The Girl in the Painting
on Goodreads (841)
What’s inside...
The Girl in the Painting is a novel by Eve Bunting that tells the story of a young girl named Dani who is captivated by a painting she sees in a museum. The painting features a girl who bears an uncanny resemblance to Dani herself. As Dani becomes obsessed with the artwork, she embarks on a journey to uncover the mystery behind the girl in the painting. Along the way, she learns about the artist, the historical context of the painting, and delves into her own family's past. The novel explores themes of identity, history, and the connection between art and life. Dani's quest leads her to a deeper understanding of herself and her place in the world.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-7
Length
16 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did the girl in the painting make you feel, and why do you think she felt that way?
What do you think the painting represents in the story?
Can you think of a time when you felt similar to the girl in the painting? What happened?
Why do you think the artist chose to paint her? What might he want us to understand?
If you could ask the girl in the painting one question, what would it be?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage empathy by asking your child to consider the emotions of the girl in the painting.
Foster creativity by discussing the symbolism in the painting and asking your child what they might have included in a painting of their own.
Guide your child to make personal connections by relating themes from the book to their experiences.
Enhance critical thinking by exploring the artist’s possible motivations and messages within the painting.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: The story portrays the protagonist understanding the sadness and loneliness of the girl in the painting, fostering a sense of empathy in young readers.
Real-World Application: Children can apply these empathetic insights by being more attuned to the feelings and experiences of their friends and classmates, fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment.
Example Lesson: Importance of Art in Expressing Emotions
Explanation: The book illustrates how art can be a powerful medium for expressing emotions and experiences, as seen through the girl’s story depicted in the painting.
Real-World Application: Children learn that creating or engaging with art can be a healthy outlet for expressing their own feelings and may be encouraged to explore artistic activities to express themselves.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Learning
Explanation: The protagonist's curiosity about the story behind the painting leads her to a greater understanding of historical contexts and personal stories.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to seek out stories and histories behind everyday objects and people, enhancing their knowledge and awareness of the world.
Example Lesson: Historical Awareness
Explanation: As the protagonist uncovers the history of the girl in the painting, readers gain insights into past cultural and societal contexts.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to learn more about their own heritage and the histories of different cultures, promoting a broader worldview and appreciation for diversity.
Example Lesson: Compassion Over Judgement
Explanation: The protagonist learns to look beyond the surface and understand the deeper story of the person in the painting, teaching readers to approach people with compassion rather than judgment.
Real-World Application: Children can practice this by being more thoughtful and considerate in their interactions with others, promoting kindness over assumptions.