Katie and the Sunflowers: questions to ask and activities to try
Katie reaches into Van Gogh’s Sunflowers for some seeds, and chaos follows. Katie and the Sunflowers is a fun art adventure that introduces children to famous paintings, and to putting things right after a mistake.
What age is it for? Katie and the Sunflowers is best for ages 4–8. Good for: Meeting famous paintings, and putting things right after a mistake.
Katie and the Sunflowers (James Mayhew)
- Age
- 4-8
- Best for
- Meeting famous paintings, and putting things right after a mistake
Look closely at each painting in the book before you turn the page. Ask your child what they would do if they could step inside it.
What it helps with
- Looking closely at art
- Putting things right after a mistake
- Curiosity about the wider world
- Talking about colours and pictures
Comprehension and discussion questions
Pick two or three, not all of them. “I don’t know” is a fine answer, and you can always come back to it another day.
- “What did Katie take from the Sunflowers painting?”
- “Who came out of the painting nearby?”
- “What went wrong when Zazou joined in?”
- “How did Katie put things right?”
- “Which painting would you like to step into?”
- “What colours would you use to paint sunflowers?”
5-minute activities to try together
Sunflower painting
Paint your own sunflowers with thick, bright paint, looking at Van Gogh’s painting in the book.
Gallery at home
Hang up three drawings and give a gallery tour, telling a grown-up about each picture.
Free printables: Katie and the Sunflowers worksheet and activity pack
This book’s one-page worksheet with the questions and activities above, plus our activity pack: printable scenario cards, three 5-minute activities and a “What could I try?” page for practising everyday skills together. Enter your email and download them straight away.
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If your child liked this, try
Katie's Picture Show (James Mayhew)
- Best for
- A first visit to an art gallery
- Age
- 3-7
The Most Magnificent Thing (Ashley Spires)
- Best for
- Frustration, persistence, making mistakes and trying again
- Age
- 4-8
A Child of Books (Oliver Jeffers and Sam Winston)
- Best for
- The adventure and comfort of reading
- Age
- 4-8
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By the Growing Wise team · Last reviewed: 16 October 2026
Growing Wise offers educational ideas for parents and carers. It is not a substitute for professional medical, developmental or mental-health advice. As an Amazon Associate, Growing Wise earns from qualifying purchases.