1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
George, O’Connell Kristine. 2001. TOASTING MARSHMALLOWS. Ill. by Kate Kiesler. New York: Clarion Book. ISBN 061804597-X
2. PLOT SUMMARY
Kristine O’Connell George has designed a poetry book that contains an array of thirty poems that incorporate a camping theme and adventures that include putting a tent up, dressing in your sleeping bag on a cold morning, going fishing, to toasting marshmallows on an open fire. These poems will help readers experience the outdoors and enjoy the peacefulness that nature attracts.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Throughout the poems, George has chosen to use the voice of a little girl to narrate the poems. The sentiment that is expressed through these poems helps the author set the tone of calmness, and tranquility that comes with being in nature. Some of the poems are written in the shape of the poems topic. Some examples are seen in the poems, “Tent and Flashlight.” The text in Tent takes the shape of a triangle, in the poem, “Flashlight, the text is in four circles like you would find shinning in the dark using a flashlight.
Katie Keiser captures each poem’s theme with vivid and soothing acrylic artwork that combined with the text gives the reader a clear understanding of the topic. Keiser uses a variety of colors to set the mood of each poem. Some examples include the poem “Storm.” Keiser uses greens, grays and whites to generate an atmosphere that is conducent to the onset of a rainstorm. Another example is in the poem “Wild Mustard.” Keiser uses bright yellow to entice the reader to use their imagination and put themselves on a hillside surrounded by wild mustards.
4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
Horn Book: “The pleasure and surprises of going camping are conveyed in eighteen brief poems. Familiar camping experiences--including pitching a tent, sleeping in a sleeping bag, and watching a chipmunk--are described, in addition to more unusual experiences like walking through a field of mustard, seeing a moose, and discovering a cave. Richly colored paintings enhance the verses.”
School Library Journal: ." A terrific idyll for summertime sharing, even for confirmed couch potatoes.”-
Kirkus Review: “George deftly describes the satisfying sequence of familiar events in a summer camping experience in this collection of 30 related poems perfectly paired once again with Kiesler's inviting oil paintings.”
5. CONNECTION
Activity: Have room set up like a campsite and students can sit around a fabricated fire and read, “Toasting Marshmallows.” After students have read these two poetry books, have them pair up and create their own poem and illustrate it. Then students can share their poems to the class.
Other book to read:
Ruurs, Margriet. WHEN WE GO CAMPING. ISBN 9780887766855
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Witness
1. BIOGRAPHY
Hesse, Karen. 2001. WITNESS. New York, NY: Scholastic Inc. ISBN 0439271991
2. PLOT SUMMARY
This award winning book takes place in a small town in Vermont in 1924. The town is on the brink of being consumed by the KKK (Ku Klux Klan) and the fear they bring to the community. Many of the citizens choose to join the KKK but others elect to stay neutral. The KKK brings not only fear but they bring racial tension that generates danger and frightening times for all the citizens but especially for two young girls, one black and one Jewish. As the story unfolds the reader will hear eleven characters explain their choices and opinions and the consequences those decisions will elicit.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Hesse has chosen to introduce this book by creating an exhibit of portraits revealing the eleven characters that make up the cast of this story. At first glance, the reader might think this book is written as a play, but with closer examination it is a novel written in a five act series of free verse narrative poems. In each of these narratives, Hesse has chosen to write each verse without the use of capital letters and proper nouns which depicts the simple speech that is used by each character. As the story progresses and the characters voices unfold who they are, the reader will begin experiencing the emotions of hate, love, violence, peace and terror that these characters will convey. The dialect that Hesse uses is often brazen and harsh which unveils the reality and inhumanity of our past history. An example of this is the comment Merlin Van Tornhout expresses about Leanora Sutter; I left school right then
no amount of air will get the smell of her
out of my nose;
the soot of her out of my eyes.
Scattered throughout the story, there are historical references to people and events that help identify the time era. Which include the mentioning of the flapper which was a young woman who wore short skirts, bobbed their hair and showed inappropriate behavior in the 1920’s, Miriam Ferguson who was the 1st female governor of Texas, and the famous Leopold and Loeb kidnapping and murder of Bobby Franks and when Leonora told how she wrote a letter to Helen Keller.
Witness is a compelling story about an era in history that showed a lot of racism and how people dealt with it. The one thing that might hinder kids from reading this on their own is that I found myself referring back to the gallery of pictures in the front, to help me keep everyone straight which made for a little confusion. If students have to continue flipping back to the front they might get bored and put the book down.
4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
Publisher’s Weekly: "Hesse weaves together 11 distinct narrative voices to create a moving account of the Ku Klux Klan's encroachment on a small Vermont town in 1924. Told completely in verse, her quietly powerful novel addresses the inevitable loss of innocence that accompanies the fight for social justice." Ages 9-12. (Mar.) Copyright 2003 Cahners Business Information.
Voice of Youth Advocate: “This lyric work is another fine achievement from one of young adult literature's best authors.”
School Library Journal: “Gr 6 Up-In this remarkable and powerful book, Hesse invites readers to bear witness to the Ku Klux Klan's activities in a small Vermont town in the 1920s.”
Kirkus Review: “What Copeland created with music, and Hopper created with paint, Hesse deftly and unerringly creates with words: the iconography of Americana, carefully researched, beautifully written, and profoundly honest.” (Fiction. 10-14)
5. CONNECTION
Activity: Divide in groups and have students read as a play. Give each person a character to be.
Once students have read Witness have them research the KKK and their ideas to help them understand what they are/were about and if they still exist and are they as strong now as they were then.
Other book to read:
Hesse, Karen. OUT OF THE DUST. ISBN 9780590371254
Hesse, Karen. 2001. WITNESS. New York, NY: Scholastic Inc. ISBN 0439271991
2. PLOT SUMMARY
This award winning book takes place in a small town in Vermont in 1924. The town is on the brink of being consumed by the KKK (Ku Klux Klan) and the fear they bring to the community. Many of the citizens choose to join the KKK but others elect to stay neutral. The KKK brings not only fear but they bring racial tension that generates danger and frightening times for all the citizens but especially for two young girls, one black and one Jewish. As the story unfolds the reader will hear eleven characters explain their choices and opinions and the consequences those decisions will elicit.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Hesse has chosen to introduce this book by creating an exhibit of portraits revealing the eleven characters that make up the cast of this story. At first glance, the reader might think this book is written as a play, but with closer examination it is a novel written in a five act series of free verse narrative poems. In each of these narratives, Hesse has chosen to write each verse without the use of capital letters and proper nouns which depicts the simple speech that is used by each character. As the story progresses and the characters voices unfold who they are, the reader will begin experiencing the emotions of hate, love, violence, peace and terror that these characters will convey. The dialect that Hesse uses is often brazen and harsh which unveils the reality and inhumanity of our past history. An example of this is the comment Merlin Van Tornhout expresses about Leanora Sutter; I left school right then
no amount of air will get the smell of her
out of my nose;
the soot of her out of my eyes.
Scattered throughout the story, there are historical references to people and events that help identify the time era. Which include the mentioning of the flapper which was a young woman who wore short skirts, bobbed their hair and showed inappropriate behavior in the 1920’s, Miriam Ferguson who was the 1st female governor of Texas, and the famous Leopold and Loeb kidnapping and murder of Bobby Franks and when Leonora told how she wrote a letter to Helen Keller.
Witness is a compelling story about an era in history that showed a lot of racism and how people dealt with it. The one thing that might hinder kids from reading this on their own is that I found myself referring back to the gallery of pictures in the front, to help me keep everyone straight which made for a little confusion. If students have to continue flipping back to the front they might get bored and put the book down.
4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
Publisher’s Weekly: "Hesse weaves together 11 distinct narrative voices to create a moving account of the Ku Klux Klan's encroachment on a small Vermont town in 1924. Told completely in verse, her quietly powerful novel addresses the inevitable loss of innocence that accompanies the fight for social justice." Ages 9-12. (Mar.) Copyright 2003 Cahners Business Information.
Voice of Youth Advocate: “This lyric work is another fine achievement from one of young adult literature's best authors.”
School Library Journal: “Gr 6 Up-In this remarkable and powerful book, Hesse invites readers to bear witness to the Ku Klux Klan's activities in a small Vermont town in the 1920s.”
Kirkus Review: “What Copeland created with music, and Hopper created with paint, Hesse deftly and unerringly creates with words: the iconography of Americana, carefully researched, beautifully written, and profoundly honest.” (Fiction. 10-14)
5. CONNECTION
Activity: Divide in groups and have students read as a play. Give each person a character to be.
Once students have read Witness have them research the KKK and their ideas to help them understand what they are/were about and if they still exist and are they as strong now as they were then.
Other book to read:
Hesse, Karen. OUT OF THE DUST. ISBN 9780590371254
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Insectlopedia
1. BIOGRAPHY
Florian, Douglas. 1998. INSECTLOPEDIA. ILL. by Douglas Florian. Orlando, Florida: Harcourt Brace & Company. ISBN 0152013067
2. PLOT SUMMARY
This is a book full of twenty-one short humorous poems and illustrations about spiders and insects which include pupa’s renting a room, inchworms not getting a speeding ticket to ticks not being romant-tic. Each poem presents interesting facts along with silly lines that will spark any reader’s imagination.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Florian has written and illustrated a delightful collection of poetry about insects and spiders. It includes a Table of Content that list all twenty-one titles that are presented in the book which will help the reader navigate throughout. Each poem establishes a vivid image (“I am the dragon fly, The DEMON of skies”) and yields facts about each bug that will spark any reader’s curiosity. The reader will find that Florian uses wordplay, puns, and alliterations (The Crickets: They chirp and cheep for free) to emphasize the different types of bugs. Sometimes the text will take the shape of the bug or the content. Example of this is found with the Whirligig Beetles; the text is in a circular shape to imply swimming in a circle or the Inchworm text gives the image of an inchworm moving little by little. The author shows some personification when “The Crickets, are fiddling and singing.”
Readers will be amused by the illustrations that Florian has painted on brown paper bags with watercolors. These illustrations are done with earth tone colors such as browns, oranges, yellows, greens etc… giving the effect of nature. The pictures are set on the opposite page of the text and placed within a border. The border helps to draw the reader’s attention to the illustrations. Both illustrations and text complement each other and create an image that is both witty and informative. This book will engage any reader and will help teachers use this as an opening to any insect unit.
4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
Publisher’s Weekly: "The silly, imaginative verses about whirligig beetles and water bugs (almost) match the exquisite pictures in playfulness and wit. The result is downright stunning," said PW.
School Library Journal: “These portraits build on the imaginatively integrated realistic and anthropomorphic images created in the text. There are other books of poetry about insects and lots of collections of humorous verses about animals but none match Insectlopedia.”
Kirkus Review: “The watercolor illustrations, abstract and stylized, achieve a comic effect by incorporating collage elements reminiscent of an entomolgist's field notes.”
5. CONNECTION
Activities: Students will split into groups and research an insect or spider. They will create a PowerPoint presentation on their bug. As a group students will create a new type of bug that has all the characteristics of an insect or spider and tell about its habitat, food it eats, what is special about it, etc… Then students will design a model of their new bug and present PowerPoint and model to class.
Other books by author:
Florian, Douglas. LIZARDS, FROGS, AND POLLIWOGS. ISBN 9780152052485
Florian, Douglas. MAMMALABILIA. ISBN9780152021672
Florian, Douglas. 1998. INSECTLOPEDIA. ILL. by Douglas Florian. Orlando, Florida: Harcourt Brace & Company. ISBN 0152013067
2. PLOT SUMMARY
This is a book full of twenty-one short humorous poems and illustrations about spiders and insects which include pupa’s renting a room, inchworms not getting a speeding ticket to ticks not being romant-tic. Each poem presents interesting facts along with silly lines that will spark any reader’s imagination.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Florian has written and illustrated a delightful collection of poetry about insects and spiders. It includes a Table of Content that list all twenty-one titles that are presented in the book which will help the reader navigate throughout. Each poem establishes a vivid image (“I am the dragon fly, The DEMON of skies”) and yields facts about each bug that will spark any reader’s curiosity. The reader will find that Florian uses wordplay, puns, and alliterations (The Crickets: They chirp and cheep for free) to emphasize the different types of bugs. Sometimes the text will take the shape of the bug or the content. Example of this is found with the Whirligig Beetles; the text is in a circular shape to imply swimming in a circle or the Inchworm text gives the image of an inchworm moving little by little. The author shows some personification when “The Crickets, are fiddling and singing.”
Readers will be amused by the illustrations that Florian has painted on brown paper bags with watercolors. These illustrations are done with earth tone colors such as browns, oranges, yellows, greens etc… giving the effect of nature. The pictures are set on the opposite page of the text and placed within a border. The border helps to draw the reader’s attention to the illustrations. Both illustrations and text complement each other and create an image that is both witty and informative. This book will engage any reader and will help teachers use this as an opening to any insect unit.
4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
Publisher’s Weekly: "The silly, imaginative verses about whirligig beetles and water bugs (almost) match the exquisite pictures in playfulness and wit. The result is downright stunning," said PW.
School Library Journal: “These portraits build on the imaginatively integrated realistic and anthropomorphic images created in the text. There are other books of poetry about insects and lots of collections of humorous verses about animals but none match Insectlopedia.”
Kirkus Review: “The watercolor illustrations, abstract and stylized, achieve a comic effect by incorporating collage elements reminiscent of an entomolgist's field notes.”
5. CONNECTION
Activities: Students will split into groups and research an insect or spider. They will create a PowerPoint presentation on their bug. As a group students will create a new type of bug that has all the characteristics of an insect or spider and tell about its habitat, food it eats, what is special about it, etc… Then students will design a model of their new bug and present PowerPoint and model to class.
Other books by author:
Florian, Douglas. LIZARDS, FROGS, AND POLLIWOGS. ISBN 9780152052485
Florian, Douglas. MAMMALABILIA. ISBN9780152021672
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Porch Lies: Tales of Slicksters, Tricksters, and Other Wily Characters
1. BIOGRAPHY
McKissack, Patricia C. 2006. PORCH LIES: TALES OF SLICKSTERS, TRICKSTERS, AND OTHER WILLY CHARACTERS. Ill. By Andre’ Carrilho. New York: Schwartz & Wade Books. ISBN 9780375936197
2. PLOT SUMMARY
This is a collection of ten short stories that reflects the author’s childhood memories of sitting on the front porch with neighbors and friends listening to them tell porch lies. Each story has its own story teller and ranges from being humorous, exaggerated to even bone chilling. These stories include tales about con-artist who win a bet by telling the truth, a mother being conned out of a pie, an old woman out-smarting outlaws, a woman being buried alive, the devil’s guitar, a house full of ghost, a man that died and his soul wasn’t wanted in heaven or below and many other stories that will catch anyone’s attention.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Patricia McKissack has written a brilliant collection of ten short stories from her childhood that has been passed down from generation to generation. These folktales are used to entertain and inform. Each story contains a moral, but the underlying theme is to show that good and honesty will always prevail against evil and deception. While enjoying these stories readers will also experience hints of African American History splattered throughout including concepts dealing with slavery, segregation, and oppression. The Characters are well rounded showing that they are both clever and intelligent. You will find throughout each story that the author has used southern dialect (“You forget yo’self, and “Chile it wasn’t what I did on Sunday, but what I did on Saturday landed me here.”) in every story to help set the tone. Before each story there is an excerpt that introduces who is telling the story and an element of foreshadowing that entices the reader to read on.
Carilho has used black and white illustrations to portray one piece of the text in each story. The illustrations have a cartonnish/somewhat portrait style look that gives the touch of realism to the pictures. The illustrations are nice to look at but they do not make the stories. Due to the fact these stories are good for oral reading; these stories can stand alone with or without the illustrations.
4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
School Library Journal: “These 10 literate stories make for great leisure listening and knowing chuckles.”
Horn Books: “It's a clever idea: McKissack presents ten original trickster stories tailored for children with a child narrator in each one, for immediate and lasting identification.”
Publisher Weekly: “Aunt Gran, slyly telling the James brothers a tale that will convince them to help her, notes, "Some folk believe the story; some don't. You decide for yourself." Readers of these spry tall tales will have a grand time doing just that.”
5. CONNECTION
After students have read these ten stories, have them write their own Porch Lies and share it with the class.
Other book(s) to read:
McKissack, Patricia. THE DARK-THIRTY: SOUTHERN TALES OF THE SUPERNATURAL.
ISBN 9780679890065
McKissack, Patricia C. 2006. PORCH LIES: TALES OF SLICKSTERS, TRICKSTERS, AND OTHER WILLY CHARACTERS. Ill. By Andre’ Carrilho. New York: Schwartz & Wade Books. ISBN 9780375936197
2. PLOT SUMMARY
This is a collection of ten short stories that reflects the author’s childhood memories of sitting on the front porch with neighbors and friends listening to them tell porch lies. Each story has its own story teller and ranges from being humorous, exaggerated to even bone chilling. These stories include tales about con-artist who win a bet by telling the truth, a mother being conned out of a pie, an old woman out-smarting outlaws, a woman being buried alive, the devil’s guitar, a house full of ghost, a man that died and his soul wasn’t wanted in heaven or below and many other stories that will catch anyone’s attention.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Patricia McKissack has written a brilliant collection of ten short stories from her childhood that has been passed down from generation to generation. These folktales are used to entertain and inform. Each story contains a moral, but the underlying theme is to show that good and honesty will always prevail against evil and deception. While enjoying these stories readers will also experience hints of African American History splattered throughout including concepts dealing with slavery, segregation, and oppression. The Characters are well rounded showing that they are both clever and intelligent. You will find throughout each story that the author has used southern dialect (“You forget yo’self, and “Chile it wasn’t what I did on Sunday, but what I did on Saturday landed me here.”) in every story to help set the tone. Before each story there is an excerpt that introduces who is telling the story and an element of foreshadowing that entices the reader to read on.
Carilho has used black and white illustrations to portray one piece of the text in each story. The illustrations have a cartonnish/somewhat portrait style look that gives the touch of realism to the pictures. The illustrations are nice to look at but they do not make the stories. Due to the fact these stories are good for oral reading; these stories can stand alone with or without the illustrations.
4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
School Library Journal: “These 10 literate stories make for great leisure listening and knowing chuckles.”
Horn Books: “It's a clever idea: McKissack presents ten original trickster stories tailored for children with a child narrator in each one, for immediate and lasting identification.”
Publisher Weekly: “Aunt Gran, slyly telling the James brothers a tale that will convince them to help her, notes, "Some folk believe the story; some don't. You decide for yourself." Readers of these spry tall tales will have a grand time doing just that.”
5. CONNECTION
After students have read these ten stories, have them write their own Porch Lies and share it with the class.
Other book(s) to read:
McKissack, Patricia. THE DARK-THIRTY: SOUTHERN TALES OF THE SUPERNATURAL.
ISBN 9780679890065
Sunday, June 15, 2008
The Great Race of the birds and animals
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Goble, Paul. 1985. THE GREAT RACE OF THE BIRDS AND ANIMALS. New York, NY: Aladdin Books. ISBN 0689714521
2. PLOT SUMMARY
This is a myth that has been told by the Cheynne and Sioux people about a Great Race that took place between the two-legged and four legged animals. In the beginning the buffalo were devouring people and the creator saw that the people were distressed. The creator decides to hold a race that will determine who will have dominion and be the guardian of all creatures. With the help of a magpie, man wins the race.
3. CRITICAL ANAYLSIS
This story is a myth retold by the Cheyenne and Sioux people. The primary theme is to explain how people became guadians of the buffalo and other animals. The backdrop is set on the central plains. The conflict between the antagonist (buffalo) and the protagonist (humans) develop quickly and early in the beginning along with how the dispute will be solved. This story does evolve but tends to do it slowly. There is the element of personification through the animals. They have the ability to choose sides, make plans and talk. The paragraph length and text are simple enough to keep the attention of most young children. Some younger readers might be disturbed by the beginning when it talks about buffalo eating people.
Throughout the book , Paul Goble’s folk-art paintings enhance the stories theme. The warm and vivid reds, yellows, oranges and green colors that are used within the illustrations correlate with the southwestern tone. The one draw back for some younger children may be the beginning pictures that show the buffalo attacking people. This may be a little disturbing for younger readers.
4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
Publisher’s Weekly: “Caldecott Medalist Goble's captivating retelling of this Cheyenne and Sioux myth is enhanced by his characteristically vivid folk-art paintings.” Ages 5-8.
5. CONNECTIONS
Activity to use: Split students into small groups and give each group a Native American Myth to read. After students have read their myth have them work together to create a skit about the myth. Students will then present their skit to the class.
Other Stories:
Goble, Paul. BUFFALO WOMAN. ISBN 978068911091
Goble, Paul. THE LOST CHILDREN: THE BOYS WHO WERE NEGLECTED. ISBN 9780689819995
Goble, Paul. DREAM WOLF. ISBN 9780689815065
Goble, Paul. 1985. THE GREAT RACE OF THE BIRDS AND ANIMALS. New York, NY: Aladdin Books. ISBN 0689714521
2. PLOT SUMMARY
This is a myth that has been told by the Cheynne and Sioux people about a Great Race that took place between the two-legged and four legged animals. In the beginning the buffalo were devouring people and the creator saw that the people were distressed. The creator decides to hold a race that will determine who will have dominion and be the guardian of all creatures. With the help of a magpie, man wins the race.
3. CRITICAL ANAYLSIS
This story is a myth retold by the Cheyenne and Sioux people. The primary theme is to explain how people became guadians of the buffalo and other animals. The backdrop is set on the central plains. The conflict between the antagonist (buffalo) and the protagonist (humans) develop quickly and early in the beginning along with how the dispute will be solved. This story does evolve but tends to do it slowly. There is the element of personification through the animals. They have the ability to choose sides, make plans and talk. The paragraph length and text are simple enough to keep the attention of most young children. Some younger readers might be disturbed by the beginning when it talks about buffalo eating people.
Throughout the book , Paul Goble’s folk-art paintings enhance the stories theme. The warm and vivid reds, yellows, oranges and green colors that are used within the illustrations correlate with the southwestern tone. The one draw back for some younger children may be the beginning pictures that show the buffalo attacking people. This may be a little disturbing for younger readers.
4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
Publisher’s Weekly: “Caldecott Medalist Goble's captivating retelling of this Cheyenne and Sioux myth is enhanced by his characteristically vivid folk-art paintings.” Ages 5-8.
5. CONNECTIONS
Activity to use: Split students into small groups and give each group a Native American Myth to read. After students have read their myth have them work together to create a skit about the myth. Students will then present their skit to the class.
Other Stories:
Goble, Paul. BUFFALO WOMAN. ISBN 978068911091
Goble, Paul. THE LOST CHILDREN: THE BOYS WHO WERE NEGLECTED. ISBN 9780689819995
Goble, Paul. DREAM WOLF. ISBN 9780689815065
Bubba and the Cowboy Prince
1. BIOGRAGPHY
Ketteman, Helen. 1997. BUBBA THE COWBOY PRINCE. Ill. By James Warhola. New York, NY: Scholastic Press. ISBN 0590255061
2. PLOT SUMMARY
Bubba the Cowboy Prince is a high fantasy story that puts a twist on the classic Cinderella tale. Bubba is a cowboy that lives with his stepdad and two step brothers that overwork him but he never complains because he loves ranching. When Miz Lurleen down the road decides she needs a companion, she decides to hold a ball for all eligible ranchers. Bubba’s stepbrothers and dad laughs at Bubba and won’t allow him to attend the ball. Then Bubba’s luck changes when his Fairy Godcow comes to help him. Bubba attends the ball, loses his boot and the search begins for Miz Lurleen’s mysterious cowboy. In the end good prevails over evil and Bubba and Miz Lurleen live happily ever after.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Helen Ketteman has created a fanciful story that has all the elements of a Cinderella story except that the backdrop for this story is on a ranch. Keteman uses dialect all through the story that depicts a strong southern brogue. This brogue creates a humorous tone that is evident within the text by using phrases such as, “Git them doggies,” “She was the purtiest.”There are also Idiomatic phrases sprinkled throughout the story such as “cute as a cow’s ear, gussied up, turned fourteen shades of red.” These phrases bring the realism of the story to life and could spring interesting discussions. The plot clearly is developed with progression which helps set up the climax and then the resolution. Although there are differences within this story and Cinderella, the end is predictable enough that anyone who has heard Cinderella will know the outcome before it happens. Due to the cowboy theme of the book, both genders will appreciate it and enjoy it for years to come.
The Illustrations in Bubba the Cowboy Prince is what makes the book enticing. The pictures on each page are brilliantly drawn and has the element of magic intertwined which enhances the text throughout. Warhola has captivated the attributes of Texas with scenes that include cactus, wagons, prairies, longhorn cattle, and ranch life. Although the pictures show realism they have a comical side that helps connect both story and illustrations therefore creating a book that will hook its audience.
4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
Booklist: “Ketteman wisely leaves the plot unchanged, but the story has a distinct western flair and a humorous tall-tale feel that is greatly enhanced by the exaggerated actions and facial expressions of the characters in Warhola's double-page-spread oil paintings.”
Publisher’s Weekly: “While spoofing Cinderella is not a new idea, Ketteman and Warhola's (Aunt Hilarity's Bustle) well-matched flair for hyperbole gives both the narrative and illustrations a one-two punch. Just the ticket for buckaroos lookin' fer a good read. Ages 5-8.” (Nov.)
5. CONNECTIONS
Read other Cinderella stories and compare them by using a Venn diagram. Work in small groups and create a short story that has the Cinderella elements in them with new characters.
Discuss what Idiomatic phrases are and have students find them throughout the story. Break in small groups and brainstorm other Idiomatic phrases.
Other books to read that are related:
Lowell, Susan. CINDY ELLEN. ISBN 9780064438643
Cole, Babette. PRINCE CINDER. ISBN 9780698115545
Ketteman, Helen. 1997. BUBBA THE COWBOY PRINCE. Ill. By James Warhola. New York, NY: Scholastic Press. ISBN 0590255061
2. PLOT SUMMARY
Bubba the Cowboy Prince is a high fantasy story that puts a twist on the classic Cinderella tale. Bubba is a cowboy that lives with his stepdad and two step brothers that overwork him but he never complains because he loves ranching. When Miz Lurleen down the road decides she needs a companion, she decides to hold a ball for all eligible ranchers. Bubba’s stepbrothers and dad laughs at Bubba and won’t allow him to attend the ball. Then Bubba’s luck changes when his Fairy Godcow comes to help him. Bubba attends the ball, loses his boot and the search begins for Miz Lurleen’s mysterious cowboy. In the end good prevails over evil and Bubba and Miz Lurleen live happily ever after.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Helen Ketteman has created a fanciful story that has all the elements of a Cinderella story except that the backdrop for this story is on a ranch. Keteman uses dialect all through the story that depicts a strong southern brogue. This brogue creates a humorous tone that is evident within the text by using phrases such as, “Git them doggies,” “She was the purtiest.”There are also Idiomatic phrases sprinkled throughout the story such as “cute as a cow’s ear, gussied up, turned fourteen shades of red.” These phrases bring the realism of the story to life and could spring interesting discussions. The plot clearly is developed with progression which helps set up the climax and then the resolution. Although there are differences within this story and Cinderella, the end is predictable enough that anyone who has heard Cinderella will know the outcome before it happens. Due to the cowboy theme of the book, both genders will appreciate it and enjoy it for years to come.
The Illustrations in Bubba the Cowboy Prince is what makes the book enticing. The pictures on each page are brilliantly drawn and has the element of magic intertwined which enhances the text throughout. Warhola has captivated the attributes of Texas with scenes that include cactus, wagons, prairies, longhorn cattle, and ranch life. Although the pictures show realism they have a comical side that helps connect both story and illustrations therefore creating a book that will hook its audience.
4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
Booklist: “Ketteman wisely leaves the plot unchanged, but the story has a distinct western flair and a humorous tall-tale feel that is greatly enhanced by the exaggerated actions and facial expressions of the characters in Warhola's double-page-spread oil paintings.”
Publisher’s Weekly: “While spoofing Cinderella is not a new idea, Ketteman and Warhola's (Aunt Hilarity's Bustle) well-matched flair for hyperbole gives both the narrative and illustrations a one-two punch. Just the ticket for buckaroos lookin' fer a good read. Ages 5-8.” (Nov.)
5. CONNECTIONS
Read other Cinderella stories and compare them by using a Venn diagram. Work in small groups and create a short story that has the Cinderella elements in them with new characters.
Discuss what Idiomatic phrases are and have students find them throughout the story. Break in small groups and brainstorm other Idiomatic phrases.
Other books to read that are related:
Lowell, Susan. CINDY ELLEN. ISBN 9780064438643
Cole, Babette. PRINCE CINDER. ISBN 9780698115545
Sunday, June 8, 2008
The Hello, Goodbye Window
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Juster, Norton. 2005. THE HELLO, GOODBYE WINDOW. Ill. By Chris Raschka. Michael Di Capua Books. ISBN 9780786809141.
2. PLOT SUMMARY
A heartwarming story about a little girl’s visit to her Nanna’s and Poppy’s house. In this house there is a special window she calls the “ Hello, Goodbye Window.” This window is where the little girl always goes when she arrives and when she leaves. Throughout the story the window is the focal point of the little girl’s wonderful experiences while visiting her grandparent’s.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
In this Caldecott winner book, the author has created a sentimental story about a little girl’s visit to her granparent’s house. Juster has incorporated simple text throughout the story to give the realism of a child narrator. While conversing from her point of view, the little girl describes how she enjoys listening to her Poppy play the harmonica, looking at the stars at night, cooking with Poppy, and Poppy chasing her with the water hose. The diction that the author has chosen to use to describe these activites clearly generates an imagery in each reader that will be sure to extract their own family memories.
The illustrations and text complement each other and create a story that flows smoothly. The illustrator has depicted a mixed-race family that shows gentleness and is very loving toward one another. The illustrations throughout the story are bright and colorful and will catch the attention of any young child. Each picture gives the feel of childlike creation and helps bring them into perspective of the overall theme.
This is a great way to introduce a unit on family. It will be a great asset to any library collection.
4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
School Library Journal: “Perfect for lap-sharing, this book will find favor with children and adults alike.-“
Publisher Weekly: “Juster (The Phantom Tollbooth) crafts a cozy portrait of a grandchild and her grandparents in this endearing book, illustrated in paintbox colors by Raschka (Be Boy Buzz).”
Horn Book Magazine: “The familial love that is Juster's subtext finds overt expression, spectacularly, in Raschka's illustrations -- lush mixed-media creations saturated in watercolor and pastel crayon and set off perfectly by white space.”
5. CONNECTIONS
Activity with this book could include students making a scrap book. Students can bring in photos of different places, activities, etc…. that they have done with their family and create a small scrap book.
Other book that could be used:
Hooks, Bell. HOMEMADE LOVE. ISBN 9780786806430
Juster, Norton. 2005. THE HELLO, GOODBYE WINDOW. Ill. By Chris Raschka. Michael Di Capua Books. ISBN 9780786809141.
2. PLOT SUMMARY
A heartwarming story about a little girl’s visit to her Nanna’s and Poppy’s house. In this house there is a special window she calls the “ Hello, Goodbye Window.” This window is where the little girl always goes when she arrives and when she leaves. Throughout the story the window is the focal point of the little girl’s wonderful experiences while visiting her grandparent’s.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
In this Caldecott winner book, the author has created a sentimental story about a little girl’s visit to her granparent’s house. Juster has incorporated simple text throughout the story to give the realism of a child narrator. While conversing from her point of view, the little girl describes how she enjoys listening to her Poppy play the harmonica, looking at the stars at night, cooking with Poppy, and Poppy chasing her with the water hose. The diction that the author has chosen to use to describe these activites clearly generates an imagery in each reader that will be sure to extract their own family memories.
The illustrations and text complement each other and create a story that flows smoothly. The illustrator has depicted a mixed-race family that shows gentleness and is very loving toward one another. The illustrations throughout the story are bright and colorful and will catch the attention of any young child. Each picture gives the feel of childlike creation and helps bring them into perspective of the overall theme.
This is a great way to introduce a unit on family. It will be a great asset to any library collection.
4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
School Library Journal: “Perfect for lap-sharing, this book will find favor with children and adults alike.-“
Publisher Weekly: “Juster (The Phantom Tollbooth) crafts a cozy portrait of a grandchild and her grandparents in this endearing book, illustrated in paintbox colors by Raschka (Be Boy Buzz).”
Horn Book Magazine: “The familial love that is Juster's subtext finds overt expression, spectacularly, in Raschka's illustrations -- lush mixed-media creations saturated in watercolor and pastel crayon and set off perfectly by white space.”
5. CONNECTIONS
Activity with this book could include students making a scrap book. Students can bring in photos of different places, activities, etc…. that they have done with their family and create a small scrap book.
Other book that could be used:
Hooks, Bell. HOMEMADE LOVE. ISBN 9780786806430
Saturday, June 7, 2008
A Caldecott Celebration: Six Artists and Their Paths to the Caldecott Medal
1. BIBILIOGRAPHY
Marcus, Leonard S. 1998. CALDECOTT CELEBRATION. New York: Walker and Company.
ISBN 0802786588.
2. PLOT SUMMARY
The Caldecott Award has been given for the best children’s picture book since 1938. In this book, “Caldecott Celebration,” it looks at the life and careers of six Caldecott Winners that have provided us with stories that will be a part of our society for years to come. Marcus chose these six Caldecott Winners from different stages in American history. Each profile offering a glimpse in to how the individual winners began their career up to their first Caldecott Award. These winners include Robert McCloskey (Make Way for Duckling, 1942), Marcia Brown (Cinderella, 1955), Maurice Sendak (Where the Wild Things Are, 1964), William Steig (Sylvester and the Magic Pebble, 1970), Chris Van Allsberg (Jumanji, 1982), and David Wiesner (Tuesday).
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This book is for anyone who loves to read and wants to learn more about
authors or for anyone who has ever thought about writing a children’s picture book.
This book gives insight into what it takes to become a writer for children’s books.
Marcus lures you down a historical path which gives the reader a peek into the personal triumphs
of six Caldecott Winners. It also allows the reader to experience the process that a writer is
involved in when writing a book. This book also has tones of humor and draws on personal
experiences of the authors. An example of this is when Marcus explains how Van Allsburg
couldn’t find pictures of monkeys posing the way he wanted, so he had his wife pose and
he drew what he needed from her. This book also contains a glossary of terms that will help
readers discern the meanings of terms they might not understand.
The illustrations that are presented in “Caldecott Celebration” depict the author’s dummy
versions, sketches, clay models and photographs along with the final outcome. These
illustrations allow the reader to understand the progression and thought process of the author
as they create their final projects.
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
Publishers Weekly: “Filled with witty anecdotes and pithy observations, Marcus's (Dear Genius: The Letters of Ursula Nordstrom) approach to examining the works of six Caldecott Medalists will be of as much interest to adults as to picture book readers.”
Booklist: “A lively, informative introduction to each book and its maker. A beautifully made book, this will serve as a fine resource for children interested in illustration and for teachers researching author/ illustrator studies.”
5. CONNECTIONS
Other books written by Leonard Marcus:
Marcus, Leonard. MINDERS OF MAKE-BELIEVE: IDEALISTS, ENTREPRENEURS, AND THE SHAPING OF AMERICANCHILDREN’S LETERATURE. ISBN 9780395674079.Marcus, Leonard. A CALDECOTT CELEBRATION: SEVEN ARTISTS AND THEIR PATHS TO THE CALDECOTT MEDAL. ISBN 9780802797032
Marcus, Leonard S. 1998. CALDECOTT CELEBRATION. New York: Walker and Company.
ISBN 0802786588.
2. PLOT SUMMARY
The Caldecott Award has been given for the best children’s picture book since 1938. In this book, “Caldecott Celebration,” it looks at the life and careers of six Caldecott Winners that have provided us with stories that will be a part of our society for years to come. Marcus chose these six Caldecott Winners from different stages in American history. Each profile offering a glimpse in to how the individual winners began their career up to their first Caldecott Award. These winners include Robert McCloskey (Make Way for Duckling, 1942), Marcia Brown (Cinderella, 1955), Maurice Sendak (Where the Wild Things Are, 1964), William Steig (Sylvester and the Magic Pebble, 1970), Chris Van Allsberg (Jumanji, 1982), and David Wiesner (Tuesday).
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This book is for anyone who loves to read and wants to learn more about
authors or for anyone who has ever thought about writing a children’s picture book.
This book gives insight into what it takes to become a writer for children’s books.
Marcus lures you down a historical path which gives the reader a peek into the personal triumphs
of six Caldecott Winners. It also allows the reader to experience the process that a writer is
involved in when writing a book. This book also has tones of humor and draws on personal
experiences of the authors. An example of this is when Marcus explains how Van Allsburg
couldn’t find pictures of monkeys posing the way he wanted, so he had his wife pose and
he drew what he needed from her. This book also contains a glossary of terms that will help
readers discern the meanings of terms they might not understand.
The illustrations that are presented in “Caldecott Celebration” depict the author’s dummy
versions, sketches, clay models and photographs along with the final outcome. These
illustrations allow the reader to understand the progression and thought process of the author
as they create their final projects.
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
Publishers Weekly: “Filled with witty anecdotes and pithy observations, Marcus's (Dear Genius: The Letters of Ursula Nordstrom) approach to examining the works of six Caldecott Medalists will be of as much interest to adults as to picture book readers.”
Booklist: “A lively, informative introduction to each book and its maker. A beautifully made book, this will serve as a fine resource for children interested in illustration and for teachers researching author/ illustrator studies.”
5. CONNECTIONS
Other books written by Leonard Marcus:
Marcus, Leonard. MINDERS OF MAKE-BELIEVE: IDEALISTS, ENTREPRENEURS, AND THE SHAPING OF AMERICANCHILDREN’S LETERATURE. ISBN 9780395674079.Marcus, Leonard. A CALDECOTT CELEBRATION: SEVEN ARTISTS AND THEIR PATHS TO THE CALDECOTT MEDAL. ISBN 9780802797032
Moses: When Harriet Tubman Led Her People to Freedom
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Weatherford, Carole Bost. 2006. Moses: When Harriet Tubman Led Her People to Freedom. Ill. By Kadir Nelson. New York, New York: Jump At the Sun and Hyperion Books for Children. ISBN 9780786851751.
2. PLOT SUMMARY
In this book about courage and faith, Carole Weatherford captures the dangerous and soul searching journey that Harriet Tubman makes while making a long and difficult escape from slavery and brutality into the world of freedom. The freedom that Harriet will experience will bring her destiny full circle when she chooses to lead other slaves to freedom through the Underground Railway network thus earning her the title of “Moses.”
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
In the book “Moses: When Harriet Tubman Led Her People to Freedom,” Carole Weatherford’s writing is creatively done by using dialect that portrays the language used back in the days of slavery. The sentence structures and words are cleverly done to give the illusion of floating and swirling words throughout the text which will entice even reluctant readers to read. The story is written with religious tones that help create the conflict between Harriet Tubman’s inner self and courage to persevere and God’s soft words of encouragement. There is a powerful sense of emotions carried throughout the text. Readers will be able to relate to the emotions of sadness, despair, uncertainty, courage, hope and triumph. This story does offer insight into the harshness and brutality of slavery and will raise questions in younger children.
Kadir Nelson has successfully created illustrations that show clear and vivid images that generate a powerful connection between text and pictures. The dark colors that are used when Harriet is escaping and experiencing difficult times and despair are wonderfully used to set the mood of the pages. The bright colors that are used set a state of mind that portrays happiness, courage and the will to keep going.
This is a great book to introduce the concept of slavery and what it means to be persistent. This is a powerful book that will open discussions and debates with students young and old.
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
Horn Book: “The interaction between these narratives voices make clear that it was Tubman’s strong faith that sustained her on the freedom journey so dramatically evoked in Nelson’s richly atmospheric nightscapes.”
School Library Journal: “The words and pictures create a potent sense of the harsh life of slavery, the fearsome escape, and one woman’s unwavering belief in God.”
Booklists: “Weatherford’s handsome picture book about Harriet Tubman focuses mostly on Tubman’s religious inspiration, with echoes of spiritual ringing throughout the spare poetry about her struggle.”
5. CONNECTIONS
An extension activity for students would be to have them locate and color the southern states and northern states different colors to identify them. Then students can research and label their maps according to slave states and the states that were part of the Underground Railway network. Then have them research routes that might have been taken by slaves and label that on their maps.
Other books to read on slavery:
Levine, Ellen. Henry’s Freedom Box. ISBN 9780439777339
Hopkinson, Deborah. Sweet Clara and the Freedom Quilt. ISBN 9780679823117
Weatherford, Carole Bost. 2006. Moses: When Harriet Tubman Led Her People to Freedom. Ill. By Kadir Nelson. New York, New York: Jump At the Sun and Hyperion Books for Children. ISBN 9780786851751.
2. PLOT SUMMARY
In this book about courage and faith, Carole Weatherford captures the dangerous and soul searching journey that Harriet Tubman makes while making a long and difficult escape from slavery and brutality into the world of freedom. The freedom that Harriet will experience will bring her destiny full circle when she chooses to lead other slaves to freedom through the Underground Railway network thus earning her the title of “Moses.”
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
In the book “Moses: When Harriet Tubman Led Her People to Freedom,” Carole Weatherford’s writing is creatively done by using dialect that portrays the language used back in the days of slavery. The sentence structures and words are cleverly done to give the illusion of floating and swirling words throughout the text which will entice even reluctant readers to read. The story is written with religious tones that help create the conflict between Harriet Tubman’s inner self and courage to persevere and God’s soft words of encouragement. There is a powerful sense of emotions carried throughout the text. Readers will be able to relate to the emotions of sadness, despair, uncertainty, courage, hope and triumph. This story does offer insight into the harshness and brutality of slavery and will raise questions in younger children.
Kadir Nelson has successfully created illustrations that show clear and vivid images that generate a powerful connection between text and pictures. The dark colors that are used when Harriet is escaping and experiencing difficult times and despair are wonderfully used to set the mood of the pages. The bright colors that are used set a state of mind that portrays happiness, courage and the will to keep going.
This is a great book to introduce the concept of slavery and what it means to be persistent. This is a powerful book that will open discussions and debates with students young and old.
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
Horn Book: “The interaction between these narratives voices make clear that it was Tubman’s strong faith that sustained her on the freedom journey so dramatically evoked in Nelson’s richly atmospheric nightscapes.”
School Library Journal: “The words and pictures create a potent sense of the harsh life of slavery, the fearsome escape, and one woman’s unwavering belief in God.”
Booklists: “Weatherford’s handsome picture book about Harriet Tubman focuses mostly on Tubman’s religious inspiration, with echoes of spiritual ringing throughout the spare poetry about her struggle.”
5. CONNECTIONS
An extension activity for students would be to have them locate and color the southern states and northern states different colors to identify them. Then students can research and label their maps according to slave states and the states that were part of the Underground Railway network. Then have them research routes that might have been taken by slaves and label that on their maps.
Other books to read on slavery:
Levine, Ellen. Henry’s Freedom Box. ISBN 9780439777339
Hopkinson, Deborah. Sweet Clara and the Freedom Quilt. ISBN 9780679823117
Friday, June 6, 2008
Welcome
The following book reviews are part of the LS5603 Literature for Children and Young Adults class assignment.
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