Bibliography
Kerley, Barbara. 2008. WHAT TO DO ABOUT ALICE? Ill. by Edwin Fotheringham. New York: Scholastic. ISBN: 978-0-439-92231-9
Plot Summary
WHAT TO DO ABOUT ALICE is the story of Alice Lee Roosevelt, Theodore Roosevelt's first daughter. Alice was a free spirit tat wanted to "eat up the world." She had braces on her legs when she was younger, she had a pet snake, she traveled the world, and had many, many adventures throughout her life.
Critical Analysis
WHAT TO DO ABOUT ALICE follows the rambunctious life of Alice Lee Roosevelt. The accuracy of this biographical storybook is evident in the author's note. Kerley not only leaves a bibliography of the resources that when into the storybook, she discusses Alice's outlandish behavior and the possible reasons behind it. She also puts a disclaimer saying that all quotes from the book were found in several different biographical texts.
As for the style, WHAT TO DO ABOUT ALICE is set up in the form of a biographical storybook. There are illustrations that show Alice and Theodore Roosevelt and the story follows a straight timeline through Alice's life.
The illustrations add to the story and Alice's character. They depict Alice walking straight and proud as she sets off on new adventures. She is confident and fun loving and everyone else is scrambling to keep up with her. After Googling images of the real Alice, I noticed that her chin was always in the air, and she had a look of confidence. She was comfortable in her skin and did what she wanted.
Review Excerpts
*Starred review from KIRKUS
*Starred review from BOOKLIST
*starred review from SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL
Connections
A good connection would be to pair this book with another book about Theodore Roosevelt and his own exciting life. Another connection could be to find another book about the times that Alice lived in to show how different she was to everyone else. It would be interesting to see if children recognize how unique Alice was.
Thursday, June 27, 2013
Book Review: BALLOONS OVER BROADWAY by Melissa Sweet
Bibliography
Sweet, Melissa. 2011. BALLOONS OVER BROADWAY. New York: Houghton Mifflin.
ISBN: 978-0-547-19945-0
Plot Summary
BALLOONS OVER BROADWAY is a informational storybook of Tony Sarg, the first puppeteer of Macy's Parade. It shows the evolution of the parades high flying balloons. Tony made mistakes along the way, but he always found a solution that eventually led to the modern Macy's parade.
Critical Analysis
BALLOONS OVER BROADWAY is filled with historical facts. The inside cover of the book is an actual advertisement of the parade from 1933. The author's note has quotes and research facts that lend accuracy to the story. The book is organized in the style of the storybook, following the evolution of the parade, starting from when Tony made his first puppet at the age of six to the modern day parade balloons.
The illustrations are colorful and filled with interesting bits of information. The drawings are almost simplistic as if they had been quickly sketched. This follows the fast pace of the story and mimics the quick problem solving skills Tony had.
The book is presented in the style of a storybook which makes it enjoyable and less like a history lesson.
Review Excerpts
*An ALA notable book
*A Junior Library Guild Selection
*Winner of the Robert F. Sibert Medal
Connections
BALLOONS OVER BROADWAY starts with a six year old Tony Sarg making marionettes. As a connection, kids can make their own puppets out of brown paper bags.
Sweet, Melissa. 2011. BALLOONS OVER BROADWAY. New York: Houghton Mifflin.
ISBN: 978-0-547-19945-0
Plot Summary
BALLOONS OVER BROADWAY is a informational storybook of Tony Sarg, the first puppeteer of Macy's Parade. It shows the evolution of the parades high flying balloons. Tony made mistakes along the way, but he always found a solution that eventually led to the modern Macy's parade.
Critical Analysis
BALLOONS OVER BROADWAY is filled with historical facts. The inside cover of the book is an actual advertisement of the parade from 1933. The author's note has quotes and research facts that lend accuracy to the story. The book is organized in the style of the storybook, following the evolution of the parade, starting from when Tony made his first puppet at the age of six to the modern day parade balloons.
The illustrations are colorful and filled with interesting bits of information. The drawings are almost simplistic as if they had been quickly sketched. This follows the fast pace of the story and mimics the quick problem solving skills Tony had.
The book is presented in the style of a storybook which makes it enjoyable and less like a history lesson.
Review Excerpts
*An ALA notable book
*A Junior Library Guild Selection
*Winner of the Robert F. Sibert Medal
Connections
BALLOONS OVER BROADWAY starts with a six year old Tony Sarg making marionettes. As a connection, kids can make their own puppets out of brown paper bags.
Book Review: WHAT TO DO WHEN SOMETHING WANTS TO EAT YOU? by Steve Jenkins
Bibliography
Jenkins, Steve. 1997. WHAT TO DO WHEN SOMETHING WANTS TO EAT YOU? New York: Houghton Mifflin. ISBN: 0-618-15243-1
Plot Summary
WHAT TO DO WHEN SOMETHING WANTS TO EAT YOU is an informative book on certain animals' survival techniques. Some of the highlighted animals are the puffer fish, the hog-nosed snake, and the Javanese leaf insect.
Critique Analysis
WHAT TO DO WHEN SOMETHING WANTS TO EAT YOU is an introduction to adaptability among animals. The accuracy of the book is easily tested from Google or Encyclopedia (does a puffer fish truly puff itself up to seem bigger and scary?). Overall there does not seem to be an order that the animals appear, but there is organization. Each animal receives two pages. The first page shows the animal about to be eaten, and then the next page shows how it escapes. The reader has to turn the page each time to see what happens to the victim animal which adds a touch of suspense.
Te design of the illustrations look as if the animals were cut out and pasted on top of the background. This creates the illusion of multi-demensions.
The style of this book creates wonder and excitement. There is suspense in finding out what happens next for the poor animal about to get eaten.
Review Excerpts
*Booklist Editors' Choice
*A NSTA-CBC Outstanding Science Trade Book for Children
Connections
The last page of the book asks "what would YOU do if something wanted to eat YOU?" Children could raise their hands and answer the question with how they would adapt.
Also, they could cut and paste (in Steve Jenkins style) their favorite victim animal (either from the story or their own cool animal). This introduces children to research and they get to show their family what they learned.
Jenkins, Steve. 1997. WHAT TO DO WHEN SOMETHING WANTS TO EAT YOU? New York: Houghton Mifflin. ISBN: 0-618-15243-1
Plot Summary
WHAT TO DO WHEN SOMETHING WANTS TO EAT YOU is an informative book on certain animals' survival techniques. Some of the highlighted animals are the puffer fish, the hog-nosed snake, and the Javanese leaf insect.
Critique Analysis
WHAT TO DO WHEN SOMETHING WANTS TO EAT YOU is an introduction to adaptability among animals. The accuracy of the book is easily tested from Google or Encyclopedia (does a puffer fish truly puff itself up to seem bigger and scary?). Overall there does not seem to be an order that the animals appear, but there is organization. Each animal receives two pages. The first page shows the animal about to be eaten, and then the next page shows how it escapes. The reader has to turn the page each time to see what happens to the victim animal which adds a touch of suspense.
Te design of the illustrations look as if the animals were cut out and pasted on top of the background. This creates the illusion of multi-demensions.
The style of this book creates wonder and excitement. There is suspense in finding out what happens next for the poor animal about to get eaten.
Review Excerpts
*Booklist Editors' Choice
*A NSTA-CBC Outstanding Science Trade Book for Children
Connections
The last page of the book asks "what would YOU do if something wanted to eat YOU?" Children could raise their hands and answer the question with how they would adapt.
Also, they could cut and paste (in Steve Jenkins style) their favorite victim animal (either from the story or their own cool animal). This introduces children to research and they get to show their family what they learned.
Saturday, June 22, 2013
Book Review: BOOKSPEAK! by Laura P. Salas
Bibliography
Salas, Laura P. 2011. BOOKSPEAK! Ill. by Josee Bisaillon. New York: Clarion Books.
ISBN: 978-0-547-22300-1
Plot Summary
BOOKSPEAK is a collection of poems by Laura P. Salas. This collection is centered around books ranging from the stories inside books to the book's perspective of someone falling asleep on it.
Critique Analysis
Each of Salas' poems are unique and fun to read. It is easy to envision reading this collection to a group. The poems are centered around books, but the perception changes. There is a poem about the steps it takes to publish a book. There is another poem with the "Beginning," "Middle," and "End" arguing who should come first in a story. This book is a wonderful example of an introduction to children's poetry.
Review Excerpts
*Positive review from Booklist
*Positive review from School Library Journal
Connections
BOOKSPEAK! is a great introduction to children's literature. Children can read the poems in a chorus or in groups. They can share poetry out loud or even try to write their own poems about books.
Salas, Laura P. 2011. BOOKSPEAK! Ill. by Josee Bisaillon. New York: Clarion Books.
ISBN: 978-0-547-22300-1
Plot Summary
BOOKSPEAK is a collection of poems by Laura P. Salas. This collection is centered around books ranging from the stories inside books to the book's perspective of someone falling asleep on it.
Critique Analysis
Each of Salas' poems are unique and fun to read. It is easy to envision reading this collection to a group. The poems are centered around books, but the perception changes. There is a poem about the steps it takes to publish a book. There is another poem with the "Beginning," "Middle," and "End" arguing who should come first in a story. This book is a wonderful example of an introduction to children's poetry.
Review Excerpts
*Positive review from Booklist
*Positive review from School Library Journal
Connections
BOOKSPEAK! is a great introduction to children's literature. Children can read the poems in a chorus or in groups. They can share poetry out loud or even try to write their own poems about books.
Book Review: MIRROR MIRROR by Marilyn Singer
Bibliography
Singer, Marilyn. 2010. MIRROR MIRROR. Ill. by Josee Masse. New York: Penguine.
ISBN: 978-0-525-47901-7
Plot Summary
MIRROR MIRROR is an individual poet compilation by Marilyn Singer. The entire book is set around a fairy tale theme with stories such as Rapunzel, Beauty and the Beast and Jack and the Beanstalk. The interesting thing about this collection is that the poems are reversible, meaning each poem is written twice on each page, but the meanings are different.
Critique Analysis
Before reading MIRROR MIRROR, I had never heard of reverse poetry. It's fascinating to see how a poem's meaning and perspective can change by reading the poem backwards and upside down. For example in the poem "The Sleeping Beauty and the Wide-Awake Prince" one poem is from Sleeping Beauty's perspective of sleeping and waiting for her prince, while the reverse poem is from the grumpy Prince who is tired of doing all the work while his princess sleeps.
Also the illustrations add to the different perspectives the poems present. Each illustration is divided in half, one side depicts one half of the story and the other side depicting the other half of the story.
Overall this was a very interesting and entertaining collection of poems that children and adults could enjoy.
Review Excerpts
*An ALA notable book
*WASHINGTON POST Top Children's Book of the Year
* New York Public Library's Best Children's Book of the Year
*Chicago Public Library Best of the Best Books 2010
Connections
One connection would be to have two children each read a side of the poem. Also, they could try writing their own reverse poems and sharing them with the group.
Singer, Marilyn. 2010. MIRROR MIRROR. Ill. by Josee Masse. New York: Penguine.
ISBN: 978-0-525-47901-7
Plot Summary
MIRROR MIRROR is an individual poet compilation by Marilyn Singer. The entire book is set around a fairy tale theme with stories such as Rapunzel, Beauty and the Beast and Jack and the Beanstalk. The interesting thing about this collection is that the poems are reversible, meaning each poem is written twice on each page, but the meanings are different.
Critique Analysis
Before reading MIRROR MIRROR, I had never heard of reverse poetry. It's fascinating to see how a poem's meaning and perspective can change by reading the poem backwards and upside down. For example in the poem "The Sleeping Beauty and the Wide-Awake Prince" one poem is from Sleeping Beauty's perspective of sleeping and waiting for her prince, while the reverse poem is from the grumpy Prince who is tired of doing all the work while his princess sleeps.
Also the illustrations add to the different perspectives the poems present. Each illustration is divided in half, one side depicts one half of the story and the other side depicting the other half of the story.
Overall this was a very interesting and entertaining collection of poems that children and adults could enjoy.
Review Excerpts
*An ALA notable book
*WASHINGTON POST Top Children's Book of the Year
* New York Public Library's Best Children's Book of the Year
*Chicago Public Library Best of the Best Books 2010
Connections
One connection would be to have two children each read a side of the poem. Also, they could try writing their own reverse poems and sharing them with the group.
Book Review: HURRICANE DANCERS by Margarita Engle
Bibliography
Engle, Maragarita. 2011. HURRICANE DANCERS. New York: Henry Holt.
ISBN: 978-0-8050-9240-0
Plot Summary
HURRICANE DANCERS is a verse novel about a ship wreck on the coast of an island, presumably Cuba. The story is told by short poems from four different characters: Quebrado (a young ship slave), Bernardino de Talavera (the first pirate of the Caribbean Sea), Alonso de Ojeda (the pirate's hostage and a brutal conquistador), Narido (a young Ciboney Indian fisherman), and Caucubu (a young daughter of a Ciboney chieftain). Quebrado, Talavera, and Ojeda are shipwrecked on an island during a hurricane. They meet Narido and Caucubu, who are star-crossed lovers. Quebrado tells the villagers of all the wrongs Talavera and Ojeda did, and Quebrado finds himself in charge of deciding their fate.
Critique Analysis
HURRICANE DANCERS is written completely in flowing verse. Each chapter has a unique thought process that distinguishes them. For example Ojeda is haunted by the victims of his past and speaks of them as if they are real and can help him escape the island.
The poems invoke pity, hatred, longing and peace depending on the character you are currently reading. The novel does not say certain information outright, there seems to be missing scenes, but this just leaves room for the reader to interpret from the poems. As a whole, this novel is exciting and thought provoking.
Review Excerpts
*Pura Belpre Honor Book
Connections
A good connection with this book would be to pair it with a non-fiction book about the Spanish conquest of Cuba, or early Spanish pirates. This builds a back story for the HURRICANE DANCERS. Also, the students might like to play the ball game (like the Mayans used to play) that decides the fate of the pirate and the conquistador.
Engle, Maragarita. 2011. HURRICANE DANCERS. New York: Henry Holt.
ISBN: 978-0-8050-9240-0
Plot Summary
HURRICANE DANCERS is a verse novel about a ship wreck on the coast of an island, presumably Cuba. The story is told by short poems from four different characters: Quebrado (a young ship slave), Bernardino de Talavera (the first pirate of the Caribbean Sea), Alonso de Ojeda (the pirate's hostage and a brutal conquistador), Narido (a young Ciboney Indian fisherman), and Caucubu (a young daughter of a Ciboney chieftain). Quebrado, Talavera, and Ojeda are shipwrecked on an island during a hurricane. They meet Narido and Caucubu, who are star-crossed lovers. Quebrado tells the villagers of all the wrongs Talavera and Ojeda did, and Quebrado finds himself in charge of deciding their fate.
Critique Analysis
HURRICANE DANCERS is written completely in flowing verse. Each chapter has a unique thought process that distinguishes them. For example Ojeda is haunted by the victims of his past and speaks of them as if they are real and can help him escape the island.
The poems invoke pity, hatred, longing and peace depending on the character you are currently reading. The novel does not say certain information outright, there seems to be missing scenes, but this just leaves room for the reader to interpret from the poems. As a whole, this novel is exciting and thought provoking.
Review Excerpts
*Pura Belpre Honor Book
Connections
A good connection with this book would be to pair it with a non-fiction book about the Spanish conquest of Cuba, or early Spanish pirates. This builds a back story for the HURRICANE DANCERS. Also, the students might like to play the ball game (like the Mayans used to play) that decides the fate of the pirate and the conquistador.
Thursday, June 13, 2013
Book Review: RAPUNZEL by Paul O. Zelinsky
Bibliography
Zelinsky, Paul O. 1997. RAPUNZEL. New York: Puffin. ISBN: 978-0-14-230193-7
Plot Summary
A pregnant woman gets a craving for the plant rapunzel. Her husband sneaks into a sorceress's garden and steals an armload of the plant. When the sorceress catches him, the husband promises to give her anything as long as his wife gets the plant to satisfy her craving. The sorceress lets the man go, but when the baby is born, the sorceress takes her as payment. The sorceress names the child Rapunzel and locks her in a tower. One day a Prince wonders by the tower and hears Rapunzel singing. He falls in love. After he witnesses the sorceress climbing into the tower by Rapunzel's hair, the Prince tries it later that night. The Prince confesses his love and the secretly marry. Every night the Prince visited Rapunzel until one day the sorceress finds out that Rapunzel is pregnant. She makes Rapunzel leave the tower. When the Prince comes later that night, the sorceress tricks him and throws him out the window. The Prince is struck blind. He wonders blindly until he hears Rapunzel singing. The two of them are reunited and live happily ever after.
Critical Analysis
Paul Zelinsky's version of Rapunzel is targeted more toward older readers. There are parallels throughout the story, but these would be missed by younger readers. The story is a little more grim then younger children's storybooks. There is not any retribution to the sorceress who ruined Rapunzel's life, the Prince does not make Rapunzel a princess, and Rapunzel's parents never see her again. The ending doesn't feel like a true fairy tale happy ending. The deeper meanings embedded within the story would be missed by younger children.
Even the illustrations are more sophisticated. Instead of cutesy cartoons, Zelinsky's art has more of a Victorian, Romantic period style. The character Rapunzel is very beautiful, but not in the way Disney has conditioned us to think of her. Again, the art is better appreciated by an older audience.
Review Excerpts
*Winner of the Caldecott Medal
*Starred reviews from BOOKLIST, SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL, and THE HORN BOOK
Connections
Since this book is targeted toward older kids, I would suggest making this a creative writing exercise. The children can come up with their own versions of the story and how they would change the ending to make it more satisfying.
Zelinsky, Paul O. 1997. RAPUNZEL. New York: Puffin. ISBN: 978-0-14-230193-7
Plot Summary
A pregnant woman gets a craving for the plant rapunzel. Her husband sneaks into a sorceress's garden and steals an armload of the plant. When the sorceress catches him, the husband promises to give her anything as long as his wife gets the plant to satisfy her craving. The sorceress lets the man go, but when the baby is born, the sorceress takes her as payment. The sorceress names the child Rapunzel and locks her in a tower. One day a Prince wonders by the tower and hears Rapunzel singing. He falls in love. After he witnesses the sorceress climbing into the tower by Rapunzel's hair, the Prince tries it later that night. The Prince confesses his love and the secretly marry. Every night the Prince visited Rapunzel until one day the sorceress finds out that Rapunzel is pregnant. She makes Rapunzel leave the tower. When the Prince comes later that night, the sorceress tricks him and throws him out the window. The Prince is struck blind. He wonders blindly until he hears Rapunzel singing. The two of them are reunited and live happily ever after.
Critical Analysis
Paul Zelinsky's version of Rapunzel is targeted more toward older readers. There are parallels throughout the story, but these would be missed by younger readers. The story is a little more grim then younger children's storybooks. There is not any retribution to the sorceress who ruined Rapunzel's life, the Prince does not make Rapunzel a princess, and Rapunzel's parents never see her again. The ending doesn't feel like a true fairy tale happy ending. The deeper meanings embedded within the story would be missed by younger children.
Even the illustrations are more sophisticated. Instead of cutesy cartoons, Zelinsky's art has more of a Victorian, Romantic period style. The character Rapunzel is very beautiful, but not in the way Disney has conditioned us to think of her. Again, the art is better appreciated by an older audience.
Review Excerpts
*Winner of the Caldecott Medal
*Starred reviews from BOOKLIST, SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL, and THE HORN BOOK
Connections
Since this book is targeted toward older kids, I would suggest making this a creative writing exercise. The children can come up with their own versions of the story and how they would change the ending to make it more satisfying.
Book Review: LITTLE RED HOT by Eric A. Kimmel
Bibliography
Kimmel, Eric A. 2013. LITTLE RED HOT. Ill. by Laura Huliska-Beith. Las Vegas: Amazon Publishing. ISBN:9781477816357
Plot Summary
Little Red Hot loves hot peppers. One day her grandmother sends word that she is not feeling well. So Little Red Hot bakes her a hot chili pepper pie. On her way to grandma's house, Little Red Hot runs into Pecos Bill and his cowboys who tell her that Senior Lobo is out making trouble. A little while later, Little Red Hot stumbles across Senior Lobo himself. She inadvertently tells him where she is going. Senior Lobo beats her to grandma's house and chases grandma away. Senior Lobo takes grandma's place to trick Little Red Hot. Instead, Little Red Hot tricks the wolf into tasting a bite of her hot chili pepper pie. Senior Lobo can't take the heat and is skyrocketed out of the house. Grandma comes back and she and Little Red Hot share the pie.
Critical Analysis
LITTLE RED HOT is a southwestern variant of Little Red Riding Hood. The plot of the two stories are similar, except Little Red Hot as a bit more spunk then the original Little Red. The Southwest is represented in the story through both the dialogue ("where ya goin?") and through different encounters with southern folk tale heroes such as Pecos Bill and his cowboys. Even the big bad wolf represents the south with his Spanish name, Senior Lobo.
The illustrations in LITTLE RED HOT are bright and colorful to capture the readers' attention. Instead of being set in the forest like the original tale, the pictures show Little Red Hot crossing the desert on her pony in order to get to grandma's house. Also, the illustrator captured Little Red Hot's sassy personality through her facial expressions.
Overall this was a very good representation of Little Red Riding Hood with a southwestern twist.
Review Excerpts
*Positive reviews from SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL
*Positive reviews from BOOKLIST
Connections
Eric Kimmel has written other traditional tales with a southwestern twit. The THREE LITTLE TAMALES is a variant of the Three Little Pigs, also starring Senior Lobo. This would be an interesting connection for the children to see if they can recognize the same characters in different books. Also, children can make their own hot chili pepper pie by coloring different peppers. The librarian can cut out the peppers and help the children glue it on a pie drawing.
Kimmel, Eric A. 2013. LITTLE RED HOT. Ill. by Laura Huliska-Beith. Las Vegas: Amazon Publishing. ISBN:9781477816357
Plot Summary
Little Red Hot loves hot peppers. One day her grandmother sends word that she is not feeling well. So Little Red Hot bakes her a hot chili pepper pie. On her way to grandma's house, Little Red Hot runs into Pecos Bill and his cowboys who tell her that Senior Lobo is out making trouble. A little while later, Little Red Hot stumbles across Senior Lobo himself. She inadvertently tells him where she is going. Senior Lobo beats her to grandma's house and chases grandma away. Senior Lobo takes grandma's place to trick Little Red Hot. Instead, Little Red Hot tricks the wolf into tasting a bite of her hot chili pepper pie. Senior Lobo can't take the heat and is skyrocketed out of the house. Grandma comes back and she and Little Red Hot share the pie.
Critical Analysis
LITTLE RED HOT is a southwestern variant of Little Red Riding Hood. The plot of the two stories are similar, except Little Red Hot as a bit more spunk then the original Little Red. The Southwest is represented in the story through both the dialogue ("where ya goin?") and through different encounters with southern folk tale heroes such as Pecos Bill and his cowboys. Even the big bad wolf represents the south with his Spanish name, Senior Lobo.
The illustrations in LITTLE RED HOT are bright and colorful to capture the readers' attention. Instead of being set in the forest like the original tale, the pictures show Little Red Hot crossing the desert on her pony in order to get to grandma's house. Also, the illustrator captured Little Red Hot's sassy personality through her facial expressions.
Overall this was a very good representation of Little Red Riding Hood with a southwestern twist.
Review Excerpts
*Positive reviews from SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL
*Positive reviews from BOOKLIST
Connections
Eric Kimmel has written other traditional tales with a southwestern twit. The THREE LITTLE TAMALES is a variant of the Three Little Pigs, also starring Senior Lobo. This would be an interesting connection for the children to see if they can recognize the same characters in different books. Also, children can make their own hot chili pepper pie by coloring different peppers. The librarian can cut out the peppers and help the children glue it on a pie drawing.
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
Book Review: THE THREE LITTLE WOLVES AND THE BIG BAD PIG by Eugene Trivizas
Bibliography
Trivizas, Eugene. 1993. THE THREE LITTLE WOLVES AND THE BIG BAD PIG. Ill. by Helen Oxenbury. New York: Simon & Schuster. ISBN: 979-0-689-81528-7
Plot Summary
THE THREE LITTLE WOLVES AND THE BIG BAD PIG is a variant of The Three Little Pigs and the Big Bad Wolf except the character roles are reversed. The three little wolves set out on their own and decide to build a house made of bricks. Once it is completed, the big bad pig comes along to "huff and puff" their house down. When that didn't work, the pig smashes it down with a sledge hammer. The wolves build their next two houses out of even stronger materials, and still the big bad pig manages to knock their house down. Finally the three little wolves build their house out of flowers. The big bad pig comes around to knock it down, but instead the flower's scent changes the big bad pig into the big GOOD pig. The three little wolves and the pig live together happily ever after.
Critical Analysis
This is a charming variant of the three little pigs classic tale. The character roles have been reversed and it seems like the three little wolves are a tad smarter then the three little pigs. The wolves start out by building their house out of strong materials. The plot and the theme of THE THREE LITTLE WOLVES is the same as the original story, but the ending is happy for both the pig and the wolves. I think this story is enjoyable to adults and children, except the story is more fun if the original is known. For example the surprise of the big bad pig blowing up the little wolves' house does not have same effect if the original "huff and puff" story is not familiar.
Also, the illustrations were big and took up a lot of the space on the pages. This captures the readers' attention. The illustrations also helped move the story along and add drama to the story.
Review Excerpts
*A BOOKLIST Editors' Choice
*A SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL Best Book
*A PARENTS' Choice Honor Book
Connections
For children who have not read the original tale,I would suggest reading the Three Little Pigs first so they have a platform for THE THREE LITTLE WOLVES AND THE BIG BAD PIG. As an arts and crafts project, children can make their own flower pinwheel out of colored paper. This way they can show their parents how they can too huff and puff.
Trivizas, Eugene. 1993. THE THREE LITTLE WOLVES AND THE BIG BAD PIG. Ill. by Helen Oxenbury. New York: Simon & Schuster. ISBN: 979-0-689-81528-7
Plot Summary
THE THREE LITTLE WOLVES AND THE BIG BAD PIG is a variant of The Three Little Pigs and the Big Bad Wolf except the character roles are reversed. The three little wolves set out on their own and decide to build a house made of bricks. Once it is completed, the big bad pig comes along to "huff and puff" their house down. When that didn't work, the pig smashes it down with a sledge hammer. The wolves build their next two houses out of even stronger materials, and still the big bad pig manages to knock their house down. Finally the three little wolves build their house out of flowers. The big bad pig comes around to knock it down, but instead the flower's scent changes the big bad pig into the big GOOD pig. The three little wolves and the pig live together happily ever after.
Critical Analysis
This is a charming variant of the three little pigs classic tale. The character roles have been reversed and it seems like the three little wolves are a tad smarter then the three little pigs. The wolves start out by building their house out of strong materials. The plot and the theme of THE THREE LITTLE WOLVES is the same as the original story, but the ending is happy for both the pig and the wolves. I think this story is enjoyable to adults and children, except the story is more fun if the original is known. For example the surprise of the big bad pig blowing up the little wolves' house does not have same effect if the original "huff and puff" story is not familiar.
Also, the illustrations were big and took up a lot of the space on the pages. This captures the readers' attention. The illustrations also helped move the story along and add drama to the story.
Review Excerpts
*A BOOKLIST Editors' Choice
*A SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL Best Book
*A PARENTS' Choice Honor Book
Connections
For children who have not read the original tale,I would suggest reading the Three Little Pigs first so they have a platform for THE THREE LITTLE WOLVES AND THE BIG BAD PIG. As an arts and crafts project, children can make their own flower pinwheel out of colored paper. This way they can show their parents how they can too huff and puff.
Saturday, June 8, 2013
Book Review: TOMAS AND THE LIBRARY LADY by Pat Mora
Bibliography
Mora, Pat. 1997. TOMAS AND THE LIBRARY LADY. Ill. by Raul Colon. New York: Random House. ISBN: 978-0-679-80401-7
Plot Summary
Tomas is the son of farm workers who travel between Iowa and Texas throughout the year. During a season in Iowa, Tomas is allowed to go to the library for the first time. There he befriends the librarian. She brings him books that interest him and helps his love for stories to grow. In return, Tomas teaches the librarian how to speak Spanish. At the end of the story, Tomas has to leave for Texas. He is sad to leave the library, but he has gained a love for reading.
Critical Analysis
TOMAS AND THE LIBRARY LADY is based on the true story of Tomas Rivera, a very prominent man in the literary world. This storybook is a good introduction to both stories based on the truth and examples of different cultures. I for one had no idea that farm workers traveled between states so they could work year round. I thought this was very interesting and shows that adults can still learn from children's books.
TOMAS AND THE LIBRARY LADY also introduces a multilingual family. The story has both English and Spanish words and phrases in the book. This helps children who are a part of a dual language household relate to the story, and it also shows children who are not multilingual what it would be like to switch back and forth from Spanish to English.
Also, the illustrations represent the Spanish culture. The art is rough and scored as if they were painted on something other than paper or canvas. The way the illustrations are drawn makes one think of the beautiful murals on the sides of buildings in Mexico.
Review Excerpts
*An International Reading Association Teachers' Choice
*Winner of the Tomas Rivera Mexican American Children's Book Award
*A Texas Bluebonnet Award Nominee
Connections
For the connections, the library can have pre-made booklets for the children so they can create their own story and share it with their family, just like Tomas. Also, the librarian can teach the children some Spanish words that are associated with the story like the spanish word for "dinosaur" or "tiger" or "library" or "book".
Mora, Pat. 1997. TOMAS AND THE LIBRARY LADY. Ill. by Raul Colon. New York: Random House. ISBN: 978-0-679-80401-7
Plot Summary
Tomas is the son of farm workers who travel between Iowa and Texas throughout the year. During a season in Iowa, Tomas is allowed to go to the library for the first time. There he befriends the librarian. She brings him books that interest him and helps his love for stories to grow. In return, Tomas teaches the librarian how to speak Spanish. At the end of the story, Tomas has to leave for Texas. He is sad to leave the library, but he has gained a love for reading.
Critical Analysis
TOMAS AND THE LIBRARY LADY is based on the true story of Tomas Rivera, a very prominent man in the literary world. This storybook is a good introduction to both stories based on the truth and examples of different cultures. I for one had no idea that farm workers traveled between states so they could work year round. I thought this was very interesting and shows that adults can still learn from children's books.
TOMAS AND THE LIBRARY LADY also introduces a multilingual family. The story has both English and Spanish words and phrases in the book. This helps children who are a part of a dual language household relate to the story, and it also shows children who are not multilingual what it would be like to switch back and forth from Spanish to English.
Also, the illustrations represent the Spanish culture. The art is rough and scored as if they were painted on something other than paper or canvas. The way the illustrations are drawn makes one think of the beautiful murals on the sides of buildings in Mexico.
Review Excerpts
*An International Reading Association Teachers' Choice
*Winner of the Tomas Rivera Mexican American Children's Book Award
*A Texas Bluebonnet Award Nominee
Connections
For the connections, the library can have pre-made booklets for the children so they can create their own story and share it with their family, just like Tomas. Also, the librarian can teach the children some Spanish words that are associated with the story like the spanish word for "dinosaur" or "tiger" or "library" or "book".
Book Review: ELOISE by Kay Thompson
Bibliography
Thompson, Kay. 1955. ELOISE. Ill. by Hilary Knight. New York: Simon & Schuster. ISBN: 978-0-671-22350-2
Plot Summary
ELOISE shows a busy day in the life of a six year old girl who lives in the Plaza Hotel. From Eloise's point of view, she has her hands full helping those in the Plaza when in fact she is causing trouble for the adults around her.
Critical Analysis
From a child's point of view, ELOISE is a fun story about a very active little girl causing trouble in the Plaza Hotel where she lives. Eloise's dramatic, over the top imagination comes to life in the illustrations as does her shenanigans. Children laugh at Eloise as she make the Plaza's staff unbearable.
From an adult's perspective, one can almost feel sorry for Eloise. She is over the top and flamboyant, but with only a nanny as a friend, Eloise might just be trying to get attention. Her missing parents and lack of discipline also explains Eloise's bad behavior. Eloise also repeats very grown up phrases such as "for Lord's sake" and "charge it please and thank you very much." You almost get a sense of what Eloise's absent mother is like through Eloise's dramatic behavior.
I see this story in two different ways. It is really fun and silly and children will enjoy it. At the same time, I think that this storybook is an example of a children's book aimed at adults. Some of the phrases and quotes that Eloise repeats would go over children's heads.
Review Excerpts
*Many positive editorial reviews from Times, New York Times, Judy Blume, and Susan Sarandon.
Connections
Children can interact with Eloise by repeating many of her favorite quotes such as "charge it please and... (the kids can finish the rest of the sentence) THANK YOU VERY MUCH" or "Oooooooo I absolutely LOVE THE PLAZA" or "me ELOISE." After the story, the children can make their very own Eloise out of construction paper. The librarian cuts out the different parts of the paper doll (yellow strips for the hair, little black skirt and a white shirt for her body, and her mischievous face). The kids then get to help glue Eloise together.
Thompson, Kay. 1955. ELOISE. Ill. by Hilary Knight. New York: Simon & Schuster. ISBN: 978-0-671-22350-2
Plot Summary
ELOISE shows a busy day in the life of a six year old girl who lives in the Plaza Hotel. From Eloise's point of view, she has her hands full helping those in the Plaza when in fact she is causing trouble for the adults around her.
Critical Analysis
From a child's point of view, ELOISE is a fun story about a very active little girl causing trouble in the Plaza Hotel where she lives. Eloise's dramatic, over the top imagination comes to life in the illustrations as does her shenanigans. Children laugh at Eloise as she make the Plaza's staff unbearable.
From an adult's perspective, one can almost feel sorry for Eloise. She is over the top and flamboyant, but with only a nanny as a friend, Eloise might just be trying to get attention. Her missing parents and lack of discipline also explains Eloise's bad behavior. Eloise also repeats very grown up phrases such as "for Lord's sake" and "charge it please and thank you very much." You almost get a sense of what Eloise's absent mother is like through Eloise's dramatic behavior.
I see this story in two different ways. It is really fun and silly and children will enjoy it. At the same time, I think that this storybook is an example of a children's book aimed at adults. Some of the phrases and quotes that Eloise repeats would go over children's heads.
Review Excerpts
*Many positive editorial reviews from Times, New York Times, Judy Blume, and Susan Sarandon.
Connections
Children can interact with Eloise by repeating many of her favorite quotes such as "charge it please and... (the kids can finish the rest of the sentence) THANK YOU VERY MUCH" or "Oooooooo I absolutely LOVE THE PLAZA" or "me ELOISE." After the story, the children can make their very own Eloise out of construction paper. The librarian cuts out the different parts of the paper doll (yellow strips for the hair, little black skirt and a white shirt for her body, and her mischievous face). The kids then get to help glue Eloise together.
Friday, June 7, 2013
Book Review: THIS IS NOT MY HAT by Jon Klassen
Bibliography
Klassen, Jon. 2012. THIS IS NOT MY HAT. Somerville, MA: Candlewick. ISBN: 978-0-7636-5599-0
Plot Summary
THIS IS NOT MY HAT is told from the first person view of a little fish who stole a hat from a much bigger fish. As the little fish narrates his daring escape, the illustrations show the progression of the bigger fish as he gives chase. The end of the story is ambiguous when the big fish enters the little fish's hideout and then emerges alone with his hat back.
Critical Analysis
Although a simple plot, this storybook is filled with tension and excitement. The narration from the little fish contradicts what the illustrations show of the big fish. This adds suspense to the story because the reader knows more than the cocky little fish. For example: "And even if he does notice that it's gone, he probably won't know it was me who took it" (Klassen, 2012). This line is followed by the big fish narrowing his eyes.
The illustrations add to the story just as much as the narration. Without them, the story's ending is completely different. According to the text, the little fish gets away with stealing the hat! In reality, the big fish shows his side of the story through the art and this is what give the story a thrilling atmosphere.
Review Excerpts
*Winner of the Caldecott Medal, 2012
*A Junior Library Guild Selection
Connections
This picture storybook is an excellent example of how to involve children in the storytelling process. After each page, the reader can pause and point out the picture of the big fish and ask what the children think is going to happen next. Also, since the ending is open ended, the children can make assumptions on what happened to the little fish.
As an end of the day activity, children can color their own "stolen" hat. After they have finished coloring, the librarian or parents can help them cut it out and attach a headband to the drawing so the children can where their hat as they leave the library.
Klassen, Jon. 2012. THIS IS NOT MY HAT. Somerville, MA: Candlewick. ISBN: 978-0-7636-5599-0
Plot Summary
THIS IS NOT MY HAT is told from the first person view of a little fish who stole a hat from a much bigger fish. As the little fish narrates his daring escape, the illustrations show the progression of the bigger fish as he gives chase. The end of the story is ambiguous when the big fish enters the little fish's hideout and then emerges alone with his hat back.
Critical Analysis
Although a simple plot, this storybook is filled with tension and excitement. The narration from the little fish contradicts what the illustrations show of the big fish. This adds suspense to the story because the reader knows more than the cocky little fish. For example: "And even if he does notice that it's gone, he probably won't know it was me who took it" (Klassen, 2012). This line is followed by the big fish narrowing his eyes.
The illustrations add to the story just as much as the narration. Without them, the story's ending is completely different. According to the text, the little fish gets away with stealing the hat! In reality, the big fish shows his side of the story through the art and this is what give the story a thrilling atmosphere.
Review Excerpts
*Winner of the Caldecott Medal, 2012
*A Junior Library Guild Selection
Connections
This picture storybook is an excellent example of how to involve children in the storytelling process. After each page, the reader can pause and point out the picture of the big fish and ask what the children think is going to happen next. Also, since the ending is open ended, the children can make assumptions on what happened to the little fish.
As an end of the day activity, children can color their own "stolen" hat. After they have finished coloring, the librarian or parents can help them cut it out and attach a headband to the drawing so the children can where their hat as they leave the library.
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