GRADE 4
Auntie Luce’s Talking Paintings written by Francie Latour; illustrated by Ken Daley
AT A GLANCE In this vibrant picture book, a young Haitian American girl, affectionately referred to as Ti Chou, reminisces about traveling to Haiti to visit her aunt. Auntie Luce is a painter, and the narrator reflects on the time she sat for a portrait. During this experience, the narrator and Auntie Luce discuss Haiti’s complicated history as well as the things that make Haiti home. Through the power of art, the narrator discovers a new appreciation for her culture and identity.
Genre/Text Type: Realistic Fiction/ Picture Book Social-Emotional Focus: Self-Awareness
Strategy Focus: Analyze Character STEAM Focus: Art
INTRODUCE THE BOOK Show students the cover illustration and help students notice that both the girl and the woman are holding paintbrushes . Say: This book tells the story of a girl who travels every winter to Haiti, where she visits with her Auntie Luce. Auntie Luce paints portraits of famous Haitians, as well as modern scenes and moments from Haiti’s history . Let’s see what this girl learns from her aunt’s art and what it means for a painting to “talk.” DURING READING As you read the book, pause to discuss the questions below. Encourage students to turn and talk with partners or share their thinking with the whole group. pp. 2–5 The narrator is remembering and reflecting on a time when she was younger. She uses vivid colors and details to describe the memories of Haiti. What does this tell you about the narrator and how she feels about her trip and visiting her aunt? (analyze character, make inferences) pp. 6–11 Ti Chou, the narrator, describes meeting Auntie Luce at the airport and driving through the city. What details stand out to you about Auntie Luce? What about the city where she lives? (key ideas and details) pp. 13–19 Auntie Luce quizzes Ti Chou on Haiti’s history and some of its famous figures. Why might Auntie Luce choose to paint these historical figures? (make inferences, analyze character) pp. 20–22 There are paintings of the narrator’s grandfather and great- grandmother on the wall. What is striking about these paintings hanging next to historical heroes? What does this tell you about the narrator’s view of them? (draw conclusions, make inferences) pp. 23–31 Why does Auntie Luce paint? Why does she choose to focus on subjects that may be difficult, as well as subjects that are beautiful? (key ideas and details, draw conclusions) pp. 32–33 Auntie Luce agrees that Ti Chou should take the portrait home. Auntie Luce tells her, “These colors, this people, this place
Rising Voices Theme Vision Note to the Teacher • Read-Aloud Tip Read with expression to emphasize how the narrator shares the sights of Haiti and the sounds as well, including a few phrases in Haitian Creole (Kreyòl). You may wish to use the bilingual glossary on page 35 of the book to practice pronunciation before you read aloud. • Language Support Clarify as needed what the author means by heroes and words naming family members. Focus on ideas all can identify with—bravery, culture, and connecting with family. • Background The author touches upon the complex history of Haiti. You may also want to share that the character of Auntie Luce was inspired by one of the most famous Haitian painters of the 20th century, Luce Turnier. Vocabulary easels (p. 13) standing frames used to hold canvases while they are being used palettes (p. 10) thin boards on which an artist mixes paints smocks (p. 17) loose garments used to protect clothing
belongs to you.” Have you ever felt connected to a piece of art? How did it “talk” to you? What did you take away from it? (make connections)
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