The Mystery of the Hidden Painting
#24 of 164 in The Boxcar Children Series
on Goodreads (1,591)
What’s inside...
The Mystery of the Hidden Painting is about the adventure of four orphans who discover a hidden painting in an old house. The children work together to solve the riddles associated with the painting and uncover its secret origins. In their grandfather's attic, the Aldens discover a painting of their grandmother wearing a necklace that disappeared long ago. Although the Boxcar Children are determined to track down the missing necklace, they only find dead ends. Can the necklace be found?
Character compass
Henry Alden
Violet Alden
Jessie Alden
Benny Alden
James Alden
Discussion points
What do you think motivated the characters to solve the mystery of the hidden painting?
How did the characters work together to solve the mystery? What can we learn from their teamwork?
What part of the mystery was the most surprising to you, and why?
If you were in the story, how would you have tried to solve the mystery?
What do you think the hidden painting symbolizes in the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think about the motivations of each character and how they contribute to solving the mystery. This helps develop empathy and understanding of diverse perspectives.
Discuss the teamwork aspect in the story. Highlight how collaboration and respecting each other's ideas are essential for problem-solving.
Before revealing the mystery, ask your child to predict what might happen next and why. This fosters critical thinking and imagination.
Connect themes from the book to real-life scenarios. For instance, talk about a time when your child had to work as a part of a team and how it relates to the characters' experiences in the book.
After finishing the book, encourage your child to draw or create their version of the 'hidden painting' and explain their visual interpretation.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and collaboration
Explanation: The characters in 'The Mystery of the Hidden Painting' work together to solve the mystery, demonstrating how teamwork can lead to success.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by participating in group activities at school or in sports, learning to cooperate and value each other's input to achieve a common goal.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: Throughout the book, the characters face various challenges that require critical thinking and decision-making to resolve.
Real-World Application: This teaches children how to approach problems logically and creatively, skills that are useful in academic settings and everyday situations.
Example Lesson: Importance of curiosity
Explanation: The young detectives’ curiosity drives them to investigate and uncover the truth behind the hidden painting.
Real-World Application: Encouraging children to be curious about the world around them enhances their learning experience and motivates them to seek knowledge actively.
Example Lesson: Integrity
Explanation: The characters demonstrate honesty and moral uprightness, even when faced with difficult choices during their investigation.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of being honest and doing the right thing, even when it's not the easiest path.
Example Lesson: Respect for history and culture
Explanation: The plot revolves around uncovering the history behind a painting, which shows how past events and art can be significant.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children appreciate cultural heritage and history, fostering a sense of respect and preservation for the arts and historical artifacts.