Read and Discuss: Little Blue and Little Yellow

Materials

• Little Blue and Little Yellow by Leo Lionni

Key Science Concepts

• Two or more colors can be combined to make a new color.

Directions

Before you read: Show children the cover, and read the title and author’s name aloud. Ask what they think the book might be about. Who do you think “Little Yellow” is, and who is “Little Blue?” What do you think they’re doing?

As you read: You may want to read the book straight through once. On a second reading:

• Ask children questions during the first few pages to make sure they understand how the text relates to the illustrations. For example:
  • Page 2: “Here he is at home with Papa and Mama Blue.” Ask, Which blue is Little Blue? Which one do you think is Mama Blue? Which one is Papa Blue? Why do you think that?
  • Page 3: “Little Blue has many friends.” Which one is Little Blue? Where are his friends?

After you read: Ask, What happens to Little Blue and Little Yellow when they hug each other? Why do you think that happened? Why didn’t Papa and Mama Blue recognize Little Blue? Why didn’t Papa and Mama Yellow recognize Little Yellow?