I really enjoyed the book, the bright and colorful illustrations drew my eye to the story. I loved the interaction with the cat and dog on every page. And the art history it included for the kids.

A fun, charming childrens book about dealing with creative block. I loved this it some everyone can relate to explained in an easy for children to understand and relate to. I also really like the in permission about the ring though after the story and the list of things to do when you are experiencing a creative block. I this would be a great ad to any child’s library.

Benford loves art, and is so excited for the new canvas and easel that he received for his birthday. When Benford goes to start his newest masterpiece all he can seem to draw is… a blank. He tries everything he can think of to come up with the perfect idea, but everywhere he looks all he sees are blank squares. When Benford finally becomes so frustrated that he simply starts throwing paint on the canvas, little by little he realizes that his painting may be coming together after all.

I really enjoyed this book aimed at K-2 readers. It helps teach children to not let their own blank canvases in life stop them from creating new things, and has a wonderful list at the end of ways to “block the blank” themselves,

Thank you so much to Netgalley and Capstone publishing for the opportunity to read and review this title, releasing in early 2023.

I love this book. It is easy to be blocked creatively and this addresses the issue perfectly. I love the tips on the back as well.

What a sweet and fun book! Bendford Draws a Blank is a beautifully motivational children's book that helps us remember that the most important thing is to keep trying. I absolutely can not wait to pick up this book for both my classroom and my personal children's libraries.

Unfortunately wasnt able to read this.
When i downloaded another book was downloaded instead.
was hoping it was my issue. but no matter what i tried i could never get this specific book loaded

I read this sweet book with my 7 year old artist, and she absolutely loved it! The story is about Benford, a little boy who receives an easel and then cannot come up with anything to paint on his canvas. We loved how colorful the book is and how it portrays that feeling of artist’s block. My daughter especially loved the cute little dog Van Gogh, and after we read the book we had to look up paintings by Van Gogh and it turned into a whole art lesson.

The story tells kids to just get started and that things don’t have to be perfect, which is a great lesson to learn. I would definitely recommend this book. Thank you to NetGalley and Capstone for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

It seems to me that picture books have become a little more messagey lately, as if parents need a clear indication of how a book is going to somehow improve their child. That is perhaps an unfair way to begin this review of a book I rather like, but 'Benford Draws a Blank' does fall into this category. Its goal: to let kids know that everything they do doesn't have to be perfect. And heck, for some kids that lesson is a valuable one.

Fortunately, the book brings that across with a sense of verve and humour and cleverness. Benford's fear of marring his big blank canvas is easy to relate to and his several failed attempts and frustrations are, too. It's true that the ending holds little surprise; we already know that he's going to succeed in covering that canvas without getting hung up on the quality of his creation. And even though I would have liked to have been at least a little surprised, it's still well executed.

Without question the exuberant illustrations bring even more energy and pleasure to the book. They are bold and busy and are no doubt meant to look (almost) as if a child--such as Benford himself--might have done them. I particularly like the way Benford is portrayed. And all that colour!

Benford Draws a Blank is a sweet story about having a creative block. Sometimes we need to do something and make a start but we draw a blank. This is a great story to show children what they can do when they are having trouble getting started on something.

Thank you for my gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.

Very cute book- with lots of color! I loved the idea for this book. My middle son will often feel frustrated when he’s stumped on what to draw next and I can’t wait to read him this book.

It’s great encouragement to help a kid just start.
Whether you feel insecure or a lack of confidence- just starting and rolling with what comes out can make a huge difference! I’d rather my son start and start over if he wants something different- than just give up all together and not try.

Loved this little colorful book of encouragement!

Firstly, there's a dog named Van Gogh so that's a huge plus lol. Secondly, this was adorable. I love the representation of "drawing a blank" that is easily digestible for littles. Benford's final painting was so cute and I'm glad he got over his case of painter's block.

I received a free eARC of this book, and quite enjoyed reading it and writing this review. Thank you for the opportunity.

Belford faces a problem many young artists and writers face-a big blank page (or, in this case, canvas) and a fear of messing up if they try to start. This book shows the steps Benford takes to get past his artist’s block and just have fun. I can see this being a fun book to read in an art class or before doing creative writing, as a reassurance to kids who struggle that they are not alone. The illustrations are cute, yet simple, and the text easy to read for early readers. Well done.

Okay, this book was adorable and I loved it so much. It accurately illustrated artist’s block in a fun way, with a tribute to Vincent Van Gogh. The art and illustration was beautiful, even the splatters and abstract art. Loved the tips at the end as well on overcoming artist’s block. I loved the art Benford came up with at the end as well.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book! Below is my honest review.

Summary of plot:
Benford loves art and received a canvas for his birthday. But when he decides to use it, all of a sudden--he has no art ideas. Everywhere he goes, he's reminded of this white, blank canvas. Until one day, he decides that he's just going to do whatever and starts to paint.

Pros about the book:
✔️ Love the dog named after Vincent van Gogh
✔️ Very cute illustrations
✔️ Accurate representation of artist's block lol

Cons about the book:
❌ None!

Would I recommend this book? Sure :)

The book described was not the link sent.

The book sent was 'A Bad Case of Almosts' by Janet Sumner Johnston

This book sounds absolutely adorable, and I couldn’t wait to read it. When I downloaded it though, the book that appears is “A Bad Case Of The Almosts”.

Thank you to NetGalley and Danielle Dufayet for this arc.