TWU course
Book Review: The Story of Lightning & Thunder by Ashley Bryan
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Bryan, Ashley, 1993. THE STORY OF LIGHTNING & THUNDER. New York: Macmillan.
ISBN 0-689-31836-7
2. PLOT SUMMARY
THE STORY OF LIGHTNING & THUNDER is based on folk stories from Nigeria, West Africa.
The characters are Ma Sheep Thunder and Son Ram Lightning. Thunder was a mother sheep, and Lightning was her son, a ram. Son Ram Lightning is a young ram who wants to help the village,but he causes the village more trouble.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
The illustrations showcase a village on the west coast of Africa. The people are showcased as happy people who live together in a village until Son Ram Lightning starts "with a biff, bam, butt he sent people flying or falling to both sides." Son Ram Lightning is a happy young ram, who continues to cause trouble, but he is trying to help the people who live in the village. At the end of the story, Ma Sheep Thunder and Son Ram Lightning finds peace in the sky.
4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
Joyful in both word and palette, this African story tells why lightning and thunder reside in the sky and not on earth, as they once did (i.e PUBLISHERS WEEKLY).
A delightful adaption of a Nigerian folktale about "Ma Sheep Thunder" and her "Son Ram Lightning," who live in a village where the people rely on them to call their friend Rain down from the clouds over the mountains (i.e KIRKUS REVIEWS).
5. CONNECTIONS
Other stories to read.
Branley, Franklyn M. FLASH, CRASH, RUMBLE, AND ROLL.
Bruchac, Joseph. THE STORY OF THE MILKY WAY: A CHEROKEE TALE.
Bryan, Ashley. THE NIGHT HAS EARS: AFRICAN PROVERBS.
Sunday, September 30, 2012
Saturday, September 29, 2012
Book Review: THE THREE PIGS By David Wiesner
TWU course
Book Review: THE THREE PIGS By David Wiesner
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Wiesner, David 2001. THE THREE PIGS. New York: Houghton. ISBN 0-618-00701-6
2. PLOT SUMMARY
THE THREE PIGS is a retelling of an old folktale.This story begins with the first pig building a house out of straw and the wolf blowing it down. The first pig is blown right out of the story but the wolf looks confused. Did he eat the first pig? From the look on the wolf's face he is unsure. At that point, the wolf has changed the events of the story. Each time the wolf tries to blow the pigs house down the three pigs are blown somewhere else.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This story has fantasy and fun with the three pigs and the wolf. Weisner portrays the three pigs as hardworking animals. All the pigs are carrying what is needed to build a house. As I look at the illustrations, I see the pigs walking around with bricks, sticks, and straw. "The illustrations are watercolor, gouache, colored inks, pencil, and colored pencil on Fabriano hot press paper. I see the three pigs having a great time. They are not worried about the wolf just finding their way home.
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
"Wiesner dialogue and illustrations are clever, whimsical and sophisticated (New York Times)."
"Children will delight in the changing perspectives...and the whole notion of the interrupted narrative...fresh and funny...Witty dialogue and physical comedy abound in this inspired retelling of a familiar favorite (School Library Journal)."
Honors:
2002 Caldecott Medal
5. CONNECTIONS
This story would make an excellent activity to teach children K-3 to write about exploring their imagination.
*Other stories similar to THE THREE PIGS
The Lion and the Mouse by Jerry Pinkney
A Sick Day for Amos McGee by Philip C. Stead
Book Review: THE THREE PIGS By David Wiesner
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Wiesner, David 2001. THE THREE PIGS. New York: Houghton. ISBN 0-618-00701-6
2. PLOT SUMMARY
THE THREE PIGS is a retelling of an old folktale.This story begins with the first pig building a house out of straw and the wolf blowing it down. The first pig is blown right out of the story but the wolf looks confused. Did he eat the first pig? From the look on the wolf's face he is unsure. At that point, the wolf has changed the events of the story. Each time the wolf tries to blow the pigs house down the three pigs are blown somewhere else.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This story has fantasy and fun with the three pigs and the wolf. Weisner portrays the three pigs as hardworking animals. All the pigs are carrying what is needed to build a house. As I look at the illustrations, I see the pigs walking around with bricks, sticks, and straw. "The illustrations are watercolor, gouache, colored inks, pencil, and colored pencil on Fabriano hot press paper. I see the three pigs having a great time. They are not worried about the wolf just finding their way home.
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
"Wiesner dialogue and illustrations are clever, whimsical and sophisticated (New York Times)."
"Children will delight in the changing perspectives...and the whole notion of the interrupted narrative...fresh and funny...Witty dialogue and physical comedy abound in this inspired retelling of a familiar favorite (School Library Journal)."
Honors:
2002 Caldecott Medal
5. CONNECTIONS
This story would make an excellent activity to teach children K-3 to write about exploring their imagination.
*Other stories similar to THE THREE PIGS
The Lion and the Mouse by Jerry Pinkney
A Sick Day for Amos McGee by Philip C. Stead
Book Review: SWAMP ANGEL by Anne Isaacs
TWU course
Book Review: SWAMP ANGEL by Anne Isaacs
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Isaacs, Anne, 1994. SWAMP ANGEL. Ill. by Paul O. Zelinsky. New York: Dutton.
ISBN 0-525-45271-0
2. PLOT SUMMARY
SWAMP ANGEL is a tall tale about the greatest woodswoman in Tennessee. In this story, Angelica Longrider, gets her name because she rescues a group of settlers from a swamp. This story is told in 1815 on the American frontier. Swamp Angel learns a lot about surviving in the backwoods of Tennessee plus she is extremely stronger than all the settlers combined. The illustrations show Swamp Angel as a gigantic woman who is bigger, stronger, and taller living on the frontier. She appears when the settlers are in need of help.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This story describes SWAMP ANGEL as the strongest and greatest woodswoman during her time. In the story, SWAMP ANGEL never fears Thundering Tarnation. She continues to go after the huge bear until she kills him. Quoted from the book, "Tarnation pinned Angel to the muddy bottom with one of his gigantic paws. To get a breath of air, she had to drink the whole lake dry."Swamp Angel did not give up fighting Tarnation instead she did everything to kill him. At the end of the story, Angelica Longrider walks away with Thundering Tarnation's pelt.
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
"Move over, Paul Bunyan, you are about to meet Swamp Angel, an original creation in the tall-tale tradition whose exploits are guaranteed to amaze and amuse a wide swath of readers... Visually exciting, wonderful to read aloud, this is a picture book to remember. (Horn Book)"
"It is impossible to convey the sheer pleasure, the exaggerate loopiness, of newcomer Isaacs's wonderful story. Matching the superb text stride for stride are Zelinsky's altered-state, American primitive paintings-gems that provide new pleasures, reading after reading. (Kirkus)"
Honors: 1995 Caldecott Honor Book, 1994 ALA Notable Book, Booklist Children's Editors Choice 1994, Publisher's Weekly Best Books of 1994.
5. CONNECTIONS
This tall tale would be great to encourage children to write and illustrate their own tall tales or illustrate stories from American folktales.
*Other tall tale stories
MISS SALLY ANN AND THE PAINTER
Book Review: SWAMP ANGEL by Anne Isaacs
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Isaacs, Anne, 1994. SWAMP ANGEL. Ill. by Paul O. Zelinsky. New York: Dutton.
ISBN 0-525-45271-0
2. PLOT SUMMARY
SWAMP ANGEL is a tall tale about the greatest woodswoman in Tennessee. In this story, Angelica Longrider, gets her name because she rescues a group of settlers from a swamp. This story is told in 1815 on the American frontier. Swamp Angel learns a lot about surviving in the backwoods of Tennessee plus she is extremely stronger than all the settlers combined. The illustrations show Swamp Angel as a gigantic woman who is bigger, stronger, and taller living on the frontier. She appears when the settlers are in need of help.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This story describes SWAMP ANGEL as the strongest and greatest woodswoman during her time. In the story, SWAMP ANGEL never fears Thundering Tarnation. She continues to go after the huge bear until she kills him. Quoted from the book, "Tarnation pinned Angel to the muddy bottom with one of his gigantic paws. To get a breath of air, she had to drink the whole lake dry."Swamp Angel did not give up fighting Tarnation instead she did everything to kill him. At the end of the story, Angelica Longrider walks away with Thundering Tarnation's pelt.
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
"Move over, Paul Bunyan, you are about to meet Swamp Angel, an original creation in the tall-tale tradition whose exploits are guaranteed to amaze and amuse a wide swath of readers... Visually exciting, wonderful to read aloud, this is a picture book to remember. (Horn Book)"
"It is impossible to convey the sheer pleasure, the exaggerate loopiness, of newcomer Isaacs's wonderful story. Matching the superb text stride for stride are Zelinsky's altered-state, American primitive paintings-gems that provide new pleasures, reading after reading. (Kirkus)"
Honors: 1995 Caldecott Honor Book, 1994 ALA Notable Book, Booklist Children's Editors Choice 1994, Publisher's Weekly Best Books of 1994.
5. CONNECTIONS
This tall tale would be great to encourage children to write and illustrate their own tall tales or illustrate stories from American folktales.
*Other tall tale stories
MISS SALLY ANN AND THE PAINTER
Saturday, September 15, 2012
Book Review, "Are You My Mother," by P.D. Eastman
TWU Course
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Eastman, P.D. 1960. ARE YOU MY MOTHER. Ill. by P.D. Eastman. New York, U.S.
Random House. ISBN 0-394-900118-9
2. PLOT SUMMARY
In this picture book, P.D. Eastman writes about a baby bird. He describes the baby bird as being lost and confused. He details how the baby bird is born without its mother. POPPING OUT AND WONDERING WHERE IS MY MOTHER! The baby bird is so confused it walks off to find its mother. The author is helping us understand about feelings we have about being confused, and the way we handle confusion.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Eastman writing is asking "How do you handle confusion?" Someone might respond, "I Walk Away From The Truth, But I Will Return." I believe Eastman used a baby bird to illustrate how silly we act when we are confronted with the truth.
If you look closely, the illustrations show how confused the baby bird is while looking for its mother. After the baby bird encounters so many NO's it decides to go back home. Home is where the baby bird should have stayed.
4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
Starred in School Library Journal.
5. CONNECTIONS
Related Books: "Go, Dog, Go! Eastman, P.D. ISBN: 0-394-80020-6
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Eastman, P.D. 1960. ARE YOU MY MOTHER. Ill. by P.D. Eastman. New York, U.S.
Random House. ISBN 0-394-900118-9
2. PLOT SUMMARY
In this picture book, P.D. Eastman writes about a baby bird. He describes the baby bird as being lost and confused. He details how the baby bird is born without its mother. POPPING OUT AND WONDERING WHERE IS MY MOTHER! The baby bird is so confused it walks off to find its mother. The author is helping us understand about feelings we have about being confused, and the way we handle confusion.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Eastman writing is asking "How do you handle confusion?" Someone might respond, "I Walk Away From The Truth, But I Will Return." I believe Eastman used a baby bird to illustrate how silly we act when we are confronted with the truth.
If you look closely, the illustrations show how confused the baby bird is while looking for its mother. After the baby bird encounters so many NO's it decides to go back home. Home is where the baby bird should have stayed.
4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
Starred in School Library Journal.
5. CONNECTIONS
Related Books: "Go, Dog, Go! Eastman, P.D. ISBN: 0-394-80020-6
Book Review, "The Bakery Lady, La senora de la panaderia," written by Pat Mora
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Mora, Pat. 2001. THE BAKERY LADY LA SENORA DE LA PANADERIA.
Ill. by Pablo Torrecilla. Pinata Books Arte Publico Press. ISBN 1-55885-343-X
2. PLOT SUMMARY
The Bakery Lady, is a picture book story about a young girl who wants to be a baker. She lives
above the bakery that her grandparents own. Monica, watches her Abuelo and Abuela work hard
each day, and she wonders if she can work as hard as them. Monica, is determined to show her
grandparents she is a hard worker by making lemon cookies, pinata invitations for the party, and
shopping for everything her family and friends will need for the fiesta.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Pat Mora's writing about "The Bakery Lady," is a warm filled story of family friends and fun. I
I enjoy reading about families who love and help each other. I felt this way when reading.
Pat Mora wants readers to see the love they have for Monica and the love Monica has for her
grandparents bakery.
Pat Mora's illustrations are very good in my opinion. I love the colors (pink, yellow, brown,
orange, red, green) I also like the clothes that they wear while working in the bakery. Abuela and
Monica wear Mexican dresses. I love Mexican dresses. I also like the expression on their faces.
I do not see angry or mad expressions.
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
Latino Literacy Hall of Fame, Second Place, Children's Picture Book Category.
"Mora has once again succeeded in writing a warm family story that includes information
about Mexican traditions and celebrations while appealing to the common elements that
link people across cultures," School of Library Journal.
5. CONNECTIONS
My family is close and helpful towards each other just like the family in "The Bakery
Lady." Other books related to helpful families:
Zepeda, Gwendolyn. GROWING UP WITH TAMALES. ISBN 978-1-55885-493-2
Mora, Pat. 2001. THE BAKERY LADY LA SENORA DE LA PANADERIA.
Ill. by Pablo Torrecilla. Pinata Books Arte Publico Press. ISBN 1-55885-343-X
2. PLOT SUMMARY
The Bakery Lady, is a picture book story about a young girl who wants to be a baker. She lives
above the bakery that her grandparents own. Monica, watches her Abuelo and Abuela work hard
each day, and she wonders if she can work as hard as them. Monica, is determined to show her
grandparents she is a hard worker by making lemon cookies, pinata invitations for the party, and
shopping for everything her family and friends will need for the fiesta.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Pat Mora's writing about "The Bakery Lady," is a warm filled story of family friends and fun. I
I enjoy reading about families who love and help each other. I felt this way when reading.
Pat Mora wants readers to see the love they have for Monica and the love Monica has for her
grandparents bakery.
Pat Mora's illustrations are very good in my opinion. I love the colors (pink, yellow, brown,
orange, red, green) I also like the clothes that they wear while working in the bakery. Abuela and
Monica wear Mexican dresses. I love Mexican dresses. I also like the expression on their faces.
I do not see angry or mad expressions.
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
Latino Literacy Hall of Fame, Second Place, Children's Picture Book Category.
"Mora has once again succeeded in writing a warm family story that includes information
about Mexican traditions and celebrations while appealing to the common elements that
link people across cultures," School of Library Journal.
5. CONNECTIONS
My family is close and helpful towards each other just like the family in "The Bakery
Lady." Other books related to helpful families:
Zepeda, Gwendolyn. GROWING UP WITH TAMALES. ISBN 978-1-55885-493-2
Book Review, "Kitten's First Full Moon"
TWU Course
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Henkes, Kevin 2004. KEVIN HENKES KITTENS FIRST FULL MOON.
ILL by Kevin Henkes. GREENWILLOW BOOKS HARPERCOLLINS PUBLISHERS
ISBN 0-06-058828-4 (trade) 0-06-058829-2 (lib. bdg.)
2. PLOT SUMMARY
In this picture book, Kevin Henkes's animal story of kitten, who mistakes a full moon
for a bowl of milk. Kitten searches and searches for this bowl of milk but only licks bugs.
He describes kitten as an eager kitten who wants to find the bowl of milk no matter how far she
travels. He details Kitten looking, licking, and chasing the bowl of milk. Kitten never finds the
bowl of milk until she returns home.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Henkes writing of "Kitten's First Full Moon," is about comedy and humor for grades
kindergarten through second grade. The illustrations are good because it shows readers
Kittens next move. I enjoy seeing the look on Kitten's face when she still can not lick the
bowl of milk.
4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S) Starred review in "SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL." 2004
Caldecott Medal
New York Times, Best Illustrated Book
ALA Notable Childrens Book
Publishers Weekly Best Book
Charlotte Zolotow Award
Booklist Editors' Choice
Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books Blue Ribbon
Kirkus Reviews Editors' Choice
5. CONNECTIONS
If you enjoy reading to children in early childhood, this book is an excellent book. Kitten's First
Full Moon offers adventure, comedy, and humor. *Other books for children in early learning
"Tillie Lays an Egg," "Cock-a-Moo-Moo," "Woolbur."
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Henkes, Kevin 2004. KEVIN HENKES KITTENS FIRST FULL MOON.
ILL by Kevin Henkes. GREENWILLOW BOOKS HARPERCOLLINS PUBLISHERS
ISBN 0-06-058828-4 (trade) 0-06-058829-2 (lib. bdg.)
2. PLOT SUMMARY
In this picture book, Kevin Henkes's animal story of kitten, who mistakes a full moon
for a bowl of milk. Kitten searches and searches for this bowl of milk but only licks bugs.
He describes kitten as an eager kitten who wants to find the bowl of milk no matter how far she
travels. He details Kitten looking, licking, and chasing the bowl of milk. Kitten never finds the
bowl of milk until she returns home.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Henkes writing of "Kitten's First Full Moon," is about comedy and humor for grades
kindergarten through second grade. The illustrations are good because it shows readers
Kittens next move. I enjoy seeing the look on Kitten's face when she still can not lick the
bowl of milk.
4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S) Starred review in "SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL." 2004
Caldecott Medal
New York Times, Best Illustrated Book
ALA Notable Childrens Book
Publishers Weekly Best Book
Charlotte Zolotow Award
Booklist Editors' Choice
Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books Blue Ribbon
Kirkus Reviews Editors' Choice
5. CONNECTIONS
If you enjoy reading to children in early childhood, this book is an excellent book. Kitten's First
Full Moon offers adventure, comedy, and humor. *Other books for children in early learning
"Tillie Lays an Egg," "Cock-a-Moo-Moo," "Woolbur."
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
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