The Secret of the Painted House
on Goodreads (123)
What’s inside...
When her family moves from Chicago to the country, nine-year-old Emily is drawn to a mysterious playhouse she finds in the woods and soon meets its sad, lonely inhabitant. Upon discovering the playhouse, Emily peeks through the windows and sees that the walls inside are painted to resemble the surrounding woods, featuring a similar white playhouse with blue shutters. But it turns out the playhouse is not deserted as previously assumed; a girl Emily's age appears on the painted walls, eagerly inviting Emily to join her. The Newbery Honor-winning author Marion Dane Bauer delivers a chilling mystery for young readers that is bound to send shivers down their spines.
Age
6-9
Length
112 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Emily
Zach
Discussion points
What do you think Emily felt when she discovered the painted house? How would you feel if you were in her place?
Why do you think the painted house could only fit one person? What does this tell us about Emily's journey in the story?
What role does the small door play in Emily's adventures? How do you think doors can represent different opportunities or choices in life?
How did Emily's relationship with her brother change throughout the book? Can you relate to her feelings about her sibling?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the story, and share your own feelings to create a deeper connection.
Discuss the symbolism in the book, such as the painted house and the small door, to enhance understanding of the themes.
Ask your child to draw parallels between Emily’s experiences and their own life to personalize the discussion.
Highlight Emily’s emotions and decisions at key points in the book to foster empathy and critical thinking.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in facing fears
Explanation: In 'The Secret of the Painted House', the protagonist, Emily, encounters a mysterious painted house that leads her on an adventurous journey. Throughout her experiences, Emily learns to confront and overcome her fears.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by recognizing their own fears and learning strategies, such as seeking support from trusted adults or peers, to face and overcome them in various situations, such as trying new activities or overcoming social anxieties.
Example Lesson: The importance of curiosity and exploration
Explanation: Emily’s curiosity about the painted house sparks a series of explorative events that teach her valuable life lessons. Her willingness to explore the unknown helps her grow and understand more about herself.
Real-World Application: Encouraging children to explore their interests, ask questions, and investigate their world can lead to valuable learning experiences and personal growth, both academically and socially.
Example Lesson: Understanding and embracing change
Explanation: As Emily ventures through the painted house, she encounters various changes that challenge her initial perceptions and comfort zones. This helps her learn to adapt and accept new circumstances.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children adapt more easily to changes such as moving to a new place, changing schools, or adjusting to any new routines in their life.