Meeting Cezanne
on Goodreads (216)
What’s inside...
A gentle, evocative story of a young Parisian boy's summer in 1960s rural Provence. When Yannick learns that he is to stay with his Aunt Mathilde in the South of France, he cannot believe his luck. If the paintings of his mother's beloved Cezanne are to be believed, surely Provence is paradise itself. So begins an idyllic month for the young boy: roaming the gentle hills and rolling valleys of Aix-en-Provence, daydreaming about his beautiful cousin Amandine; helping in his aunt and uncle's bustling village inn; feeling that he has come to the most wonderful place in the world. Then the idyll is spoilt when an important local comes for dinner and Yannick accidentally destroys a precious drawing the man leaves behind. Yannick is devastated by what he has done, and resolves to put things right. But in so doing he makes a surprising discovery.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-10
Length
80 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did the character of Yannick's feelings change throughout the story, and what events led to those changes?
What do you think Yannick learned from his adventure in Paris and his encounter with Cezanne’s artwork?
If you could speak to any artist like Yannick did, who would it be and what would you ask them?
How do the descriptions of the landscape and settings in the story make you feel? Do they remind you of any places you've been?
What role do you think friendship and understanding play in this story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, provide some background on who Cezanne was and why his artwork is important. This will help your child grasp the significance of Yannick’s experiences.
While discussing the book, connect the themes to the child's own life by asking if they've ever felt similar emotions to the characters.
Encourage your child to visualize the scenes by asking them to describe what they think Cezanne's studio might look like.
After a reading session, encourage creative expression by having your child draw a scene from the book or imagine their own art exhibition.
Highlight the cultural aspects of the book, discussing the setting of Paris and what makes it a special place for many artists.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of passion and perseverance
Explanation: In the story, the young protagonist Yannick shows a deep admiration for the painter Cezanne, which fuels his determination to overcome challenges to meet him.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the value of pursuing their passions with dedication, and how resilience can help them achieve their dreams despite obstacles.
Example Lesson: The beauty of unexpected friendships
Explanation: Yannick forms an unlikely friendship with an old lady who helps him in his quest. This relationship enriches his journey and broadens his world view.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to be open to forming relationships with people who might be different from them, showing them the enriching experiences new friendships can bring.
Example Lesson: The significance of art in expressing and understanding emotions
Explanation: Through Yannick's experiences around Cezanne's art, the book illustrates how art can be a powerful medium for expression and emotional connection.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to use art to deal with their feelings and to understand the feelings of others, fostering empathy and emotional intelligence.
Example Lesson: Understanding different perspectives
Explanation: The book navigates multiple viewpoints, from Yannick’s youthful eagerness to the old lady’s wisdom, emphasizing the importance of seeing things from various angles.
Real-World Application: This can help children appreciate diverse perspectives and encourage them to think critically about situations.