Pocket Bios: Vincent van Gogh
Pocket bios Series
on Goodreads (15)
What’s inside...
A colorfully illustrated, pocket-size picture book biography of famed artist Vincent van Gogh. Vincent van Gogh, one of the most important figures in Western art, is renowned for his Post-Impressionist paintings. Though he was extraordinarily prolific, producing 2,100 artworks in his lifetime, he was only posthumously recognized as an artistic genius. Many people saw him as a madman, and he is famous for having severed part of his own left ear. His tortured life is just as captivating as his artworks, which went on to achieve widespread success. Pocket Bios are full of personality, introducing readers to fascinating figures from history with simple storytelling and cheerful illustrations. Titles include men and women from history, exploration, the sciences, the arts, the ancient world, and more.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What feelings do you think Van Gogh had when he was painting?
Why do you think Van Gogh chose such bright colors in his artwork?
What challenges did Van Gogh face and how did he overcome them?
If you could talk to Van Gogh, what would you ask him about his paintings?
Tip: Role play these questions
Highlight Van Gogh's passion for art, emphasizing how he expressed his emotions and thoughts through his paintings.
Discuss the importance of perseverance, using Van Gogh’s life as an example of overcoming challenges and staying dedicated to one’s goals.
Encourage your child to describe the emotions and colors in Van Gogh's paintings, fostering their emotional intelligence and observation skills.
Before reading, explore some of Van Gogh's famous paintings online to give context and help visualize the content in the book.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Persistence in the face of adversity
Explanation: The book portrays Vincent van Gogh's dedication to his art despite numerous challenges, including poverty and mental health issues.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the value of dedication and perseverance, understanding that challenges can be overcome with persistence and hard work.
Example Lesson: Embracing individuality
Explanation: Vincent van Gogh's unique painting style, which was initially criticized, eventually became celebrated, highlighting the importance of staying true to oneself.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to appreciate and express their own uniqueness, even when it differs from the norm.
Example Lesson: The importance of passion
Explanation: The book illustrates how Van Gogh's passion for art drove him to continue creating, despite receiving little recognition during his lifetime.
Real-World Application: Children learn to pursue what they are passionate about, recognizing that intrinsic satisfaction is more valuable than external validation.
Example Lesson: Resilience in overcoming personal struggles
Explanation: The story showcases Van Gogh's struggles with mental health and how he managed to continue his work, depicting resilience.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of mental health awareness and resilience, fostering a mindset to cope with personal issues while continuing to strive towards goals.
Example Lesson: Appreciation for art
Explanation: Through the exploration of Van Gogh’s life and works, children gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for art and the stories behind artistic creations.
Real-World Application: This lesson can cultivate a lifelong appreciation for art, encouraging children to explore and understand different art forms and cultural histories.