Museum Trip
on Goodreads (606)
What’s inside...
Museums: filled with mysterious, magical art and curiosities? Or secrets? And what might happen if a boy suddenly became part of one of the mind-bending exhibits? Join the fun in Museum Trip, by Barbara Lehman, the author-illustrator of the Caldecott Honor–winning The Red Book. Another winning picture book that blurs real and imagined worlds.
Age
4-7
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
The Boy
Discussion points
What was your favorite part of the museum trip in the book, and why?
How did the characters feel when they discovered new things during their trip?
If you could add one exhibit to the museum in the book, what would it be and why?
What do you think the drawings in the book are trying to tell us without using words?
How would you feel if you were on a museum trip like the one in the book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Begin by asking your child to describe their favorite moment or drawing from the book, helping them connect visually and emotionally. Use open-ended questions to encourage your child to think critically about the story and relate it to their own experiences. Discuss the feelings and reactions of the characters during their museum adventure, prompting your child to explore empathy and understanding. Highlight the wordless storytelling in the book, asking your child to interpret the narratives, fostering their imagination and storytelling skills. Finally, relate the museum trip to family outings, discussing what they enjoyed and how similar or different it was from the book's adventure.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Exploration and Discovery
Explanation: In 'Museum Trip', the protagonist embarks on a journey through a museum, leading to magical adventures within the maze drawings. This illustrates the joy and learning that come from exploring new environments.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to be curious and explore their surroundings, whether it’s a museum, a park, or a new book. This helps in developing their observational skills and stimulates intellectual growth.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: As the character navigates through the mazes, he encounters and overcomes various obstacles. This highlights the importance of problem-solving skills.
Real-World Application: Children learn to think critically and develop solutions to obstacles they may face, enhancing their decision-making skills in real-life situations.
Example Lesson: Appreciation for Art and Culture
Explanation: The setting of a museum exposes the young boy to different forms of art and artifacts, fostering an appreciation for cultural heritage.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to visit and appreciate historical and cultural landmarks in their community or during travels, enriching their knowledge and understanding of the world.
Example Lesson: Independence and Confidence
Explanation: The young protagonist's solo journey through the museum’s exhibits displays his independence and growing confidence as he navigates the mazes.
Real-World Application: This underlines the value of letting children take on manageable challenges without constant supervision, helping them build self-reliance and confidence in their capabilities.