1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Sierra, Judy, trans. 2005. Schoolyard Rhymes: Kids’ Own Rhymes for Rope Skipping, Hand Clapping, Ball Bouncing, and Just Plain Fun. Ill. by Melissa Sweet. New York: Alfred A Knopf. ISBN 0375825169
2. PLOT SUMMARY
In this fun book, Judy Sierra has compiled schoolyard rhymes that can be heard across playgrounds of America today and playgrounds of the past. These are all cute, catchy rhymes that can be clapped to, danced to, jumped to, and sung to.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Sierra’s compilation is filled with silly rhymes that will get children involved and interacting with one another. The rhymes are all fun, with some that could be offensive or inappropriate for younger readers. At times there are several rhymes on a page and if you have never heard them, it can be hard to tell where one ends and another begins.
The creative mixed-media illustrations by Melissa Sweet offer readers cartoon depictions of each rhyme and allow them to giggle and laugh along with others while peruse the silly pictures.
4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL review: "The rhythms and nonsense rhymes are irresistible, compelling memorization and participation in the fun."
BOOKLIST: "A great choice for back-to-school displays."
5. CONNECTIONS
Readers can talk to adults in their lives about rhymes that they used to say when they were children and compare and contrast to the rhymes of today.
Readers can create their own illustrations for the rhymes in the book and their own rhymes that they use on the playground.
Readers can participate and join along reciting the rhymes.
Readers can do group demonstrations of rhymes that are not incorporated into the book
Other Rhyme books:
Cole, Joanna. Miss Mary Mack and Other Children's Street Rhymes. ISBN 0688097499
Dotlitch, Rebecca Kai. Over in the Pink House: New Jump-Rope Rhymes. ISBN 1590780272
Saturday, June 27, 2009
THE ROUGH-FACE GIRL
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Martin, Rafe. 1992. The Rough-Face Girl. Ill. by David Shannon. New York, NY: G.P. Putnam’s Sons. ISBN 0399218599
2. PLOT SUMMARY
The Rough-Face Girl is one of the many Cinderella stories told throughout the world. This version is based on an Algonquin Indian folktale that has been passed down. The Cinderella in this story is the Rough-Face Girl, who’s two heard-hearted sisters are cruel to her and make her tend the fire, causing her to be scarred and ugly. The woman villagers all want to marry the Invisible Being and Rough-Face Girl’s sisters get dressed up and set out to his tent to convince his sister to let them marry him. After questioning the girls, the Invisible Being’s sister realizes that they have not seen him, therefore they cannot marry him. The next day Rough-Face Girl sets out to find the Invisible Beings sister to ask permission to marry him. His sister sees that Rough-Face Girl may not be beautiful on the outside, but she is on the inside and finds out that she has seen the Invisible Being. They make the girl beautiful on the outside and both Rough-Face Girl and the Invisible Being live happily ever after.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This story is a true story of good triumphing over evil, just as other Cinderella stories are. What makes this version different and special are the beautiful illustrations by David Shannon and easily understood writing by Rafe Martin. Shannon’s paintings depict a stereotypical Indian village and give clues as to what the Invisible Being looks like. Martin’s writing allows readers to fully understand the moral of the story and easily allows readers to see the connection to the modern day, Disney version that they have all come to know.
4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL review: "Another in the recent succession of Cinderella stories, The Rough-Face Girl begs for comparison with Princess Furball (Greenwillow, 1989), Tattercoats (Putnam, 1989), Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters (Lothrop, 1987), Moss Gown (Clarion, 1987), etc., and will provide both entertainment and a cultural lesson."
BOOKLIST: "Given the beauty of the story, the strength of many of the illustrations, and the current interest in comparing variants of folktales from different cultures, libraries will find this a well-used picture book."
5. CONNECTIONS
Readers can talk about the similarities and differences between this and other Cinderella stories that they have heard and read.
Readers can study the Algonquin Indians to learn more about their culture.
Other Cinderella stories:
Climo, Shirley. The Egyptian Cinderella. ISBN 0064432793
Steptoe, John. Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters. ISBN 0688040454
San Souci, Robert. Cendrillon: A Caribbean Cinderella. ISBN 0689848889
Jackson, Ellen. Cinder Edna. ISBN 0688162959
Martin, Rafe. 1992. The Rough-Face Girl. Ill. by David Shannon. New York, NY: G.P. Putnam’s Sons. ISBN 0399218599
2. PLOT SUMMARY
The Rough-Face Girl is one of the many Cinderella stories told throughout the world. This version is based on an Algonquin Indian folktale that has been passed down. The Cinderella in this story is the Rough-Face Girl, who’s two heard-hearted sisters are cruel to her and make her tend the fire, causing her to be scarred and ugly. The woman villagers all want to marry the Invisible Being and Rough-Face Girl’s sisters get dressed up and set out to his tent to convince his sister to let them marry him. After questioning the girls, the Invisible Being’s sister realizes that they have not seen him, therefore they cannot marry him. The next day Rough-Face Girl sets out to find the Invisible Beings sister to ask permission to marry him. His sister sees that Rough-Face Girl may not be beautiful on the outside, but she is on the inside and finds out that she has seen the Invisible Being. They make the girl beautiful on the outside and both Rough-Face Girl and the Invisible Being live happily ever after.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This story is a true story of good triumphing over evil, just as other Cinderella stories are. What makes this version different and special are the beautiful illustrations by David Shannon and easily understood writing by Rafe Martin. Shannon’s paintings depict a stereotypical Indian village and give clues as to what the Invisible Being looks like. Martin’s writing allows readers to fully understand the moral of the story and easily allows readers to see the connection to the modern day, Disney version that they have all come to know.
4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL review: "Another in the recent succession of Cinderella stories, The Rough-Face Girl begs for comparison with Princess Furball (Greenwillow, 1989), Tattercoats (Putnam, 1989), Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters (Lothrop, 1987), Moss Gown (Clarion, 1987), etc., and will provide both entertainment and a cultural lesson."
BOOKLIST: "Given the beauty of the story, the strength of many of the illustrations, and the current interest in comparing variants of folktales from different cultures, libraries will find this a well-used picture book."
5. CONNECTIONS
Readers can talk about the similarities and differences between this and other Cinderella stories that they have heard and read.
Readers can study the Algonquin Indians to learn more about their culture.
Other Cinderella stories:
Climo, Shirley. The Egyptian Cinderella. ISBN 0064432793
Steptoe, John. Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters. ISBN 0688040454
San Souci, Robert. Cendrillon: A Caribbean Cinderella. ISBN 0689848889
Jackson, Ellen. Cinder Edna. ISBN 0688162959
THE RABBIT AND THE DRAGON KING
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
San Souci, Daniel. 2002. The Rabbit and the Dragon King. Ill. by Eujin K. Neilanry. Honesdale, PA: Boyds Mills Press. ISBN 1563978806
2. PLOT SUMMARY
The Rabbit and the Dragon King is a retelling of the Korean Folktale commonly called The Hare’s Liver. In this version retold by Daniel San Souci, the Dragon King who lives under the sea thinks that he is dying. In order to give him hope, the cuttlefish, his doctor, suggests that he eat a rabbit’s heart and he will be cured. The Dragon King sends a turtle off to find a rabbit and bring it back to him. The turtle tricks the rabbit by describing the wonderful land under the sea and getting the rabbit to not be happy with her home. After the rabbit is brought to the Dragon King she tricks him by telling him that she hid her heart because she had such a strong will to live that a lot of other animals wanted her heart as well. The Dragon King releases her back to get the heart and she sends a piece of fruit instead and the Dragon King is healed. In the end, readers can see the morals of being happy with what you have and having the will to live.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
San Souci retells this story in easy to read and understand words without talking down to the audience of children. Readers who have not heard this tale are kept guessing as to how the rabbit will get out of her dilemma. There is a great reference to the folktale of the Tortoise and the Hare as well as information about turtles and their ability to live on land and in the water. For younger readers, the moral might not be so obvious, but older readers will appreciate the lessons that are learned.
The illustrations by Eujn Neianry really capture the undersea life in cartoony paintings with beautiful brushstrokes and dark, deep colors. Readers will delight in the fun facial expressions on each animal and get lost in the beautiful scenery.
4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL review: "Her final ploy will remind children of other familiar trickster tales, and storytellers will find attractive material in the repartee, the scheme of events, and the three sturdy characters."
5. CONNECTIONS
Teachers/Librarians can find different versions of this tale to read aloud and have students compare and contrast.
Find a copy of The Tortoise and the Hare and read this aloud to students.
Have students create their own version of the story using different animals or people.
Have students discuss other folktales that that have heard with the same moral/lesson.
San Souci, Daniel. 2002. The Rabbit and the Dragon King. Ill. by Eujin K. Neilanry. Honesdale, PA: Boyds Mills Press. ISBN 1563978806
2. PLOT SUMMARY
The Rabbit and the Dragon King is a retelling of the Korean Folktale commonly called The Hare’s Liver. In this version retold by Daniel San Souci, the Dragon King who lives under the sea thinks that he is dying. In order to give him hope, the cuttlefish, his doctor, suggests that he eat a rabbit’s heart and he will be cured. The Dragon King sends a turtle off to find a rabbit and bring it back to him. The turtle tricks the rabbit by describing the wonderful land under the sea and getting the rabbit to not be happy with her home. After the rabbit is brought to the Dragon King she tricks him by telling him that she hid her heart because she had such a strong will to live that a lot of other animals wanted her heart as well. The Dragon King releases her back to get the heart and she sends a piece of fruit instead and the Dragon King is healed. In the end, readers can see the morals of being happy with what you have and having the will to live.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
San Souci retells this story in easy to read and understand words without talking down to the audience of children. Readers who have not heard this tale are kept guessing as to how the rabbit will get out of her dilemma. There is a great reference to the folktale of the Tortoise and the Hare as well as information about turtles and their ability to live on land and in the water. For younger readers, the moral might not be so obvious, but older readers will appreciate the lessons that are learned.
The illustrations by Eujn Neianry really capture the undersea life in cartoony paintings with beautiful brushstrokes and dark, deep colors. Readers will delight in the fun facial expressions on each animal and get lost in the beautiful scenery.
4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL review: "Her final ploy will remind children of other familiar trickster tales, and storytellers will find attractive material in the repartee, the scheme of events, and the three sturdy characters."
5. CONNECTIONS
Teachers/Librarians can find different versions of this tale to read aloud and have students compare and contrast.
Find a copy of The Tortoise and the Hare and read this aloud to students.
Have students create their own version of the story using different animals or people.
Have students discuss other folktales that that have heard with the same moral/lesson.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
ARTIST TO ARTIST: 23 MAJOR ILLUSTRATORS TALK ABOUT THEIR ART Review
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art. 2007. Artist to Artist: 23 Major Illustrators Talk about Their Art. New York, NY: Philomel. ISBN 0399246002
2. PLOT SUMMARY
In this anthology, 23 illustrators explain their love for creating art, how they became illustrators, what it takes to be an artist, and discuss original illustrations. The book also contains copies of original pieces of art by each illustrator and includes short biographies for each artist.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This anthology captures the personal messages of many illustrators by including letters written personally by the artists themselves. Along with original artwork by the illustrators, these messages let readers get to know the artists on a personal level and feel a connection with the books that they read.
The artwork presented in this anthology depicts many different styles of illustrations and allows the reader to see examples of the different types of art they might see in a picture book. Readers are captured by the different illustrations and feel a closer connection with the artist due to the notes accompanied by each.
4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL - “...a gorgeous, browsable gallery of international treasures.”
KIRKUS - “Fun to read and view, this anthology is a treasure trove of creative insight and inspiration.”
5. CONNECTIONS
*Pick an illustrator and read several picture books that they have illustrated. Then read the letter from the artist and show students the different illustrations by that artist. *Students can complete an online information search for more information about the artists and pick one to do a project on.
*Have students pick a favorite picture book and create new illustrations to go with the text.
Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art. 2007. Artist to Artist: 23 Major Illustrators Talk about Their Art. New York, NY: Philomel. ISBN 0399246002
2. PLOT SUMMARY
In this anthology, 23 illustrators explain their love for creating art, how they became illustrators, what it takes to be an artist, and discuss original illustrations. The book also contains copies of original pieces of art by each illustrator and includes short biographies for each artist.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This anthology captures the personal messages of many illustrators by including letters written personally by the artists themselves. Along with original artwork by the illustrators, these messages let readers get to know the artists on a personal level and feel a connection with the books that they read.
The artwork presented in this anthology depicts many different styles of illustrations and allows the reader to see examples of the different types of art they might see in a picture book. Readers are captured by the different illustrations and feel a closer connection with the artist due to the notes accompanied by each.
4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL - “...a gorgeous, browsable gallery of international treasures.”
KIRKUS - “Fun to read and view, this anthology is a treasure trove of creative insight and inspiration.”
5. CONNECTIONS
*Pick an illustrator and read several picture books that they have illustrated. Then read the letter from the artist and show students the different illustrations by that artist. *Students can complete an online information search for more information about the artists and pick one to do a project on.
*Have students pick a favorite picture book and create new illustrations to go with the text.
KNUFFLE BUNNY TOO: A CASE OF MISTAKEN IDENTIY Review
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Willems, Mo. 2007. Knuffle Bunny Too: A Case of Mistaken Identity. New York, NY: Hyperion. ISBN 1423102991
2. PLOT SUMMARY
In this story picture book by Mo Willems, Trixie brings her beloved toy Knuffle Bunny to school for Show and Tell. Trixie finds that another girl has the same bunny, arguing ensues, and the teacher takes up the bunnies. At the end of the day the bunnies are returned, but when Trixie goes to bed that night she realizes that her bunny is not hers. In the end Trixie makes a new friend.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Willems’s writing is simple and easy to understand for any young child, but does not talk-down to the reader. The plot is fairly predictable, but interesting for a younger child to read. There are underlying messages of friendship and the importance of a cherished toy, which are not directly stated in the text.
The illustrations in this book are a unique mix of black and white photographs in the background and brightly colored cartoon characters in the foreground that capture the reader’s eye. The background photographs range anywhere from cityscapes to the classroom to a house. They all have many details that can capture the eye, but also easily disappear in comparison to the cartoon characters and the real action that is happening in the drawings. Readers are also able to predict the text by looking at the illustrations of the different bunnies and realizing that one has a bow and one does not.
4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
BOOKLIST- “This has much of the charm of Knuffle Bunny (2004), a Caldecott Honor Book, but the premise is stretched here.”
CHILDREN’S LITERATURE - “Willems' text and illustrations are very good-humored”
5. CONNECTIONS
*Read Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale by Mo Willems. ISBN 0786818700
*Discuss the importance of special toys and how to get along with others when playing with toys.
*Have students predict what will happen in the story by just looking at the pictures before reading the text and then discuss those predictions after the book has been read.
Willems, Mo. 2007. Knuffle Bunny Too: A Case of Mistaken Identity. New York, NY: Hyperion. ISBN 1423102991
2. PLOT SUMMARY
In this story picture book by Mo Willems, Trixie brings her beloved toy Knuffle Bunny to school for Show and Tell. Trixie finds that another girl has the same bunny, arguing ensues, and the teacher takes up the bunnies. At the end of the day the bunnies are returned, but when Trixie goes to bed that night she realizes that her bunny is not hers. In the end Trixie makes a new friend.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Willems’s writing is simple and easy to understand for any young child, but does not talk-down to the reader. The plot is fairly predictable, but interesting for a younger child to read. There are underlying messages of friendship and the importance of a cherished toy, which are not directly stated in the text.
The illustrations in this book are a unique mix of black and white photographs in the background and brightly colored cartoon characters in the foreground that capture the reader’s eye. The background photographs range anywhere from cityscapes to the classroom to a house. They all have many details that can capture the eye, but also easily disappear in comparison to the cartoon characters and the real action that is happening in the drawings. Readers are also able to predict the text by looking at the illustrations of the different bunnies and realizing that one has a bow and one does not.
4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
BOOKLIST- “This has much of the charm of Knuffle Bunny (2004), a Caldecott Honor Book, but the premise is stretched here.”
CHILDREN’S LITERATURE - “Willems' text and illustrations are very good-humored”
5. CONNECTIONS
*Read Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale by Mo Willems. ISBN 0786818700
*Discuss the importance of special toys and how to get along with others when playing with toys.
*Have students predict what will happen in the story by just looking at the pictures before reading the text and then discuss those predictions after the book has been read.
FLOTSAM Review
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Wiesner, David. 2006. Flotsam. New York, NY: Clarion Books. ISBN 0618194575
2. PLOT SUMMARY
In this wordless picture book, author/illustrator David Wiesner depicts a day at the beach. The main character starts his day off exploring items that have been washed ashore where he discovers an old camera. The camera takes the boy through a colorful undersea world and surprises the boy with pictures that connect him to others all over the world, and even from the past.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Wiesner’s illustrations invite the reader to experience the feel of the beach and ocean by using realistic coloring and fun images that capture the reader’s attention. The reader can easily follow the main character as he explores the beach and later finds an old camera. They boy’s actions accurate depict the responses one might feel about such an unusual discovery and allow the reader to imagine dialogue that might take place. The illustrations of what is happening under the sea allow the reader to come up with imaginative stories about the life of animals living in the ocean. The pictures within a picture and the surprise on the boy’s face all allow readers to feel that a major discovery has occurred. As the boy looks deeper into the photograph, the illustrations of people from all over the world and the past allow readers to connect with different cultures. As the camera’s journey begins again, readers are able to imagine what might happen next.
4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
Caldecott Award Winner
New York Times Best Ilustrated Children’s Book Award
Starred review in BOOKLIST: "This visual wonder invites us to rethink how and what we see, out in the world and in our mind’s eye."
Starred review in SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “Filled with inventive details and delightful twists, each snapshot is a tale waiting to be told.”
5. CONNECTIONS
This is a great selection to get readers to think creatively. It can be used as a starter for creative writing activities in a group or individually.
This book can also be a useful tool for practicing predictions, as well.
Wiesner, David. 2006. Flotsam. New York, NY: Clarion Books. ISBN 0618194575
2. PLOT SUMMARY
In this wordless picture book, author/illustrator David Wiesner depicts a day at the beach. The main character starts his day off exploring items that have been washed ashore where he discovers an old camera. The camera takes the boy through a colorful undersea world and surprises the boy with pictures that connect him to others all over the world, and even from the past.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Wiesner’s illustrations invite the reader to experience the feel of the beach and ocean by using realistic coloring and fun images that capture the reader’s attention. The reader can easily follow the main character as he explores the beach and later finds an old camera. They boy’s actions accurate depict the responses one might feel about such an unusual discovery and allow the reader to imagine dialogue that might take place. The illustrations of what is happening under the sea allow the reader to come up with imaginative stories about the life of animals living in the ocean. The pictures within a picture and the surprise on the boy’s face all allow readers to feel that a major discovery has occurred. As the boy looks deeper into the photograph, the illustrations of people from all over the world and the past allow readers to connect with different cultures. As the camera’s journey begins again, readers are able to imagine what might happen next.
4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
Caldecott Award Winner
New York Times Best Ilustrated Children’s Book Award
Starred review in BOOKLIST: "This visual wonder invites us to rethink how and what we see, out in the world and in our mind’s eye."
Starred review in SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “Filled with inventive details and delightful twists, each snapshot is a tale waiting to be told.”
5. CONNECTIONS
This is a great selection to get readers to think creatively. It can be used as a starter for creative writing activities in a group or individually.
This book can also be a useful tool for practicing predictions, as well.
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