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.
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