Katie and the Bathers
Katie Series
on Goodreads (87)
What’s inside...
Join Katie as she steps into some of the most famous paintings in the world for an exciting adventure. While visiting the art gallery, Katie magically finds herself inside different artworks, including those featuring bathers. Each painting comes to life and teaches Katie valuable lessons as she interacts with the characters within. This book is a wonderful introduction to Pointillist art style, featuring masterpieces from George Seurat, Camille Pissarro, and Paul Signac. It's a fantastic way to introduce children to a lifetime love of art.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-5
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think Katie felt when she first saw the bathers?
How do you think the bathers felt being painted by Katie?
Why do you think Katie chose to paint the bathers? What do you think she liked about them?
If you could talk to Katie, what would you ask her about her day at the beach?
Can you imagine a different ending to the story? How would it go?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the story, relating to the characters’ emotions and actions.
Ask your child to describe the setting and characters using their own words, fostering creativity and attention to detail.
Discuss the importance of observing and appreciating the world around us, just like Katie does in the story.
Consider drawing or painting a scene together from the book to engage with the theme of art.
Reinforce the message that everyone sees the world differently, and that’s what makes art and storytelling so special.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of teamwork
Explanation: Katie learns to work together with the bathers to solve problems and create a fun day at the beach.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by participating in group activities at school or in sports, learning to cooperate and value each member's contribution.
Example Lesson: Courage to try new things
Explanation: Katie overcomes her hesitation and tries swimming and building sandcastles, discovering new joys.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to embrace new experiences, whether it's a new sport, hobby, or making new friends, helping them grow and learn.
Example Lesson: Respecting differences
Explanation: Katie interacts with bathers from various backgrounds, learning to appreciate and embrace their differences.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children to be open-minded and respectful towards people who might look or act differently from them, fostering an inclusive environment.
Example Lesson: Importance of imagination
Explanation: The story showcases Katie's vivid imagination when interacting with the bathers and during her beach adventures.
Real-World Application: Children learn to use their imagination to enrich their playtime and creativity, which can enhance problem-solving skills and emotional expression.
Example Lesson: Learning from mistakes
Explanation: Katie makes mistakes during her adventures but uses them as learning experiences that contribute to her growth.
Real-World Application: It teaches children that mistakes are opportunities for learning, encouraging them to try new things without fear of failure.