Stories Pictures Tell. Book 8 by Flora L. Carpenter

(24 User reviews)   7540
By Betty Young Posted on Dec 25, 2025
In Category - Digital Minimalism
Carpenter, Flora L. (Flora Leona), 1877-1963 Carpenter, Flora L. (Flora Leona), 1877-1963
English
Hey, have you ever looked at a painting and wondered what story is hiding behind those brushstrokes? That's exactly what 'Stories Pictures Tell. Book 8' is all about. It’s not your typical storybook. Instead, author Flora L. Carpenter picks out famous artworks and reveals the scenes, histories, and human dramas they capture. Think of it as a friendly guide who walks you through a gallery, pointing out secrets you’d miss on your own. It’s a quiet, thoughtful book that turns looking at art into an act of discovery. If you’ve ever felt curious about the stories frozen in paint, this is your invitation to find them.
Share

Read "Stories Pictures Tell. Book 8 by Flora L. Carpenter" Online

This book is available in the public domain. Start reading the digital edition below.

START READING FULL BOOK
Instant Access    Mobile Friendly

Book Preview

A short preview of the book’s content is shown below to give you an idea of its style and themes.

grade, recommending the study of certain pictures by well-known masters. As Supervisor of Drawing I found that the children enjoyed this work but that the teachers felt incompetent to conduct the lessons as they lacked time to look up the subject and to gather adequate material. Recourse to a great many books was necessary and often while much information could usually be found about the artist, very little was available about his pictures. Hence I began collecting information about the pictures and preparing the lessons for the teachers just as I would give them myself to pupils of their grade. My plan does not include many pictures during the year, as this is to be only a part of the art work and is not intended to take the place of drawing. The lessons in this grade may be used for the usual drawing period of from twenty to thirty minutes, and have been successfully given in that time. However, the most satisfactory way of using the books is as supplementary readers, thus permitting each child to study the pictures and read the stories himself. FLORA L. CARPENTER ------------------------------------------------------------------------ STORIES PICTURES TELL [Illustration] THE DEATH OF GENERAL WOLFE =Questions to arouse interest.= What is represented in this picture? What have these men been doing? What makes you think so? Why have they stopped? What can you see in the distance? Do you think the soldier running toward the group in the foreground is the bearer of good or bad news? What makes you think so? How many of you can tell what battle has just been fought, or something about General Wolfe? =Original Picture=: Grosvenor House, London, England. =Artist=: Benjamin West. =Birthplace=: Springfield, Pennsylvania. =Dates=: Born, 1738; died, 1820 =The story of the picture.= It is little wonder that the artist, Benjamin West, who overcame so many obstacles to follow his chosen calling, should admire a man like General Wolfe, who also had a great many difficulties to overcome. Each was born with an overwhelming desire,—the one to be a great artist; the other to be a great soldier. Both achieved their desire through their own earnest and praiseworthy effort. Perhaps the greatest difficulty James Wolfe had to contend with was his poor constitution and constant ill health. He could scarcely endure the long marches by land or voyages by sea—yet he would shirk neither. Duty to his country was always first. He was only sixteen years old when he took part in his first campaign. Abbé H. R. Casgrain tells us: “He was then a tall but thin young man, apparently weak for the trials of war. Moreover, he was decidedly ugly, with red hair and a receding forehead and chin, which made his profile seem to be an obtuse angle, with the point at the end of his nose. His pale, transparent skin was easily flushed, and became fiery red when he was engaged in conversation or in action. Nothing about him bespoke the soldier save a firm-set mouth and eyes of azure blue, which flashed and gleamed. With it all, though, he had about his person and his manner a sympathetic quality which attracted people to him.” Although a severe illness compelled him to give up this first campaign and return home, Wolfe was by no means discouraged, and he later on managed to distinguish himself for his courage and military skill. It was not long after this that the great William Pitt decided that Wolfe was a man to be trusted with great things. He appointed him commander of the English troops to be sent against...

This is a limited preview. Download the book to read the full content.

This book is a unique little gem. It doesn't follow a single narrative. Instead, Flora L. Carpenter selects a series of well-known paintings—likely classic works from the late 19th or early 20th century—and builds a story around each one. She looks at the characters, the setting, the light, and the mood, and then imagines the moment that led to the scene or what might happen next. It’s part art history, part creative writing, all designed to make the art feel alive and relatable.

Why You Should Read It

This book is special because it bridges a gap. Art can sometimes feel distant or hard to understand. Carpenter’s writing pulls you right into the frame. She gives names and thoughts to the people in the portraits, explains the significance of a gesture, or unpacks the symbolism in a landscape. It’s like having a patient, enthusiastic friend explain why a painting matters. You finish each chapter not just having seen a picture, but having felt its emotional weight and understood its place in a larger story.

Final Verdict

Perfect for curious minds who aren't formal art experts. If you enjoy visiting museums, love historical fiction, or simply like the idea of stories hidden in plain sight, you’ll get a lot out of this. It’s also a great, gentle read for older kids or teens interested in art and history. It’s a calm, insightful book that proves a picture is worth far more than a thousand words when someone shows you how to look.

🔓 Legal Disclaimer

This text is dedicated to the public domain. Distribute this work to help spread literacy.

Donald Brown
11 months ago

To be perfectly clear, the atmosphere created is totally immersive. I will read more from this author.

Donna Smith
2 years ago

Read this on my tablet, looks great.

Andrew Perez
2 months ago

My professor recommended this, and I see why.

Ashley Gonzalez
4 months ago

I didn't expect much, but the narrative structure is incredibly compelling. I will read more from this author.

4.5
4.5 out of 5 (24 User reviews )

Add a Review

Your Rating *
There are no comments for this eBook.
You must log in to post a comment.
Log in


Related eBooks