on Goodreads (6)
What’s inside...
Discusses the life, art, and legacy of the French painter Paul Gauguin. Includes a timeline linking the events in his life with world events.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
9-10
Length
46 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What colors did Gauguin use in his paintings and how do they make you feel?
Why do you think Gauguin chose to paint scenes from places like Tahiti?
How do the people in Gauguin’s paintings seem to be feeling? What makes you think so?
If you could talk to Gauguin, what would you ask him about his art?
What story do you think Gauguin was trying to tell through his paintings?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the art, fostering emotional intelligence.
Discuss the cultural aspects of Gauguin’s work to promote cultural awareness and appreciation.
Ask your child to describe their favorite painting and explain why they like it, enhancing their articulation skills.
Suggest your child draw their version of one of Gauguin’s paintings, supporting creativity and motor skills.
Relate themes from the book to your child’s experiences, making the conversation more relatable and engaging.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Cultural Diversity
Explanation: The book portrays Paul Gauguin's travels and interactions with diverse cultures, emphasizing his appreciation and assimilation into different communities.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to respect and be curious about different cultures, helping them become inclusive and well-rounded individuals.
Example Lesson: Following One's Passion
Explanation: The story highlights Gauguin's bold decision to leave his job and pursue art full-time, showcasing his dedication and passion for painting.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to recognize their own interests and talents, and understand the value of pursuing them earnestly, regardless of challenges.
Example Lesson: Innovation and Creativity
Explanation: Gauguin is depicted experimenting with bold colors and styles, which were innovative at his time, teaching the importance of creative thinking and innovation.
Real-World Application: Kids can be motivated to think creatively in their daily problem-solving and be open to experimenting in their learning processes.
Example Lesson: Resilience in Adversity
Explanation: The book shows how Gauguin faced criticism and financial difficulties but persisted in his artistic pursuits.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand the importance of resilience and perseverance in the face of obstacles or when things do not go as planned.