1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Unknown author. 2006 (Release Date of eBook). THE HISTORY OF THE THREE LITTLE PIGS. Ill. L.Leslie Brooke. Project Gutenberg. eBook # 18155
2. PLOT SUMMARY
In a far more intricate plot than most standard versions of the story of the three little pigs, this timeless tale redistributed by Project Gutenberg delves far more deeply into the benefits of being wise and hardworking. The first little Pig, in his house made of straw, is quickly consumed by the scheming Wolf. The second little Pig, in his house made of furze, also meets the same sad fate, and within only the first few pages. It is the tale of the third Pig, the wise and industrious third Pig, that fills the remainder of the pages. Whether foiling the Wolf with his house of brick, leaving earlier than the Wolf for the turnip patch that might have trapped most others, or outsmarting the lupine creature when the Wolf finds him up a tree, the third Pig is always victorious. In the end the Pig wins the final test of wits when the angered Wolf decides to climb down the chimney after the succulent little pork morsel. In a far more frightening end to the tale than many others the Wolf ends up falling into the open pot the Pig has placed in his fire. “And the little Pig put on the cover again in an instance, boiled him up, and ate him for supper, and lived happy ever after.”
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
The intensity of the story as it follows the third Pig through his trials with the Wolf makes for excellent reading. A classic Trickster Tale, the third Pig’s deceptions outsmart the hungry Wolf time and again. After being trapped up the apple tree and convincing the Wolf that the Pig would give him an apple, “the little Pig said; ‘I will throw you down one.’ And he threw it so far that, while the Wolf was gone to pick it up, the little Pig jumped down and ran home.”
The language is somewhat more traditional than modern children’s books or traditional tales tend to use. “’Ready!’ said the little Pig, ‘I have been and come back again, and got a nice pot-full for dinner.” This does not detract from the enjoyableness of the story however.
L. Leslie Brooke’s illustrations, in both black and white and full color, are interspersed throughout the book and bring the characters to life. Reminiscent of the realistic, yet anthropomorphized, animals of Beatrix Potter, Brooke’s Pigs and Wolf are lifelike, with wrinkles, fur, fine ears and squiggly tales. They also, though, offer very natural smiles, grimaces and gestures that articulate their human-like qualities.
Readers should be aware that three of the four characters in this version of the story die in rather gruesome fashion. Along with the traditional tales of the Brothers Grimm, parents and teachers should make educated decisions regarding when and how to use this specific telling of the classic story.
4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
Additional reviews for this specific book have not been forthcoming due to its age. While reviews of other Three Little Pigs stories abound, specific ones for this version are not.
5. CONNECTIONS
*A Trickster Tales Festival with each student reading aloud and dressing as their favorite characters from a Trickster Tale book would be a wonderful way to introduce multiple Trickster Tales.
*A visit by a petting zoo to the school along with correctly-leveled non-fiction books on pigs would give students a better understanding of these amazing animals and their intellect.
*Other books for children with Trickster heroes or heroines:
Aardema, Verna. ANASAZI FINDS A FOOL. ISBN 0803711646
Blundell, Tony. BEWARE OF BOYS. ISBN 0688109241
Monday, February 20, 2012
Dust Devil - Book Review - TWU 5603 Spring 2012
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Isaacs, Anne. 2010. DUST DEVIL. Ill. by Paul O. Zelinsky. New York: Schwartz Wade Books. ISBN 9780375982699 (eBook)
2. PLOT SUMMARY
This TALL Montana tale of how Angel tamed the stormy steed she calls Dust Devil is a treat for readers of all ages. Extending on the success of their previous Caldecott Honor Book that introduced the world to “Swamp Angel”, Isaacs and Zelinsky return with a fantastical tale in a western setting with all the makings of legend. When Angel relocates from Tennessee to the wide open spaces of Montana she begins by making, “a few adjustments.” She moves mountains to make buttes which provide her shade, she plants corn which grows in a day, rides storms into submission and, on her mighty mount Dust Devil, chase Backward Bart and his Flying Desperados all around and finally jail them for good. Their nasty mosquito mounts go on to change the Montana landscape and lead to more adventures, “but that’s another story.”
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Excellent for both reading to oneself and reading aloud to a rapt audience, Dust Devil, paints pictures with words that are only enhanced by Zelinsky’s images. Reminiscent of the wonderful Walt Disney cartoon tall tales, the story evolves to explain many of the great natural wonders of the state of Montana. “So Angel grabbed an armful and planted mountains one by one on the prairie. ‘That’s a beaut,’ she’d say proudly every time she set one down. And to this day, every stand-alone peak in Montana is called a butte.” The humorous writing, with the detail and flavor that makes the story come to life, will keep readers coming back for more stories of Angel. Most likely her legend will grow like that of Pecos Bill.
The humor of the story is coupled with the larger than life representations through Zelinsky’s illustrations. The oil paintings on wood veneers are vibrant and colorful with clean lines and a significant amount of detail. When Backwards Bart rides atop his wily mosquito, the weight of his large frame can be seen to bear down on the bug. The clean lines of Dust Devil’s strong hooves seem to embed into the door of the jail as he bends down the sharp, drilling noses of the mosquitos. The illustrations are a most necessary and fantastic element of the book.
One element of the book that may be a significant challenge for early readers is the dialog of Backwards Bart and his gang. While the backwards language is engaging and fun to work through, almost like a puzzle or game embedded in the story, this may make reading difficult for some younger readers. This would be a great element to be read aloud and puzzled through with young listeners together.
4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
Review in KIRKUS REVIEWS: “Singsongy, colloquial narration guides readers from predicament to outlandish predicament with humor and folksy charm. Angel’s antics, pictured in oval and rectangular panels and surrounded by rippling wood grains, neatly explain the topography of the West in traditional folk-story fashion (wrestling the bucking bronco, Angel’s feet drag across the ground, creating the Grand Canyon).”
Review in THE NEW YORK TIMES: “In the end, of course, the heroine saves the day through bravery, pluck and a clever ploy. In all the scuffling, Angel creates the Sawtooth Range and the geysers of Yellowstone, a couple of Montana-size instances of what an economist might call unintended consequences.”
5. CONNECTIONS
*A story circle where each student researches and presents one other tall tale explaining the West can lead to comparisons and contrasts with folktales from other cultures that explain natural phenomenon. Suitable for older students.
*Children can create a puppet show representing the characters in Dust Devil, and then design a with the characters that explains another phenomenon of the West.
Schanzer, Rosalyn. DAVY CROCKETT SAVES THE WORLD. ISBN 0688169229
Bania, Michael. KUMAK’S FISH: A TALL TALE FROM THE NORTH. ISBN 0882405837
Isaacs, Anne. 2010. DUST DEVIL. Ill. by Paul O. Zelinsky. New York: Schwartz Wade Books. ISBN 9780375982699 (eBook)
2. PLOT SUMMARY
This TALL Montana tale of how Angel tamed the stormy steed she calls Dust Devil is a treat for readers of all ages. Extending on the success of their previous Caldecott Honor Book that introduced the world to “Swamp Angel”, Isaacs and Zelinsky return with a fantastical tale in a western setting with all the makings of legend. When Angel relocates from Tennessee to the wide open spaces of Montana she begins by making, “a few adjustments.” She moves mountains to make buttes which provide her shade, she plants corn which grows in a day, rides storms into submission and, on her mighty mount Dust Devil, chase Backward Bart and his Flying Desperados all around and finally jail them for good. Their nasty mosquito mounts go on to change the Montana landscape and lead to more adventures, “but that’s another story.”
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Excellent for both reading to oneself and reading aloud to a rapt audience, Dust Devil, paints pictures with words that are only enhanced by Zelinsky’s images. Reminiscent of the wonderful Walt Disney cartoon tall tales, the story evolves to explain many of the great natural wonders of the state of Montana. “So Angel grabbed an armful and planted mountains one by one on the prairie. ‘That’s a beaut,’ she’d say proudly every time she set one down. And to this day, every stand-alone peak in Montana is called a butte.” The humorous writing, with the detail and flavor that makes the story come to life, will keep readers coming back for more stories of Angel. Most likely her legend will grow like that of Pecos Bill.
The humor of the story is coupled with the larger than life representations through Zelinsky’s illustrations. The oil paintings on wood veneers are vibrant and colorful with clean lines and a significant amount of detail. When Backwards Bart rides atop his wily mosquito, the weight of his large frame can be seen to bear down on the bug. The clean lines of Dust Devil’s strong hooves seem to embed into the door of the jail as he bends down the sharp, drilling noses of the mosquitos. The illustrations are a most necessary and fantastic element of the book.
One element of the book that may be a significant challenge for early readers is the dialog of Backwards Bart and his gang. While the backwards language is engaging and fun to work through, almost like a puzzle or game embedded in the story, this may make reading difficult for some younger readers. This would be a great element to be read aloud and puzzled through with young listeners together.
4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
Review in KIRKUS REVIEWS: “Singsongy, colloquial narration guides readers from predicament to outlandish predicament with humor and folksy charm. Angel’s antics, pictured in oval and rectangular panels and surrounded by rippling wood grains, neatly explain the topography of the West in traditional folk-story fashion (wrestling the bucking bronco, Angel’s feet drag across the ground, creating the Grand Canyon).”
Review in THE NEW YORK TIMES: “In the end, of course, the heroine saves the day through bravery, pluck and a clever ploy. In all the scuffling, Angel creates the Sawtooth Range and the geysers of Yellowstone, a couple of Montana-size instances of what an economist might call unintended consequences.”
5. CONNECTIONS
*A story circle where each student researches and presents one other tall tale explaining the West can lead to comparisons and contrasts with folktales from other cultures that explain natural phenomenon. Suitable for older students.
*Children can create a puppet show representing the characters in Dust Devil, and then design a with the characters that explains another phenomenon of the West.
Schanzer, Rosalyn. DAVY CROCKETT SAVES THE WORLD. ISBN 0688169229
Bania, Michael. KUMAK’S FISH: A TALL TALE FROM THE NORTH. ISBN 0882405837
Beautiful Blackbird - Book Review - TWU 5603 Spring 2012
Due to my being located in China I am forced to choose books which I am able to find either in my school library or in eBook format for either iPad or Kindle. I was able to find Beautiful Blackbird and purchased it for the iPad at the start of our course. It was not until reading the chapter assigned for this module that I saw the extensive book study done on Beautiful Blackbird. As this was already the book I had purchased I chose to review it anyway, though I know that it is covered in a significant amount of detail in the text.
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Bryan, Ashley. 2003. BEAUTIFUL BLACKBIRD. New York: Atheneum Books. ISBN 1442436862 (eBook)
2. PLOT SUMMARY
In this beautifully retold Zambian folktale, the birds of Africa in all their solid colors envy and celebrate the beauty of Blackbird. Through the story the characteristics Blackbird embodies, from his joyful nature to his feathers which, “gleam all colors in the sun”, are celebrated by the other birds. Through the “Beak and Wing Dance” the other birds chant the beauty of black. As the birds continue their dance, Ringdove, in is solid grayness, seeks out Blackbird to share his black coloration and add to Ringdove’s beauty. While reminding the other birds that, “Color on the outside is not what’s on the inside”, he shares his black color from the blackening brew he mixes in his gourd. Over days and nights of dances and celebrations the birds, down even to the small birds, get their own touch of black to add to their unique beauty. In the end, however, they each are uniquely themselves, for none of them can ever be Blackbird.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
The joy of Ashley’ Bryan’s Beautiful Blackbird lies in the rhythm of the language and the simple truth that uniqueness and identity are not based on what one looks like, but on who they are. In this Beast tale of the Ila-speaking culture Bryan expertly holds to the oral-tradition style with lines that beg to be spoken in groups in a sing-song manner.
“Oh Blackbird, can we have some of that blackening too?
We all need what your black can do.
You're such an artist with your feather brush,
a touch of your black will be good for us.”
A true joy to read aloud, children will be mesmerized by the pattern of the language as well as the “moral” of the story, which stresses that one will never be exactly like another even if you strive to mimic their appearance. True identity comes from within. As Blackbird notes, “We’ll see the difference a touch of black can make. Just remember, whatever I do, I’ll be me and you’ll be you.” The telling of the story and its identified protagonists and animal creatures all ring true for the African culture from which Bryan derived this tale. The genuineness will also serve readers well.
In addition to the oral-tradition style of the story as well as the support for unique identity, one of the most startling parts of the book are the beautiful images derived from cut-paper collages that Bryan imbues the book with. Their simple, yet magical presence again calls back to the patterns and colors of the art of many African cultures. The entire book in all its facets is one to be enjoyed and shared out loud for the joy it will bring to listeners.
4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
Coretta Scott King Award (ALA) ,
Texas 2x2 Reading List
Review in KIRKUS REVIEWS: This telling, by the master storyteller, just aches to be read aloud; the lively rhythms keep the simple folktale rollicking along. The cut-paper collage illustrations are full of color, but it’s of blandly similar intensity until Blackbird arrives with his blackening brew.
Review in SIMON AND SCHUSTER: “Ashley Bryan's adaptation of a tale from the Ila-speaking people of Zambia resonates both with rhythm and the tale's universal meanings -- appreciating one's heritage and discovering the beauty within.”
5. CONNECTIONS
*using this story to inform a performance in collaboration with the theater or drama teacher would give students of any age the opportunity to bring the tale to life. This would also be a good chance for a high school student to take on the role of student-director and work on their stagecraft while presenting a performance that young children would engage with easily.
*Other tales from African traditions could be collected and compared and contrasted. Students could be given the opportunity to re-illustrate their favorites in the paper cut-out collage fashion.
*Other books for children from Ashley Bryan:
Bryan, Ashley. LET IT SHINE. ISBN 9780689847325
Bryan, Ashley. ALL DAY AND ALL NIGHT. ISBN 9781416989394 (Note* This is a songbook)
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Bryan, Ashley. 2003. BEAUTIFUL BLACKBIRD. New York: Atheneum Books. ISBN 1442436862 (eBook)
2. PLOT SUMMARY
In this beautifully retold Zambian folktale, the birds of Africa in all their solid colors envy and celebrate the beauty of Blackbird. Through the story the characteristics Blackbird embodies, from his joyful nature to his feathers which, “gleam all colors in the sun”, are celebrated by the other birds. Through the “Beak and Wing Dance” the other birds chant the beauty of black. As the birds continue their dance, Ringdove, in is solid grayness, seeks out Blackbird to share his black coloration and add to Ringdove’s beauty. While reminding the other birds that, “Color on the outside is not what’s on the inside”, he shares his black color from the blackening brew he mixes in his gourd. Over days and nights of dances and celebrations the birds, down even to the small birds, get their own touch of black to add to their unique beauty. In the end, however, they each are uniquely themselves, for none of them can ever be Blackbird.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
The joy of Ashley’ Bryan’s Beautiful Blackbird lies in the rhythm of the language and the simple truth that uniqueness and identity are not based on what one looks like, but on who they are. In this Beast tale of the Ila-speaking culture Bryan expertly holds to the oral-tradition style with lines that beg to be spoken in groups in a sing-song manner.
“Oh Blackbird, can we have some of that blackening too?
We all need what your black can do.
You're such an artist with your feather brush,
a touch of your black will be good for us.”
A true joy to read aloud, children will be mesmerized by the pattern of the language as well as the “moral” of the story, which stresses that one will never be exactly like another even if you strive to mimic their appearance. True identity comes from within. As Blackbird notes, “We’ll see the difference a touch of black can make. Just remember, whatever I do, I’ll be me and you’ll be you.” The telling of the story and its identified protagonists and animal creatures all ring true for the African culture from which Bryan derived this tale. The genuineness will also serve readers well.
In addition to the oral-tradition style of the story as well as the support for unique identity, one of the most startling parts of the book are the beautiful images derived from cut-paper collages that Bryan imbues the book with. Their simple, yet magical presence again calls back to the patterns and colors of the art of many African cultures. The entire book in all its facets is one to be enjoyed and shared out loud for the joy it will bring to listeners.
4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
Coretta Scott King Award (ALA) ,
Texas 2x2 Reading List
Review in KIRKUS REVIEWS: This telling, by the master storyteller, just aches to be read aloud; the lively rhythms keep the simple folktale rollicking along. The cut-paper collage illustrations are full of color, but it’s of blandly similar intensity until Blackbird arrives with his blackening brew.
Review in SIMON AND SCHUSTER: “Ashley Bryan's adaptation of a tale from the Ila-speaking people of Zambia resonates both with rhythm and the tale's universal meanings -- appreciating one's heritage and discovering the beauty within.”
5. CONNECTIONS
*using this story to inform a performance in collaboration with the theater or drama teacher would give students of any age the opportunity to bring the tale to life. This would also be a good chance for a high school student to take on the role of student-director and work on their stagecraft while presenting a performance that young children would engage with easily.
*Other tales from African traditions could be collected and compared and contrasted. Students could be given the opportunity to re-illustrate their favorites in the paper cut-out collage fashion.
*Other books for children from Ashley Bryan:
Bryan, Ashley. LET IT SHINE. ISBN 9780689847325
Bryan, Ashley. ALL DAY AND ALL NIGHT. ISBN 9781416989394 (Note* This is a songbook)
Monday, February 6, 2012
The Tale of Peter Rabbit: A Read & Listen Picture Book - Book Review - Genre 1 - TWU LS5603-20
Due to my living in China this book was purchased through iBooks and viewed on an iPad. It is a standard picture book with accompanying narration that may be turned onn or off. Mention of variations between the print and digital editions of the text are noted.
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Potter, Beatrix. 2005. THE TALE OF PETER RABBIT (A READ AND LISTEN PICTURE BOOK). Project Gutenberg eBook EBook # 14838. Original copy produced by Robert Cicconetti, Ronald Holder and the PG Online Distributed Proofreading Team (http://www.pgdg.net).
2. PLOT SUMMARY
A wonderful, timeless story is what Beatrix Potter wove when she wrote The Tale of Peter Rabbit. Having heard variations on the story I could not recall having read it for myself. I thoroughly enjoyed the sweet, straightforward storyline, and the meetings with the various animals that lived in Mr. McGregor’s garden. The moral of the story is not overhanded or overt, but smoothly interwoven into the consequences of Peter’s actions. There is no denying the reason this book is an ageless classic is because the storyline is so engaging and easily connects to readers young and old.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This book is considered the “perfect” picture storybook for good reason. The tale is woven effortlessly and brings the readers through every twist and turn of Peter’s naughty romp in Mr. McGregor’s garden, with all of the joy, sadness, fright and relief that it contains. The illustrations, too are so quietly beautiful in detail ans nuance, and so perfectly paired with the story that it is the measure to which all other picture storybooks must measure themselves.
I thoroughly enjoyed seeing this classic in a new light through the Read and Listen Picturebook format supported by Project Gutenberg. The original illustrations and text were paired with a wonderful narration that was well performed and would draw children in. The original 1902 text and images were preserved and are now shared in an entirely new format that makes use of the best that digital technologies have to offer for keeping children engaged in reading.
4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
Review in Kids Book Review.com: “With Beatrix Potter’s beautiful fluid text, timeless illustrations and mischievous hero – this book is as charming as ever. I still love you, Peter!”
Review in Amazon.com: “Beatrix Potter's animal stories have been a joy to generations of young readers. Her warm, playful illustrations in soft colors invite children into the world of words and flights of fancy. Once there, she gently and humorously guides readers along the path of righteousness, leaving just enough room for children to wonder if that incorrigible Peter will be back in McGregor's garden tomorrow.”
5. CONNECTIONS
*This book can lead to a wonderful opportunity for children to engage in analysis and comparison and contrast at an early age when multiple versions and editions of this tale are brought together in the classroom. Students can fill in charts and graphs, create and give surveys and then analyze the results and even engage in the democratic process by “voting” for their favorite edition, version or set of illustrations.
*Students can take off from here and enjoy the entire series of Peter Rabbit books from Beatrix Potter in addition to the first story.
*Other books for children about rabbits:
Bianco, Margery Williams. THE VELVETEEN RABBIT. ISBN 978-1-59197-757-5
Na, Il Sung. SNOW RABBIT, SPRING RABBIT: A BOOK OF CHANGING SEASONS. ISBN 978-0-375-86786-6
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Potter, Beatrix. 2005. THE TALE OF PETER RABBIT (A READ AND LISTEN PICTURE BOOK). Project Gutenberg eBook EBook # 14838. Original copy produced by Robert Cicconetti, Ronald Holder and the PG Online Distributed Proofreading Team (http://www.pgdg.net).
2. PLOT SUMMARY
A wonderful, timeless story is what Beatrix Potter wove when she wrote The Tale of Peter Rabbit. Having heard variations on the story I could not recall having read it for myself. I thoroughly enjoyed the sweet, straightforward storyline, and the meetings with the various animals that lived in Mr. McGregor’s garden. The moral of the story is not overhanded or overt, but smoothly interwoven into the consequences of Peter’s actions. There is no denying the reason this book is an ageless classic is because the storyline is so engaging and easily connects to readers young and old.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This book is considered the “perfect” picture storybook for good reason. The tale is woven effortlessly and brings the readers through every twist and turn of Peter’s naughty romp in Mr. McGregor’s garden, with all of the joy, sadness, fright and relief that it contains. The illustrations, too are so quietly beautiful in detail ans nuance, and so perfectly paired with the story that it is the measure to which all other picture storybooks must measure themselves.
I thoroughly enjoyed seeing this classic in a new light through the Read and Listen Picturebook format supported by Project Gutenberg. The original illustrations and text were paired with a wonderful narration that was well performed and would draw children in. The original 1902 text and images were preserved and are now shared in an entirely new format that makes use of the best that digital technologies have to offer for keeping children engaged in reading.
4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
Review in Kids Book Review.com: “With Beatrix Potter’s beautiful fluid text, timeless illustrations and mischievous hero – this book is as charming as ever. I still love you, Peter!”
Review in Amazon.com: “Beatrix Potter's animal stories have been a joy to generations of young readers. Her warm, playful illustrations in soft colors invite children into the world of words and flights of fancy. Once there, she gently and humorously guides readers along the path of righteousness, leaving just enough room for children to wonder if that incorrigible Peter will be back in McGregor's garden tomorrow.”
5. CONNECTIONS
*This book can lead to a wonderful opportunity for children to engage in analysis and comparison and contrast at an early age when multiple versions and editions of this tale are brought together in the classroom. Students can fill in charts and graphs, create and give surveys and then analyze the results and even engage in the democratic process by “voting” for their favorite edition, version or set of illustrations.
*Students can take off from here and enjoy the entire series of Peter Rabbit books from Beatrix Potter in addition to the first story.
*Other books for children about rabbits:
Bianco, Margery Williams. THE VELVETEEN RABBIT. ISBN 978-1-59197-757-5
Na, Il Sung. SNOW RABBIT, SPRING RABBIT: A BOOK OF CHANGING SEASONS. ISBN 978-0-375-86786-6
Where Is TippyToes? - Book Review - Genre 1 - TWU LS5603-20
Due to my living in China this book was purchased through iBooks and viewed on an iPad. Mention of variations between the print and digital editions of the text are noted.
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Lewin, Betsy. 2010. WHERE IS TIPPY TOES. New York: Atheneum Books for Young Readers. ISBN 9781442436794 (eBook)
2. PLOT SUMMARY
Betsy Lewin takes us through the “whats” and “wheres” of adventurous cat Tippy Toes as he moves through his suburban world. Doing what cats do includes playing in gardens, toying with the nice mice (the Welcome mat underneath the “No Cats!” sign is a cute illustration), running from the garden hose and doing wonderful fun things during the light of day. The questions arise when night falls and “no one knows…” where Tippy Toes heads. Eventually we see that he ends up where he should be, in the arms of a child who loves him.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Lewin’s illustrations make the book in this sweet but simple story. By taking readers through the days and nights of Tippy Toes, she introduces us warm and comforting daylight locations throughout what appears to the young kitten suburban home. The nighttime pictures come alive with deep blues, sharp yellows and wonderful shading that give the images a lovely, cartoon quality that will entice young readers. While the storyline is simple it also progresses in a logical fashion and gives readers a comforting ending when Tippy Toes ends up not out in the cold night but home asleep in the warm bed of his loving child owner.
The smooth rhyming scheme of much of the book gives a predictable rhythm that makes engagement easier. The connection between the similar sounds and the rhythm of the images works well.
Something that is quite lost in the translation from physical book to digital copy is the fun of the die-cuts and pull tabs on certain pages. Adding an extra level of playfulness and interactivity to the visual fun of the book, Lewin cuts out corners and interiors of pages to reveal layers within a given story element. TippyToes can move about to add to the fun. When this element can finally be translated to digital copies then we will really have something!
4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
Review in Publisher’s Weekly: “Readers fascinated by the lives of their pets should welcome this tender offering.”
Review in School Library Journal: “Oversize watercolors outlined in a thick black line add humor to the text (a “No Cats!” sign above the mouse hole) and the bright hues seen in the flowers, sun, and cat’s fur enhance the changing backgrounds. Rhyming sentences come together with the turn of a page and continue to the satisfying page turn at the end. This cat’s sun up to sun down routine makes an excellent choice for those looking for a new bedtime story.”
5. CONNECTIONS
*Pairing this book with student writing on a day in the life of their own pets would make a wonderful class connection. Additionally students could adopt a class pet, and write a jigsaw story about the life of the pet to share with other classes or publish in the school library.
*Students can have fun enjoying all of Betsy Lewin’s animal focused stories such as CLICK, CLACK, MOO and GIGGLE, GIGGLE, QUACK.
*Other books for children about pets:
Day, Alexandra. GOOD DOG, CARL. ISBN 978-0-671-75204-0
Niemann, Christoph. THE PET DRAGON. ISBN 978-0-671-75204-0
Review by Maggie Eubanks for class credit in TWU's LS5603-20 Fall 2012
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Lewin, Betsy. 2010. WHERE IS TIPPY TOES. New York: Atheneum Books for Young Readers. ISBN 9781442436794 (eBook)
2. PLOT SUMMARY
Betsy Lewin takes us through the “whats” and “wheres” of adventurous cat Tippy Toes as he moves through his suburban world. Doing what cats do includes playing in gardens, toying with the nice mice (the Welcome mat underneath the “No Cats!” sign is a cute illustration), running from the garden hose and doing wonderful fun things during the light of day. The questions arise when night falls and “no one knows…” where Tippy Toes heads. Eventually we see that he ends up where he should be, in the arms of a child who loves him.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Lewin’s illustrations make the book in this sweet but simple story. By taking readers through the days and nights of Tippy Toes, she introduces us warm and comforting daylight locations throughout what appears to the young kitten suburban home. The nighttime pictures come alive with deep blues, sharp yellows and wonderful shading that give the images a lovely, cartoon quality that will entice young readers. While the storyline is simple it also progresses in a logical fashion and gives readers a comforting ending when Tippy Toes ends up not out in the cold night but home asleep in the warm bed of his loving child owner.
The smooth rhyming scheme of much of the book gives a predictable rhythm that makes engagement easier. The connection between the similar sounds and the rhythm of the images works well.
Something that is quite lost in the translation from physical book to digital copy is the fun of the die-cuts and pull tabs on certain pages. Adding an extra level of playfulness and interactivity to the visual fun of the book, Lewin cuts out corners and interiors of pages to reveal layers within a given story element. TippyToes can move about to add to the fun. When this element can finally be translated to digital copies then we will really have something!
4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
Review in Publisher’s Weekly: “Readers fascinated by the lives of their pets should welcome this tender offering.”
Review in School Library Journal: “Oversize watercolors outlined in a thick black line add humor to the text (a “No Cats!” sign above the mouse hole) and the bright hues seen in the flowers, sun, and cat’s fur enhance the changing backgrounds. Rhyming sentences come together with the turn of a page and continue to the satisfying page turn at the end. This cat’s sun up to sun down routine makes an excellent choice for those looking for a new bedtime story.”
5. CONNECTIONS
*Pairing this book with student writing on a day in the life of their own pets would make a wonderful class connection. Additionally students could adopt a class pet, and write a jigsaw story about the life of the pet to share with other classes or publish in the school library.
*Students can have fun enjoying all of Betsy Lewin’s animal focused stories such as CLICK, CLACK, MOO and GIGGLE, GIGGLE, QUACK.
*Other books for children about pets:
Day, Alexandra. GOOD DOG, CARL. ISBN 978-0-671-75204-0
Niemann, Christoph. THE PET DRAGON. ISBN 978-0-671-75204-0
Review by Maggie Eubanks for class credit in TWU's LS5603-20 Fall 2012
All the World - Book Review - Genre 1 - TWU LS5603
The picture books I am reviewing were purchased through the iBooks online bookstore and viewed digitally on iPad as I currently live in China and have no access to childrens' books in English. It was quite interesting and enjoyable to read picture books in this manner. The ability to zoom ina nd out of the illustrations was especially enjoyable!
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Scanlon, Liz garton. 2009. ALL THE WORLD. Ill. By Marla Frazee.New York: Beach Lane Books. ISBN 9781442436725 (eBook)
2. PLOT SUMMARY
The rhyming beauty of a day in the life of any child, any family, and connected group of people is portrayed beautifully by Liz Scanlon. From a day at the beach to a morning at the market to an evening with good food and family, all that the world can be in its bigness and smallness is expressed in a sweet, melodic writing that bobs along from page to page. One is left feeling warm and embraced by the story and in you’re perfect place in the great big world.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Scanlon’s rhyming prose creates an instant rhythym that moves the reader through the story line. The pattern of small moments to grand-scale views of the world also absorb as a calming back and forth, almost rocking motion of the story takes hold. The language level is appropriate for young readers and would also make a fantastic read aloud book. The sing-song quality is surpassed only by the amazing and engrossing images.
The first time turning the page from the white-space highlighted smaller drawings on preceding pages to the grand full two-page spread depicting the ocean after a orning at the beach was breath-taking. It was such a wonderful move to turn from the detailed drawings of children and a family at play on the beach to a huge view of the ocean at beachside with the family but a small part make this book. This pattern of small illustrations surrounded by white space for several pages, followed by a two-page full-color, no whitespace illustration is entrancing. It makes one feel as if they are moving in the waves of the sea, being drawn back and forth. The illustrations are by far the most enticing element of the book.
Whether a member of a large family or a small one, this book helps readers see their place in their own world, from smallest element, to largest. With a nod to multicultural families, this book is a great read for all.
4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
Starred review in Horn Book Magazine: "Scanlon's text has a child-friendly simplicity reminiscent of Margaret Wise Brown...All the World will win audiences with a sensibility both timeless and thoroughly modern."
Starred review in SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “"Charming illustrations and lyrical rhyming couplets speak volumes in celebration of the world and humankind, combining to create a lovely book that will be appreciated by a wide audience... Perfection."
Starred review in Kirkus Review: "It's hard to imagine a cozier and more spacious world. At once a lullaby and an invigorating love song to nature, families and interconnectedness."
5. CONNECTIONS
*Taking a look at a day in the life of other families from differing cultures could lead to wonderful class sharing and inquiry.
*Look at additional books by Caldecott Honor illustrator Marla Frazee such as Stars, Boss Baby, and A Couple of Boys Have the Best Day Ever. Have students create their own unique stories from Frazee’s illustrations and share them during storytime.
*Other books for children about family and multiculturalism:
Adoff, Arnold. BLACK IS BROWN IS TAN. ISBN 978-0-06-028776-4
Pak, Soyung. DEAR JUNO. ISBN 978-0-14-230017-6
Review by Maggie Eubanks for class credit TWU - LS5603 Fall 2012
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Scanlon, Liz garton. 2009. ALL THE WORLD. Ill. By Marla Frazee.New York: Beach Lane Books. ISBN 9781442436725 (eBook)
2. PLOT SUMMARY
The rhyming beauty of a day in the life of any child, any family, and connected group of people is portrayed beautifully by Liz Scanlon. From a day at the beach to a morning at the market to an evening with good food and family, all that the world can be in its bigness and smallness is expressed in a sweet, melodic writing that bobs along from page to page. One is left feeling warm and embraced by the story and in you’re perfect place in the great big world.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Scanlon’s rhyming prose creates an instant rhythym that moves the reader through the story line. The pattern of small moments to grand-scale views of the world also absorb as a calming back and forth, almost rocking motion of the story takes hold. The language level is appropriate for young readers and would also make a fantastic read aloud book. The sing-song quality is surpassed only by the amazing and engrossing images.
The first time turning the page from the white-space highlighted smaller drawings on preceding pages to the grand full two-page spread depicting the ocean after a orning at the beach was breath-taking. It was such a wonderful move to turn from the detailed drawings of children and a family at play on the beach to a huge view of the ocean at beachside with the family but a small part make this book. This pattern of small illustrations surrounded by white space for several pages, followed by a two-page full-color, no whitespace illustration is entrancing. It makes one feel as if they are moving in the waves of the sea, being drawn back and forth. The illustrations are by far the most enticing element of the book.
Whether a member of a large family or a small one, this book helps readers see their place in their own world, from smallest element, to largest. With a nod to multicultural families, this book is a great read for all.
4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
Starred review in Horn Book Magazine: "Scanlon's text has a child-friendly simplicity reminiscent of Margaret Wise Brown...All the World will win audiences with a sensibility both timeless and thoroughly modern."
Starred review in SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “"Charming illustrations and lyrical rhyming couplets speak volumes in celebration of the world and humankind, combining to create a lovely book that will be appreciated by a wide audience... Perfection."
Starred review in Kirkus Review: "It's hard to imagine a cozier and more spacious world. At once a lullaby and an invigorating love song to nature, families and interconnectedness."
5. CONNECTIONS
*Taking a look at a day in the life of other families from differing cultures could lead to wonderful class sharing and inquiry.
*Look at additional books by Caldecott Honor illustrator Marla Frazee such as Stars, Boss Baby, and A Couple of Boys Have the Best Day Ever. Have students create their own unique stories from Frazee’s illustrations and share them during storytime.
*Other books for children about family and multiculturalism:
Adoff, Arnold. BLACK IS BROWN IS TAN. ISBN 978-0-06-028776-4
Pak, Soyung. DEAR JUNO. ISBN 978-0-14-230017-6
Review by Maggie Eubanks for class credit TWU - LS5603 Fall 2012
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