Written by | Valjean McLenighan |
Illustrator | Joe Mathieu |
Published | 1979 |
Publisher | Western Publishing |
Series | Little Golden Books |
Ernie's Work of Art is a 1979 Sesame Street Little Golden Book featuring Ernie.
The story begins with Oscar asking Ernie what he is up to. Ernie replies "beneath this stripey shirt, there beats the heart of an artist" as he works on his picture of 123 Sesame Street. Bert and The Count arrive next, as Oscar insults the brightness of Ernie's painting. The Count counters, counting the "lovely colors."
As Prairie Dawn arrives (oddly as a brunette), she and Bert begin suggesting ways that Ernie can improve his painting. Then, Big Bird comes in on a unicycle with Roosevelt Franklin running behind, both thinking there must be a party going on. Unfortunately, Big Bird's unicycle hits a pothole sending him on a collision course with all of them, hurling Ernie's head through the canvas. Ernie is aghast with horror at the sight of his ripped painting, covered with leaves, Bert's soda bottle and Roosevelt's ice cream.
Oscar arises from his can, wondering what caused the ruckus, only to discover that he now loves Ernie's artwork. Ernie gives the painting to Oscar, titling it "The View From Oscar's Trash Can."