Drawn Together
What’s inside...
When Iris's elevator button-pushing is disrupted by a new member of the family, she's pretty put out. That is, until the sudden appearance of a mysterious new button opens up entire realms of possibility, places where she can escape and explore on her own. This is a story that will lift your spirits and expand your imagination, by the award-winning creators of Drawn Together.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-8
Length
56 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the grandfather and the boy felt when they couldn’t understand each other?
What are some ways the boy and his grandfather learned to communicate without words?
Why do you think art is important in sharing stories across different generations?
How did the relationship between the boy and his grandfather change by the end of the book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use visual aids like drawings or family photos to make connections between the book's artwork and your child's experiences.
Encourage the child to draw a picture of a favorite moment they would like to share with a grandparent or older family member.
Discuss the importance of patience and trying different methods of communication when someone doesn’t speak the same language or come from the same culture.
Relate the book’s themes to personal family stories or cultural heritage, enhancing the child's understanding and appreciation of their own background.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Cultural Heritage
Explanation: In 'Drawn Together', a young boy and his grandfather bond over their drawings, overcoming a language barrier. Through art, the grandfather shares aspects of his Asian heritage.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to explore and embrace their own cultural backgrounds, understanding the depth and richness it adds to their identity.
Example Lesson: The Power of Non-verbal Communication
Explanation: The characters in 'Drawn Together' communicate through drawings instead of words, demonstrating that connection can transcend language.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of diverse forms of communication, like body language or art, helping them to connect with others who might not share the same language or abilities.
Example Lesson: Valuing Elders and Their Stories
Explanation: The story highlights the wisdom and stories that older generations can offer, as the grandfather shares his experiences and skills through drawing.
Real-World Application: Children learn to respect and value their elders, encouraging them to engage more with grandparents or older community members and listen to their stories and experiences.
Example Lesson: Creativity as a Bridge
Explanation: Art becomes a unifying force for the boy and his grandfather, helping to bridge their generational and cultural gaps.
Real-World Application: This lesson can inspire children to use creative expression as a way to solve conflicts and find common ground with others.
Example Lesson: Perseverance in Overcoming Obstacles
Explanation: Despite the initial communication struggles, the persistence of both characters in trying to connect leads to a rewarding relationship.
Real-World Application: It shows children the value of persistence and trying different methods to overcome challenges in relationships or other areas of life.