The main purpose for writing this story named "The Circle, Cross, and Check" was to improve the academic circumstances for a Grade three boy named Victor. Victor is having difficulties with academics due to being dyslexic and the ‘X’ symbol that is commonly visible on his tests and assignments has made learning for him to be quite a negative experience. Of course, the ‘X’ symbol represents a wrong answer or incorrect statement. As a result, Victor has become quite sensitive to a symbol that makes him feel like a failure. 

One incident that brought this issue to light happened with a hired caregiver. One of the caregiver’s responsibilities was to supervise Victor while he was doing homework and provide feedback (such as marking an assignment). While reviewing one of his assignments, the caregiver made Victor aware of a mistake by using a ‘X’ symbol. She did so, even when asked not to. This triggered Victor into tearing his homework apart with tears because he could not bear the sight of that symbol. 

Victor’s mom came to Ms. Tsay for help. In response, she created this personification story aimed at changing Victor’s perception of the ‘X’ symbol and inspiring him on how three specific markers, the ‘X’, the circle, and the checkmark, each have their own contributions. The story emphasizes how each marker is valued, like comparing one’s own strengths. 

After Victor read this story, he not only liked it, he became motivated enough to create a continued plot for the story. With much enthusiasm, he came up with a title for the new plot, “The Missing Mystery of Little Check”. Victor added that he wishes to be a detective within the story. And since he is a very talented drawer, he was able to imitate the images created by our illustrator in even more detail.