The Big Orange Splot
By Daniel Manus Pinkwater
The Story
A man lives in a neat house on a street of identical homes until a big orange splot appears. Inspired, he transforms his house uniquely, encouraging neighbors to express their imaginations.
Why It's Special
If your child loves stories about creativity, individuality, and community, The Big Orange Splot is an inspiring tale.
- Big idea: When a seagull drops a can of orange paint on Mr. Plumbean's house, he decides to transform his home into a reflection of his colorful dreams, sparking a wave of change in his neighborhood.
- Vibes: This imaginative story blends humor and heart, encouraging children to embrace their uniqueness and dream big.
Notice how Mr. Plumbean's bold decision to repaint his house changes not just his home, but the spirit of his entire street.
Perfect For Kids Who...
- enjoy stories about creativity and expression
- appreciate characters who challenge norms
- are learning about accepting differences
- love colorful and imaginative settings
Ask Your Little Reader
Engage your child's imagination and curiosity with these insightful questions.
- Story & problem-solving: What did Mr. Plumbean do after the orange paint fell on his house, and how did it impact his neighbors?
- Feelings & empathy: How do you think Mr. Plumbean felt when he saw the orange splot on his house?
- Real-life connection: Have you ever wanted to change something to make it more like your dreams?
- Imagination: If you could paint your house like your dreams, what would it look like? Invite your child to draw their dream house based on their imagination.