Toulouse-Lautrec
Great names Series
What’s inside...
Chronicles the life of the French artist noted for his paintings and posters of Parisian nightlife, who struggled to overcome injuries that left him in pain all his life, told as if recounted by his mother.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
8-10
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think inspired Toulouse-Lautrec to create his art? How do you feel when you create something?
Why do you think the author chose to tell us about Toulouse-Lautrec's challenges? How do challenges make us stronger?
How did Toulouse-Lautrec's friendships influence his work? Can you think of a time when a friend helped you or inspired you?
What emotions do you see in Toulouse-Lautrec's artwork depicted in the book? How do different colors and shapes make you feel?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start your discussion by sharing your thoughts on Toulouse-Lautrec's artwork and story. Encourage your child to express what they found interesting or inspiring about his life. Highlight the importance of perseverance and creativity. Ask your child to point out their favorite artwork in the book and explain why they like it. This allows them to connect more deeply with the art and artist’s story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in overcoming obstacles
Explanation: The book portrays Toulouse-Lautrec's challenges with his health and physical limitations, emphasizing his determination to become a successful artist despite these obstacles.
Real-World Application: This teaches children that they can achieve their goals through perseverance and resilience, regardless of the challenges they face.
Example Lesson: Appreciation for diversity and unique talents
Explanation: Toulouse-Lautrec's unique style and focus on the eclectic nightlife of Montmartre highlight embracing what makes each person diverse and special.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and celebrate differences among people and understand that everyone has a unique set of talents and perspectives.
Example Lesson: Importance of passion and creativity
Explanation: The book showcases Toulouse-Lautrec's commitment to his art, demonstrating how his passion fueled his creativity and career.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to pursue their interests and hobbies enthusiastically, helping them understand how passion can lead to fulfillment and success.
Example Lesson: Cultural awareness through art
Explanation: By exploring the life and works of Toulouse-Lautrec, children gain exposure to French culture and the historical context of his art.
Real-World Application: This can inspire an interest in learning about different cultures and historical periods, fostering a broader understanding of the world.