Wednesday, July 3, 2013
Monday, April 29, 2013
United States Board on Books for Young People (USBBY)
Hooey Higgins and the Shark by Steve Voake with illustrations by Emma Dodson
Voake, S. (2012). Hooey Higgins and the Shark. London, England: Candlewick Press.
This delightful story centers around Hooey and his best friend, Twig, who has more quirks than a branch has twigs! This collection of adventures recount everything from how to catch a shark with ketchup as well as how Twig becomes obsessed with buying a humongous chocolate egg—a oeuf en chocolat (French translation of a chocolate egg)! With a crazed plan to help Twig purchased the “egg of the golden goose” they plan to catch a shark using ketchup, a cricket bat and a blanket! A classic combination of male-aloofness and determination makes this a side-cracking humorous read! All fans of the Diary of the Wimpy Kids series will find this comedic book, the new rookie! I would definitely use this brief chapter/picture book as a class read. Notation must be made to the British quirks that American students might miss, but that should assist in the Twiggy hilarity that becomes this book!
Lulu and the Duck in the Park by Hilary McKay with illustrations by Priscilla Lamont
McKay, H. (2012). Lulu and the Duck in the Park. Chicago, IL: Albert Whitman & Company.
Every young girl needs a heroine to model. Whether it’s Clementine chopping off her hair or Lulu collecting every animal she can care for, girls are the stronger, smarter sex, not because of obvious factors—giver of life, nurturer and care-giver—but because no matter what, they can out-smart the boys! And that alone should be legal tender! The title will catch the eye of a reader, but it’s Lulu’s heart to save her duck egg that will win over the audience. A tender-hearted third grade girl, Lulu’s determined to give her pet-less teacher the perfect pet and keep out of trouble for acquiring another pet, even if it is an egg. This book’s great for teaching children how to problem-solve, as well as cleverly outwit a grown-up! In everyday instances, Lulu’s obstacles present a lesson-to-be-learned! Children will relate well to her getting in trouble!
Just Ducks by Nicola Davies with illustrations by Salvatore Rubbino
Davies, N. (2012). Just Ducks. New York, NY: Candlewick Press.
Ducks have a certain charm and elegance about them. Though they offer only one discernible sound—quack—the variation in a duck’s “quack” can come with vigor, anger, sweetness and inquisition. The watercolor visions Rubbino created calmed and supported the movement of the ducks with fluidity and grace. Children identify with ducks; perhaps because they’re small and approachable, much like children themselves, or because aside from a peck, they really can’t do a child any harm. Whatever the reason, Davies captures the imagination with these fine feathered friends. She instills an appreciative understanding of a duck’s way of life that offers enriched vocabulary. One can imagine that Davies is in fact the observant little girl in the story for she paid such attention to detail. Any school that has a duck pond nearby should carry this book, a loaf of bread or sleeves of crackers and become one with mallards, swans, and brown flappers and perching ducks alike.
Voake, S. (2012). Hooey Higgins and the Shark. London, England: Candlewick Press.
This delightful story centers around Hooey and his best friend, Twig, who has more quirks than a branch has twigs! This collection of adventures recount everything from how to catch a shark with ketchup as well as how Twig becomes obsessed with buying a humongous chocolate egg—a oeuf en chocolat (French translation of a chocolate egg)! With a crazed plan to help Twig purchased the “egg of the golden goose” they plan to catch a shark using ketchup, a cricket bat and a blanket! A classic combination of male-aloofness and determination makes this a side-cracking humorous read! All fans of the Diary of the Wimpy Kids series will find this comedic book, the new rookie! I would definitely use this brief chapter/picture book as a class read. Notation must be made to the British quirks that American students might miss, but that should assist in the Twiggy hilarity that becomes this book!
Lulu and the Duck in the Park by Hilary McKay with illustrations by Priscilla Lamont
McKay, H. (2012). Lulu and the Duck in the Park. Chicago, IL: Albert Whitman & Company.
Every young girl needs a heroine to model. Whether it’s Clementine chopping off her hair or Lulu collecting every animal she can care for, girls are the stronger, smarter sex, not because of obvious factors—giver of life, nurturer and care-giver—but because no matter what, they can out-smart the boys! And that alone should be legal tender! The title will catch the eye of a reader, but it’s Lulu’s heart to save her duck egg that will win over the audience. A tender-hearted third grade girl, Lulu’s determined to give her pet-less teacher the perfect pet and keep out of trouble for acquiring another pet, even if it is an egg. This book’s great for teaching children how to problem-solve, as well as cleverly outwit a grown-up! In everyday instances, Lulu’s obstacles present a lesson-to-be-learned! Children will relate well to her getting in trouble!
Just Ducks by Nicola Davies with illustrations by Salvatore Rubbino
Davies, N. (2012). Just Ducks. New York, NY: Candlewick Press.
Ducks have a certain charm and elegance about them. Though they offer only one discernible sound—quack—the variation in a duck’s “quack” can come with vigor, anger, sweetness and inquisition. The watercolor visions Rubbino created calmed and supported the movement of the ducks with fluidity and grace. Children identify with ducks; perhaps because they’re small and approachable, much like children themselves, or because aside from a peck, they really can’t do a child any harm. Whatever the reason, Davies captures the imagination with these fine feathered friends. She instills an appreciative understanding of a duck’s way of life that offers enriched vocabulary. One can imagine that Davies is in fact the observant little girl in the story for she paid such attention to detail. Any school that has a duck pond nearby should carry this book, a loaf of bread or sleeves of crackers and become one with mallards, swans, and brown flappers and perching ducks alike.
Sunday, April 28, 2013
Audio Book Kit from ALA Children's Recording
Lon Po Po: A Red-Riding Hood Story from China by Ed Young
1989 Caldecott Winner
Young, E. (1989). Lon Po Po: A Red-Riding Hood Story from China. New York, NY: Philomel Books.
A retelling of a traditional story handed down, the audio version of Lon Po Po doesn't disappoint. Voice by. The illustrations remind the reader of the screen separators common in Asian cultures. The story beginning high in the sky, almost surrounded by clouds, also reiterates the notion of this story being passed down from generations. As the children ask their grandmother, who's truly a wolf in disguise, some questions, the illustrations signal what can take place, especially as the children converse with their "grandmother" before opening the door; this provides the reader with foreshadow and prediction skills, necessary for building inferencing and story-line skills. This is a great lesson to teach in cross-cultural connections, for American and Chinese children have a folk-tales about wolves pretending to be grandmothers. If it wasn't for Shang's quick wit, to get the wolfish like grandmother up a tree, then Shang and her siblings (Tao & Paotze) would not have escaped with their lives. The clever use of the basket to drop the wolf out of will offer an additional comparison to the importance of the basket compared to the American version of Red-Riding Hood. Young, who also designed the penguin for Penguin Book Publishing, did a fantastic job capturing the danger and mysticism associated with this folktale. The whispering and slightly blurred images almost create the hazy state needed before a bedtime reading.
John, Paul, George and Ben by Lane Smith
Smith, L. (2006). John, Paul, George and Ben. New York, NY: Hyperion Books for Children.
Any history buff will appreciate this kid-friendly telling of the the four big-whigs in American history. What makes this audio reading even better is the voice characterization by James Earl Jones! Yes, the voice of Darth Vader, with its depth and svelte baritone, carries the reader back in time to when John Adams was a writing wizard, Paul Revere was a noisy child bellowing out to the universe, George Washington was as honest as the morning sun, Ben Franklin the "know-it-all" sap who annoyed everyone with his yap! The 1960s Beattles-mania music, intermingled with a country banjo offered a earache more than pleasantry. But then again, James Earl Jones can make listening to a wayward yodel sound delightful. This subtle history lesson makes American trailblazers enjoyable, without the drill and kill of facts and dates! It kind of unsettles one that Tom's--Thomas Jefferson--name missed out on the title, but considering his quest for independence and liberty, it's doubtful he wanted to share the limelight! The illustrations are entertaining and insightful, with sharp edges. Use this as a cross-over lesson before the inevitable state standardize exam in history. If nothing else, reading how a successful revolution took course could prohibit another revolution against core curriculum annihilation.
Dooby, Dooby Moo by Doreen Cronin and illustrated by Betsy Lewin
Cronin, D. (2006). Dooby, Dooby Moo. New York, NY: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing Division.
Duck, determine to win the fair's talent show, enters the cows, sheep and pig into the talent show. A romp-roaring sequel to CLICK, CLACK, MOO: Cows That Type readers will enjoy the wonderful audio of this picture book. Of course, Lewin has rejoined her with her watercolor illustrations that bulge with surprise and tease with indicative plot support. Determined to catch his rascals in action, Farmer Brown takes to disguising himself as a scare-crow, peeping high and low. Charming us with country twang and familiar song, the audio readings lassos home the wholesome charm of Cornin's text, down to the fine print everyone should ALWAYS read, no matter what! Use this in support of the Go Texans Day that happens annually. If your state doesn't have one, designate a day and dust off your boots! Coupled along with a western theme and a social study into the wild frontier of young America, this book will certainly bring about unheard of laughter!
Martina, the Beautiful Cockroach: A Cuban Folklore by Carmen Agra Deedy and illustrated by Michael Austin
Deedy, C. (2007). Martina, the Beautiful Cockroach: A Cuban Folklore. Atlanta, GA: Peachtree Publishers.
Perhaps, it's because of her strong accent or colorful dialect, but Carmen Deedy does a FANTASTIC audio reading of her picture book. In addition to providing authentic grunts of Don Cerdo, the sss-sizzling hiss of Don Largato and the cock-o-doodle doo of Don Gallo, Deedy as the timid, but beautiful Martina, who has a witty sarcastic tone, steals the show. As a teacher of sixteen year olds and WITHOUT the book, my students rolled with laughter and held a delightful discussion about what made the book enjoyable--
When prompted with the question, “What part of the story did you like the most?” these were their responses:
Jennifer: The cockroach was funny and very descriptive. Her theory of finding a man was interesting. Plus, she reminds me of you (meaning me, Ms. Darnell)!
Suzy: She had a hard time to find a guy. She wanted a guy to treat her like a princess.
Robert: The ending because the little Perez mouse had a Cuban grandmother too and he stopped the test!
Jesus: Where Martina finds her true love.
Adrian: When Martina’s heart started beating fast and the author made the sound!
Sabina: When the grandmother told Martina to give the coffee test to the mouse and Martina didn’t want to!
Laura: When the lizard was mean and said that Martina was ugly!
Jesus: I liked it when each of the guys snapped and started yelling at her!
Gonzalo: Where she’s getting sick of hearing her name.
And when prompted with the question, “What made you laugh?” they followed up with these responses:
Suzy: You know what else was funny? When Martina’s grandmother told her to be nice; that was difficult when she had the stinky pig that smelled like old cheese and rotten eggs.
Sabina: Yeah, I like the pig part too!
Jennifer: Their reactions to the “coffee tests” made me laugh. Men are so fake!
Suzy: Oh! Also, when the characters said her name…what was it?
Ms. Darnell (happily): Martina Josephina Catalina Cucaracha…beautiful muchacha!
Suzy: Yeah that’s it! Miss...you have too much fun saying that!
Book Review:This wonderful picture book is about a coming-of-age young cockroach girl, who must “give her leg” in marriage. After receiving gifts from her mother and aunts, Martina’s Cuban grandmother imparts the best wisdom she can give her granddaughter: know what your gentleman’s like when he’s angry before you marry him and be yourself. In order to test the suitors of her “marrying leg,” Martina’s grandmother instructs her to spill coffee on the shoes of her suitors to judge their temperament. It is through these tests that the joy and humor captures the reader’s attention. The illustrations scream the culture of Cuban, with vibrant colors and pompous depictions of the various animal suitors. Austin took a step away from the pungent primary colors and made movement in the illustration by using curvier lines and subdue colors that reflected a Cuban sunset--magenta, fuchsia, indigo, jaded greens. Because the folklore is the life of a "cucaracha" (a roach) Austin did a remarkable job injecting imagination. For instance, he used stacked Cuban cigar boxes (steps), a discarded comb (handrail) and a salt shaker (banister) to create a stairway. His attention to detail made the story believable and quaint, for roaches are never lovable and embraced by the human race.
1989 Caldecott Winner
Young, E. (1989). Lon Po Po: A Red-Riding Hood Story from China. New York, NY: Philomel Books.
A retelling of a traditional story handed down, the audio version of Lon Po Po doesn't disappoint. Voice by. The illustrations remind the reader of the screen separators common in Asian cultures. The story beginning high in the sky, almost surrounded by clouds, also reiterates the notion of this story being passed down from generations. As the children ask their grandmother, who's truly a wolf in disguise, some questions, the illustrations signal what can take place, especially as the children converse with their "grandmother" before opening the door; this provides the reader with foreshadow and prediction skills, necessary for building inferencing and story-line skills. This is a great lesson to teach in cross-cultural connections, for American and Chinese children have a folk-tales about wolves pretending to be grandmothers. If it wasn't for Shang's quick wit, to get the wolfish like grandmother up a tree, then Shang and her siblings (Tao & Paotze) would not have escaped with their lives. The clever use of the basket to drop the wolf out of will offer an additional comparison to the importance of the basket compared to the American version of Red-Riding Hood. Young, who also designed the penguin for Penguin Book Publishing, did a fantastic job capturing the danger and mysticism associated with this folktale. The whispering and slightly blurred images almost create the hazy state needed before a bedtime reading.
John, Paul, George and Ben by Lane Smith
Smith, L. (2006). John, Paul, George and Ben. New York, NY: Hyperion Books for Children.
Any history buff will appreciate this kid-friendly telling of the the four big-whigs in American history. What makes this audio reading even better is the voice characterization by James Earl Jones! Yes, the voice of Darth Vader, with its depth and svelte baritone, carries the reader back in time to when John Adams was a writing wizard, Paul Revere was a noisy child bellowing out to the universe, George Washington was as honest as the morning sun, Ben Franklin the "know-it-all" sap who annoyed everyone with his yap! The 1960s Beattles-mania music, intermingled with a country banjo offered a earache more than pleasantry. But then again, James Earl Jones can make listening to a wayward yodel sound delightful. This subtle history lesson makes American trailblazers enjoyable, without the drill and kill of facts and dates! It kind of unsettles one that Tom's--Thomas Jefferson--name missed out on the title, but considering his quest for independence and liberty, it's doubtful he wanted to share the limelight! The illustrations are entertaining and insightful, with sharp edges. Use this as a cross-over lesson before the inevitable state standardize exam in history. If nothing else, reading how a successful revolution took course could prohibit another revolution against core curriculum annihilation.
Dooby, Dooby Moo by Doreen Cronin and illustrated by Betsy Lewin
Cronin, D. (2006). Dooby, Dooby Moo. New York, NY: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing Division.
Duck, determine to win the fair's talent show, enters the cows, sheep and pig into the talent show. A romp-roaring sequel to CLICK, CLACK, MOO: Cows That Type readers will enjoy the wonderful audio of this picture book. Of course, Lewin has rejoined her with her watercolor illustrations that bulge with surprise and tease with indicative plot support. Determined to catch his rascals in action, Farmer Brown takes to disguising himself as a scare-crow, peeping high and low. Charming us with country twang and familiar song, the audio readings lassos home the wholesome charm of Cornin's text, down to the fine print everyone should ALWAYS read, no matter what! Use this in support of the Go Texans Day that happens annually. If your state doesn't have one, designate a day and dust off your boots! Coupled along with a western theme and a social study into the wild frontier of young America, this book will certainly bring about unheard of laughter!
Martina, the Beautiful Cockroach: A Cuban Folklore by Carmen Agra Deedy and illustrated by Michael Austin
Deedy, C. (2007). Martina, the Beautiful Cockroach: A Cuban Folklore. Atlanta, GA: Peachtree Publishers.
Perhaps, it's because of her strong accent or colorful dialect, but Carmen Deedy does a FANTASTIC audio reading of her picture book. In addition to providing authentic grunts of Don Cerdo, the sss-sizzling hiss of Don Largato and the cock-o-doodle doo of Don Gallo, Deedy as the timid, but beautiful Martina, who has a witty sarcastic tone, steals the show. As a teacher of sixteen year olds and WITHOUT the book, my students rolled with laughter and held a delightful discussion about what made the book enjoyable--
When prompted with the question, “What part of the story did you like the most?” these were their responses:
Jennifer: The cockroach was funny and very descriptive. Her theory of finding a man was interesting. Plus, she reminds me of you (meaning me, Ms. Darnell)!
Suzy: She had a hard time to find a guy. She wanted a guy to treat her like a princess.
Robert: The ending because the little Perez mouse had a Cuban grandmother too and he stopped the test!
Jesus: Where Martina finds her true love.
Adrian: When Martina’s heart started beating fast and the author made the sound!
Sabina: When the grandmother told Martina to give the coffee test to the mouse and Martina didn’t want to!
Laura: When the lizard was mean and said that Martina was ugly!
Jesus: I liked it when each of the guys snapped and started yelling at her!
Gonzalo: Where she’s getting sick of hearing her name.
And when prompted with the question, “What made you laugh?” they followed up with these responses:
Suzy: You know what else was funny? When Martina’s grandmother told her to be nice; that was difficult when she had the stinky pig that smelled like old cheese and rotten eggs.
Sabina: Yeah, I like the pig part too!
Jennifer: Their reactions to the “coffee tests” made me laugh. Men are so fake!
Suzy: Oh! Also, when the characters said her name…what was it?
Ms. Darnell (happily): Martina Josephina Catalina Cucaracha…beautiful muchacha!
Suzy: Yeah that’s it! Miss...you have too much fun saying that!
Book Review:This wonderful picture book is about a coming-of-age young cockroach girl, who must “give her leg” in marriage. After receiving gifts from her mother and aunts, Martina’s Cuban grandmother imparts the best wisdom she can give her granddaughter: know what your gentleman’s like when he’s angry before you marry him and be yourself. In order to test the suitors of her “marrying leg,” Martina’s grandmother instructs her to spill coffee on the shoes of her suitors to judge their temperament. It is through these tests that the joy and humor captures the reader’s attention. The illustrations scream the culture of Cuban, with vibrant colors and pompous depictions of the various animal suitors. Austin took a step away from the pungent primary colors and made movement in the illustration by using curvier lines and subdue colors that reflected a Cuban sunset--magenta, fuchsia, indigo, jaded greens. Because the folklore is the life of a "cucaracha" (a roach) Austin did a remarkable job injecting imagination. For instance, he used stacked Cuban cigar boxes (steps), a discarded comb (handrail) and a salt shaker (banister) to create a stairway. His attention to detail made the story believable and quaint, for roaches are never lovable and embraced by the human race.
Charlotte Zolotow Award Books
Kitten's First Full Moon by Kevin Henkes
2005 Award Winner
Henkes, K. (2004). Kitten’s First Full Moon. New York, NY: Greenwillow Books.
This story would work well to teach character building traits and would work well in a pre-kindergarten or kindergarten class. Kitten mistakes the moon for a bowl of milk one evening. She earnestly tries to capture that bountiful bowl in the sky. On an adventure that carries her to a pond, kitten believes she finally has the bowl of milk within her grasp. Mistaking the moon’s reflection in the pond, she jumps in to quench her thirst. “Tired, wet and hungry” she turned home; her persistence unrewarded. However, much to her surprise, a loving bowl of milk waited on the porch for her. Imagination, adventure and determination soar up to the heavens and across the pages in the illustrations. Whether the text spilled across the open pages, mimicking the distance to the moon, or a page spread was divided into four sections to compliment kittens multiple efforts to “drink” the moon, Henkes locks the readers with his verbiage and visual images.
Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale by Mo Willems
2005 Honor Book
Willems, M. (2004). Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale. New York, NY: Hyperion Books for Children.
What immediately transfixes the readers is that Willems uses realistic photographs with cartoon inserts. It's the best of both worlds because readers are able to insert imagination in an everyday background setting that they're familiar with and can recognize instantly, while on an errand with their parents. Additionally, the end papers are visual hints of what will happen to the beloved Knuffle Bunny. As a child and more like "Linus" from "Charlie Brown," I lost my "wubbie" (a purple blanket with silk ribbons on the end) on a daily basis, staging World War III for my mother every night when I couldn't find it. Security blankets and stuff animals are crucial to a child because it belongs to them, especially when most of the time they hear multitudinous variations of "No!" There's something about ownership and losing it that truly rocks a child's world, and sends parents on a panicky, maniacal search. Use this to visualize how innovation and imagination can interject itself into everyday life. Willems side-cracking humor is evidence in the expressions of the cartoon illustrations, as well as before the story begins.
When Sofie Gets Angry--Really, Really Angry... by Molly Bang
2000 Award Winner
Bang, M. (1999). When Sofie Gets Angry--Really, Really Angry... . New York, NY: Blue Sky Press.
Every child has to learn to effectively deal with anger and Molly Bang has eloquently designed and verbalized the this emotion to a "tee." A natural and one of the first emotions to encounter, children must learn to control and demonstrate anger in a socially acceptable manner. I adore the way Bang used figurative language to express Sofie's "red, red roar." The illustrative colors of red and purple provided a cool (purple) and hot (red) background, offering a subliminal balance in handling the emotions of anger. When Sofie calms herself down, watching the movement of water, the calming colors of green and blue tempers the tempest inside reducing the raging, feverish typhoon that consumed her before. The illustrations emphasizes the importance of removing yourself from the volatile situation and finding a quiet place to soothe oneself. As I child, my mother knew she'd "pushed my button" when I retreated to my bedroom to bellow out my frustrations on my cello. The words I couldn't or wouldn't formulate screamed from my bow strokes and released the physical damage that holding my anger within probably caused. Bang teaches that it's okay to become angry, but that you also must deal with it in a non-destructive manner, preferably alone which is self-sufficient and healthy!
2005 Award Winner
Henkes, K. (2004). Kitten’s First Full Moon. New York, NY: Greenwillow Books.
This story would work well to teach character building traits and would work well in a pre-kindergarten or kindergarten class. Kitten mistakes the moon for a bowl of milk one evening. She earnestly tries to capture that bountiful bowl in the sky. On an adventure that carries her to a pond, kitten believes she finally has the bowl of milk within her grasp. Mistaking the moon’s reflection in the pond, she jumps in to quench her thirst. “Tired, wet and hungry” she turned home; her persistence unrewarded. However, much to her surprise, a loving bowl of milk waited on the porch for her. Imagination, adventure and determination soar up to the heavens and across the pages in the illustrations. Whether the text spilled across the open pages, mimicking the distance to the moon, or a page spread was divided into four sections to compliment kittens multiple efforts to “drink” the moon, Henkes locks the readers with his verbiage and visual images.
Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale by Mo Willems
2005 Honor Book
Willems, M. (2004). Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale. New York, NY: Hyperion Books for Children.
What immediately transfixes the readers is that Willems uses realistic photographs with cartoon inserts. It's the best of both worlds because readers are able to insert imagination in an everyday background setting that they're familiar with and can recognize instantly, while on an errand with their parents. Additionally, the end papers are visual hints of what will happen to the beloved Knuffle Bunny. As a child and more like "Linus" from "Charlie Brown," I lost my "wubbie" (a purple blanket with silk ribbons on the end) on a daily basis, staging World War III for my mother every night when I couldn't find it. Security blankets and stuff animals are crucial to a child because it belongs to them, especially when most of the time they hear multitudinous variations of "No!" There's something about ownership and losing it that truly rocks a child's world, and sends parents on a panicky, maniacal search. Use this to visualize how innovation and imagination can interject itself into everyday life. Willems side-cracking humor is evidence in the expressions of the cartoon illustrations, as well as before the story begins.
When Sofie Gets Angry--Really, Really Angry... by Molly Bang
2000 Award Winner
Bang, M. (1999). When Sofie Gets Angry--Really, Really Angry... . New York, NY: Blue Sky Press.
Every child has to learn to effectively deal with anger and Molly Bang has eloquently designed and verbalized the this emotion to a "tee." A natural and one of the first emotions to encounter, children must learn to control and demonstrate anger in a socially acceptable manner. I adore the way Bang used figurative language to express Sofie's "red, red roar." The illustrative colors of red and purple provided a cool (purple) and hot (red) background, offering a subliminal balance in handling the emotions of anger. When Sofie calms herself down, watching the movement of water, the calming colors of green and blue tempers the tempest inside reducing the raging, feverish typhoon that consumed her before. The illustrations emphasizes the importance of removing yourself from the volatile situation and finding a quiet place to soothe oneself. As I child, my mother knew she'd "pushed my button" when I retreated to my bedroom to bellow out my frustrations on my cello. The words I couldn't or wouldn't formulate screamed from my bow strokes and released the physical damage that holding my anger within probably caused. Bang teaches that it's okay to become angry, but that you also must deal with it in a non-destructive manner, preferably alone which is self-sufficient and healthy!
Sunday, April 21, 2013
Orbis Pictus Award
Spiders by Nic Bishop
2008 Orbis Pictus Honor Book
Bishop, N. (2007). Spiders. New York, NY: Scholastic, Inc.
Little Miss Muffet, here's your new black book! No longer do you have to be scared, for you know the types, habitats and mannerisms of SPIDERS! Next time, sit and chat with that icky, spiky 8 legged insect. Determine if he's a she! Or whether instead of scaring you, that a wolf spider was a mother that wanted the leaf stuck to the bottom of your dress to feed the baby sack she carried on her back. Bishop has gathered a most invasive and detailed depiction of children's most feared little creature. The ease of using this in a science class is obvious. But I would love to use this in a creative writing class. The students could create dating-profiles for each of the spiders mentioned and then try to match mates. Overall the illustrations (pictures) freaked me out. I had to close my eyes and have my 10 year old read this book to me, so I can fulfill this requirement. EWW! YELCH! AAHHH! And, nightmares to come.
When Marian Sang: The True Recital of Marian Anderson by Pam Muñoz Ryan and illustrated by Brian Selznick
2003 Orbis Pictus Award Winner
Ryan, P. (2002) When Marian Sang: The True Recital of Marian Anderson. New York, NY: Scholastic, Inc.
One of the greatest gifts of life is love. Love in all it's grandeur and genre is amazing. Yet, a close second place to almost everyone is music. Whether blaring out of an IPOD or floating through the air before Lincoln's Washington monument, music is beautiful, angelical and healing to briefly sum it up. And, when fortune has smiled upon you, as it did Marian Anderson, you can change the world. Ryan and Selznick collaborated to create a vibrantly beautiful book about majesty of Marian Anderson and her phenomenal voice. With such pride and poise, Anderson stood before her nation, that shunned and revered her, and bellowed out via broadcast and bottomless might. Facing a 1939 crowd of 75,000 participants, she closed her eyes to the rejection of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) and Mrs. Elenaor Roosevelt's morning resignation, and sang "America." Nobody knew the trouble she saw as a 12 year old girl, losing her father. The world heard a earth-dwelling songbird, resting on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, before she returned to heaven at a later call. Selznick captures the mahogany richness of her skin and the heavenly spotlight that beamed upon her as she sang for the Metropolitan Opera. The consistent use of honeyed and marbled shades of brown, melting the racially dividing lines of injustice, like treasured chocolate of the finest creation, focuses the reader on her racial plight without flagrantly assaulting the audience. In the words of Interior Secretary, Harold L. Ickes, who introduced Marian Anderson as she stood in front of the Lincoln Memorial in 1939, "Genius draws no color line." Marian, through the blessing of music, erased the fault line in America. *Use this picture book in music class, during the social study of prejudice or in a character building class over perseverance.
Rosie the Riveter: Women Working on the Home Front in World War II by Penny Colman
1996 Honor Book
Colman, P. (1995). Rosie the Riveter: Women Working on the Home Front in World War II. New York, NY: Crown Publishers, Inc.
American women won equality regarding the right to vote in 1920. Hard fought and well deserved, women equaled men in voting power. Yet, when the male-dominance vacated the country to fight in World War II, women jumped into action, running households, rationing goods and drilling the rivets needed on the planes their husbands, brothers and sons flew overseas. An authentic depiction of the 1940s and the struggles of women, Colman captures the strength of those women who had to work for "three months, ten hours a day, six days a week and slap three-eighth or three-quarter inch rivets by hand that no one else would do (Colman, 84)." These domesticated dollies turned battered and bruised pioneers took the helm and kept America's factories smoking. The authentic photographs of lipsticked welders, smiling like beacons of light on a European battle shore, made the text genuine. Three and a half million women answered the call to arms in the mid 1940s. Whether women wore pink dress or had their hair tied up in a handkerchief, ready for their drill, women put to rest their ability to stand in support and toe-to-toes with their men. Use this immediately after a classic fairy-tale, where the princess awaits rescue. Then ask the students, "What would Rosie do?" This selection should definitely find usage with an older, high school, audience as it deals with sensitive topics such as sexual discrimination.
2008 Orbis Pictus Honor Book
Bishop, N. (2007). Spiders. New York, NY: Scholastic, Inc.
Little Miss Muffet, here's your new black book! No longer do you have to be scared, for you know the types, habitats and mannerisms of SPIDERS! Next time, sit and chat with that icky, spiky 8 legged insect. Determine if he's a she! Or whether instead of scaring you, that a wolf spider was a mother that wanted the leaf stuck to the bottom of your dress to feed the baby sack she carried on her back. Bishop has gathered a most invasive and detailed depiction of children's most feared little creature. The ease of using this in a science class is obvious. But I would love to use this in a creative writing class. The students could create dating-profiles for each of the spiders mentioned and then try to match mates. Overall the illustrations (pictures) freaked me out. I had to close my eyes and have my 10 year old read this book to me, so I can fulfill this requirement. EWW! YELCH! AAHHH! And, nightmares to come.
When Marian Sang: The True Recital of Marian Anderson by Pam Muñoz Ryan and illustrated by Brian Selznick
2003 Orbis Pictus Award Winner
Ryan, P. (2002) When Marian Sang: The True Recital of Marian Anderson. New York, NY: Scholastic, Inc.
One of the greatest gifts of life is love. Love in all it's grandeur and genre is amazing. Yet, a close second place to almost everyone is music. Whether blaring out of an IPOD or floating through the air before Lincoln's Washington monument, music is beautiful, angelical and healing to briefly sum it up. And, when fortune has smiled upon you, as it did Marian Anderson, you can change the world. Ryan and Selznick collaborated to create a vibrantly beautiful book about majesty of Marian Anderson and her phenomenal voice. With such pride and poise, Anderson stood before her nation, that shunned and revered her, and bellowed out via broadcast and bottomless might. Facing a 1939 crowd of 75,000 participants, she closed her eyes to the rejection of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) and Mrs. Elenaor Roosevelt's morning resignation, and sang "America." Nobody knew the trouble she saw as a 12 year old girl, losing her father. The world heard a earth-dwelling songbird, resting on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, before she returned to heaven at a later call. Selznick captures the mahogany richness of her skin and the heavenly spotlight that beamed upon her as she sang for the Metropolitan Opera. The consistent use of honeyed and marbled shades of brown, melting the racially dividing lines of injustice, like treasured chocolate of the finest creation, focuses the reader on her racial plight without flagrantly assaulting the audience. In the words of Interior Secretary, Harold L. Ickes, who introduced Marian Anderson as she stood in front of the Lincoln Memorial in 1939, "Genius draws no color line." Marian, through the blessing of music, erased the fault line in America. *Use this picture book in music class, during the social study of prejudice or in a character building class over perseverance.
Rosie the Riveter: Women Working on the Home Front in World War II by Penny Colman
1996 Honor Book
Colman, P. (1995). Rosie the Riveter: Women Working on the Home Front in World War II. New York, NY: Crown Publishers, Inc.
American women won equality regarding the right to vote in 1920. Hard fought and well deserved, women equaled men in voting power. Yet, when the male-dominance vacated the country to fight in World War II, women jumped into action, running households, rationing goods and drilling the rivets needed on the planes their husbands, brothers and sons flew overseas. An authentic depiction of the 1940s and the struggles of women, Colman captures the strength of those women who had to work for "three months, ten hours a day, six days a week and slap three-eighth or three-quarter inch rivets by hand that no one else would do (Colman, 84)." These domesticated dollies turned battered and bruised pioneers took the helm and kept America's factories smoking. The authentic photographs of lipsticked welders, smiling like beacons of light on a European battle shore, made the text genuine. Three and a half million women answered the call to arms in the mid 1940s. Whether women wore pink dress or had their hair tied up in a handkerchief, ready for their drill, women put to rest their ability to stand in support and toe-to-toes with their men. Use this immediately after a classic fairy-tale, where the princess awaits rescue. Then ask the students, "What would Rosie do?" This selection should definitely find usage with an older, high school, audience as it deals with sensitive topics such as sexual discrimination.
Schenider Family Book Award
My pal Victor,Mí amigo Víctor by Diane Gonzales Beltran and illustrated by Robert L. Sweetland
Beltran, D. (2004). My pal Victor, Mí amigo Víctor. Green Bay, Wisconsin: Raven Tree Press.
As the title suggests, this dual-language picture book exemplifies the importance of friendship as a foundation for a sense of belonging and acceptance. I can see using this book in a beginning Spanish class. Native English speakers can compare/contrast similarities between English and Spanish and familiarize themselves with the proper accents and spellings their second language. In case readers run into “stumbling blocks,” the can resource the glossary index. This book is a great for a precursor for an expository essay. The prompt should read “explain the importance of a best friend.” But what’s more exciting is that the illustrations Robert Sweetland offers resemble the brainstorming needed to begin the writing process. The images spread across the page and go from “in focus” (large images) to “out of focus” (small images). Another noticeable illustrative feature is the inclusion of seven different illustrations as a collage, when the speaker elaborates in the text that “My pal, Victor, and I do so many fun things.” Furthermore, the hand-drawn imaginative images offer obtainable mimicking. If the reader’s a drawer, these illustrations would provide the proper focus to copy and develop their skills. Lastly, what should impress the readers most is the fact that the narrator’s role-model is his best friend. Victor is the superstar…not a Hollywood movie star or a professional athlete.
Looking Out for Sarah by Glenna Lang
Lang, G. (2003) Looking Out for Sarah. Watertown, MA: Charlesbridge Publishing.
Perry's brilliant. He knows how to cross the street, get to the post office, and turn a sheet of music. Perry's black and his best friend is Sarah. Sarah teaches music, walked 300 miles to Boston and running errands flawlessly because of Perry. Sarah is blind. Without Perry's eyes and guidance, typical life would be harder for Sarah. But with a black Labrador as a best friend, Sarah moves through life "seeing" all obstacles in her way. This picture book is proof positive that just because your sight's absent, that doesn't mean a fulfilling life has to disappear as well. Sarah and Perry proves that partnership and perseverance pays off. Lang's illustrations are not ornate in detail, more like colorful shadows. The images almost mimic what most would imagine a blind person might see; for they don't have the definition as everyone, but can see the difference between daylight and darkness. Stevie Wonder declared long ago that music notes made colors in his mind. Perhaps there may be a connection between music notes and colors; many of those that are blind become remarkable musicians--a sort of consolation for not seeing in a predictable manner. This book would work well in an elementary music class. It's a great way to bridge music, blindness and braille. It would also work well for a class project: being blind for a day. Two partners decide who will be blind (via a blindfold), and for the next 8 school hours, the blind student and their "seeing eye-person" will journey throughout the day. At the conclusion of the lesson, the partners will journal their experience.
Rules by Cynthia Lord
Lord, C. (2006). Rules. New York, NY: Scholastic, Inc.
Catherine’s a 12 yr. old Joan of Arc for her autistic brother. Through her dedication and dependable nature, she devises a set of rules to help her brother better transition into society. Yes, he embarrasses her by his outbursts and uncontrollable antic in front of her cool and beautiful new neighbor to whom Catherine desperately wants to become best friends with, but it's when she finds herself budding with affection for a disabled young man that Catherine truly has to face what it means to show acceptance. It is through her loving her brother, David, that she learns true compassion and insight about herself, as well as her new friend Jason. Over one summer, Catherine grows from a young girl, budding in the mistakes of youth, to a young woman, understanding the acceptance of life. This books models the traits of egalitarianism and self-awareness beautifully. Through her determination for equality and with her undeterred dedication to her brother, Catherine blooms into a wonderful “poster-child” for an autism advocate and best friend. This would work well as a cross-curricular lesson with those students suffering from disabilities unfamiliar to the mainstream students. Though it's for older students, it challenges kids to re-evaluate their thinking. It'd be great to read this to a fourth grade class and then plan an enrichment activity that would include autistic peers. Familiarizing themselves would awaken the empathy in young children and possibly stop the stares, when watching autistic or any special needs student go to lunch early. Avoidance isn't the answer. Acceptance and compassion is the beginning.
Beltran, D. (2004). My pal Victor, Mí amigo Víctor. Green Bay, Wisconsin: Raven Tree Press.
As the title suggests, this dual-language picture book exemplifies the importance of friendship as a foundation for a sense of belonging and acceptance. I can see using this book in a beginning Spanish class. Native English speakers can compare/contrast similarities between English and Spanish and familiarize themselves with the proper accents and spellings their second language. In case readers run into “stumbling blocks,” the can resource the glossary index. This book is a great for a precursor for an expository essay. The prompt should read “explain the importance of a best friend.” But what’s more exciting is that the illustrations Robert Sweetland offers resemble the brainstorming needed to begin the writing process. The images spread across the page and go from “in focus” (large images) to “out of focus” (small images). Another noticeable illustrative feature is the inclusion of seven different illustrations as a collage, when the speaker elaborates in the text that “My pal, Victor, and I do so many fun things.” Furthermore, the hand-drawn imaginative images offer obtainable mimicking. If the reader’s a drawer, these illustrations would provide the proper focus to copy and develop their skills. Lastly, what should impress the readers most is the fact that the narrator’s role-model is his best friend. Victor is the superstar…not a Hollywood movie star or a professional athlete.
Looking Out for Sarah by Glenna Lang
Lang, G. (2003) Looking Out for Sarah. Watertown, MA: Charlesbridge Publishing.
Perry's brilliant. He knows how to cross the street, get to the post office, and turn a sheet of music. Perry's black and his best friend is Sarah. Sarah teaches music, walked 300 miles to Boston and running errands flawlessly because of Perry. Sarah is blind. Without Perry's eyes and guidance, typical life would be harder for Sarah. But with a black Labrador as a best friend, Sarah moves through life "seeing" all obstacles in her way. This picture book is proof positive that just because your sight's absent, that doesn't mean a fulfilling life has to disappear as well. Sarah and Perry proves that partnership and perseverance pays off. Lang's illustrations are not ornate in detail, more like colorful shadows. The images almost mimic what most would imagine a blind person might see; for they don't have the definition as everyone, but can see the difference between daylight and darkness. Stevie Wonder declared long ago that music notes made colors in his mind. Perhaps there may be a connection between music notes and colors; many of those that are blind become remarkable musicians--a sort of consolation for not seeing in a predictable manner. This book would work well in an elementary music class. It's a great way to bridge music, blindness and braille. It would also work well for a class project: being blind for a day. Two partners decide who will be blind (via a blindfold), and for the next 8 school hours, the blind student and their "seeing eye-person" will journey throughout the day. At the conclusion of the lesson, the partners will journal their experience.
Rules by Cynthia Lord
Lord, C. (2006). Rules. New York, NY: Scholastic, Inc.
Catherine’s a 12 yr. old Joan of Arc for her autistic brother. Through her dedication and dependable nature, she devises a set of rules to help her brother better transition into society. Yes, he embarrasses her by his outbursts and uncontrollable antic in front of her cool and beautiful new neighbor to whom Catherine desperately wants to become best friends with, but it's when she finds herself budding with affection for a disabled young man that Catherine truly has to face what it means to show acceptance. It is through her loving her brother, David, that she learns true compassion and insight about herself, as well as her new friend Jason. Over one summer, Catherine grows from a young girl, budding in the mistakes of youth, to a young woman, understanding the acceptance of life. This books models the traits of egalitarianism and self-awareness beautifully. Through her determination for equality and with her undeterred dedication to her brother, Catherine blooms into a wonderful “poster-child” for an autism advocate and best friend. This would work well as a cross-curricular lesson with those students suffering from disabilities unfamiliar to the mainstream students. Though it's for older students, it challenges kids to re-evaluate their thinking. It'd be great to read this to a fourth grade class and then plan an enrichment activity that would include autistic peers. Familiarizing themselves would awaken the empathy in young children and possibly stop the stares, when watching autistic or any special needs student go to lunch early. Avoidance isn't the answer. Acceptance and compassion is the beginning.
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