Who Stole Mona Lisa?
What’s inside...
She has a legendary smile, and millions come to see her every day. Some say she is the most famous painting in the world. Who is she? Why, the Mona Lisa, of course! But did you know that she was once stolen from her wall at the Louvre? Who took her? Why? Where was she hidden? How was she found? Someone call the police! Narrated by the lady of the enigmatic smile herself--and brought to life with gorgeous paintings that take the reader from da Vinci's renaissance right up to the present day--this is a stylishly whimsical account of the glorious, wonderful, sometimes dangerous life of the best recognized painting of all time. Discover the secrets behind her mysterious smile, and hear for yourself the amazing true story of her kidnapping.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-8
Length
1 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Why do you think someone would want to steal the Mona Lisa?
How do you think the characters in the story felt when the painting was stolen?
What would you do if you were in the museum when the painting was stolen?
What do you think makes the Mona Lisa so special?
How would you solve the mystery of the stolen painting?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in the story and think about how they would react in similar situations.
Ask your child to describe what they think the Mona Lisa looks like based on the story's descriptions.
Discuss the importance of art and cultural heritage and why protecting such treasures is important.
Guide your child to think critically about the story by asking them what clues led to solving the mystery.
Relate the themes of the story to real-life events to help your child understand the broader implications of art theft.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of curiosity and investigation
Explanation: The story follows the mysterious theft of the Mona Lisa, igniting curiosity and investigative skills in its characters as they try to solve the mystery.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to ask questions, explore, and seek answers in their daily lives, promoting an inquisitive mindset.
Example Lesson: Understanding historical contexts
Explanation: The book sets the story around the actual event of the Mona Lisa being stolen in 1911, providing historical context.
Real-World Application: Helps children understand the importance of historical events and their impact, encouraging them to learn more about history in a fun way.
Example Lesson: Appreciation for art and culture
Explanation: By revolving around an iconic painting, the story fosters an appreciation for art and cultural heritage.
Real-World Application: Motivates children to visit museums, explore different forms of art, and respect cultural artifacts.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: Characters in the book use clues and teamwork to solve the mystery of the stolen painting, showcasing problem-solving skills.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the value of teamwork and using logical thinking to overcome challenges in everyday situations.