1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
DePaola, Tomie. 1992. JAMIE O’ROURKE AND THE BIG POTATO. New York, NY: Penguin. ISBN: 0-698-11603-8.
2. SUMMARY
Jamie O’Rourke is the laziest man in all of Ireland. He refuses to work and makes Eileen, his long suffering wife, do all the planting, watering and weeding. One day after his wife throws out her back he chances upon a Leprechaun who gives him the opportunity to either take a few pieces of gold or be granted a wish. The leprechaun even suggests that he wish for “the biggest pratie in the world.” Jamie follows the leprechaun’s suggestion only to find that there are problems moving such a large potato. Eventually, at the urging of his wife, Jamie shares his humongous ‘pratie’ with the townsfolk who grow so tired of potatoes by the end of the winter that they promise to provide Jamie and his wife with enough food as long as he doesn’t plant another huge potato.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This interesting little folktale is full of Irish charm as DePaola chooses to use plenty of Irish vernacular in Jamie’s speech patterns and uses the word ‘pratie’ instead of potato. The story does not truly teach any lesson or moral, as Jamie never has to ‘pay’ for his laziness. Like any folktale the characters are broad, the plot is action packed and the ending is happy.
The illustrations are typical of DePaola. The paintings are clear and plain--perhaps a little too pedestrian for a tale including a leprechaun and a giant potato. Each illustration is framed in orange-except those including the giant potato. The illustrations properly exemplify the text but don’t extend it except for the very last picture which suggests the leprechaun might not have been entirely truthful about the amount of gold in his pot.
A satisfying addition to any study of Irish folktales.
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
Kirkus Reviews – “As retold here, it makes a cheery picture book, with the artist using the lighter, brighter side of his palette and including some affectionate caricatures of the Irish in his decorative illustrations. Attractive and amusing.”
Horn Book Guide – “An abundance of colorful, folksy illustrations enhances the text.”
5. CONNECTIONS
*Could be used as a bridge to begun a discussion in the potato famine.
DePaola, Tomie. JAMIE O’ROURKE AND THE POOKA.ISBN 069811924X
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
And the Green Grass Grew All Around
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Swartz, Alvin. 2001. AND THE GREEN GRASS GREW ALL AROUND. Ill by Sue Truesdell. Topeka, KS: HarperTrophy. ISBN 978-0-613-18231-7.
2. SUMMARY
This lovely book is a collection of “folk poetry from everyone.” Its gems include jumping rope rhymes, teases and taunts, riddles and warnings. The poems are organized by topic or usage and accompanied by cartoonish black and white illustrations.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This compilation of both familiar and new (to me, at least!) folk poetry is sure to please children who will delight in such rhymes as “Heigh-ho, Heigh-ho, I bit the teacher’s toe.” The slightly naughty rhymes are presented in all of their schoolyard glory, without censorship or judgment. Many of the poems are accompanied by tune suggestions and some even include brief ‘sheet music’ to help an adult, (or musically educated child) figure out how they should be sung. Some of the poems are introduced, or fleshed out with explanation for their origins or word definitions and the book finishes with a full bibliography and index of first lines. This book will provide hours of fun and laughter and it may surprise some students to learn their favorite schoolyard rhymes are in print.
The illustrations in this book are cartoon drawings in black and white and are a great compliment to the hilarious text. Although the illustrations are sparse, (not everyone poems gets its own illustration) Truesdell does a great job of making the pictures as exciting and humorous as the poems.
Recommend this book to every child you know who gets a kick out of Shel Silverstein’s “Where the Sidewalk Ends”
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
Notable Children's Books of 1993 (ALA)
Children's Books of 1992 (Library of Congress)
Starred Review in BOOKLIST - The late Alvin Schwartz has left a joyful legacy in this collection of folk poetry for everyone to share.
School Library Journal - Read this outrageous volume before it is shelved; once the kids discover it, it will always be checked out.
5. CONNECTIONS
*A great way to introduce the concept of ‘folk literature’.
Silverstein, Shel. WHERE THE SIDEWALK ENDS. ISBN 0060572345.
Swartz, Alvin. 2001. AND THE GREEN GRASS GREW ALL AROUND. Ill by Sue Truesdell. Topeka, KS: HarperTrophy. ISBN 978-0-613-18231-7.
2. SUMMARY
This lovely book is a collection of “folk poetry from everyone.” Its gems include jumping rope rhymes, teases and taunts, riddles and warnings. The poems are organized by topic or usage and accompanied by cartoonish black and white illustrations.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This compilation of both familiar and new (to me, at least!) folk poetry is sure to please children who will delight in such rhymes as “Heigh-ho, Heigh-ho, I bit the teacher’s toe.” The slightly naughty rhymes are presented in all of their schoolyard glory, without censorship or judgment. Many of the poems are accompanied by tune suggestions and some even include brief ‘sheet music’ to help an adult, (or musically educated child) figure out how they should be sung. Some of the poems are introduced, or fleshed out with explanation for their origins or word definitions and the book finishes with a full bibliography and index of first lines. This book will provide hours of fun and laughter and it may surprise some students to learn their favorite schoolyard rhymes are in print.
The illustrations in this book are cartoon drawings in black and white and are a great compliment to the hilarious text. Although the illustrations are sparse, (not everyone poems gets its own illustration) Truesdell does a great job of making the pictures as exciting and humorous as the poems.
Recommend this book to every child you know who gets a kick out of Shel Silverstein’s “Where the Sidewalk Ends”
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
Notable Children's Books of 1993 (ALA)
Children's Books of 1992 (Library of Congress)
Starred Review in BOOKLIST - The late Alvin Schwartz has left a joyful legacy in this collection of folk poetry for everyone to share.
School Library Journal - Read this outrageous volume before it is shelved; once the kids discover it, it will always be checked out.
5. CONNECTIONS
*A great way to introduce the concept of ‘folk literature’.
Silverstein, Shel. WHERE THE SIDEWALK ENDS. ISBN 0060572345.
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Bubba, the Cowboy Prince
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Ketteman, Helen. 1997. BUBBA, THE COWBOY PRINCE. New York, NY: Scholastic
ISBN 978-0-590-25506-6.
2. PLOT SUMMARY
This is a Cinderella story with a major twist--Cinderella is a boy! Set in Texas; Bubba, the Cowboy Prince details the troubles of one downtrodden cowboy who patiently endures cruel treatment at the hands of his step-brothers until a visit from his “fairy Godcow” propels him into a much better life with the beautiful and rich “Miz Lurleen.”
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This little Texas tale turns tradition on its head with its unconventionally male Cinderella. The amusing story follows the basic Cinderella storyline but is set on a Texas ranch, features wicked step-brothers instead of step-sisters and doesn’t waste much time getting to the point where Miz Lurleen discovers the “cute as a cow’s ear” dude she’s been dancing with does not usually look so spiffy. The prose is straight Texas drawl and manages to introduce some unusual vocabulary words like “bolo tie”, “strapping” and “cow patties.” This book just begs to be read aloud. Ketteman does an unusually excellent job at making an old and often over told story fresh and exciting.
James Warhola, nephew of Andy Warhol illustrates this funny tale perfectly, each page displaying some sort of Texas symbol: stars, cowboy boots, jeans and big buckles abound. The wicked step-brother’s personalities are fleshed out in the paintings in ways that are not described within the text.
This book should be required reading for any child discovering the magic of Cinderella stories.
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
Starred review in BOOKLIST – “With a male in the starring role, this charming and funny retelling may hold more appeal for young boys than the traditional version may.”
KIRKUS – “While spoofing Cinderella is not a new idea, Ketteman and Warhola's (Aunt Hilarity's Bustle) well-matched flair for hyperbole gives both the narrative and illustrations a one-two punch. Just the ticket for buckaroos lookin' fer a good read.”
5. CONNECTIONS
* A great way to introduce variants of the traditional Cinderella story and can also serve as a segue into conversation about Texas cowboys.
Hughes, Shirley. ELLA’S BIG CHANCE. ISBN 0689873999
Ketteman, Helen. 1997. BUBBA, THE COWBOY PRINCE. New York, NY: Scholastic
ISBN 978-0-590-25506-6.
2. PLOT SUMMARY
This is a Cinderella story with a major twist--Cinderella is a boy! Set in Texas; Bubba, the Cowboy Prince details the troubles of one downtrodden cowboy who patiently endures cruel treatment at the hands of his step-brothers until a visit from his “fairy Godcow” propels him into a much better life with the beautiful and rich “Miz Lurleen.”
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This little Texas tale turns tradition on its head with its unconventionally male Cinderella. The amusing story follows the basic Cinderella storyline but is set on a Texas ranch, features wicked step-brothers instead of step-sisters and doesn’t waste much time getting to the point where Miz Lurleen discovers the “cute as a cow’s ear” dude she’s been dancing with does not usually look so spiffy. The prose is straight Texas drawl and manages to introduce some unusual vocabulary words like “bolo tie”, “strapping” and “cow patties.” This book just begs to be read aloud. Ketteman does an unusually excellent job at making an old and often over told story fresh and exciting.
James Warhola, nephew of Andy Warhol illustrates this funny tale perfectly, each page displaying some sort of Texas symbol: stars, cowboy boots, jeans and big buckles abound. The wicked step-brother’s personalities are fleshed out in the paintings in ways that are not described within the text.
This book should be required reading for any child discovering the magic of Cinderella stories.
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
Starred review in BOOKLIST – “With a male in the starring role, this charming and funny retelling may hold more appeal for young boys than the traditional version may.”
KIRKUS – “While spoofing Cinderella is not a new idea, Ketteman and Warhola's (Aunt Hilarity's Bustle) well-matched flair for hyperbole gives both the narrative and illustrations a one-two punch. Just the ticket for buckaroos lookin' fer a good read.”
5. CONNECTIONS
* A great way to introduce variants of the traditional Cinderella story and can also serve as a segue into conversation about Texas cowboys.
Hughes, Shirley. ELLA’S BIG CHANCE. ISBN 0689873999
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Side by Side
Marcus, Leonard. 2001. SIDE BY SIDE. Gordonsville, VA: Walker and Company
ISBN. 9780802787781
2. PLOT SUMMARY
This non-fiction book offers a glance into the creation of picture books. Specifically the book details the relationship between author and illustrator by interviewing five different successful picture book teams and relaying the process each team using to work and collaborate.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Leonard Marcus’ book detailing how “Five-Favorite Picture-Book Teams Go to Work” is an often interesting and sometimes dry foray into all of the behind the scenes effort that goes into creating a beautiful and effective picture book. The range of collaboration between author and illustrator are particularly emphasized. Although the book’s jacket cover says the book is for children aged 8 and up, Leonard never ventures into patronizing territory when he writes about the differences of opinion that most authors and illustrators experience at one time or another. The tone of the writing is very adult and no-nonsense.
The illustrations in this book are what make it so special. How else would a reader get to see dummy spreads and other artwork deleted from a book’s final version? The voyeuristic look inside the different stages of creating a picture book made me feel like I was watching extras on a Special Version DVD. The quotes from the creators themselves are sure to satisfy any reader wondering how authors and illustrators get their ideas.
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
School Library Journal – “Many of the titles described will be familiar to readers. However, even those who have not seen some of the featured books will be engaged by the creativity and cooperation exhibited here.”
Starred Review in BOOKLIST– “Teachers and librarians who want to promote collaboration in the classroom or just share their enthusiasm for the creative process and those who practice it will find plenty of good material in this well-written and beautifully designed book.”
5. CONNECTIONS
* A wonderful book for older students who are learning about the different types of writing
Marcus, Leonard. WAYS OF TELLING. ISBN 0525464905
ISBN. 9780802787781
2. PLOT SUMMARY
This non-fiction book offers a glance into the creation of picture books. Specifically the book details the relationship between author and illustrator by interviewing five different successful picture book teams and relaying the process each team using to work and collaborate.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Leonard Marcus’ book detailing how “Five-Favorite Picture-Book Teams Go to Work” is an often interesting and sometimes dry foray into all of the behind the scenes effort that goes into creating a beautiful and effective picture book. The range of collaboration between author and illustrator are particularly emphasized. Although the book’s jacket cover says the book is for children aged 8 and up, Leonard never ventures into patronizing territory when he writes about the differences of opinion that most authors and illustrators experience at one time or another. The tone of the writing is very adult and no-nonsense.
The illustrations in this book are what make it so special. How else would a reader get to see dummy spreads and other artwork deleted from a book’s final version? The voyeuristic look inside the different stages of creating a picture book made me feel like I was watching extras on a Special Version DVD. The quotes from the creators themselves are sure to satisfy any reader wondering how authors and illustrators get their ideas.
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
School Library Journal – “Many of the titles described will be familiar to readers. However, even those who have not seen some of the featured books will be engaged by the creativity and cooperation exhibited here.”
Starred Review in BOOKLIST– “Teachers and librarians who want to promote collaboration in the classroom or just share their enthusiasm for the creative process and those who practice it will find plenty of good material in this well-written and beautifully designed book.”
5. CONNECTIONS
* A wonderful book for older students who are learning about the different types of writing
Marcus, Leonard. WAYS OF TELLING. ISBN 0525464905
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
So You Want to be President by Judith St. George - a review
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
St. George, Judith. SO YOU WANT TO BE PRESIDENT. Ill. by David Small.
Rutherford, NY: Philomel. ISBN 0399243178
2. PLOT SUMMARY
In this piece of non-fiction, Judith St. George gives readers spicy tidbits of zany facts from the lives of past American Presidents. The story operates under the premise of reviewing the different qualifications someone might need to become president and in the process the readers discovers that presidents have come in all different shapes and sizes and were from all walks of life.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This piece of non-fiction is so engaging and full of anecdotal humor that it is hard to remember the subject matter--presidents, is often considering boring. St. George’s trivia is strengthened by quotes from the presidents themselves which lends an air of credibility to the historical book. She covers historical facts not often addressed in other presidential biographies, like the fact that William Howard Taft weighed over 300lbs and had a special tub built for his White House bathroom.
The illustrations in this book are so spot-on and comical that they won a Caldecott Medal! David Small’s caricatures are accurate enough that the presidents are immediately identifiable but also seem to capture the essence of their personalities in a perfect complement to St. George’s text. The presidents are brought to life as individuals apart from their responsibilities to the nation. The illustrations perfectly extend the text. In example, the woman and black man standing off to the side behind a black rope in a room crowded with presidents is an unobtrusive visual reminder of discrimination that can be glossed over or used as a launching pad to discuss it further.
This book is a surefire hit that will inspire young readers to learn more about past presidents.
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
2001 Caldecott Medal Winner
School Library Journal Best Books of the Year “This title will add spark to any study of this popular subject”
Starred Review in BOOKLIST “The light tone of the book makes it possible for readers to absorb a great deal of information, some of it silly, but underlying the treatment is a sense of the significance and dignity of the office and the faith that children still aspire to be president.”
5. CONNECTIONS
*A perfect book to launch a theme on presidents
School Specialty Publishing. THE COMPLETE BOOK OF PRESIDENTS AND STATES. ISBN 1561895474
St. George, Judith. SO YOU WANT TO BE PRESIDENT. Ill. by David Small.
Rutherford, NY: Philomel. ISBN 0399243178
2. PLOT SUMMARY
In this piece of non-fiction, Judith St. George gives readers spicy tidbits of zany facts from the lives of past American Presidents. The story operates under the premise of reviewing the different qualifications someone might need to become president and in the process the readers discovers that presidents have come in all different shapes and sizes and were from all walks of life.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This piece of non-fiction is so engaging and full of anecdotal humor that it is hard to remember the subject matter--presidents, is often considering boring. St. George’s trivia is strengthened by quotes from the presidents themselves which lends an air of credibility to the historical book. She covers historical facts not often addressed in other presidential biographies, like the fact that William Howard Taft weighed over 300lbs and had a special tub built for his White House bathroom.
The illustrations in this book are so spot-on and comical that they won a Caldecott Medal! David Small’s caricatures are accurate enough that the presidents are immediately identifiable but also seem to capture the essence of their personalities in a perfect complement to St. George’s text. The presidents are brought to life as individuals apart from their responsibilities to the nation. The illustrations perfectly extend the text. In example, the woman and black man standing off to the side behind a black rope in a room crowded with presidents is an unobtrusive visual reminder of discrimination that can be glossed over or used as a launching pad to discuss it further.
This book is a surefire hit that will inspire young readers to learn more about past presidents.
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
2001 Caldecott Medal Winner
School Library Journal Best Books of the Year “This title will add spark to any study of this popular subject”
Starred Review in BOOKLIST “The light tone of the book makes it possible for readers to absorb a great deal of information, some of it silly, but underlying the treatment is a sense of the significance and dignity of the office and the faith that children still aspire to be president.”
5. CONNECTIONS
*A perfect book to launch a theme on presidents
School Specialty Publishing. THE COMPLETE BOOK OF PRESIDENTS AND STATES. ISBN 1561895474
GENRE 1-PICTURE BOOKS
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Willems, Mo. 2005. KNUFFLE BUNNY. Scranton, PA: Hyperion.
ISBN 978-0-7868-1870-9
2. PLOT SUMMARY
Trixie, who has not yet learned to speak, goes on an errand to the Laundromat with her father. Halfway home, she realizes that her stuffed animal, Knuffle Bunny, is missing. She tries to tell him that the bunny is missing but she still can’t speak. She throws a fit, alternating between limp doll and wailing baby until they reach their house. When Trixie’s mom opens the door, she immediately notices Knuffle Bunny’s absence and the family race back to the Laundromat together. When the father finally pulls Knuffle Bunny out of the washing machine, Trixie’s joy propels her to speak her first words: “Knuffle Bunny”!
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This humorous tale is perfect for children of all ages. Mo Willem’s text is believable and authentic. He perfectly captures the way adults condescend to children when Trixie’s dad replies “That’s right, we’re going home” to her babble. Her father never stops to wonder if her babble is to actually get a point across. Even if a child can’t remember their first words, they will remember their most beloved stuffed animal and identify with Trixie’s love for Knuffle Bunny.
The fusion of art and text in this book represents the highest realm for which a picture book can reach; a place where the art and text come together to create a story more powerful than either of them are alone. The hand drawn characters imposed on sepia-toned photographs are visually interesting and reinforce the genuine authenticity of the story—after all; photographs are pictures of a real location. Trixie’s facial expressions and body language perfectly mirror any child’s progression into a pure meltdown and her father’s reaction is just as perfectly legitimate.
Don’t forget to share this book with older children who will also enjoy its theme.
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
Starred review in SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “A seamless and supremely satisfying presentation of art and text.”
Starred review in BOOKLIST: “Even children who can already talk a blue streak will come away satisfied that their own strong emotions have been mirrored and legitimized, and readers of all ages will recognize the agonizing frustration of a little girl who knows far more than she can articulate.”
5. CONNECTIONS
2004 The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books Blue Ribbon Picture Book Winner
* A perfect book to share with preschool children and for read-alouds.
Willems, Mo. KNUFFLE BUNNY TOO. ISBN 1423102991
Willems, Mo. 2005. KNUFFLE BUNNY. Scranton, PA: Hyperion.
ISBN 978-0-7868-1870-9
2. PLOT SUMMARY
Trixie, who has not yet learned to speak, goes on an errand to the Laundromat with her father. Halfway home, she realizes that her stuffed animal, Knuffle Bunny, is missing. She tries to tell him that the bunny is missing but she still can’t speak. She throws a fit, alternating between limp doll and wailing baby until they reach their house. When Trixie’s mom opens the door, she immediately notices Knuffle Bunny’s absence and the family race back to the Laundromat together. When the father finally pulls Knuffle Bunny out of the washing machine, Trixie’s joy propels her to speak her first words: “Knuffle Bunny”!
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This humorous tale is perfect for children of all ages. Mo Willem’s text is believable and authentic. He perfectly captures the way adults condescend to children when Trixie’s dad replies “That’s right, we’re going home” to her babble. Her father never stops to wonder if her babble is to actually get a point across. Even if a child can’t remember their first words, they will remember their most beloved stuffed animal and identify with Trixie’s love for Knuffle Bunny.
The fusion of art and text in this book represents the highest realm for which a picture book can reach; a place where the art and text come together to create a story more powerful than either of them are alone. The hand drawn characters imposed on sepia-toned photographs are visually interesting and reinforce the genuine authenticity of the story—after all; photographs are pictures of a real location. Trixie’s facial expressions and body language perfectly mirror any child’s progression into a pure meltdown and her father’s reaction is just as perfectly legitimate.
Don’t forget to share this book with older children who will also enjoy its theme.
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
Starred review in SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “A seamless and supremely satisfying presentation of art and text.”
Starred review in BOOKLIST: “Even children who can already talk a blue streak will come away satisfied that their own strong emotions have been mirrored and legitimized, and readers of all ages will recognize the agonizing frustration of a little girl who knows far more than she can articulate.”
5. CONNECTIONS
2004 The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books Blue Ribbon Picture Book Winner
* A perfect book to share with preschool children and for read-alouds.
Willems, Mo. KNUFFLE BUNNY TOO. ISBN 1423102991
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