Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for granting me free access to the advanced digital copy of this book, as this book has already been published, I will not share my review on Netgalley at this time.

This is a cute book about a young artist Benford who gets a canvas for him to work on. He is so excited but has no idea what he should paint on the blank canvas. He decides to take a walk with his dog Van Gough to gain some inspiration and instead finds himself being followed by something. Eventually, he finds himself finally able to put something on the canvas and he is so proud.
I think this narrative could be good for friends who have a hard tome visualizing their work and showing them that taking time away from their projects helps them gain perspective. It's a cute read.

Conceptually, this is a lot like some of Peter Reynolds' picture books - The Dot, Ish, etc -.It's a bit more expansive so it probably would work better for a slightly older audience.

Drawing a blank right now as I sit down to write this review! Just kidding! This is a sweet read with a simple and straightforward narrative accompanied by vibrant 'pop-art-style' illustrations that will help all who literally draw a blank when they want to create something.

When Benford gets a new easel, he knows he wants to create something new - something perfect, and never done before!! But his mind goes blank.. what is he to do?

The book lets readers know that
a) it is ok to draw a blank;
b) it is also ok to make mistakes (and I am reminded of Bob Ross here, where he says that there are no mistakes, only happy little accidents),
c) perfection is overrated
d) taking a break will help and we can draw inspiration from familiar as well as unexpected sources
e) while what we create in the end might not be what we hoped or planned, it can still surprise and delight us in so many ways!

Backmatter includes a list of ways to help when we get a block..

Thanks to NetGalley for the digital review copy of this book. These are my honest opinions of the book.

'Benford Draws a Blank' by Danielle Dufayet with illustrations by Katia Klein is a book about a talented artist faced with a creative block.

Benford loves art, but when he gets a giant canvas as a gift, he is stumped as to what he wants to use it for. He ponders the idea for days, daunted by the blank surface, until finally something happens.

This is about the urge to create versus the confidence to make the first mark. I have the same feeling when starting a new blank notebook. The story is great as is the art.

Benford loves art and never has any problems coming up with ideas. When he receives his first canvas, Benford's mind goes blank. What can he paint? How will Benford come up with the very best idea?

Benford Draws a Blank is a cute story about believing in yourself and learning how to be ok with the frustrations of life. The illustrations are a bit raw, but with good facial expressions and movement. This story would be a good addition to any home library, as kids often suffer frustrations in life regarding learning a new skill or improving on an old one.

Disclaimer: I was given an Advanced Reader's Copy of Benford Draws a Blank by NetGalley and the publisher. The decision to read and review this children's book was entirely my own.

Benford Draws a Blank is a children’s book written by Danielle Dufayet, and illustrated by Katia Klein.

Summary: Benford receives a blank canvas as a gift. But the pressure of “getting it right” keeps him from being able to create any art at all. Can he get past his fears and create something wonderful?

My Thoughts: I liked the premise of this book. I have had a creative block like this many times and can relate!

Overall, it was a fun little book, but I felt it got a little creepy when he was being chased in the park by the canvas. It seemed like the canvas was alive or something, and it was taking the concept a bit too far in my opinion-especially for kids trying to read the story.

I don’t know that I can recommend this one, but I do appreciate the sentiment behind the story, and would like to thank Capstone for providing me with a free digital copy of this book in exchange for my review. Thank you.

For the first time ever, young artist, Benford, is intimidated by a blank white canvas. He's feeling uninspired, insecure about his talents. and uncertain how to get his mojo back. This is a wonderful book for all ages about finding the creativity that lies inside you, and coaxing it to come on outside.

The author includes this wonderful quote by Van Gogh:

"If you hear a voice within you say, 'You cannot paint,' then by all means paint and that voice will be silenced."

And offers a page of suggestions for ways of "Blocking the Blanks."

This is the perfect pick-me-up for anyone who needs motivation.

Super fun read about creative blockage! It shows that you're allowed to not have ideas and it's ok, and it's ok to make mistakes!

This book tells the story of a child name Benford and his cat Van Gogh and the problem he faces when he can't decide what to paint on his blank canvas. The book explores abstract art as well as the creative process. At the end of the book is a list of ideas for children who are struggling with what to draw or paint. I like the concepts and the illustrations are neat, but I don't love the font. It is a bit squiggly and not super easy to read. It is also often black on a coloured background and is relatively small. For young or struggling readers the font might be a bit of a challenge for them. Otherwise the book is really great and I think it would be a great introduction to discussions about growth mindset, seeing yourself as an artist, being creative in art class etc. I could definitely see myself using this book as part of a lesson in my grade 3/4 class. Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for giving me the chance to read and review this book!

Thank you to the author, Capstone Editions and NetGalley, for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is a great children's book that emphasizes imagination and creativity - and to put aside expectations and preconceived notions of what creativity should look like. I particularly loved the illustrations and the message that giving oneself time to take a break can make a problem look completely different and offer new solutions.

Could not review because wrong book was provided. Upon opening the file, I do not find Benford Draws a Blank.

A lively and suitably colourful look at a young artist who gets his first canvas and easel as a present – and then blanks when it comes to ideas for it. There's no masterpiece here – neither the kid's output nor this book – but we do get a decent lesson in how to shrug off the artistic doldrums, break that block and put something, no matter what, on our creative CV. To that end, a positive three and a half stars.

Benford Draws a Blank was the perfect book to read today with my child who complained he "ruined" his picture by using the wrong color. As Benford works out what he should paint, and his emotions in trying to get that perfect painting, my child was able to relate to the character and his dilemma. It served a great purpose in discussing how we can take our "mistakes" and make them into beautiful art.

I loved this! Benford drawing a blank is very relatable, of course. I'd. love to read this before hosting an art program!

A cute story about a little boy facing a painting block.

Benford loves art, to the extent that his little dog is named ‘Van Gogh’. When he (Benford, not Van Gogh) receives an easel and a huge white canvas as a birthday gift, Benford is stumped – what can he draw on such a beautiful white canvas without spoiling it? He tries his best to think of ideas, but nothing helps. Will Benford be able to defeat his painting block and think of an artistic idea for that canvas?

The pressure of perfection, the fear of taking the first step, the difficulties of thinking of the right idea – all are problems that children deal with, whether in painting or writing or any other activity. Through Benford, they will hopefully understand that these are normal problems and that there is always a solution if you can just take a break and return to the problem with a calm mind.

The story is like an ode to Van Gogh (the painter, not the dog) who wasn’t a trained artist but created almost 900 paintings in ten years. The book delivers an important message in a simple way, and also offers tips on how to deal with painting blocks. I found these very practical and child-friendly.

The language is the book is quite simple for its target range of PreK-2 readers.

The illustrations are cute without going over the top. Some pages have Benford seeing squares everywhere; these are sketched especially well.

Overall, definitely a nice story with a relevant lesson to learn. Recommended not just to little artists but to every little reader to understand that creativity does have off days at times, and it is okay to take a break rather than stressing out about it.

4 stars.


My thanks to Capstone and NetGalley for the DRC of “Benford Draws a Blank”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.

When was this book when I was an anxious little artist who was so scared of ruining her canvas so she never practised enough? I definitely needed it back then. Every kid needs this creative and inspirational book! It teaches you that even if you're scared of things not turning out like you thought they would, never give up! And keep going until you finally reach your goal! It doesn't only apply to art but it applies to many other life situations too!

Benford Draws a Blank is such a cute and honest picture book about the creative process. Every artist and writer has been faced with a blank, whether on the page, a canvas, or a with a lump of clay. I love that it follows Benford through his process and how intimidating starting a new project can be. The art is the perfect combination with the story and the whole thing just made me feel better about blanks. Every artist should read Benford's journey and get inspired for when they draw their own blank!

Benford Draws a Blank is a charming children's book about a boy who gets an easel and canvas for his birthday. He is so excited as he begins thinking of all the possibilities of what he could paint. Soon he overthinks it to the point that he fears making a mistake on his beautiful canvas, becomes self-critical, worries that he'll never get the perfect idea, and becomes afraid to begin at all. Finally, he decides to just go for it. "When Benford finished, it wasn't at all what he expected. And it wasn't what he had hoped. It was BETTER!"

Oh how I related to this book!! I recently took up painting as an adult (well not really painting, more like playing), and faced exactly the same fears. This book could have been written for me. At the books end, there is a list of suggestions on Blocking the Blank. My favorite is #8: "Ignore your inner critic. Just start and have fun!" A wise lesson for any age!

My thanks to Capstone Editions for letting me read an ARC of this delightful book via NetGalley. It is to be published on 1/1/23. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and are given freely.

Adorable book. Its is a good inspiration for all creatives at all stages. It's beautifully illustrated. Would recommend to be part of reading list for all kids and it is definitely worth for adults too to read through for a instant dose of inspiration and feel good.