Diterlizzi, Tony. THE SPIDERWICK CHRONICLES. New York: Listening Library, 2003. Narrated by Holly Black and Mark Hamill.
It is easy to understand the huge popularity of this series. Simon, who loves tadpoles, frogs, and all animals. Mallory Grace, the eldest, who enjoys fencing and outdoor and athletic pursuits. Jared is the bookworm and the child who happens upon the dumb waiter and a legendary bogart, a mystery creature who is a "brownie" or "fairy" type creature from the Celtic Lands. There has been a divorce and the mother of the children moves into a crumbling old Victorian homeplace with her family. Soon thereafter Jared discovers a skeleton and a notebook with his great grandfather's last name, Spiderwick. The children's mother blames Jared for all the mischief that is caused by the bogart, but Jared cleverly leaves flour out to have evidence of his footprints. The bogart puts Simon's tadpoles in the freezer and causes Mallory much grief including leaving a threatening note and tying her hair to the headboard of her new bed. Soon, as Jared begins to unravel the mystery the flabbergasted children track down the bogart and come into his presence. An adventurous story that will be equally enjoyed by boys and girls. It is the beginning of a series. Very good narration and appealing to grades 1-6. Topnotch writing which reminds me just a bit of A SERIES OF UNFORTUNATE EVENTS. Excellent character development and the right amount of action and mysterious fantasy.
Monday, December 15, 2008
Advanced Children's Literature: Fantasy
Alexander, Lloyd. THE BLACK CAULDRON. Random House, 2004. Read by James Langston.
The production is elegant, engaging and authentic. I speak a bit of Welsh and can attest to the fact that no British or Irish brogue or accent slips into Langston's performance. Once in a while a bit of a Scottish sound, but an A+ production. This is book 2 in the Prydian Cahronicles but Alexander says he wanted it to be well able to stand on it's own and indeed it does. Being a Newbery winner in print is in no way a surprise. Alexander himself begins the narration and says though the names, setting, a bit of the tale is from the ancient Welsh legends (the Mabinogion, however he doesn't use the term) that it is mainly a work of his imagination. Certainly it is a fictionalized account but with Gwydion, Arawn, Taran, the cauldron, or black crock as the enchantress' refer to it, the 3 drops of knowledge that come from the kettle, it is indeed familiar. Alexander's chosen country is Caer Dallben where peace reigns at the beginning of our story and then a quest and much conflict ensue. Getting back to the superlative job of the language on the audion version, Langston authentically accents the 2nd syllable of each Welsh name and word. In Ireland, Aidan is AID-n. In Welsh it is pronounced, a-DAY-n. A beautiful adaptation. I can hardly wait for book 3. Could hardly be any higher recommendation on the part of this reviewer.
The production is elegant, engaging and authentic. I speak a bit of Welsh and can attest to the fact that no British or Irish brogue or accent slips into Langston's performance. Once in a while a bit of a Scottish sound, but an A+ production. This is book 2 in the Prydian Cahronicles but Alexander says he wanted it to be well able to stand on it's own and indeed it does. Being a Newbery winner in print is in no way a surprise. Alexander himself begins the narration and says though the names, setting, a bit of the tale is from the ancient Welsh legends (the Mabinogion, however he doesn't use the term) that it is mainly a work of his imagination. Certainly it is a fictionalized account but with Gwydion, Arawn, Taran, the cauldron, or black crock as the enchantress' refer to it, the 3 drops of knowledge that come from the kettle, it is indeed familiar. Alexander's chosen country is Caer Dallben where peace reigns at the beginning of our story and then a quest and much conflict ensue. Getting back to the superlative job of the language on the audion version, Langston authentically accents the 2nd syllable of each Welsh name and word. In Ireland, Aidan is AID-n. In Welsh it is pronounced, a-DAY-n. A beautiful adaptation. I can hardly wait for book 3. Could hardly be any higher recommendation on the part of this reviewer.
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Advanced Children's Literature: Historical Fiction
Lester, Julius. DAY OF TEARS. New York: Jump at the Sun/Hyperion, 2005.
There's never been a Julius Lester novel that I didn't enjoy and take much from, but DAY OF TEARS is a different type of slave narrative. With a subtitle of "a novel in dialog" it is marvelous listening, with many male and female narrators, but one can understand the point of the read-along after becoming familiar with this title. The book, like poetry, is made to be spoken. It is more a play than a novel, with a prinicipal characters list just like a playbill in the front of the book, but still and also (to use adolescent language) there are some things that may be more affecting and emotionally draining to see in print. The list of slaves at auction with their selling prices typed besides their names makes it all too real for me. The book drives home the point that must always be the main focal point with regard to slavery. It doesn't matter how well you are treated, slavery and freedom are two opposite ends of the spectrum. Pierce Butler treats his slaves like family until his "weak" wife leaves and the years of this youth become the gambling debts of his middle years. Daughter Frances is loved by Pierce much more than Sarah because she has a business head rather than a soft heart. Will and Mattie can't hide their grief or their disdain for Master Butler when he sells their daughter Emma. Never could anyone have convinced them that Emma being sold away was even a remote possibility. Will and Master grew up together, played in the dirt together, were treated like equals when they were young. Why do others not understand what Lester knows instinctively in his bones, that there is no good ending when slavery is involved. The emotional involvement with the reader is high for Lester and one wonders if retelling these painful tales is a burden or catharsis for him. The fact that the story is multigenerational adds richness and surprise. The interludes and flashbacks added to the drama, the suspense. I'm just a silly white girl but I so wish I could freeze time and let fictious Paris, of Nikki Grimes fame, and Emma shake the hand of Barack Obama, look into his kindly and learned face, gaze on his beautiful dark and self-sufficient wife and know the fact that in the end good almost always does defeat evil, but it is always a long, hard, lonely struggle. How can I praise Lester other than to say he has the skills of a time traveler, a fly on the wall. Even someone half human could not help being affected by this primal tale of love and hate, fear and deception, lucre versus love. There are not enough superlatives for this book, there truly are not. It would be an impossible choice between "Tears" and "The Old African" and I'm glad I don't have to make it. Pinkney's artwork is a plus, but the relationships in "Tears" are somehow unique. The time period is a bit different but the moral, the heartwrenching is not. The book will leave you breathless.
There's never been a Julius Lester novel that I didn't enjoy and take much from, but DAY OF TEARS is a different type of slave narrative. With a subtitle of "a novel in dialog" it is marvelous listening, with many male and female narrators, but one can understand the point of the read-along after becoming familiar with this title. The book, like poetry, is made to be spoken. It is more a play than a novel, with a prinicipal characters list just like a playbill in the front of the book, but still and also (to use adolescent language) there are some things that may be more affecting and emotionally draining to see in print. The list of slaves at auction with their selling prices typed besides their names makes it all too real for me. The book drives home the point that must always be the main focal point with regard to slavery. It doesn't matter how well you are treated, slavery and freedom are two opposite ends of the spectrum. Pierce Butler treats his slaves like family until his "weak" wife leaves and the years of this youth become the gambling debts of his middle years. Daughter Frances is loved by Pierce much more than Sarah because she has a business head rather than a soft heart. Will and Mattie can't hide their grief or their disdain for Master Butler when he sells their daughter Emma. Never could anyone have convinced them that Emma being sold away was even a remote possibility. Will and Master grew up together, played in the dirt together, were treated like equals when they were young. Why do others not understand what Lester knows instinctively in his bones, that there is no good ending when slavery is involved. The emotional involvement with the reader is high for Lester and one wonders if retelling these painful tales is a burden or catharsis for him. The fact that the story is multigenerational adds richness and surprise. The interludes and flashbacks added to the drama, the suspense. I'm just a silly white girl but I so wish I could freeze time and let fictious Paris, of Nikki Grimes fame, and Emma shake the hand of Barack Obama, look into his kindly and learned face, gaze on his beautiful dark and self-sufficient wife and know the fact that in the end good almost always does defeat evil, but it is always a long, hard, lonely struggle. How can I praise Lester other than to say he has the skills of a time traveler, a fly on the wall. Even someone half human could not help being affected by this primal tale of love and hate, fear and deception, lucre versus love. There are not enough superlatives for this book, there truly are not. It would be an impossible choice between "Tears" and "The Old African" and I'm glad I don't have to make it. Pinkney's artwork is a plus, but the relationships in "Tears" are somehow unique. The time period is a bit different but the moral, the heartwrenching is not. The book will leave you breathless.
Friday, December 12, 2008
Advanced Children's Literature: Fantasy
Baum, L. Frank. THE WONDERFUL WIZARD OF OZ. New York: William Morrow and Company, 1987.
This is a title in the "Books of Wonder" series. The edition is a "lavishly produced facsimile of the rare first edition" which includes the 24 color plates by W.W. Denslow. Beautiful to look at but harder to read when some of the print is atop the illustrations. The quintessential fantasy of childhood and the secret favorite movie of many adults, it is embarrasing how few adults have actually read it if my library co-workers are a good sampling. Having only read THE PATCHWORK GIRL OF OZ in my childhood I cannot be smug. The differences between the book and movie are not great but they are noticeable. I see now why people say you should always read the book first. The first truly American fairy tale got it's reputation honestly, by flat out being the best! The yellow brick road, the Munchkins, Dorothy with silver shoes, the ever present Toto, and the big tough lion that could hurt someone if he only knew how big and tough he truly was. This fantasy is practically the definition of fantasy. It makes you forget that any world besides Oz exists. Baum's first name is Llyman and he didn't realize he had talent at writing "fantastic tales" until he hit 40. Now that is inspirational to teacher as well as student. I truly don't know what to say about such a classic of all classics. In my mind nothing other than King Arthur can truly touch Oz! Soldiers with green whiskers and eyelashes, a scarecrow that can twist the neck of 40 crows so his companions can continue their journey. Bruno Bettleheim would certainly classify this as a "true" fairy tale. There is no evil stepmother, but isn't the wicked witch even better, and she too is conquered by a typical child. I enjoyed the magic helmet and the flying monkeys that I never thought would make it, but the real hero here is not Dorothy, but the narrative style of Baum's prose that literaly makes us feel as if we had taken winged flight on an unbelievable journey to another world. "You will remember there was no road--not even a pathway--between the castle of the Wicked Witch and the Emerald City." "On and on they walked, and it seemed that the great carpet of deadly flowers that surrounded them would never end. They followed the bend of the river, and at last came upon their friend the Lion, lying fast asleep among the poppies. The flowers had been too strong for the huge beast and he had given up, at last, and fallen only a short distance from the end of the poppybed, where the sweet grass spread in beautiful green fields before them." What I notice most about the above selections is it seems like Baum is truly talking only to me, like he's sitting beside me and whispering this all in my ear, such is the natural flow of the language and the sensory appeal of the images. The illustrations are good, but they don't in my estimation compare to the text in quality. Without this flowing yarn there would never have been a cult movie. I honestly hope that anyone who has died without knowing this story on earth will have someone read it aloud to them in heaven or in the Summerlands. This may well be the best read aloud after lunch, a chapter at a time book that was ever created. Yes, better than SOCKS by Beverly Cleary or ZUCCHINI by Barbara Dana. I thought making ferrets out of zucchini squash with gumdrops, marshmallows, and toothpicks was the ultimate read-aloud and craft tie-in. Would that my teachers or me as a teacher had discovered the art and philosophy that could be taught with this most American of all fantasies. Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus and his name, honest to God, is L. Frank Baum!
This is a title in the "Books of Wonder" series. The edition is a "lavishly produced facsimile of the rare first edition" which includes the 24 color plates by W.W. Denslow. Beautiful to look at but harder to read when some of the print is atop the illustrations. The quintessential fantasy of childhood and the secret favorite movie of many adults, it is embarrasing how few adults have actually read it if my library co-workers are a good sampling. Having only read THE PATCHWORK GIRL OF OZ in my childhood I cannot be smug. The differences between the book and movie are not great but they are noticeable. I see now why people say you should always read the book first. The first truly American fairy tale got it's reputation honestly, by flat out being the best! The yellow brick road, the Munchkins, Dorothy with silver shoes, the ever present Toto, and the big tough lion that could hurt someone if he only knew how big and tough he truly was. This fantasy is practically the definition of fantasy. It makes you forget that any world besides Oz exists. Baum's first name is Llyman and he didn't realize he had talent at writing "fantastic tales" until he hit 40. Now that is inspirational to teacher as well as student. I truly don't know what to say about such a classic of all classics. In my mind nothing other than King Arthur can truly touch Oz! Soldiers with green whiskers and eyelashes, a scarecrow that can twist the neck of 40 crows so his companions can continue their journey. Bruno Bettleheim would certainly classify this as a "true" fairy tale. There is no evil stepmother, but isn't the wicked witch even better, and she too is conquered by a typical child. I enjoyed the magic helmet and the flying monkeys that I never thought would make it, but the real hero here is not Dorothy, but the narrative style of Baum's prose that literaly makes us feel as if we had taken winged flight on an unbelievable journey to another world. "You will remember there was no road--not even a pathway--between the castle of the Wicked Witch and the Emerald City." "On and on they walked, and it seemed that the great carpet of deadly flowers that surrounded them would never end. They followed the bend of the river, and at last came upon their friend the Lion, lying fast asleep among the poppies. The flowers had been too strong for the huge beast and he had given up, at last, and fallen only a short distance from the end of the poppybed, where the sweet grass spread in beautiful green fields before them." What I notice most about the above selections is it seems like Baum is truly talking only to me, like he's sitting beside me and whispering this all in my ear, such is the natural flow of the language and the sensory appeal of the images. The illustrations are good, but they don't in my estimation compare to the text in quality. Without this flowing yarn there would never have been a cult movie. I honestly hope that anyone who has died without knowing this story on earth will have someone read it aloud to them in heaven or in the Summerlands. This may well be the best read aloud after lunch, a chapter at a time book that was ever created. Yes, better than SOCKS by Beverly Cleary or ZUCCHINI by Barbara Dana. I thought making ferrets out of zucchini squash with gumdrops, marshmallows, and toothpicks was the ultimate read-aloud and craft tie-in. Would that my teachers or me as a teacher had discovered the art and philosophy that could be taught with this most American of all fantasies. Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus and his name, honest to God, is L. Frank Baum!
Advanced Children's Literature: Non-fiction/Magazines
SPORTS ILLUSTRATED FOR KIDS. December 2008. Published by Time Magazine.
This month is a "Year-end Double Issue" with the "Gotta Get It Guide Goes Green" for finding out what to ask for should you celebrate the winter holidays. The Gotta get it guide is more than a gimme guide. It has cool athletic shoes, basketballs, and hoodies but many are made from recycled materials. Steve Nash gives his tips for preserving the planet: 1. Go paperless when you can. 2. Set an example around the house. 3. Remember image isn't everything (GOOD ONE.) 4. Get some fresh air! Now that's an excellent tie in with sports and good health. The "traditional" one sided format features the 2008 "Sports Kid of the Year." Derek Andrews plays 4 sports but more importantly he has a big heart and loves to raise money for less fortunate children and volunteer. Derek has of late had many medical tests to try and discover what muscle ailment is afflicting him with fatigue and requiring as many physical therapy sessions as games each week. This gave the town of Buffalo just one more reason to rally behind their native little son. Derek will be a good role model for persevering despite hardship, because he still comes across as a smiling typical American boy. This periodical has more commercial aspects than National Geographic Kids but that is to be expected. There are also some very thought provoking pieces to go along with the videogame trading cards. "Playing for Peaces: Our reporter traveled to Israel to see how soccer is slowly bringing together a country in conflict." There are facts about basketball, both professional and collegiate. It's popularity is not surprising!
This month is a "Year-end Double Issue" with the "Gotta Get It Guide Goes Green" for finding out what to ask for should you celebrate the winter holidays. The Gotta get it guide is more than a gimme guide. It has cool athletic shoes, basketballs, and hoodies but many are made from recycled materials. Steve Nash gives his tips for preserving the planet: 1. Go paperless when you can. 2. Set an example around the house. 3. Remember image isn't everything (GOOD ONE.) 4. Get some fresh air! Now that's an excellent tie in with sports and good health. The "traditional" one sided format features the 2008 "Sports Kid of the Year." Derek Andrews plays 4 sports but more importantly he has a big heart and loves to raise money for less fortunate children and volunteer. Derek has of late had many medical tests to try and discover what muscle ailment is afflicting him with fatigue and requiring as many physical therapy sessions as games each week. This gave the town of Buffalo just one more reason to rally behind their native little son. Derek will be a good role model for persevering despite hardship, because he still comes across as a smiling typical American boy. This periodical has more commercial aspects than National Geographic Kids but that is to be expected. There are also some very thought provoking pieces to go along with the videogame trading cards. "Playing for Peaces: Our reporter traveled to Israel to see how soccer is slowly bringing together a country in conflict." There are facts about basketball, both professional and collegiate. It's popularity is not surprising!
Advanced Children's Literature: Nonfiction/Magazines
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC KIDS. August 2008. Washington, D.C. National Geographic Society.
I didn't ride the short bus but let me tell you I learned dozens and dozens of fun facts and had trouble putting this magazine down. This was a "Special Awesome Animals Issue!" "Dolphins in Disguise" is the cover story but "20 Cool Things About Butterflies" is given an equal number of pages inside. Who would not want to read about two 2 tiger cubs rejected by their mother who ended up being "temporarily adopted" by 2 abandoned orangutans after taking the zoo keeper's lead? How cool is that, orangutans and tigers hugging, cuddling, and grooming each other. As expected, the photographs are incredible. The oversized butterfly pics are the most unique. But not only is the magazine educational, warm, and fuzzy, there are regular features such as "Video game Central," "The Green List" and "All About You." Trading cards are favorite childhood treasures and these 6 feature sand cats and a giraffe-necked weevil. There is a back to nature "funny fill-in" which works like a madlib. Kids wrote in to ask the "Pet Vet" how lost dogs find their way home and why ferrets steal things from their owners. First rate and fun filled!
I didn't ride the short bus but let me tell you I learned dozens and dozens of fun facts and had trouble putting this magazine down. This was a "Special Awesome Animals Issue!" "Dolphins in Disguise" is the cover story but "20 Cool Things About Butterflies" is given an equal number of pages inside. Who would not want to read about two 2 tiger cubs rejected by their mother who ended up being "temporarily adopted" by 2 abandoned orangutans after taking the zoo keeper's lead? How cool is that, orangutans and tigers hugging, cuddling, and grooming each other. As expected, the photographs are incredible. The oversized butterfly pics are the most unique. But not only is the magazine educational, warm, and fuzzy, there are regular features such as "Video game Central," "The Green List" and "All About You." Trading cards are favorite childhood treasures and these 6 feature sand cats and a giraffe-necked weevil. There is a back to nature "funny fill-in" which works like a madlib. Kids wrote in to ask the "Pet Vet" how lost dogs find their way home and why ferrets steal things from their owners. First rate and fun filled!
Advanced Children's Literature: Fantasy
Barron, T.A. THE MIRROR OF MERLIN. Random House, 1999. Read by Kevin Isola.
Book four in the series, "The Lost Years of Merlin," Barron does for Merlin that which T.H. White did for Arthur, take him back to his boyhood to help us understand him better as an adult, to see how life forged the fire of inspiration into his soul. In growing up and learning more about others Merlin begins to turn inward and learn more about himself than he cared to. Barron's verbal introduction not only "channels" Merlin, the depth of his passion filled voice makes one wonder if he isn't going all the way back to Taliesin, the Bard of Wales. Just as full of adventure as mysticism Barron's tale knows how to entertain but he is really doing so much more than that. Young people will be unknowingly drawn into the web of our cultural heritage, our identity as Westerners. The sage of Arthur was once a little boy washed up on the shore who grew and became fond of Hallia, the deer woman as he began to age. Barron sends young Merlin into the swamps and forests of the magical island of Fincayra to grow up and find the strength to save his homeland from disaster. Merlin discovers that altering fate is not a thing to take lightly. The magical mirror helps teach him the art of prediction and as we all know the legend contains many moments where Merlin would have rather not foreseen tragedy that was yet to come. Isola handles the female voices as well as the male. A very engaging tale, an unforgettable series.
Book four in the series, "The Lost Years of Merlin," Barron does for Merlin that which T.H. White did for Arthur, take him back to his boyhood to help us understand him better as an adult, to see how life forged the fire of inspiration into his soul. In growing up and learning more about others Merlin begins to turn inward and learn more about himself than he cared to. Barron's verbal introduction not only "channels" Merlin, the depth of his passion filled voice makes one wonder if he isn't going all the way back to Taliesin, the Bard of Wales. Just as full of adventure as mysticism Barron's tale knows how to entertain but he is really doing so much more than that. Young people will be unknowingly drawn into the web of our cultural heritage, our identity as Westerners. The sage of Arthur was once a little boy washed up on the shore who grew and became fond of Hallia, the deer woman as he began to age. Barron sends young Merlin into the swamps and forests of the magical island of Fincayra to grow up and find the strength to save his homeland from disaster. Merlin discovers that altering fate is not a thing to take lightly. The magical mirror helps teach him the art of prediction and as we all know the legend contains many moments where Merlin would have rather not foreseen tragedy that was yet to come. Isola handles the female voices as well as the male. A very engaging tale, an unforgettable series.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Advanced Children's Literature: Historical Fiction
Fleischman, Sid. THE WHIPPING BOY. New York: Greenwillow Books, 1986.
Fleischman's Newbery medal story is high adventure and will be especially beloved by boys. The illustrations by Peter Sis cannot go without mention, as they are almost as essential to the text as is the case in a traditional picture storybook. Jemmey is the whipping boy and Prince Brat is, well you know who. Tired of the confines of castle life Prince Brat sneaks out into the forest and brings Jemmey along. How could they have known that right away they would run into two fierce and legendary highwaymen, Cutwater and Hold Your Nose Billy? Neither Jemmey nor Prince Brat have respect for each other before their sojourn in the deep recesses of the forest but they become loyal companions in the end. The tables are turned when Jemmey pretends to be the Prince and is admired for his intelligence, skills with letters, pen, and ink and Brat proves that he can learn to work hard, catch rats in the sewers, and practice bravery. Though not a true cautionary tale, it is worth noting that all the education Prince Brat has shunned are lessons that Jemmey having learned and learned well uses to save the day. Prince Brat could not even pretend to write a ransom note for the bandits. Jemmey does so deftly. The titles of the chapters are clever such as,"Of assorted events in which the plot thickens thicker," or "Wherein the prince neither bawls nor bellows." Fleischman's end note is both humorous and educational, "Some royal households of past centuries did keep whipping boys to suffer the punishments due a misbehaving prince. History is alive with lunacies and injustices. As Jemmey would say, "Gaw!" Bloody good show.
Fleischman's Newbery medal story is high adventure and will be especially beloved by boys. The illustrations by Peter Sis cannot go without mention, as they are almost as essential to the text as is the case in a traditional picture storybook. Jemmey is the whipping boy and Prince Brat is, well you know who. Tired of the confines of castle life Prince Brat sneaks out into the forest and brings Jemmey along. How could they have known that right away they would run into two fierce and legendary highwaymen, Cutwater and Hold Your Nose Billy? Neither Jemmey nor Prince Brat have respect for each other before their sojourn in the deep recesses of the forest but they become loyal companions in the end. The tables are turned when Jemmey pretends to be the Prince and is admired for his intelligence, skills with letters, pen, and ink and Brat proves that he can learn to work hard, catch rats in the sewers, and practice bravery. Though not a true cautionary tale, it is worth noting that all the education Prince Brat has shunned are lessons that Jemmey having learned and learned well uses to save the day. Prince Brat could not even pretend to write a ransom note for the bandits. Jemmey does so deftly. The titles of the chapters are clever such as,"Of assorted events in which the plot thickens thicker," or "Wherein the prince neither bawls nor bellows." Fleischman's end note is both humorous and educational, "Some royal households of past centuries did keep whipping boys to suffer the punishments due a misbehaving prince. History is alive with lunacies and injustices. As Jemmey would say, "Gaw!" Bloody good show.
Advanced Children's Literature: Traditional Tales
Conover, Sarah and Freda Crane. AYAT JAMILAH: BEAUTIFUL SIGNS, A TREASURY OF ISLAMIC WISDOM FOR CHILDREN AND PARENTS. Spokane, Washington: Eastern Washington University Press, 2004.
Conover and Crane make a very effective team. Both are degreed educators and collectors of stories of Islam for Young Adults. Conover presents the secular side of these tales and Dr. Crane, a Muslim, focuses more on the religious side of the coin. Kan ya ma kan: there was and there was not. Other beginnings that are similar to our "Once upon a time" include once there was and twice there was not. There are stories from traditional Middle Eastern countries such as Iran and Syria but also tales from Indonesia, China, Azerbaijan, West Africa and others. There are stories from the Qur'an, folk tales, animal stories, stories of Abraham (Ibrahim), Jesus (Isa), and Mary (Mariam.) There are tales of wise and foolish men and women. The book will go a long way towards highlighting how much peoples of the world have in common rather than their different. Conover stresses that part of her purpose in the book is to reach young people and teach tolerance because we live in such a time where many believe and act in fundamentally intolerant ways. Famous quotations are framed in what looks like an outline of a quilt, and sometimes appear to be written on a tapestry or quilt making the book just as visually unique as is the content. A very effective contribution to the dearth of Muslim tale collections published in the West.
Conover and Crane make a very effective team. Both are degreed educators and collectors of stories of Islam for Young Adults. Conover presents the secular side of these tales and Dr. Crane, a Muslim, focuses more on the religious side of the coin. Kan ya ma kan: there was and there was not. Other beginnings that are similar to our "Once upon a time" include once there was and twice there was not. There are stories from traditional Middle Eastern countries such as Iran and Syria but also tales from Indonesia, China, Azerbaijan, West Africa and others. There are stories from the Qur'an, folk tales, animal stories, stories of Abraham (Ibrahim), Jesus (Isa), and Mary (Mariam.) There are tales of wise and foolish men and women. The book will go a long way towards highlighting how much peoples of the world have in common rather than their different. Conover stresses that part of her purpose in the book is to reach young people and teach tolerance because we live in such a time where many believe and act in fundamentally intolerant ways. Famous quotations are framed in what looks like an outline of a quilt, and sometimes appear to be written on a tapestry or quilt making the book just as visually unique as is the content. A very effective contribution to the dearth of Muslim tale collections published in the West.
Professional Book
Vardell, Sylvia M. POETRY ALOUD HERE!: SHARING POETRY WITH CHILREN IN THE LIBRARY. Chicago: American Library Association, 2006.
Vardell is a librarian’s librarian. Her poetry textbook is a thorough and detailed treatise for the library professional working with children aged 5-12. But hold on, from your first glance at the cover you can tell you are going to have FUN! It’s open mike night at the library and our young lady on stage is about to start a slam.
Inspecting the table of contents Vardell’s mission can be summed up in four words: Why? Which ones? How? Even though the question of why is answered philosophically and succinctly in Chapter one we realize Vardell could write an entire tome on “Why Poetry?” Can you think of a teacher, musician, actor, singer, writer, principal, lead teacher, radio dj, media specialist, mime, commercial artist, lyricist, or Hallmark employee who would disagree with her about the importance of poetry? Even more important it would be a rare child or parent that would disagree had they had just one enthusiastic experience with poetry in their youth. Poetry is literally everywhere in the written and especially in the spoken word. Vardell believes it is a natural link to developing language skills, hearts, and minds. She also makes a very strong case that poetry, more than any other literary genre, has no strict age level constraints and is usually absent of bias. Increasing cognition and comprehension are positive “side effects” of a library, a school, a classroom full of poetry.
We are given criteria for selecting poems and volumes of poetry to use with students. Choosing poems that have a definite beat, rhythm, or cadence will appeal to many according to Vardell. She also suggests we look for verses that interpret everyday childhood and life experiences in fresh and imaginative ways. Does the poem evoke emotions, is it descriptive and does it sound pleasing to the ears? For volumes and anthologies of poetry one needs to evaluate the way the poems are grouped or organized, note whether an index of first lines and a table of contents is included and if the work is by poets who are current and familiar or no. Is the artwork appealing and does it help carry off the theme of the book or poem? In poetry picture books as in other types of picture books the marriage of text and illustration is critical and defines this subgroup of poetry volumes.
Above all POETRY ALOUD is a pragmatic guide. For librarians and media specialists Vardell suggests they examine their poetry shelves to be certain they are physically attractive and visually inviting. Can young ones reach the books and the displays? Are they eye catching? She pleads for poetry volumes to be marketed and displayed as carefully as bestsellers are put on end caps. For professionals with little experience and those with much she reminds us that award winners are a good place to start and that just as you would have multiple copies of Harry Potter, Junie B. Jones, Curious George, and The Wizard of Oz, so too must you have multiple copies of many volumes of poetry.
Vardell manages to concoct a first rate guide that would benefit all and intimidate none. Her biggest rule is there are no real rules for doing it right. She writes that familiar authors and poems are good and unknown ones are great as well. Librarians as well as teachers always want to help us discover new friends and remind us of old ones. She encourages professionals who are treading on unfamiliar terrain to simply add one little item to their normal routine. Teachers and librarians have such sway over children and sometimes we forget it; the power to do good. Sylvia Vardell reminds and encourages us constantly with this approach. She suggests simply reading one short poem during each class visit to the library and to watch your circulation statistics of poetry increase by leaps and bounds. Begin with a poem or poet of the month and you will probably end up with a poem or poet of the week and then make it a daily routine. Again and again Vardell goes back to the basic concept that poetry is made to be heard. It becomes alive when it is read aloud.
Fun and practical ideas for activities and lesson plans abound in this volume. How about making a POET-TREE. Create a tree on a bulletin board and distribute green construction paper leaves and have students write their favorite poem on a leaf and then attach to the tree. This is emblematic of Vardell’s hands on approach. She pleads the case for investing in a small sound system and microphone. Students can read their own poetic creations aloud, they can read their favorite published poem, and they can speak the words of poetry with music in the background. The ease of adding poetry to a school or library’s culture may be surprising to many, but again and again Vardell mentions creative and painless ways to involve staff members, students, teachers, and parents. She asks us not to forget to include a poem on a school bulletin board, on a library website, to include poetry volumes in our summer reading lists and other booklists. For the adventurous there are excellent suggestions too such as a poetry scavenger hunt, and detailed directions on setting up a beatnik poetry coffeehouse complete with wearing black, having pillows on the floor and serving young ones hot cocoa rather than coffee.
Lending extra clout to her practical ideas are the “Practitioner Perspectives.” Media Specialists, teachers, and reading specialists all highlight their successes and strategies for encouraging poetry. The “Practitioner Perspectives” are a very important addition to the book as is the inclusion of a list of famous poet birthdays and an exhaustive but approachable bibliography of poetry volumes and a list of recommended and noteworthy poets for children to discover. Including poetry authorities Carole Bauer and Charlotte Huck lend credence to her research. What will surprise some is her insight about using poetry across the curriculum. Vardell mentions many tie-ins for math, science, history, and geography and gives detailed ideas about incorporating them as an essential way of teaching a subject other than English.
Is there a bad place to post a poem? Vardell says in essence, “absolutely not.” Don’t forget the water cooler, the pencil sharpener, the hallways of corporate America and the bulletin boards in Senior Centers. Poetry Aloud Here is an exquisite book that will NOT sit on the shelf collecting dust but will have dog eared pages and scribbles in the margins very soon after adding it to the classroom collection of any elementary or middle school teacher. Librarians and Media Specialists will have a hard time keeping a copy for themselves because it will constantly circulate.
Vardell is a librarian’s librarian. Her poetry textbook is a thorough and detailed treatise for the library professional working with children aged 5-12. But hold on, from your first glance at the cover you can tell you are going to have FUN! It’s open mike night at the library and our young lady on stage is about to start a slam.
Inspecting the table of contents Vardell’s mission can be summed up in four words: Why? Which ones? How? Even though the question of why is answered philosophically and succinctly in Chapter one we realize Vardell could write an entire tome on “Why Poetry?” Can you think of a teacher, musician, actor, singer, writer, principal, lead teacher, radio dj, media specialist, mime, commercial artist, lyricist, or Hallmark employee who would disagree with her about the importance of poetry? Even more important it would be a rare child or parent that would disagree had they had just one enthusiastic experience with poetry in their youth. Poetry is literally everywhere in the written and especially in the spoken word. Vardell believes it is a natural link to developing language skills, hearts, and minds. She also makes a very strong case that poetry, more than any other literary genre, has no strict age level constraints and is usually absent of bias. Increasing cognition and comprehension are positive “side effects” of a library, a school, a classroom full of poetry.
We are given criteria for selecting poems and volumes of poetry to use with students. Choosing poems that have a definite beat, rhythm, or cadence will appeal to many according to Vardell. She also suggests we look for verses that interpret everyday childhood and life experiences in fresh and imaginative ways. Does the poem evoke emotions, is it descriptive and does it sound pleasing to the ears? For volumes and anthologies of poetry one needs to evaluate the way the poems are grouped or organized, note whether an index of first lines and a table of contents is included and if the work is by poets who are current and familiar or no. Is the artwork appealing and does it help carry off the theme of the book or poem? In poetry picture books as in other types of picture books the marriage of text and illustration is critical and defines this subgroup of poetry volumes.
Above all POETRY ALOUD is a pragmatic guide. For librarians and media specialists Vardell suggests they examine their poetry shelves to be certain they are physically attractive and visually inviting. Can young ones reach the books and the displays? Are they eye catching? She pleads for poetry volumes to be marketed and displayed as carefully as bestsellers are put on end caps. For professionals with little experience and those with much she reminds us that award winners are a good place to start and that just as you would have multiple copies of Harry Potter, Junie B. Jones, Curious George, and The Wizard of Oz, so too must you have multiple copies of many volumes of poetry.
Vardell manages to concoct a first rate guide that would benefit all and intimidate none. Her biggest rule is there are no real rules for doing it right. She writes that familiar authors and poems are good and unknown ones are great as well. Librarians as well as teachers always want to help us discover new friends and remind us of old ones. She encourages professionals who are treading on unfamiliar terrain to simply add one little item to their normal routine. Teachers and librarians have such sway over children and sometimes we forget it; the power to do good. Sylvia Vardell reminds and encourages us constantly with this approach. She suggests simply reading one short poem during each class visit to the library and to watch your circulation statistics of poetry increase by leaps and bounds. Begin with a poem or poet of the month and you will probably end up with a poem or poet of the week and then make it a daily routine. Again and again Vardell goes back to the basic concept that poetry is made to be heard. It becomes alive when it is read aloud.
Fun and practical ideas for activities and lesson plans abound in this volume. How about making a POET-TREE. Create a tree on a bulletin board and distribute green construction paper leaves and have students write their favorite poem on a leaf and then attach to the tree. This is emblematic of Vardell’s hands on approach. She pleads the case for investing in a small sound system and microphone. Students can read their own poetic creations aloud, they can read their favorite published poem, and they can speak the words of poetry with music in the background. The ease of adding poetry to a school or library’s culture may be surprising to many, but again and again Vardell mentions creative and painless ways to involve staff members, students, teachers, and parents. She asks us not to forget to include a poem on a school bulletin board, on a library website, to include poetry volumes in our summer reading lists and other booklists. For the adventurous there are excellent suggestions too such as a poetry scavenger hunt, and detailed directions on setting up a beatnik poetry coffeehouse complete with wearing black, having pillows on the floor and serving young ones hot cocoa rather than coffee.
Lending extra clout to her practical ideas are the “Practitioner Perspectives.” Media Specialists, teachers, and reading specialists all highlight their successes and strategies for encouraging poetry. The “Practitioner Perspectives” are a very important addition to the book as is the inclusion of a list of famous poet birthdays and an exhaustive but approachable bibliography of poetry volumes and a list of recommended and noteworthy poets for children to discover. Including poetry authorities Carole Bauer and Charlotte Huck lend credence to her research. What will surprise some is her insight about using poetry across the curriculum. Vardell mentions many tie-ins for math, science, history, and geography and gives detailed ideas about incorporating them as an essential way of teaching a subject other than English.
Is there a bad place to post a poem? Vardell says in essence, “absolutely not.” Don’t forget the water cooler, the pencil sharpener, the hallways of corporate America and the bulletin boards in Senior Centers. Poetry Aloud Here is an exquisite book that will NOT sit on the shelf collecting dust but will have dog eared pages and scribbles in the margins very soon after adding it to the classroom collection of any elementary or middle school teacher. Librarians and Media Specialists will have a hard time keeping a copy for themselves because it will constantly circulate.
Monday, December 8, 2008
Advanced Children's Literature: Historical Fiction
Yep, Laurence, with Dr. Kathleen Yep. THE DRAGON'S CHILD: A STORY OF ANGEL ISLAND. New York: Harper Collins, 2008.
Laurence Yep at his finest and we all know that is saying quite alot! Laurence and his niece, Kathleen have researched their family saga and located written records and photos of Laurence's father, grandfather, and uncles as they immigrated back and forth from China to America numerous times. The novel is a fusion of fact and fiction, all profoundly enlightening. Students will be unfamiliar with concepts such as in the late 1800's often Chinese gentlemen of means left their wives and young children at home and traveled to America and left them for many years at a time. Despite the fact that much money was mailed back home to the family, sometimes children would not see their fathers or older brothers for 8 years or so and not remember them when they returned. The Yeps write of honor, of the main character being punished by his uncle and teacher for doing what came naturally, writing with his left hand, of thinking he should be able to stop stuttering just because he father tells him to. The scary journey to a new country is very realistic and the stuttering of the main character will personalize this young man for some. Trying to win our parental approval will resonate with all and the young boy's practice and nervousness about his interview with the crossing officials will be familiar to anyone who is or was ever new to public speaking. The photo of a handsome young boy in a black beret, red suit, and black tie is acknowledged on the back jacket as being from the Yep family. An exceptional book in many ways. Recommended for 2nd-7th grades, truly for all ages. A powerful and moving family saga that would resonate with new immigrants from any culture.
Laurence Yep at his finest and we all know that is saying quite alot! Laurence and his niece, Kathleen have researched their family saga and located written records and photos of Laurence's father, grandfather, and uncles as they immigrated back and forth from China to America numerous times. The novel is a fusion of fact and fiction, all profoundly enlightening. Students will be unfamiliar with concepts such as in the late 1800's often Chinese gentlemen of means left their wives and young children at home and traveled to America and left them for many years at a time. Despite the fact that much money was mailed back home to the family, sometimes children would not see their fathers or older brothers for 8 years or so and not remember them when they returned. The Yeps write of honor, of the main character being punished by his uncle and teacher for doing what came naturally, writing with his left hand, of thinking he should be able to stop stuttering just because he father tells him to. The scary journey to a new country is very realistic and the stuttering of the main character will personalize this young man for some. Trying to win our parental approval will resonate with all and the young boy's practice and nervousness about his interview with the crossing officials will be familiar to anyone who is or was ever new to public speaking. The photo of a handsome young boy in a black beret, red suit, and black tie is acknowledged on the back jacket as being from the Yep family. An exceptional book in many ways. Recommended for 2nd-7th grades, truly for all ages. A powerful and moving family saga that would resonate with new immigrants from any culture.
Advanced Chldren's Literature: Poetry
Paschen, Elise, editor. POETRY SPEAKS TO CHILDREN. Illustrators, Judy Love, et. al.
Sourcebooks MediaFusion, 2005.
I've never read a better anthology for young children. The audio and book are both stronge enough to stand alone but it is a very rich multisensory experience for children when both are used. The most compelling tracks on the CD were those read by the authors, especially authors that have passed away long ago. I guess my favorite was "Wolf" by Billy Collins, a poet hitherto unknown by me and his presentation was marvelous. Gwendolyn Brooks, "The Tiger Who Wore White Gloves, or, What You Are You Are." was my absolute favorite, the delivery perfection. I had not heard or read this since my childhood so it was an absolute delight, it made me laugh and scream with joy! I listened to the CD separately from reading the book and missed identifying the narrations by Sandburg and Tolkein. James Berry's "Okay, Brown Girl, Okay" was a very moving illustration and the performance stellar as well. Langston Hughes, a favorite poet friend to many children has one of his signature poesm, "The Negro Speaks of Rivers" included in the collection. This is not one of Hughes best oral deliveries but it is pure Americana with its talk of the Midwest, the Mississippi River, and Abe Lincoln. Included is a multifaceted delivery of "The Dentist and the Crocodile" by Roald Dahl who is both droll and animated simultanesouly. Ogden Nash is another very much suited to the oral tradition and his selection may introduce his humorous essence to children for the first time. The inclusion of American icon, Robert Frost reading "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening" is one of the crown jewels of the collection. Frost is the voice of a forgotten America, an America of daily interaction between neighbors, where working with one's hands and working the land were standard daily fare. The Frost recitation is a very teachable moment. I would recommend teachers, librarians, and parents showing photos of the poet at the JFK inauguration. With the current political season they may be inspired to watch the inauguration of our 44th President. After teaching a unit of poetry, teachers of all aged children could speculate and have the children themselves guess which poet Barack Obama might select for his inauguration. The illustrations, some full color, some black and white are overall inspired. The idea of putting every word in the title in a different color is effective and will draw in a child's eye. Using a standard type for the author's name and multiple fonts for the titles proved very successful, a thoughtful concept that added to the volume. I like the fact that every poem was not on the audio. Some poems and books are better read silently, other better read aloud, still others listened to. First rate editing by Paschen in that decision and many others. Exemplary!
Sourcebooks MediaFusion, 2005.
I've never read a better anthology for young children. The audio and book are both stronge enough to stand alone but it is a very rich multisensory experience for children when both are used. The most compelling tracks on the CD were those read by the authors, especially authors that have passed away long ago. I guess my favorite was "Wolf" by Billy Collins, a poet hitherto unknown by me and his presentation was marvelous. Gwendolyn Brooks, "The Tiger Who Wore White Gloves, or, What You Are You Are." was my absolute favorite, the delivery perfection. I had not heard or read this since my childhood so it was an absolute delight, it made me laugh and scream with joy! I listened to the CD separately from reading the book and missed identifying the narrations by Sandburg and Tolkein. James Berry's "Okay, Brown Girl, Okay" was a very moving illustration and the performance stellar as well. Langston Hughes, a favorite poet friend to many children has one of his signature poesm, "The Negro Speaks of Rivers" included in the collection. This is not one of Hughes best oral deliveries but it is pure Americana with its talk of the Midwest, the Mississippi River, and Abe Lincoln. Included is a multifaceted delivery of "The Dentist and the Crocodile" by Roald Dahl who is both droll and animated simultanesouly. Ogden Nash is another very much suited to the oral tradition and his selection may introduce his humorous essence to children for the first time. The inclusion of American icon, Robert Frost reading "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening" is one of the crown jewels of the collection. Frost is the voice of a forgotten America, an America of daily interaction between neighbors, where working with one's hands and working the land were standard daily fare. The Frost recitation is a very teachable moment. I would recommend teachers, librarians, and parents showing photos of the poet at the JFK inauguration. With the current political season they may be inspired to watch the inauguration of our 44th President. After teaching a unit of poetry, teachers of all aged children could speculate and have the children themselves guess which poet Barack Obama might select for his inauguration. The illustrations, some full color, some black and white are overall inspired. The idea of putting every word in the title in a different color is effective and will draw in a child's eye. Using a standard type for the author's name and multiple fonts for the titles proved very successful, a thoughtful concept that added to the volume. I like the fact that every poem was not on the audio. Some poems and books are better read silently, other better read aloud, still others listened to. First rate editing by Paschen in that decision and many others. Exemplary!
Advanced Children's Literature: Poetry
Prelutsky, Jack. THE BEAUTY OF THE BEAST: POEMS FROM THE ANIMAL KINGDOM. Illustrated by Meilo So. New York: Knopf, 1997.
An unusual collection of poetry that will be very appealing to many children. An exceptional bridge to extend or even begin poetry in Science class rather than relegating it only to the Language Arts curriculum. The book is very well organized with an Index of Authors and Titles. On first glance it appears that illustration is the most unique component of the book, but upon the reading one can see the writing is equally broad. There is of course, Seamus Heaney, Robert Frost, Ogden Nash, Eve Merriam, Jane Yolen and Carl Sandburg, but there is also Ted Hughes (rather than Langston), D.H. Lawrence, and John Milton. An intriguing collection of animal poems. Meilo So illustrates the book with movement throughout. Special favorites are drawings of mixed media of a trout leaping from a lake, a sloth haning from a tree, Zolotow's Raccoon digging in the trashcan finding a green bottle that once contained alcohol, wasps and bees flying from apple and pear trees, gold fish and koi. The table of contents says it best with chapters entitled, "In Trillions we Thrive," "Jubilant We Swim," "Wrapped in Coats of Fur," "Dragons in Minature," and "Hollow-Bones Singers." Unique and of the highest quality, the book will prove to be utilitarian rather than esoteric. Job well done!
An unusual collection of poetry that will be very appealing to many children. An exceptional bridge to extend or even begin poetry in Science class rather than relegating it only to the Language Arts curriculum. The book is very well organized with an Index of Authors and Titles. On first glance it appears that illustration is the most unique component of the book, but upon the reading one can see the writing is equally broad. There is of course, Seamus Heaney, Robert Frost, Ogden Nash, Eve Merriam, Jane Yolen and Carl Sandburg, but there is also Ted Hughes (rather than Langston), D.H. Lawrence, and John Milton. An intriguing collection of animal poems. Meilo So illustrates the book with movement throughout. Special favorites are drawings of mixed media of a trout leaping from a lake, a sloth haning from a tree, Zolotow's Raccoon digging in the trashcan finding a green bottle that once contained alcohol, wasps and bees flying from apple and pear trees, gold fish and koi. The table of contents says it best with chapters entitled, "In Trillions we Thrive," "Jubilant We Swim," "Wrapped in Coats of Fur," "Dragons in Minature," and "Hollow-Bones Singers." Unique and of the highest quality, the book will prove to be utilitarian rather than esoteric. Job well done!
Advanced Children's Literature: Realistic Fiction
Grimes, Nikki. THE ROAD TO PARIS. New York: Putnam, 2006.
No, Paris, you are not unique, Dicey Tillerman's grandmother didn't want to take in her grandchildren either! Paris and Malcolm are abandoned by their twice divorced mother, separated and put into foster home after foster home. Paris is a really tough sell, a hard cookie but kind yet no-nonsense Mrs. Lincoln finally wins her trust. A coming of age during hard times in the city story, in the end Paris must choose between Mom Lincoln's love and guidance and living with her own mother again. The suburbs have been fun but Paris decides she can't risk the chance of loosing her brother for good or never really getting to know her mother. Mom Lincoln has taught her one of the most important lessons in life, "judge each person by his own actions." This helps Paris put racial epithets and her birth mother's new husbands in proper perspective. A rich and believable page turner that reads like a diary that has been found hidden. I wanted Paris to stay with the Lincoln's where love and safety were assured but blood is thicker than water and Paris cannot live wondering about the "what might have beens." In depth characterization, true to life dialog, Grimes has an ear for language and the hearts and minds of middle school children. The surprise would be if there were not a gold medal on the cover!
No, Paris, you are not unique, Dicey Tillerman's grandmother didn't want to take in her grandchildren either! Paris and Malcolm are abandoned by their twice divorced mother, separated and put into foster home after foster home. Paris is a really tough sell, a hard cookie but kind yet no-nonsense Mrs. Lincoln finally wins her trust. A coming of age during hard times in the city story, in the end Paris must choose between Mom Lincoln's love and guidance and living with her own mother again. The suburbs have been fun but Paris decides she can't risk the chance of loosing her brother for good or never really getting to know her mother. Mom Lincoln has taught her one of the most important lessons in life, "judge each person by his own actions." This helps Paris put racial epithets and her birth mother's new husbands in proper perspective. A rich and believable page turner that reads like a diary that has been found hidden. I wanted Paris to stay with the Lincoln's where love and safety were assured but blood is thicker than water and Paris cannot live wondering about the "what might have beens." In depth characterization, true to life dialog, Grimes has an ear for language and the hearts and minds of middle school children. The surprise would be if there were not a gold medal on the cover!
Advanced Children's Literature: Traditional Tales
Ragan, Kathleen, editor. OUTFOXING FEAR: FOLKTALES FROM AROUND THE WORLD. New York: W. W. Norton, 2006.
Recent Aesop Prize winner Kathleen Ragan is compared in Jack Zipe's introduction to Scheherazade from "Thousand and One Knights" as she seeks to end the fear that has gripped the world since 9/11. Zipe notes that the last chapter is not written in this book, there is no final fairy tale ending, that we must write it ourselves. Ragan's frame tale is best personified to me by a short tale from Persia about a third of the way through the volume, "The Frightened Fox." Ragan seeks to recisitate and challenge us with old tales from a myriad of cultures to be more introspective and cautious before acting, not fearful, but careful. The tales are heavy on Celtic tradition but feature many from Native American Culture, Asia, Australia, Ukraine, Africa, New Zealand, and others. "The Maiden Who Lived with the Wolves" is a personal favorite. Because the wolves cared for and fed the Maiden who was mistakenly left behind, the Sioux People of North America learned the lesson of the wolves and began hunting not only for themselves but also for widows, children, and elders who were unable to hunt for themselves. Marty Blake's cover art of the most ominious looking fox in memory standing atop a high leaping flames of fire under a full moon sets the tone for the book. A noble project and affecting book similar in purpose to "Ayat Jamilah: Beautiful Signs." Useful for humans of all ages and persuasions.
Recent Aesop Prize winner Kathleen Ragan is compared in Jack Zipe's introduction to Scheherazade from "Thousand and One Knights" as she seeks to end the fear that has gripped the world since 9/11. Zipe notes that the last chapter is not written in this book, there is no final fairy tale ending, that we must write it ourselves. Ragan's frame tale is best personified to me by a short tale from Persia about a third of the way through the volume, "The Frightened Fox." Ragan seeks to recisitate and challenge us with old tales from a myriad of cultures to be more introspective and cautious before acting, not fearful, but careful. The tales are heavy on Celtic tradition but feature many from Native American Culture, Asia, Australia, Ukraine, Africa, New Zealand, and others. "The Maiden Who Lived with the Wolves" is a personal favorite. Because the wolves cared for and fed the Maiden who was mistakenly left behind, the Sioux People of North America learned the lesson of the wolves and began hunting not only for themselves but also for widows, children, and elders who were unable to hunt for themselves. Marty Blake's cover art of the most ominious looking fox in memory standing atop a high leaping flames of fire under a full moon sets the tone for the book. A noble project and affecting book similar in purpose to "Ayat Jamilah: Beautiful Signs." Useful for humans of all ages and persuasions.
Friday, December 5, 2008
Advanced Children's Literature: Informational
Bartoletti, Susan Campbell. BLACK POTATOES: THE STORY OF THE GREAT IRISH FAMINE, 1845-1850. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 2001.
From the award winning author who brought us GROWING UP IN COAL COUNTRY and KIDS ON STRIKE this is an affecting volume to say the least. The tale is full of emotions, both raw and powerful and first person accounts that one would not find in a textbook. The Census Bureau tells us that 36 million Americans claim Irish heritage which is 9 times the current population of Mother Eireland. Some sources say there are more Irish Americans than any other subgroup in the country. Others say German ancestry is a bit more common or that the 2 countries are very similar in percentage of the U.S. population. Even without that being said there is a real case to be made that the volume should be required reading for students of all ages. One sincerely hesitates to use the word loosely but the Potato Famine is in many ways the Holocaust of the Irish. There was forced labor every hour of daylight, beatings, families separated, and more than anything else starving people everywhere while there was plenty of food available in the land. The book goes a long way in describing the enmity of the Irish and the English and the root causes. In our current economic times the book makes an especially powerful statement. The English thought it was their right to make a profit no matter the consequences and their laissez faire government didn’t believe in intervention. Some of the wealthy Irish landowners seem to have concerred. Bartoletti uses numerous primary sources and traveled to Ireland to do her own research. Almost every double page contains pen/pencil and ink drawings, most taken from the Illustrated London News. Bartoletti is careful to be objective about the causes and consequences of the famine as exidenced in the following quote: “No matter how historians interpret the facts, this truth remains: while people were starving, ships filled with Irish grain and livestock headed to England and other markets.” Bartoletti uses a traditional Irish ballad or blessing to introduce each chapter. Two large and simple dated maps will be useful to school children, teachers, and students of genealogy. The cover by Lisa Diercks is striking. It should come as no surprise that this volume received the Robert F. Siebert medal.
From the award winning author who brought us GROWING UP IN COAL COUNTRY and KIDS ON STRIKE this is an affecting volume to say the least. The tale is full of emotions, both raw and powerful and first person accounts that one would not find in a textbook. The Census Bureau tells us that 36 million Americans claim Irish heritage which is 9 times the current population of Mother Eireland. Some sources say there are more Irish Americans than any other subgroup in the country. Others say German ancestry is a bit more common or that the 2 countries are very similar in percentage of the U.S. population. Even without that being said there is a real case to be made that the volume should be required reading for students of all ages. One sincerely hesitates to use the word loosely but the Potato Famine is in many ways the Holocaust of the Irish. There was forced labor every hour of daylight, beatings, families separated, and more than anything else starving people everywhere while there was plenty of food available in the land. The book goes a long way in describing the enmity of the Irish and the English and the root causes. In our current economic times the book makes an especially powerful statement. The English thought it was their right to make a profit no matter the consequences and their laissez faire government didn’t believe in intervention. Some of the wealthy Irish landowners seem to have concerred. Bartoletti uses numerous primary sources and traveled to Ireland to do her own research. Almost every double page contains pen/pencil and ink drawings, most taken from the Illustrated London News. Bartoletti is careful to be objective about the causes and consequences of the famine as exidenced in the following quote: “No matter how historians interpret the facts, this truth remains: while people were starving, ships filled with Irish grain and livestock headed to England and other markets.” Bartoletti uses a traditional Irish ballad or blessing to introduce each chapter. Two large and simple dated maps will be useful to school children, teachers, and students of genealogy. The cover by Lisa Diercks is striking. It should come as no surprise that this volume received the Robert F. Siebert medal.
Advanced Children's Literature: Poetry
Sidman, Joyce. MEOW RUFF. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 2006.
A very unusual volume that had to have face to face or computer to computer collaboration, unlike the many picture books whose author and illustrator have never met and may not even be familiar with eat others style. The majority of the illustrations by Michelle Berg are created from the words of the poem. A bit like an e.e. cummings poem in color and on steroids. The illustrations that aren’t created from words are brightly colored and employ basic shapes. My pages contain a large green circle full of words. One of the best trees: “EACH LEAF RIPPLING AND QUIVERING EACH TWIG NODDING AND SHIVERING EACH BRANCH FEELING THE WIND’S WHISPER...” A picnic table gives a horizontal definition: PLATFORM FOR PICNICS AND ANTS AND CROWS. The poem tells the story of a new puppy who escapes from his new home and explores the neighborhood and runs into a possible new friend. Kitty says MEOW? Dog says RUFF. Not appealing to this writer but shouldn’t be discarded either. With books and music there is no right or wrong, just individual taste. Poems are too important not to be approached in a variety of ways. If this is what it takes to get a child to fall in love with poetry this writer is 100% for it.
A very unusual volume that had to have face to face or computer to computer collaboration, unlike the many picture books whose author and illustrator have never met and may not even be familiar with eat others style. The majority of the illustrations by Michelle Berg are created from the words of the poem. A bit like an e.e. cummings poem in color and on steroids. The illustrations that aren’t created from words are brightly colored and employ basic shapes. My pages contain a large green circle full of words. One of the best trees: “EACH LEAF RIPPLING AND QUIVERING EACH TWIG NODDING AND SHIVERING EACH BRANCH FEELING THE WIND’S WHISPER...” A picnic table gives a horizontal definition: PLATFORM FOR PICNICS AND ANTS AND CROWS. The poem tells the story of a new puppy who escapes from his new home and explores the neighborhood and runs into a possible new friend. Kitty says MEOW? Dog says RUFF. Not appealing to this writer but shouldn’t be discarded either. With books and music there is no right or wrong, just individual taste. Poems are too important not to be approached in a variety of ways. If this is what it takes to get a child to fall in love with poetry this writer is 100% for it.
Advanced Children's Literature: Poetry
Greenfield, Eloise. IN THE LAND OF WORDS. New York: HarperCollins, 2004.
This is an upbeat volume of 21 “new and selected poems” by Greenfield. A good book for aspiring young writers, Greenfield mentions in her opening author’s note that she is often asked by children where she gets her ideas and she says there is no easy answer. Sometimes she tells us they come from dreams, other times memories, but she says often they just fill her head like a surprise and she has no idea where they have come from. Many poems are prefaced with a short commentary by Greenfield. One of the truly unique things about the book are the illustrations by Jan Spivey Gilchrist. Gilchrist uses felt for the artwork on the cover and each page. She uses scissors to cut the felt and big and small stitches to make collages. One of the most elaborate pages features beautiful satin stitch embroidery and french knot stitches with fancy ribbon for thread. This illustration accompanies the poem, “Flowers” and the idea for this poem is truly a collaboration. Gilchrist sent Greenfield a drawing she’d made of her husband & daughter and asked her to write a poem about stepfathers. Greenfield comments, “I could see and feel the love and care of a father, and the words came.” One of the poems that will be especially appealing to children is “Nathaniel’s Rap.” “It’s Nathaniel talking and Nathaniel’s me I’m talking about my philosophy About the things I do And the people I see All told in the words Of Nathaniel B. Free That’s me And I can rap I can rap I can rap rap rap” Here Gilchrist draws on the felt to show Nathaniel dancing around as he raps. Both author and illustrator have previously won the Coretta Scott King award.
This is an upbeat volume of 21 “new and selected poems” by Greenfield. A good book for aspiring young writers, Greenfield mentions in her opening author’s note that she is often asked by children where she gets her ideas and she says there is no easy answer. Sometimes she tells us they come from dreams, other times memories, but she says often they just fill her head like a surprise and she has no idea where they have come from. Many poems are prefaced with a short commentary by Greenfield. One of the truly unique things about the book are the illustrations by Jan Spivey Gilchrist. Gilchrist uses felt for the artwork on the cover and each page. She uses scissors to cut the felt and big and small stitches to make collages. One of the most elaborate pages features beautiful satin stitch embroidery and french knot stitches with fancy ribbon for thread. This illustration accompanies the poem, “Flowers” and the idea for this poem is truly a collaboration. Gilchrist sent Greenfield a drawing she’d made of her husband & daughter and asked her to write a poem about stepfathers. Greenfield comments, “I could see and feel the love and care of a father, and the words came.” One of the poems that will be especially appealing to children is “Nathaniel’s Rap.” “It’s Nathaniel talking and Nathaniel’s me I’m talking about my philosophy About the things I do And the people I see All told in the words Of Nathaniel B. Free That’s me And I can rap I can rap I can rap rap rap” Here Gilchrist draws on the felt to show Nathaniel dancing around as he raps. Both author and illustrator have previously won the Coretta Scott King award.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Advanced Children's Literature: Poetry
!PIO PEEP!: TRADITIONAL SPANISH NURSERY RHYMES. Selected by Alma Flor Ada & F. Isabel Campoy. English Adaptations by Alice Schertle. Illustrated by Vivi Escriva. New York: HarperCollins, 2003.
This volume is a perfect companion to Jane Yolen’s THIS LITTLE PIGGY which is Anglo-European/American in focus. Thirty poems from the folklore tradition are featured in this bilingual text. It is a multicultural poetry collection with talented and famous contributors. Ada has won dozens of awards and collaborated with the celebrated Spanish artist, illustrator, and marionette maker from Madrid, Vivi Escriva on many volumes. Many will recognize the name Alice Schertle, as an author and poet with over 30 children’s books to her credit. Campoy brings a variety of experiences to play as co-editor of this delightful book. She is a playwright, researcher of Hispanic culture, renowned poet and storyteller. The care and passion woven into the book is obvious after only a page or two is turned. The authors offer a seminal introduction that is more of a plea than a justification for the uses of poetry, folklore, song, and play both in the home and in the classroom. The detailed “About the Authors” page is equally well written and impassioned. Ada states, “The words of nursery rhymes give both wings and roots to my soul.” And that she says is the reason she continually looks for ways to share them with children. Campoy is no less passionate when she proclaims, “The word, when sung, conveys the pleasure of rhythm, just like a beating heart!” The all agree that folklore is often a child’s first experience with literature and be a precursor to learning to read. The poem, “The Little Boat” seems to naturally follow the tune of “Miss Mary Mack” featured in THIS LITTLE PIGGY. The text notes tell us that “Sea Serpent” is played just like “London Bridge.” The book is populated with dolls, angels, tortillas, animals, and cinnamon. It is truly a challenge to choose a favorite verse but I must say that “Now Softy the Roses” and “Sleep Now, My Baby” are noteworthy additions to the collection. As in THIS LITTLE PIGGY finger plays, games, lullabies, and traditional rhymes are included. A wonderful addition to any personal, educational or professional collection.
This volume is a perfect companion to Jane Yolen’s THIS LITTLE PIGGY which is Anglo-European/American in focus. Thirty poems from the folklore tradition are featured in this bilingual text. It is a multicultural poetry collection with talented and famous contributors. Ada has won dozens of awards and collaborated with the celebrated Spanish artist, illustrator, and marionette maker from Madrid, Vivi Escriva on many volumes. Many will recognize the name Alice Schertle, as an author and poet with over 30 children’s books to her credit. Campoy brings a variety of experiences to play as co-editor of this delightful book. She is a playwright, researcher of Hispanic culture, renowned poet and storyteller. The care and passion woven into the book is obvious after only a page or two is turned. The authors offer a seminal introduction that is more of a plea than a justification for the uses of poetry, folklore, song, and play both in the home and in the classroom. The detailed “About the Authors” page is equally well written and impassioned. Ada states, “The words of nursery rhymes give both wings and roots to my soul.” And that she says is the reason she continually looks for ways to share them with children. Campoy is no less passionate when she proclaims, “The word, when sung, conveys the pleasure of rhythm, just like a beating heart!” The all agree that folklore is often a child’s first experience with literature and be a precursor to learning to read. The poem, “The Little Boat” seems to naturally follow the tune of “Miss Mary Mack” featured in THIS LITTLE PIGGY. The text notes tell us that “Sea Serpent” is played just like “London Bridge.” The book is populated with dolls, angels, tortillas, animals, and cinnamon. It is truly a challenge to choose a favorite verse but I must say that “Now Softy the Roses” and “Sleep Now, My Baby” are noteworthy additions to the collection. As in THIS LITTLE PIGGY finger plays, games, lullabies, and traditional rhymes are included. A wonderful addition to any personal, educational or professional collection.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Advanced Children's Literature: Poetry
HERE’S A LITTLE POEM: A VERY FIRST BOOK OF POETRY. Collected by Jane Yolen & Andrew Fusek Peters. Illustrated by Polly Dunbar. Cambridge, Massachusetts: Candlewick Press, 2007.
Excellent Read-aloud with verse from familiar childhood poets Langston Hughes, Eve Merriam, Mary Ann Hoberman, Michael J. Rosen, Margaret Wise Brown, Jack Prelutsky, Nikki Grimes, Paul Janeczko, Rosemary Wells, and Robert Louis Stevenson. Delightful and imaginative colored drawings, some bright, some muted, large type and plenty of “white space” although this space is actually colored. Many times an 8 line poem will take up a double page spread. This volume proves a perfect book for any young person or anyone who loves a young person. This writer found some favorites both familiar and new; “Piggy Back,” “Cat Kisses,” and Gertrude Stein’s “I Am Rose.” Amazing, who knew, you feminist poet you! Both beautiful and fun to read, look at, and hold. As one would suspect most poems include traditional rhyme and meter as opposed to free verse. The book is a very good collection for participation, repetition, and memorization. Recommended for all libraries, homes, and classrooms!
Excellent Read-aloud with verse from familiar childhood poets Langston Hughes, Eve Merriam, Mary Ann Hoberman, Michael J. Rosen, Margaret Wise Brown, Jack Prelutsky, Nikki Grimes, Paul Janeczko, Rosemary Wells, and Robert Louis Stevenson. Delightful and imaginative colored drawings, some bright, some muted, large type and plenty of “white space” although this space is actually colored. Many times an 8 line poem will take up a double page spread. This volume proves a perfect book for any young person or anyone who loves a young person. This writer found some favorites both familiar and new; “Piggy Back,” “Cat Kisses,” and Gertrude Stein’s “I Am Rose.” Amazing, who knew, you feminist poet you! Both beautiful and fun to read, look at, and hold. As one would suspect most poems include traditional rhyme and meter as opposed to free verse. The book is a very good collection for participation, repetition, and memorization. Recommended for all libraries, homes, and classrooms!
Advanced Children's Literature: Poetry
THIS LITTLE PIGGY: Lap songs, Finger plays, Clapping Games, and Pantomime rhymes. Jane Yolen, editor. Will Hillenbrand, illustrator and musical arrangements by Adam Stemple. Cambridge, Massachusetts: Candlewick Press, 2005.
This volume is without an equal! It should be required reading and purchase by all new parents. Thank goodness for little ones that preschool teachers, elementary school media specialists, music teachers and children’s librarians will find this an indispensable guide to teach these rhymes and play these games with children if their parents forget. The book includes brightly colored mixed media illustrations, poetry and rhymes, instructions for playing and often a musical score. Also included is an audio CD but the book is perfectly capable of standing on its own as proven by the fact that the local library circulates the volume even if the CD gets lost or stolen which has happened to the copy checked out by this reviewer. Many children today are growing up without a link to the cultural heritage that a few generations ago we all knew, taught our children, and practically took for granted. The ditties are predominately Anglo and from Great Britain but a few are pure Americana. Variety is also a highlight of the book. We have Pease Porridge Hot, Pease Porridge in America, Pease Porridge in the City. One ditty has a versions from New York City, Australia, and Worcest, England. Miss Mary Mack is shown in a Pennsylvania verse from 1888, a Boston version from 1865, and a 1895 version from St. Louis as well as the non-dated and probably original version from Shropshire, England. Patty-Cake Around the World includes the version commonly used in Spain, Germany, and Italy. Extensively researched with a bibliography of 12 titles and accessibility is insured by an Index of First Lines. Jane Yolen uses the classic baby game “peek-a-boo” in her introduction and assures adults that none included in the volume are difficult to teach or perform. But, she goes on to say, “the unite us across borders, across ages, and across abilities. Even before a child can talk, can walk, can name the parts of the body, play time is essential. The lap is a kind of schoolroom. What a child learns there is learned forever.” The governor of the State of Georgia distributed several CDs of classical music to each new baby before they left home from the hospital. The next time there are funds available, this educator suggests this purchase would be equally useful for cognitive development and would also encourage bonding, emotional development, and a sense of cultural history, a sense of belonging. If your favorite lapsit storyteller does not have access to a copy consider this for holiday gift giving!
This volume is without an equal! It should be required reading and purchase by all new parents. Thank goodness for little ones that preschool teachers, elementary school media specialists, music teachers and children’s librarians will find this an indispensable guide to teach these rhymes and play these games with children if their parents forget. The book includes brightly colored mixed media illustrations, poetry and rhymes, instructions for playing and often a musical score. Also included is an audio CD but the book is perfectly capable of standing on its own as proven by the fact that the local library circulates the volume even if the CD gets lost or stolen which has happened to the copy checked out by this reviewer. Many children today are growing up without a link to the cultural heritage that a few generations ago we all knew, taught our children, and practically took for granted. The ditties are predominately Anglo and from Great Britain but a few are pure Americana. Variety is also a highlight of the book. We have Pease Porridge Hot, Pease Porridge in America, Pease Porridge in the City. One ditty has a versions from New York City, Australia, and Worcest, England. Miss Mary Mack is shown in a Pennsylvania verse from 1888, a Boston version from 1865, and a 1895 version from St. Louis as well as the non-dated and probably original version from Shropshire, England. Patty-Cake Around the World includes the version commonly used in Spain, Germany, and Italy. Extensively researched with a bibliography of 12 titles and accessibility is insured by an Index of First Lines. Jane Yolen uses the classic baby game “peek-a-boo” in her introduction and assures adults that none included in the volume are difficult to teach or perform. But, she goes on to say, “the unite us across borders, across ages, and across abilities. Even before a child can talk, can walk, can name the parts of the body, play time is essential. The lap is a kind of schoolroom. What a child learns there is learned forever.” The governor of the State of Georgia distributed several CDs of classical music to each new baby before they left home from the hospital. The next time there are funds available, this educator suggests this purchase would be equally useful for cognitive development and would also encourage bonding, emotional development, and a sense of cultural history, a sense of belonging. If your favorite lapsit storyteller does not have access to a copy consider this for holiday gift giving!
Advanced Children's Literature: Fantasy/Graphic Novel
Charise, Mericle Harper. FASHION KITTY New York: Hyperion, 2005.
Fashion Kitty is an adorable series and this written by a reviewer that ordinarily has a distinct distaste for graphic novels even though she thinks they are perfectly acceptable for children to read. Kiki Kitty lives with her 4 year old sister Lana and their parents. There are a few abnormalities about Kiki’s family. They are vegetarians with a cat named Mousie, they all prefer striped underwear and Kiki’s Mom lets the girls totally pick out their own clothes without regard to which colors or patterns they mix. This is the seed that gives birth to Fashion Kitty. Having a sister with the very opposite of good taste in clothing is also a contributing factor. Kiki becomes Fashion Kitty after she is hit on the head with a stack of fashion magazines and the sequence of events that follow. Fashion Kitty has unique super-cat qualities, such as a brain that can mix and match hundreds of outfits in a split second, supersonic feet that help her bounce, bounce really high before she takes off in flight to solve a fashion crisis that her ears always seem to pick up from near or far. Fashion Kitty is a younger Stacey London from “What not to Wear.” The message of being yourself, that different means different, not better or worse is a very positive one that will be picked up unknowingly by Fashion Kitty’s bevy of young female readers. The pink, white, and grey illustrations are truly unique and the multicolored cover replete with glitter and a curlyque font will draw in young female readers by the hundreds. One of the things that will be especially enticing about the book is that in the center of volume 1 there are full color full page drawings of Fashion Kitty. Readers are instructed to cut on the dotted line and abracadabra we have a flip book full of dozens of fashion combinations. There are three sections on each page, the hair and face, the mid section with blouse or jacket and the bottom with assorted shoes, skirts, and jeans. There are phrases on the back of each third of the page which changes as the wardrobe is flipped back and forth such as “super cute outfit” and “look at that swanky ensemble.” The book will be an instant hit with girls aged 6-11. A girl may complain about being required to read “Little House” or “Little Women” but complaining about Fashion Kitty is pos
Fashion Kitty is an adorable series and this written by a reviewer that ordinarily has a distinct distaste for graphic novels even though she thinks they are perfectly acceptable for children to read. Kiki Kitty lives with her 4 year old sister Lana and their parents. There are a few abnormalities about Kiki’s family. They are vegetarians with a cat named Mousie, they all prefer striped underwear and Kiki’s Mom lets the girls totally pick out their own clothes without regard to which colors or patterns they mix. This is the seed that gives birth to Fashion Kitty. Having a sister with the very opposite of good taste in clothing is also a contributing factor. Kiki becomes Fashion Kitty after she is hit on the head with a stack of fashion magazines and the sequence of events that follow. Fashion Kitty has unique super-cat qualities, such as a brain that can mix and match hundreds of outfits in a split second, supersonic feet that help her bounce, bounce really high before she takes off in flight to solve a fashion crisis that her ears always seem to pick up from near or far. Fashion Kitty is a younger Stacey London from “What not to Wear.” The message of being yourself, that different means different, not better or worse is a very positive one that will be picked up unknowingly by Fashion Kitty’s bevy of young female readers. The pink, white, and grey illustrations are truly unique and the multicolored cover replete with glitter and a curlyque font will draw in young female readers by the hundreds. One of the things that will be especially enticing about the book is that in the center of volume 1 there are full color full page drawings of Fashion Kitty. Readers are instructed to cut on the dotted line and abracadabra we have a flip book full of dozens of fashion combinations. There are three sections on each page, the hair and face, the mid section with blouse or jacket and the bottom with assorted shoes, skirts, and jeans. There are phrases on the back of each third of the page which changes as the wardrobe is flipped back and forth such as “super cute outfit” and “look at that swanky ensemble.” The book will be an instant hit with girls aged 6-11. A girl may complain about being required to read “Little House” or “Little Women” but complaining about Fashion Kitty is pos
Advanced Children's Literature: Realistic Fiction
McDonald, Megan. JUDY MOODY. Cambridge, Massachusetts: Candlewick Press, 2000.
JUDY MOODY is the first in a series about a mischievous 3rd grader, her brother Stink, best friend Rocky, parents, and her cat named “Mouse.” Judy is in a very bad mood. She wishes summer hadn’t ended and she didn’t have to face the first day of school without a t-shirt with writing on the front, a t-shirt from an amusement park or tourist attraction. Judy seems to have a reputation and guesses correctly that her new teacher will put her on the very front row. That Judy had to vacation at her Grandmother’s house and stay in state makes this tale especially realistic in the current recession with its high gas prices and budget restrictions that most public school children will come to be familiar with. The titles are published by a firm known for their beautiful picture books and fairy tale renditions and the illustrations though black and white pencil and charcoal drawings are amusing and add much to the appeal of the books. It is said that imitation is the highest form of flattery. I must admit both that I thoroughly enjoyed reading the title and it reminded an awfully lot of JUNIE B. JONES. The publication date indicates that Barbara Park’s series was published first. I prefer the more square size of Judy Moody and the fact that it has a table of contents that is illustrated. The title contains substantially more pages than a “JUNIE B.” book and more illustrations as well. I predict a great probability that it will be popular with the 1st-4th grade crowd. The fact that it has more pages than Barbara Parks series may be good for the ego and or book report rules of 3rd and 4th graders. The writing is engaging and students will enjoy reading about Judy’s new pet, a Venus fly trap and the little brother Stink who insists on going everywhere Judy goes. It’s refreshing to see a girl whose best friend is a boy and entertaining to see how much she despises Frank Pearl (compare to “Meanie Jim”), who has a crush on Judy. McDonald does an admirable job of making her characters less than homogenous with an African-American teacher and pet store employee. Wholesome and just plain fun, this series will make a good addition to the beginning chapter book collection in your public library or media center. They would also be excellent to have in a classroom reading collection and as they are available in paperback that is a realistic proposition.
JUDY MOODY is the first in a series about a mischievous 3rd grader, her brother Stink, best friend Rocky, parents, and her cat named “Mouse.” Judy is in a very bad mood. She wishes summer hadn’t ended and she didn’t have to face the first day of school without a t-shirt with writing on the front, a t-shirt from an amusement park or tourist attraction. Judy seems to have a reputation and guesses correctly that her new teacher will put her on the very front row. That Judy had to vacation at her Grandmother’s house and stay in state makes this tale especially realistic in the current recession with its high gas prices and budget restrictions that most public school children will come to be familiar with. The titles are published by a firm known for their beautiful picture books and fairy tale renditions and the illustrations though black and white pencil and charcoal drawings are amusing and add much to the appeal of the books. It is said that imitation is the highest form of flattery. I must admit both that I thoroughly enjoyed reading the title and it reminded an awfully lot of JUNIE B. JONES. The publication date indicates that Barbara Park’s series was published first. I prefer the more square size of Judy Moody and the fact that it has a table of contents that is illustrated. The title contains substantially more pages than a “JUNIE B.” book and more illustrations as well. I predict a great probability that it will be popular with the 1st-4th grade crowd. The fact that it has more pages than Barbara Parks series may be good for the ego and or book report rules of 3rd and 4th graders. The writing is engaging and students will enjoy reading about Judy’s new pet, a Venus fly trap and the little brother Stink who insists on going everywhere Judy goes. It’s refreshing to see a girl whose best friend is a boy and entertaining to see how much she despises Frank Pearl (compare to “Meanie Jim”), who has a crush on Judy. McDonald does an admirable job of making her characters less than homogenous with an African-American teacher and pet store employee. Wholesome and just plain fun, this series will make a good addition to the beginning chapter book collection in your public library or media center. They would also be excellent to have in a classroom reading collection and as they are available in paperback that is a realistic proposition.
Monday, December 1, 2008
Advanced Children's Literature: Traditional Tales
Pinkney, Jerry. THE LITTLE RED HEN. New York: Dial/Penguin, 2006.
Even for my favorite Mr. Pinkney, it is no hyperbole to say this is one of his truly remarkable efforts. The text is sparse but perfectly suited for reading aloud or repetitive responses. It is written in a manner so as to be obviously true to the oral tradition with the text full of dialog. Who will help the little red hen? No, not the short brown dog, the tall black goat, or the round pink pig! And our heroine does not enable their lazy behavior. A perfect choice to read to Pre-Kindergarten through first grade children for practice in predicting outcomes. A stellar example of a traditional tale that will seem fresh and new to students who may never heard the tale and adults who have heard it dozens, perhaps hundreds of times. Especially delightful are the bright and detailed illustrations of the little red hen and her chicks that are full page spreads. A perfect blending of art and letters and an undoubtably welcome addition to any library or personal collection.
Even for my favorite Mr. Pinkney, it is no hyperbole to say this is one of his truly remarkable efforts. The text is sparse but perfectly suited for reading aloud or repetitive responses. It is written in a manner so as to be obviously true to the oral tradition with the text full of dialog. Who will help the little red hen? No, not the short brown dog, the tall black goat, or the round pink pig! And our heroine does not enable their lazy behavior. A perfect choice to read to Pre-Kindergarten through first grade children for practice in predicting outcomes. A stellar example of a traditional tale that will seem fresh and new to students who may never heard the tale and adults who have heard it dozens, perhaps hundreds of times. Especially delightful are the bright and detailed illustrations of the little red hen and her chicks that are full page spreads. A perfect blending of art and letters and an undoubtably welcome addition to any library or personal collection.
Friday, November 28, 2008
Advanced Children's Literature: Informational/ Biography
Adler, David A. DR.MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. Illustrated by Colin Bootman. New York: Holiday House, 2001.
This book is a Holiday House Reader, Level 2 book. I very much prefer Adler’s Picture Book Biography Series, but because of the current popularity of leveled readers and the essential and perennially appealing subjects of Dr. King, the holiday named in his honor, Black History Month, and the study of Civil Rights the book will certainly find an audience. The writing and illustrations are dull and unimaginative. This may be an unfair criticism such as wanting a “Rookie Reader” to be a book that a child will automatically reach for. The book is adequate but does not do justice to the man or the movement. It appears to be written for profit, with an agenda possibly of being used with a "fill in the blank" type of school report ditto. With books like Marzollo & Pinkney's HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MARTIN LUTHER KING, Rappaport & Collier's multiple award winning MARTIN'S BIG WORDS, Christine King Farris' MY BROTHER MARTIN or MARCH ON! I believe it would truly be a rare teacher, parent, or child that would prefer Adler's version. I am surprised and disappointed by the lack of quality in this work. I would not purchase it for a public library and only if a teacher made a specific request would I purchase it for a media center. I would first attempt to talk the educator into one of the above titles. If the demand is high for a leveled book about MLK, Robin Hill School's MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. DAY, in the Ready-to-Read series, level by McNamara is a remarkable improvement over this Adler volume.
This book is a Holiday House Reader, Level 2 book. I very much prefer Adler’s Picture Book Biography Series, but because of the current popularity of leveled readers and the essential and perennially appealing subjects of Dr. King, the holiday named in his honor, Black History Month, and the study of Civil Rights the book will certainly find an audience. The writing and illustrations are dull and unimaginative. This may be an unfair criticism such as wanting a “Rookie Reader” to be a book that a child will automatically reach for. The book is adequate but does not do justice to the man or the movement. It appears to be written for profit, with an agenda possibly of being used with a "fill in the blank" type of school report ditto. With books like Marzollo & Pinkney's HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MARTIN LUTHER KING, Rappaport & Collier's multiple award winning MARTIN'S BIG WORDS, Christine King Farris' MY BROTHER MARTIN or MARCH ON! I believe it would truly be a rare teacher, parent, or child that would prefer Adler's version. I am surprised and disappointed by the lack of quality in this work. I would not purchase it for a public library and only if a teacher made a specific request would I purchase it for a media center. I would first attempt to talk the educator into one of the above titles. If the demand is high for a leveled book about MLK, Robin Hill School's MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. DAY, in the Ready-to-Read series, level by McNamara is a remarkable improvement over this Adler volume.
Advanced Children's Literature: Traditional Tales
Pinkney, Jerry. NOAH’S ARK. New York: SeaStar Books, 2002.
The Senior Mr. Pinkney does not disappoint with this Biblical retelling. His signature style of blended and flowing earth tones is very much apparent but with a tiny and positive addition. Almost every page has a small spot of strikingly vivid color that jumps right off the page and in most every instance that color is lipstick red. From poppies to tomatoes, the butterfly wings on the cover, apples, Noah’s belted sash, the nose of the baboons, a pomegranate, a lobster or a woman’s shawl the technique draws the eye in and causes it to linger. Though the illustrations of all the animals are uncommonly beautiful the numerous close ups and details of the humpback whales and doves approach legendary to this writer. The inside front cover may prompt some very interesting discussions as a wooly mammoth and brachiosaurus are pictured near the top of the spread in much smaller scale than the various other animals that are represented. Pinkney does a superlative job of showing children the enormous amount of work that went into the making of the ark by showing the beams, frame, scaffolding, and towers used to complete the project. The picture in the center of the book is an imaginative likeness of the ark with little else on the spread except sea and sky. The technique is especially effective in illustrating the incredibly long horizontal façade of the ark that Pinkney sees in his mind’s eye. Many pages show details such as board by board, plank by plank pictures and items that would be of special interest to children such as the stalls of the zebra and the giraffe, how the bottom of the ark appeared to the creatures of the deep looking up from below. The use of quotations from Genesis are very effective at the beginning and end of the book when God gives Noah instructions about making the ark, who and what to bring aboard, and the promise that a similar flood will not happen in the future. Pinkney’s text flows smoothly and seamlessly whether one is reading the a paraphrase or a quote. A section of text that is sure to delight children is “The zebras munched their hay. The geese gobbled up the grain. The monkeys nibbled on sweet grapes and climbed to the roof where the sparrows perched and sang.” Pinkney is such a master his words would conjure up beautiful pictures even if one could listen alone and not caress the pictures with ones eyes. Pinkney’s volume is a noteworthy addition to an oft written story.
The Senior Mr. Pinkney does not disappoint with this Biblical retelling. His signature style of blended and flowing earth tones is very much apparent but with a tiny and positive addition. Almost every page has a small spot of strikingly vivid color that jumps right off the page and in most every instance that color is lipstick red. From poppies to tomatoes, the butterfly wings on the cover, apples, Noah’s belted sash, the nose of the baboons, a pomegranate, a lobster or a woman’s shawl the technique draws the eye in and causes it to linger. Though the illustrations of all the animals are uncommonly beautiful the numerous close ups and details of the humpback whales and doves approach legendary to this writer. The inside front cover may prompt some very interesting discussions as a wooly mammoth and brachiosaurus are pictured near the top of the spread in much smaller scale than the various other animals that are represented. Pinkney does a superlative job of showing children the enormous amount of work that went into the making of the ark by showing the beams, frame, scaffolding, and towers used to complete the project. The picture in the center of the book is an imaginative likeness of the ark with little else on the spread except sea and sky. The technique is especially effective in illustrating the incredibly long horizontal façade of the ark that Pinkney sees in his mind’s eye. Many pages show details such as board by board, plank by plank pictures and items that would be of special interest to children such as the stalls of the zebra and the giraffe, how the bottom of the ark appeared to the creatures of the deep looking up from below. The use of quotations from Genesis are very effective at the beginning and end of the book when God gives Noah instructions about making the ark, who and what to bring aboard, and the promise that a similar flood will not happen in the future. Pinkney’s text flows smoothly and seamlessly whether one is reading the a paraphrase or a quote. A section of text that is sure to delight children is “The zebras munched their hay. The geese gobbled up the grain. The monkeys nibbled on sweet grapes and climbed to the roof where the sparrows perched and sang.” Pinkney is such a master his words would conjure up beautiful pictures even if one could listen alone and not caress the pictures with ones eyes. Pinkney’s volume is a noteworthy addition to an oft written story.
Advanced Children's Literature: Informational/Biography
Winter, Jonah. DIZZY. New York: Recorded Books, 2007. Narrator: Kevin R. Free. Print Edition illustrated by Sean Qualls, Scholastic, 2006.
After spending time with both the print and audio edition in a read-along set it is hard to ponder which one this writer would select if forced to make a choice. This book is written to be read aloud and Free does the best children’s narration I’ve heard in many a year. Quall’s illustrations, however, beg to be enjoyed as well. The bound volume is reminiscent of the layout, font style, and rather sparse use of muted colors that Lane Smith employs when he teams up with Jon Scieska in THE STINKY CHEESEMAN. The stylized drawings are integral to the text and “speak” especially of the emotions of Mr. Dizzy Gillespie from birth until his ascent into “Jazz Heaven” in the sky. Emotions that could in no way have been conveyed by reading the text alone. The story of this class clown born into abject poverty in the rural South that overcame child abuse, Jim Crow and successfully bucked the status quo of swing to create an entirely new form of jazz, bebop may encourage students in difficult situations that persistence is a vital component of success. From being picked on because of his small stature as a child, children will find someone who understands what it’s like to be bullied, to be different. One can imagine it would speak to the whole realm of children from slower learners to gifted students. In fact my supposition is that it would speak especially strongly to children on the edges of the classroom more than the mythical “average” children. This volume could certainly plant a seed that will help students realize it’s much more than okay to be different, it is preferable. A very effective ending reminding students that the very things that got Dizzy in trouble when he was younger; breaking all the rules, trying hard to stand out from the crowd, challenging authority, were the very things that made him successful in the end. A distinguished contribution to children’s literature; DIZZY has that all-important characteristic of being thoroughly approachable. The Author’s Note does an outstanding job of fleshing out jazz history as it relates to Gillespie by mentioning Cab Calloway, Charlie Parker, and Thelonius Monk. It also makes a teachable moment of the fact that Dizzy was different in many positive ways relating to his personal life by staying married to the same woman and eschewing drugs all his life.
After spending time with both the print and audio edition in a read-along set it is hard to ponder which one this writer would select if forced to make a choice. This book is written to be read aloud and Free does the best children’s narration I’ve heard in many a year. Quall’s illustrations, however, beg to be enjoyed as well. The bound volume is reminiscent of the layout, font style, and rather sparse use of muted colors that Lane Smith employs when he teams up with Jon Scieska in THE STINKY CHEESEMAN. The stylized drawings are integral to the text and “speak” especially of the emotions of Mr. Dizzy Gillespie from birth until his ascent into “Jazz Heaven” in the sky. Emotions that could in no way have been conveyed by reading the text alone. The story of this class clown born into abject poverty in the rural South that overcame child abuse, Jim Crow and successfully bucked the status quo of swing to create an entirely new form of jazz, bebop may encourage students in difficult situations that persistence is a vital component of success. From being picked on because of his small stature as a child, children will find someone who understands what it’s like to be bullied, to be different. One can imagine it would speak to the whole realm of children from slower learners to gifted students. In fact my supposition is that it would speak especially strongly to children on the edges of the classroom more than the mythical “average” children. This volume could certainly plant a seed that will help students realize it’s much more than okay to be different, it is preferable. A very effective ending reminding students that the very things that got Dizzy in trouble when he was younger; breaking all the rules, trying hard to stand out from the crowd, challenging authority, were the very things that made him successful in the end. A distinguished contribution to children’s literature; DIZZY has that all-important characteristic of being thoroughly approachable. The Author’s Note does an outstanding job of fleshing out jazz history as it relates to Gillespie by mentioning Cab Calloway, Charlie Parker, and Thelonius Monk. It also makes a teachable moment of the fact that Dizzy was different in many positive ways relating to his personal life by staying married to the same woman and eschewing drugs all his life.
Advanced Children's Literature: Realistic Fiction
Codell, Esme Raji. SAHARA SPECIAL. New York: Listening Library, 2003. Narrator: Phylicia Rashad. (Print edition by Hyperion, 2003.)
SAHARA SPECIAL is truly an inspiring, uplifting tale about an only child being raised by a single mom in downtown Chicago. Sahara is an imaginative child who spends each Saturday in the neighborhood public library reading, writing her life story, which she hides in the 900 biography section, and dreaming of becoming a writer. She, however, never does her class work during either the hours she is mainstreamed or in self-contained Special Education. In Special Ed. each day she writes letters to her father who abandoned she and her mother on Sahara’s birthday. These letters are put in Sahara’s file to document her “special needs.” Sahara’s mother is concerned about the methods of instruction and the behavior of her peers in the Special Needs program so in 5th grade she refuses Special Education support for her daughter. Though terrified of spending all day in the “regular” classroom Sahara has a new and different teacher, Ms. Porte’, who tells the students they may call her “Miss Pointy.” Miss Pointy refuses to have preconceived ideas about her students or read their permanent records. They journal daily, read silently and hear stories told by Miss Pointy. With an unorthodox teacher that plays to her strengths Sahara’s confidence begins to grow and she slowly makes friends and is invited by female classmates to join their “club.” Sahara really turns a corner when she finally gets a rainbow star sticker in her journal and is coaxed to read her family story aloud in front of the class. Her classmates are astounded at her vocabulary and writing talent and their support coupled with Porte’s helps her begin to branch out and try her hand at writing fiction. She and her mother become closer in part because Sahara stops hiding her stories from her mother and because of a meeting with Porte’. Mrs. Jones has always loved and been fiercely proud of Sahara, she just never understood the not completing her assignments situation. Sahara realizes she is special but her classmates no longer call her “Sahara Special.” Not only does Ms. Porte’ draw Sahara out of her shell but also another Special Ed. student named Daryl who has often been a teacher’s least favorite student because of his sullen attitude and disrespect for authority. In fact Ms. Porte’ fabricates a story to the Special Ed. teacher in front of her students stating that Daryl’s mom has refused services for her son but the note must have become lost. Ms. Porte’ knows she will have more success with Daryl and in the end she does, much to his surprise. Recommended for students in grades 3-7 the story exemplifies the lasting difference one teacher can have in the life of a child and the intrinsic value of belonging, reading, writing, books and stories. Codell has a real ear for the cadence of childrens’ speech which will quickly draw in many students. SAHARA SPECIAL is at once a unique and authentic tale. The narration by Phylicia Rashad is exemplary!
SAHARA SPECIAL is truly an inspiring, uplifting tale about an only child being raised by a single mom in downtown Chicago. Sahara is an imaginative child who spends each Saturday in the neighborhood public library reading, writing her life story, which she hides in the 900 biography section, and dreaming of becoming a writer. She, however, never does her class work during either the hours she is mainstreamed or in self-contained Special Education. In Special Ed. each day she writes letters to her father who abandoned she and her mother on Sahara’s birthday. These letters are put in Sahara’s file to document her “special needs.” Sahara’s mother is concerned about the methods of instruction and the behavior of her peers in the Special Needs program so in 5th grade she refuses Special Education support for her daughter. Though terrified of spending all day in the “regular” classroom Sahara has a new and different teacher, Ms. Porte’, who tells the students they may call her “Miss Pointy.” Miss Pointy refuses to have preconceived ideas about her students or read their permanent records. They journal daily, read silently and hear stories told by Miss Pointy. With an unorthodox teacher that plays to her strengths Sahara’s confidence begins to grow and she slowly makes friends and is invited by female classmates to join their “club.” Sahara really turns a corner when she finally gets a rainbow star sticker in her journal and is coaxed to read her family story aloud in front of the class. Her classmates are astounded at her vocabulary and writing talent and their support coupled with Porte’s helps her begin to branch out and try her hand at writing fiction. She and her mother become closer in part because Sahara stops hiding her stories from her mother and because of a meeting with Porte’. Mrs. Jones has always loved and been fiercely proud of Sahara, she just never understood the not completing her assignments situation. Sahara realizes she is special but her classmates no longer call her “Sahara Special.” Not only does Ms. Porte’ draw Sahara out of her shell but also another Special Ed. student named Daryl who has often been a teacher’s least favorite student because of his sullen attitude and disrespect for authority. In fact Ms. Porte’ fabricates a story to the Special Ed. teacher in front of her students stating that Daryl’s mom has refused services for her son but the note must have become lost. Ms. Porte’ knows she will have more success with Daryl and in the end she does, much to his surprise. Recommended for students in grades 3-7 the story exemplifies the lasting difference one teacher can have in the life of a child and the intrinsic value of belonging, reading, writing, books and stories. Codell has a real ear for the cadence of childrens’ speech which will quickly draw in many students. SAHARA SPECIAL is at once a unique and authentic tale. The narration by Phylicia Rashad is exemplary!
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Advanced Children's Literature: Historical Fiction
Speare, Elizabeth George. THE WITCH OF BLACKBIRD POND. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1958.
"Witch" is the story of wealthy Kit Tyler, who leaves Barbados in the late 1600's after the death of her Grandfather and ends up sailing to be with her only known relatives, her aunt, uncle, and cousins from her mother's side of the family in the then colony of Connecticut. Speare's modern classic is as fresh as ever. The characterization of her cousins, Mercy, Judith, her Aunt Rachel and Uncle William are detailed and lively. Kit learns to knit, spin, cook, make candles deftly and without complaining. For a free spirited girl treated akin to royalty from the Carribean this is no easy task! The gentlemen in the story are fleshed out as well, the suitors of the girls, the militia men, the ministers, and the shipmen. The central focus of "Witch" is that Kit keeps her uniqueness and mind of her own and in the end is accepted in part by the Puritan village. Into this world of Puritans there exists one outsider such as Kit, Hannah Tupper an elderly widow-woman who is a Quaker and lives on the other side of the settlement on Blackbird Pond. Hannah is an outcast and perceived to be a witch because she is different than her neighbors. Kit visits and becomes friends with Hannah who understands her and becomes a Grandmother figure to her. Kit's mettle is tested when she must warn and help rescue Hannah from the frenzied crowd as troubles are wrongly blamed on Hannah. Prison, the stocks, going to meeting in frigid weather, all these things Kit learns to bear. The central focus of the story is that Kit keeps her uniqueness and mind of her own and in the end is accepted in part by the Puritan village. Being more educated than the rest of the townspeople, knowing how to swim rather than sinking in the water, her expensive and regal dresses, teaching children to "act out" Scriptures when they tire of reading them all make the townspeople have misgivings about Kit. To earn the respect and approval of her Uncle is perhaps her hardest task. Kit's spirit is tested but never broken. She learns to follow her own conscience rather than the dictates of others as she befriends and teaches a young girl who is abused by her harsh parents and is not allowed to attend school where Kit and Judith serve as teachers. Speare's writing comes alive with a richly detailed setting, potent emotions, and a coming of age story where all three young girls find their mate in a believable fashion. It is easy to understand why this title won the Newbery Medal and almost 50 years later is still in print, on summer reading and Accelerated Reader lists.
"Witch" is the story of wealthy Kit Tyler, who leaves Barbados in the late 1600's after the death of her Grandfather and ends up sailing to be with her only known relatives, her aunt, uncle, and cousins from her mother's side of the family in the then colony of Connecticut. Speare's modern classic is as fresh as ever. The characterization of her cousins, Mercy, Judith, her Aunt Rachel and Uncle William are detailed and lively. Kit learns to knit, spin, cook, make candles deftly and without complaining. For a free spirited girl treated akin to royalty from the Carribean this is no easy task! The gentlemen in the story are fleshed out as well, the suitors of the girls, the militia men, the ministers, and the shipmen. The central focus of "Witch" is that Kit keeps her uniqueness and mind of her own and in the end is accepted in part by the Puritan village. Into this world of Puritans there exists one outsider such as Kit, Hannah Tupper an elderly widow-woman who is a Quaker and lives on the other side of the settlement on Blackbird Pond. Hannah is an outcast and perceived to be a witch because she is different than her neighbors. Kit visits and becomes friends with Hannah who understands her and becomes a Grandmother figure to her. Kit's mettle is tested when she must warn and help rescue Hannah from the frenzied crowd as troubles are wrongly blamed on Hannah. Prison, the stocks, going to meeting in frigid weather, all these things Kit learns to bear. The central focus of the story is that Kit keeps her uniqueness and mind of her own and in the end is accepted in part by the Puritan village. Being more educated than the rest of the townspeople, knowing how to swim rather than sinking in the water, her expensive and regal dresses, teaching children to "act out" Scriptures when they tire of reading them all make the townspeople have misgivings about Kit. To earn the respect and approval of her Uncle is perhaps her hardest task. Kit's spirit is tested but never broken. She learns to follow her own conscience rather than the dictates of others as she befriends and teaches a young girl who is abused by her harsh parents and is not allowed to attend school where Kit and Judith serve as teachers. Speare's writing comes alive with a richly detailed setting, potent emotions, and a coming of age story where all three young girls find their mate in a believable fashion. It is easy to understand why this title won the Newbery Medal and almost 50 years later is still in print, on summer reading and Accelerated Reader lists.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Advanced Children's Literature: Realistic Fiction
Birdsall, Jeanne. THE PENDERWICKS. New York: Yearling, 2005.
I believe Birdsall's first adventure in writing will become a modern children's classic. The Penderwicks relates the story of 4 spirited girls, Rosalind, Jane, Skye, and Batty, and their father the botanist who often speaks in Latin. The family lost their mother when Batty was an infant and she spends her days with fairy wings on her back, and a protective dog named Hound, in the style of Nana in PETER PAN. Rosalind the oldest serves as the matriarch of the brood in many ways. The family is enjoying a 3 week summer vacation on the grounds of an estate not too far from their home in Massachusetts. The story is one of constant adventure and a fast moving plot as the girls become friends with the upper crust maiden's lonely son, an only child, and the housekeeper of the estate and her son. The girls are loyal and supportive of each other but have very unique personalities that Birdsall has fleshed out with great care and detail. Their activities and behaviors are spot on, burning the cookies, sneaking out of the house at night to ramble in the garden and think pre-pubescent romantic thoughts, playing soccer, making new friends, enjoying pets, sharing well most of the time, but not always, bonding with their new friends in an us against the adults type of manner. Particularly satisfying is how the girls encourage Jeffrey to learn to communicate with his mother and stand up for himself. He dreams of going to the Boston Conservatory of Music but his mother and her boyfriend atempt to push him into going to the military academy that his grandfather attended when the boy has no desire or aptitude for that type of study or career. The conclusion satisfyingly ties up the loose ends but leave the possiblity of more books. Young readers and their parents will be glad to learn this wholesome, but totally appealing title has spurned a series. THE PENDERWICKS is reminicent of LITTLE WOMEN but set in modern society and for a younger audience. A must buy title for all elementary collections!
I believe Birdsall's first adventure in writing will become a modern children's classic. The Penderwicks relates the story of 4 spirited girls, Rosalind, Jane, Skye, and Batty, and their father the botanist who often speaks in Latin. The family lost their mother when Batty was an infant and she spends her days with fairy wings on her back, and a protective dog named Hound, in the style of Nana in PETER PAN. Rosalind the oldest serves as the matriarch of the brood in many ways. The family is enjoying a 3 week summer vacation on the grounds of an estate not too far from their home in Massachusetts. The story is one of constant adventure and a fast moving plot as the girls become friends with the upper crust maiden's lonely son, an only child, and the housekeeper of the estate and her son. The girls are loyal and supportive of each other but have very unique personalities that Birdsall has fleshed out with great care and detail. Their activities and behaviors are spot on, burning the cookies, sneaking out of the house at night to ramble in the garden and think pre-pubescent romantic thoughts, playing soccer, making new friends, enjoying pets, sharing well most of the time, but not always, bonding with their new friends in an us against the adults type of manner. Particularly satisfying is how the girls encourage Jeffrey to learn to communicate with his mother and stand up for himself. He dreams of going to the Boston Conservatory of Music but his mother and her boyfriend atempt to push him into going to the military academy that his grandfather attended when the boy has no desire or aptitude for that type of study or career. The conclusion satisfyingly ties up the loose ends but leave the possiblity of more books. Young readers and their parents will be glad to learn this wholesome, but totally appealing title has spurned a series. THE PENDERWICKS is reminicent of LITTLE WOMEN but set in modern society and for a younger audience. A must buy title for all elementary collections!
Advanced Literature for Children: Realistic Fiction
Park, Barbara. JUNIE B., FIRST GRADER: BOSS OF LUNCH. New York: Random House, 2002.
Junie B. Jones is finally a first grader! Park hits another one out of the park by crawling into the skin of a 6 year old who appears to this writer to have a very pronounced case of ADHD. Park is at once authentic in Junie's antics, tone, and language. The book proves equally effective and enjoyable as a beginning chapter book read silently by a student or aloud by an adult. Junie B. is ecstatic when she discovers Mrs. Gladys Gutzman, her favorite lunchroom lady, is back this school year. Junie B's kindergarten teacher, Mrs., has been replaced by Mr. Scary, who along with Mrs. Gutzman finally agree that if Junie B. learns to obey a few school rules she can be a lunchroom helper the next day. Behind the scenes the next day Junie is surprised to learn the kitchen smells like "stinkle" and keeping in character Junie shares her feelings with Mrs. Gutzman. Junie meets with mixed success at her new job as lunchroom helper but is redeemed when Mrs. Gutzman, who is surprisingly as fond of Junie B. as Junie is of her, makes an exception and brings sugar cookies to the 1st graders even though they are no longer kindergartners. Junie B. gets to put on her "real and professional" plastic mitts and pass out cookies to her classmates. A welcome addition to the series that will be enjoyed by students both new to and familar with the other books in the series. Most of the parents and teachers who might be concerned with Junie's manners, grammar, or respect for authority will undoubtly come onboard when observing children devour these titles and automatically want more despite the many distractions of childhood in the technological age. While written for a 1st-3rd grade audience they have wide appeal to K-5th year students.
Junie B. Jones is finally a first grader! Park hits another one out of the park by crawling into the skin of a 6 year old who appears to this writer to have a very pronounced case of ADHD. Park is at once authentic in Junie's antics, tone, and language. The book proves equally effective and enjoyable as a beginning chapter book read silently by a student or aloud by an adult. Junie B. is ecstatic when she discovers Mrs. Gladys Gutzman, her favorite lunchroom lady, is back this school year. Junie B's kindergarten teacher, Mrs., has been replaced by Mr. Scary, who along with Mrs. Gutzman finally agree that if Junie B. learns to obey a few school rules she can be a lunchroom helper the next day. Behind the scenes the next day Junie is surprised to learn the kitchen smells like "stinkle" and keeping in character Junie shares her feelings with Mrs. Gutzman. Junie meets with mixed success at her new job as lunchroom helper but is redeemed when Mrs. Gutzman, who is surprisingly as fond of Junie B. as Junie is of her, makes an exception and brings sugar cookies to the 1st graders even though they are no longer kindergartners. Junie B. gets to put on her "real and professional" plastic mitts and pass out cookies to her classmates. A welcome addition to the series that will be enjoyed by students both new to and familar with the other books in the series. Most of the parents and teachers who might be concerned with Junie's manners, grammar, or respect for authority will undoubtly come onboard when observing children devour these titles and automatically want more despite the many distractions of childhood in the technological age. While written for a 1st-3rd grade audience they have wide appeal to K-5th year students.
Saturday, February 9, 2008
Advanced Literature for Children
Sis, Peter. THE WALL: GROWING UP BEHIND THE IRON CURTAIN. New York: Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2007.
Prolific juvenile author Peter Sis gives us a most strange but beautiful autobiographical account of being young and living under a totalitarian regime. Sis writes of his life in Czechoslovakia under the shadow of Soviet Communist rule. Overall the writing is more sparse than the pictures but the combination is powerful and moving. The majority of the illustrations appear to be gray and black graphite and pink and red ink, but there are a few pages that are wildly multicolored. In chronological order Sis tells us of the ever more oppressive life in Prague. Using the words COMPULSORY, PROHIBITED, DISCOURAGED in caps and bold lettering is an effective technique. He writes of being forced to wear a red scarf, the symbol of the Young Pioneers Communist Youth Movement, being forced to learn Russian in school and the danger of practicing religion. Pink-red ink drawings have Stalin, Lenin, Krushchev and Brezhnev taking up the majority of the page. He entitles that as the “Time of Brainwashing” Peter’s tale is to him the story of his art because that is the one constant in his life, that he was always drawing………lines, shapes, people, then tank, then war. Drawing whatever he likes at home is the polar opposite to his school work where he draws what he is told. Forced to choose a Russian pen pal the letters are read and graded to reflect allegiance to the party. Particularly moving are excerpts from his journals, 1954-1963. He talks vividly of bits of the West filtering down into society. He wants blue jeans. He secretly tapes recordings of The Beatles. Then more journal entries are included from 1965-1968 when Sis leaves for England. In the center page ones sees a wild utopian kaleidoscope. The work looks like Peter Max! Sis draws the Western influences he is so grateful for, The Beatles and their Yellow Submarine, The Harlem Globetrotters, Jerry Garcia, Allen Ginsburg’s poetry. The journals have small multicolored pictures around the perimeter of the pages. Moving and factual this is a picture book best suited for grades 4 through adult. Information yes, but still a picture book.
Prolific juvenile author Peter Sis gives us a most strange but beautiful autobiographical account of being young and living under a totalitarian regime. Sis writes of his life in Czechoslovakia under the shadow of Soviet Communist rule. Overall the writing is more sparse than the pictures but the combination is powerful and moving. The majority of the illustrations appear to be gray and black graphite and pink and red ink, but there are a few pages that are wildly multicolored. In chronological order Sis tells us of the ever more oppressive life in Prague. Using the words COMPULSORY, PROHIBITED, DISCOURAGED in caps and bold lettering is an effective technique. He writes of being forced to wear a red scarf, the symbol of the Young Pioneers Communist Youth Movement, being forced to learn Russian in school and the danger of practicing religion. Pink-red ink drawings have Stalin, Lenin, Krushchev and Brezhnev taking up the majority of the page. He entitles that as the “Time of Brainwashing” Peter’s tale is to him the story of his art because that is the one constant in his life, that he was always drawing………lines, shapes, people, then tank, then war. Drawing whatever he likes at home is the polar opposite to his school work where he draws what he is told. Forced to choose a Russian pen pal the letters are read and graded to reflect allegiance to the party. Particularly moving are excerpts from his journals, 1954-1963. He talks vividly of bits of the West filtering down into society. He wants blue jeans. He secretly tapes recordings of The Beatles. Then more journal entries are included from 1965-1968 when Sis leaves for England. In the center page ones sees a wild utopian kaleidoscope. The work looks like Peter Max! Sis draws the Western influences he is so grateful for, The Beatles and their Yellow Submarine, The Harlem Globetrotters, Jerry Garcia, Allen Ginsburg’s poetry. The journals have small multicolored pictures around the perimeter of the pages. Moving and factual this is a picture book best suited for grades 4 through adult. Information yes, but still a picture book.
Advanced Children's Literature
Muth, Jon J. ZEN TIES. New York: Scholastic, 2008.
Muth’s second book of Zen ideas peopled by Stillwater the Panda and Michael, Addy, and Karl should come off better both to children and adults. There are bright colored balloons, more contrasting colors and this time Stillwater wears a red gentlemen’s tie. Much of the focus of the book is helping the children realize that the grumpy old woman on their street is really not just grumpy but a retired school teacher who lives alone, is in poor health and feels useless. We find out that “Miss Whitaker” is a retired English teacher and she is delighted to help Michael practice for the spelling bee that he has been very nervous about. The book is populated with many beautiful haiku that will be understood by young children. Muth is often full of word play. His nephew is named Koo. “Uncle Stillwater! summer! I have arrived! seeing you brings smiles.” “Hi, Koo!” says Stillwater. His Author’s Notes in the back are detailed but approachable. He fondly mentions that his father-in-law loved wordplay and he dedicated the “Hi, Koo.” idiom to him. This title would be a great read-aloud and a wonderful book that expresses both the wisdom, fun, and respect, that three generations can share. Much more whimsical and child centered than ZEN SHORTS, this books is a winner! This book tells a smooth and fluid story of finally breaking through Miss Whitaker’s crustiness to find a wonderful neighbor and encourager to the young children in the story.
Muth’s second book of Zen ideas peopled by Stillwater the Panda and Michael, Addy, and Karl should come off better both to children and adults. There are bright colored balloons, more contrasting colors and this time Stillwater wears a red gentlemen’s tie. Much of the focus of the book is helping the children realize that the grumpy old woman on their street is really not just grumpy but a retired school teacher who lives alone, is in poor health and feels useless. We find out that “Miss Whitaker” is a retired English teacher and she is delighted to help Michael practice for the spelling bee that he has been very nervous about. The book is populated with many beautiful haiku that will be understood by young children. Muth is often full of word play. His nephew is named Koo. “Uncle Stillwater! summer! I have arrived! seeing you brings smiles.” “Hi, Koo!” says Stillwater. His Author’s Notes in the back are detailed but approachable. He fondly mentions that his father-in-law loved wordplay and he dedicated the “Hi, Koo.” idiom to him. This title would be a great read-aloud and a wonderful book that expresses both the wisdom, fun, and respect, that three generations can share. Much more whimsical and child centered than ZEN SHORTS, this books is a winner! This book tells a smooth and fluid story of finally breaking through Miss Whitaker’s crustiness to find a wonderful neighbor and encourager to the young children in the story.
Advanced Children's Literature
Muth, Jon J. ZEN SHORTS. New York: Scholastic, 2005.
Muth writes a most unusual story about a Panda named Stillwater who comes to visit a family of children named Michael, Addy, and Karl. Stillwater tells the children that the wind blew his umbrella all the way from his backyard to theirs and he wanted to “retrieve it before it became a nuisance.” Muth continues, “He spoke with a slight Panda accent.” ZEN is a charming picture storybook that is approachable if unconventional. Stillwater wears shorts and plays in the pool with the children, climbs to the top of the highest tree in the neighborhood and introduces two “Zen shorts” based on short traditional tales. The Zen shorts are a traditional tale about the moon and another about luck and a farmer. They break up the multicolored pages and are in a single shade with black and white primitive drawings. Stillwater receives a birthday present from his Uncle Ry because it was Ry’s birthday. Addy brings Stillwater a white cake with a bamboo shoot in the center rather than a candle and he inquires if Addy’s birthday is the occasion for her to present the gift of the cake to him. Stillwater drinks tea with the children and does traditional painting with Addy using a calligraphy brush. The Author’s Note at the end of the book is needed and very appropriate explaining that Zen is a word from the Japanese and means meditation. He mentions Buddha and explains that “Zen shorts” are short meditations to puzzle over that help develop intuition. He relates that of the two traditional tales incorporated in the story one is based on a Japanese artist and another on a famous poet. He mentions that the second story has roots in Taoism and he explains that means it is several thousand years old. I think it would be a better one on one read so the inevitable questions and perspective do not steal the natural pattern and rhythm of the base story. Whimsical drawings with muted colors appear throughout. The most beautiful artwork may well be on the inside book cover and end papers. A shaded purple umbrella and white cherry blossoms are in the front and become a graduated French blue design at the close of the book.
Muth writes a most unusual story about a Panda named Stillwater who comes to visit a family of children named Michael, Addy, and Karl. Stillwater tells the children that the wind blew his umbrella all the way from his backyard to theirs and he wanted to “retrieve it before it became a nuisance.” Muth continues, “He spoke with a slight Panda accent.” ZEN is a charming picture storybook that is approachable if unconventional. Stillwater wears shorts and plays in the pool with the children, climbs to the top of the highest tree in the neighborhood and introduces two “Zen shorts” based on short traditional tales. The Zen shorts are a traditional tale about the moon and another about luck and a farmer. They break up the multicolored pages and are in a single shade with black and white primitive drawings. Stillwater receives a birthday present from his Uncle Ry because it was Ry’s birthday. Addy brings Stillwater a white cake with a bamboo shoot in the center rather than a candle and he inquires if Addy’s birthday is the occasion for her to present the gift of the cake to him. Stillwater drinks tea with the children and does traditional painting with Addy using a calligraphy brush. The Author’s Note at the end of the book is needed and very appropriate explaining that Zen is a word from the Japanese and means meditation. He mentions Buddha and explains that “Zen shorts” are short meditations to puzzle over that help develop intuition. He relates that of the two traditional tales incorporated in the story one is based on a Japanese artist and another on a famous poet. He mentions that the second story has roots in Taoism and he explains that means it is several thousand years old. I think it would be a better one on one read so the inevitable questions and perspective do not steal the natural pattern and rhythm of the base story. Whimsical drawings with muted colors appear throughout. The most beautiful artwork may well be on the inside book cover and end papers. A shaded purple umbrella and white cherry blossoms are in the front and become a graduated French blue design at the close of the book.
Advanced Children's Literature
Chodos-Irvine, Margaret. BEST BEST FRIENDS. New York: Harcourt, 2006.
Chodos-Irvine has done an equally splendid job on the flowing dialog and the bright, sophisticated colors that flood the pages. Rather than using primary colors deep, bright multi-colored hues are used. There is never just green, there is teal, emerald green, turquoise, and an almost lime green. There is never simply pink but fuchsia, light pink, rose and salmon and this helps give the book a feeling of 3-D texture, swirls and lines. Picking a true to life subject that any preschool child, preschool or kindergarten teacher, or parent of a young girl will recognize right away makes this book a hit, especially for reading aloud. Clare and Mary are best friends but Mary’s birthday is a bit tough for Clare as Mary is the line leader, the wearer of the golden birthday crown at snack time, and the first to get a pink cupcake with pink sprinkles. Clare angrily tells Mary that if it had been HER birthday the cupcakes and sprinkles would have been prettier because they would have been yellow. The most realistic and one of the most delightful pages is when Mary looks at her “pink dress, pink socks, pink shoes.” As we turn the page Mary is also looking at her pink underpants and we see her belly button and tummy exposed. After the outburst they play with other children during center time but have kissed and made up before the day is over. Cultural markers are gently and matter of factly portrayed. The Pre-K teacher is of Asian descent as are several students. We also see an African American and a Latino child. Chodos-Irvine has a special talent for drawing hair. Mary has wavy brown hair, Clare has dark brown curly hair, and as we look at the playroom floor we see an Asian American child with hair behind her right ear and an African American girl with a purple headband and gorgeous corkscrew curls. Young ones will laugh whether read at home with a family member or during circle/storytime. Who has not heard a pre-school girl yell to her best playmate, when things are not going her way, “Well you can’t come to my birthday party!”
Chodos-Irvine has done an equally splendid job on the flowing dialog and the bright, sophisticated colors that flood the pages. Rather than using primary colors deep, bright multi-colored hues are used. There is never just green, there is teal, emerald green, turquoise, and an almost lime green. There is never simply pink but fuchsia, light pink, rose and salmon and this helps give the book a feeling of 3-D texture, swirls and lines. Picking a true to life subject that any preschool child, preschool or kindergarten teacher, or parent of a young girl will recognize right away makes this book a hit, especially for reading aloud. Clare and Mary are best friends but Mary’s birthday is a bit tough for Clare as Mary is the line leader, the wearer of the golden birthday crown at snack time, and the first to get a pink cupcake with pink sprinkles. Clare angrily tells Mary that if it had been HER birthday the cupcakes and sprinkles would have been prettier because they would have been yellow. The most realistic and one of the most delightful pages is when Mary looks at her “pink dress, pink socks, pink shoes.” As we turn the page Mary is also looking at her pink underpants and we see her belly button and tummy exposed. After the outburst they play with other children during center time but have kissed and made up before the day is over. Cultural markers are gently and matter of factly portrayed. The Pre-K teacher is of Asian descent as are several students. We also see an African American and a Latino child. Chodos-Irvine has a special talent for drawing hair. Mary has wavy brown hair, Clare has dark brown curly hair, and as we look at the playroom floor we see an Asian American child with hair behind her right ear and an African American girl with a purple headband and gorgeous corkscrew curls. Young ones will laugh whether read at home with a family member or during circle/storytime. Who has not heard a pre-school girl yell to her best playmate, when things are not going her way, “Well you can’t come to my birthday party!”
Advanced Children's Literature
Beaumont, Karen. BABY DANCED THE POLKA. Illustrated by Jennifer Plecas. New York: Dial, 2004.
Baby Danced the Polka is an engineered book with flaps for little hands to open on every other right hand page. The book is not the typical 32 page picture story book but is substantially shorter. From the cover and throughout, the illustrations captivate with the illusion of motion. Baby dances the polka with the polka-dotted pig, the boogie woogie with the frisky little goat, the cha-cha with a brown cow. “Baby shooby-doobied with the shaggy little sheep!” Children will probably not care one iota but the book is set in Arkansas. “Papa shaved his whiskers, And Mama washed her wig.” “Papa hauled the water, And Mama fixed the chow.” Dad wears “long johns” and says he’s tuckered out by the end of the story. On more than half the pages the illusion of movement is assisted by an old fashioned “rag rug” that looks like a cinnamon roll of multi, repeating colors. It could have been homemade or ordered from Sears and Roebuck but it is a very important device in creating the illusion of circular dancing that populates the story. When Dad gets his fiddle and Mom her dancing shoes even their gray tabby cat spins around with a smile. A country cabin, a patchwork quilt palate for baby to lie on, lend authenticity to the setting. The colors are predominately lime green, purple, and blue. The story could have occurred anywhere but the Arkansas family is depicted without prejudice or stereotype, as happy, smiling, hardworking parents, who dote on their only child. Simply put, the book is delightful!
Baby Danced the Polka is an engineered book with flaps for little hands to open on every other right hand page. The book is not the typical 32 page picture story book but is substantially shorter. From the cover and throughout, the illustrations captivate with the illusion of motion. Baby dances the polka with the polka-dotted pig, the boogie woogie with the frisky little goat, the cha-cha with a brown cow. “Baby shooby-doobied with the shaggy little sheep!” Children will probably not care one iota but the book is set in Arkansas. “Papa shaved his whiskers, And Mama washed her wig.” “Papa hauled the water, And Mama fixed the chow.” Dad wears “long johns” and says he’s tuckered out by the end of the story. On more than half the pages the illusion of movement is assisted by an old fashioned “rag rug” that looks like a cinnamon roll of multi, repeating colors. It could have been homemade or ordered from Sears and Roebuck but it is a very important device in creating the illusion of circular dancing that populates the story. When Dad gets his fiddle and Mom her dancing shoes even their gray tabby cat spins around with a smile. A country cabin, a patchwork quilt palate for baby to lie on, lend authenticity to the setting. The colors are predominately lime green, purple, and blue. The story could have occurred anywhere but the Arkansas family is depicted without prejudice or stereotype, as happy, smiling, hardworking parents, who dote on their only child. Simply put, the book is delightful!
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Advanced Literature for Children
Review of LYLE AT THE OFFICE
Waber, Bernard. Lyle at the Office. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1994.
Rather than the better known IRA SLEEPS OVER or the first book in the Lyle series, LYLE, LYLE, CROCODILE I decided to read LYLE AT THE OFFICE.
No human child or adult is as happy or popular as Lyle, the bright green alligator with the goofy smile. He and his mother, Felicity live in a multi-storied brownstone with Mr. and Mrs. Primm and their children Joshua and Miranda. Lyle is an integral part of the family and one of baby Miranda’s first words is Lyle. One day when Lyle accompanies Mr. Primm to work life as they know it is changed! Lyle often accompanied the family to the park, to the grocery store, but never before to work. Mr. Primm is an ad man and having trouble coming up with a slogan and campaign for a new cereal modeled after Rice Krispie’s Snap Crackle Pop. The client decides that the only thing that will do is to have a photo of Lyle’s giant smile as he crunches cereal on the box cover. The Primm’s have already declined to have Lyle’s photo on a toothpaste ad and they are adamant that he is happy with his life just as it is and they want no part of him working. Lyle wants to work, after all his mom, Felicity is a nurse. Lyle’s feelings are ignored by the Primms and Mr. Bigg, Mr. Primm’s boss fires him. In the end Lyle and the family happen upon Mr. Bigg hanging from a chandelier in an old house he is restoring. Mr. Bigg implores Primm to return to work and agrees not to use Lyle in an ad campaign. Lyle is happy to be able to visit and make himself useful around the office now and again by sharpening pencils But the real winners are the children in the company day care center that had missed Lyle very much. Bright colors of city life are portrayed in a stylized and almost childish simplicity. The silly smile on Lyle’s face, the goofy expressions of the day care children and the scribbly drawings will attract attention to the artwork that goes hand and hand with the text to tell the story and to give it deeper meaning. City life is portrayed sometimes more realistic and other times more comical. The high rises on the cover are mocha and yellow. Inside the book the brownstones of East 88th Street are often pink, orange, and lime green. Just like OLD MACDONALD HAD AN APARTMENT this is a positive portrayal of city life. The theme of the art of the deal and the art of compromise are well portrayed but more than anything else this is a warm and funny book and a good addition to the Lyle, Lyle Crocodile series.
Waber, Bernard. Lyle at the Office. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1994.
Rather than the better known IRA SLEEPS OVER or the first book in the Lyle series, LYLE, LYLE, CROCODILE I decided to read LYLE AT THE OFFICE.
No human child or adult is as happy or popular as Lyle, the bright green alligator with the goofy smile. He and his mother, Felicity live in a multi-storied brownstone with Mr. and Mrs. Primm and their children Joshua and Miranda. Lyle is an integral part of the family and one of baby Miranda’s first words is Lyle. One day when Lyle accompanies Mr. Primm to work life as they know it is changed! Lyle often accompanied the family to the park, to the grocery store, but never before to work. Mr. Primm is an ad man and having trouble coming up with a slogan and campaign for a new cereal modeled after Rice Krispie’s Snap Crackle Pop. The client decides that the only thing that will do is to have a photo of Lyle’s giant smile as he crunches cereal on the box cover. The Primm’s have already declined to have Lyle’s photo on a toothpaste ad and they are adamant that he is happy with his life just as it is and they want no part of him working. Lyle wants to work, after all his mom, Felicity is a nurse. Lyle’s feelings are ignored by the Primms and Mr. Bigg, Mr. Primm’s boss fires him. In the end Lyle and the family happen upon Mr. Bigg hanging from a chandelier in an old house he is restoring. Mr. Bigg implores Primm to return to work and agrees not to use Lyle in an ad campaign. Lyle is happy to be able to visit and make himself useful around the office now and again by sharpening pencils But the real winners are the children in the company day care center that had missed Lyle very much. Bright colors of city life are portrayed in a stylized and almost childish simplicity. The silly smile on Lyle’s face, the goofy expressions of the day care children and the scribbly drawings will attract attention to the artwork that goes hand and hand with the text to tell the story and to give it deeper meaning. City life is portrayed sometimes more realistic and other times more comical. The high rises on the cover are mocha and yellow. Inside the book the brownstones of East 88th Street are often pink, orange, and lime green. Just like OLD MACDONALD HAD AN APARTMENT this is a positive portrayal of city life. The theme of the art of the deal and the art of compromise are well portrayed but more than anything else this is a warm and funny book and a good addition to the Lyle, Lyle Crocodile series.
Advanced Literature for Children
Review of LIBRARY LIL
Williams, Suzanne. Library Lil. Steven Kellogg, illustrator. New York: Dial, 1997.
Just as much as LIBRARY LION portrayed a typical librarian, LIBRARY LIL portrays a super, duper, tall tale of a figure in LIBRARY LIL. She has super human strength and she wears contemporary clothing. The brightly colored detailed art work is Steven Kellogg at his best. Our story begins, “I bet you think all librarians are mousy little old ladies. Hair rolled up in a bun. Beady eyes peering out at you over the tops of those funny half-glasses. An index finger permanently attached to lips mouthing “Shhh.” Bet you never heard about Library Lil. Lil develops her super human strength as a child for after reading all the children’s books in the library she starts in on the encyclopedia’s carrying an entire set in one hand. When our Lil grows up to be a librarian no one is surprised. Lil undergoes a personality change however when no one shows up for her storytimes. Lil is concerned that the people of the neighborhood prefer to watch television than read. She crowns the TV the “Devil’s Invention,” because it kept her customers away from good books. During a severe storm power is lost in the town and Library Lil and her old bookmobile visit each neighborhood bringing each home candles and books. One day a motorcycle gang descends on the town and settles in. They and their leader, “Bust-‘em up Bill” spend their time hustling at the neighborhood pool hall. The problem comes when Tuesday night rolls around and Bill can’t locate a TV to watch his favorite program, professional wrestling on. Our super human Lil wins a strength challenge and Bill agrees to read a book. Soon he and the entire gang are reading up a storm. They have a fight over who gets to check out THE MOUSE AND THE MOTORCYCLE first! By the end of the book the library has gotten so busy that LiL hires an Assistant who soon becomes known as “ Bookworm Bill.”
A wholly satisfying story whose artwork uses intense but still natural looking color that seems to seep off the page. Movement seems to be effortlessly portrayed by the illustrator as the storm passes through town breaking trees and knocking down power lines and motorcycles speed. People of all sizes, shapes, dress and colors appear in the story. Lil and Bill becomes a pair and she even learns to watch wrestling with him on Tuesday nights. The back cover of the book has one of the most vivid and beautiful illustrations of a 3 tiered wedding cake. On top, surrounded by a gazebo arch of flowers stand Bill and Lil holding up a book equal to half their size entitled LIL hearts B.B. The back cover of the book is painted with the words “and they lived happily ever after.” The book will appeal to boys and girls equally and would make an exciting read aloud. Highly recommended!
Williams, Suzanne. Library Lil. Steven Kellogg, illustrator. New York: Dial, 1997.
Just as much as LIBRARY LION portrayed a typical librarian, LIBRARY LIL portrays a super, duper, tall tale of a figure in LIBRARY LIL. She has super human strength and she wears contemporary clothing. The brightly colored detailed art work is Steven Kellogg at his best. Our story begins, “I bet you think all librarians are mousy little old ladies. Hair rolled up in a bun. Beady eyes peering out at you over the tops of those funny half-glasses. An index finger permanently attached to lips mouthing “Shhh.” Bet you never heard about Library Lil. Lil develops her super human strength as a child for after reading all the children’s books in the library she starts in on the encyclopedia’s carrying an entire set in one hand. When our Lil grows up to be a librarian no one is surprised. Lil undergoes a personality change however when no one shows up for her storytimes. Lil is concerned that the people of the neighborhood prefer to watch television than read. She crowns the TV the “Devil’s Invention,” because it kept her customers away from good books. During a severe storm power is lost in the town and Library Lil and her old bookmobile visit each neighborhood bringing each home candles and books. One day a motorcycle gang descends on the town and settles in. They and their leader, “Bust-‘em up Bill” spend their time hustling at the neighborhood pool hall. The problem comes when Tuesday night rolls around and Bill can’t locate a TV to watch his favorite program, professional wrestling on. Our super human Lil wins a strength challenge and Bill agrees to read a book. Soon he and the entire gang are reading up a storm. They have a fight over who gets to check out THE MOUSE AND THE MOTORCYCLE first! By the end of the book the library has gotten so busy that LiL hires an Assistant who soon becomes known as “ Bookworm Bill.”
A wholly satisfying story whose artwork uses intense but still natural looking color that seems to seep off the page. Movement seems to be effortlessly portrayed by the illustrator as the storm passes through town breaking trees and knocking down power lines and motorcycles speed. People of all sizes, shapes, dress and colors appear in the story. Lil and Bill becomes a pair and she even learns to watch wrestling with him on Tuesday nights. The back cover of the book has one of the most vivid and beautiful illustrations of a 3 tiered wedding cake. On top, surrounded by a gazebo arch of flowers stand Bill and Lil holding up a book equal to half their size entitled LIL hearts B.B. The back cover of the book is painted with the words “and they lived happily ever after.” The book will appeal to boys and girls equally and would make an exciting read aloud. Highly recommended!
Advanced Literature for Children
Review of THE LIBRARY DRAGON:
Deedy, Carmen Agra. The Library Dragon. Michael P. White, illustrator. Atlanta: Peachtree Publishers, 1994.
Even for a picture book “Library Dragon” is oversized. I would be hard pressed to find another picture book with superior illustrations. The new librarian in town is a horribly old fashioned librarian who is so set in her ways she becomes a dragon, Miss Lotta Scales. She believes books are to be looked at but never touched, that a good child is a silent one. Teachers and principals are afraid of her rather than the opposite but a plucky red head student named Molly Brickmeyer with the help of Miss Lemon finally get through to “the library dragon” that is transformed by listening to Molly read aloud to her classmates during a library visit. The library dragon takes Molly into her lap and begins to read to the children and her large scales of green, yellow, and purple begin to fall one after the other and she transforms into Miss Lotty, a most pleasant and trendy librarian. An overt message about the transforming power of reading aloud it will be loved by adults, teachers, librarians, kids, and media specialists alike. The illustrations of lime green, bold yellow, bright orange, aqua and fuchsia dominate the pages. Not to be missed is the center picture of the Library Dragon in deep lime green skin and a combination of fuchsia and red eyes behind her aqua cat eyes and jeweled glasses on a chain. Library Dragons paws and talons reach over the book shelf to make sure that her wall sign of “Do not touch the books! For display only” is obeyed. The front and end papers feature hand print sized library scales in shades a touch more subdued than on the inside pages.
In an unusual twist the author and illustrator know each other well and have collaborated on other books. They are both from Atlanta. Deedy is also known for her adult books such as GROWING UP CUBAN IN DECATUR GEORGIA and her presentations on National Public Radio. Illustrator Michael White gives drawing lessons to students on visits and leaves an original work of art with each teacher. He is very reasonably priced as a speaker, or at least he was in the past.
Deedy, Carmen Agra. The Library Dragon. Michael P. White, illustrator. Atlanta: Peachtree Publishers, 1994.
Even for a picture book “Library Dragon” is oversized. I would be hard pressed to find another picture book with superior illustrations. The new librarian in town is a horribly old fashioned librarian who is so set in her ways she becomes a dragon, Miss Lotta Scales. She believes books are to be looked at but never touched, that a good child is a silent one. Teachers and principals are afraid of her rather than the opposite but a plucky red head student named Molly Brickmeyer with the help of Miss Lemon finally get through to “the library dragon” that is transformed by listening to Molly read aloud to her classmates during a library visit. The library dragon takes Molly into her lap and begins to read to the children and her large scales of green, yellow, and purple begin to fall one after the other and she transforms into Miss Lotty, a most pleasant and trendy librarian. An overt message about the transforming power of reading aloud it will be loved by adults, teachers, librarians, kids, and media specialists alike. The illustrations of lime green, bold yellow, bright orange, aqua and fuchsia dominate the pages. Not to be missed is the center picture of the Library Dragon in deep lime green skin and a combination of fuchsia and red eyes behind her aqua cat eyes and jeweled glasses on a chain. Library Dragons paws and talons reach over the book shelf to make sure that her wall sign of “Do not touch the books! For display only” is obeyed. The front and end papers feature hand print sized library scales in shades a touch more subdued than on the inside pages.
In an unusual twist the author and illustrator know each other well and have collaborated on other books. They are both from Atlanta. Deedy is also known for her adult books such as GROWING UP CUBAN IN DECATUR GEORGIA and her presentations on National Public Radio. Illustrator Michael White gives drawing lessons to students on visits and leaves an original work of art with each teacher. He is very reasonably priced as a speaker, or at least he was in the past.
Advanced Literature for Children
Review of OLD MACDONALD HAD AN APARTMENT HOUSE
Barrett, Judi. Old MacDonald had an Apartment House. Ron Barrett, illustrator. New York: Atheneum, 1969,
Rather than reread and review one of my favorite picture books and a favorite of my students I decided to read another title by the famous team that brought us CLOUDY WITH A CHANCE OF MEATBALLS.
It takes a very special book to carry it’s own against a childhood classic but “Old MacDonald” is a fine book. The cover shows Mr. and Mrs. MacDonald in the pose of American Gothic but instead of a pitchfork, Mr. MacDonald is holding a broom and Mrs. MacDonald’s hair is in a modern updo that resembles a beanie cap. In the background is no pastoral landscape but a large brownstone apartment building. Mr. MacDonald is the Super of the complex and our story begins when the Mrs. has a sad, droopy tomato plant that can’t grow in a healthy manner because of the shrubbery outside their window that keeps the sun out. Mr. MacDonald destroys the shrubs and the focus of our story is begins as the tomato plant becomes healthy and is transplanted to grow outside the window. Mr. MacDonald continues to remove shrubbery and plant vegetables in their wake. A Romanesque statue holding a Grecian urn becomes a self watering pea patch. One family becomes empty nesters and moves out of their 4 room apartment and Old MacDonald moves in soil and proceeds to redecorate in “Late Vegetarian style.” Carrots grow through a tenant’s roof and sweet potato vines grow through the bathroom sink. Tenants get upset and leave but Mr. MacDonald soon begins to see that they are much less trouble than human tenants. Finally a field of clover is planted in one floor and a cow is added. Next comes a chicken. “Fat Mr. Wrental” becomes upset because he is receiving no rent money but he comes up with a compromise business, “Wrental and MacDonald’s Fruits and Vegetables: Fresh Milk and Eggs Hourly.” Even in the winter “when the earth outside was frozen and covered with snow, things were still growing on the steam-heated farm.”
It is hard to say which is more important, the text or the illustrations. They present a unified front and a striking marriage. The graphite line drawings are black and white throughout except for the vegetables that are shaded in with bright colors: peach colored cantaloupes, maroon radishes, green cabbages, orange carrots and tomatoes and red apples, Ron Barrett seems to effortlessly create movement in his drawings and portrays the city in a realistic fashion, full of eclectically dressed people of different nationalities. There is great attention to detail and realism in the artwork with an oval covered walkway and a doorman in uniform, the landlord puffing on a large cigar, people with all types of hats. CLOUDY WITH A CHANCE OF MEATBALLS is a hard act to follow but Old MacDonald is a well done and enjoyable undertaking.
Barrett, Judi. Old MacDonald had an Apartment House. Ron Barrett, illustrator. New York: Atheneum, 1969,
Rather than reread and review one of my favorite picture books and a favorite of my students I decided to read another title by the famous team that brought us CLOUDY WITH A CHANCE OF MEATBALLS.
It takes a very special book to carry it’s own against a childhood classic but “Old MacDonald” is a fine book. The cover shows Mr. and Mrs. MacDonald in the pose of American Gothic but instead of a pitchfork, Mr. MacDonald is holding a broom and Mrs. MacDonald’s hair is in a modern updo that resembles a beanie cap. In the background is no pastoral landscape but a large brownstone apartment building. Mr. MacDonald is the Super of the complex and our story begins when the Mrs. has a sad, droopy tomato plant that can’t grow in a healthy manner because of the shrubbery outside their window that keeps the sun out. Mr. MacDonald destroys the shrubs and the focus of our story is begins as the tomato plant becomes healthy and is transplanted to grow outside the window. Mr. MacDonald continues to remove shrubbery and plant vegetables in their wake. A Romanesque statue holding a Grecian urn becomes a self watering pea patch. One family becomes empty nesters and moves out of their 4 room apartment and Old MacDonald moves in soil and proceeds to redecorate in “Late Vegetarian style.” Carrots grow through a tenant’s roof and sweet potato vines grow through the bathroom sink. Tenants get upset and leave but Mr. MacDonald soon begins to see that they are much less trouble than human tenants. Finally a field of clover is planted in one floor and a cow is added. Next comes a chicken. “Fat Mr. Wrental” becomes upset because he is receiving no rent money but he comes up with a compromise business, “Wrental and MacDonald’s Fruits and Vegetables: Fresh Milk and Eggs Hourly.” Even in the winter “when the earth outside was frozen and covered with snow, things were still growing on the steam-heated farm.”
It is hard to say which is more important, the text or the illustrations. They present a unified front and a striking marriage. The graphite line drawings are black and white throughout except for the vegetables that are shaded in with bright colors: peach colored cantaloupes, maroon radishes, green cabbages, orange carrots and tomatoes and red apples, Ron Barrett seems to effortlessly create movement in his drawings and portrays the city in a realistic fashion, full of eclectically dressed people of different nationalities. There is great attention to detail and realism in the artwork with an oval covered walkway and a doorman in uniform, the landlord puffing on a large cigar, people with all types of hats. CLOUDY WITH A CHANCE OF MEATBALLS is a hard act to follow but Old MacDonald is a well done and enjoyable undertaking.
Advanced Literature for Children
Review of LIBRARY LION:
Knudsen, Michelle. Library Lion. Kevin Hawkes, illustrator. New York: Candlewick Press, 2006.
How can a nostalgic, sepia toned book full of sexual stereotypes, a card catalog rather than a computer, librarians who shush and yell things like, "no running" be one of my favorite books of 2006? You just have to read it yourself to believe it. With a Library Director that is male, a female head librarian that wears glasses, SAS shoes, and a bun, and a "story lady" how can we as librarians applaud this book? Because the story and pictures work together seamlessly to show that there is nothing so important in the life of a child as listening to a story, that creatures of all ages should be allowed to enjoy books being read aloud and that everyone is welcome if they obey one simple rule of being relatively quiet.
Miss Merriweather, the Head Librarian makes and follows the rules and when a lovely large lion wonders in for storytime and continues to roar he must leave but he is welcome to come back tomorrow because there is no rule against lions attending storytime. The lion proves that no place else pleases him so much as the neibhborhood library because he always arrives hours before for storytime. Miss Merriweather who looks like a librarian of 1950s Americana realizes the lion isn't going to leave so she puts him to work licking envelopes and dusting books. The library lion gets banned from the library again as he runs to find Mr. McBee at Miss Merriweather's urging as she has fallen and is hurt after reaching a little too far to get a book off the top shelf. The Library Lion's behavior is reminiscent of the television dog Lassie. Mr. McBee is happy to make the lion leave. After all he is making noise. McBee runs to find Miss Merriweather happily mumbling that the lion has broken the rules, broken the rules! After looking high and low around town Mr. McBee finds our lion and brings him back to the library because Miss Merriweather and the children are pining for him. Mr. McBee learns that even in libraries, sometimes rules have to be broken. The faces and hair in the illustration contain all colors. Some men have goatees and longer hair, some look more traditional. We see an Asian mother and her daughter and an African American child. The picture of the lion asleep with his proud handsome head lying in the middle of a denim beanbag chair in the library is pretty enough to frame. The plot and storyline are strong. There is a conflict and it is resolved in a positive way, the lion is found and returns to the library he loves full of humans that love him.
Knudsen, Michelle. Library Lion. Kevin Hawkes, illustrator. New York: Candlewick Press, 2006.
How can a nostalgic, sepia toned book full of sexual stereotypes, a card catalog rather than a computer, librarians who shush and yell things like, "no running" be one of my favorite books of 2006? You just have to read it yourself to believe it. With a Library Director that is male, a female head librarian that wears glasses, SAS shoes, and a bun, and a "story lady" how can we as librarians applaud this book? Because the story and pictures work together seamlessly to show that there is nothing so important in the life of a child as listening to a story, that creatures of all ages should be allowed to enjoy books being read aloud and that everyone is welcome if they obey one simple rule of being relatively quiet.
Miss Merriweather, the Head Librarian makes and follows the rules and when a lovely large lion wonders in for storytime and continues to roar he must leave but he is welcome to come back tomorrow because there is no rule against lions attending storytime. The lion proves that no place else pleases him so much as the neibhborhood library because he always arrives hours before for storytime. Miss Merriweather who looks like a librarian of 1950s Americana realizes the lion isn't going to leave so she puts him to work licking envelopes and dusting books. The library lion gets banned from the library again as he runs to find Mr. McBee at Miss Merriweather's urging as she has fallen and is hurt after reaching a little too far to get a book off the top shelf. The Library Lion's behavior is reminiscent of the television dog Lassie. Mr. McBee is happy to make the lion leave. After all he is making noise. McBee runs to find Miss Merriweather happily mumbling that the lion has broken the rules, broken the rules! After looking high and low around town Mr. McBee finds our lion and brings him back to the library because Miss Merriweather and the children are pining for him. Mr. McBee learns that even in libraries, sometimes rules have to be broken. The faces and hair in the illustration contain all colors. Some men have goatees and longer hair, some look more traditional. We see an Asian mother and her daughter and an African American child. The picture of the lion asleep with his proud handsome head lying in the middle of a denim beanbag chair in the library is pretty enough to frame. The plot and storyline are strong. There is a conflict and it is resolved in a positive way, the lion is found and returns to the library he loves full of humans that love him.
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