Luna Loves Books

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Luna’s class sees a lot of the exhibitions, some they can only look at, others they can touch. This children’s picture book is adorned with superb illustrations, especially those showcasing the artwork of other artists at the gallery. They illustrations are glorious. Not only is Lucy biracial, but her classmates are a multiethnic and diverse group of children. One of the students is in a wheelchair. Children experience strong emotions and Lucy and Finn discover how to overcome their disagreements and forge a friendship.

The children are amazed by the art in the huge rooms and even have the opportunity to sketch pictures based on the art they see. When Finn tries to touch a painting, Lucy reminds him that touching isn’t allowed. Angrily, Finn rips up Lucy’s sketch. Well done on finishing "Luna Loves Art" by Joseph Coelho! The story teaches us that art can be a window into understanding different perspectives and expressing our feelings. I expected this book to be about a class enjoying art and learning about artists, different periods, and various types of art and how artists create their masterpieces. However, the author has added a story of a little boy (Finn) who wasn’t very interested, was on his own, came across as unfriendly, and was then mean to Luna.Although this book is called "Luna Loves Art", I'd say the main theme of this book is not art, but rather the theme is about opening up a conversation about difficult-to-understand children in the class, who may behave in ways that seem mean or unfriendly. Did you enjoy Luna and Finn’s school trip to the gallery? Try these activities based on the story. Print out the pictures for your child and let them colour them in. Luna is enjoying her day until a little boy called Finn screws up a drawing she has just done. Her mum, one of the class helpers, speaks to her about perhaps Finn is lonely and needs a friend and that is why he is acting out.

It then became came clear that the story was about Finn’s issues which are suddenly resolved, a tad unrealistic, in my experience of children who behave this way, as they take time to trust others and let them in to develop a friendship. I love the idea that we can talk to children and they will be ready to open up and create friendships and connections with others, but in my experience that doesn’t happen right away. I do really like how when Finn misbehaves, he is met with understanding and empathy by the teacher and Luna's mum, which is wonderful to see in a children’s book. Luna and Finn slowly become friends as they connect through their shared love of art.There are lots of levels to this book. It's a brilliant introduction to all sorts of art, that could be used to explore the paintings and artists further. It's also a story about how families are different and how family situations can impact on feelings and behaviour. Armistice Day: A Collection of Remembrance - Spark Interest and Educate Children about Historical Moments There are hints about Luna's parents being separated as she is dropped off at school by her dad and here mum is already there as a parent helper. Later we learn that a boy called Finn in Luna's class is having a hard time at home. We discover this through his interpretation of the art on display. It is obvious that Finn is struggling. He roars at the tiger in a painting and says that the tiger is scared and alone and needs a home. He sees a sculpture of a family and he says “families don’t look like that.” Fortunately, Lucy finds a way to forgive, understand, and reach out to Finn who really needs a friend. I haven’t read any of the Luna Loves books before this one and so I don’t know what format they usually take but when I began reading this I did think it would be more focused on the main charater of Luna and the art in the story rather than her classmate Finn. This isn’t a problem but just something that I noticed. When Finn is mean to Luna her mum sits down with her and tells her that Finn just probably needs a friend and later the two are suddenly good friends at the end of the story even though Finn never seems to be sorry for his outburst and doesn’t apologise. It’s this sudden switch in Finn’s behaviour without really being seen to understand that he was wrong to be mean that makes this story feel so strange to me. I know and understand that the author was trying to send a positive message about friendship and being nice to others whose home life situations could be causing them to act out, but I’m not sure this was done so well as in reality such problems with kids are usually more complex that this and don’t always result in the kids suddenly being nice after being mean.

LoveReading4Kids exists because books change lives, and buying books through LoveReading4Kids means you get to change the lives of future generations, with 25% of the cover price donated to schools in need. Join our community to get personalised book suggestions, extracts straight to your inbox, 10% off RRPs, and to change children’s lives. Luna Loves Art is a young children’s picture book about a little girl called Luna who visiting an art gallery on a school trip. The class sees a lot of exhibitions, some they can only look at, others they can touch. An important topic to talk about since children are bound to come across some classmates who have unfriendly behaviour at some stage, and it's valuable to help them understand why this can happen. On a field trip to the art gallery, Luna sees a classmate called Finn doing things like not engaging with the other children, scrunching up Luna's drawing or not answering when you talk to him. Luna is guided by her Mum that Finn just needs a friend. There are hints in the story that Finn's family life isn't a happy one. Luna shows Finn kindness and friendship, and by the end Finn and Luna are friendlier and happy.

Every week, Luna looks forward to one special day: the day when she discovers magic among the library shelves with her dad. They discover all sorts of things here – dinosaurs, mummies and unexplained mysteries to monsters and magic. By award-winning Children's Laureate Joseph Coelho, a chunky board book special addition to the Luna Loves... series. Dads can be funny, loving and the best playmates. They are also often the sole care-giver, at least some of the time. Here’s a selection of fantastic picture books that feature a father and child having adventures together. Perfect for sharing with little ones.