Thursday, September 30, 2010

Mrs. Chicken and the Hungry Crocodile


Bibliography

Paye, Won-Ldy and Margaret H. Lippert. 2003. Mrs. Chicken and the Hungry Crocodile. Ill. by Julie Pachkis. New York, NY: Henry Holt and Company. ISBN 9780805070477

Plot Summary

While taking a bath one morning, Mrs. Chicken was not pleased with the fact that she couldn’t see her entire refection in the puddle. Do get a better look at herself she traveled to the nearby river, only to be caught by Crocodile. To save herself from being the crocodile’s dinner, Mrs. Chicken came up with a plan to convince crocodile that they were sisters and eating her for dinner would be a bad idea.

Critical Analysis

The characters presented to the reader in Mrs. Chicken and the Hungry Crocodile, two strong willed females, share the same characteristics as those found in traditional literature. Crocodile is a silly antagonist proving once again that good overcomes evil and smarts help the weaker to survive.

The plot follows the stories “good gal” as she is in search of a bathing spot where she can see her full reflection. With this vanity comes a price though and she is caught by a hungry crocodile. Presented with a problem, Mrs. Chicken comes up with a sly plan to trick the crocodile into thinking they are sisters by switching their eggs while she was sleeping. This unrealistic solution to Mrs. Chicken’s problem leaves the reader with a satisfying feeling knowing that the underdog once again comes out on top.

The African setting is represented beautifully in Julie Paschkis’ illustrations. The strong geometric patterns found on the animals against the strong contrast of the white and black backgrounds keep the reader’s eyes fixed on the story. The simplistic drawings also help with the comprehension of Mrs. Chicken’s plan for those readers who are too young to catch on based purely on text.

Review Excerpts

A New York Public Library "100 Titles for Reading and Sharing" title
An Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Medal Winner
A Riverbank Review Book of Distinction
A School Library Journal "Best Book

“…Told in straightforward language, this trickster tale is smart and funny…The stylized, gouache artwork is strong and streamlined, and not bogged down with detail. Curving lines depict the river, white backgrounds represent the outdoors, and glossy black delineates Crocodile's lair, which is decorated with geometric borders. The layout is effective, with parts of the reptile's body often extending off the page to insinuate size. The flat paintings recall folk art, and Crocodile's checkerboard skin reflects the patterns found in her home. This delectable offering will be a hit in storytime.” -School Library Journal

“Readers young and old will cluck with delight” – Publishers Weekly

Connections

Other books by Won-Ldy Paye:
-The Talking Vegetables
-Why Leopard Has Spots
-Head, Body and Legs: A Story From Liberia

African Folk Tale Unit
Won-Ldy Paye Official Website

The Three Little Pigs


Bibliography

Kellogg, Steven. 1999. The Three Little Pigs. New York, NY: Morrow Junior Books. ISBN 0688087310

Plot Summary

Percy, Pete and Prudence are three happy little pigs. They are living comfortably thanks to the waffle business their mother Serafina had started. All things were great until a hungry wolf named Tempesto shows up. Tempesto’s huffing and puffing was not enough to bring down the three little pigs. With some help from mother pig Tempesto is sent on his way a changed wolf.

Critical Analysis

The characters in this story represent both good and evil. On the good side we are introduced to Percy, Pete and Prudence and their business minded mother Serafina. Playing for the evil team we have Tempesto the big, bad wolf. While these characters are simple, they are not boring and readers find themselves rooting for the three pigs and happy that the evil Tempesto learns the right way.

This updated version of the traditional story of The Three Little pigs follows the same general plot line. Three lovable pigs have found themselves happy in simple homes made of straw, sticks and bricks. All is well until the big, bad wolf comes to town and huffs and puffs and blows two of their houses down. The story is resolved by the smarts of the last little pig who built their house out of bricks buying them some time to trick the wolf and save the day. The reader in this story is left with a particularly satisfying ending knowing that the wolf was not hurt in the writing of this story. He simply understands the errors of his way and lands himself enjoying the sun and fun of the Gulf of Pasta while the three pigs and their mother build a waffle empire.

The setting of the story is very vague when left up to the words alone. It is not specifically the distant past, and it is not a modern setting either. The vagueness of the setting is one way readers are able to relate to the story for generations. As with many traditional stories, the time flies by as we watch the three little pigs grow up, overcome evil and raise piglets of their own in such a short time.

As with the traditional story, good triumphs over evil presenting the reader with the idea that being mean never gets you anything you really want. There is also a sense of perseverance present while the reader journeys with the pigs from one house to another trying to get away from the wolf. Finally, after several tries they are able to beat the wolf by treating him like one of the waffles from the waffle truck. I was very pleased, as were my test students, that the wolf at the end was a changed wolf and led a happy life being mellow and kind. This teachers the reader that lesson that once a bad apple does not always make for a bad apple…people can change!

The illustrations of this retelling of The Three Little Pigs are a whimsical addition of the story. The introduce us to a setting so full of details. While reading the story to a class of second graders they couldn’t get enough of them. Adults are given an extra bit of humor to help make the story enjoyable too with references to “HAMlet” and “peopley banks.”

Review Excerpts

"This contemporary retelling features Serafina Sow, whose mission in life is to bring waffles to the world. After building a highly successful wafflery, she retires to the Gulf of Pasta, leaving the family business in the hands of her capable offspring, Percy, Pete, and Prudence. The three operate the business and build themselves comfortable homes of straw, wood, and brick, of course. Enter Tempesto, a thugish, leather-jacketed wolf. He orders the three pigs to cook themselves?he isn't interested in waffles. Kellogg's usual busy, highly defined illustrations complement the humorous, clever text. In the satisfying, nonfatal ending, Serafina Sow returns from retirement to help her children defeat Tempesto, who has the meanness steamed out of him after coming down the chimney into the waffle iron. He is sent to the Gulf of Pasta in Serafina's place, where he spends his days as a mellow beach bum.” –School Library Journal

"Just as the pig family in this story soups up their old waffle iron with four wheels and various tanks, pipes, and hoses, so Kellogg takes a favorite folk tale and adds his own inventive touches of character, plot twists, and humor. Serafina Sow supports her three little pigs with her traveling waffle business, but when the children graduate from Hog Hollow Academy, she retires to the Gulf of Pasta and turns the business over to the next generation. Percy builds a straw bungalow, Pete a log cabin, and Prudence a brick cottage. When Tempesto the wicked wolf looks at the waffle menu and orders piglet, the traditional tale is off and running, with some entirely new details and no apologies to anyone. Much of the broad humor is carried in the lively, colorful illustrations, though there's wordplay aplenty in the text and pictures too: Tempesto slides down the chimney, lands on the waffle iron, is blasted with maple syrup, smothered in butter, and turned into a "WOLFFLE." Just as Serafina's customers flock to The Wheeled Wafflery, so children will greet Kellogg's latest picture book with eagerness based on memories of his many satisfying books. Pure pleasure for Kellogg fans.” -Booklist

Connections

Other books by Steven Kellogg:
-Johnny Appleseed
-Paul Bunyan
-Pecos Bill
-Millions to Measure
-Chicken Little

Three Little Pigs Unit Study
Steven Kellogg Author Study
Steven Kellogg Official Website

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Joseph Had a Little Overcoat

Bibliography

Taback, Simms. 1999. Joseph Had a Little Overcoat. New York, NY: Viking. ISBN 0670878553

Plot Summary

Joseph is a simple man with an old and worn coat. As his coat becomes more and more worn Joseph finds many new ways to enjoy the coat. Eventually Joseph is left with nothing. Even though he is left with nothing from the original coat, he is able to turn it into something, teaching us all a simple lesson.

Critical Analysis

In this short Yiddish tale we are introduced to Joseph. While he doesn’t have a lot, he has the love of an old and worn coat and the innovation to turn it into something new each time it becomes old, worn and unwearable. This simple, uncomplicated character is easy for a young child to understand and learn from.

Simms Taback has introduced us to a setting without many details included in the story. In fact, reading only the words, one would have no clue the story was based on an old, Yiddish tune. We are quickly taken through the long life of the old and worn overcoat and an the accomplishment of Joseph creating a story over nothing.

You can always make something out of nothing and this is the lesson Simms Taback teaches the reader in Joseph Has a Little Overcoat. Children are able to relate to this theme, or moral, due to the feeling of having nothing to do, or nothing to play with. Students can understand the theme while feeling there is nothing to write about. You can always make something out of nothing, whether it is reinventing a toy the way Joseph reinvented his overcoat or writing a thoughtful, meaningful story over a simple event in their life.

The story of Joseph is based off a Yiddish folk song called “I had a Little Overcoat.” As with the song, the story of Joseph contains the same simple pattern that makes the story easy to remember and orally retell as well as makes it a simple story for early readers to catch on to. As with the character of Joseph, the plot and writing style is very simplistic.

It is with the award winning illustrations that the reader is introduced to the cultural aspect of this story. Simms has included so many details that readers are always able to find something new to soak in. In the details of the illustrations, the reader is introduced to the Yiddish culture through aspects like a Menorah in the corner and the clothes of the people. Illustrations of newspapers and books introduce us to the characters of the Yiddish language and tapestries on the wall give the more advanced some other thoughts to process such as, “When the coat is old, only the hoes are new.” The die cuts included by Mr. Taback keep the readers engaged as they try to predict what the next reinvention of the overcoat will be.

Review Excerpts

2000 Caldecott Medal Recipient

“…it's the bustling mixed-media artwork, highlighted by the strategically placed die-cuts, that steals the show. Taback works into his folk art a menagerie of wide-eyed animals witnessing the overcoat's transformation, miniature photographs superimposed on paintings and some clever asides reproduced in small print (a wall hanging declares, "Better to have an ugly patch than a beautiful hole"; a newspaper headline announces, "Fiddler on Roof Falls off Roof"). With its effective repetition and an abundance of visual humor, this is tailor-made for reading aloud.” – Publisher’s Weekly

“…A book bursting at the seams with ingenuity and creative spirit. When Joseph's overcoat becomes "old and worn," he snips off the patches and turns it into a jacket. When his jacket is beyond repair, he makes a vest. Joseph recycles his garments until he has nothing left. But by trading in his scissors for a pen and paintbrush he creates a story, showing "you can always make something out of nothing." – School Library Journal

Connections

Main Idea and Retelling Lesson
Joseph Had a Little Overcoat Technology Integration Lesson
Printables and Online Games

Other books by Simms Taback
-There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly
-This is the House That Jack Built
-Kibitzers and Fools

Thursday, September 16, 2010

Tomas and the Library Lady


Bibliography

Mora, Pat. 1997. Tomas and the Library Lady. Ill. by Raul Colon. New York, NY: Random House. ISBN 0679804013

Plot Summary

Tomas and the Library Lady is a charming story about a poor, migrant family who has traveled from Texas to Iowa for the harvest. While they family may be poor in belongings, they are rich in closeness and stories, enjoying sitting and listening to Papa Grande’s classics. Tomas has been given the task of learning new stories to share with the family. As he learns these stories, he develops a relationship with a kind librarian and a love of books.

Critical Analysis

Pat Mora has introduced us to a charming story that teaches the reader about the true riches in life. We are introduced to a young boy who discovers the beauty of getting lost in a book and sharing it with those around you. We are also reminded of the good out there while we get to see the mentor relationship develop between Tomas and the Library Lady. The story is not one that has kids laughing out loud or relating to the situations of migrant workers, but it teaches us some of life’s most important lessons. Wealth is not about the money or belongings you have, but the family and relationships you build with those around you.

While students may not been drawn to this story because of the humor or a relatable story line, they are completely mesmerized by the illustrations of Raul Colon. Raul has created breathtaking illustrations that allow the reader to peek inside the world Tomas finds in books. The deep, rich colors along with Pat Mora’s writing style give the reader a comforting feel as the snuggle up with a lovely story.

Review Excerpts

“Colon's earthy, sun-warmed colors, textured with swirling lines, add life to this biographical fragment and help portray Tomas's reading adventures in appealing ways.” – School Library Journal

“From the immigrant slums of New York City to the fields of California, it's an elemental American experience: the uprooted child who finds a home in the library.” – Booklist

Awards
Selected for Arlington Reads, 2005Texas Bluebonnet Master List, 1999-2000
Tomás Rivera Mexican American Children’s Book Award, Southwest Texas State University, 1998Teachers' Choices, International Reading Association, 1998
Honor Award in the Multicultural and International category. Skipping Stones Magazine, 1998Notable Books for Children, Smithsonian, 1997
Nebraska Golden Sower Nominee, 1999-2000Américas Award Commended List, Consortium of Latin American Studies
Programs (CLASP), University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, 1997

Connections

Other Books by Pat Mora
The Birthday Lady
Book Fiest!
Confetti
Gracias~Thanks
The Desert is My Mother

Tomas and the Library Lady-A Study Guide
Pat Mora Official Website
Use story to introduce a unit on community helpers or migrant workers

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day


Bibliography

Viorst, Judith. 1972. Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day. Ill. by Ray Cruz. New York, NY: Atheneum Books for Young Readers. ISBN0689300727

Plot Summary

Alexander is having one of those bad days. It is one of those days where nothing is going his way at school, at home, or out and about. If only he lived in Australia! Everyone would get a window seat, there would be a dessert in each lunch box and the Mickey Mouse night light would never burn out. Alexander learns a lesson, that he might not like, but one we all must learn. Even people in Australia have terrible, horrible, no good, very bad days.

Critical Analysis

Alexander is a young boy who is having a bad day. One of those days everyone can have regardless of their age, creating a character we can all relate to. Like any person that is having a rough day, Alexander thinks the world is out to get him. And just as we all do, he wants to escape. Young readers who are reading this story for the first time and adults who are reading it for the 10th time to their children can relate to Alexander’s need to escape his terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day.

Judith Viorst has created a simple plot with a problem that grows and grows and grows. The solution to his problem is just as simplistic with a simple answer: bad days happen, even to those in Australia. The concept is a simple one to understand for the young readers the story is intended for, but a lesson that even the adult readers need to hear from time to time. The final illustration of the book leaves the reader with the hope that going to bed allows us to wake up to new not so terrible day.

Alexander’s setting is one that students experience every day, just one more aspect that makes this story so relatable. Jay Cruz has created illustrations full of detail that take the setting to a deeper level. The reader is able to feel the pain Alexander feels sitting at the lunch table with no dessert and understand the frustrations of being in bed unable to sleep and looking across the room to see two happy, sleeping roommates. Even with reading through this story several times, new details popped out in the illustrations each time making the setting even more realistic.

Everybody has their bad days no matter where you are. It’s a underlying theme in life and it is the theme of this book. Without being preachy or repetitive Judith Viorst has taught us that everyone has those days when things just aren’t going our way. It’s a part of life and we have to cope with it. Sometimes, just as with Alexander, the solution to all of our problems is to get a good night’s sleep.

This book was written much the way I consider a child Alexander’s age to speak or write. The text opens with a run on sentence that seems to go on for hours. The way it is written forces the read to speed through without taking a real breath, setting the tone of the story reminiscent of a child’s way of speaking. This same tone is evident throughout the story.

The illustrations by Ray Cruz only add to the gloomy tone of the story being told by Alexander. His detailed pen and paper drawings share with the reader the full range of emotions felt by Alexander from depression, to disgust to the anxiety felt throughout his day. The details of the illustrations pull the reader into the setting giving them new bit and pieces to notice with each reading, keeping the story fresh and loved time after time.

Review Excerpts

1988 winner of the George G. Stone Center for Children’s Books Recognition of Merit Award

“This handsome new edition of Judith Viorst’s classic picture book is sure to charm readers of all ages.” -Simon and Schuster

Connections

A unit for Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day
A list of interdisciplinary activities for Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day
A Good Day Lesson

Other Books by Judith Viorst:
Alexander, Who Used to be Rich Last Sunday
Alexander, Who is Not (Do You Hear Me? I Mean It!) Going to Move
I'll Fix Anthony
My Mama Says there Aren't any Zombies, Ghosts, Vampires, Creatures, Demons, Monsters, Fiends, Goblins or Things

Monday, September 13, 2010

Kitten's First Full Moon by Kevin Henkes



Bibliography

Henkes, Kevin. 2004. Kitten’s First Full Moon. New York, NY: Greenwillow Books. ISBN 0060588284

Plot Summary

Kitten is a hungry cat with a persistent personality. After seeing her first full moon, she is convinced that it is a little bowl in the sky and she wants it. Kitten tries many times to reach the bowl in the sky with no success. In the end, this very unlucky kitten returns home to a little luck. What a night it turns out to be!

Critical Analysis

Kevin Henkes introduces us to a character named Kitten that is one any person, young or old, can relate to. True to the curiosity of a cat, Kitten sees a bowl of milk in the sky when she looks at her first full moon. Children experiencing the story can relate to the feeling of confusion when experiencing something for the first time. Adults can relate to the trial and error we all experienced and learned from.

The plot of Kitten’s First Full Moon is one that is simple, but easily followed by the intended audience. The reader is taken on a journey of trial and error while Kitten seeks the bowl in the sky. It is a predictable book that lends itself well to lessons on predicting and problem solving, leaving the reader with a satisfied feeling when kitten is granted her wish.

Kevin Henkes’ illustrations depict a quiet, country setting, instilling a sense of calmness in the reader as they go on an adventure with kitten. By not building up the surrounding area the reader is left to focus on the main character and the trial and error she goes through while searching for her bowl of milk. With a lack of setting development, the reader focuses on the illustrations of Kitten herself, experiencing her emotions which are so well drawn.

I would believe the underlying theme in Kitten’s first full moon would be “if at first you don’t succeed, try, try, again.” The story demonstrates to readers of a young age that despite the heartache and hurt of trying and failing more than once, sticking to it may end up with a reward in the end, even if it isn’t what you’ve first set out to accomplish.

Kevin Henkes wrote this story in a clear, concise style. There is no dialogue, little punctuation and a vocabulary a young reader can relate to. While the writing is simplistic, the reader still gets a feeling for the personality of Kitten as she “wiggled her bottom and sprang from the top step of the porch.” The reader is instantly ready for an adventure with a inquisitive, active kitten.

Review Excepts

Winner of the 2005 Caldecott Medal

“An irresistible offering from the multifaceted Henkes. The spare and suspense-filled story concerns a kitten that mistakes the moon for a bowl of milk. When she opens her mouth to lick the treat, she ends up with a bug on her tongue…Done in a charcoal and cream-colored palette, the understated illustrations feature thick black outlines, pleasing curves, and swiftly changing expressions that are full of nuance. The rhythmic text and delightful artwork ensure storytime success. Kids will surely applaud this cat's irrepressible spirit.” –School Library Journal

“Henkes creates another winner with this simple, charming story about a naive kitten who mistakes a round, shining moon for a bowl of milk. Henkes' elemental words and rhythms work beautifully with his shimmering artwork in bold black lines and a silvery palette of moonlight, which captures the excitement of a nighttime adventure and creates a lovable, expressive, determined kitten.” -Booklist

Connections

Kitten’s First Full Moon- Hundred’s chart Lesson
Kitten’s First Full Moon- Descriptive sentence lesson

Other Books by Kevin Henkes
-All Alone
-Bailey Goes Camping
-Goodbye Curtis
-Julius: The Baby of the World
-Chrysanthemum