Providence Activities

Providence's Lesson Plans:

Learn to draw Providence or make a Providence pop-up. Learn about the real Leonardo and read an interview with Robert Sabuda about his favorite mouse.

The adventure begins with Providence Traveler in "Uh-Oh Leonardo," the first in Robert Sabuda's imaginative picture book series. Visit the Gift Shop to buy your copy NOW.

In Leonardo's workshop brushes were made from fur or animal hair and charcoal sticks were used for sketching. Pigments were crushed into a powder to make paint. Students can make their own paint and dye using natural items found in the world around them.

Painting with Natural Dyes:

Some foods can be cooked in a small amount of water to bring out the color and create a natural dye. Strain the food and let the liquid cool before using. Purple cabbage creates a vivid purple color while onion skins and carrot tops result in a light yellow dye. Try spinach and parsley to create green. Natural juices or liquids also can be used. Try coffee, tea, pickled beet juice, or cranberry juice. Let the students brainstorm other foods to try and record their results.

Looking at Leonardo: Comparing da Vinci

More Mona Lisa

When he was creating illustrations for "Uh-Oh Leonardo", Robert drew inspiration from the work of Providence's hero - the real Leonardo da Vinci. Below you can see one of da Vinci's famous pieces, entitled The Last Supper. Look at the colors and the positions of the people.

Now look at the picture from Providence's sketch book from the Feast of St. Giovanni. Can you see the ways the two are the same?

Above to the left is one of Leonardo da Vinci's best known works, Portrait of Mona Lisa. This painting is considered a shining example of the classic Renaissance portrait. People have especially admired Mona Lisa's facial expression. The masterpiece became even more famous when it was stolen in the early 1900's, only to be discovered in a Florence hotel two years later.

To the right is a picture hanging on the wall of Providence's room on the first page of the "Uh-Oh Leonardo.". Does Providence look like Mona Lisa? That wacky Robert!

More Leonardo:

Read more about Leonardo da Vinci and his inventions. Find out why he used backwards writing and try and decipher our backwards message.

Get an original drawing by Robert!

Simon & Schuster has created an actual sketchbook just like our favorite heroine's! We're getting a few copies of this rare promotional item and Robert has agreed to pencil in a sketch of Providence's latest creation, Topo.

Visit our Gift Shop to order your while you can!