Module 3: Poetry

Module 3: Poetry 

Bibliography:

Hopkins, Lee Bennett. 2011. I AM THE BOOK. Ill. by Yayo. Dongguan City, China: Holiday House. ISBN:9780823421190

Plot Summary:

Hopkins created a wonderful collection of poems written with an emphasis on the joys of reading books. Each author included in this book displayed their poem on a two-fold page, that included beautiful illustrations created by Yayo. Readers will unlock many whimsical, imaginative, and clever poems all dealing with the love of reading. 

Critical Analysis:

I AM THE BOOK is a thematic collection of thirteen poems that are all relevant to passions of reading books, how books make you feel, and celebrating reading. The book includes a variety of poets such as Karen B. Winnick, Karla Kuskin, Rebecca Kai Dtlich, Michele Krueger, and many more. The collection of poems are meant for a younger audience to inspire them to read. 

Although all of the poems are relevant to the theme of reading, each one has its own twist and take on what reading books truly means. For example Karal Kiskin writes, “...the wisdom of wizards, the songs of the ages, all wonders of wandering wonderful pages.” She does a beautiful job at incorporating what the speaker is reading about, and how the speaker sees wonders while he/she is reading, and allows the reader to visualize how your imagination can take you away while reading. 

Another example is by Beverly McLoughland titled When I Read, “...When I read, I like to dive In the sea of words and swim. Feet Kicking fast across the page Splashing words against my skin.” Beverly incorporates a brilliant metaphoric comparison of reading to the action of swimming. This poem allows its readers to easily imagine someone swimming through a book!

The illustrations for each poem take up a two-fold page using bright, brilliant acrylics all created by Yayo. Each playful illustration compliments the poems, and illuminates excitement for the reader. For example, the poem When I Read, by Beverly McLoughland, Yayo creates the metaphor that is being expressed in the poem perfectly, by illustrating an image of a man diving into a book cover made of water. The structure of the poems remained consistent with the title and author displayed at the top of each page along with a simple and easy to read text for young readers. Overall, the poems and pictures will draw in a range of young readers who will find this creative book of poems to be a treasure. 

Review Except(s):

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “A whimsical collection of 13 short poems, all celebrating books and reading. Many are by well-known authors like Naomi Shihab Nye and Jane Yolen, while others are by less-familiar poets. Overall, the quality of the selections is good.”

KIRKUS REVIEW: “In a whole that definitely doesn't measure up to the sum of its parts, this sadly uneven collection opens with six inventive celebrations in which books and water are interwoven themes. It closes with five landlocked tributes to bookishness and shoehorns in between one off-topic contribution by Hopkins and another by Jane Yolen.”

Connections:

*For national poetry month, this would be a great kick start book to read to students in order to  introduce them to the many astonishing poets ranging from veteran poets to lesser-known poets.

*Visit the Lee Bennett Hopkins Website where students can further their research on Lee Bennett Hopkins and how he creates his poems, awards he has received, a list of books that he has published, and the background of the author.   http://www.leebennetthopkins.com

*After reading the 13 poems from this book, invite students to collaborate and create their own pieces of poetry. These can also be an exciting activity where students can share their work  in a poetry reading during national poetry month. 

*Other pieces of poetry written by Lee Bennett Hopkins that can further learning on this author and his creations:

Hopkins, Lee Bennett. DAYS TO CELEBRATE: A FULL YEAR OF POETRY, PEOPLE, HOLIDAYS, HISTORY, FASCINATING FACTS, AND MORE. ISBN: 0060007656 Hopkins, Lee Bennett. FULL MOON AND STAR. ISBN: 1419700138 Hopkins, Lee Bennett. WONDERFUL WORDS: POEMS ABOUT READING, WRITING, SPEAKING, AND LISTENING. ISBN:0689835884

Bibliography:

Grimes, Nikki. 2015. POEMS IN THE ATTIC. III. by Elizabeth Zunon. New York, NY: Lee and Low Books Inc. ISBN: 9781620140277

Plot Summary:

A young girl takes a visit to her grandmother, once there she discovers a box of treasured letters written by her beloved mother. As you read, the mother’s letters come alive, each written in poem format, the little girl learns her family’s history. The mother’s father was in the Air Force, so each poem describes a different scenery throughout the world such as California, Alaska, New Mexico, Texas, Germany, Japan, and many more. The little girl is quite intrigued after reading all of her mother’s poems and decides to create a book that includes her own personal poems, along with her mother’s for someone to one day find in the attic. 

Critical Analysis:

Nikki Grimes creates a relatable connection between mother and child. Readers of all ages can correlate to the storyline, as well as enjoy the elements of poetry that are included in this book. Each poem written by the character's mother is written within five lines. Each poem starts with a bold title, the poems are written in free-verse format without including any rhyming words or rhythm. However, young readers can still read and enjoy the simple, descriptive, five lined poems and follow the emotions as the young girl, as she empathizes to her mother’s constant moving. 

The author does a great job at describing each scenery and the actions of the characters. For example the poem titled Class Trip, “My class camping trip! Rhinoceros beetles, dragonflies joined us. We ate squid-on-a-stick, slept at the foot of Mount Fuji.” Even though it only contained five lines the author took careful consideration in choosing these descriptions to show her readers what the speaker is experiencing in Japan, such as the wild animals, bugs, and looming Mt. Fuji! The little humor that is also in place when she describes eating, “squid-on-a-stick,” can make each poem memorable to its audience.

The format of the book was very refreshing. Each two-fold page was separated by a division to show on the left side, the young girl reading her mother’s poetry, and on the right side the mother (when she was her daughters age). In correspondence to each character Grimes wrote a narrative story next to the young girl, and the poetry that she found, on the right side of the page where it showed the mother. This allowed the reader to better visualize what is happening in the present with the young girl, and what happened in the past throughout the mother’s travels. 

The illustrations created by Elizabeth Zunon, were magnificent and correlated masterfully to the content. The pictures were illustrated with bright colors and textures to show in detail the many places that the mother visited throughout her journey as a young girl. Each illustration demonstrated the wondrous colors that can be seen from the Northern Lights in Alaska, to the  ice caps on Mount Fuji. 

Review Except(s):

KIRKUS REVIEW: “Succinct poetry shines in this impassioned celebration of history; the stories of this African-American family traveling the globe are rich with heart and color.”

THE HORN BOOK REVIEW: “Each page turn is like opening that old box in the attic — you never know what is coming next.”

Texas Bluebonnet Award Nominee (2017)

Connections:

*Invite students to research all of the places that were mentioned in the book to understand why the author choose Mt. Fuji and  Kimonos in Japan, castles in Germany, and horseback riding in Texas.

*Students can create personal five-lined poems based off the places that they have been before focusing on the environment around them, activities that they did, and experiences they made with others while traveling. 

Bibliography:

Frost, Helen. 2008. DIAMOND WILLOW. Virgina: Farrar, Straus and Giroux. ISBN: 9780374317768

Plot Summary:

Willow, the main character strives to prove to her parents that she is old enough to go mushing with their sled dogs alone to her grandparents' house. They eventually say yes, and on Willow’s travels back home a devastating accident occurs to one of the most cherished lead sled dogs, Roxy, that ends up leaving her blind. Willow has a difficult time coping with the fact that Roxy may not ever see again, and feels as though it was all her fault. With the thought that Roxy might be put down, Willow derives a plan with her best friend Kaylie to save Roxy and travel again to her grandparents’ house. The girls run into a dilemma when heavy snow falls and Willow loses sight of the path. As night falls, the girls end up sleeping outside through the snow storm knowing that their families must be looking for them. When morning appears the next day, the girls are reunited with their worried parents and Willow learns a new family secret, that she had a twin sister. After learning that she had a twin sister that died after 4 days of life, Willow seems to form a strong bond with Roxy and ends up saving her life.

Critical Analysis:

Diamond Willow is an outstanding verse novel that truly defines a moving story. Helen Frost uses diamond-shaped poems that are linked to the story plot, when it describes how Willow was given her name based off of diamonds that can be found in polished willow sticks. Within each diamond poem, the author creates hidden messages by using bold face print on specific words that sum up the characters deep feelings and thoughts. Each diamond shape is different ranging from smaller diamond poems to larger ones. The text is easy to read with an exciting plot and climax that links everything together in the end. 

Throughout the story there are short expert disruptions written in different animal perspectives. Each excerpt describes what the animal sees as situations arise to the characters. There is a nosey mouse,(who turns out to be Willow’s great-grandfather), a motherly spruce hen (who is Willow’s great-great-great grandmother), and the lead sled dog Roxy (who is Willows deceased twin sister). These short narratives give the reader a deeper look at many events that occurred in the story in different perspectives of her late ancestors. This also ties into the theme of the novel, that someone or something is always watching out for you. 

Although there are no illustrations in this verse novel, the book cover displays a dark blue scenery, with the main character Willow, and the main lead sled dog Roxy. The characters are  looking at each other directly in the eyes, as to relate to future events that occur in the story that leave Roxy blinded. The creative writing by Frost, allows readers to imagine in detail the snowy, bitter, white scenery of Alaska, and the beautiful nature that surrounds the characters in many unusual ways. Readers will be able to easily relate to the emotions of the middle school character, her eagerness to grow up, and the challenges she faces with her strong bond to her beloved dog. 

Review Except(s):

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL REVIEW: “This complex and elegant novel will resonate with readers who savor powerful drama and multifaceted characters.” 

BOOKLIST REVIEW: “Set in a remote part of Alaska, this story in easy-to-read verse blends exciting survival adventure with a contemporary girl's discovery of family roots and secrets.” 

KIRKUS REVIEW: “Frost presents her story in a series of poems in Willow's voice, using a form inspired by the marks on a diamond willow stick.” 

Dorothy Canfield Fisher Children’s Book Award

Iowa Children’s Book Award Nominee (2010)

Connections:

*This is a great text to introduce that poems take on many different forms and shapes. After reading this verse novel, allow students to create their own verses of poetry in a shape that relates back to the theme of their poem. 

*Using the main theme of this verse novel, students can read other books related to sled dog racing by reading the following books:

• London, Johnathan. SLED DOGS RUN. ISBN: 978-0802789587
• Freedman, Donna. White, Ed. FOXY’S TALE: THE TRUE STORY OF A CHAMPION ALASKAN SLED DOG. ISBN: 978-0964417106
•  Blake. Robert. AKIAK: A TALE FROM THE IDITAROD. ISBN:9780142401859

*Read other verse novels written by Helen Frost to find similarities and differences in her writing, such as:

• Frost, Helen. CROSSING STONES. ISBN: 0374316538 
• Frost, Helen. HIDDEN. ISBN:0374382212
• Frost, Helen. APPLESAUCE WEATHER. ISBN: 0763675768

Bibliography:

Sidman, Joyce. 2009. RED SINGS FROM TREETOPS A YEAR IN COLORS. III. by Pamela Zagarenski. New York, NY: Harcourt. ISBN: 9780547014944

Plot Summary:

Joyce Sidman writes poems about the four seasons while incorporating colors that naturally blossom in Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter. Sidman describes each season using at least six poems to depict the weather, temperature, activities, and even tapping into your senses to describe each season. The main character and her dog start off in Spring and travel through each following season. The character, who remains nameless, is observing all the beautiful scenery, creatures, activities, structures, sky colors, objects, and feelings that appear within each season. 

Critical Analysis:

Sidman’s writing uses many poetic elements, one of them is the use of figurative language. The use of the  onomatopoeia when she writes, “In Spring, Red sings from treetops: cheer-cheer-cheer…” gives the reader a feel for the sounds that are echoing around the character. Each poem is fairly short, but does not lack any descriptive narratives. Sidman’s poems are bursting with imagery while she incorporates the colors, smells, feelings, tastes, and sounds all around. 

The text is typed in a simple font, while interestingly, Sidman highlights the descriptive color words in white. This allows the reader to really focus on the color choices that are being presented within each season. For some seasons, you are presently surprised to see a color mentioned that would not originally come to mind. For instance, in winter Sidman writes, “Pink blooms powder-soft over pastel hills.” This allows the reader to broaden their color scheme and imagination from the typical colors that are thought of for each season. As this may be true, overall, the colors and seasons were connected beautifully and vibrantly.

The illustrations created by Pamela Zagarenski included mixed media paintings. The pictures filled every corner of each page, while interestingly incorporating a red bird to appear on each page. All of the creatures, including the main character, were all wearing little crowns above their head. This made for a fun and interesting find. Each picture includes many minute details small and large as the use of many textures, and of course colors make the main character stand out on every page. 

Review Except(s):

KIRKUS review: "A charming inspiration to notice colors and correlate emotions.”

HORN BOOK starred review: "Sustaining the playfulness of the text and its sense of awe, mystery, and beauty, the illustrations contribute gracefully to the celebration."

BOOKLIST starred review: "As the title implies, the colors that surprise on every page, do sing."

Caldecott Medal Nominee (2010)

Claudia Lewis Award (2010)

Minnesota Book Award for Children’s Literature (2010)

Connections:

*This would be a great intro book to show a young audience about the four seasons as well as colors. For an older audience, it can be used to introduce how colors can set tones and moods in a poetic narrative.

*This poem book has many teaching points that can be mentioned while reading to help students understand the placement of punctuation, uses of imagery, and how to incorporate figurative language elements into their own writings. 

*Students can continue learning about the many features that Joyce Sidman presents in her compilation of poem books by reading the following:

• Sidman, Joyce. DARK EMPEROR AND OTHER POEMS OF THE NIGHT. ISBN: 9780547152288
• Sidman, Joyce. WINTER BEES & OTHER POEMS OF THE COLD. ISBN: 9780547906508
• Sidman, Joyce. SWIRL BY SWIRL: SPIRALS IN NATURE. ISBN:9780547315836

Module 2:Book Reviews

Traditional Literature

Bibliography:

Kimmel, Eric. 1997. SIRKO AND THE WOLF. III. by Sauber, Robert. New York: Holiday House. ISBN 0823412571

Plot Summary:

SIRKO AND THE WOLF is a Ukrainian Folktale that bases the storyline on the relationship between dogs and wolves. The story starts off with an old loyal sheep dog named Sirko and his master tending to their sheep. In his master's eyes Sirko does not seem as useful to the family anymore due to his old age.  Sirko becomes banned from his human family and is left to fend for himself in the wilderness. One day he has an encounter with his cousin the Wolf. The wolf lends Sirko a hand by helping him become reunited with his family again, through the use of a devious plan. While the sheep farmer and his wife were tending to their fields, the Wolf surprises the family and takes their baby. To their surprise Sirko comes running to the rescue to save the day, in what looks to be a heroic attempt to save the baby and scare the Wolf. Sirko is then welcomed graciously into the family, but he has a feeling of guilt to repay the Wolf for his help. Sirko invites the Wolf to attend a feast inside the house so that the Wolf can enjoy scraps of food, however on one condition. The Wolf  must remain silent while he is hiding under the kitchen table so that he is out of sight. WIth all his excitement and full belly of scraps the Wolf can not hold back a loud bellowing howl. All the guests in the house grab their rifles and try to aim and shoot at the Wolf, but Sirko chooses to make it “look like” he is chasing and barking at the Wolf so that they won't shoot him. In conclusion, the story ends with Sirko and the Wolf discussing how dogs can remain in good company with humans, while Wolves are better suited to roam free in the wilderness.

Critical Analysis:

Eric Kimmel re-tells this folktale seamlessly, with aspects from the Ukranian culture such as the name “Sirko,” the livelihood of Sirko’s master being a sheep farmer, and the use of the “bandora” instrument. The storyline is easy to follow and can be a story book that is used for all ages. This folktale has many elements of a traditional folktale such as talking animals, pronounced morals, and a caring hero.

The main characters such as Sirko the sheep dog, and his cousin the Wolf, are easily noted as charismatic characters who can be portrayed as a metaphor to humans. For example, although the wolf and the sheep dog come from different backgrounds, they are able to coexist with each other and become good friends. The wolf in this storyline, is unlike any others in literature, because in this story the wolf is depicted as a friend, who lends a helping hand to his cousin the sheep dog. Whereas typically wolves are depicted as the evil characters or antagonists. There are also many morals to this story that are easily definable such as: bonds between friends and family, loyalty, and repaying debts to others.

The illustrations represent the Ukranian landscape and culture, with green luscious forests, roaming mountains, and warm cottages. Robert Sauber paints beautiful resemblances of the written content of the story with great details such as the expressions of the characters, and the background settings for the reader to embrace.

Review Excerpt(s):

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL REVIEW: “Kimmel successfully employs a storyteller's voice to beckon readers to sit and listen to this dramatic story. His yarn-spinning skill is evident throughout the satisfying tale that explains why dogs and wolves will be friends forever.”

BOOKLIST REVIEW: “Illustrated with impressionistic paintings that vividly dramatize each scene, this picture book tells a story that will please the many dog lovers in the world. Drawing the moral that those who are different can be friends, this well-told tale would be effective for reading aloud.”

Connections:

*Other book connections to the same Ukranian ties and cultures are:

• Brett, Jan. THE MITTEN. ISBN: 039921920
• Brett, Jan. THE FIRST DOG. ISBN: 9780152019679

*This story can be used for a jumpstart lesson on teaching younger students about identifying themes and underlying messages that are easily found in folktales. Students can read other folktale books written by Eric Kimmel such as:

• Kimmel, Eric. BABA YAGA: A RUSSIAN FOLKTALE. ISBN: 9780823408542
• Kimmel, Eric. THE GREATEST OF ALL: A JAPANESE FOLKTALE. ISBN:9780823412037
• Kimmel, Eric. BEARHEAD: A RUSSIAN FOLKTALE. ISBN: 9780823413027

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Bibliography:

Wiesner, David. 2001. THE THREE PIGS. III. by David Wiesner. New York,NY: Clarion Books.  ISBN: 0618007016

Plot Summary:

In this spin on the THE THREE PIGS, Wiesner writes the pigs right out of the story! Literally! The pigs “step out” of the story and venture into other stories and nursery rhymes. The book starts off in its traditional sense, with the pigs building their houses with hay and sticks, until the wolf blows the pigs out of the story. All three pigs venture into other stories and bring along a cat from HEY DIDDLE DIDDLE, as well as a dragon from another fairy tale. Altogether along with their new friends, the three pigs bounce back into their original story where the wolf is huffing and puffing at the brick house. To the wolfs surprise, a dragon peeks through the doorway and scares the wolf away. The three pigs, the cat, and the dragon eat a fresh pot of soup together and lived happily ever after.

Critical Analysis:

This version of the Three Little Pigs, includes traditional aspects of a fairy tale by including “Once upon a time,” but the reader quickly realizes that this book is in fact nontraditional. Wiesner incorporates new elements to engage his readers by including speech bubbles, 2D to 3D pictures, and other characters from various stories.

Overall the plot of the story is very simple. There is a definite beginning, middle and sudden conclusion. The climax of the story takes place when the first pig is blown off the page and the story take a drastic turn from the traditional version. A strong theme of “good triumphs over evil” is very much prevalent in this story and easy for students to recognize. However, the big bad wolf is not harmed in any way so it is left up to the reader's imagination to determine the outcome for the wolf. The ending is open ended, so readers can envision what they wish to happen to the three pigs and the other characters in the story.

According to the publication page, Wiesner uses watercolors, colored inks, and pencils to create these beautiful illustrations. The illustrations are at first drawn as cartoons, until the three pigs step out of the book do they become more three-dimensional and realistic. The illustrations are drawn in a frame-by-frame format so the reader can see the three pigs “step out” of the story. When the three pigs encounter other characters from other stories, the illustrations are visually different. Ranging from watercolor to black and white sketches.

Review Excerpt(s):

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL review: “Witty dialogue and physical comedy abound in this inspired retelling of a familiar favorite.”

KIRKUS REVIEWS, Starred review: “With this inventive retelling, Caldecott medalist Wiesner plays with literary conventions. . . . On the last few pages, the final words of the text break apart, sending letters drifting down into the illustrations to show us that once we have ventured out into the wider world, our stories never stay the same.”

BOOKLIST review:  “Wiesner’s latest is a post-modern fantasy for young readers that takes Scieszka’s fragmentation a step further: it not only breaks apart and deliciously reinvents the pigs’ tale, it invites readers to step beyond the boundaries of story and picture book altogether.”

Caldecott Award 2002

ALA Notable Children’s Book 2002

Connections:

*Expose students to other fractured fairy tales that include The Three Pigs in order to compare and contrast the similarities and differences that are present. The following books are various versions using the three pigs.

• Scieszka, Jon. THE TRUE STORY OF THE 3 LITTLE PIGS. ISBN:0140544518
• Teague, Mark. THE THREE LITTLE PIGS AND THE SOMEWHAT BAD WOLF. ISBN:0439915015
• Marshall, James. THE THREE LITTLE PIGS. ISBN:0803705913

*This story would be an excellent piece of literature used to incorporate writing assignments where students can write their own variation of the famous folktale, by creating their own twists and turns to spark their imaginations.

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Bibliography:

Pinkney, Jerry. 2009. THE LION AND THE MOUSE. III. By Jerry Pinkney. New York, NY: Little Brown Books for Young Readers. ISBN: 9780316013567

Plot Summary:

In this wordless picture book, adapted from one of Aesop’s fables, the illustrations allow the reader to create and imagine the story. It starts off with a little field mouse escaping the grasps of other predators such as an owl, when she quickly runs into a fierce wild lion. When the small mouse is captured by the paw of the fierce lion, she convinces the lion to pardon her life in exchange for a favor one day. When the lion becomes trapped in a poachers net, the little field  mouse comes to the lion’s rescue just as she had promised. The little mouse chews through the thick rope in order to release the lion free. The lion and the mouse create an unexpected bond and both return home safely to their families.

Critical Analysis:

This classic fable is a refreshing interpretation of THE LION AND THE MOUSE.The lack of text allows the reader to create their own storyline, but the illustrations help the reader understand the narrative. The titless cover, and the use of illustrations are able to depict the traditional story along with a few onomatopoeias such as, “Grrr,” “Squeak squeak squeak squeak,” “Putt-Putt-Putt.”  

The almost nearly wordless story takes place in what looks to be the African Plains. This fable has a definite beginning, middle and end, with a clear problem where the lion is entangled in the hunters net. The little mouse repays her debts to save the lion by nibbling the rope to free him and save the day. The author maintains the moral of the story to show that no act of kindness is too small, even for a small meer mouse.

According to the publication page Pinkney uses pencil, watercolor, and colored pencils to create these beautiful illustrations. The book starts off with a 2-page fold of the scenery of the African Plains and continues on with full page illustrations that eventually morph into picture panels that show the steps that the mouse takes to save the lion step by step. Bright yellows, browns, and oranges are used to give the reader a feel for the lions thick, lucios mane, and even the rolling plains in the African desert. There are close up illustrations of the large ferocious lion holding the small frightened mouse to portray the significance of the king lion and his power. Overall the illustrations play a crucial role in giving the reader a rich experience.

Review Excerpt(s):

2010 Caldecott Medal

KIRKUS review: “A nearly wordless exploration of Aesop’s fable of symbiotic mercy that is nothing short of masterful.”

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL review: "Pinkney's luminous art, rendered in watercolor and colored pencil, suggests a natural harmony... The ambiguity that results from the lack of words in this version allows for a slower, subtle, and ultimately more satisfying read. Moments of humor and affection complement the drama. A classic tale from a consummate artist."

THE HORN BOOK review: "By retelling Aesop's fable entirely in his signature pencil and watercolor art, Pinkney encourages closer exploration of the pleasing detail with which he amplifies it... It will be a challenge for libraries to make every gorgeous surface available, but it's a challenge worth taking on."

BOOKLIST: “A delightful, old-fashioned version of the tale. With lively detail...the pictures reflect the danger and coziness, and are just right for their preschool audience."

Connections:

*This story would be an excellent source for students to create their own words to the story with an emphasis on the moral and characterization.

*This picture book could be a great first read for a book study on Aesop’s fables. The following books below could be used to study the resemblances that the fables have:

• Emberly, Rebecca. THE ANT AND THE GRASSHOPPER. ISBN:9781596434936
• Wildsmith, Brian. THE HARE AND THE TORTOISE. ISBN: 9780192727084
• Subramaniam, Manasi. THE FOX AND THE CROW. by Culpeo S. Fox ISBN: 9788181903037

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Bibliography:

Taback, Simms. 1999. JOSEPH HAD A LITTLE OVERCOAT. III. by Simms Taback. New York, NY: Vicking. ISBN: 0670878553

Plot Summary:

The main character Joseph, had a little overcoat that soon gets, “old and worn.” Joseph creatively turns one overcoat into many other garment pieces such as a jacket, vest, scarf, necktie, handkerchief, and eventually to a small button, that he loses in the end. Once Joseph has nothing left of his overcoat, he puts all of his creativity into creating a book about his adventures with his overcoat and its evolution.    

Critical Analysis:

In this delightful, lighthearted story, Taback creates a simple storyline with die cuts that create a fun and entertaining story. In the author notes, Taback explains that he adopted one of his favorite Yeddish Folk songs into a relatable story for children to enjoy.

With effective repetition, students can easily read along and enjoy the comedic illustrations that portray humor within Joseph’s actions and expressions as he creates many creative pieces of clothing. As Joseph altars each piece of clothing, the di-cut shape on each page is different so that the reader can predict what he will create next. In the fine details of the story are newspaper clippings, articles, and pages of books that lead the reader to believe that Joseph is in fact Jewish.

The storyline is easy to follow and has a very simple beginning, middle, and end. There is a very apparent moral to the story that teaches students that you are never satisfied with your work, but you can always create something out of nothing.

The illustrations include mixed media and collage pictures that capture the reader’s attention. There are an immense amount of detail in the artwork that can easily be missed if you don’t pay close attention. The fabric looking rugs, coats, and characters clothing look realistic, are contrasted against the cartoon-like expressions of Joseph and the people he encounters with.  

Review Excerpt(s):

BOOKLIST: “True example of accomplished bookmaking–from the typography and the endpapers to the bar code, set in what appears to be a patch of fabric. Taback’s mixed-media and collage illustrations are alive with warmth, humor, and humanity. Their colors are festive yet controlled, and they are filled with homey clutter, interesting characters, and a million details to bring children back again and again.”

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “A book bursting at the seams with ingenuity and creative spirit.”

2000 Caldecott Medal Award

Connections:

*This story would be great story book to use to practice retelling using a felt board, or allow students to act out the sequence of events that unfold in the story.

*Students can do research on the author, how he creates his illustrations and read other books that were created by Simms Taback.

• Taback, Simms. THERE WAS AN OLD LADY WHO SWALLOWED A FLY. ISBN: 0670869392
• Taback, Simms. THIS IS THE HOUSE THAT JACK BUILT. ISBN: 978043970159
• Taback, Simms. I MISS YOU EVERYDAY. ISBN: 9780670061921

Module 1: Book Reviews

Bibliography:

De La Pena, Matt. 2015. LAST STOP ON MARKET STREET. III. by Christian Robinson. London: Puffin. ISBN 9780605851269

Plot Summary:

In this lighthearted picture book, a curious little boy named CJ, hops on a bus with his grandmother that takes them on a ride through town. Throughout the duration of the ride the little boy continuously asks his grandmother inquiring questions about the world around him, and the reasons why to everyday things. His wise grandmother gives him a new perspective on his view of a rainy day, waiting for the bus, why they don’t have a car, and the little boy realizes the beauty of things around him that he thought otherwise about. Once they reach the last stop on Market Street the reader finds out the characters final destination. Both CJ and his grandmother volunteer at what seems to be a soup kitchen.

Critical Analysis:

De La Pena’s writing is seen through a young boys perspective on a bus ride. His sentence structure uses compound sentences that vary in length, but an easy read for a child. For example, “From the bus stop, he watched water pool on flower petals. Watched rain patter against the windshield of a nearby car. His friend Colby climbed in, gave CJ a wave and drove off with his dad.”

This book has a storyline along with main characters such as CJ and his grandmother (who remains nameless). The setting mostly takes place on a bus ride through town on a rainy day. There is not a prominent problem in the story, but the reader can get a vibe that CJ is curious about the world around him, but can also come off as having an unfavorable disposition about the bus trip. The climax of the story also takes place at the conclusion. As the reader nears the end of the story you are finally able to find out where the characters last stop is. The reader can conclude that though the little boy seemed to not want to travel to the soup kitchen, but once reached the destination he was satisfied to be there to help out.

Christian Robinson’s illustrations create a sense of lightheartedness through the use of vibrant colors, and easily recognizable shapes such as buildings, the sun, birds, and the city-like landscape. The pictures are simple but allow for young children to connect to the content. The color scheme is bright with reds, yellows, and oranges to keep the reader reminded of the perspective of a young main character CJ.

Review Excerpt(s):

• SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “The urban setting is truly reflective, showing people with different skin colors, body types, abilities, ages, and classes in a natural and authentic manner… A lovely title.”
• KIRKUS REVIEW: "...a textual and artistic tour de force."
• Thom Barthelmess wrote in BOOKLIST:  "The celebratory warmth is irresistible, offering a picture of community that resonates with harmony and diversity."
• Horn Book Best Book of 2015
• Winner of the 2016 Newbery Medal
• A 2016 Coretta Scott King Honor Book for the illustrator

Connections:

*This text can easily connect with community and lead to a discussion of different places to live such as urban communities and the different types of members of the community that you may encounter along your travels. 

*This book has multiple opportunities for connections about helping others such as the soup kitchen that is mentioned in the end of the story, and how to be a good citizen in a community, as well as how it makes you feel to help others in your community.

*The characters in this story also leads to a discussion about strong bonds between family members, such as the grandmother and grandson, and how they are able to cherish a day together and share experiences with one another while little CJ learns how to look at the glass half-full instead of half-empty.

*Other similar books that portray community and family relationships are as follows:

• Castillo, Lauren. NANA IN THE CITY. ISBN: 0544104439 (2015 Caldecott Honor Book)
• Barnes, Derrick. CROWN AN ODE TO THE FRESH CUT. ISBN: 1572842245

Bibliography:

Willems, Mo. 2004. KNUFFLE BUNNY: A CAUTIONARY TALE. III. by Willems, Mo. New York, NY: Hyperion Books. ISBN 0439801982

Plot Summary:

Mo Willems writes this adorable “cautionary tale” of a small toddler who takes a trip to the laundromat with her father and her cherished stuffed animal she calls Knuffle Bunny. As they leave the laundromat, Trixie realizes that she lost her Knuffle Bunny. The expressions and use of “babble” such as “AGGLE FLAGGLE KLABBLE!” are the words she uses to communicate, and the problem for the character begins to spiral. On their loud, but eventful journey home, her cautionary father carries her past the black and white images that are the backdrop of New York. Once home, Trixie’s mother right away realizes that Trixie is not holding her stuffed animal. Thus, the solution to the story starts to appear, and once Trixie is reunited with her stuffed animal her first words are “Knuffle Bunny!” The story line is simple and easy for a young audience to follow. This picture book is easy to fall in love with, because of the relatable problem as most all children have a tendency to cling to a security blanket.

Critical Analysis:

Mo Willems’ writing in this picture book is very simplistic but very animated through the uses of big bolded font that is typed in speech bubbles for the characters to have dialog with one another. The storyline has a very simple sequence of events, along with characters, setting, problem and solution.

This is a relatable cartoon picture book is visually unique with real black and white images of New York City. It has a humorous tone that allows for attention to the characters expressions on their faces as they go through a roller coaster of emotions with Trixie’s problem. The color scheme of the characters are very bright compared to the contrast of the grey and black background.

Review Expert(s):

• Caldecott Honor Book 2005
• KIRKUS REVIEW: "The natural audience for this offering is a little older than its main character: they will easily identify with Trixie’s grief and at the same time feel superior to her hapless parent—and rejoice wholeheartedly at the happy reunion."
• SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: …”seamless and supremely satisfying presentation of art and text….”

Connections:

*This book can easily be identified with separation anxiety from loved ones or beloved security blankets that most children find difficult to let go of.

*There are a series that Mo Willems created that involve this character and how she copes with other ways of losing her Knuffle Bunny:

• Willems, Mo. KNUFFLE BUNNY TOO. ISBN 9780545103558
• Willems, Mo. KNUFFLE BUNNY FREE. ISBN 9780061929571

Bibliography:

Keats, Ezra Jack. 1962. THE SNOWY DAY. III. New York, NY: Vicking Press. ISBN 9780670867332

Plot Summary:

Ezera Jack Keats writes about a little boy named Peter who starts an adventure on the first snowy day of the season. The author takes us through what Peter encounters in the snow such as creating footprints in the snow, different types of tracks, making snow angels, sliding down mountains of snow, and in the end even trying to save a little snow in his pocket for later. As little Peter ponders about his adventures he had in the snow before getting into bed, he checks his pocket for any remains of the snow. Sure enough, his pocket was empty due to the snow melting. The next morning even more snow had fallen and he went out in the snow again but this time with a friend.

Critical Analysis:

Keats’s writing uses basic sentence structures, with brief sentences, but vibrant descriptions of the snow that the character interacts with. “Snow had fallen during the night. It covered everything as far as he could see.” The story unfolds through a sequential order of events. Onomatopoeias are used throughout the text for the reader to understand the sounds that the character is interfacing with such as, “Crunch, crunch, crunch…” and “plop!” The way the text is written in some parts of the story such as, “s-l-o-w-l-y” can be intriguing to young readers as well. There are no hidden messages or complicated themes. The plot is very easy to follow.

The illustrations work seamlessly to portray the textures, sounds and feelings that you experience in the snow. The water color pictures and color scheme that is used are very bright and happy. In the foreground of many of the pages is the white snow, but Peter’s bright orange snow suit stands out.

Review Excerpt(s)

• Randolph Caldecott Medal 1963
• Virginia Haviland, THE HORN BOOK: “....-Perfect for a snowy day’s preschool story hour.”

Connections:
*This book can be connected to an author’s study about Ezera Keats where students can read about the same main character Peter, in other relatable texts such as:

• GOGGLES. ISBN 0140564403
• A LETTER TO AMY. ISBN 9780140564426
• KEATS’S NEIGHBORHOOD. ISBN 9780670035861
• PETER’S CHAIR. ISBN 0140564411

*Other books for children about new and exciting adventures in the snow that can be connected to this text are:

• Tresselt, Alvin. WHITE SNOW, BRIGHT SNOW. ISBN 9780688082949
• Brett, Jan. THE MITTEN. ISBN  9780399219207
• Ehlert, Lois.  SNOWBALLS. ISBN 9780152162757     

Bibliography:

Steig. William. 1969. SYLVESTER AND THE MAGIC PEBBLE. III New York, NY: Windmill Books : Simon & Schuster. ISBN 9781416902065

Plot Summary:

This classic award winning book starts off with a donkey named Sylvester who finds a magic pebble. In a moment of panic he wishes that he was a rock in order to confuse a lion that spotted him on his treck back home. Unfortunately, Sylvester can not wish himself back into a donkey because the magic pebble is laying beside him in a field about a mile away from his family home. Sylvester’s parents search and search for him, but lose hope that Sylvester is long gone. Eventually, Sylvester’s parents take a picnic right on top of Sylvester and notice the beautiful shiny pebble. They place the pebble on Sylvester (not knowing that he is the rock) and Sylvester wishes that he is himself and instantly to everyone’s surprise he is reunited with his family.

Critical Analysis:

The storyline is simple and the sequence of events is easy to follow. There are strong themes of the importance of family, losing, and longing for someone. The text on each page is lengthy and has many thoughts of the main characters such as Sylvester and the Duncan parents. “I wish I were myself again, I wish I were my real self again!’ thought Sylvester.” The characters establish relatable feelings of loss, when they are mourning over Sylvester but also portray feelings and glimpses of happiness once reunited with their son. Magic does play a crucial role in the plot, but is only used in subtle ways such as turning the rain on and off, and the transformation of Sylvester into a rock.

The illustrations are also created by William Steig. The medium that is used is watercolors with an outlining technique of all the objects on the page in dark bold outlines to perhaps make the characters stand out. Each page has pictures that collaborate with the text and are all filled with many bright colors and textures. The characters are very much cartoon-like and give the illustrations a bit of humor.

Review Except(s):

• PUBLISHERS WEEKLY “...his tale of a donkey who wishes on a magic pebble has charmed a generation of readers and will no doubt go on to attract a new one…” Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.
• KIRKUS REVIEW: “...surely the prize predicament of the year and, in William Steig's pearly colors, one of the prettiest. How Mother and Father Duncan (donkey), despairing of finding their son, do eventually break the red pebble's spell and bring back Sylvester is a fable of happy families of all breeds.”
• Caldecott Medal (1970)
• Lewis Carroll Shelf Award (1978)
• National Book Award Finalist for Children’s Books (1970)

Connections:

*This picture book could be used for very evident cause and effect relationships when Sylvester must accept the consequences of his wishes.

*Children can make connections to events in their own lives when they were frightened and had to make difficult decisions.

*Other relatable stories that deal with wishes and the use of magic and the consequences:

• Thurber, James. MANY MOONS. ISBN 9780152518738
• Steig, William. THE AMAZING BONE. ISBN 9780374403584