Local Author’s Children's Book Spot or Not? Ties Self-Discovery to Pointillism Art

TUCKER, GA — August 4, 2025 — 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 aged 4 –8, the book tells the lyrical story of a blue spot searching for identity and purpose. Through a journey of self-discovery, it learns that labels and preconceived expectations do not define it. It is actually a dot and part of a community of diverse dots that together create a unique piece of Pointillism art. Pioneered by Georges Seurat in the mid-1800s, 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 More Than Art Series will extend the metaphor as young readers are introduced to different art movements and history. Burnash created the book to benefit children and art educators (STEAM), to nurture a lifetime appreciation for creativity and self-expression through art.

"Picture books, by their nature, introduce children to art. Combining storytelling with engaging illustrations allows them to learn new concepts while learning more about their own journeys of self-discovery," says Burnash.

With information about the history of Pointillism, its painters, and notable art pieces included in the book, she hopes that Spot or Not? and her More Than Art Series will find their home in school libraries, classrooms, and homeschool environments, where they can be used to entertain, encourage, and educate children about the value of artistic expression.

"The book not only tells an endearing story but is educational too. It demonstrates that a dot is more than just a dot and when combined with other colored dots, all create something beautiful and unique," says Robert Zienta, teacher and media specialist. "It's an excellent metaphor for our lives and relationships, too."

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

About the Author

Author Susan Burnash has dreamed of writing children's books since she was a little girl with a notebook full of wild ideas and a head full of wonder. Now she's living that dream, helping kids explore big feelings, big questions, and big adventures through artful stories filled with heart. Her debut picture book, Spot or Not?, is a rhyming picture book that combines self-discovery and the search for identity with the colorful world of Pointillism art. It is the first book in her STEAM-focused series: More Than Art. She is also the author of Wally's Grab and Run, part of the new Foster Love Series, which explores the emotions and challenges children in foster care experience through the lens of a foster dog.

Whether she's writing about a blue dot wondering where he belongs (Spot or Not?), or a foster pup learning to trust again (Wally's Grab and Run), Susan's stories invite young readers to think, feel, and imagine. When she's not writing, you'll find her doodling, dreaming up new ideas, or making a joyful mess with glue sticks and glitter.

Availability

Spot or Not? is available for purchase online through IngramSpark, Amazon, and Barnes & Noble. For more information, visit www.YodaBooks.com.