Katie and the Sunflowers
By James Mayhew
The Story
A curious girl reaches into Van Gogh's Sunflowers painting to grab seeds for her own garden, but tips the vase over, sending flowers everywhere and pulling a nearby painted friend into the chaos.
Why It's Special
For the kid who touches everything in a museum despite being told not to, this turns that exact impulse into an adventure through real paintings.
- Big idea: Great art isn't behind glass to be admired quietly — it's a world you can climb into and get your hands dirty in.
- Vibes: playful, colorful, a little chaotic, quietly educational
Perfect For Kids Who
- enjoy stories that blend imagination with real art
- like to get into mischief alongside the characters
- are curious about famous paintings and the artists behind them
- respond well to a gentle lesson learned through a small disaster
Ask Your Little Reader
- Story & problem-solving: What do you think happened after Katie tipped over the vase of sunflowers?
- Imagination: If you could step into any painting, which one would you choose and why?
- Real-life connection: Have you ever wanted to touch something you weren't supposed to, like Katie did with the seeds?
- Feelings & empathy: How do you think Mimi felt when her dog Zazou joined in and caused more trouble?
- Art & noticing: What colors and shapes do you remember from Van Gogh's sunflowers?
