1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Weisner, David. 2002. THE THREE PIGS. New York, NY: Scholastic. ISBN 0439445175.
2. PLOT SUMMARY
This version of The Three Little Pigs begins as the traditional versions do but it quickly takes an unexpected turn of events. The little pigs are actually able to escape the wolf by leaving the pages of the story and venturing out to explore a world of their own. In this story the pigs save a dragon from his would be slayer and therefore have a friend for life. You can imagine the benefits of having a dragon in your debt if your enemy is a wolf.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This story is a wonderful take on the traditional version. The characters of the pigs become more deep and unique as they venture out of the traditional story and make choices which affect their lives. The befriending of the dragon is so very intelligent as this indebts the dragon to the pigs. This choice really does enable them to “live happily ever after.”
The illustrations are beautiful. Depending on the setting, the appearance of the pigs changes throughout the story. In the beginning the pigs appear flat and cartoonish as they often do in traditional Three Little Pigs stories. As they emerge from the story they take on more realistic, three dimensional characteristics. This more complex appearance matches the pigs more complex actions. This visual really adds to the intelligence and individualization of the pigs.
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
Publishers Weekly-“Wiesner’s brilliant use of white space and perspective…evokes a feeling that the characters can navigate endless possibilities.”
Children’s Literature- “A clever tale that will keep kids poring over every detail.”
School Library Journal- “Witty dialogue and physical comedy abound in this inspired retelling of a familiar favorite.”
5. CONNECTIONS
*Use in conjunction with a study of Caldecott award winning books by David Weisner:
TUESDAY, ISBN 0395870828 and FLOTSAM, ISBN 0618194576, and Davis Weisner’s Caldecott Honor books: FREE FALL, ISBN 068810990 and SECTOR 7, ISBN 0395746566.
* Use to compare/ contrast different versions of The Three Little Pigs books. Some versions to look at include: THE FOURTH LITTLE PIG, by Teresa Noel Celi, ISBN 0817235779, THE TRUE STORY OF THE 3 LITTLE PIGS, by Jon Scieszka, ISBN 0140544518, THE THREE LITTLE WOLVES AND THE BIG BAD PIG, by Eugene Trivizas, ISBN 068981528, and THE THREE LITTLE JAVELINAS, by Susan Lowell, ISBN 0873585429.
Sunday, January 28, 2007
Review: A CALDECOTT CELEBRATION, Genre 1, Picture Books
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Marcus, Leonard S. 1998. A CALDECOTT CELEBRATION. New York:Walker and Company. ISBN 0802786561.
2. PLOT SUMMARY
This book focuses on six authors whom have been awarded the Caldecott Medal for the most distinguished American picture book for children. The book concentrates on the past 60 years of the history of the Caldecott Medal. In this book one author was chosen from each decade. Each section gives personal information and some insight as to how the author went about writing his or her award winning story.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This is a very informative book. It tells about the history of the Caldecott Medal and the background on receiving the medal. Each section includes information on the award winning author and the book which he/she wrote and illustrated. The information is on the author’s background as well as all the preparation and struggles which go into creating these winning publications. The information is personal and gives the reader incite into the authors thoughts and actions.
4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
Starred review in Publishers Weekly: “Filled with witty anecdotes and pithy observations, Marcus’s approach to examining the works of six Caldecott Medalists will be of as much interest to adults as to picture book readers.”
Starred review in Booklist: “A lively, informative introduction to each book and its maker. A beautifully make book, this will serve as a fine resource for children interested in illustration and for teachers researching author/ illustrator studies.”
5. CONNECTIONS
This book would certainly be wonderful to use in a writer’s workshop to show students how writing requires necessary preparation and follow through. It shows the reader that great products do not come easy but they can be highly rewarding. It also lets children see that authors are real people just like themselves.
Marcus, Leonard S. 1998. A CALDECOTT CELEBRATION. New York:Walker and Company. ISBN 0802786561.
2. PLOT SUMMARY
This book focuses on six authors whom have been awarded the Caldecott Medal for the most distinguished American picture book for children. The book concentrates on the past 60 years of the history of the Caldecott Medal. In this book one author was chosen from each decade. Each section gives personal information and some insight as to how the author went about writing his or her award winning story.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This is a very informative book. It tells about the history of the Caldecott Medal and the background on receiving the medal. Each section includes information on the award winning author and the book which he/she wrote and illustrated. The information is on the author’s background as well as all the preparation and struggles which go into creating these winning publications. The information is personal and gives the reader incite into the authors thoughts and actions.
4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
Starred review in Publishers Weekly: “Filled with witty anecdotes and pithy observations, Marcus’s approach to examining the works of six Caldecott Medalists will be of as much interest to adults as to picture book readers.”
Starred review in Booklist: “A lively, informative introduction to each book and its maker. A beautifully make book, this will serve as a fine resource for children interested in illustration and for teachers researching author/ illustrator studies.”
5. CONNECTIONS
This book would certainly be wonderful to use in a writer’s workshop to show students how writing requires necessary preparation and follow through. It shows the reader that great products do not come easy but they can be highly rewarding. It also lets children see that authors are real people just like themselves.
Little Tree Review, Genre 1, Picture Books
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Raschka, Chris. 2001. LITTLE TREE. Poem by E.E. Cummings. New York, NY: Hyperion Books. ISBN 0786807954
2. PLOT SUMMARY
This book begins with the poem Little Tree, by E.E. Cummings. The poem describes a plain tree in the forest which is chosen to become a beautifully decorated Christmas tree. The story Little Tree, by Chris Raschka is his response to the poem. The story follows the tree’s journey from the forest to the tree lot in the city. The tree is chosen for its attributes by a specific family. The tree and the family are a perfect match. The family takes the tree home and decorates it for their very own special Christmas tree.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This story is a warm your heart Christmas tale. The little tree dreams of becoming special and his dreams are realized when he is chosen by the perfect family. The family transforms the little tree from an ordinary pine tree into a spectacular Christmas tree which is the center of attention. This story brings back warm memories of when my family would go to the mountains and choose our own perfect tree.
4. The illustrations are beautifully detailed. Each page has many details which add information to the story as to what is going on in the journey of the little tree from the forest until he finally arrives at the apartment of his perfect family. The illustrations are bold in that they are made mostly from the primary colors and different shades of green. The shapes are very geometric.
5. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
Booklist- “A pleasant little story about a perfect little tree.”
School Library Journal- “Inspired by Cummings’s poem, which is presented in its entirety at the beginning of this beguiling book, Raschka’s story echoes and expands on its themes of families and belonging.”
CONNECTIONS
* This book can be used when teaching units on holiday’s and holiday traditions.
* This book is useful in reinforcing the sight word “little”.
* Young children can find different geometric shapes in the illustrations.
* Students can create their own special decorated “little” tree or create ornaments for their Christmas trees.
Raschka, Chris. 2001. LITTLE TREE. Poem by E.E. Cummings. New York, NY: Hyperion Books. ISBN 0786807954
2. PLOT SUMMARY
This book begins with the poem Little Tree, by E.E. Cummings. The poem describes a plain tree in the forest which is chosen to become a beautifully decorated Christmas tree. The story Little Tree, by Chris Raschka is his response to the poem. The story follows the tree’s journey from the forest to the tree lot in the city. The tree is chosen for its attributes by a specific family. The tree and the family are a perfect match. The family takes the tree home and decorates it for their very own special Christmas tree.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This story is a warm your heart Christmas tale. The little tree dreams of becoming special and his dreams are realized when he is chosen by the perfect family. The family transforms the little tree from an ordinary pine tree into a spectacular Christmas tree which is the center of attention. This story brings back warm memories of when my family would go to the mountains and choose our own perfect tree.
4. The illustrations are beautifully detailed. Each page has many details which add information to the story as to what is going on in the journey of the little tree from the forest until he finally arrives at the apartment of his perfect family. The illustrations are bold in that they are made mostly from the primary colors and different shades of green. The shapes are very geometric.
5. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
Booklist- “A pleasant little story about a perfect little tree.”
School Library Journal- “Inspired by Cummings’s poem, which is presented in its entirety at the beginning of this beguiling book, Raschka’s story echoes and expands on its themes of families and belonging.”
CONNECTIONS
* This book can be used when teaching units on holiday’s and holiday traditions.
* This book is useful in reinforcing the sight word “little”.
* Young children can find different geometric shapes in the illustrations.
* Students can create their own special decorated “little” tree or create ornaments for their Christmas trees.
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
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