BIBLIOGRAPHY
Goble, Paul. 1988. Her Seven Brothers. Ill. By Paul Goble. New York: Bradbury Press. ISBN 0027379604
PLOT SUMMARY
This book retells the ancient Cheyenne myth that recounts the origin of the constellation The Big Dipper. At the urging of the dream, a Cheyenne girl sews clothes for seven men who are destined to become her brothers. After a journey of many days she arrives at their tipi and sets up housekeeping for them, becoming their sister. Soon the chief of the Buffalo Nation appears and demands the girl. When he is refused, he leads an attack of the Buffalo People. The youngest brother shoots an arrow into the sky and creates a pine tree which they climb. At the top they step off into star – prairies and become The Big Dipper.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Goble’s engaging style conjures the image of a storyteller reciting his tale to an eager and receptive audience; inviting the reader to join the circle and listen. The protagonist is a strong young women who has the courage to go forth and meet her destiny. The straightforward plot unfolds in a dynamic prairie setting where people live and hunt and face danger.
Goble’s illustrations are drawn with pen and india ink and then filled in with the watercolor “to capture something of the bright colors that one sees in the clear air of the Great Plains.” (Goble, p35). His skill succeeds in evoking the atmosphere of Native American culture. This is a book that will charm adults and inspire children to look at the night sky with wonder.
REVIEW EXCERPT
“Gr. 2-4 – Goble once more combines a respectful retelling of Cheyenne legend with dynamic paintings depicting both traditional Indian life and the beauty of the natural world”.
MacDonald, E. (1988, June). Her Seven Brothers (Book Review). School Library Journal, 34(10), 97. Retrieved September 26, 2009, from Academic Search Complete database.
5. CONNECTIONS
Goble, Paul. 1978. The girl who loved wild horses. Scarsdale, N.Y.: Bradbury Press. ISBN 9780878881215
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Coburn, Jewell Reinhart with Lee, Tzexa Cherta. 1996. Jouanah : A Hmong Cinderella. Ill. By Anna Sibley O’Brien. Arcadia, CA: Shen’s Books.
ISBN 1885008015
PLOT SUMMARY
In the clearing in the mountains, a Hmong farmer lives with his wife and daughter, Jouanah. Needing a cow to plow his fields, the farmer accepts his wife’s proposal and transforms her into the needed animal. Later the farmer, instead of restoring her, marries another woman with a daughter of her own. The cow dies of a broken heart and than the farmer dies, leaving Jouanah with her stepmother. Jouanah is left behind to work when stepmother and daughter leave to attend New Year festivities. The spirit of her mother creates beautiful clothes for Jouanah. She goes to the celebration and falls in love with Shee- Nang, the son of the village elder. Jouanah rushes home leaving behind one of her shoes. After seeking high and low, Shee – Nang matches the shoe to its rightful owner and they live happily ever after.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
The Hmong people are people who live in the hills of Southeast Asia and the origins of this story are lost in antiquity. The Cinderella theme is an archetypal motif which recurs in many cultures around the world. Coburn and Lee’s retelling succeeds in creating for the reader a sense of this people and their lives. As in all the variants, the characters represent specific human traits - Jouanah is familial loyalty, her mother love, her father emotional weakness, and her stepmother and her daughter selfishness. The story unfolds in a brisk and straightforward manner which holds the reader’s attention. O’Brien’s captivating paintings vibrate with life and provide texture and form the tale. This is a beautiful book in every way which will show children that even the most distant people share the same experiences.
REVIEW EXCERPT
“Children’s Literature”: “There are no surprises in the telling of this familiar story. The beauty is in the language and the art, which depict the clothing and life-style of the Hmong people. Each spread contains a full-page illustration with the text on the opposing page, enclosed in a border design that incorporates a small inset illustration. A true delight for the eyes, and a good story of a young woman who prevails over hardship and injustice. A great choice for libraries and classrooms .(…) Ages 5 to 10.” Marylyn Courtot
5. CONNECTIONS
Louie, Ai-Ling, and Ed Young. 1982. Yeh-Shen: a Cinderella story from China. New York: Philomel Books. ISBN: 9780399209000
Coburn, Jewell Reinhart with Lee, Tzexa Cherta. 1996. Jouanah : A Hmong Cinderella. Ill. By Anna Sibley O’Brien. Arcadia, CA: Shen’s Books.
ISBN 1885008015
PLOT SUMMARY
In the clearing in the mountains, a Hmong farmer lives with his wife and daughter, Jouanah. Needing a cow to plow his fields, the farmer accepts his wife’s proposal and transforms her into the needed animal. Later the farmer, instead of restoring her, marries another woman with a daughter of her own. The cow dies of a broken heart and than the farmer dies, leaving Jouanah with her stepmother. Jouanah is left behind to work when stepmother and daughter leave to attend New Year festivities. The spirit of her mother creates beautiful clothes for Jouanah. She goes to the celebration and falls in love with Shee- Nang, the son of the village elder. Jouanah rushes home leaving behind one of her shoes. After seeking high and low, Shee – Nang matches the shoe to its rightful owner and they live happily ever after.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
The Hmong people are people who live in the hills of Southeast Asia and the origins of this story are lost in antiquity. The Cinderella theme is an archetypal motif which recurs in many cultures around the world. Coburn and Lee’s retelling succeeds in creating for the reader a sense of this people and their lives. As in all the variants, the characters represent specific human traits - Jouanah is familial loyalty, her mother love, her father emotional weakness, and her stepmother and her daughter selfishness. The story unfolds in a brisk and straightforward manner which holds the reader’s attention. O’Brien’s captivating paintings vibrate with life and provide texture and form the tale. This is a beautiful book in every way which will show children that even the most distant people share the same experiences.
REVIEW EXCERPT
“Children’s Literature”: “There are no surprises in the telling of this familiar story. The beauty is in the language and the art, which depict the clothing and life-style of the Hmong people. Each spread contains a full-page illustration with the text on the opposing page, enclosed in a border design that incorporates a small inset illustration. A true delight for the eyes, and a good story of a young woman who prevails over hardship and injustice. A great choice for libraries and classrooms .(…) Ages 5 to 10.” Marylyn Courtot
5. CONNECTIONS
Louie, Ai-Ling, and Ed Young. 1982. Yeh-Shen: a Cinderella story from China. New York: Philomel Books. ISBN: 9780399209000
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Simonds, Nina, and Swartz, Leslie. 2002. Moonbeams, Dumplings & Dragon Boats. Ill. by Meilo So. New York: Harcourt, Inc. ISBN 0152019839
PLOT SUMMARY
This children’s introduction to Chinese culture provides the reader with a tales, crafts, and recipes. Among the many things covered are how to prepare sweet rice bals and moon cakes, and how to make dragon boats and pinwheels. The book contains folktales, riddles, information on holidays, and facts about the Chinese Zodiac. There is also a bibliography and guide to Chinese pronunciation
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This is a fascinating book that will hold the attention of young readers and their parents for hours. The stories and articles are full of information on Chinese holidays and beliefs and are told with charm and skill. The instructions for the crafts are easily followed and the accompanying illustrations provide extra guidance.
The bright colors of the artwork that fills the book evokes in the reader a feel for Old China. This is a book that children will dip into often to learn ancient crafts while gaining in knowledge.
REVIEW EXCERPT
“Gr. 4–6. This brightly illustrated, large-format book introduces Chinese New Year and the Lantern Festival, Qing Ming and the Cold Foods Festival, the Dragon Boat Festival, and the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival.(…) The activities—riddles to tell and paper lanterns to make, among them—look like fun for young people. Lists of books and Web sites and a pronunciation guide round out the treatment.”
Phelan, C. (2002, October 15). Moonbeams, Dumplings & Dragon Boats (Book). Booklist, 99(4), 404. Retrieved September 21, 2009, from Academic Search Complete database.
5. CONNECTIONS
Gee, Judith Karen, and Chen-zhi Huang. 1989. A book of Chinese festivals. [Osoyoos, B.C.]: Steam RR Publications. ISBN 9780969249948
Stepanchuk, Carol. 1994. Red eggs and dragon boats: celebrating Chinese festivals. Berkeley, Calif: Pacific View Press. ISBN 9781881896081
Simonds, Nina, and Swartz, Leslie. 2002. Moonbeams, Dumplings & Dragon Boats. Ill. by Meilo So. New York: Harcourt, Inc. ISBN 0152019839
PLOT SUMMARY
This children’s introduction to Chinese culture provides the reader with a tales, crafts, and recipes. Among the many things covered are how to prepare sweet rice bals and moon cakes, and how to make dragon boats and pinwheels. The book contains folktales, riddles, information on holidays, and facts about the Chinese Zodiac. There is also a bibliography and guide to Chinese pronunciation
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This is a fascinating book that will hold the attention of young readers and their parents for hours. The stories and articles are full of information on Chinese holidays and beliefs and are told with charm and skill. The instructions for the crafts are easily followed and the accompanying illustrations provide extra guidance.
The bright colors of the artwork that fills the book evokes in the reader a feel for Old China. This is a book that children will dip into often to learn ancient crafts while gaining in knowledge.
REVIEW EXCERPT
“Gr. 4–6. This brightly illustrated, large-format book introduces Chinese New Year and the Lantern Festival, Qing Ming and the Cold Foods Festival, the Dragon Boat Festival, and the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival.(…) The activities—riddles to tell and paper lanterns to make, among them—look like fun for young people. Lists of books and Web sites and a pronunciation guide round out the treatment.”
Phelan, C. (2002, October 15). Moonbeams, Dumplings & Dragon Boats (Book). Booklist, 99(4), 404. Retrieved September 21, 2009, from Academic Search Complete database.
5. CONNECTIONS
Gee, Judith Karen, and Chen-zhi Huang. 1989. A book of Chinese festivals. [Osoyoos, B.C.]: Steam RR Publications. ISBN 9780969249948
Stepanchuk, Carol. 1994. Red eggs and dragon boats: celebrating Chinese festivals. Berkeley, Calif: Pacific View Press. ISBN 9781881896081
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Picture Books
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Cummings, Pat. 1992. Talking with artists. New York: Bradbury Press. ISBN 0027242455
PLOT SUMMARY
This is a juvenile nonfiction book aimed at readers age 9 and up. It consists of conversations between Pat Cummings and 14 children’s book illustrators, one of whom is herself. Each section of the book begins with a short essay titled “My story” in which the subject provides information about his background and how he became an illustrator. This is follow by a series of eight questions.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
The answers provide informative and entertaining reading. (Nearly all state they include family, friends, and pets in their art, sometimes unconsciously.) The language used is appropriate for junior high / high school readers. The background essays provide insight into the workings of the creative process and are written in an entertaining manner that holds the interest of the reader. Fans of the illustrators will find this book full of insights about their works. This is a highly readable book of interest to young artists and others interested in the creative process.
REVIEW EXCERPT
“Each segment offers an interesting autobiographical sketch. Companion interviews by Cummings answer questions from "Where do your ideas come from?" to "Do you have any children or pets?" The profiles exemplify the artists' backgrounds, ordinary or extraordinary lifestyles, and creative strengths. Illustrated with photos and drawings.
Follos, Alison. 2004. "Talking with Artists, Volume 2 (Book)." School Library Journal 50, no. 11: 65-65. Academic Search Complete, EBSCOhost (accessed September 9, 2009).
CONNECTIONS
Marcus, Leonard S. 2008. A Caldecott celebration: seven artists and their paths to the Caldecott medal. New York: Walker & Co. ISBN: 9780802797032
Cummings, Pat. 1992. Talking with artists. New York: Bradbury Press. ISBN 0027242455
PLOT SUMMARY
This is a juvenile nonfiction book aimed at readers age 9 and up. It consists of conversations between Pat Cummings and 14 children’s book illustrators, one of whom is herself. Each section of the book begins with a short essay titled “My story” in which the subject provides information about his background and how he became an illustrator. This is follow by a series of eight questions.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
The answers provide informative and entertaining reading. (Nearly all state they include family, friends, and pets in their art, sometimes unconsciously.) The language used is appropriate for junior high / high school readers. The background essays provide insight into the workings of the creative process and are written in an entertaining manner that holds the interest of the reader. Fans of the illustrators will find this book full of insights about their works. This is a highly readable book of interest to young artists and others interested in the creative process.
REVIEW EXCERPT
“Each segment offers an interesting autobiographical sketch. Companion interviews by Cummings answer questions from "Where do your ideas come from?" to "Do you have any children or pets?" The profiles exemplify the artists' backgrounds, ordinary or extraordinary lifestyles, and creative strengths. Illustrated with photos and drawings.
Follos, Alison. 2004. "Talking with Artists, Volume 2 (Book)." School Library Journal 50, no. 11: 65-65. Academic Search Complete, EBSCOhost (accessed September 9, 2009).
CONNECTIONS
Marcus, Leonard S. 2008. A Caldecott celebration: seven artists and their paths to the Caldecott medal. New York: Walker & Co. ISBN: 9780802797032
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Willems, Mo. 2004. KNUFFLE BUNNY: A CAUTIONARY TALE New York: Hyperion Books for Children ISBN 0786818700
PLOT SUMMARY
Through the clever combination of sepia- toned photographs and color drawings, Mo Willems tells the story of what happens when a father takes his daughter along to do the laundry and her precious stuffed toy becomes mislaid. Unable to speak, young Trixie does all she can to make herself understood, but it takes Mom’s insight to identify the problem and lead to its solution.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
By placing the character drawings onto photographic backgrounds, Willems engages the reader’s attention and pulls him into the story. We see Trixie and her father leave home with the laundry, walk down the street, go through the park, pass the school, and finally enter the laundry. The photographs manage to convey a sense of distance, transforming a simple walk into an adventure. As Trixie has a great time at the laundry, her father watches her so closely he fails to notice that Knuffle Bunny has been thrown into the washer with the clothes. As they head home, Trixie screams and acts up in an attempt to tell her father the toy is missing. Once they reach home, Mom spots the problem immediately and they all race back to the laundromat where Knuffle Bunny is rescued. Young readers who have been drawn into the story will share the relief when Knuffle Bunny is safely returned to Trixie, as will adults. Words are used minimally on each page to serve as an addition to the illustrations which convey the largest part of the story. Knuffle Bunny is a very popular book amongst young children because it is so engaging. Readers can relate to the characters, and the emotions expressed throughout the book are very realistic.
REVIEW EXCERPT
"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 parent--and rejoice wholeheartedly at the happy reunion. (Picture book. 2-5) 2004."
"KNUFFLE BUNNY: A Cautionary Tale (Book)." Kirkus Reviews 72, no. 15: 750-750. Academic Search Complete, EBSCOhost (accessed September 7, 2009).
CONNECTIONS
Willems, Mo. 2007 Knuffle Bunny too: a case of mistaken identity. New York: Hyperion Books for Children. ISBN 1423102991
Willems, Mo. 2004. KNUFFLE BUNNY: A CAUTIONARY TALE New York: Hyperion Books for Children ISBN 0786818700
PLOT SUMMARY
Through the clever combination of sepia- toned photographs and color drawings, Mo Willems tells the story of what happens when a father takes his daughter along to do the laundry and her precious stuffed toy becomes mislaid. Unable to speak, young Trixie does all she can to make herself understood, but it takes Mom’s insight to identify the problem and lead to its solution.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
By placing the character drawings onto photographic backgrounds, Willems engages the reader’s attention and pulls him into the story. We see Trixie and her father leave home with the laundry, walk down the street, go through the park, pass the school, and finally enter the laundry. The photographs manage to convey a sense of distance, transforming a simple walk into an adventure. As Trixie has a great time at the laundry, her father watches her so closely he fails to notice that Knuffle Bunny has been thrown into the washer with the clothes. As they head home, Trixie screams and acts up in an attempt to tell her father the toy is missing. Once they reach home, Mom spots the problem immediately and they all race back to the laundromat where Knuffle Bunny is rescued. Young readers who have been drawn into the story will share the relief when Knuffle Bunny is safely returned to Trixie, as will adults. Words are used minimally on each page to serve as an addition to the illustrations which convey the largest part of the story. Knuffle Bunny is a very popular book amongst young children because it is so engaging. Readers can relate to the characters, and the emotions expressed throughout the book are very realistic.
REVIEW EXCERPT
"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 parent--and rejoice wholeheartedly at the happy reunion. (Picture book. 2-5) 2004."
"KNUFFLE BUNNY: A Cautionary Tale (Book)." Kirkus Reviews 72, no. 15: 750-750. Academic Search Complete, EBSCOhost (accessed September 7, 2009).
CONNECTIONS
Willems, Mo. 2007 Knuffle Bunny too: a case of mistaken identity. New York: Hyperion Books for Children. ISBN 1423102991
Thursday, September 10, 2009
1 BIBLIOGRAPHY
Wiesner, David. 2006. Flotsam. New York: Clarion Books. ISBN 0618194576
2 PLOT SUMMARY
In a series of evocative images, Wiesner depicts a young boy’s discovery of an old camera washed up on the beach. The development of the film reveals many suprising facts about life under the sea , the camera itself, and it’s previous owners.
3 CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Wiesner is a master at combining realistic art with fantastic, sometimes surreal, subjects. As the story opens, a young boy is exploring the beach and examining some crabs when he is caught in the surf. The wave deposits an old box camera and, in a series of photo - like images, the boy discovers an anachronistically modern roll of film inside and takes it to be developed. The film reveals a phantasmagoria of bizarre scenes – sea turtles with sea shell cities on their backs, giant starfish walking amid sperm whales, little green men riding fish. At this point the story is marred, however, by a sort of photographic infinite regress depicting the camera’s previous owners. This sequence is obtrusive and detracts from the wonder of the fantasy scenes. It just brings the boy back to his world. With photos of the previous owners it shatters the illusion created by the fantastic scenes and therefore detracts from the flow of the story. Overall, this story is easily understood, even by preliterate children as it unfolds well without words, since its primary purpose is to present a series of visual images. Children will enjoy this book but may be left wanting more.
4 REVIEW EXCERPT
“Masterfully altering the pace with panel sequences and full-bleed spreads, he fills every inch of the pages with intricate, imaginative watercolor details. New details swim into focus with every rereading of this immensely satisfying excursion. Ages 5-8. (Sept.)”
2006. "Flotsam." Publishers Weekly 253, no. 29: 56-57. Academic Search Complete, EBSCOhost (accessed September 9, 2009).
5. CONNECTIONS
Wiesner's earlier book, "Tuesday", is superior in every respect. It tells an original and imaginative story in beautifully - rendered pictures. "Tuesday" displays a unity and rhythm sadly lacking in "Flotsam".
Wiesner, David. 1991. Tuesday. New York: Clarion Books. ISBN 0395551137
Wiesner, David. 1999. Sector 7. New York: Clarion Books ISBN 0395746566
Wiesner, David. 2006. Flotsam. New York: Clarion Books. ISBN 0618194576
2 PLOT SUMMARY
In a series of evocative images, Wiesner depicts a young boy’s discovery of an old camera washed up on the beach. The development of the film reveals many suprising facts about life under the sea , the camera itself, and it’s previous owners.
3 CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Wiesner is a master at combining realistic art with fantastic, sometimes surreal, subjects. As the story opens, a young boy is exploring the beach and examining some crabs when he is caught in the surf. The wave deposits an old box camera and, in a series of photo - like images, the boy discovers an anachronistically modern roll of film inside and takes it to be developed. The film reveals a phantasmagoria of bizarre scenes – sea turtles with sea shell cities on their backs, giant starfish walking amid sperm whales, little green men riding fish. At this point the story is marred, however, by a sort of photographic infinite regress depicting the camera’s previous owners. This sequence is obtrusive and detracts from the wonder of the fantasy scenes. It just brings the boy back to his world. With photos of the previous owners it shatters the illusion created by the fantastic scenes and therefore detracts from the flow of the story. Overall, this story is easily understood, even by preliterate children as it unfolds well without words, since its primary purpose is to present a series of visual images. Children will enjoy this book but may be left wanting more.
4 REVIEW EXCERPT
“Masterfully altering the pace with panel sequences and full-bleed spreads, he fills every inch of the pages with intricate, imaginative watercolor details. New details swim into focus with every rereading of this immensely satisfying excursion. Ages 5-8. (Sept.)”
2006. "Flotsam." Publishers Weekly 253, no. 29: 56-57. Academic Search Complete, EBSCOhost (accessed September 9, 2009).
5. CONNECTIONS
Wiesner's earlier book, "Tuesday", is superior in every respect. It tells an original and imaginative story in beautifully - rendered pictures. "Tuesday" displays a unity and rhythm sadly lacking in "Flotsam".
Wiesner, David. 1991. Tuesday. New York: Clarion Books. ISBN 0395551137
Wiesner, David. 1999. Sector 7. New York: Clarion Books ISBN 0395746566
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