1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Simon, Seymour. 1990. DESERTS. New York, NY: HarperCollins.
ISBN: 0-688-07416-2.
2. SUMMARY
In his short, informative book about deserts, Seymour Simon goes beyond the basics and presents a beautifully designed, engagingly illustrated book about deserts. The book tells how deserts are formed, what constitutes a desert and what kind of animal and plant life is found in deserts. The book invites readers into the world of deserts, giving a guided tour of what daily life looks and feels like in one of the hottest places on Earth.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This book is highly entertaining and highly informative. The beautiful front cover photograph encourages readers to try the book and once inside they are captivated by more brilliant photography and simple to read text that accentuates quirky facts about deserts. The first such fact that got my attention was the mention of “polar deserts.” Basic facts about deserts are weaved throughout the text and any reader will finish this book with a clear understanding of deserts. Maps of the world's deserts and a map of the location and names of all North American deserts provide an anchoring reference aide. The organization is logical and coherent as Simon goes from broad to specific-first describing all deserts then each North American desert in succession. Although the text is simple, it does not condescend so everyone from third graders to adults will find enjoyment from this book. A must have for any school library.
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
School Library Journal-Simon presents clear, simplified explanations of natural phenomena with well-chosen color photographs that go beyond decoration.
Horn Book Guide-An eye-catching learning experience
5. CONNECTIONS
An obvious entry to a study about deserts
Other books about desert life include:
Bash, Barbara. DESERT GIANT. ISBN 1578050855
Wallace, Maryann. AMERICA’S DESERTS: GUIDE TO PLANTS AND ANIMALS
ISBN 1555912680
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Please Bury Me in the Library
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Lewis, Patrick J. 2005. PLEASE BURY ME IN THE LIBRARY. New York, NY: Harcourt Children’s Books. ISBN: 0-15-216387-5.
2. SUMMARY
This book displays 14 poems, most on a single spread. All poems get their own illustration. There is a wide variety of type in this short collection. Haiku, Acrostic, Narrative, Lyrical and other forms make appearances. The poems are focused around a relatively small theme, but some are fanciful, whimsical and zany while others encourage introspection and reflection.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Lewis’ collection of 14 poems about language, reading and books will be warmly welcomed by only the most avid readers and fully comprehended by only the sharpest children or adults. The title poem is morbid without managing to be silly at the same time. The two most compelling poems, “A Classic” and “Great, Good, Bad” would feel more at home as sidebars in Reader’s Digest. “Three Haiku” falls flat on its face but the double entendre in the last haiku could at least serve as introduction into double entendres.
The illustrations do little to truly extend the text with its muted colors and many layers of acrylic paint. Occasionally, the poems and illustrations appear out of sync as in “Absolutastical” and “Necessary Gardens”. In the latter, the illustration actually seems to be disputing the poem. The only standout in this collection is “Summer Reading at the Beach” where illustration and text are in perfect harmony.
This is one collection of poetry that should be bought only to complement an already full poetry section.
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
Publisher’s Weekly - Despite its clever title, Lewis (Arithme-Tickle) and Stone's combination of sentimental rhymes and at times ghoulish whimsy creates a volume of poetry about reading that may leave bookworms with a bit of indigestion.
School Library Journal - The Lewis hallmarks are all here-clever wordplay, humor, nonsense, rhyme-though the collection doesn't have quite the spot-on snap of his best stuff.
5. CONNECTIONS
Can lead to a discussion about the role of libraries and reading.
Morris, Carla. THE BOY WHO WAS RAISED BY LIBRARIANS. ISBN 1561453919.
Lewis, Patrick J. 2005. PLEASE BURY ME IN THE LIBRARY. New York, NY: Harcourt Children’s Books. ISBN: 0-15-216387-5.
2. SUMMARY
This book displays 14 poems, most on a single spread. All poems get their own illustration. There is a wide variety of type in this short collection. Haiku, Acrostic, Narrative, Lyrical and other forms make appearances. The poems are focused around a relatively small theme, but some are fanciful, whimsical and zany while others encourage introspection and reflection.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Lewis’ collection of 14 poems about language, reading and books will be warmly welcomed by only the most avid readers and fully comprehended by only the sharpest children or adults. The title poem is morbid without managing to be silly at the same time. The two most compelling poems, “A Classic” and “Great, Good, Bad” would feel more at home as sidebars in Reader’s Digest. “Three Haiku” falls flat on its face but the double entendre in the last haiku could at least serve as introduction into double entendres.
The illustrations do little to truly extend the text with its muted colors and many layers of acrylic paint. Occasionally, the poems and illustrations appear out of sync as in “Absolutastical” and “Necessary Gardens”. In the latter, the illustration actually seems to be disputing the poem. The only standout in this collection is “Summer Reading at the Beach” where illustration and text are in perfect harmony.
This is one collection of poetry that should be bought only to complement an already full poetry section.
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
Publisher’s Weekly - Despite its clever title, Lewis (Arithme-Tickle) and Stone's combination of sentimental rhymes and at times ghoulish whimsy creates a volume of poetry about reading that may leave bookworms with a bit of indigestion.
School Library Journal - The Lewis hallmarks are all here-clever wordplay, humor, nonsense, rhyme-though the collection doesn't have quite the spot-on snap of his best stuff.
5. CONNECTIONS
Can lead to a discussion about the role of libraries and reading.
Morris, Carla. THE BOY WHO WAS RAISED BY LIBRARIANS. ISBN 1561453919.
The Music of Dolphins
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Hesse, Karen. 1998. THE MUSIC OF DOLPHINS. New York, NY: Scholastic, Inc. ISBN: 0-590-89798-5
2. SUMMARY
Karen Hesse’s story tells the tale of a feral wild child pulled out of the waters between Florida and Cuba. Rescuers have a difficult time capturing the little girl because she doesn't want to be captured: she's quite content living as a member of a dolphine clan. The child gets named “Mila”, presumably short for “Milagros” the Spanish word for miracle. She falls under the care of doctors and researchers who keep her under close surveillance. She forms bonds with the doctor’s charged with her care and with the other children at the facility. However, she never stops missing her dolphin family. Eventually the doctors must decide: in which clan does Mila really belong?
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This haunting book packs a powerful poetic punch. It is an unforgettable read and is almost impossible to fully analyze as it hits the reader with that intimate experience that is poetry. The protagonist is fully developed, emotionally and mentally, and the reader is brought along for the amazing ride. She is both exotic in her feral-ness and familiar in her need for comfort and closeness in family. Mila’s change from a feral child unacquainted with human ways or human contact to a child who is all too familiar with human failings is compelling and profound. Told in first person, the reader gets pulled into a world where the most basic items usually taken for granted, for example television, become foreign and something new to be explored and handled.
The prosaic and lyrical nature of this book, indeed almost all of the beauty of this work comes after the first five pages. Encourage your readers to get to page seven and they will find the rest of the story mesmerizing.
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
Publisher’s Weekly Best Books of the Year Award
Nominated for over 10 Book Awards
School Library Journal-This powerful exploration of how we become human and how the soul endures is a song of beauty and sorrow, haunting and unforgettable.
Kirkus - A probing look at what makes us human, with an unforgettable protagonist.
5. CONNECTIONS
This is a great book to use in higher grades as a springboard into discussion about marine life or animal communication.
Grover, Wayne. DOLPHIN ADVENTURE: A TRUE STORY. ISBN: 0380732521
Cerullo, Mary. DOLPHINS: WHAT THEY CAN TEACH US. ISBN: 0525652639
Hesse, Karen. 1998. THE MUSIC OF DOLPHINS. New York, NY: Scholastic, Inc. ISBN: 0-590-89798-5
2. SUMMARY
Karen Hesse’s story tells the tale of a feral wild child pulled out of the waters between Florida and Cuba. Rescuers have a difficult time capturing the little girl because she doesn't want to be captured: she's quite content living as a member of a dolphine clan. The child gets named “Mila”, presumably short for “Milagros” the Spanish word for miracle. She falls under the care of doctors and researchers who keep her under close surveillance. She forms bonds with the doctor’s charged with her care and with the other children at the facility. However, she never stops missing her dolphin family. Eventually the doctors must decide: in which clan does Mila really belong?
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This haunting book packs a powerful poetic punch. It is an unforgettable read and is almost impossible to fully analyze as it hits the reader with that intimate experience that is poetry. The protagonist is fully developed, emotionally and mentally, and the reader is brought along for the amazing ride. She is both exotic in her feral-ness and familiar in her need for comfort and closeness in family. Mila’s change from a feral child unacquainted with human ways or human contact to a child who is all too familiar with human failings is compelling and profound. Told in first person, the reader gets pulled into a world where the most basic items usually taken for granted, for example television, become foreign and something new to be explored and handled.
The prosaic and lyrical nature of this book, indeed almost all of the beauty of this work comes after the first five pages. Encourage your readers to get to page seven and they will find the rest of the story mesmerizing.
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
Publisher’s Weekly Best Books of the Year Award
Nominated for over 10 Book Awards
School Library Journal-This powerful exploration of how we become human and how the soul endures is a song of beauty and sorrow, haunting and unforgettable.
Kirkus - A probing look at what makes us human, with an unforgettable protagonist.
5. CONNECTIONS
This is a great book to use in higher grades as a springboard into discussion about marine life or animal communication.
Grover, Wayne. DOLPHIN ADVENTURE: A TRUE STORY. ISBN: 0380732521
Cerullo, Mary. DOLPHINS: WHAT THEY CAN TEACH US. ISBN: 0525652639
Monday, October 8, 2007
A Suitcase of seaweed
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Wong, Janet S. 1996. A SUITCASE OF SEAWEED AND OTHER POEMS. New York, NY: Margaret K. McElderry Books. ISBN: 0-689-80788-0.
2. SUMMARY
This collection of 36 poems has been arranged by the author in three different sections; Korean poems, Chinese poems and American poems. Each section is preceded with a small narrative by the author explaining how each culture is a part of her life and reflected in her heritage. Most of the poems are free verse with only two poems that truly rhyme. There are no illustrations, only ‘decorations’ provided by the author at the start of each new chapter.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
These poems go beyond simple recitations about being different and transcend what could be limiting subjects in the hands of lesser writers. The poems are particularly effective as they focus on the culturally ubiquitous themes of food and family. Even when falling flat, Wong’s poems evoke strong mental images and will be understood and appreciated by most readers. The emotional palette used is a rich and varied one, with many humorous poems like “Acupuncture” and “Campfire”, and some that inspire somber moods like “Beat” and “In the Hospital Room.”
All children will find at least a few poems in this volume with whom they can identify. It’s a must have for any library collection.
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
School Library Journal - People may ask Asian-Americans "Where are you from?" This collection, appropriate for YAs of any culture, may make this question less relevant and important as they realize the commonalties among cultures.
Booklist - The poems overlap their ethnicity and subject, of course, and young people will recognize many of the situations, whether Wong is imagining her parents' "Love at First Sight" or chafing at their high expectations and their disappointment.
5. CONNECTIONS
These poems can be a great bridge to free verse for children who are ready to move beyond Shel Silverstein
Wong, Janet. NIGHT GARDEN: POEMS FROM THE WORLD OF DREAMS.
ISBN 0689826176.
Wong, Janet S. 1996. A SUITCASE OF SEAWEED AND OTHER POEMS. New York, NY: Margaret K. McElderry Books. ISBN: 0-689-80788-0.
2. SUMMARY
This collection of 36 poems has been arranged by the author in three different sections; Korean poems, Chinese poems and American poems. Each section is preceded with a small narrative by the author explaining how each culture is a part of her life and reflected in her heritage. Most of the poems are free verse with only two poems that truly rhyme. There are no illustrations, only ‘decorations’ provided by the author at the start of each new chapter.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
These poems go beyond simple recitations about being different and transcend what could be limiting subjects in the hands of lesser writers. The poems are particularly effective as they focus on the culturally ubiquitous themes of food and family. Even when falling flat, Wong’s poems evoke strong mental images and will be understood and appreciated by most readers. The emotional palette used is a rich and varied one, with many humorous poems like “Acupuncture” and “Campfire”, and some that inspire somber moods like “Beat” and “In the Hospital Room.”
All children will find at least a few poems in this volume with whom they can identify. It’s a must have for any library collection.
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
School Library Journal - People may ask Asian-Americans "Where are you from?" This collection, appropriate for YAs of any culture, may make this question less relevant and important as they realize the commonalties among cultures.
Booklist - The poems overlap their ethnicity and subject, of course, and young people will recognize many of the situations, whether Wong is imagining her parents' "Love at First Sight" or chafing at their high expectations and their disappointment.
5. CONNECTIONS
These poems can be a great bridge to free verse for children who are ready to move beyond Shel Silverstein
Wong, Janet. NIGHT GARDEN: POEMS FROM THE WORLD OF DREAMS.
ISBN 0689826176.
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Jamie O'Rourke and the Big Potato
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
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
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
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