The Misfits

I think there are many valuable lessons in this book to teach to children. The overall theme of the book "Sticks and Stones may break our bones but names will break our spirits" is so empowering and important for children to learn. I think a lot children throw around names and rude remarks to their peers without realizing what it truly means. I think this is a very valuable lesson for children to learn especially with recent suicides of teenagers because of bullying.

Another important topic that is addressed in this book, is the idea of being yourself. For example; Joe is homosexual. He never expresses any fears or anxiety about it. He just wants to be loved and have a boyfriend. I think this is important for children to learn because a lot of times I think children think they need to fit into "normal society" but really what is normal? How do you classify "fitting in?" I think it is important to express individuality and being yourself. It is important for children to learn this or at least explore this topic at a young age otherwise they will grow up scared to be something different than society expects them to be.

One of my favorite parts of the book was on page 123 and Skeeze says,

"I mean, how come little kids are cute to everybody, doesn't matter they do, but you do the same things a little older you aren't cute anymore. Y'know?  I mean, what kinda stinkin' deal is that? If you and I were walkin' down the street now and we were, y'know, holdin' hands like back when we were buddies in first grade, nobody'd say we were cute. They'd call us fags. Or something' even worse. What's up with that?"

I like this part because I think is one hundred percent true. At what age do we stop thinking interactions are "cute" or friendly and start labeling them as gay and homosexual? I think is it important for children to realize how much society views may corrupt their own views and that sometimes we just have to stick to our own opinions and not let others influence us. I think a lot of children can relate to this book because they are living and breathing it everyday. They are either getting called names or calling other people's name. I think it would be hard for anyone to not be able to relate to this book, which is what I think makes it such a good book.

Corduroy (11/9)

Title: Corduroy
Author: Don Freeman
Ages: 4+
Type: Picture Book
Rating: 5

Summary: A story of an unwanted teddy bear who finally finds a home.

I think everyone can relate to this story. We have always had that one bear or doll that we could not live without. This is the story told from that bear's point of view. I also think it is important to note the themes that are presented in this book.

Don Freedman says it best himself,

“Just possibly you would like to hear something of the background of Corduroy as I first came upon it… Of course I can’t remember exactly how it started, but I do recall wanting to do a story about a department store in which a character wanders around at night after the doors close. Then I also wanted the story to show the vast difference between the luxury of a department store [and] the simple life [most people live]. The idea of simple basic values was another theme that was running around in the back of my head. I don’t remember how or when a toy bear came into my life, but he must have come from way out of my past. You know, I could just see a bear wearing corduroy overalls with one button missing … the minute I settled on Corduroy and Lisa, everything came together.” - http://donfreeman.info/childrens-books/published/the-story-behind-corduroy/


In the book Corduroy compares the luxuriousness of the department store and the home he finally resides in. He says his home is a lot smaller but stresses that it is home. I think it is important to recognize this because we all live in different size, shapes, and types of homes. But it is home, a place of security and comfort.


My favorite part of the book is the very last page. It says, 


"You must be a friend," said Corduroy. "I've always wanted a friend." "Me too!" said Lisa, and gave him a big hug. I really liked this line because again it reminds me of my first stuffed animal, which happened to be a dog. Children often have stuffed animals as their first friend that is why I think this is such a classic and well known book. There isn't anyone who can't relate to having a friend in inanimate object!

Anansi Goes Fishing (11/9)

Title: Anansi Goes Fishing

Retold by: Eric A. Kimmel

Illustrated by Janet Stevens

Type: Picture Book

Ages: 4-8 years old

Rating: 4

Summary: Anansi the spider, is tricked by his friend the turtle to do all the work to catch a fish but does not get to eat the fish with the turtle. 

I really enjoyed this story because Anansi's plan was to trick the turtle into catching fish for him but it backfires. Also the entire book I kept thinking that if Anansi is a spider why is he wasting his time weaving a net when he could easily build a web, being a spider? Than at the end I learn why. It states, 

"But some good came out of out. Anansi learned how to weave nets and how to use them to catch food. He taught his friends how to do it, and they taught their friends. Soon spiders all over the world were weaving. To this day, wherever you find spiders, you will find their nets. They are called spider webs."

I thought this was interesting twist to the story. This story seems to be a story about fairness and injustice but than you also learn "where spider webs come from" I think this would be a fun story for younger children in preschool. Preschoolers often ask why? This would be a good book to teach them about spider webs and give them definitive answer of why spiders make webs to catch food. 

Three Stalks of Corn (11/9)

Title: Three Stalks of Corn
Author: Leo Politi
Type: Picture book
Ages: 6-10 years old- Advanced readers
Rating: 3

Summary: A little girl, Angela learns the importance of her Mexican background. Her grandmother teachers her all about the three types of corn that are incorporated into almost all Mexican meals.

Overall, I was not impressed with this book. It is VERY wordy. I found myself stopping and rereading sentences in order to understand. Also it states emotions like "she was happy" instead of describing emotions. Everything was based off word description, there was little support from illustrations.

What I did find interesting about this book was the legend that her grandmother told about the three stalks of corn. She describes a flood and how two children ran up to a mountain with hard corn, soft corn and yellow cord in order to survive the flood.  They than planted those corn seeds and those are the type of corn stalks that grew all over the land. This legend is why we only have hard, soft and yellow corn. I found this interesting because it was something I could relate to. I know we only have those three types of corn so it was fun to associate it with a legend. Overall, I was not impressed with this book because of the blandness and lack of description.

Everybody Cooks Rice (11/7

Title: Everybody Cooks Rice
Author: Norah Dooley
Illustrations: Peter J. Thornton
Type: Picture book
Ages: 4-8 year olds
Rating: 4

Summary: A little girl learns that all different cultures cook rice when she is sent out to find her little brother.

What first attracted me to this book was the title. As a child my favorite food was rice, so of course I wanted to read a book all about rice. This book explores people form all different countries such as Barbados, Mexico, Vietnam, India, China, and Haiti. We learn all about the different kinds of rice that are made in these countries. I really liked this book because it takes a common dish in America and explores all the different ways it can be cooked in different countries.

My favorite part about this book was when the author writes, "Everyone at the Huas' house using chopsticks. Mei-Li, who is only three and a half years old, can even pick up a single grain of rice with her chopsticks!" I used to babysit a two year old who was half Chinese and half American. I remember the day she learned how to use chopsticks, as soon as I walked in the door she had to show me what she could do. This book provides me with a lot of emotional connections which is why I love it so much.

Also, in the back of the book is the recipe to all the meals mention in the book. I think it would be really interesting if a classroom were to make one or all of the dishes in the back of book. This would be a fun way to incorporate the book into the classroom.

Experience with Jacqueline Woodson Novel (11/9)

I read Miracle Boys by Jacqueline Woods, it was very easy to connect to the characters in this book. I found myself relating to all the boys. I also found myself crying or on the verge of crying through out the book. The situation that the boys are in is a real life situation that could happen to anyone, so it makes it that much easier to make an emotional connection.  After talking with classmates, it became evident that Woodson follows the theme of real life situations that usually involve dysfunctional families. Also, usually Woodson books involve multi-cultural situations.

In the article " JACQUELINE WOODSON: REAL CHARACTERS, REAL VOICES  by Rosa Casement, Rosa asks Woodson how she thinks people respond to her writing about different cultural being in social power in her books. Woodson responded with

 “Sometimes people are surprised that the relationships and situations aren’t stereotypical. I wanted to write my side of the story. I grew up reading the white side, which, surprisingly to some people, isn’t the only side.” 

I think this is extremely powerful because many people would expect her to deal with the struggle of African Americans and other races but she doesn't. In her books African Americans represent dynamic powerful characters. This is extremely evident in Miracle Boys, in which the oldest boy Ty, doesn't go to college so that he can provide for his younger brothers. Both Ty and the youngest Laf are dedicated to each other and their family. They are not into gangs or violence or any stereotypical African American activities. In fact Ty is extremely dedicated to museum and art and graduated from high school with honors. I think it is important for authors to cross the stereotypical boarders that society sets up for us otherwise people are going to continue to think that most African Americans are associated with guns, violence and gangs. 

My People (11/9)

Title: My People
Author: Langston Hughes
Photographs by: Charles R. Smith Jr.
Rating: 5
Type: Picture Book

Summary: A poem describing all the different shades of African Americans.

The first thing to notice in this book are the real life pictures. The pictures are so moving and inspiring and capture real life expressions of people. I feel like I am right there with the people in this book. Also it is important to notice how Langston describes "his people." He compares African American complexion to the night but also compares it to the sun. He ties it all together by saying "Beautiful also, are the souls of my people." To me Langston is first describing an eclectic mix of appearances of his people but than connects it to importance of the souls of his people. I think this is important because there was a time when African Americans were judged by their appearance and not accepted in society. Langston is addressing the appearance of his people but also stressing the importance of inner beauty in the soul


In the article "Multi cultural Children's Literature as Instrument of Power by Stuart H.D Cong, he states 


"The authenticity debate in children’s literature particularly addresses this intersection within racial and cultural contexts: the power to narrate, the power to tell one’s own story, the power to self-determine, the power to self-realize, the power to self-represent, the power to change inequity into equity, the power to articulate reparation for historical injustice."


In my opinion, in My People, Langston Hughes displays the power to tell one's own story, the power to self realize and the power to self-represent. He is embracing himself and his people, which to me is extremely powerful. 

Miracle's Boys (10/26)

Title: Miracle's Boys

Author: Jacqueline Woodson

Type: Novel

Ages: 7+

Rating: 5

Summary: The story of three boys struggling to cope with their mother and father's death. 

 This story is written from Lafayette's point of view, who is the youngest of the three boys. We see a lot of maturation in Lafayette has he struggles to understand why his mother had to die. At the beginning he blames himself for his mother's death and so does his older brother Charlie. By the end of the story Lafayette has learned enough to realize it was not his fault that his mother died. 

My favorite character though is Charlie. Charlie was  at a correctional facility when his mother died. When he gets back he is a "New" Charlie. He hangs out with the wrong crowd and seems disinterested in everything he used to be interested in. Throughout all whole book though you can see the good in Charlie. The way he will try to talk quietly about the correctional facility when Laf is around.Through  Charlie's interactions with other people you can see that he is a scared boy, trying to suppress his feelings. 

There were two parts of the book that really stood out to me. On page 70 Laf and Ty'ree (the oldest brother) are talking and Ty'ree says, "Brother to Brother, Lafayette?" Lafayette responds with, "B to B." Laf goes on explain that when they say this to each other, they are saying I love you. This reminds of all the little quirks families have and I thought it was touching that this is how they expressed loved for one another. It's like a secret language between the two of them. 

Another part I found interesting was on page 83, Laf says; 

"Ty'ree was alright after Mama died. But I was all wrong. The year before, I'd seen this show about snakes. They showed this one snake slipping out of its old skin and then leaving that old skin on the ground him. That's how I felt-like Mama'd been my skin. But I hadn't grown a new underneath, like that snake had. I was just blood and bones spreading all over the place."

I thought this metaphor was extremely powerful and depicted just how he felt after his mother died. I have never experienced a death in the family that was that close to me but I can imagine if I did I might feel the same way. Every thing about this book empowered me. I really connected to this book. 

The Giver (10/26)

Title: The Giver
Author: Lois Lowry
Type: Novel
Ages: 7 years +
Rating: 4.5

Summary: Jonas lives in a structure community, where everything is hand picked for individuals. Jonas receives the role of being the carry of memories for his community. As he uncovers the truth behind his family and community will he be able to carry out his role as memory keeper?

Once you start reading this novel it is extremely hard to put down. This world you have never heard of becomes intriguing as you learn more and more about their odd behaviors. I think for younger readers it may be difficult to understand some parts so I think it would be best implemented as a novel that you read along with students in class. That way at the confusing parts you can stop and have discussion to clear up the confusing parts.

I think the most interesting chapters to discuss with students would be Chapter 12, 19, 20 and 23. I especially thinking discussing what the word "release" means would be interesting to discuss with students. I am sure there would be many different interpretations and you could compare the students definitions to Chapter 19 when Jonas first leans what release really means.

One activity I think I would do with this book would be to have the students each write an additional chapter for the book. The ending is very ambiguous and it is up to your interpretation of what happens to Jonas. I think having the students writing an additional chapter at the ending would let them explore their interpretation.

Why? (10/26)

Title: Why?
Author: Nikolai Popov
Ages: 3+
Type: Picture Book
Rating: 4

Summary: A wordless picture book about a mouse family and frog family that are at war with one another.
 

I really enjoyed the illustrations in this book. They were easy to follow and I could interpret what was happening in my own way since there were no words. It starts off very humorous, with the frog really confused as to why the mouse pushed him off the rock. The tone starts to get more serious when both families begin to be at war with one another. 

I am a little confused by the ending though. It ends with the frog and the mouse sitting there with everything around them destroyed. They are just looking at each other with apologetic looks on their face. I was confused if this means they regret what they did or that the war was simply pointless because they are right back where they started. I then read the author's note and Nikolai Popov says he wrote this book because he is anti-war and he says, 

"I have created this book because it seems to me that if Children can understand the senseless of war, if they can see how easily one can be sucked into a cycle of violence, they may become a force for peace in the future."

If it wasn't for the author's note I would have a difficult time understanding the end of the story. I am curious to see what children would think of the ending. I think that would be a fun activity to see what students think the ending means. Despite the ambiguous ending I still think this is a very good wordless picture book. 

Plink and Say (10/26)

Title: Pink and Say
Author: Patricia Polaccco
Type: Picture Book
Ages: Upper Elementary +
Rating: 4

Summary: Two fifteen year old boys, one African American and one White, become best friends when Pink saves Say’s life while fighting they are both fighting in the Civil War. When they become prisoners of a Confederate Camp they learn the harsh reality of racism.




In this picture book an unlikely friendship emerges from between Pink and Say. Pink is a fifteen year old African American soldier while Say is a fifteen year old White-American soldier. Pink is very brave for his age and is determined to fight for his people. Say on the other hand is very apprehensive and scared and misses his home and childhood. We see a big changed in Pink through out the course of the book. As soon as Say witnesses Pink's mothers get murdered, we see him start believing in himself and the Union. He changes for the better as a result of her death. 


Another part I really liked was when Pink and Say were held captive in the Confederate prison. They are taking Pink away, as the reader can assume because he is black and not white. Pink reaches out for Say's hand and says, "Let me touch the hand that touched Mr. Lincoln, Say, just one last time." The story of when Say touched Lincoln's hand was important to their friendship. The fact that these were the last words Pink said to Say show his love and devotion for his best friend. The picture that captures this moment is absolutely phenomenal too. 


I think this picture book is extremely good but it touches on a lot of sensitive topics so I think if anyone is going to use it in a classroom they need to have a well planned out lesson. It can be used to teach children about racism and the Civil War. When searching through things I came across a website that gives suggestions on how to teach some books. 


This link is a suggestion of a lesson plan after reading Pink and Say. It suggests you have the students write a letter to  a Confederate Soldier, Union Soldier,  a slave, etc. I really like this idea because it's asking the child to put their feelings about this book into a letter to send to someone who may have gone through this experience. 
http://www.ltl.appstate.edu/litcircleunits/litcirunits_Fall00/slavery_civwar/launchactivity.html








 

My Hiroshima (10/26)

Title: My Hiroshima
Author: Junko Morimoto
Type: Picture book
Ages: 7+
Rating: 5

Summary: A little girl retells her story of surviving the atomic bomb that was dropped on Hiroshima.
 

This is absolutely an excellent book! I love that it is told from the point of view of the youngest girl in the family. The words are simple and the sentences are short. It is very easy to understand even when talking about such a harsh topic. Many people may consider this a controversial book because it talks about war and dying. This book simply addresses the fact that people did die when the Atomic Bomb was dropped. The author was extremely lucky and her whole family survived the bombing, therefore, none of the characters you are connected to in the story die. It is an uplifting book in this sense. 

I also really liked the author's note in the back of the book. It tells us that the book was based off a true story. Junko Morimoto also expressed why she thinks it is important to teach children about the war. She states; 

"War, the atomic bomb...only human beings have produced them. They are the crimes of adults who forget the precious value of life. I believe it is the duty and the responsibility of adults to teach our children the importance of not repeating these mistakes and to give them the heart to care for and value all life on earth."

I think this is a very important point that Junko makes. We are currently in the middle of a war right now. The fighting may not be taking place in our country, but it is in other countries, and there are children who are experiencing what Junko went through. I think it is important to educate children about the dangers of war and killing other people. We cannot shelter our children forever. We may live in a country that does not allow children to enter war until 18 years old but not every country is like this so we need to educate our future generations. 

I Never Knew Your Name

Title: I Never Knew Your Name
Author: Sherry Garland
Illustrator: Sheldon Greenberg
Type: Picture Book
Age: Upper elementary and older
Rating: 5

Summary:A little boy recalls his memories of the teenager across the street who committed suicide.


After reading this book, I was speech less. I couldn't believe this little boy was so impacted by the death of the teenager. It then immediately make think of all the times I may have laughed at a joke at the extent of someone else or when I was the bunt of the jokes. Children and teenagers can be very cruel to one another without realizing it. The little boy describes all the times he saw the teenager alone, or being laughed at. He also expresses how there were many times he was going to try and hang out with the teen but it always seemed like a bad time. The book ends with the little boy saying, "I'm sorry I never knew your name. I wish we could have been friends."


I think a lot of children and teenagers can relate to this book. I think not only can it be used as a tool to teach about suicide but I think it can also be used as a suicide prevention book. I think it allows teens or children to learn that there is someone in the world, wether you know it or not, that will miss you if you take your own life. I rated this book for upper elementary and teenagers because I think suicide is tough topic to talk about and I am not sure younger children would be able to handle it. 
 

Smoky Night (10/26)

Title: Smoky Night

Author: Eve Bunting

Illustrator: David Diaz

Ages: 6 and up

Type: Picture Book

Rating: 5

Summary: During a night of rioting in Los Angeles,  friendships are made between neighbors who have never got along in the past. The illustrator David Diaz won a Caldecott Award for his collage illustrations in this book.

 

This book is very inspirational and teaches a very important lesson. Daniel, Daniel's mother and Mrs. Kim all mature from the beginning of the book to the end of the book, which is a key element in good literature.  Daniel explains to the audience that his mother, Mrs. Kim, his cat Jasmine and Mrs. Kim's cat have never gotten along in the past. The night the riots broke out both Daniel and Mrs. Kim lost their cats. At the end a fire-fighter brings the cats to the shelter and announces that he found the cats huddled together underneath stairs. At the end of the book Daniel's mother realizes that she never really know Mrs. Kim to make the judgement that she didn't like her, so she introduces herself. That is the beginning of their friendship. I think it is really creative and fun that two different families were brought together by their cats. It's a humorous way to teach the importance of getting to know people judging them.

I also really enjoyed the illustrations in this book. David Diaz's watercolors and collage illustrations paint a beautiful picture. ALl the pictures are all so bright and colorful. 

Fly Away Home (10/12)

Title: Fly Away Home
Author: Eve Bunting
Illustrated by: Ronald Himler
Ages: 5-10
Type: Controversial Picture book
Rating: 4

Summary: A boy and his father are homeless and spend their days and nights in an airport.

This book represents the harsh realities of life. I feel so many books, TV shows and movies display the perfection of life. The fairytale dipicition of "They lived happily every after." Real life isn't like this and I'm glad that Eve Bunting crosses the boundaries that Disney has set up for children. That is why I enjoyed this book so much because it wasn't a typical story where everything works out perfectly.

In the article, "Outrageous Viewpoints: Teachers' Criteria for Rejecting Works of Children's Literature" the author discusses many teacher's opinions on controversial books. In the article Fly Away Home is discussed One teacher commented, "This book will frighten children. They might be afraid that they will become homeless." Other general comments by teachers were "This book evokes grief and fear for children."

I would have to disagree with all of these reviews. I think children would appreciate the life that they do have after reading this book. For the most part, children reading this book do have a home so reading this book would make then appreciate what their family has instead what they don't have. I know that is how I felt after reading this book. It made me think of the all Christmases when I cried because I didn't get the giant Barbie Girl Doll house that I always put on my Christmas list. Instead of crying I should have been thankful that my parents were able to provide me with a warm bed, food and clothes.

Lastly, this book provides hope. It doesn't leave you thinking that he will be homeless for the rest of his life. The last line in the book states, "Then I remember the bird. It took a while, but a door opened. And when the bird left, when it flew free, I know it was singing." He is talking about how someday his life will turn around, an opportunity will be provided for him or his father and they will fly. Everybody needs a little bit of this hope and inspiration in their life.

And Tango Makes Three (10/12)

Title: And Tango Makes Three

Author: Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell

Illustrator: Henky Cole

Type: "Controversial" Picture book

Ages: 4-8 

Rating: 4

Summary: Two male penguins fall in love and raise their own baby penguin named Tango. 

The most obvious reason why this book is so controversial is because it is suggesting a homosexual relationship between the two male penguins. Although this may be considered a controversial book, I think it is a very good book. The authors do a very good job at being cautious with their word choice so they do not overexpose children to this sensitive subject of homosexuality. Actually, in the beginning of this book the way the two male penguins Ray and Silo interact I just thought they were best friends. 

This book does a good job at educating children on this sensitive topic. For example it explains in a very simple way Silo and Ray cannot have a penguin baby of their own. It states that they are both males, so therefore they are "fathers" and they need a mother penguin in order make a baby penguin. Overall, I was just really impressed at how the authors could make this  fun, educational, and provide just the right information on the topic of homosexuals without overeducating them on the subject. 

I think most adults would be uncomfortable with this book because they are uncomfortable with homosexuals or the subject of trying to teach their child about homosexuals. But honestly I don't think children would ask that many questions after reading this book. The point that is being made in this book is that Silo, Ray and Tango have the same life as any other family they just have two dads instead of one. 

I also loved at the end of the story their was an author's note stating that this book was based off a true story of two penguins. I never would have thought penguins have real relationships like humans!

The Three Little Pigs (10/12)

Title: The Three Little Pigs

Author: Gavin Bishop 

Ages: 5-8 years old

Type: Fairytale picture book

Rating: 3.5

Summary: The typical story of the three little pigs and the big bad wolf with a little bit of a twist.  

In this story the third little pig tricks the big bad wolf in many different ways and is eventually able to put an end to the big bad wolf. In the traditional book of the Three Little Pigs I remember the wolf climbing in the chimney and the third little pig starting a fire and roasting the wolf, which happens in this version eventually but I never remember the pig having to trick the wolf many times before. I thought this was an interesting twist and I really enjoyed it. 

One review states, 

“Clearly there is no great need for another version, but Bishop - an award-winning New Zealander - does have something new to add to this cornerstone of folklore. His adaptation follows the one by Joseph Jacobs with only minor changes; his pen and watercolour illustrations, however, bring the pigs right into the 90's - with Mrs Pig sending her sons forth from the backyard pool, where they're lounging while she mows the lawn; the wolf equipped with a walkman; the bricks arriving by truck; the third pig ornamenting his new property with a well-tended garden; and dozens of nifty, humorous details. Why not another version, if it's this good? After all, there's no better story.” - The Kirkus Reviews, January 1990

As far as literary elements goes, this book is lacking the characteristics that make a picture book. There is no change and maturation in any characters. The plot and setting are pretty typical and have been repeated many times in different versions of this picture book. Overall, I was mildly impressed with this book. 

Miss Nelson is Missing! (10/12)

Title: Miss Nelson is Missing!
Authors: James Marshall and Harry Allard
Type: Picture Book
Ages: 5-8
Rating: 3

Summary: A miss behaving class learns a lesson from an unruly teacher.

One of the things that makes this a good book is the fact that the students learn and grow throughout the book. Which is something we learned in class, when a character changes from the beginning to the end, it makes the literature better. The children in the beginning did not respect Miss Nelson. A substitute teacher Miss. Swamp, comes in and is extremely rude and strict and forces all the students to behave. When Miss. Nelson returns all the students are very well behaved. The students learned that they took Miss. Nelson for granted and started to respect her.

Another thing I liked about this book was the illustrations. Through out the whole book you assume that the substitute teacher is actually Miss. Nelson in disguise but they never actually say she was. Then  the very last page of the book you see Miss Nelson sitting in her room at home. In the closet is a long black dress, which is what Miss. Swamp wore everyday. Also, there is a box that says wig, which Miss. Swamp had black hair and Miss Nelson has blonde hair. Even though the text does not say it, it can be assumed by the illustrations that Miss. Nelson is indeed Miss. Swamp as well.

A Brother's Grimm Tale-The Lady and the Lion (10/12)

Title: A Brother's Grimm Tale- The Lady and The Lion
Author: Jauqueline K. Ogburn
Illustrator: Laurel Long
Ages: 5-8
Type: Fantasy-picture book
Rating: 3.5

Summary: In order, to save her own father's life, a lady is sent to live with a lion. By mistake, the lady and the lion fall in love. Their love, is put to the test though as an evil woman tries to separate the two lovers. The lady is faced with many obstacles as she fights to prove her love for the lion.


There were a few things I liked about this book and I few things that I did not like. I really liked the unexpected relationship between the lion and the lady. It reminded me of the beauty and the beast. Their love, is present throughout the whole book. I also really liked the illustrations. It was extremely detailed and full of color. I actually think I liked looking at the illustrations more then I liked reading the book.

I did not like how long the book was! I felt like I was reading a novel instead of a children's picture book. There was way too much going on at the same time during the book. The lion was a lion by day and a man by night. But then if he touched light at all while he was a man then he would turn into a dove. It was really confusing to try and keep up. Also it was confusing to me why he would have two spells cast on him. I thought being a lion during the day was a good enough spell. Also, once he turned into the dove then the lady had to follow him for seven years. I thought that was going to be the main problem in the story and then they would have lived "happily ever after." Wrong. Then the evil lady gets a hold of the dove and the lady is filled with a number of obstacles until she is finally reunited with her love. Overall, I just thought there was too much action. I kept expecting the end to come and then another problem would arise. That disengaged me from the book so I didn't enjoy it as much.

Sitting Ducks (10/12)

Title: Sitting Ducks
Author: Michael Bedard
Type: Picture book
Ages: 4-8
Rating: 4

Summary: An unusual friendship develops between a duck and an alligator. The duck tries to save his fellow duck friends in Ducktown from becoming the main course at a local restaurant.

What I enjoyed most about this book was the illustrations. The illustrations are very colorful, bright and detailed. The illustrations also contribute to the story. For example one page says, "As their friendship grew and grew, the alligator thought less and less about eating the duck. They even tried going out together but it proved to be very awkward." If you just read that sentence and did not look at the illustrations you don't understand what would be awkward about it. When you look at the illustrations, you see the duck and alligator are out to eat at a restaurant and the waiter(who is also an alligator) is holding up a sign that says "Today's Special: Duck Soup." Then it becomes clear to the reader why going out was such an awkward experience. That is what makes this a good picture book because the illustrations tell the part of the story that the words did not.



Also, after reading this book I started to do research on it and Michael Bedard. I had no idea that the book turned into a TV series all about the duck and the alligator! I thought that was pretty interesting that the book became so popular that it flourished into a TV show.

"Where's My Blankie?" (10/12)

Title: "Where's My Blankie?"

Author: Anna H. Dickson

Illustrator: Carol Nicklaus

Ages: 4-8

Rating: 5

Type: Picture Book

Summary: This picture book is about Malcolm Monster who is reluctant to go anywhere without his blankie until one day he leaves at his Grandma's house. Malcolm is faced with the struggle of learning how to live his life without his beloved blankie. 

My favorite thing about this book is that it shows how Malcolm matures. In the beginning of the book Malcolm would not go anywhere without his blankie. Even when his parents told him that he should leave the blanket at home because he is a "big monster" he would still bring it anyway. Then he leaves the blanket at his grandma's house and he is without the blanket for a couple of days until his grandma is able to mail it to him. The first day without the blankie Malcolm was waiting around for the mailman and the blankie didn't come. By the second day Malcolm forgets all about this blanket and doesn't even open the package right away when his mother gives him the package. It is nice to read about this little monster growing and maturing. We learned that part of being a good book is having a character that changes and grows from the beginning to the end. That is why I think this book is so good because we watch Malcolm struggle and then mature through the loss of his blankie. 

I also really like this book because I had a blanket when I was a child and I would not go anywhere without it. Mine looked a lot like Malcolm's too. It  was all torn and ripped but I didn't mind. I had a similar experience to Malcolm as well except my mom hid my blanket from me because she thought I was getting too old to have one. At first it was really hard but then gradually day after day I just sort of forgot about it. I think a lot of children and parents can learn and relate to this book. Which always makes it a good book, the fact that readers can make an emotional connection to Malcolm's experience. 

The illustrations also really stood out to me. There is one page where it says. "Malcolm Monster never played anything without his blanket. He played camping out. He played Supermonster." When reading those lines I would assumed that he is just holding the blanket while playing these things. Then you look at the illustrations and you see that the blanket is the prop in both of these games. In camping the blanket is hung from a rope and is used as a tent. In Supermonster  the blanket is hung around his neck and is being used at a cape. 

The Higher Power of Lucky (10/12)

Title: The Higher Power of Lucky

Author: Susan Patron

Illustrator: Matt Phelan

Ages: 6 and up

Type: Novel

Rating: 5

Summary: When Lucky's mother is suddenly killed in a freak accident, Brigitte hops on a plane to Hard Pan to take care of Lucky. Brigitte is from France and until the death of Lucky's mother, had never spoken to, or even met Lucky. Lucky is scared that Brigitte will just leave her and fly back to France. In order to avoid more heart ache, Lucky decides she is going to run away. As Lucky struggles to cope with her mother's death, she searches for it by trying to find her "Higher Power" and  along the way she discovers the importance of trust, friendship and family. 

The symbols and metaphors that are represented in this book is what kept me hooked as a reader. Brigitte had a parsley grinder that she absolutely loved because it reminded her of France and being at home. Every time Lucky sees that parsley grinder you can feel her heart break. She never says what the parsley grinder means to her but you know as a reader it is a constant reminder that Brigitte has no commitment to stay here. Another big symbol in this book is Lucky's mother's urn. The urn represents all the pain and struggle that Lucky has gone through. Since the ashes are still inside it represents Lucky's inability to move on from her mother's death. Finally, one of my favorite symbols is the colors that are represented in this book. At one point Lucky is learning about evolution and how species survived based on survival of the fittest and the traits humans needed were passed down, while the one's we didn't were lost. Lucky gets to thinking and decides that the reason she has blonde hair, fair skin, and fair colored eyes is because she lives in the desert so she was made to blend it. I just thought this was an amazing connection for someone her age to be making. Out of everything in this novel so for some reason that experience really stood out of me. 

Another thing that I really loved about this book was the relationship between Lucky and Lincoln. Lincoln is Lucky's best friend. They would do anything for each other. When reading about their friendship I am reminded of my friend in pre-school, Eric. We were also neighbors so I was at his house all the time and vice versa. When reading this novel you can sense the romantic relationship between them but since they are so young they will never admit it. At that age it is better to just have a best friend then get involved with all the adult mushy gushy romance.

It is also amazing to see the transformation of Lucky from an insecure little girl into a mature young adult. In the beginning of this novel she doesn't trust Brigitte. By the end of the novel she realizes how much Brigitte loves her and sacrificed her own life in order to make sure Lucky was cared for. One of the biggest transformations you discover while reading, is the ups and downs Lucky goes through to cope with her mother's death. In the beginning of the novel Lucky was constantly blaming her mother for not being careful and not thinking. Lucky blames the death of her mother on her mother's carelessness. By the end of the novel Lucky is ready to let go of her mother and even spreads her ashes out over the desert. Lucky is such a dynamite character that you can make a personal connection with. That is what makes this book so good. You can relate to Lucky, or any character in this book.

Focus Question (9/28)

Focus Question: How does knowing about literary elements impact understanding a story?

Literary elements consist of characters, point of view, time, place, plot, mood, theme and the list goes on. Literary Elements can greatly alter a story. They can make or break the emotional connection, engage or disengage a reader. The reader is usually unaware of the impact that literary elements but think of any good book that you have read. Why did you like it so much? I'm sure most of you responded with you had a real connection with one of the characters, the action in the book or the amount of symbols and metaphors in the book. When we build these sort of emotional connections we understand the story more because we are  engaged and interested in what the book can offer for us.

When I think about literary elements I think about the story that professor Caszatt-Allen told in class about the little boy who wrote to the author of Higher Power of Lucky, Susan Patron. The little boy was a reluctant reader but some how made an emotional connection to the Higher Power of Lucky wrote to the author about how much enjoyed the book and proposed a new idea for a second book. The fact that the boy made a connection to the book and enjoyed it made him understand the book. If the little boy had not liked the book he may not have understood what was happening. Think about any book that you didn't understand fully, it was most likely because you did not make an emotional connection to the characters, plot, or time. Making a connection to literary elements strengthens a person's ability to understand the story.

Visting Langston (9/28/2010)

Title: Visiting Langston
Author: Willie Perdomo
Illustrator: Bryan Collier
Type: Picture Book
Rating: 4 out of 5
Ages: 5-9

Summary: A poetic tale about a little girl who is going to visit the house of Langston Hughes with her daddy.

I really enjoyed this book because it brought me back to when I was a little girl and my favorite person in the world was Michael Jordan. I wanted to be a famous basketball player just like him. I would spend hours upon hours reading books about Michael Jordan and also practicing so I would have a jump shot just as good as his. This little girl loves Langston Hughes and poetry and even tells the story in poetic rhymes. You can feel her excitement in every page. It makes me wonder how excited I would have been as a child if I ever met Michael Jordan. To me this book is more about the emotions I feel about my childhood rather then the content of the book. Also, the illustrations in the book are absolutely phenomenal. Every page is filled with collage artwork that has so much detail!

A review by Kathleen Karr states,
 "Coretta Scott King Awardee Bryan Collier's watercolor and collage illustrations match the feeling of Perdomo's words. His images are riff with emotion rather than realism. The little girl's pink-striped shirt and her daddy's faux alligator jacket add to the color of the place-and to each of them as individuals. This is a book filled with pride; a book meant to give pride. A prefatory Author's Note gives a brief biographical sketch of Hughes, which emphasizes his motivations as a writer."

I couldn't agree more with this review. The book would be totally different if it wasn't for the water color and collage illustrations that Bryan Collier provides. Also, the author's note in the beginning that gives a background on Langston Hughes, helps add character to the story. I don't think you would get as much emotional impact if you didn't have a background and realize how much poetry impacted Langston live. Also, the author's note seems to be written in simple words so that children can understand it too.

The Good-Night Book (9/28/2010)

Title: The Good-night Book
Author: Peter Curry
Age: pre-school
Rating: 4 out of 5
Type: Picture Book

Summary: This picture book says good-night to all different people in the world.

I really enjoyed the illustrations in this book. It was fun to see all the different types of beds and items the characters had in their bed. It does a very good job at showing diversity in the world. The first time I read this book I thought it was saying good night to different people in the world. The second time I read it, I realized all the people that we are saying good night to actually are fictional fantasy characters that one would encounter in other books. For example "Good-night princess, with such long golden hair." This reminds me of Rapunzel.

Another thing about this book is that you do not  need the words in order to know who you are saying good-night to. You can just look at the picture of the moon and know that the words are going to say "good-night moon." I think this book could also be a wordless book because the illustrations do such a great job at describing what is being read. Another part I enjoyed was looking for the witch. Twice in the book, we try to say good-night to the witch but she isn't in her bed, so it keeps you wondering where she is. Then at the very end it says, "Good-night to you, dream well, sleep tight-and to you know, up there-Good-night!"When you look at the illustration you see the witch on her broomstick. This is an example of how you would not know what the author is referring to without the illustration. The illustration tells the story for you.

For Sale: One Sister-Cheap! (9/28/2010)

Title: For Sale: One Sister-Cheap!
Authors: Katie Alder and Rachel McBride
Illustrations: Mike Venezia
Age: Preschool and early grade school
Type: Picture book
Rating: 5 out of 5

Summary: Sarah, a pesky little sister is always annoying her big brother. Her big brother sets out on a mission to sell his sister. When he finally does he discovers how life is going to be very different without his sister by his side.

I absolutely loved this book. It is such a humorous story that every little kid and adult can relate to. I can just picture my older brother doing the same thing to me and my sister. One of my favorite parts is that the whole book he is pulling his sister in a red wagon trying to sell her to everyone he encounters. When he finally does sell her, he heads back home with the wagon and says; "On the way home the wagon was easy to pull. But there was no one to talk to. At the lemonade stand there was a little girl that sort of looked like Sarah. I offered her a ride in my wagon. But she said she didn't like boys. Sarah likes boys." He is starting to realize how life would be without Sarah. He continues to recall all the things that were going to be different because Sarah wouldn't be there.

From reading this book, I learned a valuable lesson in appreciating siblings. When annoyed with my brother and sister as a child I never stopped to think about what life would be life without them. I just wanted them to get out of my life! After reading this, I wish I would have tried to sell my brother and sister and then learned how much I really needed them in life. Overall, I think this is a very warm and heart felt book that teaches the importance of siblings and family.

My Sister's Rusty Bike (9/28/2010)

Title: My Sister's Rusty Bike
Author: Jim Aylesworth
Illustrator: Richard Hull
Ages: 5-8
Type: Picture Book
Rating: 4 out of 5

Summary:  A boy travels around the country on his sister's rusty bike finding unqiue and interesting people and places he thinks, "you'll really like." Through alliteration he describes his encounters of people and their talents.

I enjoyed this book because of all the fun alliterations and rhythmic flow. I especially liked all the odd things that are going in the book. For example when he rides to Pennsylvania and meets a guy named Gilly Gibbs, "His hens lay colored eggs. In fact, they lay so many, Gill gathers them in kegs." Then you look at the picture and see all the different colors eggs the chickens are laying. This is something you would never see in real life so I found it quite enjoyable. Another one of my favorite parts is when he goes to Indiana and he says, "A guy lives there named Buddy Biggs. His cow has spots of blue. I did not count her right but her left has twenty-two." As soon as I read that line I counted the spots on the cow.

Overall, this book is just extremely fun. You never know what to expect on the next page! A review by Kirkus Reviews states; 

"Each state's attractions are more wacky than the next (and more nonsensical, with more comedic impact than links to specific states or regions), and all are perfectly complemented by Hull's highly detailed gouache paintings of landscapes and faces (not to mention chickens) that show what happens when Grant Wood meets Technicolor. A quirky and wonderful journey. "

I couldn't agree more with this review. There is no better way to describe this book other then "a quirky wonderful journey"

Maisy Big, Maisy Small (9/28/2010)

Title: Maisy Big, Maisy Small
Author: Lucy Cousins
Age: Preschool
Rating: 5
Type: Picture Book


Summary: This picture book about a mouse named Maisy who describes opposites by relating it to herself.

I loved this picture book because you didn't even need to read the words to know what opposites were being described. For example; there is a picture of Maisy by herself  and there is a picture of Maisy with a lot of people. You do not  need to read the page to know that in one picture "Maisy alone" and in the other picture "Maisy together." This is something we learned in class. That good picture books will tell a story through the pictures and not just through the text. The illustrations are so good that I think this could be a wordless book and even preschoolers and non readers would be able to tell what is going on in the book.

The illustrations in this book are fun, bright and engaging. I also found a Maisy Website. Which provides children will a ton of fun games and coloring books about their favorite Mouse, Maisy. I think this is really important because it gets children excited to read more. They can explore the website and even buy more Maisy books. It continues the learning outside of the book. Plus it is fun!

While, I was looking for reviews about this book I came across a interesting story a mother had to tell about how the book taught her concept of size.
The mother said; "We were playing with her play dough salon toy set the other day. The play dough hair was too short for Ana to give the doll a haircut. So, I said, "let's make the hair long, Ana, it is too short now to give a proper haircut". To which she promptly replied, "No, Amma, let's make it tall, let's make the hair tall... it is too short now"! I had not introduced long vs. short to her before, and looks like she just decided Maisy was right about it and promptly corrected me" - Saffron Tree
I thought this was so interesting! In the book Maisy describes "short and tall." This little girl took what she learned about opposites and applied it to the real world. She may have been wrong about it but still she was learning something from the book. I am interested to read other Maisy books just to see the fun and interesting ways to incorporate interactive learning into books. 

Byrd Baylor

Byrd Baylor is the author of children's picture books. She was on born on March 28, 1924 in San Antonio, Texas. She currently lives near Tucson, Arizona. The environment she grew up plays a significant roll in her writings. She bases most of her books off of the Southwestern geography and climate. Many of her books are centered around the culture of the Tohono O'odham people, which have been her neighbors for years. She has publish 25 children's picture books, four of which are award winning Caldecott Honor books. Caldecott honor is runner up to the Caldecott Medal, which is the best children's book illustrations. Those books are "When Clay Sings", "The Desert is Theirs", "Hawk, I am Your Brother" and "The Way To Start A Day."

Bird Baylor lives in an adobe house in Arizona. This means that there is no electricity and she uses a typewriter in order to compose her work. In many of her books she stresses that too many people are focused on materialistic items and not with their natural environment. I think it is inspiring that she practices what she preaches by living in a house that has no electricity. It shows that she is truly passionate about the environment and the culture that she grew up in.

Her books are very descriptive, providing details about nature someone would have never thought of. I think her books are a good educational tool in a science, or geology section. For example in the "Everybody Needs A Rock" Baylor describes ten rules to picking out a "perfect rock." The rules include things like checking the color, size, shape and smell of the rock. In a classroom this might be a fun activity to have the children follow the steps in her book for picking out a rock and have them pick out their own rock. Also, in another book, "If You Are A Hunter Of Fossils", she describes historic times when their wasn't land but only an ocean where she currently lives. This is a good opportunity to teach children that earth had not always been the way it is now.

Overall, most all of Baylor's books can be used as educational tools in a classroom. They can also be used as moral lessons at home. Parents can read to their children or vice verse and learn together  the importance of appreciating nature and to not get too consumed with materialistic objects. The books also encourage children to go out in the wilderness and experience things. Baylor has a power with words and providing both educational and moral lessons in all of her writings.

Amber Brown Is Not A Crayon

Title: "Amber Brown Is Not A Crayon"
Author: Paula Danziger
Type: Novel
Ages: 2nd-4th grade
Rating: 4 out of 5


Summary: Amber Brown is a quirky and messy third grader. She has a best friend named Justin Daniels. The two do absolutely everything together...that is until they find out that Justin's family is moving away. They get into their first fight. Amber and Justin struggle to talk and cope with the fact that their dynamic duo will be split. 


I really enjoyed this novel. Danziger brings humor into everything she writes but yet provides a valued lesson in growing up. I love how the sentences are short and sweet. It makes it more enjoyable to read and also keeps you on your toes. When reading this book I am brought back to elementary school when me and my best friend were inseparable. We were a lot like Amber and Justin. I do not know what I would have done if one of us would have had to move. This novel really makes me think how my life would have changed if my best friend was taken away from me. 


I find it funny that this book represents the gender roles that usually are present later in life. For example, Amber really wants to just talk about the move and how Justin feels about moving away. Justin is reluctant to talk about it and just wants to pretend like he isn't moving. I feel like when you grow up, you learn that males are not very good at expressing how they feel and they would much rather not talk about it. It's interesting and insightful that Danziger introduces this gender separation at such a young age. 


I was extremely surprised at how much I could relate to Amber Brown, considering she is a fictional third grader. She is upset when Justin doesn't want to talk about the move and when they get in their first fight. She sits and cries in her room in order to get her emotions out. I think sometimes life can be so frustrating and when you can't control it, you just want to cry. Sometimes most adults cannot express their feelings the way she does. Danziger does a nice job at expressing adulthood and maturity in this third grader. At the same though, Danziger still keeps that child-like attitude in Amber. Before Amber cries she starts to make a list of potential "new best friends." Crossing out ones that already have a best friend, are repulsive, or that she just simply cannot get a long with.  Danziger provides a good balance of childhood and adulthood when describing Amber's experiences and actions.