Why Blue?
Marley Picture Books Series
What’s inside...
When a little girl wonders that age old question, 'Why is the sky blue?' her imagination takes her on a beautiful journey of color, science and friendship. This gorgeously illustrated picture book works equally well in the classroom or at bedtime. The story is praised for inspiring creativity and imagination in children, and it's recommended for families and classrooms to encourage thoughtful engagement with the world.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
2-6
Length
42 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think blue feels like? Can you describe it?
Why do you think the character in the book chose blue over other colors?
What would you do if you were in a world where everything was blue?
How do you think the story would change if the color was red instead of blue?
What's your favorite color and why do you prefer it?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, ask your child what they know about the color blue and what they expect from a book titled 'Why Blue?'.
While reading, point out various blue objects in the illustrations and ask your child how those might feel or sound.
Encourage your child to imagine their surroundings in different shades of blue, enhancing their engagement with the book’s theme.
After reading, relate the story to your child’s experiences by discussing items or moments in their life that involve the color blue.
Use expressive facial gestures and voice modulations to make the reading more dynamic and interesting, aligning with the emotions of the book.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding Emotions
Explanation: In 'Why Blue?', the character explores various emotions linked with colors, emphasizing how colors can be used to express feelings.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to identify and express their emotions more effectively, using colors as a tool to communicate how they feel in different situations.
Example Lesson: Creativity and Imagination
Explanation: The book dives into a creative exploration of why the sky is blue, encouraging children to think innovatively and ask 'why' about the world around them.
Real-World Application: This lesson can foster a child’s creativity and curiosity, encouraging them to think outside the box and come up with their own imaginative explanations and ideas.
Example Lesson: Appreciation of Nature
Explanation: Through the narrative about the color blue, children are guided to observe and appreciate the natural beauty around them, particularly the sky.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to observe nature more closely, helping to foster a lifelong appreciation and care for the environment.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: The protagonist in the book seeks to understand why the sky is blue, demonstrating critical thinking and problem-solving skills throughout the story.
Real-World Application: This lesson promotes analytical thinking and problem-solving, as children learn to approach their queries and challenges with a systematic thinking process.
Example Lesson: Embracing Curiosity
Explanation: The book's central question 'Why is the sky blue?' celebrates the spirit of inquiry, encouraging children not to accept things at face value but to explore and question.
Real-World Application: By embracing curiosity, children can develop a deeper understanding of the world, becoming lifelong learners who continuously seek knowledge.