Pinkney, Jerry. 1999. THE UGLY DUCKLING. New York: Morrow Junior Books. ISBN # 0688159338
In this classic tale a new duckling is born different. He is teased and picked on by the other ducks from the beginning. The Mother duckling sticks up for him as any mother would, “He may not be quite as handsome as the others, but he is tall and very strong. I am sure he will make his way in the world as well as anybody.” She is quite accurate in her prediction. The ugly duckling perseveres through verbal and physical abuse and a scare from a hunting dog. He does find kind friends but just does not fit in. He finally makes it through the winter but not before nearly freezing to death. He is finally rewarded for all his struggles when he realizes he is not a duck at all but an able bodied, beautiful swan. Best of all he finds that there is a place for him, he does fit in somewhere. This tale is enhanced by the beautiful illustrations. The animals and their surroundings are full of color, motion, and detail. These illustrations also do a fantastic job at displaying emotions such as caring, surprise, anger, joy, fear, curiosity, despair, and finally euphoria. This book will touch the heart of all who read it and will give great hope to any child who wonders about his place in this world.
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Review: NOAH'S ARK, Module 3, Traditional Tales
Pinkney, Jerry. 2002. NOAH’S ARK. New York: SeaStar Books. ISBN # 1587172011
This is the classic Noah’s Ark tale of the deserving getting a second chance. In this tale Noah is given a message by God and, following his faith and hard work ethic, he builds an immense ark. The illustrations do an excellent job of conveying the story. They are colorful, realistic, and full of detail. The wickedness on man is illustrated with baron landscape and fire. Noah is presented as a capable and thoughtful man. As the construction of the arc progresses the reader can see just how massive it is. The varieties of animals are full of movement and life. Once the flood arrives the reader can see the arc floating above peaceful marine life and drowning cities. The story ends with the hope of a new and prosperous existence. As Noah begins work on his new life a beautiful rainbow is seen on the horizon to seal the promise.
This is the classic Noah’s Ark tale of the deserving getting a second chance. In this tale Noah is given a message by God and, following his faith and hard work ethic, he builds an immense ark. The illustrations do an excellent job of conveying the story. They are colorful, realistic, and full of detail. The wickedness on man is illustrated with baron landscape and fire. Noah is presented as a capable and thoughtful man. As the construction of the arc progresses the reader can see just how massive it is. The varieties of animals are full of movement and life. Once the flood arrives the reader can see the arc floating above peaceful marine life and drowning cities. The story ends with the hope of a new and prosperous existence. As Noah begins work on his new life a beautiful rainbow is seen on the horizon to seal the promise.
Review: MIGHTIER THAN THE SWORD, Module 3, Traditional Tales
Yolen, Jane. 2003. MIGHTIER THAN THE SWORD. Florida: Harcourt. ISBN # 0152163913
MIGHTIER THAN THE SWORD is a wonderful collection of folktales focusing on male heroes. These stories let boys, and girls as well, know that strength comes from their minds more powerfully that from their muscles. Jane Yolen lets the reader know this specifically in an open letter to her sons and grandsons in an introduction to the tales. The moral and origin of each tale is stated with the title. These tales come from many places around the world including China, Afghanistan, Native America, Ireland, and Israel. These stories are a wonderful way to let children see that using their brains is a good thing universally. At the end of the book Yolen has included a section which gives interesting background information on all the stories. A bibliography is also included.
MIGHTIER THAN THE SWORD is a wonderful collection of folktales focusing on male heroes. These stories let boys, and girls as well, know that strength comes from their minds more powerfully that from their muscles. Jane Yolen lets the reader know this specifically in an open letter to her sons and grandsons in an introduction to the tales. The moral and origin of each tale is stated with the title. These tales come from many places around the world including China, Afghanistan, Native America, Ireland, and Israel. These stories are a wonderful way to let children see that using their brains is a good thing universally. At the end of the book Yolen has included a section which gives interesting background information on all the stories. A bibliography is also included.
Review: JUST A MINUTE: A TRICKSTER TALE AND COUNTING BOOK, Module 3, Traditional Tales
Morales, Yuyi. 2003. Just A minute: A Trickster Tale and Counting Book. San Francisco: Chronicle Books. ISBN # 0811837580
In this trickster tale Mr. Calavera, a skeleton, comes for Grandma Beetle. Grandma beetle puts him off for one moment after another as she completes simple tasks which lead up to a fiesta, one (uno) house to sweep, two (dos) pots of tea to boil, ect… In this fashion Grandma ends up at ten (diez) guests seated at the table. The preparations for the fiesta include traditions specific to the Mexican culture such as grinding corn for tortillas and filling piñatas with candy. The bold illustrations are very colorful. They portray the beautiful bold colors typical of Mexican homes. Glimpses of other household art typical to Mexico are also apparent such as the hand pounded tin picture frames and the colorful woven rugs. All this color makes a great backdrop for Grandma Beetle’s birthday fiesta. It is so grand that Mr. Calavera does not take Grandma Beetle but rather decides to return next year for the next birthday fiesta. The rich traditions have given even Senor Calavera something to live for!
In this trickster tale Mr. Calavera, a skeleton, comes for Grandma Beetle. Grandma beetle puts him off for one moment after another as she completes simple tasks which lead up to a fiesta, one (uno) house to sweep, two (dos) pots of tea to boil, ect… In this fashion Grandma ends up at ten (diez) guests seated at the table. The preparations for the fiesta include traditions specific to the Mexican culture such as grinding corn for tortillas and filling piñatas with candy. The bold illustrations are very colorful. They portray the beautiful bold colors typical of Mexican homes. Glimpses of other household art typical to Mexico are also apparent such as the hand pounded tin picture frames and the colorful woven rugs. All this color makes a great backdrop for Grandma Beetle’s birthday fiesta. It is so grand that Mr. Calavera does not take Grandma Beetle but rather decides to return next year for the next birthday fiesta. The rich traditions have given even Senor Calavera something to live for!
Review: HORSE HOOVES AND CHICKEN FEET, Module 3, Traditional Tales
Philip, Neil. 2003. HORSE HOOVES AND CHICKEN FEET. New York: Clarion Books. ISBN # 0618194630
Horse Hooves and Chicken Feet is a collection of Mexican Folktales. This book begins with an informative introduction which gives the reader a quick guide and background information on these folktales. The tales themselves are often simple and quick. They are full of a variety of characters, princesses, sailors, common folk, and witches. Cleverness, goodness, and bravery are rewarded time and time again, often with fortune and marriage. Evil characters are frequently punished, sometimes severely such as the witch whom was burned up in THE SEVEN OXEN but at other times they are forgiven such as the hunters in THE BRAVE WIDOW. Many of the tales have religions overtones which demonstrate the importance of religion in Mexican culture. Each story is enhanced by at least one bright and colorful multi scene illustration. These illustrations depict several scenes from each story. Their beauty adds a bit of magical fiesta to each tale.
Horse Hooves and Chicken Feet is a collection of Mexican Folktales. This book begins with an informative introduction which gives the reader a quick guide and background information on these folktales. The tales themselves are often simple and quick. They are full of a variety of characters, princesses, sailors, common folk, and witches. Cleverness, goodness, and bravery are rewarded time and time again, often with fortune and marriage. Evil characters are frequently punished, sometimes severely such as the witch whom was burned up in THE SEVEN OXEN but at other times they are forgiven such as the hunters in THE BRAVE WIDOW. Many of the tales have religions overtones which demonstrate the importance of religion in Mexican culture. Each story is enhanced by at least one bright and colorful multi scene illustration. These illustrations depict several scenes from each story. Their beauty adds a bit of magical fiesta to each tale.
Review: BEAUTIFUL BLACKBIRD, Module 3, Traditional Tales
Bryan, Ashley. 2003. BEAUTIFUL BLACKBIRD. New York: Atheneum Books for
Young Readers. ISBN# 0689847319
In this African folktale blackbird teaches the other birds of the forest that inner beauty comes from within and is reflected in actions. The other birds all long for blackness like blackbird. Blackbird is a bird which they all look up to, he is strong and confident. His color is beautiful and shiny and all colors are reflected in the blackness. In this story blackbird tells the others “Color on the outside is not what’s on the inside.” He does end up sharing pieces of his blackness but he also shares his personal inner qualities of shown in rhythm and dance. The wording in this book is very fun and musical. Key words are repeated and children will want to chime right in. The illustrations are bold and colorful cut paper collages. The illustrations are even more interesting when the authors note is read at the end of the story. In this note information is shared that the illustrations were actually cut with scissors which handed down by the author’s mother.
Young Readers. ISBN# 0689847319
In this African folktale blackbird teaches the other birds of the forest that inner beauty comes from within and is reflected in actions. The other birds all long for blackness like blackbird. Blackbird is a bird which they all look up to, he is strong and confident. His color is beautiful and shiny and all colors are reflected in the blackness. In this story blackbird tells the others “Color on the outside is not what’s on the inside.” He does end up sharing pieces of his blackness but he also shares his personal inner qualities of shown in rhythm and dance. The wording in this book is very fun and musical. Key words are repeated and children will want to chime right in. The illustrations are bold and colorful cut paper collages. The illustrations are even more interesting when the authors note is read at the end of the story. In this note information is shared that the illustrations were actually cut with scissors which handed down by the author’s mother.
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Review: BEWARE OF THE STORYBOOK WOLVES, Module 2, Picture Books
Child, Lauren. 2000. BEWARE OF THE STORYBOOK WOLVES. New York:
Arthur A. Levine Books. ISBN 043920500
Story book wolves can be dangerous, especially when they escape from the story and are ready to gulp down little boys. This is the tale of one boy who is able to outsmart these dangerous wolves. His weapon of choice is fairy tales. He enlists the help of a fairy godmother and enabled by his knowledge of fairy tales is able to change the dangerous wolves into a ball attending princess and a caterpillar which is popped back into the story book. The bold illustrations in this story include bits of fabric collage which add texture and interest. The wolves are not terribly scary and this story will leave children with a fresh and humorous look at these menacing villains of fairy tales.
Arthur A. Levine Books. ISBN 043920500
Story book wolves can be dangerous, especially when they escape from the story and are ready to gulp down little boys. This is the tale of one boy who is able to outsmart these dangerous wolves. His weapon of choice is fairy tales. He enlists the help of a fairy godmother and enabled by his knowledge of fairy tales is able to change the dangerous wolves into a ball attending princess and a caterpillar which is popped back into the story book. The bold illustrations in this story include bits of fabric collage which add texture and interest. The wolves are not terribly scary and this story will leave children with a fresh and humorous look at these menacing villains of fairy tales.
Review: CINDERELLA, Module 2, Picture Books
McClintock, Barbara. 2005. CINDERELLA. New York: Scholastic Press. ISBN
0439561450
This is a beautifully illustrated version of Cinderella. The illustrations provide a great deal of royal detail to see on every page. Readers will enjoy studying the intricate images. As in other versions, Cinderella is able to attend the ball and wins over the prince and as usual, claims the glass slipper and lives happily ever after. Luckily for her step family, in this cheery version, they also live happily ever after. Cinderella forgives all for their terrible behavior and even aids her step family in their future. This is a fairy tale in which all end in the best of circumstances. It is truly a happily ever after for all. This tale will demonstrate forgiveness and belief in the positive.
0439561450
This is a beautifully illustrated version of Cinderella. The illustrations provide a great deal of royal detail to see on every page. Readers will enjoy studying the intricate images. As in other versions, Cinderella is able to attend the ball and wins over the prince and as usual, claims the glass slipper and lives happily ever after. Luckily for her step family, in this cheery version, they also live happily ever after. Cinderella forgives all for their terrible behavior and even aids her step family in their future. This is a fairy tale in which all end in the best of circumstances. It is truly a happily ever after for all. This tale will demonstrate forgiveness and belief in the positive.
Review: CIRCLE UNBROKEN, Module 2, Picture Books
Raven, Margot Theis. 2004. CIRCLE UNBROKEN. Ill. by E.B. Lewis. New
York: Melanie Kroupa Books. ISBN 0374312893
Grandmothers regularly pass down traditions and stories from their ancestors. In a CIRCLE UNBROKEN a grandmother teaches her granddaughter the ancient art of creating beautiful, strong coil baskets. While teaching the craft she also teaches her granddaughter the rich history of her African ancestors. She tells of creating the baskets through slavery, hard work, freedom, togetherness, all bridging to modern times. The beautiful painted illustrations serve to compliment the harsh history and the caring people of this story. This selection ends with more factual information about the baskets and the people who make them. This story will inform readers of a rich tradition which has endured through a long and difficult past.
York: Melanie Kroupa Books. ISBN 0374312893
Grandmothers regularly pass down traditions and stories from their ancestors. In a CIRCLE UNBROKEN a grandmother teaches her granddaughter the ancient art of creating beautiful, strong coil baskets. While teaching the craft she also teaches her granddaughter the rich history of her African ancestors. She tells of creating the baskets through slavery, hard work, freedom, togetherness, all bridging to modern times. The beautiful painted illustrations serve to compliment the harsh history and the caring people of this story. This selection ends with more factual information about the baskets and the people who make them. This story will inform readers of a rich tradition which has endured through a long and difficult past.
Review: GERSHON’S MONSTER – A STORY FOR THE JEWISH NEW YEAR, Module 2, Picture Books
Kimmel, Eric A. 2000. GERSHON’S MONSTER – A STORY FOR THE JEWISH
NEW YEAR. Ill. by Jon J. Muth. New York: Scholastic Press. ISBN
043910839.
Gerson is a man who, like most, makes mistakes. Unfortunately he is a man who is oblivious to these mistakes. He is selfish and refuses to learn from his faults, he “swept them up and tossed them into the cellar. Then, once a year on Rosh Hashanah, he stuffed them into a sack, dragged the enormous bundle down to the sea, and tossed it in”. This selfishness almost costs this family their most precious possessions, their children. This man learns a very valuable lesson and is finally able to repent and learn from his mistakes. The dark watercolor illustrations help to portray the seriousness of Gershon’s mistakes and the customs of the Jewish people. They bring further understanding to the text. This Jewish legend ends with an author’s note which delivers additional information about the Jewish tradition of “casting one’s sins into the sea”.
NEW YEAR. Ill. by Jon J. Muth. New York: Scholastic Press. ISBN
043910839.
Gerson is a man who, like most, makes mistakes. Unfortunately he is a man who is oblivious to these mistakes. He is selfish and refuses to learn from his faults, he “swept them up and tossed them into the cellar. Then, once a year on Rosh Hashanah, he stuffed them into a sack, dragged the enormous bundle down to the sea, and tossed it in”. This selfishness almost costs this family their most precious possessions, their children. This man learns a very valuable lesson and is finally able to repent and learn from his mistakes. The dark watercolor illustrations help to portray the seriousness of Gershon’s mistakes and the customs of the Jewish people. They bring further understanding to the text. This Jewish legend ends with an author’s note which delivers additional information about the Jewish tradition of “casting one’s sins into the sea”.
Review: THE OTHER SIDE, Module 2, Picture Books
Woodson, Jacqueline. 2001. THE OTHER SIDE. Ill. by E.B. Lewis. New York: G.P.
Putnam’s Sons. ISBN 0399231161
This is the story of a town divided by a wooden fence. The white citizens reside on one side of the fence and on the opposite side live the black citizens. There is no apparent reason for the fence other than “that is the way it has always been”. Life is good on each side. Children play and enjoy the summer in their peaceful neighborhoods. They are told, “Don’t climb over that fence when you play.” It is not safe. Curious children do not always do as their parents wish, as is the case here. Two girls from opposite sides do not exactly disobey the rules about the fence, they stretch them. Rather that climb the fence they begin by sitting atop it. This is where they begin their friendship which blossoms regardless of the fence which divides their lives. The beautiful watercolors depict carefree children full of expression. The illustrations complement the text and help to portray a new and valuable friendship which breaks racial barriers.
Putnam’s Sons. ISBN 0399231161
This is the story of a town divided by a wooden fence. The white citizens reside on one side of the fence and on the opposite side live the black citizens. There is no apparent reason for the fence other than “that is the way it has always been”. Life is good on each side. Children play and enjoy the summer in their peaceful neighborhoods. They are told, “Don’t climb over that fence when you play.” It is not safe. Curious children do not always do as their parents wish, as is the case here. Two girls from opposite sides do not exactly disobey the rules about the fence, they stretch them. Rather that climb the fence they begin by sitting atop it. This is where they begin their friendship which blossoms regardless of the fence which divides their lives. The beautiful watercolors depict carefree children full of expression. The illustrations complement the text and help to portray a new and valuable friendship which breaks racial barriers.
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