book expands Nate Wright's influence to the youngest pre-readers. Whether you've loved the comic strip for decades or were born just weeks ago and this is your introduction to Nate, Little Big Nate Draws a Blank will prompt a smile from most readers.

A natural artist from earliest childhood, Nate is happy to have a box of fresh new crayons. What will he draw? He thinks up several ideas, but decides against each one. A dog? A shark? No, he'll draw something else. How about a toad, cricket, monkey, or penguin? In a parade of witty rhymes, Nate shoots down these ideas one by one. Ditto for drawing a skunk, octopus, or snake. How will he use his crayons? He'll think of something...eventually.

Why do I only give Little Big Nate Draws a Blank one and a half stars? I like the rhythm of the words, but a clever writer like Lincoln Peirce could create a narrative that fits together better. I enjoyed the book, though, and I love the Big Nate franchise. I'll never get enough of his adventures at any age.
7,002 reviews83 followers
July 8, 2019
Marketing brand use of the Little Big Nate to produce a cheap looking book about Nate that draws some animal. Not worth it. I didn't see the point!
Profile Image for Mehsi.
15.1k reviews454 followers
August 27, 2019
I received this picture book from Netgalley in exchange of an honest review.

I just adore the Big Nate books and when I spotted this picture book on Netgalley I just had to try it out. A Big Nate picture book? Featuring his drawings? Sounds fun!

And this one was a perfect introduction to Big Nate, but also a fun addition to the whole Big Nate series for the fans who have been with Nate for a longer time.

In this one Nate has new crayons! And of course, I know the feeling, you have to try those out. But what will you draw? Follow Nate as he draws us several creatures and tells us why they aren’t good enough (too bumpy, too hairy, too inky), I just loved seeing his expressions on the various creatures that pop up in the book.

The ending was just supersweet. Awww, look at him! I just loved how the drawing flowed back/connected on the paper and the crayon that Nate was holding.

I do have to say that I do get that it is probably his nose’s shadow, but I thought for most of the book that he either a) had a wart b) had a nosebleed or c) a tiny moustache. 😛

I just adore the colours (for instance bright yellow) it really makes the pages POP.

I would recommend this book to new readers of Big Nate or those of us who have been fans for a while.

Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
Profile Image for Peacegal.
11.7k reviews102 followers
May 13, 2021
A kid gets a new box of crayons, and wears himself out trying to think of something to draw in this simple, rhyming board book.
Profile Image for J.L. Slipak.
Author 14 books30 followers
November 12, 2019
MY THOUGHTS:

I received this book in exchange for my honest review.

I love Lincoln Peirce’s work. His New York Times bestselling series is sure to please and now I’ve found his books in board book format! Nate is your typical boy with lots of adventures and crazy antics that are entertaining and laugh out loud fun!

This particular board book makes the youngest of readers ask questions with rhyming answers aimed at producing giggles. They’ll see Nate stuck on what to draw and why he doesn’t want to draw certain things, until finally, Nate falls asleep, too tired to draw anything.

I love the fun and illustrations. Having Nate in a board book format means even the youngest of readers gets to experience the laughter Nate generates from kids (and adults) of all ages.
Profile Image for Joyce Stewart Reviews.
566 reviews44 followers
November 13, 2019
Little Big Nate
Draws A Blank
by Lincoln Peirce
Publication date: September 3, 2019

Little Big Nate Draws A Blank is a cute little board book for ages 0-3 . And when I say little I mean little. It is only a few pages . I read this book to my two granddaughter's who are One & Two . I also read it to my 4 year old daughter. The only one who seemed to enjoy it was the 1 year old. My 2 year old granddaughter looks at me and says That's all ? Where is the rest of the book ? My 4 year old said really mom ? The pictures are cute but I feel like it is really overpriced with the Kindle version being $6.29 and Board book is $7.99. Many thanks to the Publisher , the Author , and NetGalley for a ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
#LittleBigNate #NetGalley
8,985 reviews130 followers
July 10, 2019
Hmmm… Likely to sell only to those who already have a collection of Big Nate titles, this picture book bears little connection to the original series, and stands out as a bit of a cash-in. Nate is thinking of drawing some creatures, and finding (as is perhaps expected) several reasons why not to bother with each one, the end. You see the usual craft in the art, very little story or humour, and realise at the end the only merit to the book might be the pun of the title being a literal statement. Very forgettable, if truth be told.
10 reviews1 follower
June 6, 2024
Little Big Nate is really funny. I love him. I think my little cousin would love this book.
Profile Image for Renee.
937 reviews
December 11, 2019
A board book featuring Big Nate. Perfect for little ones who have older siblings that can't get enough of Big Nate.
Profile Image for Pop Bop.
2,502 reviews125 followers
August 3, 2019
A Nate of My Own

The Big Nate books have grown on me. I didn't care one way or the other when I read the first one, but as Nate's adventures continued he and his friends became increasingly engaging as characters, and the books settled down and became more thoughtful and relatable. The clincher was that the two older middle grade grandkids were devoted fans, and since the Big Nate books are cheerful, upbeat, and basically good hearted and good humored, that was enough for me.

But, oh, littlest brother, at age four, was on the outs looking in. He actually sat with his bros one day looking through a Nate book and reading aloud, literally, "blah, blah, blah". Enter "Little" Big Nate. It's a short, easy read that features simple rhyming, and a much younger version of Nate. In this one Little Big Nate gets a new set of crayons and tries out drawing different sorts of creatures. The drawings are fun, the text is basic, and the whole project is colorful and upbeat.

And now Tertius can read a Nate book while Primus and Secundus read theirs. Great.

(Please note that I received a free advance will-self-destruct-in-x-days Adobe Digital copy of this book without a review requirement, or any influence regarding review content should I choose to post a review. Apart from that I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.)
Profile Image for Donald Scott.
282 reviews
August 27, 2019
Fans of the Big Nate comic strip series - especially adult fans of Nate's world and creator Lincoln Peirce's extremely funny penchant for snarky humor - will want to start their own kids or nieces/nephews off right with this colorful board book inspired by the day Little Nate gets a big new box of crayons, and tries to figure out what to draw. Illustrated with large, child-like drawings of Nate's various artwork that kids will have fun trying to duplicate themselves, this is a delightful introduction to both Nate as a character and the world of using your creative/artistic imagination in particular. Though geared toward kids up to age three, Little Big Nate: Draws a Blank is a worthy addition to anyone's collection of volumes featuring the often-hilarious, most self-absorbed little hellion to hit grade school in a long, long time. Words fail me when trying to describe just how much I love this kid. 5/5 stars

NOTE: I received a free ARC of this title from NetGalley and the publisher, in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Storywraps.
1,968 reviews39 followers
August 27, 2019
The author of the New York Times bestselling Big Nate series introduces a younger version of this adventurous, mischievous, wildly popular character!

This delightful board book will have kids grabbing their crayons and paper and creating their own fun illustrations.

Little Big Nate receives a new pack of crayons. As he opens them up his imagination kicks into gear and begins running wild. He decides to draw a dog.... noooo... too hairy. Ok then, a shark...noooo... too scary. A toad? naaaa... too bumpy. A cricket? no way... too jumpy! No matter what animal he draws he changes his mind and withdraws it. Oh my. Will Nate ever be happy with the animal choices that he creates? Not looking good, and his artistic attempts are exhausting.

The illustrations are bright and bold and the animals that Nate creates seem animated. The simple rhyming text will keep kids engaged and giggling. It is a short book that I am sure kids will love.
Profile Image for La Coccinelle.
2,259 reviews3,568 followers
July 9, 2019
I'm not familiar with Big Nate, so I'm coming at this with no preconceived notions. As a simple book for toddlers, it's perfectly adequate. Little Big Nate gets a new pack of crayons, and proceeds to draw various things, all of which turn out to be too... something:

A dog? Too hairy.
A shark? Too scary.


The concept continues until the kid falls asleep. There is a sort of gentle rhythm going on with the rhyming text, so this might make an okay bedtime read.

I'm not really a fan of the illustrations, personally. That nose shadow just looks like a black booger to me; it's kind of distracting.

Overall, this isn't amazing, but it isn't terrible. There's not much story, but it might be just the thing for winding down at bedtime.

Thank you to NetGalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for providing a digital ARC.
Profile Image for WS_BOOKCLUB.
427 reviews15 followers
July 13, 2019
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with this book in exchange for my honest opinion. It’s available on September third.

My oldest loves the Big Nate books. He’s read all of them. So when I saw a little reader version, I just had to grab it to read to my Toddler Tornado.

This book is cute. It’s very simple: each page has an illustration of something little big Nate thinks to draw, but then changes his mind about, and the reason why (“A Penguin? Too chilly”). The pictures are fun and engaging. This is the sort of book that’s perfect for encouraging communication from your little one.

Short and fun, this would be perfect for one and two year olds. Pick it up, and while you’re at it, grab one the older kid counterparts for big brother or sister.
Profile Image for Arpita (world of a book enthusiast).
160 reviews32 followers
August 22, 2019
This is a lovely book for kids. I am a mother of two (one is three and half years old and other is one and half years old). I showed this book to both of them. Due to its beautiful bright colours and wonderful illustrations, this book visually appealing for both of them and it made them happy.

This book encouraged my elder one to grab his crayons and he tried to draw few animals on his own. So this might help kids to improve their motor skills as well. This book is so relatable. It is super cute to see Nate tired after drawing pictures.

The Nate’s expressions are so cute and amazing in the entire book when he draws several animal images and tells hilarious things about them. All in all, this book is a delight for the kids of all ages.
Profile Image for Wayne McCoy.
4,289 reviews33 followers
September 15, 2019
'Little Big Nate' by Lincoln Peirce is a board book feature Big Nate when he was a lot younger.

Little Big Nate gets a new box of crayons. He stares at his blank page and thinks about what he will draw. He rejects many ideas for being too bumpy or stinky or too silly. What will Little Big Nate draw?

It's a fun, simple read that would work well for toddlers. I love the fact that the books meter works Nothing peeves me like childrens books that are supposed to rhyme and roll off the tongue clumsily. This could bring in a whole new generation of younger Big Nate fans.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Andrews McMeel Publishing and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.
Profile Image for Barbara.
14.9k reviews316 followers
September 13, 2019
As most of us can recall, getting a new box of crayons with those sharpened tips and that unique waxy crayon smell that wafts from the box when we first open it is one of life's simplest pleasures. In the case of Big Nate, the artistic possibilities simply abound. But after considering and rejecting various subjects for various reasons, Nate is just too tired to draw anything. The Big Nate series has been around for a long time, but it's fun to have a glimpse into what he was like when he was very young.
Profile Image for Sally Wilsey.
643 reviews8 followers
July 23, 2019
This book is so much fun for a young child or beginning reader. Plus they learn about different animals. Little Nate gets a new box of crayons and wants to draw something. He pounders through all different things to a surprize ending. I found this book very enjoyable and the pictures very cute and appealing to any child. This would also make a great bedtime story. I recommend this book for age 3+.
228 reviews6 followers
July 12, 2019
I love the Big Nate comics- I follow him on social media, read the daily comics and enjoy the collections. This is not for fans of the daily comic who enjoy Nate and the gangs antics and interactions. This is aimed st a much younger audience and might be ok for a good night story for some children.
Thank you to #netgally and the publisher for the advance copy in exchange for my opinion.
Profile Image for Vonda.
149 reviews6 followers
July 23, 2019
Little Big Nate has brand new crayons! What will he draw? Animals! This book pairs fun and simple rhyming text with bright illustrations on equally bright backgrounds. This book is perfect for the toddler set. It offers a simple introduction to characteristics of animals. The text can be a jumping off point to further discussion. Why is an octopus inky? Why is a penguin chilly?
Profile Image for Rebecca.
35 reviews7 followers
August 10, 2019
Big Nate is back....or is he? Big Nate is a hit with middle grade students, this book will be great for younger students who see their older siblings reading those. However, there is not much with the story itself, fairly simple but the drawings are cute.

Thank you NetGalley for the digital ARC.
Profile Image for Todd.
201 reviews1 follower
August 21, 2019
#LittleBigNate #NetGalley

With this brief volume Peirce shifts his popular Big Nate story line to a time when Nate is even younger. "Little Big Nate Draws a Blank" has a clear purpose and direction and hits the mark for its target audience with humor and simplicity. Recommended.
263 reviews14 followers
July 11, 2019
This book is really funny and has great illustrations. Any age child would probably like it. My daughter found the ending to be fun!
Profile Image for Aleetha.
486 reviews29 followers
July 12, 2019
I thought it would give me another panels with younger Big Nate. Unfortunately it is a picture book format made for younger readers. I think this is a good way to introduce Big Nate to them.
Profile Image for Andrés.
1,528 reviews
December 7, 2023
A tome of indecision and procrastination. The rhythm and rhyme work and guess there's some exasperated humor in falling asleep before finally deciding. And the animals' superlatives are what make them special, not a reason to reject them.
Profile Image for Lemony Snicket.
1 review1 follower
January 25, 2020
Love it! Big Nate never lets me down. He is such a funny character in a hilarious world!😀
250 reviews2 followers
June 21, 2020
Little Nate

This a perfect starter book for an introduction to Big Nate. It looks like it's a board book, and that is perfect!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews

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