Augustine
on Goodreads (297)
What’s inside...
Moving all the way from the South Pole to the North Pole isn't easy for the young penguin Augustine. Uprooted from her home, she misses her friends, her grandma and grandpa and her old bedroom. There are all kinds of unfamiliar faces at the North Pole, and everything looks strange and different. When it's time to go to her new school, Augustine gets cold feet. But with the help of a few colored pencils and some inspiration from Picasso, this shy, artistic young penguin discovers a way to break the ice with her classmates and feel at home on the other end of the world. Augustine's penguinized versions of van Gogh, Munch, Picasso and others are a delightful way to introduce children to art. A clever, charming story told from a penguin's eye view, Augustine illustrates that art is all around us --- and it is a language everyone understands.
Discussion points
How did Augustine feel when she moved to the North Pole, and can you relate to her feelings?
What creative ways did Augustine use to express herself through her art?
How did making new friends change Augustine’s experience in her new home?
Why do you think it was important for Augustine to share her art with her classmates?
What would you have done if you were in Augustine's situation to make new friends?
Tip: Role play these questions
When discussing 'Augustine,' focus on the emotions and experiences of the main character. Validate your child’s feelings by sharing personal stories of similar experiences. Encourage your child to talk about times they have felt similar to Augustine and explore solutions together. Additionally, ask your child to draw or create something that represents their own experiences, fostering a deeper connection with Augustine's artistic expression.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Adaptability
Explanation: Augustine, a penguin, moves with her family from the South Pole to the North Pole, facing challenges in a new environment. Through her art, she adapts and begins to feel at home.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to embrace changes like moving to a new place or school and find creative ways to express themselves and adapt.
Example Lesson: Self-expression through art
Explanation: The story shows Augustine using drawing and painting as a means to communicate and connect with others, expressing her emotions and thoughts.
Real-World Application: Kids are encouraged to explore and communicate their feelings through artistic activities like drawing, painting, or crafting.
Example Lesson: Courage to face fears
Explanation: Augustine is nervous about making new friends but bravely approaches situations that scare her.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand that it's okay to feel scared and that facing fears, especially in social scenarios, can lead to positive outcomes.
Example Lesson: Value of perseverance
Explanation: Despite initial setbacks, Augustine keeps trying to make friends and adjust to her new school, showing the importance of not giving up easily.
Real-World Application: Kids learn the importance of persistence in overcoming challenges in their studies, friendships, and hobbies.
Example Lesson: Importance of inclusivity
Explanation: Augustine learns to connect with classmates who are different from her, illustrating the benefits of diversity and acceptance.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by embracing diversity in their own lives, learning from and appreciating the differences in others around them.