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Mr. Pine's Purple House
Last updated Saturday, June 4, 2022
Author: Leonard Kessler
Date of Publication: 1965
ISBN: 1930900775
Grade Level: 3rd (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Jun. 2022
Synopsis:
Mr. Pine lived on Vine Street in a little white house. "A white house is fine," said Mr. Pine, "but there are FIFTY white houses all in a line on Vine Street. How can I tell which house is mine?" Mr. Pine had a big problem. But he solved that problem in his own special way. Come meet Mr. Pine, his dog and his cat, and read of his hilarious antics with brushes and ladders, and lots of purple paint!
| Note to readers: |
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When Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon, introduced the Amazon Fire Phone in 2014, he sent out a
copy of this book with a note saying “Enclosed is my favorite childhood book — Pine’s Purple House. I
think you’ll agree that the world is a better place when things are a little bit different.”
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| Discussion topics for before reading: |
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If you were giving directions to your home, how would you describe it?
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The author said “It’s all right to be different in this world, you don’t have to be like everybody else”. What do you think about this? Are there times when you feel pressure to fit in by being the same?
Vocabulary:
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sign painter: one who paints signs, billboards, posters
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putty: a soft mixture that is like clay. It is used to hold panes of glass in windows and to fill small holes and cracks
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steel wool: a ball or pad made of fine threadlike steel shavings used for cleaning and polishing
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paint thinner: turpentine or other liquid used to dilute paint to desired consistency
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| Discussion topics for during/after reading: |
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What does Mr. Pine think about the way his neighborhood looks?
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What does he try to do about it?
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His acts of individuality are undone when his neighbors all follow suit. Why do you think they copy him?
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When he decides to paint his house purple, he faces a lot of obstacles, but he kept going. Why do you think it was so important for him?
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The purple painted house finally unleashes his neighbors’ creativity. What color would you pick and why? What are some other things you might do to make your home appear unique?
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*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions.
You can use them, but you don't have to use them.
You can expand upon them, or add your own twist.
Remember, though, that the focus of your time should
not be on the development and execution of a craft;
the focus should be on the read-aloud and the
enjoyment of the book!
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