The Dragon Painter
Usborne little board books Series
What’s inside...
The Dragon Painter and Picture Book are two enchanting stories that revolve around the magic of art. In The Dragon Painter, a young artist discovers a magical paintbrush that brings his dragon paintings to life, taking him on an adventure full of challenges and wonders. In Picture Book, Chang, a talented painter, is commissioned by the Emperor to paint his new temple. Chang's paintings are so lifelike that he fears adding eyes to his dragon paintings could make them come to life. Both stories explore the power of creativity and imagination, making them perfect for reading aloud and discussing the captivating illustrations.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
2-3
Length
24 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the dragon felt when he couldn’t find his colors?
What would you do if you were the dragon and you were trying to create your masterpiece?
Why do you think the friendship between the dragon and the painter was important in the story?
What do you think was the most magical part of the story and why?
If you could add another character to the story, who would it be and what would be their role?
Tip: Role play these questions
Let your child express their imagination by asking them to draw their version of the dragon's masterpiece.
Relate the dragon’s emotions back to your child’s experiences, asking them to recall a time they had to search for something important.
Discuss the role of friendship and teamwork as portrayed in the book, and ask your child about their thoughts on helping others.
Encourage your child to think critically by asking what they would change about the story, and why.
Wrap up the discussion by asking your child how the story could continue, or what adventures they think the dragon might have next.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Creativity and self-expression
Explanation: In 'The Dragon Painter,' the protagonist uses painting as a way to express his feelings and imagination, painting vibrant dragons that come to life.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to explore various forms of art to express their emotions and thoughts, fostering creativity and emotional intelligence.
Example Lesson: Perseverance and dedication
Explanation: The main character faces challenges but remains dedicated to his craft, showing the importance of perseverance in mastering an art form.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn the value of sticking with a task or hobby, even when it becomes difficult, to achieve mastery and satisfaction.
Example Lesson: The importance of myths and storytelling
Explanation: Through the vivid stories painted by the Dragon Painter, the book highlights the role of myths and storytelling in cultural history.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to delve into stories from different cultures, enhancing their understanding and appreciation of the world’s diversity.
Example Lesson: The power of imagination
Explanation: The dragons painted by the protagonist symbolize the power of imagination to bring fantastical ideas to life.
Real-World Application: This lesson can inspire children to use their imagination freely which can aid in problem-solving and creative thinking.