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In the vibrant world of childhood, where imagination knows no bounds, art serves as a bridge between fantasy and reality. Introducing children to art through books is not just about fostering creativity; it’s about opening doors to new ways of seeing the world. Art books for children are magical gateways that inspire young minds to explore, dream, and create.

At Chalk n Pencils, we understand the transformative power of art in shaping young, impressionable minds. This carefully curated list of art books for children is designed to spark curiosity, encourage self-expression, and instill a lifelong appreciation for the beauty that surrounds us. From interactive adventures that engage their senses to stories that challenge them to see beyond the conventional, each book is a treasure trove of lessons, waiting to be discovered.

Join us as we dive into a world where colors speak louder than words, and every page turn reveals a new opportunity for discovery and imagination.

“The Anholt’s Artists” series by Laurence Anholt

“The Anholt’s Artists” series introduces children to famous artists through engaging stories that blend facts with fiction. Each book focuses on a different artist, such as Van Gogh, Monet, and Da Vinci, offering insights into their lives and works. This series is a fantastic way to familiarize children with art history and the stories behind some of the world’s most beloved artworks.

 

The illustrations in each book are inspired by the artist’s style, providing a visual connection to their work. The narrative approach makes the information accessible and entertaining, helping young readers understand the significance of each artist’s contribution to the world of art.

 

The series teaches valuable lessons about creativity, perseverance, and the impact of art on society. It encourages children to explore their own creative potential and to learn more about the artists

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“The Paper Bag Princess” by Robert Munsch

“The Paper Bag Princess” tells the enchanting story of Princess Elizabeth, who embarks on a quest to rescue Prince Ronald from a dragon. Unlike traditional fairy tales, this story flips the script by having the princess take on the hero’s role. Dressed in nothing but a paper bag, Elizabeth uses her wit and courage to outsmart the dragon. This tale is not only engaging but also breaks away from conventional gender roles, showcasing a strong and resourceful female character.

 

The illustrations complement the text beautifully, capturing Elizabeth’s determination and the humorous twists of her journey. The simple yet expressive artwork brings the characters to life, making the story accessible and engaging for children.

 

This book offers valuable lessons about resourcefulness, bravery, and the importance of looking beyond appearances. It encourages children to think critically about traditional roles and to value personal qualities over material possessions. Through Elizabeth’s adventure, readers learn that true heroism comes from within and that intelligence and courage are the greatest tools one can possess.

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“Beautiful Oops!” by Barney Saltzberg

“Beautiful Oops!” is an interactive book that celebrates mistakes and the creative process. It shows children that every mistake is an opportunity to make something beautiful. With its unique blend of pop-ups, lift-the-flaps, and colorful illustrations, this book turns accidents into art, encouraging children to see the potential in spilled paint, torn paper, and smudges.

 

Each page offers a surprise, transforming errors into whimsical creatures and imaginative landscapes. The tactile elements of the book engage young readers, inviting them to explore and interact with the story.

 

The key takeaway from “Beautiful Oops!” is the importance of embracing imperfections and finding joy in the unexpected. It teaches children that creativity is about exploration and experimentation, not perfection. This message fosters resilience, encouraging kids to keep trying and to see the beauty in their efforts, no matter the outcome.

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“Press Here” by Herve Tullet

“Press Here” is an interactive book that invites readers to press, shake, and tilt the pages to embark on a magical journey. Through simple instructions and vibrant dots that move, grow, and change on each page, children become active participants in the story. This book stands out for its simplicity and ingenious use of imagination.

 

The engaging prompts encourage children to anticipate what will happen next, fostering a sense of wonder and curiosity. The book’s interactive nature makes reading a playful and dynamic experience, blurring the lines between book and game.

 

“Press Here” teaches the power of imagination and the joy of interaction. It demonstrates how simple prompts can lead to surprising and delightful outcomes, encouraging children to think creatively and explore the possibilities within their own minds. This book is a testament to the magic that lies in the simple act of engaging with the world imaginatively.

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“The Dot” by Peter H. Reynolds

“The Dot” tells the story of Vashti, a young girl who believes she can’t draw until her teacher encourages her to make a mark and see where it takes her. From a single dot on a piece of paper, Vashti discovers her creative spirit, leading her on a journey of self-discovery and artistic exploration. The book’s message is clear: creativity begins with a simple act of courage.

The illustrations are minimalist yet expressive, perfectly complementing the story’s message. The use of dots and splashes of color highlights the theme of artistic growth and the transformative power of art.

“The Dot” offers a powerful lesson about the importance of believing in oneself and the value of encouragement. It inspires children to embrace their creativity and to understand that the journey of self-expression starts with just one small step. This story empowers readers to explore their artistic potential and to celebrate their unique contributions to the world.

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“The Day the Crayons Quit” by Drew Daywalt and Oliver Jeffers

“The Day the Crayons Quit” features a humorous tale of Duncan’s crayons, each expressing their grievances through letters. From being overworked to neglected, the crayons share their feelings with Duncan, leading to a creative crisis. This story is filled with wit and humor, providing a unique perspective on the tools we use to create art. The letters from the crayons offer a delightful mix of emotions, making the story relatable and engaging for readers of all ages.

 

The illustrations by Oliver Jeffers are vibrant and playful, perfectly capturing the personality of each crayon. The visual storytelling complements the text, bringing the crayons’ dilemmas to life and enriching the reader’s experience. The use of handwritten letters adds a personal touch, drawing readers deeper into the story.

 

“The Day the Crayons Quit” teaches important lessons about empathy, problem-solving, and the value of listening to others. It encourages children to think creatively about how they use their art supplies, promoting diversity and innovation in their artistic expressions. This book is a reminder that every color has its place in the world of art, and that understanding and cooperation can lead to beautiful outcomes.

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“Ish” by Peter H. Reynolds

“Ish” follows Ramon, who loves to draw until his brother’s criticism crushes his confidence. However, Ramon’s sister helps him see that his drawings don’t need to be perfect; they’re “ish” – resembling something close enough. This story celebrates the creative spirit and the freedom of expression, highlighting that art is about the joy of creation rather than perfection.

 

Peter H. Reynolds’ illustrations are simple yet expressive, effectively conveying Ramon’s emotional journey from discouragement to liberation. The use of loose lines and gentle colors reflects the book’s theme of embracing imperfection and finding beauty in the “ish.”

 

“Ish” imparts a crucial lesson about the subjective nature of art and the importance of self-acceptance. It encourages children to appreciate their own creativity and to understand that the value of art lies in the meaning it holds for the artist and the viewer, not in its precision. This story empowers readers to continue creating with confidence and joy, embracing their unique perspective.

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“The Most Magnificent Thing” by Ashley Spires

“The Most Magnificent Thing” is about a girl and her best friend, a dog, who set out to make the most magnificent thing. Despite numerous attempts and failures, the girl learns that perseverance and a change of perspective are key to overcoming frustration. This story is a heartfelt exploration of the creative process, highlighting the trials and errors involved in bringing an idea to life.

 

Ashley Spires’ illustrations are detailed and expressive, capturing the range of emotions the girl experiences as she strives to achieve her goal. The artwork brings depth to the story, making the characters’ journey relatable and inspiring.

 

The book delivers powerful messages about resilience, the importance of taking breaks, and looking at problems from new angles. It teaches children that success often comes after many attempts and that the process of creating can be as important as the end result. This story encourages young readers to persevere in their endeavors, reminding them that the most magnificent things are often those that require the most effort and determination.

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“Magic Trash: A Story of Tyree Guyton and His Art” by J.H. Shapiro

“Magic Trash” tells the inspiring story of Tyree Guyton, an artist who transforms his deteriorating Detroit neighborhood into an outdoor art museum using discarded objects. This true story demonstrates the power of creativity to bring about change and the impact one person can have on a community. The book celebrates the idea that art can emerge from anywhere, even from what others might see as trash.

 

The illustrations vividly depict Guyton’s art, bringing his colorful and impactful installations to life on the page. The use of vibrant colors and dynamic compositions captures the essence of Guyton’s work, making the book a visual treat.

 

The key lesson from “Magic Trash” is the importance of seeing potential in the overlooked and the value of art as a tool for social change. It encourages children to think creatively about how they can use their talents to improve their surroundings and to recognize the transformative power of art. This story is a testament to the idea that beauty and inspiration can be found in the most unexpected places.

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Remember, this is just a starting point! Explore different genres, mediums, and styles to find books that resonate with your child’s unique interests and help them embark on a lifelong love of art. At Chalk n Pencils, encouraging artistic expression fosters creativity and empowers children to become confident individuals. To further nurture your child’s artistic journey, we invite you to book a trial class with us. Experience firsthand how our classes can inspire and develop your child’s artistic abilities. Click here to Book Trial and start your child on the path to creative exploration and discovery.

Exclusive Offer for Our Readers!

$5 off a trial art class at Chalk N Pencils when you click through this link and send us a message on WhatsApp.

Shaheeda IsmailShaheeda Ismail
05:34 25 Nov 24
Just had an ART-ful birthday party session for my 7 year old's birthday at Chalks and Pencils at New Bahru. They made the enquiry and booking process so seamless and easy. The studio space is large and inviting and Priscilia and her team were really well skilled at handling the 13 children. They were well organised and guided the children patiently and expertly. The children were so happy with their finished artwork and it was also packaged nicely for them to bring it back home. My daughter and her friends had a truly enjoyable art session. Location is excellent, especially as it was a drop off session and the other parents could wait at the many cafes and restaurants in the building. The birthday girl declared it as, the best party ever!
trudy chuatrudy chua
06:25 24 Nov 24
Beautiful studio! I made a last minute request to accommodate 10 children for a birthday party and Priscilla was extremely helpful. It was a very pleasant and worry free experience.During the party, teachers were experienced and patient. The kids enjoyed themselves!
peg asuspeg asus
00:41 21 Nov 24
Studio was very bright and inviting, the teachers were so helpful and welcoming - even though my child was probably way below the appropriate painting age, they helped to find ways for him to participate. Thank you!!
Jovin KamJovin Kam
10:20 20 Nov 24
Highly recommended a family painting session by Priscilla. My family of 3 had a wonderful morning bonding over painting.. with her magical strokes she’s able to transform our bits and pieces into an art piece.
Maira AzariMaira Azari
06:34 19 Nov 24
love the space here and how knowledgeable trainer is. ❤️❤️
Nadia YacobNadia Yacob
05:03 19 Nov 24
Had fun here during a team bonding workshop
Angella .yAngella .y
06:20 07 Nov 24
I enjoyed the portrait drawing session, it brought back memories of my art school days. I loved the cozy studio space and look forward to joining the next life drawing session!
Daniel XuDaniel Xu
22:32 06 Nov 24
I enjoyed the class very much! Definitely recommend!
Tasneem AlomTasneem Alom
12:54 06 Nov 24
Fantastic class and great teacher !!
Rhianne NichollRhianne Nicholl
12:42 06 Nov 24
Lovely experience. Would highly recommend. Relaxing and help on hand if needing advice. Will definitely go back
Alvin TanAlvin Tan
06:05 01 Nov 24
Had arranged a Sanrio painting small birthday gathering for my daughters and their friends recently. The children had a blast and enjoyed painting their favourite Sanrio characters.The arts studio is clean and activities were well organised. There were numerous cafe options for the parents to hang out as well while waiting. There is another outlet in Joo chiat as well.
Rowan GrigoropoulosRowan Grigoropoulos
13:41 30 Oct 24
We had great fun drawing and painting the shophouses with lovely wine and nibbles.
Alison WeeksAlison Weeks
12:43 30 Oct 24
Came for a wine and paint evening, they were brilliant. Highly recommended 👌
Darrell TanDarrell Tan
12:41 30 Oct 24
Amazing knowledge and really patient towards my inability to paint! Highly recommend them!!!
wfang lwfang l
11:57 28 Oct 24
Had an enjoyable experience at a guided live portrait drawing session at Chalk and Pencil. It was my first portrait drawing experience and Ms Priscilia was very patient in guiding me throughout the session. Highly recommend Chalk n Pencil if you are looking to explore new techniques 🙂
Huimin LHuimin L
13:02 22 Oct 24
We recently celebrated our son's birthday at Chalk n Pencils, New Bahru. It was a hot wheels-themed party requested by the birthday boy. All thanks to Priscilia, the founder's creative ideas, as well as her team's mock-up in the preparation stages, the actual day turned up awesome despite some initial hiccups. The kids thoroughly enjoyed themselves and even brought home their handmade and designed craftwork which looked legitly like the real deal!
Eugene TanEugene Tan
08:12 17 Oct 24
We absolutely love the art class conducted by Ms Kheng! Ms Kheng is incredibly patient and nurturing, creating a welcoming environment that allows our toddlers to explore their creativity without any pressure. Each class is filled with imaginative art projects that incorporate a fantastic mix of media, which keeps our toddlers engaged and excited to create.What I especially appreciate is how the activities not only foster creativity but also provide a wonderful sensory experience. The projects are designed to help develop their motor skills, making learning fun and interactive. It’s amazing to see their confidence grow as they experiment with different materials.Overall, this art class has been a fantastic experience for our toddlers, and we can't recommend it enough!
Janice LohJanice Loh
01:21 10 Oct 24
Held a birthday party there for the girls and everyone had a blast. Pris was very helpful from the start with the ideation and concept of what can be done. Very lovely place as well!
Chen XuezhenChen Xuezhen
05:10 07 Oct 24
We had a birthday party at Chalk n Pencils (New Bahru) recently and the children definitely enjoyed the craft session! Priscilia is very patient, confident and skilled in handling the kids. She kept the mood light hearted and was very engaging throughout the entire session.The whole process of organising the party was easy and fuss-free. The studio is bright and inviting. 10/10 recommend for anyone looking for an art party session!
Thea TanThea Tan
00:26 30 Sep 24
Chalk n Pencils' beautiful new space at New Bahru provides a conducive space for art making and is a good place to soothe your soul. Workshops and classes are conducted by artists and one thing you can count on is that Ms Kheng always uses quality materials in her studio.Attended a rubber stamp carving workshop yesterday for Design Week and really enjoyed myself. Strongly recommend anyone who is around the area to pop by and take a look. There's also a corner where you can shop!
Trish JohnstoneTrish Johnstone
23:56 29 Sep 24
I attended a stamp carving workshop as a part of Singapore Design Week. Priscilla is a talented artist who loves sharing her knowledge, and is a natural teacher. It was also lovely to meet others in the class and chat in a relaxed and casual setting.
See Yong XinSee Yong Xin
03:58 29 Sep 24
A beautifully designed studio on the 4th floor of New Bahru, Chalk n Pencils is a lovely respite from the bustle of Singapore for some quiet and restful artmaking. We attended Priscillia's stamp carving workshop as part of Singapore Design Week and had so much fun. She was patient, approachable, and skilled. Looking forward to more artful experiences at Chalk n Pencils! 🙂
YX CYX C
15:57 28 Sep 24
Sessions at Chalk N Pencils are fun with a great ambience for creation. Priscilla has been very gracious hosting events and was incredible with sharing tips and tricks in her workshops
Vivian HoVivian Ho
14:16 28 Sep 24
I took a rubber carving class, and it was a fantastic experience! The instructor was patient and knowledgeable, making it easy for beginners to follow along. I loved the hands-on approach, and by the end, I created a detailed design I didn’t think was possible. The class had a fun, relaxed atmosphere, and the small size allowed for personal attention. Highly recommend for anyone wanting to try something new
VivianVivian
14:14 28 Sep 24
I took a rubber carving class, and it was a fantastic experience! The instructor was patient and knowledgeable, making it easy for beginners to follow along. I loved the hands-on approach, and by the end, I created a detailed design I didn’t think was possible. The class had a fun, relaxed atmosphere, and the small size allowed for personal attention. Highly recommend for anyone wanting to try something new
Nicole OwNicole Ow
13:50 28 Sep 24
Thanks Priscilla for teaching us how to use the stamp carving tools safely for different effects and steps during today’s workshop. 👍 Appreciate the suggestions to improve the design to make it more interesting.The New Bahru studio also has a lot of creative works around for a relaxing and inspiring environment.
Charissa ThamCharissa Tham
09:46 28 Sep 24
My friend and I went for the stamp carving session this weekend and we had the best time. Priscilia was very patient and helpful in guiding us through the tools and process.Now I’m considering taking the adult painting class!
Mei Wah HoMei Wah Ho
01:29 21 Sep 24
I recently took my kid to Chalk n Pencils @ New Bahru during our vacation, and we had an amazing experience! The studio is bright and inviting, filled with all kinds of creative supplies. The instructors are incredibly friendly and encouraging, helping the kids explore their creativity in a fun way. My child loved the variety of projects available, from painting to crafting.The atmosphere is relaxed, and it's clear that the staff genuinely care about nurturing the kids' artistic talents. My kid left with huge smiles and their own masterpieces! We’re dropping by during our vacation, and we can’t wait to see if it opens up near our neighborhood! We’ll definitely be returning for more classes and events. Highly recommend for any young artist!
Jose KasijoJose Kasijo
11:53 20 Sep 24
We had so much fun for a team gathering here. Highly recommended!
Raymond JoanneRaymond Joanne
15:21 17 Sep 24
We had a wonderful experience with Priscilia. Before we even started, she took the time to brainstorm ideas with us, considering the setting of our new home to ensure the painting would be a perfect fit. During the session, she expertly guided me, my husband, and our 3-year-old boy through various techniques to achieve different strokes. It’s definitely not easy to involve a young child in painting, but she managed to engage our son, allowing him to contribute to some areas of the artwork. Her friendly and pleasant demeanor made the whole experience enjoyable, and we're absolutely thrilled with the outcome. We can't wait to display it in our home!
Shasha LubisShasha Lubis
10:32 13 Sep 24
Recently attended a guided live portrait drawing session at Chalk N Pencils, and it was a fantastic experience! The studio's ambiance is both welcoming and inspiring, creating the perfect environment for creativity. The instructor, Ms Priscilia, was incredibly skilled and provided clear, insightful guidance and demos throughout the session, helping me improve my techniques and confidence in drawing with charcoal. If you're looking for a great place to enhance your art skills, I highly recommend Chalk N Pencils. They hold different types of live sessions too like figure drawing as well as still life! It’s an exceptional blend of instruction, artistry, and a supportive community!
Wuu AngieWuu Angie
11:17 15 Aug 24
My daughter loves their art classes. Ms Priscilla is patient and really has deep knowledge on art. She makes art fun for people. She also helped us with our family painting which we hang proudly in our living room now! ❤️
Ong GladysOng Gladys
13:19 13 Jul 24
Truly Meow-Mazing to do the Gabby dollhouse art jamming party for my girl’s 8th yr bday party with Chalk N Pencils! It was fuss-free during the planning and discussing the event details , easy to communicate and my queries were addressed promptly. On the actual day, the set-up was done bythe team swiftly and thankful for Chalk N Pencils to provide all materials , furniture and pleased to have 3 staff to oversee , teach and guide the 10 kiddoz on their jamming 😃. The kiddoz enjoyed the painting , learning new art skills and have lots of fun during the party. A small twist of event that we weren’t able to have it at the new studio , but all went well we had the party at our place which made the event accessible and convenient to us and our little guests.
Wenjin TanWenjin Tan
07:28 13 Jul 24
Did 10 sessions of adult coaching classes to improve my watercolour painting skills and Pris was really patient with me. She gave a lot of guidance and also helped to correct some mistakes in my pieces. This was very important to me in looking for a good teacher and I learnt a lot. The school also organises ad-hoc outdoor painting and sketching classes which helped me connect with other like-minded people and improve my skills beyond just watercolour. Classes were fun, affordable and flexible. Unfortunately, I’ve to leave the country for work, otherwise, I would’ve continued! Thanks to Pris and the rest of the teachers for an amazing time, I hope to be back soon!
chienling chuachienling chua
04:39 12 Jun 24
The children have been taking art classes here for half a year and have improved a lot in their painting and coloring skills.We love the small class sizes here. The teachers are patient and possess pure art professional skills and experience. There is no need to worry about children being crammed and losing the collaboration and originality of artistic creation.In the child's works, I saw a lot of her own creative concepts and ideas, and the use of art materials is also quite diversified. I can see the hard work of the teacher team! My children look forward to going to art class every week😊Recommended for parents who want their children to immerse themselves in art creation!
Nicole ThongNicole Thong
05:06 24 May 24
My kids love their art classes here.. teacher are warm and caring.. the art lesson really is enriching and enjoyable..
Val ngVal ng
04:38 13 May 24
Alexa loves going for art class at Chalk n Pencils every week. She looks forward to learning different techniques for the various art pieces and is always proud to show me her results. The teachers are very patient with her as she tends to overthink and become slower in the creation process. The older sister also enjoys the various workshops/camps during the holidays and looks forward to them year on year!
Yanan LiYanan Li
15:32 08 Dec 23
My kid totally loves their art class at Chalk n pencils . The teacher makes art super fun for the little ones. The kids learn techniques and get creative in a relaxed setting. My kiddo looks forward to class and has become an awesome little artist thanks to all the encouragement to use their imagination. I'd definitely say check out this art class!
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Lim Wee TingLim Wee Ting
04:25 22 Aug 24
My 6yo son has been attending weekly art classes at Chalk N Pencils for almost 2 years now, and he has been enjoying his time there thoroughly. The projects are interesting and varied, new techniques are taught to him, and the teachers allow him to incorporate his interest areas into the artwork. He thinks of it as his happy place. Highly recommended!
Omija LeeOmija Lee
03:44 29 Jun 24
My daughter has gone to a few of their classes and has always enjoyed yourself.The art camp has very interesting themes and the teachers are friendly and patient
Karean LimKarean Lim
22:49 27 Jun 24
We chance upon Chalk n Pencil @ Sunshine Plaza and notice their Holiday Camp program. As my son is “extraordinary” I was concerned initially of him being able to adapt to the programs . The staff approached us and explained to us the programs and reassured us they would be able to accept him as long as we parents be truthful about his conditions .My son attended a 3 days program at their Katong outlet (2 Artists Impressed Painting & 1 Pokeball Sculpture)My husband & I were surprised when we received a mid day update on his art work progress as well as a final day artwork . The staff had also been very professional and courteous.Would definitely be signing up my son for their future programs and recommend others too .
Lee M.Lee M.
11:17 20 Jun 24
I sent my daughter here for a couple weeks of art camps during her school holiday. She had a wonderful time and made several nice paintings and sculptures. One of them has become her most cherished possession, and she proudly shows it to everyone who visits our home.I like how some of these art camp activities got her interested in fine art. She's in love with impressionism now, and she has been begging me to take her to see some famous impressionist paintings in person. I also appreciate how she was fed decent quality lunches while she attended, for other kids activities feature junk food far too often.Overall, I think the Chalk n Pencils art camps are good wholesome fun, and I would definitely send my daughter back.
Ei Liang TengEi Liang Teng
05:57 19 Jun 24
Highly recommend this place for kids. My daughter has been there since 4-5 years old and now my younger son is also going weekly. It’s their favorite class and love going there every week
Flora TangFlora Tang
06:25 10 Jun 24
Teacher Shasha is very patient and friendly. My son (4.5 years old) enjoys his weekly art class at chalk n pencil. He has already picked up a few art technique and has great improvement in cutting with scissors.
evelyn duevelyn du
12:51 18 Nov 23
My son has been with Chalk and Pencil for 3 years. We can clearly see his improvement. The teachers are experienced and patient and my son enjoys his experience. His recent work, as a 7 year old.
Fulin TayFulin Tay
05:39 30 Aug 23
Chalk n Pencils is located at sunshine plaza which is centralised and very convenient. Miss Thi and Miss Giselle is friendly and provided professional guidance throughout the art jamming session. It’s all our first time, and we are not sure of what to expect and draw. However, Miss Thi and Miss Giselle explained patiently and helped us with the colour combination. The art studio is well equipped with many colours and tools. We all enjoyed the session and had lots of fun! Thank you all for providing us an awesome experience 🙂
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