Saturday, August 2, 2008
SPIDERWICK CHRONICLES: THE FIELD GUIDE
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Black, Holly & Tony DiTerlizzi. 2003. The Spiderwick Chronicles: The Field Guide. New York, NY: Simon & Schuster Books. ISBN: 068959368
2. PLOT SUMMARY
Things have gone from bad to worse for nine year old Jared. Dad has left home, mom has moved the family to a dilapidated old shackled house, mysterious happenings are going on, and Jared seems to always get the blame. With his twin brother Simon and his thirteen year old sister Mallory, the three set out to uncover bizarre and inexplicable events. Jared’s curiosity leads him to discover a distant relative, Arthur Spiderwick’s, Field Guide to the Fantastical World Around You leather bound book. This big book is full of information about fairies and other creatures. As Jared begins to explore the book Thimbletack, a brownie, warns him, “Throw the book away, toss it in the fire. If you do not heed, you will draw their ire.” The trouble is he did not heed the brownie’s instructions.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Holly Black and Tony DiTerlizzi have written a five part fantasy series called The Spiderwick Chronicles that as my daughter stated, “It's a book beyond excellent; one of the best I’ve ever read!” I too was immediately captured by this first book called The Field Guide. The authors start the book off by explaining how a mysterious letter reached their hands at a book signing and from that day on they have been plunged into an invisible world that they never quite believed in, yet have had to work dangerously, fending off angry fairies and goblins to bring these books to their readers. Next, you read a copy of the letter sent to Black and DiTerlizzi from Jared, Simon, and Mallory Grace asking if they would please give the letter to their publishers. It sets the stage of believability as the story ensues. As you read the chronicle you are captured by the lives of the characters. Jared, who is nine years old, is struggling with self worth issues and the divorce of his parents. Simon, his twin brother, has a deep fascination and love for animals. Mallory, their 13 year old sister, is hoping to one day be an Olympic fencer. Each character has qualities that children can associate with and understand. Together the three Grace children face mysterious poetic rhymes and riddles they must solve. One key riddle said, “In a man’s torso you will find, my secret to all mankind.” Jared uncovers the mystery of this riddle and finds the Field Guide that was left behind by their great-great uncle, Arthur Spiderwick. Warned by a creature to throw the book away, the children must decide whether to open it up and uncover an invisible world that is unimaginable to them. As the book ends Mallory utters, “And all these entries…all these things are real? Jared, that’s a lot of real.” Leaving me, the reader, begging for more! In my good fortune they have already written all five books otherwise I don’t believe I could have stood the torture of waiting for more.
The illustrations scattered throughout the book offer glimpses into the world of the Grace children. There are pencil portraits of each child, their mother, creatures, and places in the house. The book also offers a map of the Spiderwick Estate and surrounding areas, a color photocopy of a handwritten note, and pictures of two new characters that will be introduced in book two.
The Spiderwick Chronicles are a must read for anyone who has a love for entering a mystical world full of dangers and mystical creatures that actually might just live in and among us.
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
A Children’s Book-Of-The-Month Club Featured Selection
Kirkus Review: Cleverly marketed as too dangerous to read, handsomely designed, and extravagantly illustrated this packs quite a punch.
Publishers Weekly: Appealing characters, well-measured suspense and an inviting package will lure readers on.
School Library Journal: …the fast, movie like pace will grab young readers.
5. CONNECTIONS
*Have students illustrate a fairy creature of their own and then describe the nature, personality, attributes, and mischief of their creature.
*Search the Spiderwick Website for related activities and games such as the Spiderwick Trivia game located at: http://www.spiderwick.com/
*Before reading book two ask the students to predict what will happen to the Grace children as they discover mysteries of the book.
Other books in this series:
Black, Holly & Tony DiTerlizzi. The Seeing Stone. ISBN 0689859376
Black, Holly & Tony DiTerlizzi. Lucinda’s Secret. ISNB 0689859384
Black, Holly & Tony DiTerlizzi. The Ironwood Tree. ISBN 0689859392
Black, Holly & Tony DiTerlizzi. The Wrath of Mulgarath. ISBN 0689859406
Also available in Audio format:
Black, Holly, Tony Diterlizzi, & Mark Hamill. The Spiderwick Chronicles Box Set: Book 1: The Field Guide; book 2: The Seeing Stone; Book 3: Lucinda’s Secret; Book 4: The Ironwood Tree; Book 5: The Wrath of Mulgarath. Unabridged Audio book. Listening Library, New York. ISBN: 0739356151
Black, Holly & Tony DiTerlizzi. 2003. The Spiderwick Chronicles: The Field Guide. New York, NY: Simon & Schuster Books. ISBN: 068959368
2. PLOT SUMMARY
Things have gone from bad to worse for nine year old Jared. Dad has left home, mom has moved the family to a dilapidated old shackled house, mysterious happenings are going on, and Jared seems to always get the blame. With his twin brother Simon and his thirteen year old sister Mallory, the three set out to uncover bizarre and inexplicable events. Jared’s curiosity leads him to discover a distant relative, Arthur Spiderwick’s, Field Guide to the Fantastical World Around You leather bound book. This big book is full of information about fairies and other creatures. As Jared begins to explore the book Thimbletack, a brownie, warns him, “Throw the book away, toss it in the fire. If you do not heed, you will draw their ire.” The trouble is he did not heed the brownie’s instructions.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Holly Black and Tony DiTerlizzi have written a five part fantasy series called The Spiderwick Chronicles that as my daughter stated, “It's a book beyond excellent; one of the best I’ve ever read!” I too was immediately captured by this first book called The Field Guide. The authors start the book off by explaining how a mysterious letter reached their hands at a book signing and from that day on they have been plunged into an invisible world that they never quite believed in, yet have had to work dangerously, fending off angry fairies and goblins to bring these books to their readers. Next, you read a copy of the letter sent to Black and DiTerlizzi from Jared, Simon, and Mallory Grace asking if they would please give the letter to their publishers. It sets the stage of believability as the story ensues. As you read the chronicle you are captured by the lives of the characters. Jared, who is nine years old, is struggling with self worth issues and the divorce of his parents. Simon, his twin brother, has a deep fascination and love for animals. Mallory, their 13 year old sister, is hoping to one day be an Olympic fencer. Each character has qualities that children can associate with and understand. Together the three Grace children face mysterious poetic rhymes and riddles they must solve. One key riddle said, “In a man’s torso you will find, my secret to all mankind.” Jared uncovers the mystery of this riddle and finds the Field Guide that was left behind by their great-great uncle, Arthur Spiderwick. Warned by a creature to throw the book away, the children must decide whether to open it up and uncover an invisible world that is unimaginable to them. As the book ends Mallory utters, “And all these entries…all these things are real? Jared, that’s a lot of real.” Leaving me, the reader, begging for more! In my good fortune they have already written all five books otherwise I don’t believe I could have stood the torture of waiting for more.
The illustrations scattered throughout the book offer glimpses into the world of the Grace children. There are pencil portraits of each child, their mother, creatures, and places in the house. The book also offers a map of the Spiderwick Estate and surrounding areas, a color photocopy of a handwritten note, and pictures of two new characters that will be introduced in book two.
The Spiderwick Chronicles are a must read for anyone who has a love for entering a mystical world full of dangers and mystical creatures that actually might just live in and among us.
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
A Children’s Book-Of-The-Month Club Featured Selection
Kirkus Review: Cleverly marketed as too dangerous to read, handsomely designed, and extravagantly illustrated this packs quite a punch.
Publishers Weekly: Appealing characters, well-measured suspense and an inviting package will lure readers on.
School Library Journal: …the fast, movie like pace will grab young readers.
5. CONNECTIONS
*Have students illustrate a fairy creature of their own and then describe the nature, personality, attributes, and mischief of their creature.
*Search the Spiderwick Website for related activities and games such as the Spiderwick Trivia game located at: http://www.spiderwick.com/
*Before reading book two ask the students to predict what will happen to the Grace children as they discover mysteries of the book.
Other books in this series:
Black, Holly & Tony DiTerlizzi. The Seeing Stone. ISBN 0689859376
Black, Holly & Tony DiTerlizzi. Lucinda’s Secret. ISNB 0689859384
Black, Holly & Tony DiTerlizzi. The Ironwood Tree. ISBN 0689859392
Black, Holly & Tony DiTerlizzi. The Wrath of Mulgarath. ISBN 0689859406
Also available in Audio format:
Black, Holly, Tony Diterlizzi, & Mark Hamill. The Spiderwick Chronicles Box Set: Book 1: The Field Guide; book 2: The Seeing Stone; Book 3: Lucinda’s Secret; Book 4: The Ironwood Tree; Book 5: The Wrath of Mulgarath. Unabridged Audio book. Listening Library, New York. ISBN: 0739356151
THE TALE OF DESPEREAUX
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
DiCamillo, Kate, and Graeme Malcolm. 2005. The Tale of Despereaux. Unabridged Audio. New York, NY: Random House Listening Library. ISBN: 1400099137
2. PLOT SUMMARY
Despereaux, an unlikely hero, is betrayed by his brother and father and sent to die in the rat filled dungeon. In this dark stench dungeon, he sets out on a quest to save the Princess Pea. She has been taken captive by a rat, Roscuro, and a servant girl, Miggery Sow who desire to fulfill divine comeuppance. Despereaux sets out to do the impossible; he faces the grave dangers of the dungeon to rescue his fair lady with a spool of red thread, a needle, and love.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Kate DiCamillo has written a fantasy Newbery Medal book the mixes together ingredients that will stir your soul. She was able to spin this tale in a way that you forget that the hero or protagonist, is a mouse. The book is divided into four books each book elaborating on a character and settings to spin the tale and weave it together. The first book is about Despereaux, how unthinkably different and disappointing he is to his family and what love does to his heart. Book two introduces us to Chiaroscuro or Roscuro the rat. Roscuro has been groomed for dismay, darkness, and torturous gloom but when a spark of light enters his soul he is forever changed. Book three is the tale of Miggery Sow. This poor girl, named after her father’s prized pig, is traded into slavery by her father for a handful of cigarettes, a red tablecloth, and a hen. Her greatest desire is to become a princess although what Miggery Sow wanted was of no concern to anyone. Book four wraps up each story. Princess Pea’s character was intertwined in each book and now the ultimate solution to each characters problem is solved to a degree together.
Illustrator, Timothy Basil Ering has sketched pencil drawings of the characters throughout the book. Each illustration offers a glimpse into the lives and personalities of the characters. The pictures capture moments in the book that add to the drama of the story and allows the reader to picture and envision the characters which I enjoyed and appreciated.
The narrator, Graeme Malcolm, has an eloquent dialect to his voice. The sound quality is superb. The audio book uses music that adds drama at the beginning and end of the story. Malcolm uses distinct voice to reflect each character. I especially enjoyed the French accent he used for Despereaux’s mother Antoinette. The narration is over three hours long and placed on three CD’s. I appreciated the story being available in audio book format. This is due to the difficult dialect and language used. The language is somewhat hard to read and even to listen to at times. The narrator asks questions like, “Listener do you know what the word perfidy means? I have a feeling you do but you should look up the word in the dictionary to be sure.” Other words that concerned me were: portentous, divine comeuppance, gor, and atonement. Many words like these are scattered throughout the book making it difficult for children with reading difficulties. That is why I do appreciate the book being available in audio for those children who would love to read the story but would not be able to finish such a daunting book as this.
Throughout the book there are themes such as love, light, darkness, hope, and forgiveness. Each theme allows for great book discussions. I particularly enjoyed, “Every action listener, no matter how small, has a consequence.” And “Forgiveness listener, is, I think something very much like hope and love, a powerful thing.”
This story was powerful indeed. It will shed light on darkness and allow love, hope, and forgiveness to offer you the power to live.
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
Newbery Medal Award
A Junior Library Guild Selection
Booklist: Forgiveness, light, love, and soup. These essential ingredients combine into a tale that is as soul stirring as it is delicious.
Horn Book: Di Camillo tells an engaging tale.
School Library Journal: A charming story of unlikely heroes whose destinies entwine to bring about a joyful resolution.
5. CONNECTIONS
*Have students conduct a brown bag book report using choice items to retell the story to the class.
*Discuss the differences between light and darkness. How do they affect our lives?
*Discuss the act of forgiveness. Besides Despereaux, who else in the book had to face the issue of forgiveness and how did it change them?
Other books by Kate DiCamillo:
DiCamillo, Kate. The Tiger Rising. ISBN: 0763618985
DiCamillo, Kate. Because of Winn- Dixie. ISBN: 0763616052
DiCamillo, Kate. The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane. ISBN: 0763639877
DiCamillo, Kate, and Graeme Malcolm. 2005. The Tale of Despereaux. Unabridged Audio. New York, NY: Random House Listening Library. ISBN: 1400099137
2. PLOT SUMMARY
Despereaux, an unlikely hero, is betrayed by his brother and father and sent to die in the rat filled dungeon. In this dark stench dungeon, he sets out on a quest to save the Princess Pea. She has been taken captive by a rat, Roscuro, and a servant girl, Miggery Sow who desire to fulfill divine comeuppance. Despereaux sets out to do the impossible; he faces the grave dangers of the dungeon to rescue his fair lady with a spool of red thread, a needle, and love.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Kate DiCamillo has written a fantasy Newbery Medal book the mixes together ingredients that will stir your soul. She was able to spin this tale in a way that you forget that the hero or protagonist, is a mouse. The book is divided into four books each book elaborating on a character and settings to spin the tale and weave it together. The first book is about Despereaux, how unthinkably different and disappointing he is to his family and what love does to his heart. Book two introduces us to Chiaroscuro or Roscuro the rat. Roscuro has been groomed for dismay, darkness, and torturous gloom but when a spark of light enters his soul he is forever changed. Book three is the tale of Miggery Sow. This poor girl, named after her father’s prized pig, is traded into slavery by her father for a handful of cigarettes, a red tablecloth, and a hen. Her greatest desire is to become a princess although what Miggery Sow wanted was of no concern to anyone. Book four wraps up each story. Princess Pea’s character was intertwined in each book and now the ultimate solution to each characters problem is solved to a degree together.
Illustrator, Timothy Basil Ering has sketched pencil drawings of the characters throughout the book. Each illustration offers a glimpse into the lives and personalities of the characters. The pictures capture moments in the book that add to the drama of the story and allows the reader to picture and envision the characters which I enjoyed and appreciated.
The narrator, Graeme Malcolm, has an eloquent dialect to his voice. The sound quality is superb. The audio book uses music that adds drama at the beginning and end of the story. Malcolm uses distinct voice to reflect each character. I especially enjoyed the French accent he used for Despereaux’s mother Antoinette. The narration is over three hours long and placed on three CD’s. I appreciated the story being available in audio book format. This is due to the difficult dialect and language used. The language is somewhat hard to read and even to listen to at times. The narrator asks questions like, “Listener do you know what the word perfidy means? I have a feeling you do but you should look up the word in the dictionary to be sure.” Other words that concerned me were: portentous, divine comeuppance, gor, and atonement. Many words like these are scattered throughout the book making it difficult for children with reading difficulties. That is why I do appreciate the book being available in audio for those children who would love to read the story but would not be able to finish such a daunting book as this.
Throughout the book there are themes such as love, light, darkness, hope, and forgiveness. Each theme allows for great book discussions. I particularly enjoyed, “Every action listener, no matter how small, has a consequence.” And “Forgiveness listener, is, I think something very much like hope and love, a powerful thing.”
This story was powerful indeed. It will shed light on darkness and allow love, hope, and forgiveness to offer you the power to live.
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
Newbery Medal Award
A Junior Library Guild Selection
Booklist: Forgiveness, light, love, and soup. These essential ingredients combine into a tale that is as soul stirring as it is delicious.
Horn Book: Di Camillo tells an engaging tale.
School Library Journal: A charming story of unlikely heroes whose destinies entwine to bring about a joyful resolution.
5. CONNECTIONS
*Have students conduct a brown bag book report using choice items to retell the story to the class.
*Discuss the differences between light and darkness. How do they affect our lives?
*Discuss the act of forgiveness. Besides Despereaux, who else in the book had to face the issue of forgiveness and how did it change them?
Other books by Kate DiCamillo:
DiCamillo, Kate. The Tiger Rising. ISBN: 0763618985
DiCamillo, Kate. Because of Winn- Dixie. ISBN: 0763616052
DiCamillo, Kate. The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane. ISBN: 0763639877
HOW I LIVE NOW
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Rosoff, Meg. 2004. How I Live Now. New York, NY: Wendy Lamb Books. ISBN 0553376055
2. PLOT SUMMARY
Life for fifteen year old Daisy has always felt plain and uninspiring. One summer she is sent off to spend time with cousins she has never met in England. Edmond, picks her up at the airport and takes her home introducing her to her other cousins, Piper, Osbert, and Isaac, Edmonds twin. Just as Daisy’s life is beginning to change for the better, feeling safe, and enjoying the peacefulness of the country, an unnamed terrorist group attacks England. This forces the children to find inward determination to survive in this new and unforgiving world.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Meg Rosoff has written an unforgettable realistic fictional book about self preservation. In her story you met the protagonist Daisy who narrates the story. Daisy is struggling with the death of her mother, a father who refuses to discuss her mother, a step mom she does not particularly care for, and a need to self destruct. Her salvation is love. She falls in love with her cousin Edmond and the two share intimate times together. This part could prove to be very controversial. Not that the author is explicit in a bad way about the affair but this affair is between two teens who are cousins. At first I gasped and thought I would never allow my daughter to read this book but then I changed my mind and realized this is life. Situations such as the one depicted can really happen and once you read the whole story you realize that without this love affair she might not ever survived. Through Daisy’s eye’s we see that the war was hard and gruesome at times, but in order to endure she allows her mind to compensate by thinking about Edmond and their times together. Slowly she listens, learns from others, and applies her knowledge to get herself and Piper, who were separated from the boys, back home. As the account continues you begin to realize that there is a silver lining to every war. She grows stronger, finds inner strength, has a new set of beliefs, and learns self sufficiency. Daisy had always used food as a form of self destruction but now she uses it as a form of preservation. Fighting back is what she discovers she does best and she refuses to let go of what she loves. Overall she reinvents herself and discovers her true identity. Daisy says, “If you haven’t been in war and are wondering how long it takes to get used to losing everything you think you need or love, I can tell you the answer is no time at all.”
This book, although fictional, is believable and you realize that this could happen today. How we live now, today will indeed change, change is inevitable, but how we live now is up to us. We can choose to stand and fight or cave in to adversity. I absolutely loved this unforgettable first book of terror, chaos, and love by Meg Rosoff.
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
Michael L. Printz Award for Excellence in Young Adult Literature
The Guardian Award for Children’s Fiction
The Branford Boase Award for a First Novel
Horn Book: This first novel is intelligent, funny, serious, and sweet; a winning combination of acerbic commentary, innocence, and sober vision.
Publishers Weekly: This riveting first novel paints a frighteningly realistic picture of a world war breaking out in the 21st century.
The Guardian: Fresh, honest, rude, funny. I put it down with tears on my face.
5. CONNECTIONS
*Discuss, “Every war has it’s turning point and every person too.”
*Discuss the quote, “Determination is 9/10th of the law.”
*Discuss the statement about Edmond, “Listening is what caused his trouble in the first place.” What does that insinuate?
Other books by Meg Rosoff: The first for Young Adults & the second written for Adults.
Rosoff, Meg. Just in Case. ISBN: 0452289378
Rosoff, Meg. What I Was: A Novel. ISBN: 0670018449
Rosoff, Meg. 2004. How I Live Now. New York, NY: Wendy Lamb Books. ISBN 0553376055
2. PLOT SUMMARY
Life for fifteen year old Daisy has always felt plain and uninspiring. One summer she is sent off to spend time with cousins she has never met in England. Edmond, picks her up at the airport and takes her home introducing her to her other cousins, Piper, Osbert, and Isaac, Edmonds twin. Just as Daisy’s life is beginning to change for the better, feeling safe, and enjoying the peacefulness of the country, an unnamed terrorist group attacks England. This forces the children to find inward determination to survive in this new and unforgiving world.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Meg Rosoff has written an unforgettable realistic fictional book about self preservation. In her story you met the protagonist Daisy who narrates the story. Daisy is struggling with the death of her mother, a father who refuses to discuss her mother, a step mom she does not particularly care for, and a need to self destruct. Her salvation is love. She falls in love with her cousin Edmond and the two share intimate times together. This part could prove to be very controversial. Not that the author is explicit in a bad way about the affair but this affair is between two teens who are cousins. At first I gasped and thought I would never allow my daughter to read this book but then I changed my mind and realized this is life. Situations such as the one depicted can really happen and once you read the whole story you realize that without this love affair she might not ever survived. Through Daisy’s eye’s we see that the war was hard and gruesome at times, but in order to endure she allows her mind to compensate by thinking about Edmond and their times together. Slowly she listens, learns from others, and applies her knowledge to get herself and Piper, who were separated from the boys, back home. As the account continues you begin to realize that there is a silver lining to every war. She grows stronger, finds inner strength, has a new set of beliefs, and learns self sufficiency. Daisy had always used food as a form of self destruction but now she uses it as a form of preservation. Fighting back is what she discovers she does best and she refuses to let go of what she loves. Overall she reinvents herself and discovers her true identity. Daisy says, “If you haven’t been in war and are wondering how long it takes to get used to losing everything you think you need or love, I can tell you the answer is no time at all.”
This book, although fictional, is believable and you realize that this could happen today. How we live now, today will indeed change, change is inevitable, but how we live now is up to us. We can choose to stand and fight or cave in to adversity. I absolutely loved this unforgettable first book of terror, chaos, and love by Meg Rosoff.
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
Michael L. Printz Award for Excellence in Young Adult Literature
The Guardian Award for Children’s Fiction
The Branford Boase Award for a First Novel
Horn Book: This first novel is intelligent, funny, serious, and sweet; a winning combination of acerbic commentary, innocence, and sober vision.
Publishers Weekly: This riveting first novel paints a frighteningly realistic picture of a world war breaking out in the 21st century.
The Guardian: Fresh, honest, rude, funny. I put it down with tears on my face.
5. CONNECTIONS
*Discuss, “Every war has it’s turning point and every person too.”
*Discuss the quote, “Determination is 9/10th of the law.”
*Discuss the statement about Edmond, “Listening is what caused his trouble in the first place.” What does that insinuate?
Other books by Meg Rosoff: The first for Young Adults & the second written for Adults.
Rosoff, Meg. Just in Case. ISBN: 0452289378
Rosoff, Meg. What I Was: A Novel. ISBN: 0670018449
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
THE MIDWIFE’S APPRENTICE
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Cushman, Karen. 1995. The Midwife’s Apprentice. New York, NY: Harper Trophy. ISBN 006440630X
2. PLOT SUMMARY
Hungry and cold Brat cursed the pain of living a life alone on the streets of medieval England. One bitterly cold and frosty night she is discovered sleeping in a dung pile by a midwife named Jane Sharp. Jane takes her home, renames her Beetle, and has her work in return for food and shelter. To keep Beetle ignorant, Jane does not allow her to work along side. So slowly and carefully Beetle watches from afar and learns her ways. Unfortunately when Beetle is given the opportunity to deliver a baby by herself things go wrong and she flees town. Through trials and hardships she must look inward to discover her place in this world as Alyce, the midwife’s apprentice.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Karen Cushman has written an exciting award winning Newbery Medal book that encourages the act of finding inward courage. Alyce, also known as Brat or Beetle, is the young protagonist who finds companionship in a cat, longs to discover herself, and struggles to find inward confidence. Kids will enjoy the short chapters filled with medieval adventures. Cushman’s story is set in a time where special concoctions, ointments, and herbs are the local norm. The medieval England setting is conveyed through the local traditions, superstitions and fears of the town especially when a two headed calf was born and the whole town goes up in arms sighting witches and devils everywhere. Kids will enjoy reading Beetle’s revenge on those in town with secret sins who had teased or tormented her by acting as a devil herself and punishing them. After a failed delivery, Alyce runs away and meets a professor who asks her, “What do you want?” No one had ever asked her that and after some thought she says, “A full belly, a contented heart, and a place in this world.” Slowly Alyce turns away from being a shy awkward girl into a girl with pluck. Her character evolves through trails and circumstances as she finally discovers who she is. As Alyce said to an orphan boy, “Everybody is somebody and so are you.”
Cushman has a section in the back of the book with Author’s Notes. Here she explains the origins, customs, and development of midwifes through the centuries.
Cushman, Karen. 1995. The Midwife’s Apprentice. New York, NY: Harper Trophy. ISBN 006440630X
2. PLOT SUMMARY
Hungry and cold Brat cursed the pain of living a life alone on the streets of medieval England. One bitterly cold and frosty night she is discovered sleeping in a dung pile by a midwife named Jane Sharp. Jane takes her home, renames her Beetle, and has her work in return for food and shelter. To keep Beetle ignorant, Jane does not allow her to work along side. So slowly and carefully Beetle watches from afar and learns her ways. Unfortunately when Beetle is given the opportunity to deliver a baby by herself things go wrong and she flees town. Through trials and hardships she must look inward to discover her place in this world as Alyce, the midwife’s apprentice.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Karen Cushman has written an exciting award winning Newbery Medal book that encourages the act of finding inward courage. Alyce, also known as Brat or Beetle, is the young protagonist who finds companionship in a cat, longs to discover herself, and struggles to find inward confidence. Kids will enjoy the short chapters filled with medieval adventures. Cushman’s story is set in a time where special concoctions, ointments, and herbs are the local norm. The medieval England setting is conveyed through the local traditions, superstitions and fears of the town especially when a two headed calf was born and the whole town goes up in arms sighting witches and devils everywhere. Kids will enjoy reading Beetle’s revenge on those in town with secret sins who had teased or tormented her by acting as a devil herself and punishing them. After a failed delivery, Alyce runs away and meets a professor who asks her, “What do you want?” No one had ever asked her that and after some thought she says, “A full belly, a contented heart, and a place in this world.” Slowly Alyce turns away from being a shy awkward girl into a girl with pluck. Her character evolves through trails and circumstances as she finally discovers who she is. As Alyce said to an orphan boy, “Everybody is somebody and so are you.”
Cushman has a section in the back of the book with Author’s Notes. Here she explains the origins, customs, and development of midwifes through the centuries.
Cushman delivered a historical novel with a beautiful theme universal in time. The desire to be loved, accepted, and the courage it takes to find it within you.
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
Newbery Medal Award
ALA Notable Children’s Book
ALA Best of the Best Books for Young Adults
New York Public Library List of Recommended Books
ALA Booklist Editors’ Choice
School Library Journal Best Book
American Bookseller Pick of the Lists
Booklist: Kids will like this short, fast-paced narrative about a hero who discovers that she’s not ugly or stupid or alone.
Publishers Weekly: The force of the ambience produces more than enough momentum to propel the reader from start to finish in a single happy sitting.
School Library Journal: A truly delightful introduction to a world seldom seen in children’s literature
5. CONNECTIONS
*Study Medieval history of England. Construct a “Did You Know” poster. Compare clothes, food, and traditions to ours of today.
*Host a Medieval Feast filled with drama and poetry of the time.
*Discuss with students the statement, “Everybody is someone and so are you.”
Other books by Karen Cushman:
Cushman, Karen. Catherine, Called Birdy. ISBN: 0064405842
Cushman, Karen. The Ballad of Lucy Whipple. ISBN: 0064406849
Cushman, Karen. Rodzina. ISBN: 044041993X
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
Newbery Medal Award
ALA Notable Children’s Book
ALA Best of the Best Books for Young Adults
New York Public Library List of Recommended Books
ALA Booklist Editors’ Choice
School Library Journal Best Book
American Bookseller Pick of the Lists
Booklist: Kids will like this short, fast-paced narrative about a hero who discovers that she’s not ugly or stupid or alone.
Publishers Weekly: The force of the ambience produces more than enough momentum to propel the reader from start to finish in a single happy sitting.
School Library Journal: A truly delightful introduction to a world seldom seen in children’s literature
5. CONNECTIONS
*Study Medieval history of England. Construct a “Did You Know” poster. Compare clothes, food, and traditions to ours of today.
*Host a Medieval Feast filled with drama and poetry of the time.
*Discuss with students the statement, “Everybody is someone and so are you.”
Other books by Karen Cushman:
Cushman, Karen. Catherine, Called Birdy. ISBN: 0064405842
Cushman, Karen. The Ballad of Lucy Whipple. ISBN: 0064406849
Cushman, Karen. Rodzina. ISBN: 044041993X
THE WHIPPING BOY
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Fleischman, Sid. 1986. The Whipping Boy. Ill. by Peter Sis. New York, NY: Scholastic. ISBN 0439441420
2. PLOT SUMMARY
Living in a castle was far from what Jemmy, an orphaned rat catcher’s son, expected from his life. He finds himself dressed in fine clothes, receiving a good education, but dreaming of a carefree life away from the castle. Jemmy served as the Royal Princes whipping boy, receiving thrashings for any bad behavior of the Prince. The Royal Prince, known far and wide as Prince Brat, had earned his reputation well. The two boys have an ever growing exasperation for each other. When Prince Brat decides to run away Jemmy is forced to follow. Soon they find themselves in a hostage situation being held by two murderous highwaymen. The two face many comical adventures as they try to return to the castle which compels them to trust and find friendship in each other.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Sid Fleischman has written a Newbery Medal Award winning book about finding friendship under the most unlikely circumstances. Fleischman’s short chapters are full of wit such as the names of his characters, Prince Brat, Hold your Nose Billy, Cutwater, and Petunia the bear. Fleischman’s sentence construction is full of fun and witty word choices that align with the era of the book. For example, the Prince is held hostage and does not like the ransomed demands of the thieves and declares, “Dimwits! Catchpenny rogues! I will not be exchanged for such a trifle…A paltry treasure you could carry on your shoulder? How dare you insult me!” As enjoyable as the words can be, they could prove to be difficult for children with limited vocabulary due to uncommon terminology choices of today.
The adventures take place outside of the castle when the boys are nabbed and taken to a cabin in the woods. The kidnapers have a case of mistaken identity believing that Jemmy is the prince because he’s the one who can read and write. This forces Prince Brat to reevaluate his life and circumstances. This comical event helps other children to evaluate the mishap that occurs when forsaking studies for play. Even Jemmy reevaluates his situation when he meets up with his old friend Smudge in the sewers and realizes, “he’d lost his taste for ignorance.” Jemmy and Prince Brat personalities begin to evolve. They turn from a very disagreeable belief of each other to one of friendship of trust.
Peter Sis illustrated the pages with pointillism. The black and white pictures offer a comical look into the lives of the characters. Sis managed to evoke the feeling for the era by the selection of clothes, hair styles, and the settings he drew. Each illustration depicts the life of the time either with horrific or comical situations that the boys encounter together.
As the book closes, Fleischman offers a note explaining that the characters were fictional but that whipping boys did in fact exist in history. A series of Literature Circle Questions are offered for class discussion time. Overall Fleischman was able to capture an era of time with rip laughing adventures that yield a story of pure pleasure.
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
Newbery Medal Award
ALA Notable Book
School Library Journal Best Book
Kirkus Review: A rollicking tale of adventure and mistaken identity.
Publishers Weekly: With a flair for persuading readers to believe in the ridiculous, Fleischman scores a hit with his new creation.
School Library Journal: This whimsical, readable story delights…
5. CONNECTIONS
*Research whipping boys. How were they obtained and would that be acceptable today?
*Discuss friendship. How is it formed and must there be a level of trust?
*Discuss what the students believe happened to the boys after the story ends. Did Jemmy still serve as the whipping boy? What kind of King would the Prince make now?
Other books by Sid Fleischman:
Fleischman, Sid. Escape!: The Story of The Great Houdini. ISBN 0060850965
Fleischman, Sid. The 13th Floor. ISBN: 0688142168
Fleischman, Sid. Bandit’s Moon. ISBN: 0440415861
ELIJAH OF BUXTON
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Curtis, Christopher Paul. 2007. Elijah of Buxton. New York, NY: Scholastic. ISBN 0439023440
2. PLOT SUMMARY
Eleven year old Elijah was the first child born free in Buxton Canada, the son of former slaves. He is blessed with the opportunities of a good education and a free life. Yet, he has one problem; his mother wants nothing more than for him to quit being so doggone fra-gile. Elijah felt that being growned didn’t make a whole lot of sense. That was until Elijah finds himself in a horrible situation where he must unearth the strength and courage not to be so fragile and do the right thing.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Christopher Paul Curtis has written a historical fiction novel that delves into the issues of slavery, community, and the cost of freedom. His protagonist, Elijah, is a sweet compassionate boy who struggles with similar issues that children face today. Elijah feels his teacher is boring, he doesn’t think adults are very “sensical,” and he just desires for his family to see how responsible and grown up he is.
Curtis, Christopher Paul. 2007. Elijah of Buxton. New York, NY: Scholastic. ISBN 0439023440
2. PLOT SUMMARY
Eleven year old Elijah was the first child born free in Buxton Canada, the son of former slaves. He is blessed with the opportunities of a good education and a free life. Yet, he has one problem; his mother wants nothing more than for him to quit being so doggone fra-gile. Elijah felt that being growned didn’t make a whole lot of sense. That was until Elijah finds himself in a horrible situation where he must unearth the strength and courage not to be so fragile and do the right thing.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Christopher Paul Curtis has written a historical fiction novel that delves into the issues of slavery, community, and the cost of freedom. His protagonist, Elijah, is a sweet compassionate boy who struggles with similar issues that children face today. Elijah feels his teacher is boring, he doesn’t think adults are very “sensical,” and he just desires for his family to see how responsible and grown up he is.
Curtis is an excellent storyteller. Each character adds a glimpse into this small town life. I empathized with the characters, rejoiced with them, and mourned with them. Through Curtis' writing I was also able to participate in the celebration of those few who were fortunate to have found freedom. I loved the imagery of words written when Pa said, “Look at that land! Look at them trees! Has y’all ever seen anything that precious? It’s the land of the free! Now look at you’selves! Look at ‘em babies! Has y’all ever looked this beautiful? Today be the first day don’t no one own y’all but y’all.” As you read those words you can feel the joy, sense the elation that the price of freedom bought them. You can imagine the sense of danger, fear, and anguish their bodies felt from the journey as well as the joy and weeping at the discovery that they were truly standing on free land. Curtis dealt with the sensitive issue of slavery by showing the sad injustice and inhumane ways that slaves were treated while also celebrating the victories of freedom.
At the end of the book Curtis offers a synopsis of how this wonderful story came to life. He talks about Buxton Canada, how the town thrived, and explains the story of the liberty bell. It is a truly brilliantly written book that will touch your heart.
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
Newbery Honor Book
Coretta Scott King Award
Booklist: Many readers drawn to the book by humor will find themselves at times on the edges of their seats in suspense and, at other moments, moved to tears.
Horn Book: This arresting, surprising novel of reluctant heroism is about nothing less than nobility.
Kirkus Review: This is one of the best books I have ever read.
5. CONNECTIONS
* Research the history of Buxton Canada.
*Have students creatively write what happened when Elijah returned home from Michigan with the baby.
*Discuss the injustices of slavery.
Other related books:
Levine, Ellen. Henry’s Freedom Box. ISBN: 043977733X
Stowe, Harriet. Uncle Tom’s Cabin. ISBN: 068985126X
Weatherford, Carole. Moses: When Harriet Tubman Led Her People to Freedom. ISBN 0786851759
At the end of the book Curtis offers a synopsis of how this wonderful story came to life. He talks about Buxton Canada, how the town thrived, and explains the story of the liberty bell. It is a truly brilliantly written book that will touch your heart.
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
Newbery Honor Book
Coretta Scott King Award
Booklist: Many readers drawn to the book by humor will find themselves at times on the edges of their seats in suspense and, at other moments, moved to tears.
Horn Book: This arresting, surprising novel of reluctant heroism is about nothing less than nobility.
Kirkus Review: This is one of the best books I have ever read.
5. CONNECTIONS
* Research the history of Buxton Canada.
*Have students creatively write what happened when Elijah returned home from Michigan with the baby.
*Discuss the injustices of slavery.
Other related books:
Levine, Ellen. Henry’s Freedom Box. ISBN: 043977733X
Stowe, Harriet. Uncle Tom’s Cabin. ISBN: 068985126X
Weatherford, Carole. Moses: When Harriet Tubman Led Her People to Freedom. ISBN 0786851759
Friday, July 11, 2008
HURRICANES
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Simon, Seymour. 2007. Hurricanes. New York, NY: Harper Collins. ISBN 0061170712
2. PLOT SUMMARY
Simon, Seymour. 2007. Hurricanes. New York, NY: Harper Collins. ISBN 0061170712
2. PLOT SUMMARY
During the season between June and November the east coast of the United States host storms that can span hundreds of miles wide and last weeks at a time. This particular type of storm can release the amount of energy equaling to ten atomic bombs. They are the only weather disasters to be given its own name and number. Hurricanes are tremendously powerful storms. Even after they pass, conditions can be very dangerous outside. Seymour Simon has written an informational book on this subject filled with tips and advice to help keep one safe from the dangers of these storms.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Seymour Simon has teamed up with the Smithsonian Institute to bring to life the discovery of science from the world we live in. In this book, Hurricanes, Simon was able to accurately capture the essence and power of these storms. He starts by offering easy to understand definitions of how these tropical storms form. He then goes on to give further details, satellite shots, and historical stories of the devastation hurricanes leave behind. Simon presents similes within the information that helps the reader make connections. Such as the example of how these storms form. He compares an ice skater who tucks and spins to gather faster speed to the eye of the hurricane. The pictures offered in the book are powerful representations of hurricanes strength and destruction. The images offer a look into the affects of these storms before, during, and after as well as the emotions of the people who were personally affected. Towards the end of the book Simon lists various tips and suggestions to help people stay safe upon the encounter of a hurricane. The last page offers a glossary, index and websites for the reader to research more about these natural disasters. This book is an excellent source of information that informs the reader of the dangers that lie within these storms.
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
Booklist: Simon explains what hurricanes are and imparts a vivid sense of their destructive potential.
School Library Journal: An updated edition of Simon’s 2003 title…with readable text and excellent photos.
5. CONNECTIONS
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Seymour Simon has teamed up with the Smithsonian Institute to bring to life the discovery of science from the world we live in. In this book, Hurricanes, Simon was able to accurately capture the essence and power of these storms. He starts by offering easy to understand definitions of how these tropical storms form. He then goes on to give further details, satellite shots, and historical stories of the devastation hurricanes leave behind. Simon presents similes within the information that helps the reader make connections. Such as the example of how these storms form. He compares an ice skater who tucks and spins to gather faster speed to the eye of the hurricane. The pictures offered in the book are powerful representations of hurricanes strength and destruction. The images offer a look into the affects of these storms before, during, and after as well as the emotions of the people who were personally affected. Towards the end of the book Simon lists various tips and suggestions to help people stay safe upon the encounter of a hurricane. The last page offers a glossary, index and websites for the reader to research more about these natural disasters. This book is an excellent source of information that informs the reader of the dangers that lie within these storms.
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
Booklist: Simon explains what hurricanes are and imparts a vivid sense of their destructive potential.
School Library Journal: An updated edition of Simon’s 2003 title…with readable text and excellent photos.
5. CONNECTIONS
*Ask the students to research a past named hurricane scrap booking a display on a poster board.
*Have students make a model of a hurricane using stretched cotton balls and attaching them to construction paper to form the storm.
*Have students report the weather conditions, location of the hurricane, and or give advisories and tips.
*Ask students to write a poem describing either the after affects or the power of these storms.
Other related books:
Cole, Joanna. The Magic School Bus Inside A Hurricane. ISBN 0590446878
DK Publishing. Hurricane & Tornado. ISBN 075660690X
Simon, Seymour. Weather. ISBN 0060884398
*Have students report the weather conditions, location of the hurricane, and or give advisories and tips.
*Ask students to write a poem describing either the after affects or the power of these storms.
Other related books:
Cole, Joanna. The Magic School Bus Inside A Hurricane. ISBN 0590446878
DK Publishing. Hurricane & Tornado. ISBN 075660690X
Simon, Seymour. Weather. ISBN 0060884398
AN AMERICAN PLAGUE
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Murphy, Jim. 2003. An American Plague: The True and Terrifying Story of the Yellow Fever Epidemic of 1793. New York, NY: Clarion Books. ISBN 0395776082
2. PLOT SUMMARY
It is August 3, 1793 and the streets of Philadelphia are filled with a foul stench. Cats lay dead on the streets and an unusually large number of people are dying fast. The air is buzzing with an abnormal amount of mosquitoes while an unknown disease is quickly becoming an epidemic of enormous proportions. In 1793 Philadelphia served as the capital for the United States of America. It was a busy city with merchants, ship owners, commerce, politics, and daily life. Very few people seemed take notice of the unusual happenings in and around the city with the exception of Dr. Rush and Rev. Helmuth. They both sensed something was very wrong. An American Plague by Jim Murphy is the true and horrifying account of the yellow fever that plagued our nation’s capital.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Jim Murphy discloses a riveting account of the happenings in Philadelphia during the yellow fever outbreak of 1793. He offers detailed and accurate accounts of the struggles people faced in light of this disease. Murphy discloses the gruesome facts of how this illness took the lives of its victims. He notes the folklore superstitions of the time such as a meteorite falling from the sky indicating a “bad sign” and that the “worst was yet to come.” As you read through this book Murphy conveys an extraordinary feel for all the happenings in and around the city. Murphy enlightens his readers as to the problems the politicians were facing. He chose words that imparted images of foul smells surrounding the city and exposed just how deplorable the sanitary situation was. He reveals the turmoil between the doctors and their choices in caring for their patients. Murphy then goes on to divulge the painful deaths, the imminent need to care for the sick, revealing the problems with burying the dead, and noted the heroic acts of a few brave men and women who stood up and took charge of this dreadful malign that had overtaken their city. At the back of the book Murphy offers verbal access features with lists of his sources as well as personal comments. Throughout the book Murphy submitted visual access features with black and white illustrations, maps, notes, newspaper clippings, and lists of the dead. Although color photographs would have been nice to see, the black and white photos offer a historically visual understanding of how dreadful the syndrome truly was. Murphy was able to capture the fear, panic, and mystery of this disease. He leaves the reader with a grim realization that we as a society today are not too far off from this possibility occurring again.
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
Boston Globe Horn Book Award
Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Award
James Madison Book Award
A National Book Award Finalist
Obis Pictus Award
Newbery Honor Book
Booklist: History, science, politics, and public health come together in this dramatic account of the disastrous yellow fever epidemic that his the nation’s capital more than 200 years ago.
Horn Book: Thoroughly documented, with an annotated source list, the work is both rigorous and inviting.
Kirkus Review: A mesmerizing, macabre account that will make readers happy they live in the 21st century.
5. CONNECTIONS
*Organize a “did you know?” poster about yellow fever.
* Research and scrapbook one highlighted person in the book such as Dr. Rush or the Free African Society.
*Compare and contrast two non-fictions books by Jim Murphy.
Other related books:
Anderson, Laurie Halse. Fever1793. ISBN 0689848919
Murphy, Jim. The Great Fire. ISBN 0439203074
Murphy, Jim. Blizzard!: The Storm That Changed America. ISBN 0590673106
Murphy, Jim. 2003. An American Plague: The True and Terrifying Story of the Yellow Fever Epidemic of 1793. New York, NY: Clarion Books. ISBN 0395776082
2. PLOT SUMMARY
It is August 3, 1793 and the streets of Philadelphia are filled with a foul stench. Cats lay dead on the streets and an unusually large number of people are dying fast. The air is buzzing with an abnormal amount of mosquitoes while an unknown disease is quickly becoming an epidemic of enormous proportions. In 1793 Philadelphia served as the capital for the United States of America. It was a busy city with merchants, ship owners, commerce, politics, and daily life. Very few people seemed take notice of the unusual happenings in and around the city with the exception of Dr. Rush and Rev. Helmuth. They both sensed something was very wrong. An American Plague by Jim Murphy is the true and horrifying account of the yellow fever that plagued our nation’s capital.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Jim Murphy discloses a riveting account of the happenings in Philadelphia during the yellow fever outbreak of 1793. He offers detailed and accurate accounts of the struggles people faced in light of this disease. Murphy discloses the gruesome facts of how this illness took the lives of its victims. He notes the folklore superstitions of the time such as a meteorite falling from the sky indicating a “bad sign” and that the “worst was yet to come.” As you read through this book Murphy conveys an extraordinary feel for all the happenings in and around the city. Murphy enlightens his readers as to the problems the politicians were facing. He chose words that imparted images of foul smells surrounding the city and exposed just how deplorable the sanitary situation was. He reveals the turmoil between the doctors and their choices in caring for their patients. Murphy then goes on to divulge the painful deaths, the imminent need to care for the sick, revealing the problems with burying the dead, and noted the heroic acts of a few brave men and women who stood up and took charge of this dreadful malign that had overtaken their city. At the back of the book Murphy offers verbal access features with lists of his sources as well as personal comments. Throughout the book Murphy submitted visual access features with black and white illustrations, maps, notes, newspaper clippings, and lists of the dead. Although color photographs would have been nice to see, the black and white photos offer a historically visual understanding of how dreadful the syndrome truly was. Murphy was able to capture the fear, panic, and mystery of this disease. He leaves the reader with a grim realization that we as a society today are not too far off from this possibility occurring again.
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
Boston Globe Horn Book Award
Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Award
James Madison Book Award
A National Book Award Finalist
Obis Pictus Award
Newbery Honor Book
Booklist: History, science, politics, and public health come together in this dramatic account of the disastrous yellow fever epidemic that his the nation’s capital more than 200 years ago.
Horn Book: Thoroughly documented, with an annotated source list, the work is both rigorous and inviting.
Kirkus Review: A mesmerizing, macabre account that will make readers happy they live in the 21st century.
5. CONNECTIONS
*Organize a “did you know?” poster about yellow fever.
* Research and scrapbook one highlighted person in the book such as Dr. Rush or the Free African Society.
*Compare and contrast two non-fictions books by Jim Murphy.
Other related books:
Anderson, Laurie Halse. Fever1793. ISBN 0689848919
Murphy, Jim. The Great Fire. ISBN 0439203074
Murphy, Jim. Blizzard!: The Storm That Changed America. ISBN 0590673106
THE BOY ON FAIRFIELD STREET: HOW TED GEISEL GREW UP TO BECOME DR. SUESS
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Krull, Kathleen. 2004. The Boy on Fairfield Street: How Ted Geisel Grew up to Become Dr. Seuss. Ill. by Steve Johnson & Lou Fancher. New York, NY: Random House. ISBN 0375822984
2. PLOT SUMMARY
Kathleen Krull has written a picture book biography about the life of Ted Giesel, a boy who loved animals and reading books. Ted enjoyed doodling and seemed to have an unusual way of looking at the world. As he grew up in Springfield, Massachusetts he faced injustices because his family was German and owned a brewery. Yet he still had a life filled with adventure and possibilities. He graduated from Dartmouth and eventually sold his first cartoon for twenty-five dollars to The Saturday Evening Post. Ted Giesel was a boy who loved life and excelled at fooling around, who eventually found his focus, and became known to the world as Dr. Suess.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Kathleen Krull has written a picture book biography that details the life of Ted Geisel. She organized the crucial key points of Geisel’s early life and puts them together to tell the story of how he became one of the world’s most beloved children’s authors. She details the reality of people within his life that doubted his ability to accomplish himself through his art. She then goes on to highlight key points that sculpted his life and imagination such as his father becoming the superintendent of the zoo, his mothers love for the library and reading books, his appetite for doodling and watching movies, and his enduring persistence at finding his passion. The picture book biography ends with extra bibliographic information about Dr. Suess life after the twenty-five dollar cartoon was published. It explains the inspiration for other books, reactions from the public, and how he used his money to fund the sources that helped him become Dr. Suess. Krull added an index to his great works with the title and year it was published. Steve Johnson and Lou Fancher illustrated the nostalgic paintings found in this book. They depict a life of childhood joys, adventures, as well as mishaps that shaped the life of Ted Giesel. Each page is supplemented with snap shot illustrations from Dr. Suess’ work. Krull provides and index of the spot art illustrations used in the book by indicating the page number where the illustration can be found as well as which Dr. Suess book the illustration was taken from. Together Krull, Johnson, and Fancher, have put together a biography that highlights the life of a boy destined to become one of the most beloved children’s book author’s of our time, Dr. Suess.
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
Horn Book: Fans are sure to enjoy meeting the irrepressible man behind the ever-popular books.
Kirkus Review: … it’s the lively writing puts the hat on the cat.
School Library Journal: This picture-book biography is a winner.
5. CONNECTIONS
*Have students create a bookmark drawing their favorite illustration from a Dr. Suess book.
*Compare and contrast several works by Dr. Suess.
* Enjoy an afternoon of Readers Theater using the classes’ favorite book by Dr. Suess.
Books by Dr. Suess:
Suess, Dr. Horton Hears A Who. ISBN 0394800788
Suess, Dr. Oh The Places You’ll Go. ISBN 0679847367
Suess, Dr. Horton Hatches the Egg. ISBN 039480077X
Other biographies by Kathleen Krull:
Krull, Kathleen. Harvesting Hope: The Story of Cesar Chavez. ISBN 0152014373
Krull, Kathleen. Houdini: World’s Greatest Mystery Man And Escape King. ISBN 0802789536
Krull, Kathleen. Hillary Rodham Clinton: Dreams Taking Flight. ISBN 1416971297
Krull, Kathleen. 2004. The Boy on Fairfield Street: How Ted Geisel Grew up to Become Dr. Seuss. Ill. by Steve Johnson & Lou Fancher. New York, NY: Random House. ISBN 0375822984
2. PLOT SUMMARY
Kathleen Krull has written a picture book biography about the life of Ted Giesel, a boy who loved animals and reading books. Ted enjoyed doodling and seemed to have an unusual way of looking at the world. As he grew up in Springfield, Massachusetts he faced injustices because his family was German and owned a brewery. Yet he still had a life filled with adventure and possibilities. He graduated from Dartmouth and eventually sold his first cartoon for twenty-five dollars to The Saturday Evening Post. Ted Giesel was a boy who loved life and excelled at fooling around, who eventually found his focus, and became known to the world as Dr. Suess.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Kathleen Krull has written a picture book biography that details the life of Ted Geisel. She organized the crucial key points of Geisel’s early life and puts them together to tell the story of how he became one of the world’s most beloved children’s authors. She details the reality of people within his life that doubted his ability to accomplish himself through his art. She then goes on to highlight key points that sculpted his life and imagination such as his father becoming the superintendent of the zoo, his mothers love for the library and reading books, his appetite for doodling and watching movies, and his enduring persistence at finding his passion. The picture book biography ends with extra bibliographic information about Dr. Suess life after the twenty-five dollar cartoon was published. It explains the inspiration for other books, reactions from the public, and how he used his money to fund the sources that helped him become Dr. Suess. Krull added an index to his great works with the title and year it was published. Steve Johnson and Lou Fancher illustrated the nostalgic paintings found in this book. They depict a life of childhood joys, adventures, as well as mishaps that shaped the life of Ted Giesel. Each page is supplemented with snap shot illustrations from Dr. Suess’ work. Krull provides and index of the spot art illustrations used in the book by indicating the page number where the illustration can be found as well as which Dr. Suess book the illustration was taken from. Together Krull, Johnson, and Fancher, have put together a biography that highlights the life of a boy destined to become one of the most beloved children’s book author’s of our time, Dr. Suess.
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
Horn Book: Fans are sure to enjoy meeting the irrepressible man behind the ever-popular books.
Kirkus Review: … it’s the lively writing puts the hat on the cat.
School Library Journal: This picture-book biography is a winner.
5. CONNECTIONS
*Have students create a bookmark drawing their favorite illustration from a Dr. Suess book.
*Compare and contrast several works by Dr. Suess.
* Enjoy an afternoon of Readers Theater using the classes’ favorite book by Dr. Suess.
Books by Dr. Suess:
Suess, Dr. Horton Hears A Who. ISBN 0394800788
Suess, Dr. Oh The Places You’ll Go. ISBN 0679847367
Suess, Dr. Horton Hatches the Egg. ISBN 039480077X
Other biographies by Kathleen Krull:
Krull, Kathleen. Harvesting Hope: The Story of Cesar Chavez. ISBN 0152014373
Krull, Kathleen. Houdini: World’s Greatest Mystery Man And Escape King. ISBN 0802789536
Krull, Kathleen. Hillary Rodham Clinton: Dreams Taking Flight. ISBN 1416971297
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
IT’S RAINING PIGS & NOODLES
1. BIBLIOGRAPY
Prelutsky, Jack. 2000. It’s Raining Pigs & Noodles: Poems. Ill. by James Stevenson. New York, NY: Green Willow Books. ISBN 0060291958
2. PLOT SUMMARY
Jack Prelutsky has written a book of 106 poems in a variety of writing styles that will offer amusement and pleasure as you read the poems. Some are written about daily life situations, others are written from an animal’s point of view, some are zany, and others are stomach-turning yet fun to read. It’s Raining Pigs & Noodles will offer enjoyment for readers of all ages.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Jack Prelutsky has written a compilation of poems that is both amusing and delightful. He was able to write in a style that children can appreciate and connect to. Prelutsky’s poems in this book have a cadence about them that make for ease in reading with rhythmic flow. Prelutsky is able to capture his reader though the imagery of words he uses. I especially love the title “I’m Tortured by Insomnia.” Who hasn’t had problems sleeping and hearing eerie noises that seem louder and scarier than they actually are. Prelutsky ends the poem by explaining he will never eat ten desserts again before going to bed. This particular poem makes you laugh and reminisce about bad choices made and how they can lead to uncomfortable consequences. Prelutsky's play with vocabulary is outstanding. Through his choice of language you are able to imagine the story, dilemma, or situation that he scribes. The emotions evoked by this compilation of poems is not forced but of pure merriment.
Prelutsky, Jack. 2000. It’s Raining Pigs & Noodles: Poems. Ill. by James Stevenson. New York, NY: Green Willow Books. ISBN 0060291958
2. PLOT SUMMARY
Jack Prelutsky has written a book of 106 poems in a variety of writing styles that will offer amusement and pleasure as you read the poems. Some are written about daily life situations, others are written from an animal’s point of view, some are zany, and others are stomach-turning yet fun to read. It’s Raining Pigs & Noodles will offer enjoyment for readers of all ages.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Jack Prelutsky has written a compilation of poems that is both amusing and delightful. He was able to write in a style that children can appreciate and connect to. Prelutsky’s poems in this book have a cadence about them that make for ease in reading with rhythmic flow. Prelutsky is able to capture his reader though the imagery of words he uses. I especially love the title “I’m Tortured by Insomnia.” Who hasn’t had problems sleeping and hearing eerie noises that seem louder and scarier than they actually are. Prelutsky ends the poem by explaining he will never eat ten desserts again before going to bed. This particular poem makes you laugh and reminisce about bad choices made and how they can lead to uncomfortable consequences. Prelutsky's play with vocabulary is outstanding. Through his choice of language you are able to imagine the story, dilemma, or situation that he scribes. The emotions evoked by this compilation of poems is not forced but of pure merriment.
The books illustrations are drawn by James Stevenson. The images are in black and white pencil. Stevenson sometimes uses the words of the poem as an outline of his illustration and at other times specific words are written in different forms to denote the inference of meaning to the poem. His illustration although simple, adds to the readers understanding, and provides an imagery that might otherwise not be there.
The book also offers two index’s in the back. One is the Index of Titles and the other is Index to First Lines. Sometimes we cannot quite remember the title of a poem but we remember that first line so these two indexes’ can be particularly useful. Altogether this is a amusing and entertaining book of poems.
Here is one sample poem in the book:
A PRINCESS LAMENTS
The book also offers two index’s in the back. One is the Index of Titles and the other is Index to First Lines. Sometimes we cannot quite remember the title of a poem but we remember that first line so these two indexes’ can be particularly useful. Altogether this is a amusing and entertaining book of poems.
Here is one sample poem in the book:
A PRINCESS LAMENTS
I kissed a frog because I’d heard
that it would turn into a prince.
That’s not exactly what occurred,
and I’ve been croaking ever since.
Which ever poem you chose to start with you will not regret picking this book up. You may in fact find you’ll want to read some of them poems over and over again. It is a treasure of poetry for all to enjoy.
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
Horn Book: …the book is sure to tickle readers young and old.
Publishers Weekly: The sassy selection of nonsense rhymes and puckish poems will further endear Prelutsky to his many fans.
School Library Journal: Wonderful tools for teachers, the poems boast impeccable rhythms and rhymes and strongly appeal to a child’s sense of humor, whether read aloud or independently.
5. CONNECTIONS
*After you read a poem discuss with the children how the poem made them feel.
*Have students reenact certain poems for drama such as “Hiccup!” or “Waffles Give Me Sniffles.”
*Have students illustrate a poem such as “The Apathetic Thwo” or “I Am Shrinking.”
Share and discuss illustrations.
*Visit the Jack Prelutsky Website at:
http://www.jackprelutsky.com/
Other related books:
Florian, Douglas. Zoo’s Who. ISBN: 0152046399
Prelutsky, Jack. Something Big Has Been Here. ISBN 0688064345
Prelutsky, Jack. The Random House Book of Poetry for Children. ISBN 0394850106
OLD ELM SPEAKS: TREE POEMS
1. BIBLIOGRAPHYO’Connell George, Kristine. 2006. Old Elm Speaks: Tree Poems. Ill. by Kate Kiesler. New York, NY: Clarion Books. ISBN 0618752420
2. PLOT SUMMARY
Kristine O’Connell George wrote a series of poems that discusses the nature of trees. The poems talk directly from the old elm trees perspective and also elaborate on the many happenings in and around a tree. The poems are written in a variety of poetic forms. The beauty of this compilation is that is draws you to discover the many extraordinary discoveries that can be found and had from a tree.
3. CRITICAL ANAYLSIS
Christine George O’ Connell has composed a book of poetry based on the theme of trees. She starts off with an introduction poem from the tree. The compilation then goes on to explain many daily activities that take place in and around a trees. The poems describe activities such as squirrel commuters, children playing horse on the limbs of the tree, the fate of trees, and how nature takes its course with trees. On poem in particular that I enjoyed is: Lullaby
Tree sighs softly
as the birds patter about
her heavy old branches,
settling down,
tucking their heads
beneath their wings.
She waits until dusk
has shadowed her leaves,
and when she’s sure
she’s heard that last
soft cheep,
she rocks her birds to sleep.
The language George has used is vivid and descriptive enough that you can sense the gentle loving care as the tree sways in the night breeze to gently rock her birds to sleep.
The tree is personified throughout the book as being strong, yet gentle, with motherly qualities of tenderness and concern. The tree delights in children and animals enjoying her beauty, majesty, and shade. George has also supplied enough creative words that imagery of the verse comes to life. In one poem she discusses the bud and explains how it is a neatly and tightly packed leaf in a valise. What wonderful metaphors that evoke emotions of curiosity, wonder, and the splendor of trees.
The illustrations in the compilation were artistically done by Kate Kiesler. She used a variety of natural colors to highlight the nature of trees and its surroundings. The children’s faces are blurred a bit most likely to give focus to the tree and its surroundings. Kiesler’s illustrations of the animals who visit the tree are given a little bit more substance highlighting how nature works together. The affect her drawings have on the reader are one of peace and tranquility. Kiesler allows nature to speak for itself through its grace and beauty of her illustrations. Together George and Kiesler have put together a beautiful tribute to nature and the majesty of trees.
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
Booklist: The original poems in this lovely, simple collection celebrate every aspect of trees in a variety of poetic forms including free verse, rhyme, and haiku.
Kirkus Review: …a specialized collection of nature poetry, loosely organized around the four seasons. A lovely, often luminous, collection.
Publishers Weekly: George and Kiesler team up for another close look at the natural world with poetry that invites readers to meditate on trees. Together George and Kiesler have put together a beautiful tribute to nature and the majesty of trees.
5. CONNECTIONS
*Have students go outside and observe a tree and illustrate it. Then ask the students to write their own poem from the images and feelings the tree evoked.
*Research different types of trees and their leaves. Discuss differences in the color, size, and shape of trees.
*Discuss environmental issues that are occurring today and the effects trees have on our earth.
*Visit Kristine O’Connell George on the website at:
http://www.kristinegeorge.com/
*Other related books:
George O’Connell, Kristine. The Great Frog Race: And Other Poems. ISBN 0618604782
Levy, Constance. A Tree Place: And Other Poems. ISBN 68950599X
Tree sighs softly
as the birds patter about
her heavy old branches,
settling down,
tucking their heads
beneath their wings.
She waits until dusk
has shadowed her leaves,
and when she’s sure
she’s heard that last
soft cheep,
she rocks her birds to sleep.
The language George has used is vivid and descriptive enough that you can sense the gentle loving care as the tree sways in the night breeze to gently rock her birds to sleep.
The tree is personified throughout the book as being strong, yet gentle, with motherly qualities of tenderness and concern. The tree delights in children and animals enjoying her beauty, majesty, and shade. George has also supplied enough creative words that imagery of the verse comes to life. In one poem she discusses the bud and explains how it is a neatly and tightly packed leaf in a valise. What wonderful metaphors that evoke emotions of curiosity, wonder, and the splendor of trees.
The illustrations in the compilation were artistically done by Kate Kiesler. She used a variety of natural colors to highlight the nature of trees and its surroundings. The children’s faces are blurred a bit most likely to give focus to the tree and its surroundings. Kiesler’s illustrations of the animals who visit the tree are given a little bit more substance highlighting how nature works together. The affect her drawings have on the reader are one of peace and tranquility. Kiesler allows nature to speak for itself through its grace and beauty of her illustrations. Together George and Kiesler have put together a beautiful tribute to nature and the majesty of trees.
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
Booklist: The original poems in this lovely, simple collection celebrate every aspect of trees in a variety of poetic forms including free verse, rhyme, and haiku.
Kirkus Review: …a specialized collection of nature poetry, loosely organized around the four seasons. A lovely, often luminous, collection.
Publishers Weekly: George and Kiesler team up for another close look at the natural world with poetry that invites readers to meditate on trees. Together George and Kiesler have put together a beautiful tribute to nature and the majesty of trees.
5. CONNECTIONS
*Have students go outside and observe a tree and illustrate it. Then ask the students to write their own poem from the images and feelings the tree evoked.
*Research different types of trees and their leaves. Discuss differences in the color, size, and shape of trees.
*Discuss environmental issues that are occurring today and the effects trees have on our earth.
*Visit Kristine O’Connell George on the website at:
http://www.kristinegeorge.com/
*Other related books:
George O’Connell, Kristine. The Great Frog Race: And Other Poems. ISBN 0618604782
Levy, Constance. A Tree Place: And Other Poems. ISBN 68950599X
OUT OF THE DUST
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Hesse, Karen. 1997. Out of the Dust. New York, NY: Scholastic Press. ISBN 0590360809
2. PLOT SUMMARY
Karen Hesse has written a Newbery Medal award winning verse novel. Her protagonist, Billie Jo, faces many challenges. Verse by verse the words flow painstakingly into another describing the hardships, losses, and agony this child and her family face through the dust bowl region of Oklahoma. Billie Jo desires deeper communication with her mother. She longs for the ability to connect. Then a horrible accident occurs and her mother and newly born baby bother pass away. She then has to face the daily challenge of living with the consequences of their deaths. Billie Jo desires to grow closer to her father but her father is unable. They unfortunately have to lose each other to find each other again. Through her struggles she finds the strength to survive in what would otherwise be considered unendurable circumstances.
Hesse, Karen. 1997. Out of the Dust. New York, NY: Scholastic Press. ISBN 0590360809
2. PLOT SUMMARY
Karen Hesse has written a Newbery Medal award winning verse novel. Her protagonist, Billie Jo, faces many challenges. Verse by verse the words flow painstakingly into another describing the hardships, losses, and agony this child and her family face through the dust bowl region of Oklahoma. Billie Jo desires deeper communication with her mother. She longs for the ability to connect. Then a horrible accident occurs and her mother and newly born baby bother pass away. She then has to face the daily challenge of living with the consequences of their deaths. Billie Jo desires to grow closer to her father but her father is unable. They unfortunately have to lose each other to find each other again. Through her struggles she finds the strength to survive in what would otherwise be considered unendurable circumstances.
3. CRITICAL ANAYLSIS
Karen Hesses has achieved writing an award winning verse novel that eloquently shares the pain and suffering of one family during the dust bowl and depression era in Oklahoma. Her protagonist is a young girl who desires, as any little girl does, to be loved and accepted by her family. As you read each of Billie Jo's diary entries, the verses flow beautifully into each other yet tell deep stories of pain and regret. The language used in this story is indicative of country folk. For example, Billie Jo states: “I try my best to please ma.” As you read through her entries you begin to form a drawl in your voice that lets you know you’ve been submerged into their lives. The imagery is memorable. Billie Jo explains: “Daddy came in, he sat across from Ma and blew his nose. Mud streamed out. He coughed and spit out mud. If he had cried, his tears would have been mud too.” You feel the pain each time she describes what the dust has taken away from this family yet again. The emotions can be very painful in this book. Billie Jo’s life was one of struggle. She struggled for her mother’s affection, through the deaths in the family, with the pain of her injury, she struggles to connect with her dad, and inwardly she struggles with her stubbornness. Yet in the end, it was her stubborn spirit that leads her back home to her father. Hesse ends this verse novel with the understanding that life will continue to be rough for her characters but that they will survive. Karen Hesse was able to capture this rough existence and yet leave the reader with the knowledge that they too can face life’s challenges and keep breathing no matter how thick the air…keep breathing.
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
Newbery Medal
Scott O’Dell Award
ALA Notable Children’s Book
ALA Best Book for Young Adults
Publishers Weekly: Hesse’s spare prose adroitly traces Billie Jo’s journey in and out of darkness…to hope.
School Library Journal: Hesse’s ever growing skill as a writer willing to take chances with her form shines through superbly…
Kirkus Review: The poem/novel ends with only a trace of hope; there are no pat endings, but a glimpse of beauty wrought from brutal reality.
5. CONNECTIONS
* Discuss and research the Dust Bowl Era.
*Have students then write a poem that depicts this era.
*Have students evaluate Billie Jo’s struggles. Are they similar to the struggles that children face today?
Other related books:
Booth, David. The Dust Bowl. ISBN 1550742957
Cooper, Michael. Dust to Eat: Drought and Depression in the 1930’s. ISBN 0618154493
Stanley, Jerry. Children of the Dust Bowl: The True Story of the School at Weedpatch Camp. ISBN 0517880946
Other books by Karen Hesse:
Hesse, Karen. Witness. ISBN 0439272009
Hesse, Karen. Letters from Rifka. ISBN 0140363912
Hesse, Karen. The Music of Dolphins. ISBN 0590897985
Friday, June 20, 2008
SCHOOLYARD RHYMES: KID’S OWN RHYMES FOR ROPE SKIPPING, HAND CLAPPING, BALL BOUNCING, AND JUST PLAIN FUN.
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Sierra, Judy. 2005. Schoolyard Rhymes: Kid’s Own Rhymes for Rope Skipping, Hand Clapping, Ball Bouncing, and Just Plain Fun. Ill. by Melissa Sweet. New York, NY: Random House. ISBN 0375925163
2. PLOT SUMMARY
Judy Sierra has selected 50 of the most beloved and memorable rope skipping, hand clapping, and ball bouncing rhymes for children. Rhymes included in the book are: Apple on a Stick, Columbus went to C-C-C, and Roses are Red. In the book, readers of all ages will smile, laugh, gasp, and enjoy remembering when they too recited some of these special rhymes.
3. CRITICAL ANAYLIS
Judy Sierra has put together a unique collection of the most dearly loved schoolyard rhymes. The rhymes selected are catchy, silly, gross, and just plain fun. The reader of any age will remember hearing these chants during schoolyard rope skipping, hand clapping, and schoolyard games. Sierra has chosen rhymes such as Miss Mary Mack, Cinderella Dressed in Yella, and Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear, Turn Around. It is a book that allows generations to bond together through the sharing of fond memories of these rhymes. Some of the rhymes do include stomach churning lyrics and insults yet it’s understood that these rhymes were made for silly fun. I believe that overall Sierra compiled a treasure trove of rhymes to be passed down from generation to generation.
Melissa Sweet, the illustrator of this book, has incorporated tender yet comical pictures of children at play through the use of pencil and watercolor medium. She incorporates the rhyme text throughout the book in various formats. Sweet constructed verses in the form of jump ropes, text outlines formations, and the use of rhymes to help denote lines for the flag. At times Sweet used bubbles to denote the rhymes from the characters on the page. I especially liked the use of material she added to some of the characters clothing allowing for the allusion of texture on the page. Sweets comical style of illustration adds to the fun of reading the rhymes on each page.
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
Booklist: Sierra has selected 50 traditional playground chants and rhymes…a great choice for back to school displays.
Horn Book: Kids will enjoy this celebration of naughtiness and childhood fun.
School Library Journal: The rhythms and nonsense rhymes are irresistible, compelling memorization and participation in the fun. This is a definite winner, as it will be enormously popular with children.
5. CONNECTIONS
*Have children listen to a rhyme and then challenge students to come up with an extra verse or even a rhyme of their own.
*Assign children to question their parent’s memory of a favorite rhyme or chant when they were kids. Gather the information and compare to favorite chants of today.
*Other related books that children will enjoy:
Cole, Joanna. Anna Banana: 101 Jump Rope Rhymes. ISBN 0688088090
Cole, Joanna. Miss Mary Mack and Other Children’s Street Rhymes. ISBN 0688097499
Sierra, Judy. 2005. Schoolyard Rhymes: Kid’s Own Rhymes for Rope Skipping, Hand Clapping, Ball Bouncing, and Just Plain Fun. Ill. by Melissa Sweet. New York, NY: Random House. ISBN 0375925163
2. PLOT SUMMARY
Judy Sierra has selected 50 of the most beloved and memorable rope skipping, hand clapping, and ball bouncing rhymes for children. Rhymes included in the book are: Apple on a Stick, Columbus went to C-C-C, and Roses are Red. In the book, readers of all ages will smile, laugh, gasp, and enjoy remembering when they too recited some of these special rhymes.
3. CRITICAL ANAYLIS
Judy Sierra has put together a unique collection of the most dearly loved schoolyard rhymes. The rhymes selected are catchy, silly, gross, and just plain fun. The reader of any age will remember hearing these chants during schoolyard rope skipping, hand clapping, and schoolyard games. Sierra has chosen rhymes such as Miss Mary Mack, Cinderella Dressed in Yella, and Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear, Turn Around. It is a book that allows generations to bond together through the sharing of fond memories of these rhymes. Some of the rhymes do include stomach churning lyrics and insults yet it’s understood that these rhymes were made for silly fun. I believe that overall Sierra compiled a treasure trove of rhymes to be passed down from generation to generation.
Melissa Sweet, the illustrator of this book, has incorporated tender yet comical pictures of children at play through the use of pencil and watercolor medium. She incorporates the rhyme text throughout the book in various formats. Sweet constructed verses in the form of jump ropes, text outlines formations, and the use of rhymes to help denote lines for the flag. At times Sweet used bubbles to denote the rhymes from the characters on the page. I especially liked the use of material she added to some of the characters clothing allowing for the allusion of texture on the page. Sweets comical style of illustration adds to the fun of reading the rhymes on each page.
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
Booklist: Sierra has selected 50 traditional playground chants and rhymes…a great choice for back to school displays.
Horn Book: Kids will enjoy this celebration of naughtiness and childhood fun.
School Library Journal: The rhythms and nonsense rhymes are irresistible, compelling memorization and participation in the fun. This is a definite winner, as it will be enormously popular with children.
5. CONNECTIONS
*Have children listen to a rhyme and then challenge students to come up with an extra verse or even a rhyme of their own.
*Assign children to question their parent’s memory of a favorite rhyme or chant when they were kids. Gather the information and compare to favorite chants of today.
*Other related books that children will enjoy:
Cole, Joanna. Anna Banana: 101 Jump Rope Rhymes. ISBN 0688088090
Cole, Joanna. Miss Mary Mack and Other Children’s Street Rhymes. ISBN 0688097499
JAMIE O’ROURKE AND THE POOKA
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
De Paola, Tomie. 2000. Jamie O’Rourke and the Pooka. New York, NY: Puffin Books. ISBN 069811924X
2. PLOT SUMMARY
Tomie de Paola has written an original Irish literary folktale about a man named Jamie O’Rourke who is the laziest man in all of Ireland. When Jamie’s wife Eileen leaves to visit her sister for a week, Jamie’s cronies Michael, Patrick, and Seamus, arrive at the house to enjoy a fine old time laughing, eating, and making one fine mess. Jaime gets tired at the sight of the mess and goes to bed when a mystical Irish character called a pooka, comes in to clean up the mess. Jamie feels like a lucky man indeed but how long will this luck last is to be seen.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
De Paola, Tomie. 2000. Jamie O’Rourke and the Pooka. New York, NY: Puffin Books. ISBN 069811924X
2. PLOT SUMMARY
Tomie de Paola has written an original Irish literary folktale about a man named Jamie O’Rourke who is the laziest man in all of Ireland. When Jamie’s wife Eileen leaves to visit her sister for a week, Jamie’s cronies Michael, Patrick, and Seamus, arrive at the house to enjoy a fine old time laughing, eating, and making one fine mess. Jaime gets tired at the sight of the mess and goes to bed when a mystical Irish character called a pooka, comes in to clean up the mess. Jamie feels like a lucky man indeed but how long will this luck last is to be seen.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Tomie de Paola has written his second Irish literary folktale about a protagonist named Jamie O’Rourke. It is a humorous tale of a loveable character who also happens to be a lazy husband. To add cultural mystical humor to this Irish tale, De Paola uses a magical creature called a pooka. The pooka arrives to help Jamie see the error of his ways. Yet this protagonist does not fully comprehend the ramifications of his laziness or his generosity until it is too late. The idiomatic expressions such as, “Saints preserve us,” and “well me lads…let’s grab some grub,” are funny and clear indications of the cultural language.
De Paola painted his illustrations with liquid acrylics depicting the cultural heritage of the Irish. He chose to illustrate the festive Irish friendship through the camaraderie of food, song, and cider. The story’s setting is his cottage that sits among the green rolling hills of Ireland. At times De Paola uses comic boxes that allow for the illustrations to speak for themselves. The pooka is illustrated as an eerie yellow eyed upright standing donkey. The illustrations are pure delight and effectively enhance the stories flow.
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
Booklists: And, as his many books reveal, he possesses warmth and humor that reaches out to children. These qualities are once again apparent in his latest picture book about Jamie O’Rourke, the laziest man in Ireland.
Horn Book: DePaola tells this cheerful original Irish tale in a lighthearted tone; his cozy, colorful illustrations are a good match for the unassumingly rhythmic text.
Publishers Weekly: Lazy but loveable Jamie O’Rourke returns in this dandy and original Irish folktale.
5. CONNECTIONS
*Discuss with children about legends and the legend of the pooka. What legends do other cultures have that is considered similar to an Irish pooka?
*Was Jamie O’Rourke as fortunate as he believed to be? Did he learn a lesson? What lesson was the pooka trying to tell him?
* Have children write a new ending to the story.
*Other folktale books:
De Paola, Tomie, Jamie O’Rourke and the Big Potato. ISBN 039922257X
Heo, Yumi. The Green Frogs: A Korean Folktale. ISBN 0618432280
MacDonald, Margaret. Conejito: A Folktale from Panama. ISBN 0874837790
De Paola painted his illustrations with liquid acrylics depicting the cultural heritage of the Irish. He chose to illustrate the festive Irish friendship through the camaraderie of food, song, and cider. The story’s setting is his cottage that sits among the green rolling hills of Ireland. At times De Paola uses comic boxes that allow for the illustrations to speak for themselves. The pooka is illustrated as an eerie yellow eyed upright standing donkey. The illustrations are pure delight and effectively enhance the stories flow.
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
Booklists: And, as his many books reveal, he possesses warmth and humor that reaches out to children. These qualities are once again apparent in his latest picture book about Jamie O’Rourke, the laziest man in Ireland.
Horn Book: DePaola tells this cheerful original Irish tale in a lighthearted tone; his cozy, colorful illustrations are a good match for the unassumingly rhythmic text.
Publishers Weekly: Lazy but loveable Jamie O’Rourke returns in this dandy and original Irish folktale.
5. CONNECTIONS
*Discuss with children about legends and the legend of the pooka. What legends do other cultures have that is considered similar to an Irish pooka?
*Was Jamie O’Rourke as fortunate as he believed to be? Did he learn a lesson? What lesson was the pooka trying to tell him?
* Have children write a new ending to the story.
*Other folktale books:
De Paola, Tomie, Jamie O’Rourke and the Big Potato. ISBN 039922257X
Heo, Yumi. The Green Frogs: A Korean Folktale. ISBN 0618432280
MacDonald, Margaret. Conejito: A Folktale from Panama. ISBN 0874837790
CINDY ELLEN: A WILD WESTERN CINDERELLA
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Lowell, Susan. 2000. Cindy Ellen: A Western Cinderella. Ill. by Jane Manning. New York, NY: Harper Collins. ISBN 0060274476
2. PLOT SUMMARY
Susan Lowell has written a western parody of Cinderella called Cindy Ellen. In the book Cindy Ellen’s rancher dad marries his second wife who comes with two daughters and a need to wear the pants in the family. Cindy Ellen is forced to mend the fences and tend to the cows. Cindy’s sad fortune changes when the biggest Cattle King for miles around invites all neighbors to a wild and woolly rodeo fandango. Her fairy god mother arrives, and bing! bang!...Cindy Ellen receives gumption and is sent high tailing off to the rodeo to lasso the prince.
3. CRITICAL ANAYLIS
Susan Lowell has written a parody of the classic Cinderella traditional tale. The conflict between characters follows the classic account with a western flavor. In this story the protagonist is forced into hard ranch labor and the servant hood of her newly acquired family. The dialect used assures you that you are in the west. For instance, the wicked step mother is denoted as, “meaner than a rattlesnake with two daughters who were her spitting image.” Her story was a galloping, rip roaring, thunderous pleasure to read.
Lowell, Susan. 2000. Cindy Ellen: A Western Cinderella. Ill. by Jane Manning. New York, NY: Harper Collins. ISBN 0060274476
2. PLOT SUMMARY
Susan Lowell has written a western parody of Cinderella called Cindy Ellen. In the book Cindy Ellen’s rancher dad marries his second wife who comes with two daughters and a need to wear the pants in the family. Cindy Ellen is forced to mend the fences and tend to the cows. Cindy’s sad fortune changes when the biggest Cattle King for miles around invites all neighbors to a wild and woolly rodeo fandango. Her fairy god mother arrives, and bing! bang!...Cindy Ellen receives gumption and is sent high tailing off to the rodeo to lasso the prince.
3. CRITICAL ANAYLIS
Susan Lowell has written a parody of the classic Cinderella traditional tale. The conflict between characters follows the classic account with a western flavor. In this story the protagonist is forced into hard ranch labor and the servant hood of her newly acquired family. The dialect used assures you that you are in the west. For instance, the wicked step mother is denoted as, “meaner than a rattlesnake with two daughters who were her spitting image.” Her story was a galloping, rip roaring, thunderous pleasure to read.
Jan Manning’s illustrations are colorful and endearing. I personally enjoyed the way she illustrated the evil step mother with a tall strong manly presence. The fairy godmother was a comical old lady with spectacles and a gold six-gun. The setting is dry and dusty with cactus, jack rabbits, and clear blue skies. Manning’s illustrations help set the mood for and guarantee side splitting bronco riding adventure.
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
Booklist: With a yee-haw and a do-si-do, the everlasting Cinderella story blooms again.
Horn Book: Expressive regional turns of phrase and exuberant full color comic illustrations…
Publishers Weekly: Savory slang adds punch to this tale which stresses the fairy godmother’s message that “magic is plumb worthless without gumption.”
5. CONNECTIONS
*Discuss the Fairy Godmothers words “magic is plumb worthless without gumption.” Elaborate on the meaning and how they can apply that to their lives.
*Have children compare and contrast Cindy Ellen to the Disney Cinderella story.
*Have children write a new chapter to the story from where the story ends with Cindy and Joe Prince getting hitched and living in a ranch house full of love and rodeo trophies.
*Other related books:
Sierra, Judy. The Gift of the Crocodile: A Cinderella Story. ISBN 0689821883
Schroeder, Alan. Smoky Mountain Rose: An Appalachian Cinderella. ISBN 0140566732
Souci, Robert. Little Gold Star: A Spanish American Cinderella Tale. ISBN 0688147801
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
Booklist: With a yee-haw and a do-si-do, the everlasting Cinderella story blooms again.
Horn Book: Expressive regional turns of phrase and exuberant full color comic illustrations…
Publishers Weekly: Savory slang adds punch to this tale which stresses the fairy godmother’s message that “magic is plumb worthless without gumption.”
5. CONNECTIONS
*Discuss the Fairy Godmothers words “magic is plumb worthless without gumption.” Elaborate on the meaning and how they can apply that to their lives.
*Have children compare and contrast Cindy Ellen to the Disney Cinderella story.
*Have children write a new chapter to the story from where the story ends with Cindy and Joe Prince getting hitched and living in a ranch house full of love and rodeo trophies.
*Other related books:
Sierra, Judy. The Gift of the Crocodile: A Cinderella Story. ISBN 0689821883
Schroeder, Alan. Smoky Mountain Rose: An Appalachian Cinderella. ISBN 0140566732
Souci, Robert. Little Gold Star: A Spanish American Cinderella Tale. ISBN 0688147801
Thursday, June 12, 2008
MY FRIEND RABBIT
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY:
Rohmann, Eric. 2002. My Friend Rabbit. Ill. by Eric Rohmann. Brookfield, CT: Millbrook Press. ISBN 0439578205
2. PLOT SUMMARY:
Rohmann, Eric. 2002. My Friend Rabbit. Ill. by Eric Rohmann. Brookfield, CT: Millbrook Press. ISBN 0439578205
2. PLOT SUMMARY:
Mouse and Rabbit are best of friends with one problem…wherever Rabbit goes trouble follows. Mouse’s plane gets stuck in a tree and the adventure of Rabbits carefree but brilliant idea to get it down follows. Rabbit’s intentions are well and Mouse sticks by his friend through it all.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS:
Eric Rohmann’s Caldecott Medal book is a testament to friendship. Mouse is a tried and true friend who has no allusions to his friend’s faults but chooses to stick closer than a brother to him. Rabbit is a happy-go-lucky lighthearted character that sees the glass half full. As soon as a problem arrives he instantly has an idea. Unfortunately his ideas are usually followed by trouble. Rohmann chose to use grass and blue sky to set off the stories setting. This allows the reader to focus on the facial and body expressions of the characters. Each page is layered with brilliant colors and details that allow the reader to understand more than the text is saying. The added curves and lines tell of frustration, worry, and contentment. Rohmann does an excellent job of portraying though text and illustration the bond of true friendship.
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS:
Caldecott Medal
Booklist: “Tremendous physical humor delivers a gentle lesson about accepting friends as they are.”
Horn Book: “…visually exciting—Rohmann’s hand-colored relief prints make fresh and innovative use of picture book space—and broadly humorous.”
Publishers Weekly: “this gentle lesson in patience and loyalty, balanced on the back of a hilarious set of illustrations, will leave young readers clamoring for repeat readings.”
5. CONNECTIONS:
*Discuss with children the meaning of friendship.
*Have children discuss Mouse and Rabbits friendship. What other mischief do you believe that Rabbit has gotten Mouse into?
*From the last page, predict the different ways that Rabbit might help Mouse get out of the tree.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS:
Eric Rohmann’s Caldecott Medal book is a testament to friendship. Mouse is a tried and true friend who has no allusions to his friend’s faults but chooses to stick closer than a brother to him. Rabbit is a happy-go-lucky lighthearted character that sees the glass half full. As soon as a problem arrives he instantly has an idea. Unfortunately his ideas are usually followed by trouble. Rohmann chose to use grass and blue sky to set off the stories setting. This allows the reader to focus on the facial and body expressions of the characters. Each page is layered with brilliant colors and details that allow the reader to understand more than the text is saying. The added curves and lines tell of frustration, worry, and contentment. Rohmann does an excellent job of portraying though text and illustration the bond of true friendship.
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS:
Caldecott Medal
Booklist: “Tremendous physical humor delivers a gentle lesson about accepting friends as they are.”
Horn Book: “…visually exciting—Rohmann’s hand-colored relief prints make fresh and innovative use of picture book space—and broadly humorous.”
Publishers Weekly: “this gentle lesson in patience and loyalty, balanced on the back of a hilarious set of illustrations, will leave young readers clamoring for repeat readings.”
5. CONNECTIONS:
*Discuss with children the meaning of friendship.
*Have children discuss Mouse and Rabbits friendship. What other mischief do you believe that Rabbit has gotten Mouse into?
*From the last page, predict the different ways that Rabbit might help Mouse get out of the tree.
*Other books for children about friendships:
Clark, Emma. Will and Squill. ISBN 1575059363
Larranaga, Ana. Pepo and Lolo Are Friends. ISBN 0763619825
Clark, Emma. Will and Squill. ISBN 1575059363
Larranaga, Ana. Pepo and Lolo Are Friends. ISBN 0763619825
DON'T LET THE PIGEON DRIVE THE BUS!
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY:
Willems, Mo. 2003. Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! Ill.by Mo Willems. New York, NY: Hyperion Books for Children. ISBN 0796919881
Willems, Mo. 2003. Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! Ill.by Mo Willems. New York, NY: Hyperion Books for Children. ISBN 0796919881
2. PLOT SUMMARY:
The book begins with a bus driver introducing himself and asking for assistance as he takes a break from his route. He then entrusts the help of the readers to remember: “Don’t let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!” Pigeon, a lively and dramatic pigeon, begins by asking if he can drive the bus. He makes several heart wrenching requests to drive by pleading, begging, bargaining, and eventually throwing a feather flying tantrum before succumbing to his fate and sulking. His misery is quickly dissipated when he lays his eyes on a new conquest…a big red eighteen wheeler!
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS:
Mo Willems is a five-time Emmy Award winning writer and animator for Sesame Street. This is his first book for children and he was able to create a fun loving character that children will fall in love with. Pigeon is a rambunctious character who just wants to have fun. Pigeon begs, pleads, bargains, and eventually throws a huge tantrum as he tries to charm his way and plead his case to drive the bus. As you read through the book children are immersed into the story and begin to reply “No!” at Pigeon as he begs and pleads. You hear giggles and laughs as the children continue to hold firm in their position that Pigeon is not going to drive the bus. As an adult you can not help but enjoy listening to the interaction between the Pigeon and the children, it’s priceless. Pigeon ends up distraught at his failed attempt to convince the reader into allowing him to drive the bus. Pigeon’s attention to this problem is quickly diverted when he lays sight on a big red Mack truck.
Mo Willems illustrations of the pigeon are composed of line drawings. The pigeon is bluish grey with black crayon outline. The backgrounds are set to earth tone colors focusing on the pigeon and his expressions. As you turn each page the characterization of the pigeon is enhance by body gestures and facial features. Most noticeable is the movement and gesture of Pigeon’s eye. The text is written in old manual type writer style encased by a cartoon bubble. Mo Willems created a memorable character that will stay embedded in the hearts and minds of his readers.
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS:
Caldecott Honor Book
Booklist: “Preschoolers will howl over the Pigeon’s dramatics, even as they recognize that he wheedles, blows up, and yearns to be powerful just like they do.”
Horn Book starred: This well-paced story encourages audience interaction; in fact, like the wide-eyed pigeon, the book demands it.”
School Library Journal: “The genius of this book is that the very young will actually recognize themselves in it.”
5. CONNECTIONS:
*Discuss with children the last page and make predictions as to what will happen next.
* Have children name the pigeon (his cousins name is Herb) and give reasons for the name.
* Discuss what might have happened if the author had allowed the pigeon to drive the bus.
*Other books by Mo Willems:
Willems, Mo. The Pigeon Has Feelings Too! ISBN 0786836504
Willems, Mo. Pigeon Finds a Hot Dog. ISBN 0786818697
Willems, Mo. Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale. ISBN 0786818700
ARTIST TO ARTIST: 23 MAJOR ILLUSTRATORS TALK TO CHILDREN ABOUT THEIR ART
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY:
Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book. 2007. Artist to Artist: 23 Major Illustrators Talk to Children about Their Art. Ill. by Eric Carle. New York, NY: Philomel Books. ISBN 0399246005
2. PLOT SUMMARY:
This book is a beautiful compilation of twenty-three major illustrators. It was created to help children and their families appreciate and understand the world of picture book art. In the book each artist shares heart filled childhood memories, dreams, early sketches, and the journey they took to become the beloved artist they are today.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS:
The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art has delightfully assembled a book to encourage children to appreciate and stay in touch with the artist within them. The book begins with a note from Eric Carle who explains his desire that this anthology will inspire all who hold the book. Each memory is written in letter form with a personal signature at the end. It is as if each of the twenty-three different artists wrote a personal letter to you the reader. Each artist also has submitted a self portrait that folds out to reveal early sketches, pictures from their books, and a picture of their studio. Readers will enjoy the array of different artistic styles that is unique to each illustrator. Illustrators use many different graphic techniques. Each page offers a view of these techniques from watercolors, to acrylic, oil painting, pastels, chalk, pencil, ink and more. Any reader who loves stories will come to appreciate how the illustrator makes those stories come alive through their art. The book also reminds us that we all begin life as artists with the ability to create. The key is to keep that dream alive by nurturing it and bringing it forth to life.
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS:
Kirkus, starred review: “Fun to read and view, this anthology is a treasure trove of creative insight and inspiration.”
Publishers Weekly: “...this book offers a captivating look at these illustrators’ methods and the passion that lies behind their work.”
School Library Journal: “…a gorgeous, browsable gallery of international treasures.”
5. CONNECTIONS:
*Discuss and define visual elements of picture book illustration.
*Create a studio in the classroom where students can use various mediums to illustrate their favorite book character.
*Read different books illustrated by the various illustrators from the book. Discuss the differences of artistic styles used.
*Discuss which images appealed to their senses or evoked emotion.
*Other books to inspire children to create:
Ajmera, Maya. To Be an Artist. ISBN 1570915768
Marcus Leonard. A Caldecott Celebration: Seven Artists and their Paths to the Caldecott Medal. ISBN 0802797032
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Welcome
Children and Young Adult Book Reviews
This blog is established for the purpose of satisfying the requirements of LS5603-21. I will be posting required book review assignments via this blog.
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