Going Dotty: Books and Art Project for Kids

There's something rather fascinating about lots of dots. Kids love connect the dots, stamping dots, counting them, coloring them, etc. My kids even love doing giant dot to dots on the floor! Dots are lots of fun to incorporate into children's art projects, and why not read a few dot books, while you're at it?

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Making Art with Dots:

My child loves using his "dot makers" during art time. Most of the time, we don't have any pre-set dot art projects or anything formal like that. He primarily sets out to just make as many dots in as many different colors as he can.

We have sponge-topped empty bottles that we fill with paint, either tempera paint or liquid watercolors. However, you can purchase ready made paint dabbers, called "Do A Dots" 

You can see in the top photo above that he loves free dot art, but we've also used them for symmetry art like so:

All these dots gets me thinking about Seraut, so I guess we're on track for a pointillism project next.

Picture Books about Dots

Here are a few of our favorite dot books which are a must read after a fun dot art activity.

Donald Crews' signature bold graphic style is on full display in Ten Black Dots as he shows how large black dots can become parts of different objects, from keyholes to fox eyes. The emphasis is on counting - toddlers will like counting to 10 along with the pictures but preschoolers will enjoy the dot comparison charts at the end.

One Red Dot and 600 Black Spots are both amazing pop up books that kids will adore reading and exploring.

The Dot. Who knew painting one dot could take you on such a marvelous adventure?

Press Hereis the ultimate dot book! This interactive book is my favorite book to give as a gift because it shows kids the real power of imagination. Press a dot and see what happens!

Using the humble Dot, Patricia Intriago's book gets kids thinking about opposites in a creative way.

Lots of Spots by the creative Lois Elhert is a fun way to get kids thinking about how dots are all around us.

Do your kids love dots as much as mine?