And I Paint It: Henriette Wyeth’s World
What’s inside...
And I Paint It is a poetic picture-book biography about Henriette Wyeth, the talented painter daughter of artist N.C. Wyeth. The book, created by author Beth Kephart and illustrator Amy June Bates, explores the special bond between father and daughter as they paint together in nature. Through sensory descriptions and vibrant illustrations, the book captures Henriette's observations and growth as an artist in the context of her famous American family of artists.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-7
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Henriette Wyeth felt when she was painting? Can you describe her emotions?
What challenges do you think she faced as an artist and how did she overcome them?
Henriette painted many different things. What would you like to paint and why?
How did Henriette's family and environment influence her artwork?
What do you think is the most important message of this book?
Tip: Role play these questions
While discussing the book, show genuine interest in your child's thoughts and feelings about Henriette’s story.
Encourage your child to express themselves by asking them to draw or paint a scene inspired by Henriette’s life.
Relate the struggles and achievements of Henriette to personal experiences or challenges your child may face to make the conversation more relatable.
After reading, visit a local art museum or gallery together to further explore themes of creativity and perseverance showcased in the book.
Praise your child’s insights and encourage them to ask questions, nurturing their curiosity and critical thinking.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Persistence in pursuing passion
Explanation: The story showcases Henriette Wyeth's unwavering dedication to her art, despite the obstacles she faces.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of dedication to their interests, whether in academics, sports, or arts, even when challenges arise.
Example Lesson: Value of self-expression
Explanation: Through Henriette's journey, the book highlights the significance of expressing oneself through creative outlets.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to explore various forms of self-expression such as painting, writing, or dancing to articulate their feelings and thoughts.
Example Lesson: Importance of familial support
Explanation: The narrative emphasizes the role of Henriette’s family, especially her father, in nurturing her artistic talent.
Real-World Application: It teaches children the importance of supporting each other’s dreams and talents within the family, fostering a nurturing home environment.
Example Lesson: Resilience in face of adversity
Explanation: Henriette overcomes personal and societal challenges to become a successful artist, showing resilience throughout her journey.
Real-World Application: Children learn to remain resilient and steadfast in achieving their goals, regardless of the setbacks they encounter.
Example Lesson: Appreciation for nature and beauty
Explanation: The book vividly describes the landscapes and settings that inspire Henriette’s artworks, instilling an appreciation for natural beauty.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to observe and appreciate the beauty in their everyday surroundings and possibly draw inspiration from it for creative projects.