Luna, Meg, and Mr. Frog's Monet Day
A Long Vowel Story for Beginning Readers
Illustrated Read-Aloud Picture Book
About This Book
Target Skills: Long vowel sounds (ā, ē, ī, ō, ū) Reading Level: Emergent to Early readers (1st - 2nd Grade) Format: Picture book read-aloud with repetitive patterns Style: Impressionistic adventure inspired by Claude Monet New Character: Noodle the extra-long dachshund!
LONG VOWEL SOUNDS appear in bold throughout the story to help readers identify them:
- ā as in lake, paint, day, train
- ē as in tree, see, bee, green
- ī as in time, slide, sky, fly
- ō as in boat, float, row, show
- ū as in blue, true, muse, cute
PAGE 1
One sunny day, so bright and clear, Luna and Meg heard Mr. Frog say: "No art inside my cottage walls! We'll paint outdoors the Monet way!"
"What's Monet?" Luna asked with glee. "A painter from a long time past! He painted water, trees, and light— His style was gentle, free, and vast!"
See Noodle here? That's Luna's dog! He's sooooo long—like three dogs more! His eyes are big as moons at night. He wagged and wagged—then out the door!
[ILLUSTRATION: Mr. Frog in a paint-splattered beret and smock, gesturing excitedly. Luna with her wild hair, Meg with her spiky hair, and Noodle—an impossibly long dachshund whose body stretches across the entire page spread. His huge expressive eyes sparkle with excitement.]
PAGE 2
Mr. Frog led them down a winding trail, Past green trees with leaves that wave. They each brought paints—blue, green, and gray, And easels that the frog friends gave.
Noodle carried brushes in his teeth— His long body stretched out like a train! "Keep going!" Mr. Frog said, hopping fast. "We're off to paint where boats remain!"
[ILLUSTRATION: A winding forest path dappled with sunlight. Mr. Frog hopping ahead. Luna and Meg carrying easels and paint boxes. Noodle stretched out impossibly long, with paintbrushes gently held in his mouth, his tail disappearing around a curve in the path.]
PAGE 3
They reached a wide and peaceful river, Where water flowed so slow and sweet. The trees reflected green below, Where sky and water seemed to meet.
"Oh!" breathed Luna. "Look at THAT!" The water made a mirror bright! She saw trees, clouds, and her own wild hair, All rippling in the golden light.
"This is SO Monet!" Mr. Frog beamed. "He painted scenes just like this place! Water lilies, bridges, boats— With color, light, and open space!"
[ILLUSTRATION: A stunning riverside scene in Impressionist style. Weeping willows draping over calm water. Perfect reflections creating a mirror image. The sky is pale blue with soft clouds. Everything has a dreamy, shimmering quality like a Monet painting.]
PAGE 4
At the river's edge sat a blue boat— Just like Monet's painting—so grand! It floated gently, tied with rope, Its shadow dancing on the sand.
"Let's paint from the boat!" said Meg with joy. "We'll see the water all around!" They climbed aboard—Noodle too! (His body made a looping mound!)
Mr. Frog untied the rope with care. The boat drifted, slow and free. "No rushing! No quick strokes!" he said. "Monet painted what he'd see."
[ILLUSTRATION: A blue wooden rowboat at the water's edge, just like Monet's studio boat. The three friends and Noodle climbing aboard. Noodle's long body coiled in loops because he's so long! Mr. Frog untying a rope from a wooden post.]
PAGE 5
They floated out into the stream, Where lily pads went by and by. "These flowers!" Luna pointed. "See? They're pink and white against the sky!"
Meg set up her easel—neat and straight. Luna's easel wobbled—that's okay! Noodle stretched from front to back, His huge eyes watching both at play.
Mr. Frog said, "Feel the breeze. See how sunlight makes things glow. Monet didn't paint what's real— He painted what the light would show!"
[ILLUSTRATION: The boat now floating among water lilies. Pink and white lily pads scattered across the water's surface. Two easels set up—Meg's perfectly straight, Luna's tilted. Noodle stretched the entire length of the boat. Dappled sunlight creating patterns on the water.]
PAGE 6
Luna mixed her paints with glee— Blue and green went swirl and fade. "The water isn't one blue!" she cried. "It's green and gray and purple shade!"
Meg painted careful, neat stroke by stroke, Making lily pads so round. She made reflections upside down, Where trees and sky in water drowned.
"You both paint SO differently!" Mr. Frog said with delight. "But BOTH of you paint what you see— And that makes both paintings right!"
[ILLUSTRATION: Close-up of two canvases. Meg's shows careful, detailed lily pads with clear reflections. Luna's shows swirling, blended colors with impressionistic brushstrokes—very Monet-like! Both are beautiful in different ways.]
PAGE 7
Noodle suddenly rose and barked— A huge white swan came gliding near! Its reflection showed below, Like two swans—one here, one there!
"Paint the swan!" said Mr. Frog. "But see how white is never plain? There's blue in shadows, gray in curves, And yellow where the sun might rain!"
Luna's brush went swoosh-swoosh-swoosh! Meg's brush went slow and sweet. Noodle's tail wagged—thump-thump-thump— And splashed some paint at their feet!
[ILLUSTRATION: A graceful white swan approaching the boat. Its perfect reflection in the still water. Noodle standing with front paws on the boat's edge, tail wagging so hard he's splashing! Paint drops flying. The swan unbothered and serene.]
PAGE 8
The sun moved high up in the sky. "It's time for lunch!" Mr. Frog announced. He opened up a basket wide— Inside were treats that made them bounce!
Grape juice in a jug of blue, Cheese and cream on wheat bread slices, Sweet plum jam and peach cake too, And iced tea with fruity spices!
They ate and watched the water flow, The breeze that made the willows sway, The way the light would change and glow— The whole scene shifted through the day!
[ILLUSTRATION: Picnic spread in the boat. Wicker basket open with colorful food. The friends eating and relaxing. Noodle with his long body draped over everyone's laps, getting treats. Weeping willows in the background swaying. The light now higher and brighter than before.]
PAGE 9
"Monet would paint the same scene twice," Said Mr. Frog between his bites. "Once in morning, once at noon— The same place looked completely new!"
"Let's try that!" Luna's eyes went wide. "Let's paint what we see right now!" So even though they'd painted once, They each began again—and how!
The light was different—high and bright. The shadows shorter than before. The colors seemed more bold and clear, The green much greener than before!
[ILLUSTRATION: Both girls starting new canvases. The light has changed—now overhead instead of slanting. Shadows have shifted. The scene looks different even though it's the same place. Mr. Frog watching approvingly while nibbling on cake.]
PAGE 10
Meg painted quick this time—a change! She let her brush glide free and wild. "I feel the light!" she said with glee. "It makes me want to paint and smile!"
Luna painted slower now, Looking close at each green leaf. "I see the patterns!" Luna hummed. "The way light makes a tree relief!"
Noodle dozed in the warm sun, His long body like a scarf, Wrapped around the boat's inside— His gentle snoring made them laugh!
[ILLUSTRATION: The girls painting with switched styles—Meg loose and free, Luna careful and observant. Noodle asleep, his incredibly long body wrapped in coils around the boat's interior like a living blanket. His big eyes closed, tiny "Z"s floating above him.]
PAGE 11
Then Mr. Frog said, "Close your eyes. Don't see with eyes—but feel instead. Feel the breeze. Hear water flow. Sense the warmth up overhead."
They closed their eyes—all three together. Luna smiled. Meg breathed in deep. "I hear the trees!" said Luna soft. "I feel the river's gentle sweep!"
"That's what Monet tried to paint— Not just what his eyes could see, But feelings, moods, and how light glowed— The soul of what a scene could be!"
[ILLUSTRATION: All three with eyes closed, faces peaceful. Wind ruffling Luna's wild hair and Meg's spiky hair. The scene around them seems to shimmer and glow with an ethereal quality. Even sleeping Noodle seems to smile.]
PAGE 12
They opened eyes and saw it new— The river wasn't just a river! It was a place of light and dreams, Where water made the whole world quiver!
"Let's make one painting all together!" Said Mr. Frog with a huge grin. He brought out one big canvas sheet. "We'll each paint—then we'll all jump in!"
[ILLUSTRATION: Mr. Frog holding up an extra-large canvas. The friends gathering around it excitedly. Noodle waking up, stretching his incredibly long body from bow to stern of the boat. Paint supplies scattered around them.]
PAGE 13
Meg painted boats on the far right. Luna painted trees on the left. Mr. Frog painted water flow, And Noodle? Well, he tried his best!
His long body dipped his tail in paint— Blue, then green, then gold so bright! He wagged and made such fine swooshes— His tail-painting was pure delight!
They each painted what they loved, But somehow it all worked as one— A painting full of different styles, United by the golden sun!
[ILLUSTRATION: All four working on one large canvas together. Meg's section neat and detailed. Luna's section swirly and impressionistic. Mr. Frog's section showing rippling water. Noodle's tail accidentally creating beautiful swooshes of color across the bottom. The painting is chaotic but beautiful—a true collaboration.]
PAGE 14
The sun began to sink down low. The sky turned pink and gold and rose. "This is the best time!" said Mr. Frog. "When day ends and the twilight glows!"
The water turned to liquid gold, Reflecting rose and purple streaks. "It's like the river's made of paint!" Luna whispered, voice so meek.
They sat in awed and quiet peace, Just watching colors change and flow. No painting now—just seeing, feeling, Letting Monet's magic show.
[ILLUSTRATION: Sunset scene in full Impressionist glory. The sky ablaze with pinks, golds, purples, and roses. The water reflecting every color like liquid paint. The four friends silhouetted in the boat, completely still, watching in wonder. This is the most beautiful spread in the book.]
PAGE 15
They rowed back home as stars came out, Their paintings carefully laid flat. Noodle's nose led the way back home, His huge eyes watching for their path.
At Mr. Frog's pink cottage door, They looked at all they'd made that day— Three paintings from the morning light, Three more from noon's bright sunny ray,
And one big painting made together, With Noodle's tail-strokes mixed right in! "So many paintings from one place!" Meg said with a tired grin.
[ILLUSTRATION: Evening scene. The boat tied up at a small dock. The friends walking back up the winding path carrying their canvases. Noodle leading the way, his long body creating an S-curve on the path. Stars beginning to appear. The cottage glowing warmly in the distance.]
PAGE 16
"That's Monet's secret," said Mr. Frog. "Each moment is completely new. The same scene changes with the light— It all depends on how you view!"
Luna's hair had paint streaks now— Green and blue and rose and gold. Meg had paint on both her cheeks. But these were stories to be told!
"Same time next week?" asked Mr. Frog. "We'll paint somewhere completely new!" "YES!" said Luna, Meg, and Noodle. (Noodle barked: "Roo-roo-roo-ROOOOO!")
And as they waved and said "Goodbye!" The moon came up—so round and bright. It glowed upon the river's face— One more painting made by light!
THE END
Next time: Luna, Meg, Mr. Frog, and Noodle visit a sunflower field... just like Van Gogh!
[ILLUSTRATION: Final spread showing Luna and Meg walking home under the moon, carrying their paintings. Noodle stretched between them. Mr. Frog waving from his doorway. The river in the background with a perfect full moon reflection. Everything bathed in silvery moonlight. Their paintings glowing with the colors of the day. The scene is magical, peaceful, and full of promise for the next adventure.]
READ-ALOUD GUIDE FOR PARENTS & TEACHERS
Long Vowel Practice Words in This Story:
Long A (ā): day, say, way, paint, train, tail, wait, came, make, lake, take, gave, save, wave, play, stay, lay, Ray
Long E (ē): see, tree, bee, three, keep, sweet, green, scene, we, he, she, me, each, peach, teach, reach, beach, breathe, feel, reel
Long I (ī): time, line, shine, fine, white, bright, light, right, might, my, try, sky, fly, by, high, wide, slide, glide, inside, smile
Long O (ō): boat, float, road, show, glow, slow, row, flow, so, no, go, rope, hope, home, rose, nose, those, close, doze, whole
Long U (ū/oo/yoo): blue, true, clue, Sue, muse, use, cute, mute, huge, mood, moon, soon, noon, food, good (irregular)
About Claude Monet (Simple Facts for Young Readers):
Who was Monet?
- A French painter who lived a long time ago (1840-1926)
- He loved to paint outdoors (called "plein-air" painting)
- He painted the same scenes at different times of day to show how light changes everything
- He's famous for painting water lilies, rivers, bridges, and gardens
- He had a special boat that was his floating art studio!
Famous Monet Paintings to Show Children:
- "Water Lilies" series
- "The Japanese Bridge"
- "Impression, Sunrise" (this started "Impressionism"!)
- "Woman with a Parasol"
- "Poppies"
- "The Studio Boat" (the inspiration for this story!)
Interactive Reading Activities:
1. Long Vowel Hunt:
- Before reading: "Let's find all the words where 'O' says its name, like 'boat'!"
- Use hand signals for each long vowel sound
2. Painting Actions:
- Make painting motions with an imaginary brush
- Swoosh for Luna's style
- Careful strokes for Meg's style
- Tail wags for Noodle's style!
3. Light Changes:
- Use a flashlight to show how light direction changes how things look
- Move it from low (morning) to high (noon) to low again (evening)
4. Reflection Mirror:
- Use a mirror or bowl of water to show reflections
- Have children create reflection drawings
5. Monet Art Study:
- Show children real Monet paintings
- Compare them to the story's descriptions
- Look for the colors Monet used in water
6. Noodle's Length:
- Use a measuring tape to show how long Noodle might be (3 regular dogs long!)
- Let children stretch their arms to show Noodle's length
Discussion Questions:
- How did the same river look different at different times of day?
- Why did Mr. Frog say both painting styles were right?
- What did Noodle add to the group painting? (Happy accidents are okay!)
- Have you ever noticed how light changes colors? (Give examples)
- Would you rather paint like Meg (neat) or Luna (swirly)? (Both are great!)
- What would you paint if you were in the boat?
Art Extension Activities:
Monet-Style Water Painting:
- Use watercolors to paint water reflections
- Blend colors while still wet (like Monet!)
- Paint the same scene twice—once in "morning" light (cool colors) and once in "afternoon" light (warm colors)
Reflection Art:
- Fold paper in half
- Paint on one side
- Fold to create a mirror reflection
- This shows how water reflects things upside down!
Plein-Air Adventure:
- Take easels/clipboards outside
- Paint or draw what you see
- Notice how light and shadows change
- Try painting the same spot at different times
Collaborative Canvas:
- Get one large paper
- Have each family member/student paint a section
- See how different styles work together (like Luna, Meg, Mr. Frog, and Noodle!)
Noodle Tail Painting:
- Use a long ribbon or streamer dipped in paint
- Swish it across paper like Noodle's tail!
- Create swooshing, flowing patterns
Vocabulary Building:
Art Words:
- Plein-air: Painting outdoors (French for "open air")
- Easel: The stand that holds your canvas
- Canvas: The cloth surface artists paint on
- Reflection: The mirror image you see in water
- Impressionism: Monet's painting style—showing the "impression" of a scene rather than exact details
Nature Words:
- Lily pads: Flat leaves that float on water
- Willows: Trees with long, drooping branches
- Stream: A flowing body of water
- Twilight: The soft light when day turns to night
Why This Story Works:
✓ Systematic long vowel practice in natural, flowing text
✓ Real art history introduced in child-friendly way
✓ Celebrates different learning styles (Luna's free style vs. Meg's structured approach)
✓ Shows collaboration despite differences
✓ Nature appreciation and mindfulness (closing eyes to feel the scene)
✓ Neurodivergent representation (both girls experience art differently and that's perfect)
✓ Comic relief (Noodle's impossibly long body, his tail-painting)
✓ Builds on previous book (continues character development)
✓ Encourages outdoor learning and observation
✓ Multiple painting sessions show persistence and how perspective changes
About the Characters - Book 2:
Luna: Still has wild hair (now with paint in it!). Discovers that painting with swirls and blended colors is very Monet-like—her natural style matches a famous artist! Learns to also paint carefully when she wants to.
Meg: Still loves neat, organized work. Learns that sometimes letting go and painting freely can be joyful! Tries a looser style in her second painting.
Mr. Frog: Patient teacher who knows art history. Teaches not just technique but the feeling behind art. Takes students on real-world adventures (plein-air painting).
Noodle (NEW!): Luna's extra-long dachshund with huge, expressive eyes. He's longer than any normal dog—comically stretched out. He "helps" by accidentally creating art with his wagging tail. His presence adds gentle humor and shows that happy accidents can be beautiful.
Connection to Book 1:
- References their first meeting at Mr. Frog's cottage
- Shows character growth (both girls try the opposite of their natural style)
- Builds on art education (cottage studio → outdoor plein-air)
- Noodle was mentioned in the choose-your-own-adventure but this is his picture book debut!
- Same celebration of differences and friendship
Teaching Tips:
For Struggling Readers:
- Pre-teach the long vowel sounds before reading
- Use the illustrations to support comprehension
- Let children "paint" in the air as you read
- Break into two sessions if needed (before/after lunch in story = natural break)
For Advanced Readers:
- Discuss why artists like Monet painted outdoors
- Research other Impressionist painters
- Write about a place they'd like to paint
- Create a "series" of drawings showing the same scene at different times
For All Readers:
- Emphasize that both Luna and Meg's styles are valid
- Celebrate when children try something outside their comfort zone (like Meg painting loosely!)
- Point out that Noodle's "mistakes" created beauty
- Connect to science (light, reflection, shadows)
ABOUT LUNA & MEG BOOKS
Luna & Meg Early Reader Series:
Short Vowel Books:
- Luna, Meg, and Mr. Frog's Magical Art Cottage ✓
Long Vowel Books:
- Luna, Meg, and Mr. Frog's Monet Day ✓ (You are here!)
Coming Soon:
- Luna, Meg, and Van Gogh's Sunflowers (Consonant blends)
- Luna, Meg, and the Sculpture Garden (Digraphs: ch, sh, th, wh)
- Luna, Meg, and the Rainbow Paint Shop (R-controlled vowels)
Choose-Your-Own-Path Graphic Novels:
- Luna & Meg's Magical Library Adventure ✓
"Art isn't about painting it 'right.' It's about painting it YOUR way."
— Mr. Frog
"Every moment is new. Every light is different. Every painting tells a story."
— Luna, Meg, and Mr. Frog's Monet Day
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