“Writing for children is a sacred trust; each story embodies a heartfelt promise to guide young hearts with honesty, empathy, respect, and unwavering love.”

Immediate Release: July 10, 2025

(Atlanta, GA) Local children's book author Susan Burnash has released a new picture book titled Spot or Not? The first in the More Than Art Series, for children 4 –8, the book tells the lyrical story of a blue spot searching for identity and purpose. Through various encounters, the spot learns that it is not what its name suggests. Instead, it is a dot and part of a community of diverse dots that together create a unique piece of Pointillism art. Pioneered by Georges Seurat, Pointillism is a painting technique that uses small, distinct dots of color to form images. 

Burnash employs Pointillism as an illustrative metaphor to teach children about the significance of individuality, while emphasizing their role and purpose within a larger context. Each book in the series will extend the metaphor while introducing kids to art movements, history, and the value of creative expression. With information about the history of Pointillism, its painters, and notable art pieces, Burnash hopes that Spot or Not? and her More Than Art Series will find their way to school libraries and classrooms, to entertain, encourage, and educate children about the value of artistic expression. 

“I hope that Spot or Not? will allow children to view art as a tool for expression and self-discovery, while creating an interest in art history, and a lifelong appreciation of the arts,” says Burnash.

The author has also created opportunities to extend the learning experience by including a hands-on "Create Your Own Pointillism Activity" in the back of the picture book, and a separate Spot or Not? Kids Dot Art Activity Book, which features original art from the picture book. The books are available online through Amazon, IngramSpark, and Barnes & Noble.

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