How we cite our quotes: (Section.Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #4
Billy had been so focused on his own diorama, wrapped in a cocoon of concentration, that he hadn't paid much attention to Ned's or Sal's. When he finally checked them out, a sinking feeling took hold of him.
Papa had helped Ned make an ocean from different shades of blue tissue paper, which he'd crinkled and layered. And, because Ned had used real seashells and the store-bought sharks, his diorama looked professional. […]
Sal's diorama looked great, too. […]
In comparison, Billy felt that his project looked like it was made by a two-year-old.
Sal watched Billy scrutinize his diorama. "Mine's better, she said. "Ned's, too." (2.2.24-28)
Making art can be a mighty tough task, and comparison can be the enemy. Before Billy looks at Ned's and Sal's dioramas, he's feeling okay about his own, but once he gets a chance to hold his artwork up against his little sister's and his pal's, poor Billy feels like the pits. Why do you think the comparison is so harsh for Billy? How does comparison stifle his feelings of pride in his art?
Quote #5
Laid out on the table in Papa's work area were several wooden cigar boxes. Each one had various items placed inside it. The inside of one resembled a landscape, another a city. One looked like a funny face with mismatched watch dial eyes, a doorknob nose, and a black plastic comb mustache. The boxes were in differing stages of completion. […]
"They're dioramas!" said Billy. He grinned. "I helped you—I gave you the idea."
"You did," said Papa, smiling. "And I thank you." (2.5.14, 16-17)
Artists of the world, we'd like you to meet your newest muse: Billy Miller. He's chock-full of good ideas and he's ready to share them with artists like his dad. This collaborative effort makes us feel all warm and gooey inside, and it reminds us that sometimes inspiration doesn't come from within but from other people.
Quote #6
"You tell a story with them. And you move them around. Like this." Sal slid off her bed, pulling the Drop Sisters with her. She placed them in a circle on the floor. She picked up Raindrop and swooped her back and froth through the air. "One day Raindrop flew. 'I'm a bird! I'm a bird!'" (3.4.28)
If you think artistic talent is limited to the more mature characters in this book, then you've got another thing coming. There are loads of different ways to create art, and this is Sal's way: She likes to tell stories about her stuffed animals, the Drop Sisters, and she thinks the tales are pretty fantastic.