The Shape Game
on Goodreads (252)
What’s inside...
In 'Art makes a difference!' a family, previously featured in Anthony Browne's 'Zoo', visits an art museum for Mom’s birthday. Initially skeptical, Dad and the two sons start appreciating the art through Mom's guidance. The book, inspired by Browne's residency at Tate Britain, showcases how art can transform perspectives and includes a drawing game played by the author since his childhood. Browne's artwork reimagines famous Tate paintings, echoing his experiences teaching literature and the shape game to inner-city school children.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-10
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did the shapes transform into different images throughout the book?
What emotions did you feel when the family visited the art gallery?
Which artwork in the book was your favorite and why?
How can we use our imagination to turn everyday objects into art?
What did you learn about art and creativity from this story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Prior to reading, briefly explain what an art gallery is and discuss any experiences your child may have had with art.
Encourage your child to describe the artwork in the book, focusing on colors, shapes, and what they might represent.
While reading, pause on pages with transformations and ask your child to guess what might happen next, fostering predictive skills.
Post-reading, provide paper and crayons and invite your child to create their own ‘shape game’ by turning simple shapes into recognizable objects or scenes.
Discuss the importance of creativity and how it can be expressed in multiple forms, not just through traditional art.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Creativity and Imagination
Explanation: Through the family's transformative experience at the art gallery, 'The Shape Game' illustrates the power of imagination. The characters learn to see ordinary shapes as starting points for creative art.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to look at the world around them in new ways, using their imagination to create stories or drawings from simple everyday objects.
Example Lesson: Family Bonding
Explanation: The book shows a family spending quality time together, enjoying a day out at a museum, highlighting the importance of shared family experiences.
Real-World Application: Families can schedule regular outings or activities together, strengthening their bond and creating lasting memories, similar to the family in the story.
Example Lesson: Appreciation for Art
Explanation: Anthony Browne effectively uses 'The Shape Game' to introduce children to the concept of art and museums, encouraging an early appreciation for visual arts.
Real-World Application: Parents and educators can use this book as a springboard for a visit to a local museum or an art crafting session, fostering an appreciation for art from a young age.
Example Lesson: Open-mindedness
Explanation: The characters initially skeptical about the museum visit, end up enjoying and participating in art. This shift demonstrates the importance of keeping an open mind to new experiences.
Real-World Application: This lesson can teach children to approach new activities or subjects at school with a positive attitude and an open mind, potentially discovering new interests and passions.