Monday, December 15, 2008

Advanced Children's Literature: Fantasy

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.

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.

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.

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!

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!

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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!

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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!

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

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.

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.