Pippin Paints a Portrait: questions to ask and activities to try
Pippin wants to paint a portrait, so he tries painting like the famous artists. Pippin Paints a Portrait is a funny story about art and finding your own way.
What age is it for? Pippin Paints a Portrait is best for ages 3–7. Good for: Finding your own way of making art.
Pippin Paints a Portrait (Charlotte Mei)
- Age
- 3-7
- Best for
- Finding your own way of making art
Read it and point out each famous style Pippin tries. Then get the paints out and let your child make a portrait their own way.
What it helps with
- Art and creativity
- Not needing to copy others
- Trying different approaches
- Introducing famous artists
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 Pippin want to paint?”
- “Which artists did he copy?”
- “Why wasn’t it right?”
- “How did he find his own way?”
- “What’s your favourite way to make art?”
- “Who would you paint?”
5-minute activities to try together
Family portrait
Paint portraits of each other, any way you like.
Try a style
Try one famous style, like dots or big bold shapes, then do it your own way.
Free printables: Pippin Paints a Portrait 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
The Dot (Peter H. Reynolds)
- Best for
- Children who say 'I can't' before they've tried
- Age
- 4-8
Beautiful Oops! (Barney Saltzberg)
- Best for
- Little ones who get upset about spills, tears and smudges
- Age
- 2-6
Katie's Picture Show (James Mayhew)
- Best for
- A first visit to an art gallery
- Age
- 3-7
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By the Growing Wise team · Last reviewed: 10 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.