Bibliography:
Simon, Seymour. 2009. Gorillas. Photographs by Michael Nichols, Boyd Norton, et. al. New York, NY: HarperCollins. ISBN 978-0-06-089102-2
Plot Summary:
This non-fiction book describes various species of gorillas including their physical and behavioral characteristics. In addition, the book describes their daily routines, diets, activities, and endangerment.
Critical Analysis:
This book aims to teach children about gorillas in hopes of shedding some light on this feared species. The writing is simple enough for older children to read and comprehend, and for younger children to understand if it is read to them. The language is very child-friendly and includes rephrasing of words ("...at the sight of an intruder (that's if you get to close)."
Simon does a great job of relating gorillas to humans with the details of each such as the fact that they both belch, chuckle, and hiccup. Simon also help children understand that gorillas are like them by finding similarties between baby gorillas and children such as they are both small (5lbs.) when born. Aligning the family life in both (families of usually 5-10) really works to help ease children's minds of any fears they previously had about gorillas along with informing them of the meanings behind facial expressions and behaviors.
The many giant, page-filled, colorful photographs of real-life gorillas will entertain children as they grow more fond of the animal. In the end, the book informs children of the importance of taking care of gorillas and not destroying their habitats. This book really aids both young and old in appreciating the gorilla species and inspires them to take a stand against those who do not.
Review Excerpts:
Kirkus Reviews: "Simon may have done more than any other living author to help us understand and appreciate the beauty of our planet and our universe."
School Library Journal: "The extremely handsome, oversized color photos enhance the readable text and complement it perfectly...[T]his attactive, informative book certainly deserves a place in all collections."
The Horn Book: "While the stunning, highly expressive photographs dominate in space and impact, Simon's concise and child-friendly writing means that a fairly full picture of gorilla behavior. . .is amply conveyed"
Connections:
*This book can be used to teach children about gorillas or what "endangered" means.
*This book can help children understand what kinds of animals live in the rainforest.
*This book can help children to not "judge a book by it's cover" because gorillas are really shy, gentle animals, not always fearsome predators.
*This book can help children realize the value of saving the rainforest and conserving natural resources to do so.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
What My Girlfriend Doesn't Know
Bibliography:
Sones, Sonya. 2007. What My Girlfriend Doesn't Know. Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers. ISBN 0-689-87602-5
Plot Summary:
A 14-year old boy, Robin Murphy struggles with being the outcast in high school. His name is coined as meaning, "loser" and he is the butt of all jokes. When he begins dating a beautiful, popular girl, Sophie Stein, her reputation deteriorates and she becomes unpopular. The two teens show a united front, calling themselves "the outlaws" and withstand all the ridicule and teasing to reclaim their social place and friends at school. This hormone-raging young adolescent boy finds acceptance in a Harvard art class where he also pursued by a young college girl. Robin is faced with many hard decisions as he finds himself in this story.
Critical Analysis:
This book is written verse form which makes for an easy book to read. The title of each poem on each new page is really the first sentence to that page/paragraph. Sones plays with the words on the page by making them in the form of pictures, such as pinnochio's face when the title of a page is, "Is My Nose Growing?" or the shape of breasts when the title is, "I Do Not Have a One Track Mind". This makes for a comical, interesting, page-turning novel that keeps the reader guessing. The vocabulary Sones uses is typical of a young male, such as "whoa", "dude", "weirding me out", etcetera. The style language and topics discussed within the book portray this further with discussions about women in the nude, viagra, rock and roll, stoners, jell-o shots, overbearing mothers, and falling in love.
This book serves well to get a teenager interested in reading. This story has something that any adolescent, male or female, can relate to. As one reads this book, it's like they are being let in on all the so-called-secrets of the teenager mind and it gives the reader an almost naughty feel reading some of the pages. With the continuous humor and honesty throughout the novel, one cannot help but fall in love with "Murphy" and "Stein" as the two of them discover love together. I would definitly recommend it for 8th grade and up and especially to those who are reluctant readers.
Review Excerpts:
Booklist, starred review: "A fast, funny, touching book...hilarious and irreverent."
Publishers Weekly, starred review: "Honest and earthy...captures the tingle and heartache of being young and in love."
Kirkus Reviews, starred review: "Romantic and sexy."
Connections:
*This book is an excellent tool to get older, reluctant readers interested in reading books.
*This book teaches the value of self-esteem, loyalty, and trust.
*This inspirational story can be used to help a child adapt to a new situation (ex: high school) or give them hope when they feel like an outcast.
Sones, Sonya. 2007. What My Girlfriend Doesn't Know. Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers. ISBN 0-689-87602-5
Plot Summary:
A 14-year old boy, Robin Murphy struggles with being the outcast in high school. His name is coined as meaning, "loser" and he is the butt of all jokes. When he begins dating a beautiful, popular girl, Sophie Stein, her reputation deteriorates and she becomes unpopular. The two teens show a united front, calling themselves "the outlaws" and withstand all the ridicule and teasing to reclaim their social place and friends at school. This hormone-raging young adolescent boy finds acceptance in a Harvard art class where he also pursued by a young college girl. Robin is faced with many hard decisions as he finds himself in this story.
Critical Analysis:
This book is written verse form which makes for an easy book to read. The title of each poem on each new page is really the first sentence to that page/paragraph. Sones plays with the words on the page by making them in the form of pictures, such as pinnochio's face when the title of a page is, "Is My Nose Growing?" or the shape of breasts when the title is, "I Do Not Have a One Track Mind". This makes for a comical, interesting, page-turning novel that keeps the reader guessing. The vocabulary Sones uses is typical of a young male, such as "whoa", "dude", "weirding me out", etcetera. The style language and topics discussed within the book portray this further with discussions about women in the nude, viagra, rock and roll, stoners, jell-o shots, overbearing mothers, and falling in love.
This book serves well to get a teenager interested in reading. This story has something that any adolescent, male or female, can relate to. As one reads this book, it's like they are being let in on all the so-called-secrets of the teenager mind and it gives the reader an almost naughty feel reading some of the pages. With the continuous humor and honesty throughout the novel, one cannot help but fall in love with "Murphy" and "Stein" as the two of them discover love together. I would definitly recommend it for 8th grade and up and especially to those who are reluctant readers.
Review Excerpts:
Booklist, starred review: "A fast, funny, touching book...hilarious and irreverent."
Publishers Weekly, starred review: "Honest and earthy...captures the tingle and heartache of being young and in love."
Kirkus Reviews, starred review: "Romantic and sexy."
Connections:
*This book is an excellent tool to get older, reluctant readers interested in reading books.
*This book teaches the value of self-esteem, loyalty, and trust.
*This inspirational story can be used to help a child adapt to a new situation (ex: high school) or give them hope when they feel like an outcast.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Footprints on the Roof
Bibliography:
Singer, Marilyn. 2002. Footprints on the Roof. Ill. by Meilo So. New York: Alfred A. Knopf. ISBN 0-375-81094-3
Plot Summary:
This book includes many free verse poems about all the things and naturally occuring events on earth. Singer describes how nature is all around us, used in our lives everyday and beautiful in its own way. From natural disasters, crops, deserts, summer solstice, to islands, ice, mud, and caves, includes it all.
Critical Analysis:
This book contains vocabulary appropriate for older children, such as "sauropods", "thrashing", and "ancestral". The poetry itself leaves the reader feeling grateful and content living on the wonderful planet Earth. Singer arouses the senses with the descriptive language. She reminds us of natures perks that we sometimes take for granted such as, "...the scent of roses...the lulling hum of bees..a cloud scudding briefly across the sun...a slightly pointed breeze...to remind you that the earth has turned again."
The illustrations are done on rice paper and portray true Japanese style. They are very simple sketches done in only black and white. Almost all of the illustrations are done solely on the right half of the pages, next to the poem they are to describe. The visual helps aid the mind in picturing what is being read and they also give a deeper sense of appreciation for the text. Younger children may be bored with this book with the large range of vocabulary and black and white pictures, however, older children will begin to gain appreciation for this style illustration and poetry as well as the planet they live on.
Review Excerpts:
Emilie Coulter: "Both Singer and So inspire the imagination with this lovely collection."
Publisher's Weekly: "Meilo So's illustrations, rendered in India ink on rice paper, evoke the serene quality of Japanese silkscreen."
Connections:
*This book can be used to teach about natural resources and conservation.
*This book can help demonstrate how to write a free verse poem.
*This book can be the engage component in a lesson about various natural disasters.
*This book can teach the appreciation of the small things in life.
Singer, Marilyn. 2002. Footprints on the Roof. Ill. by Meilo So. New York: Alfred A. Knopf. ISBN 0-375-81094-3
Plot Summary:
This book includes many free verse poems about all the things and naturally occuring events on earth. Singer describes how nature is all around us, used in our lives everyday and beautiful in its own way. From natural disasters, crops, deserts, summer solstice, to islands, ice, mud, and caves, includes it all.
Critical Analysis:
This book contains vocabulary appropriate for older children, such as "sauropods", "thrashing", and "ancestral". The poetry itself leaves the reader feeling grateful and content living on the wonderful planet Earth. Singer arouses the senses with the descriptive language. She reminds us of natures perks that we sometimes take for granted such as, "...the scent of roses...the lulling hum of bees..a cloud scudding briefly across the sun...a slightly pointed breeze...to remind you that the earth has turned again."
The illustrations are done on rice paper and portray true Japanese style. They are very simple sketches done in only black and white. Almost all of the illustrations are done solely on the right half of the pages, next to the poem they are to describe. The visual helps aid the mind in picturing what is being read and they also give a deeper sense of appreciation for the text. Younger children may be bored with this book with the large range of vocabulary and black and white pictures, however, older children will begin to gain appreciation for this style illustration and poetry as well as the planet they live on.
Review Excerpts:
Emilie Coulter: "Both Singer and So inspire the imagination with this lovely collection."
Publisher's Weekly: "Meilo So's illustrations, rendered in India ink on rice paper, evoke the serene quality of Japanese silkscreen."
Connections:
*This book can be used to teach about natural resources and conservation.
*This book can help demonstrate how to write a free verse poem.
*This book can be the engage component in a lesson about various natural disasters.
*This book can teach the appreciation of the small things in life.
Handsprings
Bibliography:
Florian, Douglas. 2006. Handsprings. Ill. by Douglas Florian. Greenwillow Books. ISBN 0-06-009280-7
Plot Summary:
This book of poems and paintings discusses the likes and dislikes of Spring. From poems about the longer days, spring showers, flowers, April Fools' Day to Spring-cleaning, insects, mud, and thunderstorms, this book talks about everything Spring holds. It is a celebration of the Spring season from start to finish.
Critical Analysis:
Each page has a new poem about Spring, 29 in all. The poems are titled in all capitals. All the poems are fairly short in length and are typed in standard poem form. However, some poems play with the word format a little more by stacking the words diagonally down the page, writing them in a half circle, or staggering the words and letters, instead of straight across the page. This makes it visually appealing and interesting to the child's eye as the read poem after poem. The vocabulary used within the poems are very simplistic and basic making it easier for children to get used to reading poems and comprehending them if they are new to poetry. The poems are sometimes goofy with phrases such as, "sometimes chilly, spring is silly daffodilly."
The water-color and colored pencil illustrations are also on every page with plenty of the white page surrounding it. Occasionally, there will be a page with only pictures and no poems. The illustrations are bursting with bright colors, mainly reds, oranges, yellows, blues, and greens. The pictures also compare to those of a child's work in that they are made of imperfect shapes, scribbles, and are extremely creative, such as a tree with the branches spelling out the word "Spring" or a boy sweeping with a giant leaf. These illustrations will hold the interest of the child because it looks like work of their peers and there are always pictures they can look at relating to each poem they read.
Review Excerpts:
Kirkus Review: "Teachers in the early elementary grades will find this volume a breath of fresh air for poetry studies in the last months of the school year".
School Library Journal: "Most libraries will want to purchase this entertaining suite."
Publisher's Weekly: "...this cheery collection brims with...reminders that winter doesn't last forever."
Connections:
*This book serve as an introduction to the Spring season and be a discussion starter for activities to do during springtime.
*This book can be used as an introduction into poetry and/or rhyming.
Florian, Douglas. 2006. Handsprings. Ill. by Douglas Florian. Greenwillow Books. ISBN 0-06-009280-7
Plot Summary:
This book of poems and paintings discusses the likes and dislikes of Spring. From poems about the longer days, spring showers, flowers, April Fools' Day to Spring-cleaning, insects, mud, and thunderstorms, this book talks about everything Spring holds. It is a celebration of the Spring season from start to finish.
Critical Analysis:
Each page has a new poem about Spring, 29 in all. The poems are titled in all capitals. All the poems are fairly short in length and are typed in standard poem form. However, some poems play with the word format a little more by stacking the words diagonally down the page, writing them in a half circle, or staggering the words and letters, instead of straight across the page. This makes it visually appealing and interesting to the child's eye as the read poem after poem. The vocabulary used within the poems are very simplistic and basic making it easier for children to get used to reading poems and comprehending them if they are new to poetry. The poems are sometimes goofy with phrases such as, "sometimes chilly, spring is silly daffodilly."
The water-color and colored pencil illustrations are also on every page with plenty of the white page surrounding it. Occasionally, there will be a page with only pictures and no poems. The illustrations are bursting with bright colors, mainly reds, oranges, yellows, blues, and greens. The pictures also compare to those of a child's work in that they are made of imperfect shapes, scribbles, and are extremely creative, such as a tree with the branches spelling out the word "Spring" or a boy sweeping with a giant leaf. These illustrations will hold the interest of the child because it looks like work of their peers and there are always pictures they can look at relating to each poem they read.
Review Excerpts:
Kirkus Review: "Teachers in the early elementary grades will find this volume a breath of fresh air for poetry studies in the last months of the school year".
School Library Journal: "Most libraries will want to purchase this entertaining suite."
Publisher's Weekly: "...this cheery collection brims with...reminders that winter doesn't last forever."
Connections:
*This book serve as an introduction to the Spring season and be a discussion starter for activities to do during springtime.
*This book can be used as an introduction into poetry and/or rhyming.
Yeh-Shen: A Cinderella Story from China
Bibliography:
Louie, Ai-Ling. 1982. Yeh-Shen: A Cinderella Story from China. Ill. by Ed Young. Philomel Books. ISBN 0-399-20900-x
Plot Summary:
Yeh-Shen, the main character, is born only a short time before her parents die. Her father was also married to another woman and has a child with her as well before he passed on. The stepmother is bitter because her daughter is not as beautiful as Yeh-Shen so she kills Yeh-Shen's most prized possession: her pet fish. Yeh-Shen discovers that the fish bones grant her wishes. During the village festival, Yeh-Shen wants to go to find someone to marry but is ordered to stay home while her Stepmother and Stepsister go. After praying to her fish bones, she magically was changed into elegant clothes and she went to the festival. She was spotted and ran off, when she lost her golden shoe and in turn lost all the magical powers of the fish bones. The golden shoe was found and eventually got into the King's hands. The King finds that Yeh-Shen is the owner of the shoe when she secretly claims it in the marketplace. She is followed to her home where he asked her to marry him. The King would not let the stepmother and stepsister in their palace to punish them for the way they had treated Yeh-Shen, and left them living in a cave where they died from falling stones.
Critical Analysis:
This book has many similarities to that of the classic Disney's Cinderella. However, this story gives some insight into the Chinese culture, such as the marrying of two women, marketplaces and annual festivals, Kings, and the belief that praying to certain items can have the ability to grant wishes. There are several short paragraphs per page and the text size is smaller, similar to that of a chapter book. Language within the story is fairly simple to read and comprehend, especially for one that has background knowledge of Cinderella stories. As with most Cinderella stories, this one has a predictable, happy ending.
The full-color illustrations give an imaginative feel to the story. They mostly contain soft, pastels and neutrals which portray the story as if it were in a daydream. The illustrations help visually describe what is happening within the story and they deliever the emotion to the reader through detailed, up-close facial expressions. The artist's style helps portray the chinese culture even more effectively than the text.
Review Excerpts:
Booklist: "A misty dreamlike air. A worthwhile addition to picture-book collections."
A Boston Globe-Horn Book Honor Award Winner
A School Library Journal Best Book of the Year
An IRA Children's Choice
An IRA Teachers' Choice
Connections:
*This book can be used as an introduction to folktales or fairytales.
*This book helps discuss morals and the golden rule.
*This book can also be used as an introduction into studies of China or the Chinese culture.
Louie, Ai-Ling. 1982. Yeh-Shen: A Cinderella Story from China. Ill. by Ed Young. Philomel Books. ISBN 0-399-20900-x
Plot Summary:
Yeh-Shen, the main character, is born only a short time before her parents die. Her father was also married to another woman and has a child with her as well before he passed on. The stepmother is bitter because her daughter is not as beautiful as Yeh-Shen so she kills Yeh-Shen's most prized possession: her pet fish. Yeh-Shen discovers that the fish bones grant her wishes. During the village festival, Yeh-Shen wants to go to find someone to marry but is ordered to stay home while her Stepmother and Stepsister go. After praying to her fish bones, she magically was changed into elegant clothes and she went to the festival. She was spotted and ran off, when she lost her golden shoe and in turn lost all the magical powers of the fish bones. The golden shoe was found and eventually got into the King's hands. The King finds that Yeh-Shen is the owner of the shoe when she secretly claims it in the marketplace. She is followed to her home where he asked her to marry him. The King would not let the stepmother and stepsister in their palace to punish them for the way they had treated Yeh-Shen, and left them living in a cave where they died from falling stones.
Critical Analysis:
This book has many similarities to that of the classic Disney's Cinderella. However, this story gives some insight into the Chinese culture, such as the marrying of two women, marketplaces and annual festivals, Kings, and the belief that praying to certain items can have the ability to grant wishes. There are several short paragraphs per page and the text size is smaller, similar to that of a chapter book. Language within the story is fairly simple to read and comprehend, especially for one that has background knowledge of Cinderella stories. As with most Cinderella stories, this one has a predictable, happy ending.
The full-color illustrations give an imaginative feel to the story. They mostly contain soft, pastels and neutrals which portray the story as if it were in a daydream. The illustrations help visually describe what is happening within the story and they deliever the emotion to the reader through detailed, up-close facial expressions. The artist's style helps portray the chinese culture even more effectively than the text.
Review Excerpts:
Booklist: "A misty dreamlike air. A worthwhile addition to picture-book collections."
A Boston Globe-Horn Book Honor Award Winner
A School Library Journal Best Book of the Year
An IRA Children's Choice
An IRA Teachers' Choice
Connections:
*This book can be used as an introduction to folktales or fairytales.
*This book helps discuss morals and the golden rule.
*This book can also be used as an introduction into studies of China or the Chinese culture.
I, Doko: The Tale of a Basket
Bibliography:
Young, Ed. 2004. I, Doko: The Tale of a Basket. Ill. by Ed Young. Philomel Books. ISBN 0-399-23625-2
Plot Summary:
This book gives insight into the Napalese culture as it is narrated from the point of view of a basket-a prized possession used for many fundamentals in this culture. The basket sees a family give birth, watch the family grow and also experience family members' death, trials and tribulations. In the end, the father of the fa mily is a disabled old man and his son proposes to leave him at the temple so the priests will have to take care of him but the grandson steps in with a inquiry that makes the father questions the morals behind his decision. It's an inspirational story that reflects the strong bond between and boy and his grandfather. In the end, this relationship transformed the village around them-changing it to appreciate the elderly and live in harmony together providing the true happy ending that many folktales have in common. This idea ties back into the quote that opens the beginning of the book, "What one wishes not upon oneself, one burdens not upon another."
Critical Analysis:
The writing within this book greatly reflects the time-period and culture with names such as "Yeh-Yeh", "Wangal" and "Doko". The events told within the story: gathering crops, carrying a baby in the basket on their backs, taking the elderly to the temple when it is time to pass on, etcetera, really emphasize the Nepalese culture. The text is a bit smaller than picture book size, and there are usually 1-2 paragraphs per page. This is not a simple book to comprehend immediately unless one is familiar with the Nepalese cultures and traditions.
The illustrations are done in mostly pastels, with soft, rounded lines and beautiful gold trimming around each page. The textures of the pictures are simple and very one-dimensional. They perfectly fit the content of the book as they seem very true to the culture.
Review Excerpts:
Booklist: Starred Review "...parents will want to share this story's poignant message with their children".
Connections:
*This story can be used as a coping strategy for children who have loved and lost someone dear to them.
*This book can also be used to help children talk about traditions in their own family.
*This story can help discuss events such as an elderly family member moving in with them to be taken care of or their family memeber receiving in-home care by another.
*This book can deliever and discuss an important message of the golden rule, "do unto others and you would have them do unto you."
Young, Ed. 2004. I, Doko: The Tale of a Basket. Ill. by Ed Young. Philomel Books. ISBN 0-399-23625-2
Plot Summary:
This book gives insight into the Napalese culture as it is narrated from the point of view of a basket-a prized possession used for many fundamentals in this culture. The basket sees a family give birth, watch the family grow and also experience family members' death, trials and tribulations. In the end, the father of the fa mily is a disabled old man and his son proposes to leave him at the temple so the priests will have to take care of him but the grandson steps in with a inquiry that makes the father questions the morals behind his decision. It's an inspirational story that reflects the strong bond between and boy and his grandfather. In the end, this relationship transformed the village around them-changing it to appreciate the elderly and live in harmony together providing the true happy ending that many folktales have in common. This idea ties back into the quote that opens the beginning of the book, "What one wishes not upon oneself, one burdens not upon another."
Critical Analysis:
The writing within this book greatly reflects the time-period and culture with names such as "Yeh-Yeh", "Wangal" and "Doko". The events told within the story: gathering crops, carrying a baby in the basket on their backs, taking the elderly to the temple when it is time to pass on, etcetera, really emphasize the Nepalese culture. The text is a bit smaller than picture book size, and there are usually 1-2 paragraphs per page. This is not a simple book to comprehend immediately unless one is familiar with the Nepalese cultures and traditions.
The illustrations are done in mostly pastels, with soft, rounded lines and beautiful gold trimming around each page. The textures of the pictures are simple and very one-dimensional. They perfectly fit the content of the book as they seem very true to the culture.
Review Excerpts:
Booklist: Starred Review "...parents will want to share this story's poignant message with their children".
Connections:
*This story can be used as a coping strategy for children who have loved and lost someone dear to them.
*This book can also be used to help children talk about traditions in their own family.
*This story can help discuss events such as an elderly family member moving in with them to be taken care of or their family memeber receiving in-home care by another.
*This book can deliever and discuss an important message of the golden rule, "do unto others and you would have them do unto you."
And the Green Grass Grew All Around
Bibliography:
Schwartz, Alvin. 1992. And the Green Grass Grew All Around. Ill. by Sue Truesdell. Harper Collins Publishers. ISBN 0-06-022757-5
Plot Summary:
This book is a compilation of over 250 folk poems of various genres. Within 160 pages, there are poems, chants, jokes, riddles, and parodies about people, food, school, love, work, animals, etcetera.
Critical Analysis:
The book is divided into chapters based on the different topics of content. Furthermore there are poems about just about anything in life whether it be silly, naughty, scary, or funny. The combination of these two things makes it easy for children to read poems about something they are interested in without wasting a lot of time finding what they are desire. Many of the poems are humorous and easy to understand and all of them rhyme which children will love. What child wouldn't love to read about monkies kissing baboons, kids shooting rubber bands at their teachers, and a tree that grows spaghetti! If a child likes a certain poem, the book also has a list of sources in the back that can help take the child to other poems similar to those or by the same author.
The illustrations are in a sketched cartoon format and are dispersed evenly throughout the book; at least one on each page. These cartoon characters are humorous while they help visually describe what is happening in the poems. However, the pictures are done in black and white only, which may make children lose some interest in the book.
Review Excerpts:
Kirkus Reviews: "...a grand compilation of familiar (and unfamiliar) rhymes and chants from the children's own tradition...It's hard to imagine a child who wouldn't greet this treasure trove with enthusiasm."
Notable Children's Books of 1993 (ALA)1993
Fanfare Honor List (The Horn Book)1992
Children's Choices for 1993 (IRA/CBC)
Connections:
*This book can be used as an introduction to poetry.
*This book can be used to teach just about any subject desired based on the poem chosen (ex: lessons about important events, such as the Titanic, can use a poem within this book as the engage component).
*Songs and music can be introduced with the utilization of this book.
Schwartz, Alvin. 1992. And the Green Grass Grew All Around. Ill. by Sue Truesdell. Harper Collins Publishers. ISBN 0-06-022757-5
Plot Summary:
This book is a compilation of over 250 folk poems of various genres. Within 160 pages, there are poems, chants, jokes, riddles, and parodies about people, food, school, love, work, animals, etcetera.
Critical Analysis:
The book is divided into chapters based on the different topics of content. Furthermore there are poems about just about anything in life whether it be silly, naughty, scary, or funny. The combination of these two things makes it easy for children to read poems about something they are interested in without wasting a lot of time finding what they are desire. Many of the poems are humorous and easy to understand and all of them rhyme which children will love. What child wouldn't love to read about monkies kissing baboons, kids shooting rubber bands at their teachers, and a tree that grows spaghetti! If a child likes a certain poem, the book also has a list of sources in the back that can help take the child to other poems similar to those or by the same author.
The illustrations are in a sketched cartoon format and are dispersed evenly throughout the book; at least one on each page. These cartoon characters are humorous while they help visually describe what is happening in the poems. However, the pictures are done in black and white only, which may make children lose some interest in the book.
Review Excerpts:
Kirkus Reviews: "...a grand compilation of familiar (and unfamiliar) rhymes and chants from the children's own tradition...It's hard to imagine a child who wouldn't greet this treasure trove with enthusiasm."
Notable Children's Books of 1993 (ALA)1993
Fanfare Honor List (The Horn Book)1992
Children's Choices for 1993 (IRA/CBC)
Connections:
*This book can be used as an introduction to poetry.
*This book can be used to teach just about any subject desired based on the poem chosen (ex: lessons about important events, such as the Titanic, can use a poem within this book as the engage component).
*Songs and music can be introduced with the utilization of this book.
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Artist to Artist: 23 Major Illustrators Talk to Children About Their Art
Bibliography:
Carle, Eric. 2007. Artist to Artist: 23 Major Illustrators Talk to Children About Their Art. Ill. Mitsumasa Anno, Quentin Blake, et. al. Philomel. ISBN 0399246002
Plot Summary:
This is an anthology that describes how 23 major illustrators in children's literature began drawing. These artists discuss informally with children about their art secrets and journey of becoming who they are today, with the goal of encouraging these aspiring artists to pursue their dreams. Each artist has a brief biography included in the book, with samples of their illustrations.
Critical Analysis:
The casual tone of the book draws readers of all ages in. With insider advice and tips on becoming a successful artist combined with an encouraging, warm tone, one cannot help but feel inspired. The brief biography on each featured artist offers insight into the lives of the artist and the experiences they went through. This is an important feature of the book, since many children can relate to the emotions and thoughts of the artists when they were younger and not yet successful. The personal letters that each illustrator writes to an aspiring artist, gives children hope and motivation to pursue their goal, while teaching them that practice and hard work will pay off.
Photographs are in the form of fold-out pages within the book, showing previous works of the illustrators. Some photographs include beginning sketches, tools, and studios that bring a sense of realism to the pages. In addition, the photograph of each artist is included, to help put a face with the name for children and adults alike. The illustrations and photographs combined create an intriguing book.
Review Excerpts:
School Library Journal: "...a gorgeous, browsable gallery of international treasures."
Kirkus, starred review: "Fun to read and view, this anthology is a treasure trove of creative insight and ispiration."
Connections:
*This book can be used to make the connection between hard work, dedication, practice, and achieving your goals.
*This book can serve as a discussion starter for goal-setting or discussing children's dreams in life.
*This book can be used to teach the value of not giving up.
Carle, Eric. 2007. Artist to Artist: 23 Major Illustrators Talk to Children About Their Art. Ill. Mitsumasa Anno, Quentin Blake, et. al. Philomel. ISBN 0399246002
Plot Summary:
This is an anthology that describes how 23 major illustrators in children's literature began drawing. These artists discuss informally with children about their art secrets and journey of becoming who they are today, with the goal of encouraging these aspiring artists to pursue their dreams. Each artist has a brief biography included in the book, with samples of their illustrations.
Critical Analysis:
The casual tone of the book draws readers of all ages in. With insider advice and tips on becoming a successful artist combined with an encouraging, warm tone, one cannot help but feel inspired. The brief biography on each featured artist offers insight into the lives of the artist and the experiences they went through. This is an important feature of the book, since many children can relate to the emotions and thoughts of the artists when they were younger and not yet successful. The personal letters that each illustrator writes to an aspiring artist, gives children hope and motivation to pursue their goal, while teaching them that practice and hard work will pay off.
Photographs are in the form of fold-out pages within the book, showing previous works of the illustrators. Some photographs include beginning sketches, tools, and studios that bring a sense of realism to the pages. In addition, the photograph of each artist is included, to help put a face with the name for children and adults alike. The illustrations and photographs combined create an intriguing book.
Review Excerpts:
School Library Journal: "...a gorgeous, browsable gallery of international treasures."
Kirkus, starred review: "Fun to read and view, this anthology is a treasure trove of creative insight and ispiration."
Connections:
*This book can be used to make the connection between hard work, dedication, practice, and achieving your goals.
*This book can serve as a discussion starter for goal-setting or discussing children's dreams in life.
*This book can be used to teach the value of not giving up.
Saturday, June 13, 2009
The Pigeon Finds A Hot Dog!
Bibliography:
Willems, Mo. 2004. The Pigeon Finds A Hot Dog! Ill. by Mo Willems. Hyperion Books for Children. ISBN 0-7868-1869-7
Plot Summary:
A pigeon finds a hot dog and is looking forward to eating it when a duckling comes along. The duck has never had one before and asks many questions about it. The pigeon gets frustrated because he now feels guilty if he eats it and doesn't give it to the duckling. They contemplate what to do and decide to share it, half and half. They are both satisfied.
Critical Analysis:
The unique writing style of this book, instantly draws the reader in starting from the title page. It has almost a graphic novel style of writing, with word bubbles and definite sizing of text to place emphasis. It is written in conversation format, between the pigeon and duckling, with only a few words per page. Occasionally, there are no words on a page, just pictures.
The illustrations are simple and comical. Willems uses slight variations in facial features to portray the pigeon's initial excitement and delight in finding a delicious hot dog to his frustration and irritation when the duckling embarks on his treasure, as well as the duckling satisfaction when he gets his way. The cartoons are mainly soft, light and warm colors indicating calm, contentment, and contemplation. The occasional use of red and black clearly shows the infuriation of the pigeon when he feels forced to do the right thing instead of what he wants to do.
Overall, I enjoyed the book and after just this book I would confidently recommend Mo Willems children's books to anyone. It is a great way to teach morals to children and get them interested in reading using that is simple and entertaining.
Review Excerpt(s):
Publisher's Weekly: "Readers of all ages won't be able to resist miming the sly conversation..."
Susan Hepler, PhD, Children's Literature: "It's another triumph for Mo Willems and a generous serving of humor for hungry young readers"
Connections:
*This book can open a discussion about what is right and wrong.
*Children can contribute to a discussion about sharing with friends, classmates, and siblings.
*Discussions about doing the right thing even when we don't want to.
*You can lead children in role playing in a situation when sharing is necessary.
Willems, Mo. 2004. The Pigeon Finds A Hot Dog! Ill. by Mo Willems. Hyperion Books for Children. ISBN 0-7868-1869-7
Plot Summary:
A pigeon finds a hot dog and is looking forward to eating it when a duckling comes along. The duck has never had one before and asks many questions about it. The pigeon gets frustrated because he now feels guilty if he eats it and doesn't give it to the duckling. They contemplate what to do and decide to share it, half and half. They are both satisfied.
Critical Analysis:
The unique writing style of this book, instantly draws the reader in starting from the title page. It has almost a graphic novel style of writing, with word bubbles and definite sizing of text to place emphasis. It is written in conversation format, between the pigeon and duckling, with only a few words per page. Occasionally, there are no words on a page, just pictures.
The illustrations are simple and comical. Willems uses slight variations in facial features to portray the pigeon's initial excitement and delight in finding a delicious hot dog to his frustration and irritation when the duckling embarks on his treasure, as well as the duckling satisfaction when he gets his way. The cartoons are mainly soft, light and warm colors indicating calm, contentment, and contemplation. The occasional use of red and black clearly shows the infuriation of the pigeon when he feels forced to do the right thing instead of what he wants to do.
Overall, I enjoyed the book and after just this book I would confidently recommend Mo Willems children's books to anyone. It is a great way to teach morals to children and get them interested in reading using that is simple and entertaining.
Review Excerpt(s):
Publisher's Weekly: "Readers of all ages won't be able to resist miming the sly conversation..."
Susan Hepler, PhD, Children's Literature: "It's another triumph for Mo Willems and a generous serving of humor for hungry young readers"
Connections:
*This book can open a discussion about what is right and wrong.
*Children can contribute to a discussion about sharing with friends, classmates, and siblings.
*Discussions about doing the right thing even when we don't want to.
*You can lead children in role playing in a situation when sharing is necessary.
The Hello, Goodbye Window
Bibliography:
Juster, Norton. 2005. The Hello, Goodbye Window. Ill. by Chris Raschka. New York, NY: Hyperion Books for Children. ISBN 2004113496
Plot Summary:
In this book, a little girl describes a kitchen window that is a magic gateway. She describes all the important memories, events, traditions that bring her family together through this window's presence. The book tells of the little girl's childhood while describing the special relationship she has with her grandparents.
Critical Analysis:
Juster uses a first-person point of view in his writing, so that the story is told from the little girl's eyes. It is written in such a simple, light way, that it portrays a carefree, imaginitive world of a typical young child. Including details such as dinosaur sightings within the book, further stress the child's imaginative state of mind. The events that happen within the story, such as star-gazing, taking naps, and playing gamesndemonstrates the egocentric state of mind of a little girl.
Raschka's illustrations are bright and vivacious using a wide variety of color. The warm colors represent a happy, reminiscent time and they blend together in such a way that they almost seem to reflect a daydream. The basic drawings are similar to those of a child's which certainly draws young readers in.
The combination of the writing style and illustrations give an overall feel of energy and happiness. I liked this book, however, I did think that it would be a bit boring for a child to read despite the child-friendly illustrations. It may also be difficult for some children to relate to since it discusses the grandparent relationship to a child and takes place at their home.
Review Excerpt(s):
Caldecott Medal Winner 2006
Child Magazine's Best Children's Book Award 2005
School Library Journal: "Perfect for lap-sharing, this book will find favor with children and adults alike"
Connections:
*This book can be used to open a discussion about families, traditions, and favorite memories.
*This book encourages a creative imagination, so it can be used to talk about a child's fantasies, such as, "if you had your own magic window, what would you be able to see/do?"
*It can also be used to discuss fact from fiction.
Juster, Norton. 2005. The Hello, Goodbye Window. Ill. by Chris Raschka. New York, NY: Hyperion Books for Children. ISBN 2004113496
Plot Summary:
In this book, a little girl describes a kitchen window that is a magic gateway. She describes all the important memories, events, traditions that bring her family together through this window's presence. The book tells of the little girl's childhood while describing the special relationship she has with her grandparents.
Critical Analysis:
Juster uses a first-person point of view in his writing, so that the story is told from the little girl's eyes. It is written in such a simple, light way, that it portrays a carefree, imaginitive world of a typical young child. Including details such as dinosaur sightings within the book, further stress the child's imaginative state of mind. The events that happen within the story, such as star-gazing, taking naps, and playing gamesndemonstrates the egocentric state of mind of a little girl.
Raschka's illustrations are bright and vivacious using a wide variety of color. The warm colors represent a happy, reminiscent time and they blend together in such a way that they almost seem to reflect a daydream. The basic drawings are similar to those of a child's which certainly draws young readers in.
The combination of the writing style and illustrations give an overall feel of energy and happiness. I liked this book, however, I did think that it would be a bit boring for a child to read despite the child-friendly illustrations. It may also be difficult for some children to relate to since it discusses the grandparent relationship to a child and takes place at their home.
Review Excerpt(s):
Caldecott Medal Winner 2006
Child Magazine's Best Children's Book Award 2005
School Library Journal: "Perfect for lap-sharing, this book will find favor with children and adults alike"
Connections:
*This book can be used to open a discussion about families, traditions, and favorite memories.
*This book encourages a creative imagination, so it can be used to talk about a child's fantasies, such as, "if you had your own magic window, what would you be able to see/do?"
*It can also be used to discuss fact from fiction.
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