Grandma Chickenlegs
By: Geraldine McCaughrean
Illustrated By: Moira Kemp
Carolrhoda Books
Copyright 2000
Traditional Genre Books
Grandma Chickenlegs
This is a fun Russian folktale of a young girl, Tatia whose stepmother sends her to get a sewing needle from Grandma Chickenlegs, while her father is away on work. While at Grandma Chickenleg's house, she is told by her doll, Drooga, that Grandma Chickenlegs is going to eat her. The animals at the house grow a liking for Tatia and help her escape. As she is running away from Grandma Chickenlegs, she finds her father. It ends with the father kicking the Stepmother and her daughters out of the house and spending the rest of his time with only Tatia.
I really enjoyed this story. I also thought that the illustrations in the book were fun, colorful, and made the characters in the story more interesting. It seemed like a different version of Hansel and Gretel to me because the wicked woman was going to eat the child that was sent away by the stepmother. I think that this would be a fun book for students to read and see if they recognize similarities in this story to others.
Sunday, March 25, 2012
The Frog Princess
The Frog Princess
Retold By: Elizabeth Isele.
Illustrated by: Michael Hague
Thomas Y. Crowell Junior Books
Copyright 1984
Traditional Genre Books
The Frog Princess
I have never read or heard the story of The Frog Princess, before recently. The only understanding I have, of a story similar to this Russian folk tale, is from watching Disney's The Princess and the Frog. I really enjoyed this story because it told of an "underdog" that rose to be a champion. I also like stories that tell of princes and princesses. I would love to share this story with my students.
This story is similar to the Disney movie. A major difference begins with the fact that in the movie, the frog is male and the princess falls in love with him. The princess goes through great lengths to turn him into a human. It begins with three princes that need to be married. In order to find their wife, they need to shoot an arrow and find who was the first to retrieve it. Two of the princes found their wives to be beautiful, however they were not as talented in making clothes and cakes for the king. The third prince found his wife to be a frog. She was the best baker and clothes maker of all the three wives. Sometimes she would take human form and be her beautiful self. The frog princess was only supposed to be a frog for three years, but when her husband thew away her frog skin, it was going to be forever. The prince had to go through great lengths to get her back into human form and live with her forever. It ends with them living happily ever after.
Retold By: Elizabeth Isele.
Illustrated by: Michael Hague
Thomas Y. Crowell Junior Books
Copyright 1984
Traditional Genre Books
The Frog Princess
I have never read or heard the story of The Frog Princess, before recently. The only understanding I have, of a story similar to this Russian folk tale, is from watching Disney's The Princess and the Frog. I really enjoyed this story because it told of an "underdog" that rose to be a champion. I also like stories that tell of princes and princesses. I would love to share this story with my students.
This story is similar to the Disney movie. A major difference begins with the fact that in the movie, the frog is male and the princess falls in love with him. The princess goes through great lengths to turn him into a human. It begins with three princes that need to be married. In order to find their wife, they need to shoot an arrow and find who was the first to retrieve it. Two of the princes found their wives to be beautiful, however they were not as talented in making clothes and cakes for the king. The third prince found his wife to be a frog. She was the best baker and clothes maker of all the three wives. Sometimes she would take human form and be her beautiful self. The frog princess was only supposed to be a frog for three years, but when her husband thew away her frog skin, it was going to be forever. The prince had to go through great lengths to get her back into human form and live with her forever. It ends with them living happily ever after.
Clay Boy
Clay Boy
By: Mirra Ginsburg
Pictures By: Jos. A. Smith
Greenwillow Books
Copyright 1997
Traditional Genre Book
Clay Boy
Clay Boy is a Russian folktale that tells the story of a hungry clay boy who eats almost his entire village. It begins with an older couple who miss having children around, therefore, they decide to make a boy made of clay. It turns out that the clay boy grows so quickly and gets extremely hungry, so he eats his parents, neighbors, and animals. The story ends when a tricky goat tells the clay boy to close his eye as he eats him. Just as the clay boy's eyes are shut, the goats rams into the boy and shatters him into pieces. Everyone and everything that the boy had ever eaten were set free.
This was a fast read, but the illustrations were funny and added a lot of character to the story. They were done in aquarelle and gouache paints. I like that the characters are wearing traditional Russian outfits. It reminds the reader that this is a Russian folktale. I like this story because not only was it a fun and funny story, but it also gave a moral. No matter who you are, you can stop wrong things from happening if you take time to think things through. I would definitely have my students read this story.
By: Mirra Ginsburg
Pictures By: Jos. A. Smith
Greenwillow Books
Copyright 1997
Traditional Genre Book
Clay Boy
Clay Boy is a Russian folktale that tells the story of a hungry clay boy who eats almost his entire village. It begins with an older couple who miss having children around, therefore, they decide to make a boy made of clay. It turns out that the clay boy grows so quickly and gets extremely hungry, so he eats his parents, neighbors, and animals. The story ends when a tricky goat tells the clay boy to close his eye as he eats him. Just as the clay boy's eyes are shut, the goats rams into the boy and shatters him into pieces. Everyone and everything that the boy had ever eaten were set free.
This was a fast read, but the illustrations were funny and added a lot of character to the story. They were done in aquarelle and gouache paints. I like that the characters are wearing traditional Russian outfits. It reminds the reader that this is a Russian folktale. I like this story because not only was it a fun and funny story, but it also gave a moral. No matter who you are, you can stop wrong things from happening if you take time to think things through. I would definitely have my students read this story.
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Junie B. Jones and Her Big Fat Mouth
Junie B. Jones and Her Big Fat Mouth
By: Barbara Park
Illustrated by: Denise Brunkus
Book Series
Random House Inc.
Copyright 1993
Junie B. Jones and Her Big Fat Mouth
It's job day in Junie B.'s kindergarten class and she struggles with what she wants to be. The thing is, she has to come up with something really good that combines painting, having a set of key, and saving people, because she ran her "big fat mouth" on the school bus and told people that's what she was going to do. At one point in the book Junie B. strengthens a type of friendship with the janitor after he saved her from eating a dirty piece of candy and finding her in the book Junie B. Jones and the Stupid Smelly Bus. Junie B. decides that she wants to be a janitor for job day.
This book is funny and easy to relate to because it is so simple to think of a child who talks all the time. It would be so easy for kids to run their mouths where they set up expectations for themselves. What I really like about this book is that it reminds the reader that all jobs are important and to never give up on yourself. Deep down Junie B. knew that she would be able to find a job that included painting, carrying keys, and saving people and she was able to.
By: Barbara Park
Illustrated by: Denise Brunkus
Book Series
Random House Inc.
Copyright 1993
Junie B. Jones and Her Big Fat Mouth
It's job day in Junie B.'s kindergarten class and she struggles with what she wants to be. The thing is, she has to come up with something really good that combines painting, having a set of key, and saving people, because she ran her "big fat mouth" on the school bus and told people that's what she was going to do. At one point in the book Junie B. strengthens a type of friendship with the janitor after he saved her from eating a dirty piece of candy and finding her in the book Junie B. Jones and the Stupid Smelly Bus. Junie B. decides that she wants to be a janitor for job day.
This book is funny and easy to relate to because it is so simple to think of a child who talks all the time. It would be so easy for kids to run their mouths where they set up expectations for themselves. What I really like about this book is that it reminds the reader that all jobs are important and to never give up on yourself. Deep down Junie B. knew that she would be able to find a job that included painting, carrying keys, and saving people and she was able to.
Junie B. Jones and a Little Monkey Business
Junie B. Jones and a Little Monkey Business
By: Barbara Park
Illustrated By: Denise Brunkus
Book Series
Random House Inc.
Copyright 1993
Junie B. Jones and a Little Monkey Business
Junie B. has a new baby brother! In Junie B. Jones and a Little Monkey Business, Junie B. gets a little confused when her grandmother tells her that her new baby brother is "the cutest little monkey she has ever seen". Since Junie B. is only in kindergarten, she takes everything people say literally. Considering that her grandmother told her that her new brother is a cute little monkey, Junie B. thinks that he is actually a monkey. This gets her in trouble during show and tell time at school, when she tells the class that her new baby brother is a monkey. Things get even more messy when she starts making her friends give her things in order to see her monkey of a brother.
This is another fun Junie B. read. Some of the funniest parts in the Junie B. series is when she takes sayings literally. This is an entire book about that and how it got her in trouble. It makes the reader sympathize with Junie B. because she really did not understand that her grandmother was using an expression. I think any reader who knows a young child like this would really appreciate the book.
By: Barbara Park
Illustrated By: Denise Brunkus
Book Series
Random House Inc.
Copyright 1993
Junie B. Jones and a Little Monkey Business
Junie B. has a new baby brother! In Junie B. Jones and a Little Monkey Business, Junie B. gets a little confused when her grandmother tells her that her new baby brother is "the cutest little monkey she has ever seen". Since Junie B. is only in kindergarten, she takes everything people say literally. Considering that her grandmother told her that her new brother is a cute little monkey, Junie B. thinks that he is actually a monkey. This gets her in trouble during show and tell time at school, when she tells the class that her new baby brother is a monkey. Things get even more messy when she starts making her friends give her things in order to see her monkey of a brother.
This is another fun Junie B. read. Some of the funniest parts in the Junie B. series is when she takes sayings literally. This is an entire book about that and how it got her in trouble. It makes the reader sympathize with Junie B. because she really did not understand that her grandmother was using an expression. I think any reader who knows a young child like this would really appreciate the book.
Junie B. Jones and the Stupid Smelly Bus
Junie B. Jones and the Stupid Smelly Bus
By: Barbara Park
Illustrated By: Denise Brunkus
Book Series
Random House, Inc.
Copyright 1992
Junie B. Jones and the Stupid Smelly Bus
This book will make anyone of its readers laugh out loud. Junie B. starts her first day of kindergarten! The way she interacts with the teacher, Mrs., and other students is very funny. Junie B. just has a difficult time understanding the appropriate way to act in a classroom setting and find a filter about her hatred towards one of her classmates, Jim. The funniest part in this book is when she doesn't want to go back home on the school bus, because she is nervous that someone will pour chocolate milk on her head, so she hides all over the school.
Junie B. Jones and the Stupid Smelly Bus is absolutely my favorite book in the series. It is a great way to introduce the series and understand Junie B.'s character. Young readers would love this book, especially if they are able to think of a kindergartener that they can compare Junie B. too. I think they would really find Junie B.'s language and the events she encounters while hiding in the school hilarious.
By: Barbara Park
Illustrated By: Denise Brunkus
Book Series
Random House, Inc.
Copyright 1992
Junie B. Jones and the Stupid Smelly Bus
This book will make anyone of its readers laugh out loud. Junie B. starts her first day of kindergarten! The way she interacts with the teacher, Mrs., and other students is very funny. Junie B. just has a difficult time understanding the appropriate way to act in a classroom setting and find a filter about her hatred towards one of her classmates, Jim. The funniest part in this book is when she doesn't want to go back home on the school bus, because she is nervous that someone will pour chocolate milk on her head, so she hides all over the school.
Junie B. Jones and the Stupid Smelly Bus is absolutely my favorite book in the series. It is a great way to introduce the series and understand Junie B.'s character. Young readers would love this book, especially if they are able to think of a kindergartener that they can compare Junie B. too. I think they would really find Junie B.'s language and the events she encounters while hiding in the school hilarious.
Junie B. Jones Has a Monster Under Her Bed
Junie B. Jones Has a Monster Under Her Bed
By: Barbara Park
Illustrated By: Denise Brunkus
Book Series
Random House
Copyright 1997
Junie B. Jones Has a Monster Under Her Bed
As parents start to have their children sleep in their rooms, on their own, it is very common for the children to fear that there is a monster hiding in their room. For this reason I think this book is relatable for many children and parents. In fact, any babysitter would laugh out loud at this book as they think of how many times they have put children to sleep and needed to explain that there are no such things as monsters.
Junie B. finds out from her friend that there is a monster that lives under her bed and leaves drool on her pillow in the morning. She tells Junie B. that the reason Junie B. cannot see the monster is because it turns invisible any time a human tries to look for it. It ends with the grandmother doing whatever it takes to get Junie B. to understand that there is no monster under the bed. This this case, she needed to vacuum the monster up and run over the vacuum bag with her car.
By: Barbara Park
Illustrated By: Denise Brunkus
Book Series
Random House
Copyright 1997
Junie B. Jones Has a Monster Under Her Bed
As parents start to have their children sleep in their rooms, on their own, it is very common for the children to fear that there is a monster hiding in their room. For this reason I think this book is relatable for many children and parents. In fact, any babysitter would laugh out loud at this book as they think of how many times they have put children to sleep and needed to explain that there are no such things as monsters.
Junie B. finds out from her friend that there is a monster that lives under her bed and leaves drool on her pillow in the morning. She tells Junie B. that the reason Junie B. cannot see the monster is because it turns invisible any time a human tries to look for it. It ends with the grandmother doing whatever it takes to get Junie B. to understand that there is no monster under the bed. This this case, she needed to vacuum the monster up and run over the vacuum bag with her car.
Junie B. Jones and Some Sneaky Peeky Spying
Junie B. Jones and Some Sneaky Peeky Spying
By: Barbara Park
Illustrated By: Denise Brunkus
Book Series
Random House Inc.
Copyright 1994
Junie B. Jones and Some Sneaky Peeky Spying
Junie B. loves to spy in this book. As all Junie B. books, the story is told in the first person. She begins by boasting about how good of a spier she is. However, Junie B's spying gets her into trouble when she spies on her teacher, Mrs., at the grocery store. This is when she sees Mrs. eating some grapes before buying them. Junie B. knows that this is stealing, so she has a very difficult time trying to keep the secret to herself so Mrs. won't go to jail.
At the end of the book Mrs. and Junie B. have a talk about what Junie B. saw. It is during their talk that the moral of the story is revealed. If you are not sure if what you are doing is wrong, you should ask someone before doing it. For example, Mrs. should have asked the grocery clerk if it is ok that she may sample some grapes before she buys them.
I liked this book because it was funny the way Junie B. tried so hard to keep her secret in. I really like the Junie B. Jones book series because they make me laugh. Since they are told in the first person of a kindergartener, the language that is used will make anyone laugh out loud. I also find it excellent the Barbara Parks begins each book with a short introduction to who Junie B. and the characters are. This allows you to pick up any one of the books to read , even if it was not next in the series.
By: Barbara Park
Illustrated By: Denise Brunkus
Book Series
Random House Inc.
Copyright 1994
Junie B. Jones and Some Sneaky Peeky Spying
Junie B. loves to spy in this book. As all Junie B. books, the story is told in the first person. She begins by boasting about how good of a spier she is. However, Junie B's spying gets her into trouble when she spies on her teacher, Mrs., at the grocery store. This is when she sees Mrs. eating some grapes before buying them. Junie B. knows that this is stealing, so she has a very difficult time trying to keep the secret to herself so Mrs. won't go to jail.
At the end of the book Mrs. and Junie B. have a talk about what Junie B. saw. It is during their talk that the moral of the story is revealed. If you are not sure if what you are doing is wrong, you should ask someone before doing it. For example, Mrs. should have asked the grocery clerk if it is ok that she may sample some grapes before she buys them.
I liked this book because it was funny the way Junie B. tried so hard to keep her secret in. I really like the Junie B. Jones book series because they make me laugh. Since they are told in the first person of a kindergartener, the language that is used will make anyone laugh out loud. I also find it excellent the Barbara Parks begins each book with a short introduction to who Junie B. and the characters are. This allows you to pick up any one of the books to read , even if it was not next in the series.
Monday, March 12, 2012
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
By: Sherman Alexie
Art by: Ellen Forney
Little, Brown and Company
Copyright 2007
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
There are not many books that I have read in my lifetime that I have laughed out loud while reading. This book is one of the few exceptions. I absolutely have fallen in love with this book, because of the language the author chose to write it with. Arnold, the main character, tells his experiences of living on an Indian reservation as a high school freshman. With bravery and commitment Arnold decides he wants to go to school at the "white" school outside of the reservation. No Indian has ever broke free from the "rez" and I think this is why I find Arnold to be such an inspirational and loveable character.
The way Arnold tells his stories is very blunt and straightforward. I love this about the book. I can just imagine being next to Arnold as he is experiencing everything he talks about. He really lets you inside his head to experience what he is thinking. Not only did I like the language, but I also loved the graphics. I think that they added to the humor of the story and made the text less intimidating.
I would recommend this book to anyone in a heartbeat. For me, it was a fast read. I was so drawn in that it was hard to put down. I think this book has such a great moral to it. I know that this book can inspire so many people to just believe in themselves, to have courage to go after what you want, and to stay strong during the most difficult times of your life. If a boy with mental disabilities and racial limitations can find hope, so can many other people.
By: Sherman Alexie
Art by: Ellen Forney
Little, Brown and Company
Copyright 2007
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
There are not many books that I have read in my lifetime that I have laughed out loud while reading. This book is one of the few exceptions. I absolutely have fallen in love with this book, because of the language the author chose to write it with. Arnold, the main character, tells his experiences of living on an Indian reservation as a high school freshman. With bravery and commitment Arnold decides he wants to go to school at the "white" school outside of the reservation. No Indian has ever broke free from the "rez" and I think this is why I find Arnold to be such an inspirational and loveable character.
The way Arnold tells his stories is very blunt and straightforward. I love this about the book. I can just imagine being next to Arnold as he is experiencing everything he talks about. He really lets you inside his head to experience what he is thinking. Not only did I like the language, but I also loved the graphics. I think that they added to the humor of the story and made the text less intimidating.
I would recommend this book to anyone in a heartbeat. For me, it was a fast read. I was so drawn in that it was hard to put down. I think this book has such a great moral to it. I know that this book can inspire so many people to just believe in themselves, to have courage to go after what you want, and to stay strong during the most difficult times of your life. If a boy with mental disabilities and racial limitations can find hope, so can many other people.
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Esperanza Rising
Esperanza Rising
By: Pam Munoz Ryan
Scholastic Incoperated
Copyright 2000
Esperanza Rising
When I think about California the first thing I think of is the Hollywood lifestyle and surfing. I never think about California in the 1920s and 1930s. Esperanza Rising is about Mexican labor workers for California during this time. What I really liked about this book was that the main character, Esperanza, was very easy to relate to. As Esperanza tells of her struggles transitioning from living a wealthy lifestyle in Mexico to a laborer's lifestyle in the United States, she speaks with sincere honesty. I enjoyed her snappy and "big headed" comments she made throughout the book, because that is what a child in real life would do. Not only was I able to connect with the character through her realistic image, but I also found a place for her in my heart right as the begins with Esperanza's father being murdered.
I would recommend my students to read this book. I think that it would be a great way to begin discussing immigration and immigration issues that are currently going on in the United States and that it would help students to realize how much of their lives they take for granted everyday. It could turn into an interesting discussion to see what my students would do if they were thrown into a situation similar to Esperanza's.
By: Pam Munoz Ryan
Scholastic Incoperated
Copyright 2000
Esperanza Rising
When I think about California the first thing I think of is the Hollywood lifestyle and surfing. I never think about California in the 1920s and 1930s. Esperanza Rising is about Mexican labor workers for California during this time. What I really liked about this book was that the main character, Esperanza, was very easy to relate to. As Esperanza tells of her struggles transitioning from living a wealthy lifestyle in Mexico to a laborer's lifestyle in the United States, she speaks with sincere honesty. I enjoyed her snappy and "big headed" comments she made throughout the book, because that is what a child in real life would do. Not only was I able to connect with the character through her realistic image, but I also found a place for her in my heart right as the begins with Esperanza's father being murdered.
I would recommend my students to read this book. I think that it would be a great way to begin discussing immigration and immigration issues that are currently going on in the United States and that it would help students to realize how much of their lives they take for granted everyday. It could turn into an interesting discussion to see what my students would do if they were thrown into a situation similar to Esperanza's.
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Yellow Star
Yellow Star
By: Jennifer Roy
Marshall Cavendish Coporation
Copyright 2006
Yellow Star
This was a very hard book to put down. I am not one to read for fun, but I really feel in love with this book and was sad when I got to the very end. What I loved about it was that it was an account of a survivor from the Holocaust. In fact, I found it more interesting that it was from the perspective of a Polish-Jewish child. I often think about how horrible the Holocaust was, but never what it would have been like to live through it as a Jew, let alone be a survivor.
Throughout my read I was so impressed with how driven and clever Syvia's father was. It made me wonder if my own father could have tricked the Nazis as much as Papa did. The fact that it was told in poems made it a faster and less intense read. I really appreciated that. I also found it really helpful that Roy began each "part" with an introduction to what was going on, during the war, at that time. The end was very moving. I would use this book to teach the Holocaust with older elementary students. It's very vivid and younger students may feel overwhelmed, however, I would definitely recommend this book to anyone. It left me with a lot of questions that if I ever had the opportunity to ask a survivor, I would.
By: Jennifer Roy
Marshall Cavendish Coporation
Copyright 2006
Yellow Star
This was a very hard book to put down. I am not one to read for fun, but I really feel in love with this book and was sad when I got to the very end. What I loved about it was that it was an account of a survivor from the Holocaust. In fact, I found it more interesting that it was from the perspective of a Polish-Jewish child. I often think about how horrible the Holocaust was, but never what it would have been like to live through it as a Jew, let alone be a survivor.
Throughout my read I was so impressed with how driven and clever Syvia's father was. It made me wonder if my own father could have tricked the Nazis as much as Papa did. The fact that it was told in poems made it a faster and less intense read. I really appreciated that. I also found it really helpful that Roy began each "part" with an introduction to what was going on, during the war, at that time. The end was very moving. I would use this book to teach the Holocaust with older elementary students. It's very vivid and younger students may feel overwhelmed, however, I would definitely recommend this book to anyone. It left me with a lot of questions that if I ever had the opportunity to ask a survivor, I would.
Sunday, March 4, 2012
Weedflower
Weedflower
By: Cynthia Kadohata
Aladdin Paperbacks
Copyright 2006
Weedflower
This is the kind of book I would recommend anyone to read. Before reading it, if someone were to tell me it was about Japanese internment camps and one Japanese American's experience, I would not have chosen to read it on my own. I am not as interested in history as I am other areas. Although I am not into history, I feel in love with the main character, Sumiko. I was able to really connect with her after she was uninvited to the birthday party she was really looking forward to. From then on I felt the pain, boredom, and confusion she struggled with throughout the book.
During my reading, I found myself to be mostly curious as to how I would have felt if I were Sumiko. Knowing that she is a born American, while being raised with her Japanese culture, made me wonder what "side" I would feel closest to if I were her and being moved onto a reservation and away from home. As a Caucasian American, I do not struggle with identity as much as Sumiko had to. During the reading I made another note. I wondered why the Mohaves on the reservation were so offended with the Japanese for being forced to live with them. I kind of was hoping that they would be able to sympathize with the Japanese, because they know how it feels to have been moved to a reservation. Since they were not sympathetic, I began to realize that maybe it was because they felt so offended by the government that they would send "potential threats" to their reservation.
I would use this book in my classroom because it teaches a lot about experiences in Japanese internment camps while incorporating friendship, some laughs, and relate-able characters. I think it would be a great way to get students to realize the impact that Pearl Harbor made on our nation.
By: Cynthia Kadohata
Aladdin Paperbacks
Copyright 2006
Weedflower
This is the kind of book I would recommend anyone to read. Before reading it, if someone were to tell me it was about Japanese internment camps and one Japanese American's experience, I would not have chosen to read it on my own. I am not as interested in history as I am other areas. Although I am not into history, I feel in love with the main character, Sumiko. I was able to really connect with her after she was uninvited to the birthday party she was really looking forward to. From then on I felt the pain, boredom, and confusion she struggled with throughout the book.
During my reading, I found myself to be mostly curious as to how I would have felt if I were Sumiko. Knowing that she is a born American, while being raised with her Japanese culture, made me wonder what "side" I would feel closest to if I were her and being moved onto a reservation and away from home. As a Caucasian American, I do not struggle with identity as much as Sumiko had to. During the reading I made another note. I wondered why the Mohaves on the reservation were so offended with the Japanese for being forced to live with them. I kind of was hoping that they would be able to sympathize with the Japanese, because they know how it feels to have been moved to a reservation. Since they were not sympathetic, I began to realize that maybe it was because they felt so offended by the government that they would send "potential threats" to their reservation.
I would use this book in my classroom because it teaches a lot about experiences in Japanese internment camps while incorporating friendship, some laughs, and relate-able characters. I think it would be a great way to get students to realize the impact that Pearl Harbor made on our nation.
Saturday, March 3, 2012
Knock On Wood
Knock On Wood
By: Janet S. Wong
Illustrations by: Julie Paschkis
Published by: Margaret K. McElderry Books
Copyright 2003
Poetry Genre
Knock On Wood
This book includes seventeen poems about seventeen different superstitions. It caught my attention, because when I was little I was very superstitious. In fact the day before I rented this book I stopped my car to let a black cat cross, in front of me, on the street. I found the book to be very fitting.
Each poem is short, but talks about the superstition. Some of my favorite poems were about the superstitions of the black cat, itching ears, salt, the number thirteen, and horseshoes. I always liked these superstitions growing up. In fact, Wong did write poems about some superstitions I had not heard of before. These include the superstitions about ladybugs, potatoes, roosters, and burying mirrors. As I was reading these superstitions, that I had not heard of before, I was getting a little frustrated because I did not know the superstition even after reading the poem. I was very excited to see that the last few pages of the book explain the origin of each superstition and what the superstition is.
The illustration in this book are absolutely beautiful. They are so many rich colors and the illustrations fill up the entire page. This definitely adds to the pleasure of reading each poem. I can see myself using this book in the classroom to teach my students how poems can be informative and about anything you want to write about. I think that the students would also enjoy reading about superstitions, especially if they are younger in age.
By: Janet S. Wong
Illustrations by: Julie Paschkis
Published by: Margaret K. McElderry Books
Copyright 2003
Poetry Genre
Knock On Wood
This book includes seventeen poems about seventeen different superstitions. It caught my attention, because when I was little I was very superstitious. In fact the day before I rented this book I stopped my car to let a black cat cross, in front of me, on the street. I found the book to be very fitting.
Each poem is short, but talks about the superstition. Some of my favorite poems were about the superstitions of the black cat, itching ears, salt, the number thirteen, and horseshoes. I always liked these superstitions growing up. In fact, Wong did write poems about some superstitions I had not heard of before. These include the superstitions about ladybugs, potatoes, roosters, and burying mirrors. As I was reading these superstitions, that I had not heard of before, I was getting a little frustrated because I did not know the superstition even after reading the poem. I was very excited to see that the last few pages of the book explain the origin of each superstition and what the superstition is.
The illustration in this book are absolutely beautiful. They are so many rich colors and the illustrations fill up the entire page. This definitely adds to the pleasure of reading each poem. I can see myself using this book in the classroom to teach my students how poems can be informative and about anything you want to write about. I think that the students would also enjoy reading about superstitions, especially if they are younger in age.
Dirty Laundry Pile
Dirty Laundry Pile
Poems Selected By: Paul B. Janeczko
Illustrated by: Melissa Sweet
Harper Collins Publishers
Copyright 2001
Poem Genre
Dirty Laundry Pile
This book is a fun collection of poems by various authors. Every poem is spoken from the voice of something other than a humans. For example, my favorite poem, which also happens to be the title of the book, is Dirty Laundry Pile. It is a funny and sarcastic poem from the voice of a dirty and smelly pile of laundry. The illustrations in this book add to some of the humor the poems have. They are bright ad very colorful, which helped me to enjoy the reading more. The poems are short and the entire book is a fast read. I would like to use this in my own classroom. I think the students would laugh at some of the poems because people rarely take time to think about what it must be like to be, for example, a dirty laundry pile or sky blue crayon. It would be such a fun way to teacher students, especially young students, to try to imagine what you would experience as something other than a human. Then it would be fun and probably give you a laugh to have the student write their own poems spoken in different voices.
Poems Selected By: Paul B. Janeczko
Illustrated by: Melissa Sweet
Harper Collins Publishers
Copyright 2001
Poem Genre
Dirty Laundry Pile
This book is a fun collection of poems by various authors. Every poem is spoken from the voice of something other than a humans. For example, my favorite poem, which also happens to be the title of the book, is Dirty Laundry Pile. It is a funny and sarcastic poem from the voice of a dirty and smelly pile of laundry. The illustrations in this book add to some of the humor the poems have. They are bright ad very colorful, which helped me to enjoy the reading more. The poems are short and the entire book is a fast read. I would like to use this in my own classroom. I think the students would laugh at some of the poems because people rarely take time to think about what it must be like to be, for example, a dirty laundry pile or sky blue crayon. It would be such a fun way to teacher students, especially young students, to try to imagine what you would experience as something other than a human. Then it would be fun and probably give you a laugh to have the student write their own poems spoken in different voices.
Where the Wild Things Are
Where the Wild Things Are
By: Maurice Sendak
Harper Collins Publishers
Copyright 1963
Book to Movie Comparison
Where the Wild Things Are
By: Maurice Sendak
Harper Collins Publishers
Copyright 1963
Book to Movie Comparison
Where the Wild Things Are
Where the Wild Things Are, written by Maurice Sendak, and published in 1963
by Harper Collins Publishers was made into a movie in 2009. It was a movie made
extremely similar to the book and directed by Spike Jones. In fact, the
costumes, the “wild things”, and the settings in the movie are visually
identical to the book. For example, the scenes where the “wild things” are
creating “rumpus” looks exactly like they do in the book. Jones even made sure
to have “Max” carved on the boat that Max uses to sail to and from the place
where the “wild things” are. Jones made the character use exact quotes from the
book and it flowed very naturally with the rest of the dialogue. At the end of
the movie, Max decides to go home for the same reason he leaves the place at
which the “wild things” are. He decides to go home because he is homesick.
Even
though the movie was so similar to the book, there were differences as well.
Most of these differences did not have to do with the storyline, but were
additions to the story. This provided length for making the movie. Right at the
beginning of the movie, Max’s sister and her friends, who are not in the book,
avoid and tease Max. This upsets him so much that it begins to build up and
eventually cause Max to run away from home. In the book, Max doesn’t literally
run away from home. Max just goes to his room and it turns into the forest.
Unlike the book, in the movie, Max builds a strong relationship with Carol, one
of the “wild things”. In fact he helps the wild things build a fort. The reason
he left where the wild things live, in the movie, is because he realized when
the “wild things” were arguing, that he missed arguing and feeling upset with
his own family. In the book it just says he left and that he knew he wanted to
go home because he smelt food reminding him of home.
When it comes
to the casting selections, I was very impressed. Max Records, who played the
main character, Max, is very talented. He exuded confidence, innocence, fright,
and a wild side. These are all characteristics I imagined Max having in the
book. I was very impressed with the casting of the “wild things”. The part of
the movie where Max is “where the wild things are” is mostly computer animated
and use of puppeteering. I think that it would be challenging to naturally act
out the role of an animated, or puppet, character through voiceovers. These
actors did a great job making the characters’ personalities less unrealistic
and more natural. The animation
and use of puppeteers was very well done, by making the scenes and “wild
things” seem realistic. It was only used while Max was “where the wild things
are”. If I were to do things differently, I would have taken another approach
and made it very obvious that “where the wild things are” and the actual “wild
things” were animated. I would take a similar approach to the movie James and the Giant Peach, so that when
Max went into his imagination it was very obvious that it was not the real
world.
Personally, I
prefer to watch the movie Where the Wild
Things Are to reading the book. The movie was easier to follow in terms of
understanding what is going on with Max and why he is being a “wild thing”.
While I was reading the book I had a difficult time trying to understand why
Max acted wild and how is room grew into a forest. In the movie it is simpler
to understand because it begins by showing how he felt like the world and his
family was being unkind to him. This made more sense to understanding why Max
was wild. The movie seemed to explain that it was his way of expressing
himself. Max running away from home, in the movie, made more sense to me than
his room turning into a forest, like in the book. It felt more realistic and
less like a fantasy. I have a difficult time understanding fantasy books, so
the more realistic adaptation to the movie was more enjoyable to me.
I gave this
movie thumbs up because I really appreciated that the director, Spike Jones, did
nothing noticeable to change the story line. It seemed very direct to the book.
The only reason that it was long enough to be made as a movie is because the
director expanded the part of the book where Max and the “wild things” started
a “wild rumpus”. The entire movie I was very impressed that Jones had the
characters look and say everything identical to the book. My prediction as to
why Jones decided to make the Where the
Wild Things Are a movie, is because of its popularity since it was
published in 1963. I think that Jones realizes how important technology and
movies are to this generation of children and that making a movie from a book
would be a great way to keep the story alive for generations to come. Where the Wild Things Are is the perfect
book to do that with, especially since it is fun for children to be able to
relate with having a wild side.
Poetry for Young People: Langston Hughes
Langston Hughes
By: Langston Hughes
Edited by David Roessel & Arnold Rampersad
Illustrated by: Ben Andrews
Sterling Publishing Company
Copyright 2006
Poetry Genre
Langston Hughes
This is an absolutely wonderful book to introduce Langston Hughes poetry to students. I chose to read this book in hopes that I would get to experience a collection of Hughes poetry and the African American culture in poems. This book definitely succeeded my hopes and certainly taught me more than I have already heard about Hughes.
The first four pages of the book give an excellent biography of Langston Hughes. It includes twenty-six of Hughes poems. Before reading each poem, there is a quick introduction of what the poem is about, for whom and why it was written, and a little information on Hughes life/experiences as an African American. My favorite poem is called Danse Africaine because I love that it is about African dancing. I also love the illustration of the the dancer wearing such a colorful costume. The added bonus is the beautiful illustrations by Benny Andrews. The illustrations are bright, colorful, and simple while still being very detailed.
I absolutely loved this book and will most certainly use it in my classroom. I am already excited to use it for different reasons. It will teach my students about poetry, history, and Langston Hughes. I can definitely see myself using this book during February for Black History Month. I would recommend this book in a heartbeat.
By: Langston Hughes
Edited by David Roessel & Arnold Rampersad
Illustrated by: Ben Andrews
Sterling Publishing Company
Copyright 2006
Poetry Genre
Langston Hughes
This is an absolutely wonderful book to introduce Langston Hughes poetry to students. I chose to read this book in hopes that I would get to experience a collection of Hughes poetry and the African American culture in poems. This book definitely succeeded my hopes and certainly taught me more than I have already heard about Hughes.
The first four pages of the book give an excellent biography of Langston Hughes. It includes twenty-six of Hughes poems. Before reading each poem, there is a quick introduction of what the poem is about, for whom and why it was written, and a little information on Hughes life/experiences as an African American. My favorite poem is called Danse Africaine because I love that it is about African dancing. I also love the illustration of the the dancer wearing such a colorful costume. The added bonus is the beautiful illustrations by Benny Andrews. The illustrations are bright, colorful, and simple while still being very detailed.
I absolutely loved this book and will most certainly use it in my classroom. I am already excited to use it for different reasons. It will teach my students about poetry, history, and Langston Hughes. I can definitely see myself using this book during February for Black History Month. I would recommend this book in a heartbeat.
Lunch Lady and the League of Librarians
Lunch Lady and the League of the Librarians
By: Jarrett J. Krosoczka
Published by: Alfred A. Knopf
Copyright 2009
Graphic Novel
Lunch Lady and the League of the Librarians
This is a graphic novel about two lunch ladies and three students that work to stop the league of librarians from dominating the world, starting with the destruction of all video games. It is a fast read, but in my opinion, not a very good one. When I decided to read this book as my graphic novel, I was hoping that it would be a little funny and full of more action. In my reading I found it to be very "watered down". For this reason, I think that it would be a book that young readers, between the ages of six and nine. The only reason I would suggest it for children older than this, would be because there are large words in it that young readers may not understand.
Personally, I did not enjoy this book mostly because, I did not like the plot of the book. Although I did like the graphics, they were in black, white, and yellow. The graphics did not aid in making my read more enjoyable. The reason I would not share this book with my students is because it has a negative connotation about librarians. In the book, the librarians only want students to read and do nothing else. The make them evil. I think this would interest students who do not like to read, however I do not think that it would make them like reading and librarians more than they do already.
By: Jarrett J. Krosoczka
Published by: Alfred A. Knopf
Copyright 2009
Graphic Novel
Lunch Lady and the League of the Librarians
This is a graphic novel about two lunch ladies and three students that work to stop the league of librarians from dominating the world, starting with the destruction of all video games. It is a fast read, but in my opinion, not a very good one. When I decided to read this book as my graphic novel, I was hoping that it would be a little funny and full of more action. In my reading I found it to be very "watered down". For this reason, I think that it would be a book that young readers, between the ages of six and nine. The only reason I would suggest it for children older than this, would be because there are large words in it that young readers may not understand.
Personally, I did not enjoy this book mostly because, I did not like the plot of the book. Although I did like the graphics, they were in black, white, and yellow. The graphics did not aid in making my read more enjoyable. The reason I would not share this book with my students is because it has a negative connotation about librarians. In the book, the librarians only want students to read and do nothing else. The make them evil. I think this would interest students who do not like to read, however I do not think that it would make them like reading and librarians more than they do already.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)