Painted Fences
What’s inside...
In 'Painted Fences,' a young girl named Lily explores the enchanting world hidden behind the fences in her town, each revealing a unique story and magical realm, teaching her about friendship, courage, and diversity. Similarly, in a parallel timeline, eight-year-old Esther walks with her great-grandfather in Victoria's James Bay neighborhood, reflecting on his childhood during wartime austerity when he painted fences to earn extra cents. Their stories converge when he recognizes an avocado-green layer of paint he applied with a friend in 1945, marking V-E Day. Through whimsical illustrations and vivid characters, the story highlights how historical events impact ordinary lives and bridge generations.
Age
5-6
Length
28 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the different colors on the fences represent?
How did the characters' feelings change throughout the story?
Why is it important to respect and appreciate everyone's unique qualities?
What would you do if you were in the same situation as the main character?
How can we apply the lessons from this book in our daily lives?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate personal experiences to the story, building a deeper connection with the themes.
Use expressive reading techniques, changing your tone and pace to match the emotions in the story, to keep your child engaged.
Pause at key moments in the story to ask predictive questions, which keeps the child curious and invested in the storyline.
After reading, encourage your child to draw or paint a scene from the book, fostering a creative reflection on the story’s themes.
Discuss the importance of diversity and acceptance, linking them to real-world examples to make the conversation relevant and educational.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Diversity
Explanation: The story illustrates the importance of accepting differences through interactions between various colorful characters who learn to appreciate each other's unique traits.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by embracing and celebrating the diverse backgrounds and abilities of their peers at school and in their community.
Example Lesson: Importance of Friendship
Explanation: The narrative emphasizes building strong bonds of friendship despite external differences, showcasing how characters support and care for one another.
Real-World Application: Kids learn to cultivate meaningful relationships with their classmates and neighbors, understanding the value of kindness and support.
Example Lesson: Conflict Resolution
Explanation: Characters in the story face challenges and conflicts which they resolve through communication and mutual understanding, demonstrating effective problem-solving.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to approach disagreements with friends or family members calmly and constructively, fostering a positive environment.
Example Lesson: Creative Expression
Explanation: The book encourages self-expression through the colorful painted fences metaphor, symbolizing individuality and creativity.
Real-World Application: Children are inspired to explore and express their own creativity in various forms, whether through art, writing, or play, enhancing their emotional and intellectual development.
Example Lesson: Resilience and Perseverance
Explanation: As characters in the book face various obstacles, their journey teaches the value of perseverance and resilience in achieving goals.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand the importance of persisting through difficulties in their learning or personal challenges, building a strong character.