Book Review: THE GIRL WHO LOVED WILD HORSES
1. Bibliography
Goble, Paul. 1978. THE GIRL WHO LOVED WILD HORSES. New York. Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers. ISBN 0027365700
2. Plot Summary
THE GIRL WHO LOVED WILD HORSES is about a Native American girl’s love of her tribe’s horses. Every day the little girl helps tend to the horses and the people begin to see that she understands the horses in a special way. One day she decides to take a nap and wakes up to a terrible storm coming. She jumps on a horse’s back and is led far away to safety, but quickly gets lost. When she awakes, a beautiful stallion welcomes her to live with the horses and she accepts. After her tribe searches for her for several years, they find her and bring her back to the village. However, she is not happy and becomes very ill from missing the horses. Eventually her parents allow her to go live with the horses. Occasionally she comes back to visit her village, but she ultimately never returns because she becomes a beautiful stallion.
3. Critical Analysis
In this folktale, Paul Goble does a wonderful job of portraying the Native American culture through the eyes and experiences of a young girl. The character is a blank slate that the readers can identify with because of her caring nature and her love of animals. Readers are presented with the themes of choices and transformations through the actions of the young girl. The themes occur in the present lives of children and in the future as they too may leave their family and transform themselves. Paul Goble’s illustrations are traditional paintings that portray the Native American heritage. On each page he emphasis different themes of nature with bold colors.
4. Awards won:
1979 Winner of the Caldecott Medal
ALA Notable Children’s Book
NCSS/CBC Notable Children’s book in the Field of Social Studies
One of the Children’s Books of the year, chosen by the Library of Congress
Review Excerpt(s)
Publishers Weekly Review- “PW called this story a moving and many-faceted story about extremely well-created characters.''
School library Journal Review- “Paul Goble's beautifully-told, Caldecott Award-winning book (S&S, 1978) receives a fine treatment in this book and tape set.” “This would make a good listening center for units on Native Americans, art, or horses.-Teresa Bateman, Brigadoon Elementary School, Federal Way, WA Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information.
5. Connections
Other award winning books by Paul Goble could be read to do an author study or to study more about different types of Indians of North America and their culture. This could include:
Buffalo Woman. ISBN 0027377202
The Gift of the Sacred Dog. ISBN 0020432801
The Great Race: of the Birds and Animals. ISBN 0027369501
Star Boy. ISBN 0027226603
Citations for Reviews:
Dallas Public Library. http://www.dallaslibrary2.org/. Accessed June 23, 2010.
Dallas Independent School District Online Public Access Catalog. http://www2.youseemore.com/dallasisd/Default.asp?. Accessed June 23, 2010.
Book Review: YEH-SHEN: A CINDERELLA STORY FROM CHINA
1. Bibliography
Louie, Ai-Ling. 1982. YEH-SHEN: A CINDERELLA STORY FROM CHINA. New York. Philomel Books. ISBN 039920900
2. Plot Summary
In this Cinderella story set in China, Yeh Shen is an orphan who is raised by her cruel and jealous stepmother and ugly stepsister. Yeh Shen has no friends other than a fish that she feeds daily. One day her stepmother finds out about her fish and sneakily catches and kills it for dinner. When Yeh-Shen discovers what has happened she becomes very upset, but an old man appears who tells her to retrieve the bones of her fish because they have magical powers. Soon it was time for the spring festival where young men and women would go to hopefully find their spouse. Yeh-Shen longed to go but was forbidden. She asked the bones of her fish if she could attend and away she went. Everyone was struck by her beauty but she became frightened and ran away when she heard her step mother and sister wonder if it was her. As she ran she lost one of her slippers and she returned to her original state. When the slipper was found, it was sold to the king who goes in search of the owner. When he discovers her they fall in love. In the end the stepmother and sister are not permitted to come to the King’s palace and they perish by being crushed by stones in their cave.
3. Critical Analysis
In this Cinderella variant, readers who are familiar with the story of Cinderella can see the similarities and differences of the character and of the plot. The character’s roles are the same in that there is still a beautiful and kind orphan who is treated unkindly by her evil stepmother and sister. In addition, the plot and outcome remain the same, that the protagonist falls in love, and the antagonists are shamed or foiled. The elements of Chinese culture found in the story make it an interesting contrast to the familiar western version. Yeh-Shen’s friend is a fish, versus the original Cinderella story where her friends are mice and other animals. In addition, an old man reveals knowledge (he tells her about the powers of her dead fish bones) instead of a fairy godmother granting her wishes. The story ends with a somewhat violent ending for the evil characters, which may need to be addressed depending on the audience’s age.
Ed Young’s illustrations are truly breathtaking and do an excellent job of showing the Chinese culture. Using soft watercolor like paintings and soft lines Ed Young paints his illustrations set in panels like that of a folding screen. This unfolds the story for the reader likes the scenes of a movie. A constant theme that is seen is a fish motif on almost every page. When the old man rises into the sky his tail looks like a fish and Yeh-Shen is transformed into the feathered cloak and beautiful azure gown it too looks like a fish swimming on the page.
Awards:
Boston Globe-Horn Book Honor Award Winner.
An ALA Notable Children's Book.
A School Library Journal Best Book of the Year.
An IRA Children's Choice.
An IRA Teachers' Choice.
4. Review Excerpt(s)
Publishers Weekly- Misty, jewel-like illustrations evoke the mythic past in this Chinese Cinderella story.
5. Connections
This story would be an excellent addition to a study different Cinderella stories from different cultures. Students could start by making a Venn Diagram to compare and contrast the characters or different elements of the story to the original story. In addition, other variants can be read and overtime a literacy chart can be created to show all of the similarities and differences between each of the stories.
Citations for Reviews:
Dallas Independent School District Online Public Access Catalog. http://www2.youseemore.com/dallasisd/Default.asp?. Accessed June 23, 2010.
Barnes and Noble. www.bn.com. Accessed June 23, 2010.
Book Review: YUMMY: EIGHT FAVORITE FAIRY TALES
1. Bibliography
Cousins, Lucy. 2009. YUMMY: EIGHT FAVORITE FAIRY TALES. Somerville, Mass. Candlewick Press. ISBN 9780763644741
2. Plot Summary
In YUMMY: EIGHT FAVORITE FAIRY TALES Lucy Cousins retells eight of her favorite tales but puts a modern twist on it. The tales include, Little Red Riding Hood, The Three Billy Goats Gruff, The Enormous Turnip, Henny Penny, Goldilocks and the Three Bears, The Little Red Hen, The Three Little Pigs, and The Musicians of Bremen.
3. Critical Analysis
Lucy Cousins does a great job of choosing eight of her favorite tales and sharing them in a fun, modern, and colorful way. Each story is similar to the original, but the wording is closer to how authors would tell the story today. Just as these traditional tales have taken many forms in oral tradition over the years, Cousins updates the wording and style to fit contemporary storytelling. The illustrations are big, bright, and colorful and Lucy does not hold back when showing Grandma being eaten by the wicked wolf, or the wicked wolf’s head being chopped off in “Little Red Riding Hood.” Children will be able to relate to the pictures because they look like a child drew them, and they will enjoy the bright and colorful clothes.
4. Awards won:
2010 ALSC Notable Children’s book
The New York Times Best Illustrated Children’s Book Award
Review Excerpt(s)
Publishers Weekly-“Anyone expecting the gentleness of the Maisy books in Cousins's retellings of eight fairy tales is in for a whopper of a surprise-although the cheeky title does provide a tip-off.”
“Cousins embraces all the primitive, enduring fears and desires that drive these stories, and then beckons readers to hop on a rollicking narrative roller coaster.”-(Aug.) Copyright 2009 Reed Business Information.
School Library Journal Review- “Large, arresting gouache spreads in Cousins's signature style utilize saturated colors and thick, dark outlines against solid backgrounds. Expressive characters enhance the stories' shifting moods. Large type accentuates the dynamic texts, building each spare entry to its powerful climax.” -Meg Smith, Cumberland County Public Library, Fayetteville, NC Copyright 2009 Reed Business Information.
5. Connections
This would be a great book to read aloud to children after doing a study on each of these fairytales original versions. Children will then be able to compare the original to a more modern version. In addition, after reading these tales as well as others, children can make their own favorite fairy tale books and illustrate them, similar to how Lucy Cousins did.
Citations for Reviews:
Dallas Public Library. http://www.dallaslibrary2.org/. Accessed June 23, 2010.
Dallas Independent School District Online Public Access Catalog. http://www2.youseemore.com/dallasisd/Default.asp?. Accessed June 23, 2010.
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Genre 1: Picture Book Reviews
Book Review: WE ARE THE SHIP: THE STORY OF NEGRO LEAGUE BASEBALL
1. Bibliography
Nelson, Kadir. 2008. WE ARE THE SHIP: THE STORY OF NEGRO LEAGUE BASEBALL. New York. Jump at the Sun/Hyperion Books for Children.
ISBN 9780786808328
2. Plot Summary
In this award-winning book, Kadir Nelson writes and illustrates the story and history of Negro League baseball. It is written using an “everyman” player as the narrator. Readers are taken on a journey beginning in the 1920s, when Negro League Baseball was organized, until the league ended in the 1940s when Jackie Robinson was accepted into the major leagues. Throughout the book we learn about numerous gifted athletes and determined owners, the hardships they had to overcome, and the successes they achieved. The story pays tribute to the men and women whose hard work and dedication helped black players make it into the big leagues.
3. Critical Analysis
This book is written and illustrated so beautifully that even if you are not a baseball fan, you will likely become a fan of the human triumph embodied by the players. Each chapter of the book is cleverly labeled as a different inning, just like in a baseball game. Kadir Nelson takes his time in painting a vivid picture for readers so they may understand the history of Negro League Baseball and begin to understand what was occurring in the nation as Negro League Baseball was taking place. By writing each chapter from baseball players’ perspectives and personal experiences, it makes the entire story much more meaningful rather than if one was just reading the same facts out of a history book.
Kadir Nelson does a fabulous job of illustrating many of the famous athletes and owners with his colorful oil paintings throughout the book. The size of the pages of the book and the detail he incorporates into each picture may make one feel like they are looking at a photograph rather than a painting. The detailed illustrations, such as the faces of the characters, help readers empathize with the players, making the story much more significant to those reading it.
4. Awards won:
2009 Coretta Scott King Illustrator honor book
2009 winner of the Sibert Medal
Review Excerpt(s)
Booklist Review- “The stories and artwork are a tribute to the spirit of the Negro Leaguers, who were much more than also-rans and deserve a more prominent place on baseball's history shelves.” -Chipman, Ian Copyright 2008 Booklist
School library Journal Review- “It is an engaging tribute that should resonate with a wide audience and delight baseball fans of all ages.-Marilyn Taniguchi, Beverly Hills Public Library, CA Copyright 2008 Reed Business Information.
5. Connections
This would be a wonderful book to share to upper grade level school aged children as a preview to the story of Jackie Robinson or as they celebrate Black History Month.
One can gather other books about the Negro Leagues.
Brashler, William. THE STORY OF NEGRO LEAGUE BASEBALL. ISBN. 0395671698
Or one may want to do a study and find books that focus on individual famous players of the Negro Leagues.
Cline-Ransome, Lesa. Illustrated by Ransome, E. James. SATCHEL PAIGE. ISBN 0689856814
Citations for Reviews:
Dallas Independent School District Online Public Access Catalog. http://www2.youseemore.com/dallasisd/Default.asp?
Book Review: TALKING WITH ARTISTS
1. Bibliography
Cummings, Pat. 1999. TALKING WITH ARTISTS. New York. Clarion Books.
ISBN 0395891329
2. Plot Summary
In Pat Cummings’ third volume of Talking with Artists, she interviews thirteen well-known children’s book illustrators. All of the interviews begin with the artist’s individual story and a series of questions. The questions range from “where did you get your ideas from?” to “do you have any children or pets?” In addition, each artist’s mini biography features an illustration they drew when they were children, alongside an illustration from one of their contemporary books.
3. Critical Analysis
Each artist that Pat Cummings interviews is interesting to learn about because they are all different from one another. She chose to focus on both men and women who came from different backgrounds and cultures and whose art is all very unique. However, what is similar about them is that in each of their life stories they all remembered something in their childhood that triggered their love of illustrating. All of their experiences were different, but after hearing them, one realizes how important it is to expose children to as many different experiences and opportunities as able when they are young. In addition, almost all of the artists are now residing in New York as they live out their dream of being a book illustrator.
All of the artists’ illustrations differ in that all are using various materials when they illustrate. Some may use watercolors, while others choose to use crayon and pencil. No matter what material they decided to use, none of the pieces look alike. All of their work is created based off of things that they have seen and experiences they have had so each of their creations is one of a kind and distinguishes who they are as artists.
Awards:
The Boston Globe-Horn Book Award
4. Review Excerpt(s)
School Library Journal Review-“All of the profiles open with personal essays titled "My Story" revealing some biographical details but focusing on childhood dreams and ambitions, training, sources of inspiration, and feelings about their career choices.”-Daryl Grabarek, School Library Journal.
5. Connections
When educators share knowledge like this about the author or illustrator of a book to children, the book becomes more meaningful to them.
Invite children to find other books where the same artists illustrated the book. Challenge them to see how many they can find.
Citations for Reviews:
Dallas Independent School District Online Public Access Catalog. http://www2.youseemore.com/dallasisd/Default.asp?
Book Review: THE HELLO, GOODBYE WINDOW
1. Bibliography
Juster, Norton. 2005. THE HELLO, GOODBYE WINDOW. New York. Hyperion Books for Children.
ISBN 0786809140
2. Plot Summary
This very short read by Norton Juster tells about a child’s fun experiences when she goes to her grandparents’ house. A special window in her grandparent’s kitchen fascinates her, and she calls it “The Hello, Goodbye Window.” She loves this window because many fond memories take place by the window, whether it be playing games with her grandparents or looking up at the stars with her grandma. Throughout the rest of the story the character describes other memorable activities that she does when she visits her grandparents.
3. Critical Analysis
Norton Juster’s writing is simple and the plot is one that small children and adults can relate to. All children love to visit their grandparents and adults have fond memories of visiting their grandparents when they were children. The author most likely used his own memories as a child knowing that children everywhere would have similar stories.
Chris Raschka’s illustrations are perfect for this book because it looks as though the child who is telling the story drew or painted them. The illustrations really complement the story because this is similar to how many children’s first drawings look. Much of his illustrations look like scribbles or smudges, but he adds character to certain objects on the page by outlining them with dark pencil. This helps the reader to see more of the character’s features such as their eyes, nose, and hair. The darker lines also force the reader’s eye to study each page and observe what other objects are highlighted.
4. Awards won:
2006 Caldecott Medal
2006 ALA Notable Children’s Book
Review Excerpt(s)
Publisher Weekly Reviews- “Juster departs from the over-the-top punning of his earlier works to create a gently humorous account of a family's conversations and games, all centered on the special window.”
“Raschka warms the pages with glowing yellow, emerald, sapphire and golden brown, and he pictures the garden and trees in emphatic midsummer greens.”
(Apr.) Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.
School Library Journal Review-“The artwork is at once lively and energetic, without crowding the story or the words on the page; the simple lines and squiggles of color suggest a child's own drawings, but this is the art of a masterful hand. Perfect for lap-sharing, this book will find favor with children and adults alike”.
-Angela J. Reynolds, Washington County Cooperative Library Services, Hillsboro, OR Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.
5. Connections
After reading this story to children, encourage them to write about their own special memories of when they go to visit a grandparent or a relative.
Citations for Reviews:
Dallas Independent School District Online Public Access Catalog. http://www2.youseemore.com/dallasisd/Default.asp?
1. Bibliography
Nelson, Kadir. 2008. WE ARE THE SHIP: THE STORY OF NEGRO LEAGUE BASEBALL. New York. Jump at the Sun/Hyperion Books for Children.
ISBN 9780786808328
2. Plot Summary
In this award-winning book, Kadir Nelson writes and illustrates the story and history of Negro League baseball. It is written using an “everyman” player as the narrator. Readers are taken on a journey beginning in the 1920s, when Negro League Baseball was organized, until the league ended in the 1940s when Jackie Robinson was accepted into the major leagues. Throughout the book we learn about numerous gifted athletes and determined owners, the hardships they had to overcome, and the successes they achieved. The story pays tribute to the men and women whose hard work and dedication helped black players make it into the big leagues.
3. Critical Analysis
This book is written and illustrated so beautifully that even if you are not a baseball fan, you will likely become a fan of the human triumph embodied by the players. Each chapter of the book is cleverly labeled as a different inning, just like in a baseball game. Kadir Nelson takes his time in painting a vivid picture for readers so they may understand the history of Negro League Baseball and begin to understand what was occurring in the nation as Negro League Baseball was taking place. By writing each chapter from baseball players’ perspectives and personal experiences, it makes the entire story much more meaningful rather than if one was just reading the same facts out of a history book.
Kadir Nelson does a fabulous job of illustrating many of the famous athletes and owners with his colorful oil paintings throughout the book. The size of the pages of the book and the detail he incorporates into each picture may make one feel like they are looking at a photograph rather than a painting. The detailed illustrations, such as the faces of the characters, help readers empathize with the players, making the story much more significant to those reading it.
4. Awards won:
2009 Coretta Scott King Illustrator honor book
2009 winner of the Sibert Medal
Review Excerpt(s)
Booklist Review- “The stories and artwork are a tribute to the spirit of the Negro Leaguers, who were much more than also-rans and deserve a more prominent place on baseball's history shelves.” -Chipman, Ian Copyright 2008 Booklist
School library Journal Review- “It is an engaging tribute that should resonate with a wide audience and delight baseball fans of all ages.-Marilyn Taniguchi, Beverly Hills Public Library, CA Copyright 2008 Reed Business Information.
5. Connections
This would be a wonderful book to share to upper grade level school aged children as a preview to the story of Jackie Robinson or as they celebrate Black History Month.
One can gather other books about the Negro Leagues.
Brashler, William. THE STORY OF NEGRO LEAGUE BASEBALL. ISBN. 0395671698
Or one may want to do a study and find books that focus on individual famous players of the Negro Leagues.
Cline-Ransome, Lesa. Illustrated by Ransome, E. James. SATCHEL PAIGE. ISBN 0689856814
Citations for Reviews:
Dallas Independent School District Online Public Access Catalog. http://www2.youseemore.com/dallasisd/Default.asp?
Book Review: TALKING WITH ARTISTS
1. Bibliography
Cummings, Pat. 1999. TALKING WITH ARTISTS. New York. Clarion Books.
ISBN 0395891329
2. Plot Summary
In Pat Cummings’ third volume of Talking with Artists, she interviews thirteen well-known children’s book illustrators. All of the interviews begin with the artist’s individual story and a series of questions. The questions range from “where did you get your ideas from?” to “do you have any children or pets?” In addition, each artist’s mini biography features an illustration they drew when they were children, alongside an illustration from one of their contemporary books.
3. Critical Analysis
Each artist that Pat Cummings interviews is interesting to learn about because they are all different from one another. She chose to focus on both men and women who came from different backgrounds and cultures and whose art is all very unique. However, what is similar about them is that in each of their life stories they all remembered something in their childhood that triggered their love of illustrating. All of their experiences were different, but after hearing them, one realizes how important it is to expose children to as many different experiences and opportunities as able when they are young. In addition, almost all of the artists are now residing in New York as they live out their dream of being a book illustrator.
All of the artists’ illustrations differ in that all are using various materials when they illustrate. Some may use watercolors, while others choose to use crayon and pencil. No matter what material they decided to use, none of the pieces look alike. All of their work is created based off of things that they have seen and experiences they have had so each of their creations is one of a kind and distinguishes who they are as artists.
Awards:
The Boston Globe-Horn Book Award
4. Review Excerpt(s)
School Library Journal Review-“All of the profiles open with personal essays titled "My Story" revealing some biographical details but focusing on childhood dreams and ambitions, training, sources of inspiration, and feelings about their career choices.”-Daryl Grabarek, School Library Journal.
5. Connections
When educators share knowledge like this about the author or illustrator of a book to children, the book becomes more meaningful to them.
Invite children to find other books where the same artists illustrated the book. Challenge them to see how many they can find.
Citations for Reviews:
Dallas Independent School District Online Public Access Catalog. http://www2.youseemore.com/dallasisd/Default.asp?
Book Review: THE HELLO, GOODBYE WINDOW
1. Bibliography
Juster, Norton. 2005. THE HELLO, GOODBYE WINDOW. New York. Hyperion Books for Children.
ISBN 0786809140
2. Plot Summary
This very short read by Norton Juster tells about a child’s fun experiences when she goes to her grandparents’ house. A special window in her grandparent’s kitchen fascinates her, and she calls it “The Hello, Goodbye Window.” She loves this window because many fond memories take place by the window, whether it be playing games with her grandparents or looking up at the stars with her grandma. Throughout the rest of the story the character describes other memorable activities that she does when she visits her grandparents.
3. Critical Analysis
Norton Juster’s writing is simple and the plot is one that small children and adults can relate to. All children love to visit their grandparents and adults have fond memories of visiting their grandparents when they were children. The author most likely used his own memories as a child knowing that children everywhere would have similar stories.
Chris Raschka’s illustrations are perfect for this book because it looks as though the child who is telling the story drew or painted them. The illustrations really complement the story because this is similar to how many children’s first drawings look. Much of his illustrations look like scribbles or smudges, but he adds character to certain objects on the page by outlining them with dark pencil. This helps the reader to see more of the character’s features such as their eyes, nose, and hair. The darker lines also force the reader’s eye to study each page and observe what other objects are highlighted.
4. Awards won:
2006 Caldecott Medal
2006 ALA Notable Children’s Book
Review Excerpt(s)
Publisher Weekly Reviews- “Juster departs from the over-the-top punning of his earlier works to create a gently humorous account of a family's conversations and games, all centered on the special window.”
“Raschka warms the pages with glowing yellow, emerald, sapphire and golden brown, and he pictures the garden and trees in emphatic midsummer greens.”
(Apr.) Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.
School Library Journal Review-“The artwork is at once lively and energetic, without crowding the story or the words on the page; the simple lines and squiggles of color suggest a child's own drawings, but this is the art of a masterful hand. Perfect for lap-sharing, this book will find favor with children and adults alike”.
-Angela J. Reynolds, Washington County Cooperative Library Services, Hillsboro, OR Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.
5. Connections
After reading this story to children, encourage them to write about their own special memories of when they go to visit a grandparent or a relative.
Citations for Reviews:
Dallas Independent School District Online Public Access Catalog. http://www2.youseemore.com/dallasisd/Default.asp?
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Getting Started
This is a blog for my Literature for Children and Young adults class. Throughout this course I will be reading several different types of childrens' and young adult literature and writing my own personal reviews of them. Enjoy!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)