Katie's Sunday Afternoon
Katie Series
on Goodreads (209)
What’s inside...
On a hot day, Katie and her grandmother visit the art museum, where Katie climbs into the paintings of pointillist artists Seurat, Pisarro, and Signac. Includes information about pointillism. Exploring art is fun in Mayhew's fourth book about a little girl who jumps into paintings. Children will come away with a deeper appreciation for fine art, as they join in Katie's museum romp. It's a Sunday afternoon, and Katie is bored. But Grandma knows just what will cheer her up -- a visit to the art museum. There, Katie once again finds herself on an unbelievable adventure through the paintings of renowned post-impressionist painters Georges-Pierre Seurat, Camille Pissarro, and Paul Signac. Children will enjoy learning about art, as they join in on Katie's exciting journey.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-8
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think Katie felt when she stepped into the painting?
Why do you think the artist chose those colors for the painting?
What would you have done if you were in Katie's place during her Sunday afternoon adventure?
How do you think the story would change if Katie visited a different painting?
What did you learn about art from Katie's adventures?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in Katie's shoes to deepen their connection with the story.
Discuss the emotions and themes in each painting Katie visits to enhance visual literacy and emotional understanding.
Use descriptive words from the book to build your child's vocabulary and encourage them to describe paintings or scenes vividly.
Relate the story to personal experiences, like a visit to a museum or an art class, to make the reading experience more relevant and engaging.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The value of creativity and imagination
Explanation: In 'Katie's Sunday Afternoon', Katie explores famous paintings and interacts with the characters, demonstrating the power of imagination to make art come alive.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by using their imagination to engage creatively with their surroundings, whether it be through art, play, or daydreaming, enhancing their cognitive flexibility and problem-solving skills.
Example Lesson: Appreciation for art and culture
Explanation: Through her adventures inside the paintings, Katie learns about different art styles and historical contexts, fostering an appreciation for cultural heritage.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to explore museums, engage with various forms of art, and gain a broader understanding and appreciation of world cultures, enriching their personal and educational growth.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: Katie encounters and resolves challenges within the artworks she visits, showcasing her ability to think critically and solve problems.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to apply problem-solving skills in their daily interactions and challenges, which aids in developing resilience and independent thinking.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: As Katie interacts with characters from different paintings, she learns about their stories and perspectives, which teaches empathy and understanding.
Real-World Application: This lesson is vital for children as they learn to navigate social interactions and understand people from diverse backgrounds, promoting inclusivity and emotional intelligence.