What a difference a week makes. Last week's library trip didn't reveal any Perfect Picture Book candidates. This week, my problem is deciding which one to feature! And the winner is:
Title: Vincent Paints His House 
Author/Illustrator: Tedd Arnold
Publisher: Holiday House, 2015
Intended age: 3-8
Themes: Colors (fiction that is a concept book)
First lines: "Time to paint the house!
"Hmm . . ." said Vincent.
Vincent could not decide what color to use."
Synopsis: A series of animals that live on and around Vincent's house advise him to use their favorite color when he paints the house.
Why I like this Book: Look at the gorgeous cover! The colorful title alone had me hooked.
And as an adult, I was like "wow, Vincent Van Gogh!"--but there's no mention of Van Gogh in the book. None. Zilch. The fact that the book is based on a real artist is a gem-of-a-secret for adults to share with young readers.
The book uses a repetitive format, easy for young readers to predict and decode. And colors are considered in bold fresh out of the tube rainbows of related shades. It made me want to find an easel of my own to experiment with.
Resources/Activities:
- The publisher has provided lesson plans on their website (don't you love that)
- Read the publisher's interview with the author, Tedd Arnold.
- Learn about Vincent Van Gogh. (Many kid-friendly websites!)
- Kids-n-fun and Enchanted Learning are just two of the websites that have printable Van Gogh coloring pages.
- On a blank page, draw pictures using as many colors as you can. Crayons are okay!
- Visit Kinderart for a child-friendly Van Gogh style art lesson with paint
This review is part of PPBF (perfect picture book Friday) where bloggers share great picture books at Susanna Leonard Hill's site. Along with tons of writing wisdom, she keeps an ever-growing list of Perfect Picture Books. #PPBF
I love this book! Makes me just want to squeeze some paint onto a palette and start messing around. Or head to the home-improvement store to look at paint chips - so many colors of white, or yellow.... I also love the texture in the illustrations.
ReplyDeleteYes! I feel like I could scoop that paint right off the pages.
DeleteThis sounds like fun! I love Tedd Arnold's books!
ReplyDeleteIt was fun. And so simple!
DeleteWhat a great introduction to Van Gogh for kids. The cover is wonderful. And, I really enjoyed your activities. I want this book.
ReplyDeleteThis one leaped into my arms at the library. :)
DeleteOoooh! This sounds like a clever and exciting nf pick. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteIt's definitely fiction, Joanne! I should note that in the review . . .
DeleteWhat a good pick - especially for young artists. :)
ReplyDeleteAnd if they weren't already, I think it would make anyone want to be an artist!
DeleteWow...I MUST get this book, Wendy. I think it will be a great mentor text to help me see how to 'simplify' a book about a famous person...I'm thrilled you showcased this one!
ReplyDeleteIt is a clever way to get a conversation started about a famous person--without ever mentioning them!
DeleteEver since I learned about Van Gogh in college, when I majored in art and art history, I had a soft spot for this talented artist. I know I'm going to enjoy this book and feel the need to squeeze a few tubes of paint, break out my brushes, and get creative. Thank you for sharing this gem on PPBF.
ReplyDeleteOoh! I wish I had that training. I'm an artist at heart though. :)
DeleteI'm a van Gogh girl! Will definitely look for this!
ReplyDeleteI definitely think BOLD and colorful when I think of you. :)
DeleteTedd Arnold has an interesting twist in his books. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThis is my favorite.
DeleteI adore Ted Arnold's illos and who doesn't love Van Gogh? :) Sounds like a cool book!
ReplyDeleteI think I might go re-read it now!
DeleteI am fascinated to hear Van Gogh is never mentioned in this book! Wow! Sound great though!
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