Mornings with Monet



Last updated Sunday, August 15, 2021

Author: Barb Rosenstock
Illustrator: Mary GrandPre
Date of Publication: 2021
ISBN: 0525708170
Grade Level: 1st    (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Aug. 2021

Synopsis: Claude Monet is one of the world's most beloved artists - and he became famous during his own lifetime. He rejected a traditional life laid out clean and smooth before him. Instead he chose a life of art. But not just any art: a new way of seeing that came to be called impressionism.

Monet loved to paint what he saw around him, particularly the Seine River. He was initially rejected for using bright colors, tangled brushstrokes - condemned for his impressions. But soon art dealers and collectors were lining up each morning to see as Monet saw. Monet, however, waited only for the light. The changing light...each morning he had a dozen canvases on hand to paint a dozen different moments. His brush moved back and forth, chasing sunligh - putting in the arduous work to create an image that seemed to contain no effort at all.

Note to readers:
•  This a story about a famous artist.His name is Claude Monet
•  When we say his name, pretend there is no T: —MO—NAY
•  Monet lived in France, near the Seine (pronounced SENN) River

Discussion topics for before reading:
•  School is starting in two days. How do you feel about that, especially since everyone will be masking up?
•  Does anyone like to go to museums or look at your friend’s art?
•  When we read this story, try to remember what time Monet got up in the morning ;))

Vocabulary

•  Easel—a stand made of wood or metal to hold paintings.
•  Palette—board an artist uses to mix colors (maybe draw an example on your whiteboard?)
•  Brow—forehead, or eyebrows. Can refer to near the top of a hill.

Discussion topics for during/after reading:
•  Why did Monet get up at _________ REMEMBER???? 3:30 AM
•  BECAUSE THE COLORS OF WATER CHANGE WITH THE SUN SHINING.
•  Do you think Monet QUIT painting nature when others did not like it?
•  His style of art is called MPRESSIONISM—each person has a different impression of what they see

Craft ideas:
•  Check our craft ideas on Pinterest!
https://www.pinterest.com/readingtokids/august-2021-arts-creativity/
•  Paper/Tape/Green,Blue,Purple/Pink crayons or markers. Use the tape to make a bridge—like a ladder. Scribble, make lines, waves, and add flowers. Color OVER the tape. Gently remove tape.
•  Monet wore a big hat--let's draw our IMPRESSION

*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!