Dalí and the Path of Dreams
illustrations by
on Goodreads (63)
What’s inside...
Little Salvi loves playing on the beach and one day discovers a key in the water. This key opens the door to a fantastical world inspired by Salvador Dali's art, featuring surreal elements like giraffe-legged elephants and melting clocks. This picture book weaves Dali's motifs into an imaginative story that shows the limitless possibilities of the Surrealist vision and reminds readers that fine art can be fun and engaging. Children fall for the paintings of Salvador Dalí as the imagery appeals to their sense of imagination and whimsy. In 'Dalí and the Path of Dreams', author Anna Obiols and illustrator Joan Subirana create an adventure story for young Dalí, inspired by the famous painter's style. Little Salvi, aka young Dalí, rides on a long-legged elephant, encounters a chef who tosses clocks like pancakes, finds a magic key, flies on a floating boat, and much more in this charming tribute to the seminal surrealist.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Why do you think Dalí painted such unique and different pictures? What do his paintings make you feel?
If you could walk into one of Dalí’s dreams, which one would you choose and why?
What do you think the elephants in the sky represent in Dalí's paintings?
How do you think Dalí’s friends and surroundings helped him in creating his art?
If you had a dream that you could paint, what would it look like?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings and thoughts about the paintings and the story without fear of being wrong. There’s no right or wrong in interpretation.
Relate the themes of the book to your child's experiences by asking them to think about their own dreams or imaginative creations.
Ask follow-up questions based on your child's responses to help them delve deeper into understanding the art and story.
Compliment your child's insights and observations to build their confidence in expressing their thoughts about complex subjects like art and dreams.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Creativity
Explanation: The book illustrates Salvador Dalí's imaginative journey, showcasing his unique artistic visions and surreal landscapes.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to explore their own creativity and express themselves through art, helping them develop problem-solving skills and confidence in their abilities.
Example Lesson: The Importance of Persistence
Explanation: Dalí's dedication to his craft, despite challenges, is a key theme. His journey highlights how persistence can lead to achieving one's dreams.
Real-World Application: This lesson can inspire children to persist in their endeavors, whether in academics, sports, or hobbies, reinforcing the value of hard work and dedication.
Example Lesson: Understanding Surrealism
Explanation: The book serves as a gentle introduction to the concept of surrealism in art, demonstrated through Dalí’s famous works and style.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate diverse art forms and perspectives, which can enhance their critical thinking and broaden their artistic tastes.
Example Lesson: Value of Dreams
Explanation: Dalí's journey emphasizes the significance of dreams and their influence on his work, showing how dreams can fuel creativity and innovation.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to value their own dreams and consider how they might influence their future aspirations.