Emily's Blue Period
What’s inside...
Emily wants to be an artist and is inspired by how artists like Pablo Picasso experimented with their art. However, her personal life is also going through changes as her dad no longer lives at home. Emily relates to Picasso's blue period, when he painted only in blue to express his sadness, as she feels she is going through her own blue period due to the changes in her life.
Discussion points
What different emotions do you think Emily felt during her blue period? Can you describe a time when you felt similar?
Emily uses art to express her feelings. What are some ways you like to express your feelings?
How did the changes in Emily's family make her feel? How do you think you would feel in her situation?
Why do you think the color blue was important in the story? What colors would you choose to represent your feelings?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to explore their emotions by discussing the different feelings Emily experiences. Acknowledge all emotions as valid.
While discussing the book, co-create an art piece with your child that expresses a range of emotions, using colors and shapes that represent different feelings.
Reflect on Emily’s changes and relate them to any similar situation in your child's life, discussing how they coped or would cope.
Use the color blue as a starting point to talk about the symbolism of colors in expressing emotions, asking your child to choose colors that represent their own emotions and why.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Change
Explanation: Emily learns to navigate her feelings and accept the changes brought by her parents' separation.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by understanding that changes are a part of life and learning to adapt to new family dynamics or environments.
Example Lesson: Expression Through Art
Explanation: The book shows how Emily uses art to express her complex emotions and cope with her feelings.
Real-World Application: Children can use creative outlets such as drawing, painting, or crafting to express feelings they might not yet have the words for.
Example Lesson: Resilience in Adversity
Explanation: Despite her struggles, Emily finds strength in her artwork and connections with her family.
Real-World Application: This teaches children that they can find strength and build resilience by leaning on their passions and loved ones during tough times.
Example Lesson: Understanding Emotions
Explanation: The story delves into various emotions Emily experiences, demonstrating the importance of recognizing and naming these feelings.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of acknowledging their emotions and understanding that it is normal to feel sad, confused, or happy.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: Readers see the world through Emily's eyes, gaining insight into how family changes affect her, fostering empathy.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to empathize with peers who might be going through similar experiences, building stronger, supportive relationships.