1.
Bibliography:
Sidman, Joycee. 2003. THE WORLD ACCORDING TO DOG: POEMS AND TEEN VOICES. Photographer: Doug Mindell. New York, New York. Houghton Mifflin Company. ISBN:0618174974
Plot Summary: A collection of poems about dogs and the impressions they make on our lives. There are poems by Sidman intertwined with the poems of teen writers. The poem This is a Secret is a poem about the teen's day at school and the one thing that she looks forward to is "bury myself in the deep armchair of your smell." This is the one thing that can comfort her. A poem about "Bandy" the dog that offered comfort to a girl that had a terrible day at school and who doesn't truly fit in. and on her way home finds a free puppy in a box. This puppy offers her a new outlook on life. The poem is told from the daughter's point of view. She thanks the person who left Bandy because not only did her mother rescue the dog but the dog also rescued the mother.
The black and white photos rather in focus or blurred fit s with the poems they are paired with. The photos allow the readers to put a dog with each poem.
Critical Analysis:
A collection for dog lovers everywhere. Even if you are not a huge dog fan one can appreciate Sidman's humor, wit and sincerity that comes through in the poems.
This collection of poetry takes on the form of Haiku, Free verse and a conversation poem. The book includes poems written by teens as well as Sidman. The poems are told from different point of views to include a poem that is a conversation between a squirrel and a dog. They are simple easy to read poems that touch on all emotions. There are poems that will make one laugh, smile, and even feel sad. The book offers poems that anyone can relate to; calling your dog away from something for ten minutes knowing he is not going to come until you go out and pick him up. To the dogs habit of circling a couple of times before it gets comfortable. The photos are of different breeds even mutts so that each person can see their own dog in some way. A lovely collection about the life lessons and life love we can find in our furry friend.
Review Excerpts:
"Sidman's poetic observations of beloved pets interspersed with short essays by teens are sure to engage dog fanciers. The poems, mostly blank verse with a scattering of haiku, are rueful, contemplative, and sensory as they comment on canine behavior indoors and out and on interaction with humans, other dogs, and the natural world."-School Library Journal
"Interspersed with Sidman's original poems are short essays from teens--personal, heartfelt prose about intense bonds with dogs that will resonate with other teen dog lovers. But it's the poetry and the evocative images that are the collection's real attractions."-Booklist
"Dog lovers will likely lap it up eagerly, budding writers will snuffle it with interest, and teens who combine the two tendencies might even roll ecstatically." Kirkus Reviews
Connections:
Have students bring in a picture of their own pets, discuss what is going on in the picture or even what emotion the picture evokes. Once the student has a grasp of the picture have them create a poem to go along the picture.
2.
Bibliography:
Lewis, Patrick J. 1998. DOODLE AND DANDIES. Illustrator: Lisa Desimini. New York , NY. Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing Division. ISBN: 068981075
Plot Summary:
Doodle and Dandies is a fun, energetic collection of shape poetry in its finest form. Easily read for grade schoolers. There are poems in the shape of a giraffe to that of a skyscraper which allows you to watch "hundreds of ants scurrying like people on the sidewalks below and the yellow bugs racing recklessly along the city streets and ride the elevator all the way down in 37 seconds" The poem appeals to all the exciting things one can experience besides just looking at a tall building. There is even a poem in the shape of a Wee widow weeping under a willow tree!
The vibrant pictures and colors used to for the poems make them pop out at the reader. There are poems that are placed in the surrounding you would find it in, the butterfly against the bright colored sky, the synchronized swimmers upside down in the swimming pool. Other poems are placed on objects in which the poem is about like the strikeout poem the verses are on baseballs rather than in the shape of baseballs.
Critical Analysis:
Doodle and Dandies is a collection of poems that is brilliantly put together. The subject of the poem is in boldface, and the lines of the poem take on the shape of the subject. Then combined with the mixed media work of Desimimi. Some of the poems are printed on the object in which the poem is about. Others used bright, bold, deep colors. This book calls for readers to be active in reading through it, some will have to turn it around, upside down, etc... to read the poems. A book of poems that should definitely be read aloud. The book does have a few poems that take a little more thought to figure out how to read the poem.
Review Excerpts:
"The interplay between words and pictures effectively conjures images from seasons, to sports, to the jungle. From endpaper to doodled endpaper, this mix of clever language and visual delights makes a dandy treat for all ages." Publishers Weekly
"From the lavender endpapers that feature a mix of childlike drawings and letters in different typefaces, and the magic-marker doodles surrounding the various shapes on the CIP page, to the final page, each spread is fresh and inviting. Doodle Dandies captures the joy that wordplay can bring. It deserves a place on every library shelf." -School Library Journal
"A dandy way indeed to begin a journey to poetry"-Booklist
Connections:
Have students create their own shape poems.
3.
Bibliography:
Frost, Helen. 2003. KEESHA'S HOUSE.New York, NY. Frances Foster Books Farrar, Straus and Giroux. ISBN: 0374340641
Plot Summary:
A book about seven teens and the troubles they are having. Stefie, pregnant, trying decide what to do with the baby. She hasn't told her parents and the guy who got her pregnant wants her to terminate the baby because he has a promising college basketball career. Jason, Stefie's boyfriend is troubled by the decision to support Stefie if she has the baby or to go play basketball in college. Dontay, both parents are in prison and he is in foster care. He does not fit in with his foster family. Harris, who is gay and dead to his father lives in his car.Carmen, abandoned by her mother, she lives with her grandmother. She is arrested for a DUI when trying to help a friend out. Katie, lives with her mother and abusive stepfather. He is also molesting Katie. She tells her other to chose between her or the stepfather and the mother chooses the man. She is also trying to stay in school
Then there is Keisha, her mother passed away, she leaves home after a terrible fight with her dad, she misses him and her brother, although she does see her brother from time to time. She too wants to finish school.Her brother ends up dying. Joe he is the one who offers the house as a refuge for the teens because he once needed a place to go. He showed up at the house that once belonged to his grandmother. She allowed him to stay there because he was abused and then willed it to him when she died. The house becomes known as Keesha's because she offers it as a place to stay for Stefie, Dontay, Harris and Katie. All of the characters end up at Keesha's either as a resident or visitor.
Each of their stories are told in a poetic format
Critical Analysis:
Keesha's House tells the story of the troubled teens that leave home to try to find a home. Some find it at Keesha's while others will find it back at the home they left. At first reading the poems read so smoothly and quickly it is like reading short excerpts of a short story. It is through the combination of Sestina, and sonnets that Frost tells a gripping story of these teens and their struggle to survive, fit in and succeed.
Review Excerpts:
"The idea is promising, but the book's ambitious structure--the subjects tell their stories in alternating and not especially lyrical sestinas and sonnets--results in thin characterizations and too-similar voices."-The Horn Book
"Interwoven with the angry, desperate teen voices are those of the adults in their lives: caring, helpless, abusive, indifferent. In a long note, Frost talks about the poetic forms she has used, the sestina and the sonnet. But most readers will be less interested in that framework than in the characters, drawn with aching realism, who speak poetry in ordinary words and make connections."- Booklist
"In her first YA novel, Frost profiles seven teens in trauma, artfully revealed through sestinas and sonnets. With pregnant Stephie's opening lines, she conveys a bittersweet contrast typical of the collection"-Publishers Weekly
Connections:
Read book aloud, have students create a poem for what happened next.
Have students create a poem from the fathers, since they are not heard from in the book.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Genre Two
1.
Bibliography:
San Souci, Robert D. 1989. THE TALKING EGGS. New York, New York.Dial Books for Young Readers. ISBN: 0803706197.
Plot Summary:
A Southern folktale in which a mother favors her older, mean daughter, Rose; over her kinder younger daughter Blanche. Blanche runs away from home because of the cruelness of her mother and sister. She runs into the woods and runs into the old witch that she had helped earlier, and the woman returns the favor. Blanche follows the instructions of the woman and does not laugh at all the odd things she witnesses at the woman's home. In listening to what the witch told her she is rewarded with riches. Upon returning home, her greedy mother and sister come up with a plan for Rose to go to the old woman's home. Rose does make it to the woman's home but she does not listen to the woman and makes fun of the odd sights, therefor she is not rewarded by riches but chased by fierce animals instead. Blanche lives out her mother's and sister's dream by moving to the city living like a grand-lady.
Critical Analysis:
Souci retales this unforgettable American south folktale. He captivated the audience through the use of suspense. The reader wants to know what the old witch doesn't want the girl to laugh at. The talking eggs, you want to know why the jeweled ones are not ready to take, even though you know it will have a bad consequence you still want to know. Leave it to Rose, she will let us know what will happen.
Pinkney uses richly expressive illustrations to bring the characters alive. His imaginative pictures captures the reader right away.
Review Excerpts
"Young readers will be spellbound by this colorful folktale retold by master storyteller Robert D. San Souci and illustrated by the distinguished, award-winning artist Jerry Pinkney." -Parents' Choice
Award
" Pinkney's exquisitely wrought illustrations are close cousins to those in his Caldecott Honor Book Mirandy and Brother Wind , with similar woodlands and soft farmyard settings of the rural South." -Publishers Weekly
Connections:
Teachers can use the lesson to show how following rules can be beneficial in the end.
Have students find a similar story just told from a different region.
2.
Bibliography:
Lowell, Susan. 2000. CINDY ELLEN: A WILD WESTERN CINDERELLA. Joanna Cotler Books. Illustrator: Jane Manning. ISBN: 0060274468
Plot Summary:
Cindy Ellen has the same basic story line of Cinderella. Her father a rancher marries a woman who was "meaner than a rattlesnake and has two daughters who were the spitting image of her." They are mean to Cindy and call her names such as "Cinderbottom" and "Sanderella". Cindy is forced to do all the chores. The biggest cattle rancher for miles sends out an invitation to all of his neighbors to come and celebrate at the "woolly rodeo and the next night a square dance" Cindy is not allowed to go because she has to complete all of the chores. Yet once everyone leaves for the rodeo her fairy godmother appears, and with a "bing" and a "bang" she changes Cindy's rags into a sparkling outfit with Stetson hat, chaps and sparkling spurs. It is the second night that Cindy Ellen loses one of her diamond spurs. The rancher's son vows to marry the girl that has boots the spur fits. He tries it on many of the cowgirls but it doesn't fit not even Cindy's step sisters can force the spur to fit. Just as he is about to leave Cindy Ellen voices that she would like to try it on, upon the fitting of the spur she pulls out the matching spur. The two are hitched and live happily ever after.
Critical Analysis:
CINDY ELLEN is a western version of the classic Cinderella. The story take place on a ranch, and instead of cleaning the house Cindy is mending fences, tending to the cows and shoveling out the corral. "Sanderella" is a well trained cowgirl who can rope, gallop and wrangle with the best of them. The ball is replaced with a two day shindig, the first day a wild rodeo, and the second a lively square dance. Cindy's fairy godmother carries a golden pistol instead of a magic wand. Cindy wants to impress the big cattle rancher's son. Last of all instead of losing her glass slipper she loses one of her little diamond spurs. The diction used allows the reader to infer that the story does take place in the west.
The illustrations are colorful and detailed to clearly reveal the setting. The characters dress reveal that it is a western. The reader can feel as if they are actually involved in the story.
Review Excerpts:
"Bright stylish...Manning trick out her characters in dazzling modern cowboy dress." -Kirkus Reviews
"Expressive regional turns of phrase and exuberant full-color comic illustrations in skewed perspectives place the action squarely in the dry desert of the West." -The Horn Book
Connections:
Have students write their own version of Cinderella.
This allows for students to see not tale has to be about queens,kings princes and princesses, but even somewhat ordinary people. Discuss how the changes affect this version of the story.
3.
Bibliography:
Schwartz, Alvin.1992. USA. AND THE GREEN GRASS GREW ALL AROUND. Harper Trophy. Illustrator: Sue Truesdell. ISBN: 0060227575
Plot Summary:
Divided into 15 sections including people, school, riddles and many others. The book itself contains some childhood chants, songs, and riddles along with some new ones (or ones not as popular as others) .
Critical Analysis:
The book was divided into 15 sections, each section devoted to rhymes, chants and etc... about that topic. Under the work section there was only one poem in that chapter; it told the story of a man struggling to build a life through hard work.
The illustrations were placed throughout the book. There was not a picture for each poem. Yet the illustrations were simple and entertaining.
Review Excerpts:
" A marvelous book that is sure to become a classic" - School Library Journal
"Move over your copies of Shel Silverstein and Jack Prelutsky and make room for Schwartz's collection...Strongly recommended." - The Horn Book
Connections:
Teachers can use the book to familiarize students with some of the classic rhymes like "on top of spaghetti". Then have students create a different verse for the song or even their own using the same tune.
Bibliography:
San Souci, Robert D. 1989. THE TALKING EGGS. New York, New York.Dial Books for Young Readers. ISBN: 0803706197.
Plot Summary:
A Southern folktale in which a mother favors her older, mean daughter, Rose; over her kinder younger daughter Blanche. Blanche runs away from home because of the cruelness of her mother and sister. She runs into the woods and runs into the old witch that she had helped earlier, and the woman returns the favor. Blanche follows the instructions of the woman and does not laugh at all the odd things she witnesses at the woman's home. In listening to what the witch told her she is rewarded with riches. Upon returning home, her greedy mother and sister come up with a plan for Rose to go to the old woman's home. Rose does make it to the woman's home but she does not listen to the woman and makes fun of the odd sights, therefor she is not rewarded by riches but chased by fierce animals instead. Blanche lives out her mother's and sister's dream by moving to the city living like a grand-lady.
Critical Analysis:
Souci retales this unforgettable American south folktale. He captivated the audience through the use of suspense. The reader wants to know what the old witch doesn't want the girl to laugh at. The talking eggs, you want to know why the jeweled ones are not ready to take, even though you know it will have a bad consequence you still want to know. Leave it to Rose, she will let us know what will happen.
Pinkney uses richly expressive illustrations to bring the characters alive. His imaginative pictures captures the reader right away.
Review Excerpts
"Young readers will be spellbound by this colorful folktale retold by master storyteller Robert D. San Souci and illustrated by the distinguished, award-winning artist Jerry Pinkney." -Parents' Choice
Award
" Pinkney's exquisitely wrought illustrations are close cousins to those in his Caldecott Honor Book Mirandy and Brother Wind , with similar woodlands and soft farmyard settings of the rural South." -Publishers Weekly
Connections:
Teachers can use the lesson to show how following rules can be beneficial in the end.
Have students find a similar story just told from a different region.
2.
Bibliography:
Lowell, Susan. 2000. CINDY ELLEN: A WILD WESTERN CINDERELLA. Joanna Cotler Books. Illustrator: Jane Manning. ISBN: 0060274468
Plot Summary:
Cindy Ellen has the same basic story line of Cinderella. Her father a rancher marries a woman who was "meaner than a rattlesnake and has two daughters who were the spitting image of her." They are mean to Cindy and call her names such as "Cinderbottom" and "Sanderella". Cindy is forced to do all the chores. The biggest cattle rancher for miles sends out an invitation to all of his neighbors to come and celebrate at the "woolly rodeo and the next night a square dance" Cindy is not allowed to go because she has to complete all of the chores. Yet once everyone leaves for the rodeo her fairy godmother appears, and with a "bing" and a "bang" she changes Cindy's rags into a sparkling outfit with Stetson hat, chaps and sparkling spurs. It is the second night that Cindy Ellen loses one of her diamond spurs. The rancher's son vows to marry the girl that has boots the spur fits. He tries it on many of the cowgirls but it doesn't fit not even Cindy's step sisters can force the spur to fit. Just as he is about to leave Cindy Ellen voices that she would like to try it on, upon the fitting of the spur she pulls out the matching spur. The two are hitched and live happily ever after.
Critical Analysis:
CINDY ELLEN is a western version of the classic Cinderella. The story take place on a ranch, and instead of cleaning the house Cindy is mending fences, tending to the cows and shoveling out the corral. "Sanderella" is a well trained cowgirl who can rope, gallop and wrangle with the best of them. The ball is replaced with a two day shindig, the first day a wild rodeo, and the second a lively square dance. Cindy's fairy godmother carries a golden pistol instead of a magic wand. Cindy wants to impress the big cattle rancher's son. Last of all instead of losing her glass slipper she loses one of her little diamond spurs. The diction used allows the reader to infer that the story does take place in the west.
The illustrations are colorful and detailed to clearly reveal the setting. The characters dress reveal that it is a western. The reader can feel as if they are actually involved in the story.
Review Excerpts:
"Bright stylish...Manning trick out her characters in dazzling modern cowboy dress." -Kirkus Reviews
"Expressive regional turns of phrase and exuberant full-color comic illustrations in skewed perspectives place the action squarely in the dry desert of the West." -The Horn Book
Connections:
Have students write their own version of Cinderella.
This allows for students to see not tale has to be about queens,kings princes and princesses, but even somewhat ordinary people. Discuss how the changes affect this version of the story.
3.
Bibliography:
Schwartz, Alvin.1992. USA. AND THE GREEN GRASS GREW ALL AROUND. Harper Trophy. Illustrator: Sue Truesdell. ISBN: 0060227575
Plot Summary:
Divided into 15 sections including people, school, riddles and many others. The book itself contains some childhood chants, songs, and riddles along with some new ones (or ones not as popular as others) .
Critical Analysis:
The book was divided into 15 sections, each section devoted to rhymes, chants and etc... about that topic. Under the work section there was only one poem in that chapter; it told the story of a man struggling to build a life through hard work.
The illustrations were placed throughout the book. There was not a picture for each poem. Yet the illustrations were simple and entertaining.
Review Excerpts:
" A marvelous book that is sure to become a classic" - School Library Journal
"Move over your copies of Shel Silverstein and Jack Prelutsky and make room for Schwartz's collection...Strongly recommended." - The Horn Book
Connections:
Teachers can use the book to familiarize students with some of the classic rhymes like "on top of spaghetti". Then have students create a different verse for the song or even their own using the same tune.
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Genre One Picture Books
Book One:
Bibliography:
Marcus, Leonard S. 1998. A CALDECOTT CELEBRATION: SIX ARTIST AND THEIR PATHS TO THE CALDECOTT MEDAL. New York, N.Y.: Walker and Company. ISBN: 0802786588
Plot Summary:
Readers are first given a simple history of what the Caldecott Medal is and how it came about. Marcus guides readers through brief accounts of each winners road to the award. Readers are able to see how the winners created their books and illustrations. The artists included are Robert McCloskey, Marcia Brown, Maurice Sendak, William Steig, Chris Van Allsburg, and David Wiesner. In this book one can see how each artist did not come up with a winner right away, that it took revising and editing a few times.
Critical Analysis:
Marcus is able to capture and hold the audience's attention with the stories of each artists. In reading their stories one can become so enthralled with the artist's and their stories that you want to read all of their books. The artists' stories are captivating, Marcus is able to hold your attention by making the artists seem like real people.
By showing raw illustrations and how they arrive to the final product makes a connection between reader and writer. Such as Van Allusburg's illustrations the view points and using his wife to pose for the monkey drawings brings in a little humor.
Review Excerpts:
A concise introduction provides historical background for the award, the rationale for its name, the selection process, and the influence of the honor on the lives of the recipients. The Horn Book
This book is a celebration of the American awards for children's literature and children's book illustration. Its purpose is to record the distinguished books recognised by these awards for over 80 years and to remind librarians and educators of this collection. Caldecott Awards
Connections:
This book can be used to educate students on what the Caldecott Award is and how it came about.
To illustrate the process of writing/illustrating; revising and editing before final draft.
Book Two:
Bibliography:
Juster, Norton. 2005. THE HELLO, GOODBYE WINDOW. Michael Di Capua Books: Hyperion Books for Children. Illustrator: Chris Raschka. ISBN: 0786809140
Plot Summary:
A beautifully written book that tells a story of the relationship between a young girl and her Nanna and Poppy. The book takes you through the day at the grandparents house. It is through the little girl's view that one learns about the endless opportunities that the window offers besides just looking out. She describes the peek-a-boo games they play and the faces they make at each other. She also tells the importance of the kitchen and the interaction that happens in there. In the end when she her parents pick her up the window is where they blow their goodbye kisses. Although her grandparents house has a lot of windows it only has one special window the Hello, goodbye window, one that she hopes to have when she becomes a Nanna.
Critical Analysis:
This is a book that was simply written but tells an elaborate story of the bond between grandparents and their grandchild. It is a story that many can easily relate to.
The illustrations are also very simple that it looks as if the little girl telling the story as the one doing the illustrations. Which makes it easier for a child to make it their own.
Review Excerpts:
A little girl loves going to her Nanna and Poppy's house because their kitchen window is a magical portal to a world of discovery and imagination in a delightful story that celebrates childhood and the love of family. Boston Globe-Horn Book Honors (Awards)
The first picture book by the author of the classic "The Phantom Tollbooth" tells the story of a little girl who finds a magic gateway in the kitchen window of her grandparents' house, and the voyage of discovery she takes. Scholastic
Connections:
Have students illustrate a special time they spent with their grandparents.
Book Three:
Bibliography:
Willems, Mo. 2004. KNUFFLE BUNNY:A CAUTIONARY TALE. New York, NY.,Hyperion Books for Children. ISBN: 0786818700
Plot Summary:
This picture book tells the story of a little girl who goes to the laundromat with her father. In the process of helping her father with the laundry Knuffle Bunny gets thrown into the wash. When the two leave the laundromat the little girl realizes that she doesn't have her bunny. She cannot talk therefore cannot tell her dad that she doesn't have her bunny. So she tries to express it through her fits and going boneless. Yet, it only causes frustration between her and her father. Once arriving home the mother immediately notices the bunny is missing so they race back to the laundromat to find Knuffle Bunny. Upon finding the bunny, Knuffle Bunny becomes her first words.
Critical Analysis:
Willems creates a tale that can be enjoyed by all ages. Parents and kids alike can relate to the tale. Children are able to relate to Trixie and her frustration of not being able to communicate with their parents. Children can also understand the importance of a "binky" like Knuffle Bunny and how it is treasured. The parents are able to relate to the experience of the father and his frustration of a child throwing a fit, but not understanding why. Yet what joy when they do figure out why the child is throwing a fit.
The black and white photographs of New York as the back drop with the brightly colored cartoon characters add a unique style to the book. The cartoon characters although not realistic bring a sense of playfulness to the book.
Review Excerpts:
The cautionary part of this story by the creator of The Pigeon Finds a Hot Dog! (rev. 5/04) is more for parents than for preschoolers, but there's plenty here for kids to embrace. The Horn Book
A seamless and supremely satisfying presentation of art and text.–Martha Topol, Traverse Area District Library, Traverse City, MI
Connections:
Can be used to have students create a story with illustrations of a time when they had a hard time communicating with their parents.
Can be used to incorporate more of Williems books.
Bibliography:
Marcus, Leonard S. 1998. A CALDECOTT CELEBRATION: SIX ARTIST AND THEIR PATHS TO THE CALDECOTT MEDAL. New York, N.Y.: Walker and Company. ISBN: 0802786588
Plot Summary:
Readers are first given a simple history of what the Caldecott Medal is and how it came about. Marcus guides readers through brief accounts of each winners road to the award. Readers are able to see how the winners created their books and illustrations. The artists included are Robert McCloskey, Marcia Brown, Maurice Sendak, William Steig, Chris Van Allsburg, and David Wiesner. In this book one can see how each artist did not come up with a winner right away, that it took revising and editing a few times.
Critical Analysis:
Marcus is able to capture and hold the audience's attention with the stories of each artists. In reading their stories one can become so enthralled with the artist's and their stories that you want to read all of their books. The artists' stories are captivating, Marcus is able to hold your attention by making the artists seem like real people.
By showing raw illustrations and how they arrive to the final product makes a connection between reader and writer. Such as Van Allusburg's illustrations the view points and using his wife to pose for the monkey drawings brings in a little humor.
Review Excerpts:
A concise introduction provides historical background for the award, the rationale for its name, the selection process, and the influence of the honor on the lives of the recipients. The Horn Book
This book is a celebration of the American awards for children's literature and children's book illustration. Its purpose is to record the distinguished books recognised by these awards for over 80 years and to remind librarians and educators of this collection. Caldecott Awards
Connections:
This book can be used to educate students on what the Caldecott Award is and how it came about.
To illustrate the process of writing/illustrating; revising and editing before final draft.
Book Two:
Bibliography:
Juster, Norton. 2005. THE HELLO, GOODBYE WINDOW. Michael Di Capua Books: Hyperion Books for Children. Illustrator: Chris Raschka. ISBN: 0786809140
Plot Summary:
A beautifully written book that tells a story of the relationship between a young girl and her Nanna and Poppy. The book takes you through the day at the grandparents house. It is through the little girl's view that one learns about the endless opportunities that the window offers besides just looking out. She describes the peek-a-boo games they play and the faces they make at each other. She also tells the importance of the kitchen and the interaction that happens in there. In the end when she her parents pick her up the window is where they blow their goodbye kisses. Although her grandparents house has a lot of windows it only has one special window the Hello, goodbye window, one that she hopes to have when she becomes a Nanna.
Critical Analysis:
This is a book that was simply written but tells an elaborate story of the bond between grandparents and their grandchild. It is a story that many can easily relate to.
The illustrations are also very simple that it looks as if the little girl telling the story as the one doing the illustrations. Which makes it easier for a child to make it their own.
Review Excerpts:
A little girl loves going to her Nanna and Poppy's house because their kitchen window is a magical portal to a world of discovery and imagination in a delightful story that celebrates childhood and the love of family. Boston Globe-Horn Book Honors (Awards)
The first picture book by the author of the classic "The Phantom Tollbooth" tells the story of a little girl who finds a magic gateway in the kitchen window of her grandparents' house, and the voyage of discovery she takes. Scholastic
Connections:
Have students illustrate a special time they spent with their grandparents.
Book Three:
Bibliography:
Willems, Mo. 2004. KNUFFLE BUNNY:A CAUTIONARY TALE. New York, NY.,Hyperion Books for Children. ISBN: 0786818700
Plot Summary:
This picture book tells the story of a little girl who goes to the laundromat with her father. In the process of helping her father with the laundry Knuffle Bunny gets thrown into the wash. When the two leave the laundromat the little girl realizes that she doesn't have her bunny. She cannot talk therefore cannot tell her dad that she doesn't have her bunny. So she tries to express it through her fits and going boneless. Yet, it only causes frustration between her and her father. Once arriving home the mother immediately notices the bunny is missing so they race back to the laundromat to find Knuffle Bunny. Upon finding the bunny, Knuffle Bunny becomes her first words.
Critical Analysis:
Willems creates a tale that can be enjoyed by all ages. Parents and kids alike can relate to the tale. Children are able to relate to Trixie and her frustration of not being able to communicate with their parents. Children can also understand the importance of a "binky" like Knuffle Bunny and how it is treasured. The parents are able to relate to the experience of the father and his frustration of a child throwing a fit, but not understanding why. Yet what joy when they do figure out why the child is throwing a fit.
The black and white photographs of New York as the back drop with the brightly colored cartoon characters add a unique style to the book. The cartoon characters although not realistic bring a sense of playfulness to the book.
Review Excerpts:
The cautionary part of this story by the creator of The Pigeon Finds a Hot Dog! (rev. 5/04) is more for parents than for preschoolers, but there's plenty here for kids to embrace. The Horn Book
A seamless and supremely satisfying presentation of art and text.–Martha Topol, Traverse Area District Library, Traverse City, MI
Connections:
Can be used to have students create a story with illustrations of a time when they had a hard time communicating with their parents.
Can be used to incorporate more of Williems books.
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