The Artist Who Painted A Blue Horse
on Goodreads (2,598)
What’s inside...
A brilliant new Eric Carle picture book for the artist in us all. Every child has an artist inside them, and this vibrant new picture book from Eric Carle will help let it out. The artist in this book paints the world as he sees it, just like a child. There's a red crocodile, an orange elephant, a purple fox and a polka-dotted donkey. More than anything, there's imagination. Filled with some of the most magnificently colorful animals of Eric Carle's career, this tribute to the creative life celebrates the power of art.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
1-5
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What feelings did you experience when you saw the blue horse?
If you could paint an animal any color, what animal and color would you choose?
Why do you think the artist decided to paint the animals in unusual colors?
How do the vibrant colors make the story different from other books we’ve read?
What do you think the book is trying to tell us about creativity?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express themselves freely, just like the artist in the book. Use open-ended questions to explore their imagination and understanding of the story. Highlight the importance of creativity and reassure them that there's no right or wrong in art. Consider creating artwork together using unconventional colors to deepen the experience and make the connection between the story and your child's creativity.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Creativity and self-expression
Explanation: The book celebrates the joys of artistic creativity as the artist paints animals in unusual, imaginative colors, encouraging children to think outside the box.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by exploring their own unique ways of expressing themselves through art projects, storytelling, or play, understanding that creativity has no limits.
Example Lesson: Confidence in individuality
Explanation: The protagonist's choice to paint the animals with unconventional colors represents confidence in personal choices despite societal expectations.
Real-World Application: This lesson can empower children to feel confident in their own ideas and perspectives, fostering a sense of self-worth and individuality in group settings like classrooms or playgrounds.
Example Lesson: Appreciation for diversity
Explanation: By introducing animals in different, vibrant colors, the book subtly teaches the beauty and acceptance of differences.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate and celebrate differences among their peers, promoting inclusivity and respect in their interactions.
Example Lesson: Encouragement of exploration
Explanation: The artist's adventurous spirit in choosing colors encourages children to explore and experiment without fear of mistakes.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to try new activities, subjects, or skills without the fear of failure, boosting their confidence and cognitive development.