Bibliography:
San Souci, Robert D. 1995. THE LITTLE SEVEN-COLORED HORSE. Ill. Jan Thompson Dicks. San Francisco: Chronicle Books. ISBN 978-0811804127
Plot Summary:
Set in 1700’s Mexico, a granjero finds his maiz ruined in the night. One by one, his three sons are charged with keeping watch. Only the youngest son, Jaunito, is able to stay awake through the night to discover a horse of many colors eating the corn. The painted horse promises to help him in his time of need if he should let him go. When Jaunito tells his father and brothers of the magical horse, they laugh. The older brothers eventually leave the farm looking for their fortune. Little brother sneaks away too, only to be tormented again and again by his brothers. Jaunito hears that Maria, the alcalde’s daughter’s hand will be won by the winner of contest. Jaunito competes, along with his brothers, and wins with the help of his colorful friend. His jealous brothers scheme to send him on many nearly impossible tasks. Finally, Jaunito is faster than they are and is able to rid himself of them and live happily with his new bride.
Critical Analysis:
The story is full of trickery and love and magic; unfortunately it lacks the energy and excitement to go with it. The story never seems to make it off the ground before it is over. The many challenges Jaunito is sent on should be full of danger and hardship, but sadly they drudge along instead of sweeping the reader into the drama. The story is missing a key ingrediant in writing-hook and the line.
The illustrations are not much better. The Mexican characters do not have Mexican characteristics and are poorly drawn. The horse, which should be beautiful, is more of a disappointment, and is never more than two colors.
The combination of an inadequate story and poor drawings leave the reader disappointed in the end.
Awards Won And Reviewed Excerpt(s):
Not an award winner
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL review: “A magnificent tale filled with treachery, romance, and magic.”
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY: “hobbled by inept illustrations and a low-energy text.”
Connections:
*The story can be used as part of a folktale unit.
*As many words are in Spanish, the story can be used as an introduction to the Spanish language and culture.
Other Spanish Folktale books:
Ada, Alma Flor and F. Isabel Campoy. TALES OUR ABUELITAS TOLD: A HISPANIC FOLKTALE COLLECTION. ISBN 978-0689825835
Philip, Neil. HORSE HOOVES AND CHICKEN FEET: MEXICAN FOLKTALES. ISBN 978-0618194636
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Traditional Literature: Schoolyard Rhymes
Bibliography:
Sierra, Judy. 2005. SCHOOLYARD RHYMES: KIDS' OWN RHYMES FOR ROPE-SKIPPING, HAND CLAPPING, BALL BOUNCING, AND JUST PLAIN FUN. Ill. Melissa Sweet. New York: Alfred A Knopf. ISBN 978-0375825163.
Plot Summary:
Schoolyard Rhymes is a compilation of nearly fifty rhymes chanted by children everywhere going back a hundred years or more. Includes popular favorites Cinderella, Dressed in yella and Teddy bear, teddy bear, turn around. Chants includes the gross-dead rats, big fat juicy worms, and burping; mentions the unspeakables-underwear and knickers; and of course the absurd-the alligator purse, the judge on his head, and the game of ball between the bedbugs and the cooties.
Critical Analysis:
This compilation will thrill children and adults alike. Children, boys and girls, will be enchanted with the wonderfully whimsical and weird rhymes. Adults will be thrown back into their own childhoods as they chant along with their youngsters. Judy Sierra has created an excellent collection of rhymes and chants from over the years.
Melissa Sweets illustrations are just as silly and strange as the rhymes. If one looks closely enough, the words appear as part of many of the illustrations themselves. Jumping rope is a common theme throughout as a banana, bears, and little boys and girls are all in on the action. The watercolors are vibrant with added definition in pencil. The illustrations appear as a collage, almost like pockets of a schoolyard.
Awards Won And Reviewed Excerpt(s):
Not an award winner.
BOOKLIST review: “A great choice for back-to-school displays.”
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL REVIEW: “…some of the funniest and most memorable schoolyard rhymes available…”
Connections:
*Students can compile their own version of SCHOOLYARD RHYMES and discuss how and why some rhymes have staying power while others are adapted or fizzle out completely.
*SCHOOLYARD RHYMES is a great book to use to get the blood flowing first thing in the morning or right after lunch.
*Other books of children’s favorite playground pastimes:
Dunn, Sorja and Mark Thurman. 1994. GIMME A BREAK, RATTLESNAKE!: SCHOOLYARD CHANTS AND OTHER NONSENSE. ISBN 978-0773756960
Cole, Joanna. 1989. ANNA BANANA: 101 JUMP ROPE RHYMES. ISBN 978-0688088095
Sierra, Judy. 2005. SCHOOLYARD RHYMES: KIDS' OWN RHYMES FOR ROPE-SKIPPING, HAND CLAPPING, BALL BOUNCING, AND JUST PLAIN FUN. Ill. Melissa Sweet. New York: Alfred A Knopf. ISBN 978-0375825163.
Plot Summary:
Schoolyard Rhymes is a compilation of nearly fifty rhymes chanted by children everywhere going back a hundred years or more. Includes popular favorites Cinderella, Dressed in yella and Teddy bear, teddy bear, turn around. Chants includes the gross-dead rats, big fat juicy worms, and burping; mentions the unspeakables-underwear and knickers; and of course the absurd-the alligator purse, the judge on his head, and the game of ball between the bedbugs and the cooties.
Critical Analysis:
This compilation will thrill children and adults alike. Children, boys and girls, will be enchanted with the wonderfully whimsical and weird rhymes. Adults will be thrown back into their own childhoods as they chant along with their youngsters. Judy Sierra has created an excellent collection of rhymes and chants from over the years.
Melissa Sweets illustrations are just as silly and strange as the rhymes. If one looks closely enough, the words appear as part of many of the illustrations themselves. Jumping rope is a common theme throughout as a banana, bears, and little boys and girls are all in on the action. The watercolors are vibrant with added definition in pencil. The illustrations appear as a collage, almost like pockets of a schoolyard.
Awards Won And Reviewed Excerpt(s):
Not an award winner.
BOOKLIST review: “A great choice for back-to-school displays.”
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL REVIEW: “…some of the funniest and most memorable schoolyard rhymes available…”
Connections:
*Students can compile their own version of SCHOOLYARD RHYMES and discuss how and why some rhymes have staying power while others are adapted or fizzle out completely.
*SCHOOLYARD RHYMES is a great book to use to get the blood flowing first thing in the morning or right after lunch.
*Other books of children’s favorite playground pastimes:
Dunn, Sorja and Mark Thurman. 1994. GIMME A BREAK, RATTLESNAKE!: SCHOOLYARD CHANTS AND OTHER NONSENSE. ISBN 978-0773756960
Cole, Joanna. 1989. ANNA BANANA: 101 JUMP ROPE RHYMES. ISBN 978-0688088095
Traditional Literature: Chickerella
Bibliography: Auch, Mary Jane and Herm Auch. 2005. CHICKERELLA. New York: Holiday House. ISBN 978-0823420155.
Plot Summary:
Chickerella’s chickhood is torn apart when her mother dies and her father brings a new hen to the coop. The stepmother sends father off on a wild goose chase so that she can banish Chickerella to the springhouse and force her to cook, clean, and make beautiful dresses for her daughters, Ovumelda and Cholestera. With little to eat and drink, Chickerella is forced to drink the water springing up from the floor causing her eggs to become pure glass. News of the prince looking for a wife spreads fast. Chickerella must dress her stepsisters, but is not allowed to go herself. Her Fairy Goosemother shows just in time. Chickerella attends the ball, but as the clock strikes twelve, she flees leaving behind only a glass egg. When the prince finds her, they start a fashion line with the Fairy Goosemother.
Plot Summary:
Chickerella’s chickhood is torn apart when her mother dies and her father brings a new hen to the coop. The stepmother sends father off on a wild goose chase so that she can banish Chickerella to the springhouse and force her to cook, clean, and make beautiful dresses for her daughters, Ovumelda and Cholestera. With little to eat and drink, Chickerella is forced to drink the water springing up from the floor causing her eggs to become pure glass. News of the prince looking for a wife spreads fast. Chickerella must dress her stepsisters, but is not allowed to go herself. Her Fairy Goosemother shows just in time. Chickerella attends the ball, but as the clock strikes twelve, she flees leaving behind only a glass egg. When the prince finds her, they start a fashion line with the Fairy Goosemother.
Critical Analysis
This humorous fractured fairytale is told with lots of puns and new lessons. The story follows the basic storyline of the traditional story, but with a twist. First, the Fairy Goosemother is not the “let me fix everything for you” type, but instead tells Chickerella, “Don’t wait for someone else to fix things dearie. You take charge.” And instead of marrying her prince and living happily ever after, Chickerella creates a new business with her prince using her talents as a seamstress. This new twist will delight children and meet with parents modern tastes.
The art work is different; fitting to the twisted version of the story. The authors worked together crafting the characters and scenes, taking photographs, and manipulating the files on the computer. The attention paid to the details is apparent in each scene. The fashions and accessories used to dress these characters are fascinating. The shoes alone make these pictures an “eggstravaganza” worth viewing.”
Awards Won And Reviewed Excerpt(s):
Not an award winner.
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL review: “…punchy story line.”
BOOKLIST review: “…worth the price of admission.”
BEST CHILDREN’S BOOKS review: “…unique in a number of ways...all of them welcome.”
Connections:
*Chickerella can be used in a lesson comparing variations of Cinderella stories.
*Can be used in discussion on different mediums of art and author/illustrator’s style.
Other books with chickens as the characters and books by the author team:
Himmelman, John. CHICKENS TO THE RESCUE ISBN. 978-0805079517
Helakoski, Leslie. BIG CHICKENS. ISBN 978-0142410578
Auch, Mary Jane and Herm Auch. THE PLOT CHICKENS. ISBN 978-0823420872
Auch, Mary Jane and Herm Auch. SOUPERCHICKEN. ISBN 978-0823418299
This humorous fractured fairytale is told with lots of puns and new lessons. The story follows the basic storyline of the traditional story, but with a twist. First, the Fairy Goosemother is not the “let me fix everything for you” type, but instead tells Chickerella, “Don’t wait for someone else to fix things dearie. You take charge.” And instead of marrying her prince and living happily ever after, Chickerella creates a new business with her prince using her talents as a seamstress. This new twist will delight children and meet with parents modern tastes.
The art work is different; fitting to the twisted version of the story. The authors worked together crafting the characters and scenes, taking photographs, and manipulating the files on the computer. The attention paid to the details is apparent in each scene. The fashions and accessories used to dress these characters are fascinating. The shoes alone make these pictures an “eggstravaganza” worth viewing.”
Awards Won And Reviewed Excerpt(s):
Not an award winner.
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL review: “…punchy story line.”
BOOKLIST review: “…worth the price of admission.”
BEST CHILDREN’S BOOKS review: “…unique in a number of ways...all of them welcome.”
Connections:
*Chickerella can be used in a lesson comparing variations of Cinderella stories.
*Can be used in discussion on different mediums of art and author/illustrator’s style.
Other books with chickens as the characters and books by the author team:
Himmelman, John. CHICKENS TO THE RESCUE ISBN. 978-0805079517
Helakoski, Leslie. BIG CHICKENS. ISBN 978-0142410578
Auch, Mary Jane and Herm Auch. THE PLOT CHICKENS. ISBN 978-0823420872
Auch, Mary Jane and Herm Auch. SOUPERCHICKEN. ISBN 978-0823418299
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Picture Books: The Hello, Goodbye Window
Bibliography:
Juster, Norton. 2005. THE HELLO, GOODBYE WINDOW. Ill. By Chris Raschka. New York City: Michael Di Capua Books. ISBN 0786809140.
Plot Summary:
For the narrator of this story, a little girl, the kitchen window at her Nanna and Poppy’s house is a magical opening. She tells of all of her favorite things to do at her grandparents’ house while her parents are out for the night, from coloring to counting stars to cooking and more. The “Hello, Goodbye” window becomes a special memory for this little girl.
Critical Analysis:
Norton Juster tells a story with great energy and vibrancy. One can almost imagine a little girl excitedly telling her story of the magic window and the fantastic adventures she has with her grandparents.
Chris Raschka has been praised for his drawings (“this is the art of a masterful hand” by School Library Journal). In this double-page spread, the colors are bright and alive; however the drawings themselves seem to be a bit too abstract for a young child. The bright colors amplify the mood of the tale but the art itself is almost distracting as the reader must study the images to understand their intent rather than enjoy the entire package.
Awards Won And Reviewed Excerpt(s):
2006 Caldecott Medal
2006 ALA Notable Children's Book
2005 Best Children’s Book Awards- Child Magazine
Starred review in BOOKLIST: “…Juster's honest portrayal of a child's perceptions… and emotions…”
Starred review in SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “Perfect for lap-sharing, this book will find favor with children and adults alike.”
Connections:
*This book can be used as a lead in for students to write about a personal relationship of their own and the special memories they have made.
*Other books illustrated by Chris Raschka (YO! YES?, FOOT IN THE MOUTH, THE PURPLE BALLOON) can be shared as students discuss his artistic style.
*Other books about grandchild-grandparent relationship:
Ackerman, Karen. SONG AND DANCE MAN. ISBN 0394893301
England, Kathryn. GRANDFATHER'S WRINKLES. ISBN 0972922598
Juster, Norton. 2005. THE HELLO, GOODBYE WINDOW. Ill. By Chris Raschka. New York City: Michael Di Capua Books. ISBN 0786809140.
Plot Summary:
For the narrator of this story, a little girl, the kitchen window at her Nanna and Poppy’s house is a magical opening. She tells of all of her favorite things to do at her grandparents’ house while her parents are out for the night, from coloring to counting stars to cooking and more. The “Hello, Goodbye” window becomes a special memory for this little girl.
Critical Analysis:
Norton Juster tells a story with great energy and vibrancy. One can almost imagine a little girl excitedly telling her story of the magic window and the fantastic adventures she has with her grandparents.
Chris Raschka has been praised for his drawings (“this is the art of a masterful hand” by School Library Journal). In this double-page spread, the colors are bright and alive; however the drawings themselves seem to be a bit too abstract for a young child. The bright colors amplify the mood of the tale but the art itself is almost distracting as the reader must study the images to understand their intent rather than enjoy the entire package.
Awards Won And Reviewed Excerpt(s):
2006 Caldecott Medal
2006 ALA Notable Children's Book
2005 Best Children’s Book Awards- Child Magazine
Starred review in BOOKLIST: “…Juster's honest portrayal of a child's perceptions… and emotions…”
Starred review in SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “Perfect for lap-sharing, this book will find favor with children and adults alike.”
Connections:
*This book can be used as a lead in for students to write about a personal relationship of their own and the special memories they have made.
*Other books illustrated by Chris Raschka (YO! YES?, FOOT IN THE MOUTH, THE PURPLE BALLOON) can be shared as students discuss his artistic style.
*Other books about grandchild-grandparent relationship:
Ackerman, Karen. SONG AND DANCE MAN. ISBN 0394893301
England, Kathryn. GRANDFATHER'S WRINKLES. ISBN 0972922598
Picture Books: Leonardo the Terrible Monster
Bibliography:
Willems, Mo. 2005. LEONARDO THE TERRIBLE MONSTER. New York, NY: Hyperion Books for Children. ISBN 978-0786852949
Plot Summary:
Leonardo is a monster with a serious problem: he is not good at scaring anyone. Leonard tries everything he knows, but he doesn’t have any special features like Tony who has “1642 teeth” or big Eleanor. Leonardo knows he isn’t cutting it as a monster, so he decides to do some research to find the “most scaredy-cat kid” out there. He finally finds his perfect prey in Sam and gives it everything he has; to no avail. Leonardo decides that maybe he can be a great friend instead, who can also surprise Sam periodically with a good “Boo!”
Critical Analysis:
Leonardo comes to a fork in the road: continue being a “terrible monster” or become a “wonderful friend.” There are many life lessons for children to take away from this story, including that if something is not working for you do something different. This “big” lesson is taught in a simply told story with great humor. It will bring a smile to every readers face, as Willems says himself, “For audiences as young as 3 and as old as 36.”
Mo Willems does it again with his simple drawings that somehow bring the reader into the story. The oversized book compared to the smallness of Leonardo and Sam is an interesting contrast emphasizing Leonardo’s inadequacies until he “makes a very BIG decision” and Leonardo suddenly fills both pages. The font is not a favorite, but the changing colors highlight the big ideas on each page. The sudden change in font and amount of words on the page provide the reader with a secondary visual imitating the tirade of a young boy. Mo Willems does not disappoint.
Awards Won And Reviewed Excerpt(s):
American Library Assocation (ALA) Notable Book
Starred review from SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “…will have youngsters laughing,… will have grown-ups chuckling, too.”
Review from BOOKLIST: “…a simple message-driven story, elevated by a smart, striking design.”
Connections:
*Students can discuss/write about a time when something was not quite working for them and how they worked through the problem.
*Discussion about the characteristics of a good friend.
*Other books on friendship:
Raschka, Chris. 2007. YO! YES?. New York, NY: Scholastic Inc. ISBN 978-0439921855
Rathmann, Peggy. 1995. OFFICER BUCKLE AND GLORIA. New York, NY: Putnam Juvenile. ISBN 978-0399226168.
Willems, Mo. 2005. LEONARDO THE TERRIBLE MONSTER. New York, NY: Hyperion Books for Children. ISBN 978-0786852949
Plot Summary:
Leonardo is a monster with a serious problem: he is not good at scaring anyone. Leonard tries everything he knows, but he doesn’t have any special features like Tony who has “1642 teeth” or big Eleanor. Leonardo knows he isn’t cutting it as a monster, so he decides to do some research to find the “most scaredy-cat kid” out there. He finally finds his perfect prey in Sam and gives it everything he has; to no avail. Leonardo decides that maybe he can be a great friend instead, who can also surprise Sam periodically with a good “Boo!”
Critical Analysis:
Leonardo comes to a fork in the road: continue being a “terrible monster” or become a “wonderful friend.” There are many life lessons for children to take away from this story, including that if something is not working for you do something different. This “big” lesson is taught in a simply told story with great humor. It will bring a smile to every readers face, as Willems says himself, “For audiences as young as 3 and as old as 36.”
Mo Willems does it again with his simple drawings that somehow bring the reader into the story. The oversized book compared to the smallness of Leonardo and Sam is an interesting contrast emphasizing Leonardo’s inadequacies until he “makes a very BIG decision” and Leonardo suddenly fills both pages. The font is not a favorite, but the changing colors highlight the big ideas on each page. The sudden change in font and amount of words on the page provide the reader with a secondary visual imitating the tirade of a young boy. Mo Willems does not disappoint.
Awards Won And Reviewed Excerpt(s):
American Library Assocation (ALA) Notable Book
Starred review from SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “…will have youngsters laughing,… will have grown-ups chuckling, too.”
Review from BOOKLIST: “…a simple message-driven story, elevated by a smart, striking design.”
Connections:
*Students can discuss/write about a time when something was not quite working for them and how they worked through the problem.
*Discussion about the characteristics of a good friend.
*Other books on friendship:
Raschka, Chris. 2007. YO! YES?. New York, NY: Scholastic Inc. ISBN 978-0439921855
Rathmann, Peggy. 1995. OFFICER BUCKLE AND GLORIA. New York, NY: Putnam Juvenile. ISBN 978-0399226168.
Picture Books: Pass it Down: Five Picture-Book Families Make Their Mark
Bibliography:
Marcus, Leonard S. 2007. PASS IT DOWN. New York: Walker & Company. ISBN 978-08027-9601-1
Plot Summary:
PASS IT DOWN is a biography of five famous families of children’s picture book illustrators. The highlighted families are Donald Crews, Ann Jonas, and Nina Crews; Clement and Edith Thatcher Hurd and Thatcher Hurd; Walter Dean Meyers and Christopher Myers; Jerry Pinckney and Brian Pinkney, and Harlow and Anne Rockwell and Lizzy Rockwell. Each section includes the narratives of how both the parent(s) and the child came to be illustrators. Each story is unique, as is the relationship between the child and his or her parents.
Each family’s story is accentuated with quotes from the illustrators themselves, letters from their editors, sketches, drawings, paintings, and more. The personal photographs let the reader put a face to the story.
Critical Analysis:
The language in PASS IT DOWN is not flowery or verbose, but is simple and easily comprehended. As a reference book for children, it will captivate rather than lose the reader. Marcus did a fantastic job of weaving the story of the parent and child together yet at the same time showcasing the child’s individuality; an especially vital element for in young adults’ lives. The stories are interesting and the visuals are perfect. Just enough to keep the young ones reading.
For anyone interested in learning more about how an illustrator came to be, this book does the subjects justice.
Awards Won And Reviewed Excerpt(s):
Starred review in KIRKUS REVIEWS: “Fascinating…”
Review in SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “Marcus's writing is, as usual, tight but lively…”
Review in BOOKLIST: “…throws an intriguing light on growing up within a successful family…”
Connections:
*Lead a discussion on career choices and how their parents may or may not influence their choice.
* Great book for an author or illustrator study.
*Other biographies of children’s authors and writers:
Aldana, Patricia. 2004. UNDER THE SPELL OF THE MOON: ART FOR CHILDREN FROM THE WORLD'S GREAT ILLUSTRATORS. Toronto: Groundwood Books. ISBN 978-0888995599.
McElmeel, Sharron L. 1999. 100 MOST POPULAR CHILDREN'S AUTHORS: BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES AND BIBLIOGRAPHIES. Santa Barbara, CA: Libraries Unlimited. ISBN 978-1563086465
Marcus, Leonard S. 2007. PASS IT DOWN. New York: Walker & Company. ISBN 978-08027-9601-1
Plot Summary:
PASS IT DOWN is a biography of five famous families of children’s picture book illustrators. The highlighted families are Donald Crews, Ann Jonas, and Nina Crews; Clement and Edith Thatcher Hurd and Thatcher Hurd; Walter Dean Meyers and Christopher Myers; Jerry Pinckney and Brian Pinkney, and Harlow and Anne Rockwell and Lizzy Rockwell. Each section includes the narratives of how both the parent(s) and the child came to be illustrators. Each story is unique, as is the relationship between the child and his or her parents.
Each family’s story is accentuated with quotes from the illustrators themselves, letters from their editors, sketches, drawings, paintings, and more. The personal photographs let the reader put a face to the story.
Critical Analysis:
The language in PASS IT DOWN is not flowery or verbose, but is simple and easily comprehended. As a reference book for children, it will captivate rather than lose the reader. Marcus did a fantastic job of weaving the story of the parent and child together yet at the same time showcasing the child’s individuality; an especially vital element for in young adults’ lives. The stories are interesting and the visuals are perfect. Just enough to keep the young ones reading.
For anyone interested in learning more about how an illustrator came to be, this book does the subjects justice.
Awards Won And Reviewed Excerpt(s):
Starred review in KIRKUS REVIEWS: “Fascinating…”
Review in SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “Marcus's writing is, as usual, tight but lively…”
Review in BOOKLIST: “…throws an intriguing light on growing up within a successful family…”
Connections:
*Lead a discussion on career choices and how their parents may or may not influence their choice.
* Great book for an author or illustrator study.
*Other biographies of children’s authors and writers:
Aldana, Patricia. 2004. UNDER THE SPELL OF THE MOON: ART FOR CHILDREN FROM THE WORLD'S GREAT ILLUSTRATORS. Toronto: Groundwood Books. ISBN 978-0888995599.
McElmeel, Sharron L. 1999. 100 MOST POPULAR CHILDREN'S AUTHORS: BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES AND BIBLIOGRAPHIES. Santa Barbara, CA: Libraries Unlimited. ISBN 978-1563086465
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