Vincent van Gogh and the Colors of the Wind

Artistic, Creative, Stimulating, Imaginative and Exquisite

Vincent van Gogh and the Colors of the Wind by Chiara Lossani and Illustrations by Octavia Monaco

Published by Eerdmans Books for Young Readers

Copyright 2011

2012 Children’s Choice Winner

"This literary look at an artistic life, originally published in Italy, follows van Gogh's many challenges and passions from childhood to death. His brother Theo plays a large role; in fact, Lossani says she was inspired by the siblings' letters to write this title. . . Fourteen reproductions of the artist's works are integrated into the surreal, collage illustrations, which place portraits of the painter in color-saturated settings of floating windmills, shifting clouds, giant sunflowers, and splashing paint and are well-matched to the mood and tone of the words. . . the lines are descriptive and informative and may inspire young people to, like van Gogh, connect with nature, listen to their hearts, and ask themselves about their passions: 'What will you do next? What will you become?”- Booklist

This book written Chiara Lossani and Illustrated by Octavia Monaco takes readers into the unique life of Vincent van Gogh. He was born in Holland in 1853 and left his paintings and letters that he wrote to his brother Theo. Vincent followed his passion and taught himself the lessons of lights, shadows, shapes and colors. This book is colorfully illustrated in a style that recalls the paintings of Vincent. The book also includes reproductions of his actual paintings. Readers will learn about the life of one of the world’s most famous artists.

Description: Non-Fiction, Biography                

Suggested Delivery: Independent read

Reading Level: Lexile Framework- 730L

Electronic Resources:

Van Gogh Gallery

This link brings you to Van Gogh’s Gallery. The site provides a link to painting, drawings, watercolors, self-portraits and many more links. It also includes a biography and the letters he wrote to his brother that are featured in the book read in class.

Eerdmans

This link will bring you to the publishing company. The site provides a variety of reviews and a description of the book.

Key Vocabulary: Immersed, Desolate, Theological, Murmur, Impressionists, Quench, and Dejectedly

Teaching Suggestions:

1. Use this text to help teach children the different career paths you can choose in life.

2. Use this text in a science lesson to teach children about nature and how nature influenced Van Gogh to learn about light, shadows, shapes and colors.

3. Use this text for a social studies lesson to follow Van Gogh from Holland to London and to Paris where he continues his artistic career.

Comprehension Strategies:

Pre-reading- Have the students fill out the K and W sections of a KWL chart. They should include multiple things they already know about Vincent van Gogh and what things they hope to learn.

During Reading- Have the students view more of Van Gogh paintings from the computer, post cards of his work or a video containing his famous pieces of work. Video of Van Gogh’s Work

Post- Reading- Have the students fill out the last portion of the KWL chart with some facts they’ve learned about Van Gogh. Then have the students break into groups and discuss some of the interesting facts they’ve learned after reading this book silently.

Writing Activity- Have the children choose a famous painting or piece of art done by the artist himself. Have them describe why this is their favorite artwork and what they think about when they see the picture. Make sure they use specific details and describe the artwork.

Lossani, Chiara, Vincent van Gogh, and Octavia Monaco. Vincent van Gogh and the colors of the wind. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans Books for Young Readers, 2011. Print.