Bibliography Jenkins, Steve and Robin Page. 2003. What Do You Do With a Tail Like This? New York: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. ISBN 9780547255552 Plot Summary This interactive guessing book encourages readers to explore the amazing things animals can do with their noses, ears, tails, eyes, mouths, and feet. Readers of all ages will enjoy guessing the animals and how they use their specialized extremities to stay cool, protect themselves, find food, etc. Critical Analysis In this eye-catching nonfiction book about animals and their specialized body parts, Steve Jenkins and Robin Page create an interactive learning experience for young readers. Both Jenkins and Page, who frequently collaborate (and are also husband and wife!), are well-known for providing accurate, entertaining informational books for younger readers. This particular title was a Caldecott Honor Book in 2004 and remains on numerous list of exemplary nonfiction titles for children. This informational text is organized in a way that encourages the reader to guess what animal each body part belongs to and how they use it. The authors include normal adaptations that are easily recognizable, as well as more jaw-dropping adaptations like a cricket with ears on its knees and a horned lizard that squirts blood out of its eyes. These interesting facts will engage young readers and provide that “wow” factor that is likely to encourage further nonfiction reading. The book follows a clear sequence, showing a snapshot of the body parts with a question like, “What do you do with a nose like this?” Readers will excite in guessing each animal and how they use their nose, ears, tail, eyes, mouth, and feet. The illustrations add to the book by providing accurate pictures that are still accessible for younger readers. Even though they are cut-paper collage and not actual photographs, the authors have taken care to ensure that each animal is accurately represented as it looks in nature. One of the most important features of What Do You Do With a Tail Like This? is the brief explanation of each animal at the end of the book. The authors dedicate the last four pages to a picture dictionary explaining more about each of the animals presented and the specialized way they use their body parts. Overall, this book is entertaining and fun while remaining clear, concise, and scientific. It is truly a gem of nonfiction that young readers will enjoy interacting with and learning from time and time again. Response I have always loved Steve Jenkins and his wonderful works of nonfiction. I found this title to be particularly enjoyable, especially when shared with my young readers. The students I shared the story with (ages 5-8) greatly enjoyed guessing what each animal was and how it used that particular body part. They also enjoyed reading more about each animal at the end of the book, and had many more questions to ask that we are now researching. This title is a great work of nonfiction that encourages young readers to enjoy and, hopefully, continue reading nonfiction in the future. Honors 2004 Caldecott Honor American Library Association Notable Children's Book 2004 Kirkus Reviews Best Book of the Year 2003 National Council for Teachers of English Notable Children's Book 2004 Reviews “Jenkins, this time in collaboration with his wife, has created yet another eye-opening book. Children will learn that lizards can completely break off their tail as a defense and that it will grow back. And, they'll find out that crickets' ears are on their knees. Most fish have two eyes, but some have four, the better to see above and below the water at the same time. These are just a few of the fascinating facts of nature dangled out front to draw readers into this beautifully illustrated book. On each spread, five different animals' tails, ears, eyes, or other body parts, done in vibrant cut-paper collage, appear with a simple question ("What do you do with a- like this?"). The next spread shows the five creatures in their entirety and offers a brief explanation. For example, "If you're an elephant, you use your nose to give yourself a bath." The back pages offer more information for older or more curious readers. This is a great book for sharing one-on-one or with a group.” –School Library Journal “Here's another exceptional cut-paper science book from Jenkins, this time put together with a partner, and like previous books, it's a stunner. An opening page, clearly explaining how to use the book, is followed by a double-page spread picturing the mouths of several different animals, accompanied by the question, "What do you do with a mouth like this?" The next spread shows each animal in full, explaining in a few simple words how the part functions. Tail, ears, nose, and eyes are covered in the same manner. A picture glossary at the back shows each animal again, postage-stamp size, with an informative note elaborating on the creature's special adaptation. The notes also neatly answer questions that might arise during a reading (Why do horned lizards squirt blood out their eyes?) and add to the interactive aspect of the book. A variety of animals is represented--some (elephant, hippo, chimp) will be comfortably familiar; others (four-eyed fish, blue-footed booby) are of interest because of their strangeness. Jenkins' handsome paper-cut collages are both lovely and anatomically informative, and their white background helps emphasize the particular feature, be it the bush baby's lustrous, liquid-brown eyes or the skunk's fuzzy tail. This is a striking, thoughtfully created book with intriguing facts made more memorable through dynamic art.” – Booklist, starred review Connections
Other Notable Books by Jenkins:
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Bibliography Kerley, Barbara. 2014. A Home for Mr. Emerson. Ill. by Edwin Fotheringham. New York: Scholastic Press. ISBN 9780545350884 Plot Summary The great writer, Ralph Waldo Emerson, longed for a simple life in the country surrounded by the things he loved. In this picture book biography, the story of Ralph’s life in Concord is beautifully told and illustrated, along with an event that almost took his home away forever. Readers of all ages will enjoy learning more about the life of this inspiring and historically important American writer. Critical Analysis This award winning book about Ralph Waldo Emerson highlights his desire for a home and community that supported freedom of thinking, creativity, and friendship. Written by Barbara Kerley, this title focuses on the home that Emerson loved and the people that filled it. Kerley is known for her nonfiction/informational picture books and has won numerous awards for them. She uses careful research to develop her story and cites her sources at the end of the book. Kerley also includes an author’s note where she discusses Emerson’s life and the history around it in a succinct and easy to understand way. This biographical story is organized in picture book format. It feels more as if you are reading a story than a biography, which is engaging for younger readers. The story follows a clear sequence starting when Emerson was a young boy, to finding his home again after a devastating fire. The timeline is logical, easy to follow, and tells the story concisely in an entertaining way. The illustrations, done in digital media by Edwin Fotheringham, are fun, entertaining, and complex. Each illustration has emotion, color, and even some fantastical elements that play perfectly with Emerson’s personality and life. The illustrations really bring the story to life and make it that much more fun to read! Another feature of the book that was interesting was the use of quotes from Emerson inside the front and back cover. The quotes provide another way for readers to connect with Emerson and his life’s story. A Home for Mr. Emerson is entertaining and educational. It focuses on an important aspect of Emerson’s life; his home, family, and community. Readers of all ages will connect with Emerson’s love of the simple things in Kerley’s well-written and entertaining biography. Response I really enjoyed this nonfiction/biographical story! I have to admit that Ralph Waldo Emerson is not a writer I knew much about. After reading this book, I felt motivated to learn more about his life and his writing. Readers will easily connect to Emerson’s love of family and home, which come alive through Fotheringham’s entertaining illustrations. The illustrations were one of my favorite parts of story; each time I read it, I noticed a new detail in the pictures. This story was an enjoyable read that I will enthusiastically share with young readers. Honors A Junior Library Guild Selection 2014 Parents’ Choice Gold Award NCTE Orbis Pictus Honor Book 2014 Oregon Spirit Book Award for Nonfiction Best New England Books 2014, The Boston Globe Gold Award Winner, National Parenting Publications Awards “Trailblazers” Seasonal Showcase, The Children’s Book Council 2015 International Literacy Association Teacher’s Choices Reading List 2015 “Must-Reads” Picture Books, Massachusetts Center for the Book Reviews “This introduction to the life of Ralph Waldo Emerson will help readers begin to understand the thoughts and values of this great American thinker. Emerson grows up in Boston, but yearns to make a life closer to nature where he can surround himself with books and friends. He finds a perfect home in Concord, Massachusetts, where he and his wife raise a family. Emerson eagerly becomes a part of the community, even playing the role of hog reeve, gathering up the town's runaway pigs. After collecting his thoughts in journals, Emerson begins traveling across the country to lecture, attracting visitors from around the world to his doorstep. A house fire later in his life devastates Emerson, but allows the town to demonstrate their affection for him as they rebuild his home. Emerson, who is likely little known to younger students, is brought to life in an approachable biography. The colorful depictions of Emerson are warm, cheerful, and full of movement. Children will love the cartoonlike illustrations that make Emerson seem like a superhero as he dives into oversized books and flies through the sky on another giant tome. Quotes from his writings are liberally used to illuminate moments of his life, allowing readers to get to know the man through his own words. The author's note provides further information about Emerson and his philosophy of thought. An eye-catching, kid-friendly biography that is a wonderful addition to any collection.” – School Library Journal “Kerley and Fotheringham are known for their upbeat picture books about famous historical figures. This work about Ralph Waldo Emerson—someone who is probably not known to many children—is a tale of deep love for his home and community in Concord, Massachusetts. After a fire destroys Emerson’s house, neighbors rally around him, returning some of the generosity and affection received from his family over the years. This has the same format and style of Kerley and Fotheringham’s earlier works, with colorful illustrations featuring cartoon-style figures in a pleasing, open layout. The brief text focuses on the story of Emerson’s community life and doesn’t bother much with why he was famous, which works well for the storytelling even as it may leave some readers wondering just who he was. Some of his famous quotes are placed in the endpapers and woven into the story. Back matter includes a helpful author’s note and a page of suggestions to encourage readers to examine their own lives and values.” -- Booklist Connections
Other Notable Books by Kerley:
Bibliography Grimes, Nikki. 2007. When Gorilla Goes Walking. Ill. by Shane Evans. New York: Orchard Books. ISBN 9780439317702 Plot Summary This simple story of a girl named Cecilia and her cat, Gorilla, is told through a series of poems. The personalities of the little girl and her cat shine through the sweet, rhythmic poems and vibrant illustrations. The unique, funny, loving relationship between Cecilia and Gorilla will appeal to readers of all ages. Critical Analysis In this book, a series of poems describes the personalities and relationship between Cecilia and her cat, Gorilla. The poems vary in style and mood throughout the book, helping the reader to connect to the characters. Poems range from a haiku to rhyming couplets, each varying in length and mood, creating a vivid picture of Cecilia and her life with Gorilla. One element of the poems that stands out is Grimes’ use of language that is simple and childlike. It is easy to read and understand, and completes the perspective of young Cecilia as she tells about her cat, and inadvertently the events of her own life. Throughout the poems the language ranges from playful and silly, to melancholy as Cecilia describes her cat and events in her own life. We see Cecilia go through ups and downs from walking the fierce Gorilla through the neighborhood, to her best friend moving away. The language of the poems is expressive and creates a different feeling for each poem. In “Chase,” the reader can almost feel Gorilla chasing after the fly, and in “Comfort,” the sadness Cecilia feels after her best friend moves away is tangible. The personalities of each character are brought to life, and Grimes’ does an excellent job of describing the playful, silly, stubborn, loving relationship between a pet and his/her owner. The illustrations bring the story to life with their simple lines and bold colors. The emotions and personalities of the characters shine in Evans’ wonderful artwork. The illustrations paired with Grimes’ uncanny ability to capture the personality of a cat and her owner will entice and capture the hearts of even the youngest readers. Overall, this book is a wonderful, and fun, introduction to poetry that young children will enjoy. Response Being a cat owner myself, this book of poetry had great appeal to me. I thought the author, Grimes, did a wonderful job of using poetry and language to capture not only the personalities of the two characters, but also the dynamic of the relationship between them. Any pet owner can empathize with the feelings Cecilia has about her cat, Gorilla. Children will be able to make connections to the events that happen in Cecilia’s life, from getting into trouble to having a friend move away. This book is a great and simple introduction into poetry that will appeal to readers of all ages. Honors Bank Street Best Books for Children 2009 California Readers Collection Reviews “Enormous, lively illustrations are paired with an equally bouncy text in this winning picture book. In a series of delightful poems, a girl introduces her cat, Gorilla, and describes her pet's many interests, talents, and behaviors. A fierce meow,/a tiger's claws–/Gorilla ain't/no Santa Paws….She has no tail./She's rain-cloud gray./I love that cool cat/more each day. While the feline is decidedly the star of this show, Cecilia also shares tidbits about her own life, such as getting into trouble for making a mess and feeling sad when her best friend moves away. The rich and rewarding relationship enjoyed by cat and human comes through loud and clear. From a breathless entry about the animal chasing a fly, to an elegant haiku (Gorilla gazes/into a puddle. Does she/know she's beautiful?), the poems vary in style and mood. Grimes's use of language and point of view are consistently refreshing and childlike. The bold cartoon artwork endearingly portrays the African-American narrator and her smoke-colored pet as they play together, comfort one another, and experience life's ups and downs. This book is an excellent choice for cat lovers, budding poetry enthusiasts, and just about any reader who enjoys a fun-filled romp with words.” -- School Library Journal “In interlinked poems, Cecilia, a young African American girl, introduces her "cool cat,"---a fierce, tailless, gray shorthair named Gorilla. Written in a variety of forms, from rhyming couplets to haiku, the poems celebrate Gorilla's idiosyncrasies and "everycat" habits. Grimes' skillfully chosen sounds and rhythms echo the distinctly feline behavior, from erratic, zooming action--"skate 'cross the floor. / Sail by the window, / leap through the door"--to soothing, purring comforts: "Gorilla raised a paw / and pet me." In spare, expressive lines and bold colors, Evans' dynamic paintings capture the messy intimacy of the cat and human bond. Also evident is the sense that Gorilla isn't just a pet; she's also a mirror. Like many children, Cecilia sees her own best and worst qualities in her bossy, beautiful cat, who is, she says, "like stubborn me." A fill-the-page portrait of dreadlocked, brown Cecelia, arm and arm with a blue-eyed, white best friend opens this playful, insightful poetry collection (classified as fiction) with an image of open-hearted friendship.” -- Booklist (starred review) “A girl's keen and loving observations of her audacious, "rain-cloud gray" cat—the Gorilla of the title—are the inspiration for this wonderful suite of poems by Grimes (Dark Sons). The book also serves as a kind of primer on poetry, proving that the medium is infinite in its versatility; Grimes offers up everything from multi-stanza paeans (both rhyming and not) to a sort of haiku ("Gorilla gazes/ into a puddle. Does she/ know she's beautiful—"). Her word choices are always lively and evoke an appropriately feline combination of affection and entitlement ("I scratch Gorilla's belly when/ she commandeers my lap"). Of course, it helps to have such a rich subject—Gorilla loves to fight with Ivy, cuddle on a sick bed, interrupt homework, eat soul food and pine for a tom cat. Evans's (Here We Go Round) poster-like paintings are the perfect accompaniment—the illustrator beautifully captures the many moods of both the supremely confident Gorilla and her adoring mistress. A winner for youngsters, cat fans and poetry lovers of all ages.” -- Publishers Weekly (starred review) Connections
Other Notable Books by Nikki Grimes:
Bibliography Weatherford, Carole B. 2015. Voice of Freedom: Fannie Lou Hamer, Spirit of the Civil Rights Movement. Ill. by Ekua Holmes. Massachusetts: Candlewick Press. ISBN 9780763665319 Plot Summary This moving book of poems celebrates the life of Fannie Lou Hamer, a sharecropper’s daughter who grew up on the Mississippi delta to become an unexpected and powerful voice in the Civil Rights Movement. The poems feature important events and emotions during Hamer’s life, including her speech at the Democratic National Convention that garnered support for the Freedom Democrats during the Freedom Summer of 1964. Critical Analysis The poems in this book are arranged chronologically, describing the events and feelings throughout Fannie Lou Hamer’s life. The text, although not rhyming, has a lyrical quality that adds to the depiction of Hamer’s booming voice and love of African American spirituals. The lines and verses are arranged in a way that is esthetically pleasing and easy to read. Another feature included in Weatherford’s poems is the use of italics to denote quotes directly from Hamer. Each poem is written in first-person, with Hamer telling the stories of her life. Weatherford’s use of regional language and dialect increases the authenticity of Hamer’s voice. It truly feels as if she is speaking to the reader! The emotions and the first-person language of the poems are what really strike the reader’s heart. You can truly visualize and feel the struggles and worries of Hamer in her childhood. Your heart aches for her as she fights for the right to vote, and your anger is ignited as you hear the awful ways she was treated. The deep emotions and personal stories from these poems depict a tumultuous time period in a way that is engaging, thought provoking, emotionally charged, and eye-opening. The illustrations add to the poems by creating a background with bold, rich colors through collage on paper. The illustrator, Holmes, uses just enough detail to add to the poetry without taking over the page. The layering effect of the collage provides background information in context to what is happening in the events of each poem. Also included in the book are an author’s note describing the story of Fannie Lou Hamer’s life, a timeline of events from 1917 to 1977 that affected the Civil Rights Movement and Fannie Lou Hamer’s life, and source notes for the quotes from Hamer found throughout the book. Another feature is a selected bibliography with resources for books, audio recordings, and online resources about Hamer and her accomplishments. Overall, this book is incredibly moving, with poetry that creates an atmosphere of emotion and engages the reader in learning about the history of Hamer and the Civil Rights movement in a lyrical, interesting way. Response When I opened this book, I had honestly never heard of Fannie Lou Hamer. However, several pages in, I was completely captured by her story. I really enjoyed hearing her life told through poetry. The rhythm of the poems, combined with the beautiful collage illustrations captured my attention and created an emotional bond to the book. As soon as I finished reading, I began watching videos of her speech at the Democratic National Convention in 1964 and reading more about her on the web. This book will be a great addition to our library’s collection to use as a springboard for discussion and historical comparison of civil rights and current events. Honors 2016 Caldecott Honor 2016 Robert F. Sibert Honor 2016 John Steptoe New Talent Illustrator Award Winner Social Justice Literature Award for Nonfiction National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) Notable Children’s Book in the Language Arts National Council for the Social Studies Notable Trade Book for Young People 2016 Flora Stieglitz Straus Award Winner Reviews “Caldecott Honor winner Weatherford (Moses: When Harriet Tubman Led Her People to Freedom, 2006) has rendered Hamer’s voice so precisely that it is like sitting at her knee as she tells her story. Holmes’ multimedia collages perfectly capture the essence of each poem. Like Hamer’s life, the illustrations are filled with light, texture, movement, and darkness. They are both abstract and realistic, brilliantly juxtaposing gentle floral motifs with protest placards and Fannie Lou Hamer’s face in bold relief. Ultimately, though this is Hamer’s story, it includes the collaborative struggles of others with whom she worked and fought for a different America. Bold, unapologetic, and beautiful.” -- Booklist (starred review) “Told in the first person from Hamer’s own perspective, this lyrical text in verse emphasizes the activist’s perseverance and courage, as she let her booming voice be heard. Holmes’s beautiful, vibrant collage illustrations add detail and nuance, often depicting Hamer wearing yellow, which reflects her Sunflower County roots...Hamer’s heroic life story should be widely known, and this well-crafted work should find a place in most libraries.” -- School Library Journal (starred review) “A welcome addition to civil rights literature for children ... Hamer's determination, perseverance, and unwavering resolve come through on every page. Holmes' quiltlike collage illustrations emphasize the importance Hamer placed on community among African-Americans. Young readers who open this book with just a vague notion of who Fannie Lou Hamer was will wonder no more after absorbing this striking portrait of the singer and activist. Bold, honest, informative, and unforgettable.” -- Kirkus Reviews (starred review) “Artist Holmes, in her children’s literature debut, elevates an already excellent narrative with richly colored collage illustrations that layer meaning upon meaning with scraps of historical photos, newsprint, maps, musical scores, and more...This majestic biography offers a detailed, intelligible overview of Hamer’s life while never losing the thread of her motivations, fears, and heroic triumphs, and places the civil rights movement in personal, local, national, and international contexts.” -- The Horn Book (starred review) Connections
Other Notable Books by Carole Boston Weatherford:
Bibliography Kimmel, Eric A. 1993. The Witch’s Face: A Mexican Tale. Ill. by Fabricio Vanden Broeck. New York: Holiday House. ISBN 0823410382 Plot Summary In this adaptation of the Mexican Folktale, as Don Aurelio travels by horse to Mexico City, night falls. He stops at a home and is greeted by three strange women. They offer him a meal, and the youngest and most beautiful of the women warns him, “All is not as it seems.” He eats his meal, after which he immediately falls asleep. He awakens, only to realize the entire night and another day has passed. The three women again offer him a meal, and this time the youngest warns him, “Drink nothing. Your life depends on it.” He pretends to sleep and discovers that the three women are really witches. He is so surprised he falls, hitting his head, only to wake and find himself locked in a cage. Don Aurelio realizes he is in love with the young and beautiful witch. She tells him how to escape and break the spell that will force her to become a witch, to which he complies. She escapes and is free, only to discover that Don Aurelio did not keep his promise, and she leaves him in tragedy. Critical Analysis The author introduces this story with a note about its origins. It is based on a story from the oral tradition of the Mazahua Indians of Central Mexico known as “La Esposa Bruja.” He lists other sources of the story, as well as people from those cultures who helped in the development of this adaptation. This, along with the Spanish intermixed in the text, as well as the illustrations of daily life in Central Mexico, create an aura of cultural authenticity. The characters in this adaptation reflect the archetypes of good and evil. Don Aurelio is an innocent man who stumbles into the clutches of evil witches. However, there is a slight twist in that one of the evil witches really does not desire to be evil. The themes of love and sacrifice are seen as she assists Don Aurelio in his escape, thereby securing her own escape. Another theme that can be recognized in this adaptation is that love is blind/love can see beyond a pretty face. These themes are complex and may be more difficult for younger students to recognize, but older students will enjoy finding examples of these themes in the text. The setting of this story is fairly simple, with very little detail in the background of the images. The main focus of the setting is on the characters, their emotions, and their clothing, which appears to be authentic from Central Mexico. The illustrator, Vanden Broeck, uses warm, muted colors that create an almost dream-like backdrop to the majority of the story. He also creates tension and suspense with the use of darker, more sinister shading in moments of conflict. Overall, the illustrations create a wonderful backdrop for the story that aids in the development of the characters and plot. The plot of this story is the right mix of complex and simple. Younger students will understand the themes and plot of good versus evil, while the older students will appreciate that this adaptation differs from many traditional stories in that it does not have a traditional happy ending. The story pace moves quickly and leaves the reader wondering what will happen next. However, some of the darker motifs could frighten younger children, making this book a better read for upper elementary and beyond. Overall, this book exhibits many of the qualities of good traditional literature. Its cultural authenticity also makes this a book that lends itself well to analysis and comparison among other traditional stories. Response I have heard a similar story from Italy before in a storytelling course. I was immediately drawn into the darker motifs that created suspense and tension, although those themes could be scary for younger children. I appreciated that the author explained the background of the story and that the illustrator included multiple details in the pictures that added to the cultural authenticity. The use of some Spanish added to the cultural authenticity, as well. This is a book that could easily be used in conjunction with other traditional tales to analyze story elements or compare and contrast across cultures. Overall, it is an interesting read. Reviews “To his ever-lengthening series of retellings of great world folktales Kimmel adds the dark, intensely dramatic story of Don Aurelio, who falls in love with the beautiful young witch Emilia. He delivers her from an enslavement to evil by replacing her lovely witch's mask with a rough, homely one. But his love is not strong enough to survive the loss of her beauty; as she sleeps, he restores her former face (instead of destroying it as he had sworn to do) and thus loses her forever. The illustrations are tense and foreboding; judicious use of black overpainting makes them dramatically dark despite the vivid colors. Emilia's true face is never seen, a frustration to young readers that nonetheless deepens the mystery. A spellbinding readaloud for older children.” -- Kirkus Review “Kimmel has chosen to retell one of the most resonant of the Mexican witch-tales. It is filled with fear and danger, horror and beauty, love and betrayal, useless penance, and redemption denied-strong stuff, and Vanden Broeck's illustrations don't take the curse off, though their beauty is alluring. Grainy shadows tipped with colorful fire give a shuddery immediacy to the desolation of the landscape. One can almost hear the warning creak of the single lantern over the door of the witches' house. A hair-raiser at any time of the year.” -- School Library Journal “Powerfully illustrated with dark, shadowy paintings, Kimmel's retelling (drawn from oral and written sources) increases in both drama and momentum as Aurelio and Emilia play their parts through to the tragic finale. This is potent storytelling for the junior-high and high-school set, but it may need some booktalking because of the young-looking format.” -- Booklist Connections
Bibliography Wiesner, David. 2001. The Three Pigs. New York: Clarion Books. ISBN 0618007016 Plot Summary This story starts off in the tradition of the original “Three Little Pigs” tale. But, as the wolf begins to huff and puff, the pigs find themselves in a new place full of imagination. As the pigs travel through other classic stories they meet new friends along the way. Eventually they return to the original version, only to use their new skills and friends to subdue the wolf. The story ends with the pigs rearranging the letters from the story to spell “And they all lived happily ever after.” Critical Analysis This story is a fun spin on the classic tale of the three pigs. The story starts off with the same characters, setting, and plot, until the wolf blows the first pig off the page. From there, the story continues on, only to have the first pig help the second and third pigs escape from the story, as well. The pigs are mischievous and appealing to readers of all ages as they fold up a page of the story with the big, bad wolf, make it into a paper airplane and fly it into the classic nursery rhyme, “Hey Diddle Diddle.” From there, they venture into a fairy tale with a dragon, and return to their story (new friends in tow), only to rearrange what happens (including the words) to create their own happy ending. The characters of the three pigs morph from the simple brothers of the traditional tale into fun, mischievous, and endearing little pigs that give the poor old wolf a run for his money. The wolf is depicted at first in his usual sinister manner, but we quickly see the concern on his face when the first and second little pigs disappear, as well as when they fold up the page he is on and turn it into a paper airplane. Wiesner takes the simplicity of the traditional characters and turns them into characters with more depth, emotion, and interest. The plot of this version is more detailed than the original and will require more attention from young children to keep pace with what is happening as the pigs travel through various other stories. Even though the plot is a bit more complicated, it is entertaining and creates a sense of imagination and adventure that is engaging. The setting changes multiple times, keeping the reader on their toes, but does provide backdrops and characters that most readers will be familiar with. The style and theme of Wiesner’s version is much more fun and fantastical than the original. We are witness to the pigs changing the story and creating their own ending. The theme of this version is also a bit more complicated than the original, but through discussion and inference, even young readers will enjoy the idea that you are the captain of your own destiny. The Three Pigs is not only an interesting read, it is visually stunning as well. Wiesner uses a wide variety of illustration styles, as well as speech bubbles and text excerpts, to lead the reader on this fantastical journey. One minute the illustrations are traditional and mild, the next minute the animals are flying off the page and have morphed into realistic-looking pigs! This book is a gem that combines the traditional with the modern both textually and visually. An instant classic, readers of all ages are sure to enjoy this spin on the traditional tale of three pigs and a big, bad wolf! Response I was absolutely surprised when the story shifted from the traditional to the new. The illustrations added so much perspective and character to the story, creating a fantastical world where the pigs take control and outwit the big, bad wolf. The story is humorous, entertaining, raucous, and absolutely fantastic! I laughed out loud at several points, reading the speech bubbles and the interaction between the pigs and the big, bad wolf. Honors 2002 Caldecott Medal Winner 2002 Irma Black Award Reviews “Wiesner has created a funny, wildly imaginative tale that encourages readers to leap beyond the familiar; to think critically about conventional stories and illustration, and perhaps, to flex their imaginations and create wonderfully subversive versions of their own stories.” -- Booklist, ALA, Starred Review "Children will delight in the changing perspectives...and the whole notion of the interrupted narrative...fresh and funny...Witty dialogue and physical comedy abound in this inspired retelling of a familiar favorite.” -- School Library Journal “With this inventive retelling, Caldecott Medalist Wiesner (Tuesday, 1991) plays with literary conventions in a manner not seen since Scieszka's The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales (1993). The story begins with a traditional approach in both language and illustrations, but when the wolf huffs and puffs, he not only blows down the pigs' wood and straw houses, but also blows the pigs right out of the story and into a parallel story structure. The three pigs (illustrated in their new world in a more three-dimensional style and with speech balloons) take off on a postmodern adventure via a paper airplane folded from the discarded pages of the traditional tale. They sail through several spreads of white space and crash-land in a surreal world of picture-book pages, where they befriend the cat from "Hey Diddle Diddle" and a charming dragon that needs to escape with his cherished golden rose from a pursuing prince. The pigs, cat and dragon pick up the pages of the original story and return to that flat, conventional world, concluding with a satisfying bowl of dragon-breath-broiled soup in their safe, sturdy brick house. The pigs have braved the new world and returned with their treasure: the cat for company and fiddle music, the dragon's golden rose for beauty, and the dragon himself for warmth and protection from the wolf, who is glimpsed through the window, sitting powerlessly in the distance. On the last few pages, the final words of the text break apart, sending letters drifting down into the illustrations to show us that once we have ventured out into the wider world, our stories never stay the same.” -- Kirkus Reviews Connections
Bibliography Taback, Simms. 1999. Joseph Had a Little Overcoat. New York: Viking. ISBN 9780670878550 Plot Summary Just like the title says, Joseph had a little overcoat. Over time, the overcoat becomes old and worn and Joseph turns it into a jacket. The pattern continues as he turns the jacket into a vest, the vest into a scarf, the scarf into a necktie, the necktie into handkerchief, and the handkerchief into a button. One day, he loses the button and decides to write a story about it. The book ends with a moral, “You can always make something out of nothing.” Critical Analysis The first thing the reader notices in this story are the fantastic illustrations done in watercolor and collage. These illustrations at first appear simple, but as you look closely you see the details that give background to the story, including newspaper pages, handwritten blurbs, and sayings on the walls. Some of these are humorous and/or lend themselves to a deeper discussion of the story. From the illustrations and anecdotes, the reader can infer that the story takes place in Poland sometime in the past. The Jewish culture is obviously represented through these, as well as in the author’s note at the end of the story. Another feature of this book that children will enjoy is the die-cut cutouts every few pages that show the changing pieces of clothing as Joseph alters them. These imaginative cutouts are interesting and inventive, helping children see the transition from piece of clothing to piece of clothing. The main character, Joseph, is depicted as a resourceful farmer. He displays qualities of creativity and thriftiness as he reinvents the original overcoat into different items over and over. Children will enjoy, and be able to follow along with the repetitive nature of this story. The story line moves quickly through time, depicting Joseph in different situations and occasions over the course of this time. This is a great story for interactive reading and retelling. Children will enjoy the simple theme of resourcefulness in this story. It is easily recognized and told in a rhythmic way that is song-like. The author includes the music for the song version of the story at the end of the book. In the author’s note at the end he discusses how it was a song he loved as a child. Children will be able to make connections to songs they love and the stories behind those, as well. Overall, this story is not just a traditional tale. The illustrations and theme make it an enjoyable read for children and adults of all ages. Response This story is such a fun read! My little ones enjoyed the cutouts and seeing Joseph’s overcoat transform its way down to a button. Even the youngest child can make a connection with the simple theme of making something out of nothing. Its song-like cadence makes reading aloud fun, and students will make connections to other stories that are similar in style (e.g. There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly). This is a great story for discussing the Jewish culture and its traditions, as shown through the illustrations. This book is a classic that is sure to engage children of all ages in its magic. Honors 2000 Caldecott Medal Winner 1999 Louis Posner Memorial Award (National Jewish Book Award for Children’s Books) 1999 Sydney Taylor Book Awards Honor Reviews “As in his Caldecott Honor book, There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly, Taback's inventive use of die-cut pages shows off his signature artwork, here newly created for his 1977 adaptation of a Yiddish folk song. This diverting, sequential story unravels as swiftly as the threads of Joseph's well-loved, patch-covered plaid coat. A flip of the page allows children to peek through to subsequent spreads as Joseph's tailoring produces items of decreasing size. The author puts a droll spin on his narrative when Joseph loses the last remnant of the coat button and decides to make a book about it. "Which shows... you can always make something out of nothing," writes Taback, who wryly slips himself into his story by depicting Joseph creating a dummy for the book that readers are holding. Still, it's the bustling mixed-media artwork, highlighted by the strategically placed die-cuts, that steals the show. Taback works into his folk art a menagerie of wide-eyed animals witnessing the overcoat's transformation, miniature photographs superimposed on paintings and some clever asides reproduced in small print (a wall hanging declares, "Better to have an ugly patch than a beautiful hole"; a newspaper headline announces, "Fiddler on Roof Falls off Roof"). With its effective repetition and an abundance of visual humor, this is tailor-made for reading aloud.” -- Publisher’s Weekly “Clever die-cut holes provide clues as to what Joseph will make next: windowpanes in one scene become a scarf upon turning the page. Striking gouache, watercolor, and collage illustrations are chock-full of witty details-letters to read, proverbs on the walls, even a fiddler on the roof. Taback adapted this tale from a Yiddish folk song and the music and English lyrics are appended. The rhythm and repetition make it a perfect story time read-aloud.” -- School Library Journal “Taback's mixed-media and collage illustrations are alive with warmth, humor, and humanity. Their colors are festive yet controlled, and they are filled with homey clutter, interesting characters, and a million details to bring children back again and again. The simple text, which was adapted from the Yiddish song "I Had a Little Overcoat," begins as Joseph makes a jacket from his old, worn coat. When the jacket wears out, Joseph makes a vest, and so on, until he has only enough to cover a button. Cut outs emphasize the use and reuse of the material and add to the general sense of fun. When Joseph loses, he writes a story about it all, bringing children to the moral "You can always make something out of nothing." -- Booklist Connections
Bibliography Willems, Mo. 2006. Don’t Let the Pigeon Stay Up Late! New York: Hyperion Books for Children. ISBN 9780786837465 Plot Summary On his way to brush his teeth, the bus driver (from previous Pigeon books), dressed in his pajamas, asks the reader for a favor, “Don’t let the pigeon stay up late!” Of course, the pigeon has other ideas. In his usual cheeky manner he comes up with excuse after excuse, imploring the reader to let him stay up late with everything from, “Y’know we never get to talk anymore. Tell me about your day…” to “I’ll go to bed early tomorrow night instead!” Eventually the pigeon’s fatigue starts to show as he tries, and fails, to hide his yawns and drooping eyelids. After protesting bedtime for quite some time, the pigeon finally succumbs to his exhaustion and begins to snore. The bus driver returns and thanks the reader for their help. Critical Analysis Pigeon books are always a hit with children (and adults) because, honestly, who can resist that cheeky pigeon?!? The pigeon’s character is so relatable to children. In this particular story, we see him resisting bedtime with excuses and distractions that are familiar to young children and their caregivers. Willems writes in a way that creates a dialogue between the reader and the pigeon. The pigeon speaks directly to the reader, yet the text is simple enough for even young children to follow along. Willems' writing is simple, yet sophisticated, and always humorous. It definitely creates a story that is enjoyable to read. The plot of this story is simple: we know the pigeon is tired and we know he will eventually fall asleep. Even though it is predictable in that manner, the excuses the pigeon comes up with are inventive and diverse, leaving the reader guessing what his next excuse will be. Willems’ illustrations enhance the story with their use of simple colors and sparse, calm backgrounds. Yet the defined, bold lines Willems uses to create the pigeon clearly display his emotions and attitude. The reader can easily interpret and “read” the pictures and tell that the pigeon is tired, upset, frustrated, manipulative, etc. The font Willems uses also enhances the story by staying simple, so as to not distract from the wonderful illustrations. Overall this is a book that I would recommend for any child’s library. It is funny, smart, and involves the reader in telling the story. The illustrations highlight all of its emotion and create a character children will come to love. This is a must-have picture book! Response This book is one of my all-time favorites! Actually, any Mo Willems story goes on that list. The way he creates a character children and adults can connect with and relate to is incredible. Pigeon is simple enough that children understand him, yet sophisticated enough that he can make adults laugh, as well. This is a story that my child requests at bedtime on a regular basis (then uses the excuses himself to no avail). I love how it lends itself to reading aloud and modeling fluency, as well as creating an opportunity to discuss voice and expression. The character is relatable, the story is funny, and the illustrations are fantastic, what’s not to love?! Honors A New York Times Best Seller Publishers Weekly Bestseller Book Sense Bestseller A Nick Jr. Magazine Best Book NAPPA Gold Medal Award winner Parenting Magazine Best Book Chicago Public Library Best of the Best 2007 Book Sense 76 Pick Children’s Book of the Month Club Main Selection Junior Library Guild Selection Reviews “The black-crayon lines speak volumes, as the pigeon's body language and the positioning of his ever-expressive eye humorously convey each nuance of the text. Children will be charmed by this bedtime treat, which will have them laughing out loud at the pigeon-and at themselves.”-- School Library Journal “Readers will easily recognize themselves in the pigeon, even as they will delight in sending him to bed—the fact that he sleeps with a stuffed knuffle bunny will add to the intertextual fun. If this offering necessarily lacks the freshness of the original, its wholehearted sense of fun more than makes up for any hint of formula.”--Kirkus Reviews “Willems uses voice bubbles and emphatic lettering to suggest the Pigeon's tone of voice, and his solid-color backgrounds progressively dim from soft pink to lavender to a relaxing gray-blue and warm violet, enhancing the growing sense of drowsiness. At last, the hyperactive Pigeon succumbs to slumber, but sleep-resistant and savvy readers will likely plead to read this again.”--Publisher’s Weekly Connections
Other Mo Willems Pigeon books to share:
Bibliography Steig, William. 1969. Sylvester and the Magic Pebble. New York: Aladdin Paperbacks. ISBN 9780671662691 Plot Summary In this classic picture book, Sylvester Duncan, a young donkey, stumbles upon a magnificent magic pebble. He can’t believe his luck! He tests the pebble’s powers on the weather before heading home to show his family. On his way home he is distracted thinking of all the wonderful things his family can wish for and that they can have anything their hearts desire. Along the way, he runs into a hungry lion, panics, and makes a wish he regrets; he turns himself into a rock. The lion moves on, but Sylvester is now stuck in his new form. Will he find a way to reverse the wish? Thanks to a spring picnic, he is reunited with the magic pebble, and his loving parents. The family decides to put the magic pebble away for another time. After all, they have all they could ever wish for: each other. Critical Analysis The heartwarming characters in Steig’s classic story evoke a multitude of emotions from the reader. Steig’s uncomplicated writing style stirs these emotions effortlessly. When Sylvester finds the pebble, the reader experiences the same joy he does (after all, who wouldn’t love finding a magic pebble!). Even the youngest readers can empathize with the way Sylvester feels after he makes his wish to become a rock, as well as with his feelings of hopelessness as time passes and he cannot return to his normal form. As the seasons pass and we see Mr. and Mrs. Duncan grieve, the reader is able to connect with these feelings through the text and illustrations. The character and plot development come full circle when the family’s joy is restored and Sylvester becomes a donkey once more. Steig’s illustrations further compliment the story and bring the characters and setting to life. His watercolor illustrations are soft and warm, and his use of bold lines to show emotion in the characters is effective. Steig also uses the illustrations to incorporate elements that personify the characters. From the clothes the animals wear to the homes in which they live, children can picture themselves in the setting. The message that this book portrays is an important and powerful one. Sylvester’s desire to use the magic pebble to help his family and friends is understandable. Even though he was thinking of helping others, he still wanted “things.” As we experience the story with the characters, we feel their emotions and see the love they have for each other. As the story culminates, Sylvester’s father locks the pebble away and Steig ends the story with, “Some day they might want to use it, but really, for now, what more could they wish for? They had all that they wanted.” The family realizes that they are more important to each other than material things. The emotions portrayed by the characters and the valuable lessons taught make this story a classic work of fiction that children of all ages will enjoy. Response This book is one that I, honestly, have never read before. I am not quite sure how I missed this one, but it is going on my shelf as a classic. I especially like how Steig elicits an emotional response from his readers in a simple way. It is not over-the-top, but the text and illustrations are just enough to tug at your heartstrings. The human-like qualities the animals possess make the story that much more enjoyable for young readers. I am ordering a personal copy to add to my shelf today! Honors 1970 Caldecott Medal Winner ALA Notable Children's Books Lewis Carroll Shelf Award (1978) National Book Award Finalist for Children’s Books (1970) Reviews “A remarkable atmosphere of childlike innocence pervades the book; beautiful pictures in full, natural color show daily and seasonal changes in the lush countryside and greatly extend the kindly humor and the warm, unself-conscious tenderness.”--Horn Book Magazine “Droll and whimsical, poignant and silly, Steig made quite a splash when this touching story of a donkey, whose wish seems to doom him to be a rock forever.”--School Library Journal Connections Other William Steig books:
Bibliography De la Peña, Matt. 2015. Last Stop On Market Street. Ill. by Christian Robinson. New York: G.P. Putnam’s Sons. ISBN 9781489871732 Plot Summary CJ, a young boy, travels on the city bus with his nana to the last stop on Market Street every week after church. CJ questions the differences in the world around him while Nana gently encourages him to stop and see the beauty in his world; the beauty in the rain, the beauty in music, the beauty even in the most run-down, dirty parts of the city. When CJ and Nana arrive at their destination, the last stop on Market Street, the true beauty in this story unfolds. Critical Analysis The first thing that you notice upon reading this story was how realistic and engaging the characters of CJ and Nana are. Their simple dialogue reveals the loving and supportive relationship between a grandmother and her grandchild. The characters are truly relatable: a little boy questioning his world and a grandmother teaching life lessons in a kind, gentle way. Along the way we meet a diverse array of characters from multiple backgrounds, ethnic groups, and abilities all depicted in authentic and engaging ways. The text has an almost musical quality, creating a natural cadence as it is read. The engaging and realistic dialogue of Last Stop on Market Street is accented by the wonderful illustrations of Christian Robinson. The illustrations at first appear simple, but Robinson includes many small, interesting details within the simple framework. The illustrations depict bustling urban streets, as well as more dilapidated urban areas with ease, providing a background that enhances the journey of CJ and Nana. The characters within the story are depicted in many different skin colors, shapes, and ages, providing a natural diversity that enhances the urban backdrop of the story. What really stands out in this story, however, is the theme of being thankful for what you have and giving back/serving your community. This story is one that leaves an imprint on the reader and inspires you to consider all of the wonderful things that surround you. Response As I read this book, I was instantly drawn to the character of CJ, as he reminded me of my own young son; constantly asking questions. However, as the story unfolded, the heartwarming way Nana spoke to CJ, gently teaching him to stop and enjoy the beauty around him, was what captivated me. Along the journey, I could not wait to see what was at the last stop on Market Street. I have to admit, I got a little emotional when they arrived at the soup kitchen. The illustration showing them serving at the kitchen is a simple and natural way to start a conversation with young children about ways we can help those less fortunate in our community. Overall, this book is one that I will share with my own children for years to come. Honors Winner of the 2016 Newbery Medal A 2016 Caldecott Honor Book A 2016 Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor Book A New York Times Book Review Notable Children’s Book of 2015 An NPR Best Book of 2015 A Kirkus Reviews Best Book of 2015 A Wall Street Journal Best Book of 2015 A 2015 Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year A Horn Book Best Book of 2015 The Huffington Post Best Overall Picture Book of 2015 A Center for the Study of Multicultural Children’s Literature “Best Multicultural Books of 2015” Pick 2015 E.B. White Read Aloud Award Finalist ...and many more! Reviews “This celebration of cross-generational bonding is a textual and artistic tour de force.”--Kirkus Reviews, starred review “De la Peña and Robinson here are carrying on for Ezra Jack Keats in spirit and visual style. This quietly remarkable book will likely inspire questions… it will also have some adult readers reaching for a tissue.”--The Horn Book, starred review “The urban setting is truly reflective, showing people with different skin colors, body types, abilities, ages, and classes in a natural and authentic manner… A lovely title.”--School Library Journal “Like still waters, de la Peña and Robinson’s story runs deep. It finds beauty in unexpected places, explores the difference between what’s fleeting and what lasts, acknowledges inequality, and testifies to the love shared by an African-American boy and his grandmother.”--Publishers Weekly, starred review From Ernie J. Cox, 2016 Newbery Medal Chair, “Read it aloud to someone. The use of language to elicit questions, to spark imagination and to make us laugh is at its best when spoken." Connections Check out the 2016 Newberry Honor Books:
Read this book and come up with ideas about how you can serve your community and help those around you. |
AuthorMy name is Mrs. Scott and I'm a secondary Media Resource Specialist (librarian) in Texas. This blog was created as part of my graduate coursework at Texas Woman's University. All reviews and opinions are my own.
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