Selected by Judy Sierra
Illustrated by Melissa Sweet
ISBN: 9780375825163
Bibliography:
Sierra, Judy, and Melissa Sweet. 2005. Schoolyard Rhymes: Kids' Own Rhymes for Rope Skipping, Hand Clapping, Ball Bouncing, and Just Plain Fun. New York: Knopf.
Plot:
This book features a selection of rhymes and chants often heard on school playgrounds.
Analysis:
The bright, colorful pictures throughout this book will certainly capture a reader's interest. The rhymes are fun and easy to read. The repetitive, rhythmic patterns encourage the reader in a captivating way. Adult readers will also enjoy this book as it will allow them to reminisce about the times that they shared similar rhymes. These rhymes provide a bridge that connects the children of the past to the children of today.
Review Excerpts:
School Library Journal: "Sweet's animated watercolor-and-collage illustrations fill the pages with expressive faces, thin lines of verse shaped into jump ropes and borders, and hilarious interpretive scenes from the rhymes. This is a definite winner, as it will be enormously popular with children. "
Connections:
*These rhymes can be used throughout the school day to practice fluency skills.
*This book would serve as a great introduction to a poetry unit.
Saturday, June 21, 2008
THE LEGEND OF THE BLUEBONNET
Retold and illustrated by Tomie DePaola
ISBN: 9780399209376
Bibliography:
De Paola, Tomie. 1983. The Legend of the Bluebonnet: An Old Tale of Texas. New York: Putnam.
Plot:
The Comanche people plead with the gods to send rain to save their people. After losing her entire family to drought and famine, She-Who-Is-Alone sacrifices her only possession, a doll made for her by her mother, in hopes of appeasing the gods and saving the rest of her people. After this sacrifice, bright blue flowers appear on the hill as a sign of forgiveness from the gods and the rains fall. Every year the Great Spirits fill the hills of Texas with these flowers to remember the sacrifice of a selfless little girl.
Analysis:
This is a touching story with a wonderful theme of selflessness. She-Who-Is-Alone does what is best for her people and saves them by giving up her only possession. The illustrations in this story are simple yet powerful as they convey the loneliness and sadness of She-Who-Is-Alone. The artwork reflects the Comanche culture, and the mention of Great Spirits is true to the culture in that they worshiped many spirits equally.
Review Excerpts:
Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books: "The soft colors, the spacious composition, and the feeling of reverence conveyed by the pictures are in effective harmony with the text."
School Library Journal: "This is a solemn, simply-told tale and the concept of an unselfish parting with a prized possession is one to which children will readily relate. . . . The full-color paintings in tableau-like settings are nicely staged with well-executed design and color."
The Horn Book: "The legend of the origin of the Texas state flower is portrayed in clean, uncluttered pictures filled with warm, rich colors. The Indian girl stands out as independent and determined to help the Comanche people."
Connections:
*This story would serve as a great introduction for a unit on folktales and legends.
*Students can also read The Indian Paintbrush also written by DePaola and compare/contrast the two legends.
ISBN: 9780399209376
Bibliography:
De Paola, Tomie. 1983. The Legend of the Bluebonnet: An Old Tale of Texas. New York: Putnam.
Plot:
The Comanche people plead with the gods to send rain to save their people. After losing her entire family to drought and famine, She-Who-Is-Alone sacrifices her only possession, a doll made for her by her mother, in hopes of appeasing the gods and saving the rest of her people. After this sacrifice, bright blue flowers appear on the hill as a sign of forgiveness from the gods and the rains fall. Every year the Great Spirits fill the hills of Texas with these flowers to remember the sacrifice of a selfless little girl.
Analysis:
This is a touching story with a wonderful theme of selflessness. She-Who-Is-Alone does what is best for her people and saves them by giving up her only possession. The illustrations in this story are simple yet powerful as they convey the loneliness and sadness of She-Who-Is-Alone. The artwork reflects the Comanche culture, and the mention of Great Spirits is true to the culture in that they worshiped many spirits equally.
Review Excerpts:
Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books: "The soft colors, the spacious composition, and the feeling of reverence conveyed by the pictures are in effective harmony with the text."
School Library Journal: "This is a solemn, simply-told tale and the concept of an unselfish parting with a prized possession is one to which children will readily relate. . . . The full-color paintings in tableau-like settings are nicely staged with well-executed design and color."
The Horn Book: "The legend of the origin of the Texas state flower is portrayed in clean, uncluttered pictures filled with warm, rich colors. The Indian girl stands out as independent and determined to help the Comanche people."
Connections:
*This story would serve as a great introduction for a unit on folktales and legends.
*Students can also read The Indian Paintbrush also written by DePaola and compare/contrast the two legends.
THE KOREAN CINDERELLA
Retold by Shirley Climo
Illustrated by Ruth Heller
ISBN: 9780060204327
Bibliography:
Climo, Shirley, and Ruth Heller. 1993. The Korean Cinderella. New York, NY: Harper Collins Publishers.
Plot:
After the death of her mother, Pear Blossom's father marries an evil woman who belittles her daily and forces her to complete impossible chores. Magical animals help Pear Blossom to complete the impossible tasks much to the dismay of her stepmother and stepsister, Peony. While Pear Blossom hurries to the village festival, she stops to remove a stone from her sandal and catches the eye of the magistrate, who is immediately taken with her beauty. She is startled and leaves the straw sandal behind. The magistrate takes the straw sandal, finds her, tells of his plan to marry her, and shortly thereafter arranges the marriage with her father.
Analysis:
In this magical Cinderella story, every page is filled with rich illustrations reflective of Korean culture. Author and illustrator notes at the end of the story help to explain the symbols used in the illustrations as well as themes seen in traditional Korean tales. This story exemplifies the typical Cinderella tale where good triumphs over evil as Pear Blossom marries the magistrate and seemingly lives "happily ever after".
Review Excerpts:
Booklist: "Heller’s paintings are exotically lush and colorful as well as engaging."
School Library Journal: "Heller's lush, full-color illustrations capture the vibrancy of traditional Korean culture with great accuracy."
Connections:
*This story can be compared to other versions of Cinderella.
*Students could perform this story as a reader's theater production.
*As a Social Studies lesson on the election process, this story could be paired with another version of Cinderella where students create a political campaign for their favorite Cinderella character for President (lesson by D. Fielder).
Illustrated by Ruth Heller
ISBN: 9780060204327
Bibliography:
Climo, Shirley, and Ruth Heller. 1993. The Korean Cinderella. New York, NY: Harper Collins Publishers.
Plot:
After the death of her mother, Pear Blossom's father marries an evil woman who belittles her daily and forces her to complete impossible chores. Magical animals help Pear Blossom to complete the impossible tasks much to the dismay of her stepmother and stepsister, Peony. While Pear Blossom hurries to the village festival, she stops to remove a stone from her sandal and catches the eye of the magistrate, who is immediately taken with her beauty. She is startled and leaves the straw sandal behind. The magistrate takes the straw sandal, finds her, tells of his plan to marry her, and shortly thereafter arranges the marriage with her father.
Analysis:
In this magical Cinderella story, every page is filled with rich illustrations reflective of Korean culture. Author and illustrator notes at the end of the story help to explain the symbols used in the illustrations as well as themes seen in traditional Korean tales. This story exemplifies the typical Cinderella tale where good triumphs over evil as Pear Blossom marries the magistrate and seemingly lives "happily ever after".
Review Excerpts:
Booklist: "Heller’s paintings are exotically lush and colorful as well as engaging."
School Library Journal: "Heller's lush, full-color illustrations capture the vibrancy of traditional Korean culture with great accuracy."
Connections:
*This story can be compared to other versions of Cinderella.
*Students could perform this story as a reader's theater production.
*As a Social Studies lesson on the election process, this story could be paired with another version of Cinderella where students create a political campaign for their favorite Cinderella character for President (lesson by D. Fielder).
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
FLOTSAM
by David Wiesner
ISBN: 9780618194575
Bibliography:
Wiesner, David. 2006. Flotsam. New York: Clarion Books.
Plot:
A very curious young boy is observing items on the beach when he discovers an underwater camera. He has the film from within the camera developed and is absolutely amazed, when he finds some very odd pictures of sea creatures behaving as humans, small green aliens, giant starfish, and more. He is especially intrigued by a picture of a girl holding a picture of a boy holding a picture and so on. He uses his magnifying glass and then his microscope to see the other pictures in the pictures. He decides to take a picture of himself holding the picture so that the cycle can continue. He flings the camera back into the sea, and it washes up on another beach where a young girl later discovers it.
Analysis:
This wordless picture book relies on each picture to tell the story and forces the reader to utilize his/her own observation skills to make sense of it all. The use of bright colors immediately catches the eye of the reader and pulls him/her into the story. The illustrations are magical and fit together perfectly to describe a curious day at the beach. As one observes each page of this story, he/she is given the freedom to create his/her own inner dialogue about the events in the story.
Review Excerpts:
School Library Journal: "This wordless book's vivid watercolor paintings have a crisp realism that anchors the elements of fantasy. Shifting perspectives, from close-ups to landscape views, and a layout incorporating broad spreads and boxed sequences, add drama and motion to the storytelling and echo the photographic theme."
Booklist: “Wiesner offers another exceptional, wordless picture book that finds wild magic in quiet, everyday settings.”
Connections:
*As a writing project students can create captions or text bubbles for the pictures.
*Students can create a sequel to this story starting with the young girl finding the camera.
*Since Flotsam relies heavily on observation skills, it can be used as an introduction for scientific observation skills or using science tools.
ISBN: 9780618194575
Bibliography:
Wiesner, David. 2006. Flotsam. New York: Clarion Books.
Plot:
A very curious young boy is observing items on the beach when he discovers an underwater camera. He has the film from within the camera developed and is absolutely amazed, when he finds some very odd pictures of sea creatures behaving as humans, small green aliens, giant starfish, and more. He is especially intrigued by a picture of a girl holding a picture of a boy holding a picture and so on. He uses his magnifying glass and then his microscope to see the other pictures in the pictures. He decides to take a picture of himself holding the picture so that the cycle can continue. He flings the camera back into the sea, and it washes up on another beach where a young girl later discovers it.
Analysis:
This wordless picture book relies on each picture to tell the story and forces the reader to utilize his/her own observation skills to make sense of it all. The use of bright colors immediately catches the eye of the reader and pulls him/her into the story. The illustrations are magical and fit together perfectly to describe a curious day at the beach. As one observes each page of this story, he/she is given the freedom to create his/her own inner dialogue about the events in the story.
Review Excerpts:
School Library Journal: "This wordless book's vivid watercolor paintings have a crisp realism that anchors the elements of fantasy. Shifting perspectives, from close-ups to landscape views, and a layout incorporating broad spreads and boxed sequences, add drama and motion to the storytelling and echo the photographic theme."
Booklist: “Wiesner offers another exceptional, wordless picture book that finds wild magic in quiet, everyday settings.”
Connections:
*As a writing project students can create captions or text bubbles for the pictures.
*Students can create a sequel to this story starting with the young girl finding the camera.
*Since Flotsam relies heavily on observation skills, it can be used as an introduction for scientific observation skills or using science tools.
MOSES: WHEN HARRIET TUBMAN LED HER PEOPLE TO FREEDOM
Written by Carole Boston Weatherford
Illustrated by Kadir Nelson
ISBN: 0-786-85175-9
Bibliography:
Weatherford, Carole Boston, and Kadir Nelson. 2006. Moses: when Harriet Tubman led her people to freedom. New York: Hyperion Books for Children.
Plot:
This story describes Harriet Tubman’s courageous journey to freedom. Dialogue with God provides Harriet with strength along the way to keep moving and eventually propels her to lead hundreds of other slaves to freedom.
Analysis:
This is a powerful story of faith and triumph. The compelling illustrations reflect both fear and courage. The use of darkness and light in the illustrations help the reader to sense both the danger and the godly force that seems to guide and protect Harriet throughout her dangerous journey. Throughout the book Harriet chats with God to find strength and courage. Words from God comfort her and flow across the pages in bold text often spoken to her through nature. The images of Harriet reflect inner conflict as she carefully listens to God’s voice to find her way. This story alludes to the biblical story of Moses through images of Harriet with a staff and in the ending when God says to her, “Well done, Moses, well done.”
Review Excerpts:
School Library Journal: "Tubman's religious faith drives this handsome, poetic account of her escape to freedom and role in the Underground Railroad. The story is sketched between passages of prayerful dialogue that keep Tubman from giving up and eventually call upon her to be "the Moses of [her] people." Deep scenes of night fill many double pages as the dramatic paintings follow her tortuous journey, arrival in Philadelphia, and later trip to guide others."
Booklist: “The full-page portrait of a contemplative Tubman turning to God to help her guide her people is especially striking.”
Connections:
*Other books about Harriet Tubman:
Adler, David. A Picture Book of Harriet Tubman. ISBN 9780823409260
Skelton, Renee. Harriet Tubman: A Woman of Courage. ISBN 9780060576080
Turner, Glenette Tilley. An Apple for Harriet Tubman. ISBN 9780807503959
*Students can map Harriet’s journey to freedom.
*Students can create a timeline of Harriet Tubman’s life.
Illustrated by Kadir Nelson
ISBN: 0-786-85175-9
Bibliography:
Weatherford, Carole Boston, and Kadir Nelson. 2006. Moses: when Harriet Tubman led her people to freedom. New York: Hyperion Books for Children.
Plot:
This story describes Harriet Tubman’s courageous journey to freedom. Dialogue with God provides Harriet with strength along the way to keep moving and eventually propels her to lead hundreds of other slaves to freedom.
Analysis:
This is a powerful story of faith and triumph. The compelling illustrations reflect both fear and courage. The use of darkness and light in the illustrations help the reader to sense both the danger and the godly force that seems to guide and protect Harriet throughout her dangerous journey. Throughout the book Harriet chats with God to find strength and courage. Words from God comfort her and flow across the pages in bold text often spoken to her through nature. The images of Harriet reflect inner conflict as she carefully listens to God’s voice to find her way. This story alludes to the biblical story of Moses through images of Harriet with a staff and in the ending when God says to her, “Well done, Moses, well done.”
Review Excerpts:
School Library Journal: "Tubman's religious faith drives this handsome, poetic account of her escape to freedom and role in the Underground Railroad. The story is sketched between passages of prayerful dialogue that keep Tubman from giving up and eventually call upon her to be "the Moses of [her] people." Deep scenes of night fill many double pages as the dramatic paintings follow her tortuous journey, arrival in Philadelphia, and later trip to guide others."
Booklist: “The full-page portrait of a contemplative Tubman turning to God to help her guide her people is especially striking.”
Connections:
*Other books about Harriet Tubman:
Adler, David. A Picture Book of Harriet Tubman. ISBN 9780823409260
Skelton, Renee. Harriet Tubman: A Woman of Courage. ISBN 9780060576080
Turner, Glenette Tilley. An Apple for Harriet Tubman. ISBN 9780807503959
*Students can map Harriet’s journey to freedom.
*Students can create a timeline of Harriet Tubman’s life.
Monday, June 9, 2008
TALKING WITH ARTISTS VOLUME THREE
by Pat Cummings
ISBN: 0-395-89132-9
Bibliography:
Cummings, Pat. 1999. Talking with Artists. Conversations with Peter Catalanotto, Raul Colon, Lisa Desimini, Jane Dyer, Kevin Hawkes, G. Brian Karas, Betsy Lewin, Ted Lewin, Keiko Narahashi, Elise Primavera, Anna Rich, Peter Sis, Paul O. Zelinsky Volume Three. New York: Clarion Books.
Plot:
Talking with Artists documents the life experiences of thirteen well-known illustrators of children's books including: Peter Catalanotto, Raul Colon, Lisa Desimini, Jane Dyer, Kevin Hawkes, G. Brian Karas, Betsy Lewin, Ted Lewin, Keiko Narahashi, Elise Primavera, Anna Rich, Peter Sis, and Paul O. Zelinsky. Cummings asks each artist to describe what a typical day in their lives is like, where their ideas originate, what medium is used to create their pictures, and the circumstances that led up to the illustrations of their first books. Each author describes the childhood events that paved the way for each to start their own careers in illustration as well as advice for possible illustrators of the future.
Analysis:
The format is predictable and easy to follow and allows one to compare experiences amongst the diverse group of featured illustrators. Childhood photographs of the illustrators as well as art from illustrators' childhood days help to establish a connection with younger readers and remind older readers of simpler times. Also featured, are excerpts of artwork from the illustrators' published books which motivate the reader to seek out the books in order to experience the works as a whole.
Review Excerpts:
School Library Journal: “Thirteen children's book illustrators discuss their lives and how they communicate their ideas. While many readers will find the artists' tips that conclude the volume useful, all will appreciate these insightful conversations.”
ISBN: 0-395-89132-9
Bibliography:
Cummings, Pat. 1999. Talking with Artists. Conversations with Peter Catalanotto, Raul Colon, Lisa Desimini, Jane Dyer, Kevin Hawkes, G. Brian Karas, Betsy Lewin, Ted Lewin, Keiko Narahashi, Elise Primavera, Anna Rich, Peter Sis, Paul O. Zelinsky Volume Three. New York: Clarion Books.
Plot:
Talking with Artists documents the life experiences of thirteen well-known illustrators of children's books including: Peter Catalanotto, Raul Colon, Lisa Desimini, Jane Dyer, Kevin Hawkes, G. Brian Karas, Betsy Lewin, Ted Lewin, Keiko Narahashi, Elise Primavera, Anna Rich, Peter Sis, and Paul O. Zelinsky. Cummings asks each artist to describe what a typical day in their lives is like, where their ideas originate, what medium is used to create their pictures, and the circumstances that led up to the illustrations of their first books. Each author describes the childhood events that paved the way for each to start their own careers in illustration as well as advice for possible illustrators of the future.
Analysis:
The format is predictable and easy to follow and allows one to compare experiences amongst the diverse group of featured illustrators. Childhood photographs of the illustrators as well as art from illustrators' childhood days help to establish a connection with younger readers and remind older readers of simpler times. Also featured, are excerpts of artwork from the illustrators' published books which motivate the reader to seek out the books in order to experience the works as a whole.
Review Excerpts:
School Library Journal: “Thirteen children's book illustrators discuss their lives and how they communicate their ideas. While many readers will find the artists' tips that conclude the volume useful, all will appreciate these insightful conversations.”
Booklist: “Beautifully designed to draw readers, this book will inspire many children to make art and possibly even to choose it as a career some day. A fine addition to a beautiful and absorbing series.”
Connections:
*Other books written by Pat Cummings:
Talking with adventurers. Conversations with Christina M. Allen, Robert Ballard, Michael L. Blakey, Ann Bowles, David Doubilet, Jane Goodall, Dereck & Beverly Joubert, Michael Novacek, Johan Reinhard, Rick C. West and Juris Zarins
ISBN: 9780792270683
Talking with artists. Conversations with Thomas B. Allen, Mary Jane Begin, Floyd Cooper, Julie Downing, Denise Fleming, Sheila Hamanaka, Kevin Henkes, William Joyce, Maira Kalman, Deborah Nourse Lattimore, Brian Pinkney, Vera B. Williams, and David Wisniewski/Volume Two.
ISBN: 9780689803109
Connections:
*Other books written by Pat Cummings:
Talking with adventurers. Conversations with Christina M. Allen, Robert Ballard, Michael L. Blakey, Ann Bowles, David Doubilet, Jane Goodall, Dereck & Beverly Joubert, Michael Novacek, Johan Reinhard, Rick C. West and Juris Zarins
ISBN: 9780792270683
Talking with artists. Conversations with Thomas B. Allen, Mary Jane Begin, Floyd Cooper, Julie Downing, Denise Fleming, Sheila Hamanaka, Kevin Henkes, William Joyce, Maira Kalman, Deborah Nourse Lattimore, Brian Pinkney, Vera B. Williams, and David Wisniewski/Volume Two.
ISBN: 9780689803109
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Welcome!!
Welcome to my Book Review Blog! The purpose of this blog is to fulfill the requirements of LS 5603. Join me on my quest to explore the fun, exciting world of children's literature!
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