Mora, Pat. 2001. The Bakery Lady. Illus. by Pablo Torrecilla. Piñata Books: Houston, TX. ISBN 1-55885-343-X.
Young Mónica learns the importance of allowing one’s family to assist in this dual language picture book. Mónica desires to be a bakery lady. Her wish comes true when she finds the Christ Child doll in the bread at the Feast of the Three Kings. As the tradition dictates, Mónica will host a fiesta for her friends and family. She insists that she will bake for the party without the assistance of her grandparents and brothers. As Mónica begins to bake, she realizes the hard work this entails and reluctantly allows Abuelo, Abuela, Gilbert and José to help. The successful fiesta helps Mónica to realize that family is a support, and assistance does not mean that one is not competent. This familial warmth is felt in the colorful watercolor illustrations. Readers can sense the joy and love that this family feels for one another. These illustrations face the reader. This invites the reader into the family to watch the story unfold. The illustrations and text avoid stereotype. This family acts like any other. The Spanish-English text increases the number of readers that can enjoy this touching story. Family transcends ethnicity and language.
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Module 3: Beautiful Blackbird
Bryan, Ashley. 2003. Beautiful Blackbird. Illus. by the author. Atheneum Books for Young Readers: New York. ISBN 0-689-84731-9.
Coretta Scott King Award Winner
All of the birds gather together to fly, dance, and sing together. In the midst of the revelry, Ringdove asks which bird is the most beautiful. In unanimous outcry, Blackbird is declared the most beautiful. Blackbird tries to convince Ringdove that it is not the appearance that makes one who s/he is but Ringdove insists on having black rings added to his neck. Blackbird obliges Ringdove’s request. This results in Blackbird adding black to every bird’s coloring scheme. Readers will float through this enjoyable story. The rhythm and cadence of the text is fanciful and fun. The simplistic illustrations are outrageously colorful cut-paper artwork. They entice the reader and match the simple nature of the text and the plot. The simple message of self acceptance and appreciation is not overshadowed by the text or the illustration. The text, illustration, and message melt together to form a magnificent addition to any library.
Coretta Scott King Award Winner
All of the birds gather together to fly, dance, and sing together. In the midst of the revelry, Ringdove asks which bird is the most beautiful. In unanimous outcry, Blackbird is declared the most beautiful. Blackbird tries to convince Ringdove that it is not the appearance that makes one who s/he is but Ringdove insists on having black rings added to his neck. Blackbird obliges Ringdove’s request. This results in Blackbird adding black to every bird’s coloring scheme. Readers will float through this enjoyable story. The rhythm and cadence of the text is fanciful and fun. The simplistic illustrations are outrageously colorful cut-paper artwork. They entice the reader and match the simple nature of the text and the plot. The simple message of self acceptance and appreciation is not overshadowed by the text or the illustration. The text, illustration, and message melt together to form a magnificent addition to any library.
Module 3: On Noah's Ark
Brett, Jan. 2003. On Noah’s Ark. Illus. by the author. G.P. Putnam’s Sons: New York. ISBN 0-399-24028-4.
Readers will be refreshed by this version of the Old Testament story of Noah and the ark. The paired animals march onto the ark. The flooding rains cover the earth for forty days and nights while the animals sleep peacefully on the ark. As the water recedes, Noah guides the ark to dry land and safety. Life returns to normal. All of these events were told from the perspective of Noah’s grandson. Seeing this story through the eyes of a child gives it a revitalizing appreciation and sense of a miracle. Despite the religious nature of the story, the text is not preachy or theological. In fact, God is not mentioned in the text.
The illustrations cover the central portion of the book and are surrounded by the text on either side. Each page resembles a woven fabric. The text is simple and is appropriately overshadowed by the illustrations. These colorful and realistic watercolor illustrations will leave readers amazed and awe-struck by their intricacy. Readers can feel the mist from the flooding rains and sense the peace on the ark as the animals sleep. This book is another remarkable contribution Jan Brett has made to children’s literature.
Readers will be refreshed by this version of the Old Testament story of Noah and the ark. The paired animals march onto the ark. The flooding rains cover the earth for forty days and nights while the animals sleep peacefully on the ark. As the water recedes, Noah guides the ark to dry land and safety. Life returns to normal. All of these events were told from the perspective of Noah’s grandson. Seeing this story through the eyes of a child gives it a revitalizing appreciation and sense of a miracle. Despite the religious nature of the story, the text is not preachy or theological. In fact, God is not mentioned in the text.
The illustrations cover the central portion of the book and are surrounded by the text on either side. Each page resembles a woven fabric. The text is simple and is appropriately overshadowed by the illustrations. These colorful and realistic watercolor illustrations will leave readers amazed and awe-struck by their intricacy. Readers can feel the mist from the flooding rains and sense the peace on the ark as the animals sleep. This book is another remarkable contribution Jan Brett has made to children’s literature.
Module 3: The Little Red Hen
Pinkney, Jerry. 2006. The Little Red Hen. Illus. by the author. Dial Books for Young Readers: New York. ISBN 0-8037-2935-9.
During her morning meal, Little Red Hen finds some interesting seeds. She decides to cultivate the seeds. During the cultivation process, she seeks the assistance of her friends short brown dog, tall black goat, round pink pig, and thin gray rat. Each friend is disinterested in assisting the busy mother hen, but is available to help her reap the spoils of her work. Little Red Hen sternly turns them away and shares the bread with her chicks. This classic tale of the benefit of hard work and the consequence of laziness is enriched by the vibrant watercolors and detailed illustrations. They fill the pages and envelope the readers’ imaginations. The names of each character are highlighted by the color associated with the animal’s name, for example round pink pig is printed in pink type. Young readers will find this feature reassuring and helpful. This wonderfully remastered tale uses color and beauty to revitalize a simple story of the reward.
During her morning meal, Little Red Hen finds some interesting seeds. She decides to cultivate the seeds. During the cultivation process, she seeks the assistance of her friends short brown dog, tall black goat, round pink pig, and thin gray rat. Each friend is disinterested in assisting the busy mother hen, but is available to help her reap the spoils of her work. Little Red Hen sternly turns them away and shares the bread with her chicks. This classic tale of the benefit of hard work and the consequence of laziness is enriched by the vibrant watercolors and detailed illustrations. They fill the pages and envelope the readers’ imaginations. The names of each character are highlighted by the color associated with the animal’s name, for example round pink pig is printed in pink type. Young readers will find this feature reassuring and helpful. This wonderfully remastered tale uses color and beauty to revitalize a simple story of the reward.
Module 3: Horse Hooves and Chicken Feet
Philip, Neil. 2003. Horse Hooves and Chicken Feet. Illus. by Jacqueline Mair. Clarion Books: New York. ISBN 0-618-19463-0.
This compilation of eclectic Mexican folktales would be a welcome addition to every folktale collection. Reader expectations for the fourteen Mexican tales are established by the table of contents and introduction. The tales are full of magic, clever tricksters, and stupidity. Several tales, such as The Two Marias and The Brave Widow, are infused with religious imagery. Many of the tales include vivacious illustrations that add magic and enchantment to the fanciful tales of good over evil. The warm and rich colors mesmerize the reader and reflect the Mexican heritage of the stories. The spicy illustrations for The Shadow are a combination of full page acrylic paintings and scenes from several passages from the story. This combination of illustration size is appealing to the reader and provides a great deal of visual support for the tales. Neil Philip also included notes and background explanation for each tale in the collection. The detailed bibliography will lead readers to other resources and materials to complete a collection or a unit of study.
This compilation of eclectic Mexican folktales would be a welcome addition to every folktale collection. Reader expectations for the fourteen Mexican tales are established by the table of contents and introduction. The tales are full of magic, clever tricksters, and stupidity. Several tales, such as The Two Marias and The Brave Widow, are infused with religious imagery. Many of the tales include vivacious illustrations that add magic and enchantment to the fanciful tales of good over evil. The warm and rich colors mesmerize the reader and reflect the Mexican heritage of the stories. The spicy illustrations for The Shadow are a combination of full page acrylic paintings and scenes from several passages from the story. This combination of illustration size is appealing to the reader and provides a great deal of visual support for the tales. Neil Philip also included notes and background explanation for each tale in the collection. The detailed bibliography will lead readers to other resources and materials to complete a collection or a unit of study.
Module 3: Mightier than the Sword
Yolen, Jane. 2003. Mightier than the Sword. Illus. by Raul Colon. Silver Whistle: Orlando. FL. ISBN 0-15-216391-3.
This collection of folktales lives up to its title. The lead characters prove that they are “mightier than the sword”. The triumph of brain over brawn is a theme in this series of international folktales. Each tale contains a simple black and white pencil illustration that supports and does not distract from the overall meaning. For each folktale, Jane Yolen relays the country of the tale’s origin, the title, and the moral that the reader should glean at the close of the tale. Readers may not be familiar with these tales, but they will be instantly at ease once they utilize the informational support provided. The Norwegian tale Eating with Trolls may not be familiar but reading the moral at the beginning of the tale and reviewing the study notes about the tale at the end of the book will provide necessary understanding. Librarians are continuously looking for materials for boys and reluctant readers. This collection would be an excellent selection for boys and would be an excellent addition to any library.
This collection of folktales lives up to its title. The lead characters prove that they are “mightier than the sword”. The triumph of brain over brawn is a theme in this series of international folktales. Each tale contains a simple black and white pencil illustration that supports and does not distract from the overall meaning. For each folktale, Jane Yolen relays the country of the tale’s origin, the title, and the moral that the reader should glean at the close of the tale. Readers may not be familiar with these tales, but they will be instantly at ease once they utilize the informational support provided. The Norwegian tale Eating with Trolls may not be familiar but reading the moral at the beginning of the tale and reviewing the study notes about the tale at the end of the book will provide necessary understanding. Librarians are continuously looking for materials for boys and reluctant readers. This collection would be an excellent selection for boys and would be an excellent addition to any library.
Saturday, February 9, 2008
Module 2: Mr. George Baker
Hest, Amy. 2004. Mr. George Baker. Illus. by Jon Muth. Candlewick Press: Cambridge, MA. ISBN: 076361233.
Learning to read is one of the most challenging yet rewarding feats an individual will undertake. One hundred year old George Baker and his neighbor, a young boy named Harry, are tackling this challenge together. As they sit together on the porch waiting for the bus to arrive, George shares stories while he and Harry build a unique friendship. Jon Muth’s soft water color images glide with the story and capture the attention. The illustrations are richly detailed and extend the reader’s interest in the relationship between these two unlikely schoolmates. The endearing nature of the illustrations is enhanced by the endearing nature of the story. Muth’s illustration of the adults in the reading classroom is culturally sensitive and shows various cultures, ages, and genders. Literacy is important at every age. It is never too late to accomplish this life-changing goal.
Learning to read is one of the most challenging yet rewarding feats an individual will undertake. One hundred year old George Baker and his neighbor, a young boy named Harry, are tackling this challenge together. As they sit together on the porch waiting for the bus to arrive, George shares stories while he and Harry build a unique friendship. Jon Muth’s soft water color images glide with the story and capture the attention. The illustrations are richly detailed and extend the reader’s interest in the relationship between these two unlikely schoolmates. The endearing nature of the illustrations is enhanced by the endearing nature of the story. Muth’s illustration of the adults in the reading classroom is culturally sensitive and shows various cultures, ages, and genders. Literacy is important at every age. It is never too late to accomplish this life-changing goal.
Module 2: The Other Side
Woodson, Jacqueline. 2001. The Other Side. Illus by E.B. Lewis. G.P. Putman’s Sons: New York. ISBN: 0-399-23116-1
Fences separate things. Often one can see the other side, but the fence is designed to maintain the separation. A long fence divides the personal property and ethnicities in a small rural community. Two curious young girls see the other’s face and the activity on the opposite side of the fence and are intrigued. Their innocence and courage help them overcome the physical divide of the fence and the social divide of culture. These small heroines recreate their small corner of the world. The rich detail of the water color illustrations is incredible. Readers feel the heat from summer sun and feel the warm summer breeze. E. B. Lewis and Jacqueline Woodson intertwine their text and illustration in the same manner the heroines intertwine their lives.
Fences separate things. Often one can see the other side, but the fence is designed to maintain the separation. A long fence divides the personal property and ethnicities in a small rural community. Two curious young girls see the other’s face and the activity on the opposite side of the fence and are intrigued. Their innocence and courage help them overcome the physical divide of the fence and the social divide of culture. These small heroines recreate their small corner of the world. The rich detail of the water color illustrations is incredible. Readers feel the heat from summer sun and feel the warm summer breeze. E. B. Lewis and Jacqueline Woodson intertwine their text and illustration in the same manner the heroines intertwine their lives.
Module 2: The Three Questions
Muth, Jon. 2002. The Three Questions. Illus. by author. Scholastic Press: New York. ISBN: 0-439-19996-4.
Leo Tolstoy’s philosophical journey is retold through the eyes of a boy and three beloved animal friends. Nikolai ponders three important philosophical questions with his animal companions as he strives to become a better person. Each animal’s answers reflect its personality but do not satisfy the boy. Finally Nikolai seeks out a wise turtle, and through a series of potentially disastrous events, is guided to the answers. The text and the illustrations melt together. The water color illustrations mimic the philosophical and lofty nature of the text. The dreamlike illustrations are framed by a white border and cover the page. There are no harsh edges or sharp details only the blend of soft color and fanciful design. Muth’s text and illustrations unite into a surreal and meaningful lesson in self discovery.
Leo Tolstoy’s philosophical journey is retold through the eyes of a boy and three beloved animal friends. Nikolai ponders three important philosophical questions with his animal companions as he strives to become a better person. Each animal’s answers reflect its personality but do not satisfy the boy. Finally Nikolai seeks out a wise turtle, and through a series of potentially disastrous events, is guided to the answers. The text and the illustrations melt together. The water color illustrations mimic the philosophical and lofty nature of the text. The dreamlike illustrations are framed by a white border and cover the page. There are no harsh edges or sharp details only the blend of soft color and fanciful design. Muth’s text and illustrations unite into a surreal and meaningful lesson in self discovery.
Module 2: Dim Sum for Everyone!
Lin, Grace. 2001. Dim Sum for Everyone! Illus. by author. Alfred A. Knopf: New York. ISBN: 0-375-91082-4.
This tale is a colorful dinner trip with an Asian family to a Dim Sum restaurant. The reader learns about the food as the family enjoys their meal. Showing the individual food preferences of each family member allows the reader to be exposed to many different dim sum meal options. As the family shares a comfortable and relaxing meal together, the reader enjoys a comfortable stroll through a restaurant with which s/he may not be familiar. The vibrant red background color found on every page warms the reader and captures the attention. The contrasting and straightforward yellow text bounces off the page. Its placement on each page flows into and compliments the illustrations. The dynamic illustrations of the characters and food show simple detail. In one of the final illustrations, Lin focuses on the sea of visitors at the restaurant. Many colors, genders, and ages are united at the Dim Sum restaurant. Readers will revel this wonderfully inviting visit into a dim sum restaurant.
This tale is a colorful dinner trip with an Asian family to a Dim Sum restaurant. The reader learns about the food as the family enjoys their meal. Showing the individual food preferences of each family member allows the reader to be exposed to many different dim sum meal options. As the family shares a comfortable and relaxing meal together, the reader enjoys a comfortable stroll through a restaurant with which s/he may not be familiar. The vibrant red background color found on every page warms the reader and captures the attention. The contrasting and straightforward yellow text bounces off the page. Its placement on each page flows into and compliments the illustrations. The dynamic illustrations of the characters and food show simple detail. In one of the final illustrations, Lin focuses on the sea of visitors at the restaurant. Many colors, genders, and ages are united at the Dim Sum restaurant. Readers will revel this wonderfully inviting visit into a dim sum restaurant.
Module 2: Goldilocks & the Three Bears
Aylesworth, Jim. 2003. Goldilocks and the Three Bears. Illus. by Barbara McClintock. Scholastic Press: New York. ISBN: 0-439-39545-3.
Readers will find this traditional tale of a curious little girl and her adventure with three bears refreshing. Aylesworth’s text is detailed and reminds the reader of lesson to be learned from Goldilocks’ choices. Heeding the advice of a wise elder or preparing for consequences is an appropriate lesson for all ages. Forgetting all of the advice her mother has given her, Goldilocks travels into the deep woods and disrupts the happy comfort of three unknowing bears. The old fashioned illustrations reflect the same detail that was shown to the written text. The colors are attention-grabbing but simultaneously muted. They seem to reflect an era long passed. This reminds the readers of the true age of the story; but how its lesson is timeless. Aylesworth also uses the size of the text to reveal the size of the character’s voice. Heeding advice and curbing curiosity is a valuable lesson every generation. It is brought to life once again in this charming book.
Readers will find this traditional tale of a curious little girl and her adventure with three bears refreshing. Aylesworth’s text is detailed and reminds the reader of lesson to be learned from Goldilocks’ choices. Heeding the advice of a wise elder or preparing for consequences is an appropriate lesson for all ages. Forgetting all of the advice her mother has given her, Goldilocks travels into the deep woods and disrupts the happy comfort of three unknowing bears. The old fashioned illustrations reflect the same detail that was shown to the written text. The colors are attention-grabbing but simultaneously muted. They seem to reflect an era long passed. This reminds the readers of the true age of the story; but how its lesson is timeless. Aylesworth also uses the size of the text to reveal the size of the character’s voice. Heeding advice and curbing curiosity is a valuable lesson every generation. It is brought to life once again in this charming book.
Extension from Module 1: The Invention of Hugo Cabret
Selznick, Brian. 2007. The Invention of Hugo Cabret. Illus. by author. Scholastic Press: New York. ISBN: 978-0-439-81378-5.
2008 Caldecott Medal Winner
This 530 page volume is an innovation in the world of children’s literature. The first printed words are not found until page forty six. Selznick uses illustrations and changing perspectives to draw the readers into this mysterious tale. The printed text is a support to his charcoal pencil shaded drawings. These drawings provide the reader with “visual text”. Illustrations must be “read” and analyzed for the plot detail to be understood. Orphaned Hugo Cabret lives in the fearsome shadow of the Paris Station Inspector and the clocks he maintains. He sustains himself by continuing the invention started by this deceased father. When his father’s notebook is taken by a seemingly mean spirited toy shop owner, Hugo is thrust into the quest of reclaiming his lost notebook which leads him to discover an unlikely friendship with the shop owner’s goddaughter and to discover what he is capable of accomplishing. As the automaton is freed to operate and draw, characters are freed from a lifetime of secrets and solace. The beginning sequence of illustrations that appear to pull the reader into the story reverse in the closing sequence. In an interesting twist, the novel begins as it ends.
2008 Caldecott Medal Winner
This 530 page volume is an innovation in the world of children’s literature. The first printed words are not found until page forty six. Selznick uses illustrations and changing perspectives to draw the readers into this mysterious tale. The printed text is a support to his charcoal pencil shaded drawings. These drawings provide the reader with “visual text”. Illustrations must be “read” and analyzed for the plot detail to be understood. Orphaned Hugo Cabret lives in the fearsome shadow of the Paris Station Inspector and the clocks he maintains. He sustains himself by continuing the invention started by this deceased father. When his father’s notebook is taken by a seemingly mean spirited toy shop owner, Hugo is thrust into the quest of reclaiming his lost notebook which leads him to discover an unlikely friendship with the shop owner’s goddaughter and to discover what he is capable of accomplishing. As the automaton is freed to operate and draw, characters are freed from a lifetime of secrets and solace. The beginning sequence of illustrations that appear to pull the reader into the story reverse in the closing sequence. In an interesting twist, the novel begins as it ends.
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