Isabel and her Colores Go to School
Author: Alexandra Alessandri
Illustrator: Courtney Dawson
15 July 2021
Sleeping Bear Press
40 pages
Book description from Goodreads: “English, with its blustery blues and whites, just feels wrong to Isabel. She prefers the warm oranges and pinks of Spanish. As she prepares for class at a new school, she knows she’s going to have to learn–and she would rather not! Her first day is uncomfortable, until she discovers there’s more than one way to communicate with friends. This is a universal story about feeling new and making new friends.”
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As a bonus, enjoy here’s the trailer for this picture book.
Educational Activities inspired by Alexandra Alessandri’s Isabel and her Colores Go to School:
- Before Reading–From looking at the front and back cover:
- Where and when do you think this story takes place?
- Why do you think Isabel is bringing “her colores” to school?
- What kinds of things do YOU bring to school?
- What emotion does Isabel appear to be feeling?
- The front and back covers include lots of flowers. Why do you think they’re there? How might they play into the story?
- What else do you notice about the cover?
- After Reading–Now that you’ve read the story:
- Why was Isabel so nervous about going to her first day of school?
- The story uses both English and Spanish words. What Spanish words were you able to figure out through context clues or the accompanying pictures?
- Did you check your ideas with the Spanish definitions in the Back Matter?
- What does the phrase “To bad times, a good face” mean to you?
- Throughout the story, language and words are described as having colors such as “night-sky blue” and “sunrise-orange.” Which of the author’s many descriptions appeals to you the most?
- What was your favorite moment in the story? Why?
- What was your favorite picture in the story? Why?
- Ultimately, was this a happy story, a sad story, or something in between? Explain your thoughts.
- Drawing–Sarah and Isabel became friends when Isabel “drew and colored and painted” a picture of the two of them and they both decided they were amigas/friends. Using whatever colors you choose, create a picture of you and one of your friends. Be as realistic or imaginative as you want. Consider sharing it with them to let them know how much you appreciate their friendship.
- Writing–After making friends with Sarah and having Miss Page share Isabel’s drawing with the rest of the class, the book ends with this line: “Maybe school wouldn’t be so bad after all.” Write the story of what you think happens on day two of school for Isabel. Does she make even more friends? Does íngles now sound different to her (or is it described in different colors)? Consider sharing this story with family members or friends.
- Crafting–Since Isabel was so interested in drawing and colors, try your own hand at one or more of these crayon-themed crafts. Most of these will definitely require the help of an adult, though:
- Chunky Crayons–Recycle those stubs and nubs with an oven, a muffin tin, and cooking spray.
- Crayon Monogram–A perfect gift for a teacher or loved one.
- Crayon Play Dough–Whether it’s National Play Dough Day (Sept 16) or not, this craft is sure to please.
- Sandpaper Printed T‑Shirt–A quick trip to a dollar store can keep this one affordable. (I made the whole thing for $2.)
- Wax Paper Lantern–This one needs an iron, so adults are are must here!
- Further Reading–Which of these other first-day-of-school picture books have you read? (Click on any book cover for more information on these titles!)
