Traditional Literature Book Review - Folktale by Eric Kimmel

Book cover photo source: Barnes and Noble, http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Anansi-and-the-Moss-Covered-Rock/Eric-A-Kimmel/e/9780823406890/?itm=2, accessed September 30, 2008.

Bibliography
Kimmel, Eric A., Trans. 1990. ANANSI AND THE MOSS COVERED ROCK. Ill. by Janet Stevens. New York: Holiday House. ISBN 0823407985

Plot Summary
In this West African trickster tale, Anansi the spider happens upon a strange moss covered rock while walking in the forest. When he learns that saying the phrase “Isn’t this a strange moss covered rock?” will make you fall unconscious to the ground for an hour, he decides to trick all of the other animals in the forest. Because Anansi is too lazy to pick the food himself, he plays his trick again and again “making off” with Lion’s yams, Elephant’s bananas, and all of the other animals’ food that they worked so hard to get. What Anansi doesn’t know is that Little Bush Deer has been watching him and has a plan of her own to teach Anansi a lesson.

Critical Analysis
“Anansi and the Moss Covered Rock” is a great example of a classic trickster tale, revisited by Eric Kimmel. In this Anansi tale, the character is portrayed by a large black spider that shows his emotion through movement. The text is rhythmic and engaging for all ages of elementary school students. Many parts of the story are repetitious, “Isn’t this a strange moss-covered rock?” thus, making it easy for even the youngest children to comprehend this delightful tale of mischief.

Janet Stevens illustrations define each animal as an individual with different emotions portrayed in their unique facial expressions. These colorful drawings add humor and movement to the anticipatory text. When the children realize that Little Bush Deer has been watching, they will love going back in the story and finding her in the detailed images on each page.

Review Excerpt
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “Anansi the Spider happens upon an unusual stone that magically puts him to sleep for an hour. The master trickster decides to use the rock to get the food stores from the rest of the local residents. Each animal is taken in turn to the strange moss-covered rock, says the magic phrase, and promptly falls asleep to have its food pilfered by Anansi. All the while, however, Little Bush Deer silently watches. Ultimately, it is small and shy Deer who outwits Anansi and returns the food to its rightful owners.”

Connections
This story would be an excellent choice for reader’s theater. There are a minimal amount of characters with each one having basically the same lines and movements. Students could make their own costumes using large paper bags and construction paper and even a child who is a little shy would do great as “Little Bush Deer”.
Other stories about Anansi the Spider:
Kimmel, Eric A. ANANSI AND THE MAGIC STICK. ISBN 0823417638
McDermott, Gerald. ANANSI THE SPIDER: A Tale from the Ashanti. ISBN 0805003118
Kimmel, Eric A. ANANSI AND THE TALKING MELON. ISBN 0823411672
Gleeson, Brian. ANANSI. ISBN 1596793422

Traditional Literature Review - Folk Literature Collection

Book cover photo source: Barnes and Noble, http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Mightier-Than-the-Sword/Jane-Yolen/e/9780152163914/?itm=5, accessed September 30, 2008.

Bibliography
Yolen, Jane, Trans. 2003. MIGHTIER THAN THE SWORD: World Folktales for Strong Boys. Ill. By Raul Colon. New York: Harcourt Books. ISBN 0152163913

Plot Summary

In this collection of fourteen familiar and unfamiliar stories from Russia to Afghanistan, Norway to Angola, and everywhere in-between, Jane Yolen tells us the tales of brothers, sons, kings and Shepard’s, whose heroism comes from intelligence, judgment, character, and sympathy for others. The men and boys in these stories teach us that “brains trump brawn almost every time”, and that being a hero “is about being clever, learning from your mistakes, being kind and compassionate, and finding good friends.”

Critical Analysis
Jane Yolen introduces us to these fourteen wonderful tales with an open letter to her sons and grandson. The way she talks about why she chose to write these stories, “I think that the true heroes are the ones who solve their problems-and the problems of the world-without ever having to resort to force. The tongue is mightier than the sword,” should make us all sit up and take notice.

In “The Magic Brocade”, three brothers must make the right choices in order to save their dying mother. Two of the brothers are too afraid of the journey that they are asked to take and too greedy with the money they are given to help her. These two end up lonely and poor at the end of the tale. But the youngest brother, the compassionate son, faces the challenge head-on, thus bringing health and happiness to his mother and himself for the rest of their days.

There are thirteen other stories in this collection of tales, all teaching the value of strength without force. Some such as the Irish “Jack and His Companions,” which favors “The Bremen Town Musicians” will be familiar to readers, while others such as the Israeli tale, “And Who Cured the Princess?” will be less so. Raul Colon’s black and white pen and ink drawings complement the text beautifully. They are scattered about the book with one drawing for each story including a stunning book cover done in muted tones of black, gold and blue.

Review Excerpt(s)
KIRKUS REVIEWS: “Yolen, an undisputable queen of storytelling, shines with these retellings. A stellar read-aloud volume as well as just right for independent readers.”
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “While she is particularly interested in reaching boys with this message, these 14 folktales will appeal equally well to girls. Her versions of these stories are lively, expressively written, ready for reading aloud or telling, and illustrative of her point.”

Connections
In the back of the book Yolen tells the history behind each of these stories. Students could research the original stories and compare and contrast the new to the old. This would also be a great lesson on geography where in pairs, the students could be given one of the different countries that the stories came from and do a study on its culture and how it fits into the tale.
Other traditional tales by Jane Yolen:
Sleeping Ugly ISBN 0698115600
Johnny Appleseed: The Legend and the Truth ISBN 0060591358
The Emperor and the Kite ISBN 0698116445
Not One Damsel in Distress: World Folktales for Strong Girls ISBN 0512020470

Traditional Literature Book Review - Picture Book Version of Cinderella

Book Cover Photo Source: Barnes and Noble, http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Cindy-Ellen/Susan-Lowell/e/9780064438643/?itm=13, accessed September 29, 2008.

Bibliography
Lowell, Susan. 2000. CINDY ELLEN. Ill. By Jane Manning. New York, NY: HarperCollins Children’s. ISBN 0064438643

Plot Summary
CINDY ELLEN by Susan Lowell is a western version of the classic folktale CINDERELLA. In this story set in the old west, a rancher marries for a second time and gains not only “the orneriest woman west of the Mississippi”, but two mean stepdaughters as well. Of course his own daughter, whose name is Cindy Ellen, “was as sweet and gentle as she could be.”

Cindy Ellen is a good cowgirl and able to rope and gallop with the best cowboys on the range. Because of this, the sisters are terribly mean and ugly to Cindy Ellen by making her do all of the “dirty work” around the ranch. When Cindy Ellen is kept from going to a two-day celebration given by the “biggest cattle king for miles around”, Cindy Ellen’s pistol packing fairy godmother shows up to make sure that she is given her chance to shine. All she needs, she tells her, is a little “gumption”. Of course, Cindy Ellen wins the rodeo, and is the prettiest girl at the square dance but instead of losing her shoe at the dance she loses one of her diamond spurs. Joe Prince tracks through the territory vowing to marry the woman whose boot fits the spur. He finally finds Cindy Ellen and they get hitched and live happily ever after in a “ranch house full of love and rodeo trophies”.

Critical Analysis
Not only is this an engaging revision of the classic Cinderella Tale, it has a good message for children. The characters and dialogue are original, but remain authentic to the story. When Cindy asks her fairy godmother if she can help her, she replies, “Maybe si, maybe no. Magic is plumb worthless without gumption.” In essence, she is telling Cindy that she is going to have to have the courage to make sensible decisions and that she is going to have to stick with them or the magic will be of no use. This lets children know the importance of being true to your word as well as true to yourself.

The illustrations, done in watercolor, are detailed and colorful. Children will love her fancy cowboy dress, her cowboy boots, and her diamond studded stirrups. The text is lengthy but lively and is a wonderful read-aloud. It may be a bit too long for younger children, but older elementary students will listen enthusiastically until the very end.

Review Excerpt(s)
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY review: “Savory slang adds punch to this tale, which stresses the fairy godmother's message that `magic is plumb worthless without gumption.' Illustrations lush with cactus-flower colors and pale maize gold enhance this rawhide-and-lace fantasy.”
KIRKUS REVIEWS: “From the author of The Bootmaker and the Elves (1997), another ripsnortin' Western take on a traditional fairy tale. Thanks to a spirited fairy godmother who gets all the best lines—" ‘Remember, there ain't no horse that can't be rode, and there ain't no man that can't be throwed!' "—Cindy Ellen does make the local cattle baron's rodeo and followup square dance, proves herself a roping, riding champion, and ultimately hitches up with the rancher's son Joe Prince.

Connections
This story would be a great way to compare and contrast different versions of the Cinderella story. Read several versions and then split the students into groups. Give each group of students a different version and have them do a report on their story. After each group reports back to the class, make a large chart with similarities and differences of each.
Other versions of Cinderella:
Louie, Ai-Ling. YEH-SHEN: A CINDERELLA STORY FROM CHINA. ISBN 0698113888
Climo, Shirley. THE KOREAN CINDERELLA. ISBN 0064433978
Hickox, Rebecca. GOLDEN SANDAL: A MIDDLE EASTERN CINDERELLA STORY. ISBN 0823415139
San Souci, Robert D. CENDRILLON: A CARRIBEAN CINDERELLA STORY. ISBN 0689848889

Picture Book Review : Book About the Creation of Children's Picture Books

Book Cover Photo Source: Powell's Books, http://www.powells.com/cgi-bin/biblio?inkey=2-9780689803109-1, accessed September 15, 2008.

Bibliography
Cummings, Pat. 1995. TALKING WITH ARTISTS, VOL. II. New York, NY: Simon and Schuster Children’s Publishing. ISBN 0698803109

Plot Summary
In her second of a series of three, Pat Cummings brings us 13 new-distinguished illustrators to highlight in the world of children’s literature. These artists talk about their art at an early age, what techniques they now use, if they have children/pets and answer other questions children ask most often.

Critical Analysis
In this work of non-fiction, Pat Cummings takes us through the process that each artist uses when creating his/her illustrations for a book. The artists chosen use a variety of mediums and work in many different styles.

The artists each answer eight questions that have come from letters the author has received from children who like making art. In the book you not only get to see what their work looked like at an early age but what they looked like. Illustrations from current works are also included. Unlike the first volume, this time you also get to see what kind of environment each artist works in. The artists each talk about some of the challenges they have faced and give encouragement to young aspiring artists everywhere.

Although this book interested me because I really LOVE some of their work, it started to get repetitious towards the end. If you are looking for information about a particular artist, it is a good place to start and the techniques that each artist uses at the end of the book are especially insightful.

Review Excerpts(s)
Review from SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “The profiles exemplify the artists' backgrounds, ordinary or extraordinary lifestyles, and creative strengths.”
Review from HORN BOOK: “As always, the comments are revealing, from the iconoclastic observation of Maira Kalman that she begins her day by reading "the obituaries to remind myself that I am still alive" to Vera Williams's description of her encounter, at age eight, with Eleanor Roosevelt.”

Connections
This would be a great book to use when talking about different mediums that illustrators use. From pastels and colored pencils, to pulp painting, scratchboard, and paper cutting, there are many opportunities for aspiring artists to learn about the different ways of making art that await them.

Other books written and illustrated by Pat Cummings
Clean Your Room, Harvey Moon ISBN 0689717989
Ananse and the Wizard: A West African Tale ISBN 0805064761Angel Baby ISBN 0688148220

Picture Book Review: Caldecott Award Book

Book Cover Photo Source: Barnes and Noble, http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Kittens-First-Full-Moon/Kevin-Henkes/e/9780060588281/?itm=6, accessed September 14, 2008.

Bibliography
Henkes, Kevin. 2004. KITTENS FIRST FULL MOON. New York, NY: HarperCollins. ISBN 0060588284.

Plot Summary
In Kitten’s First Full Moon, Kevin Henkes tells the story of kittens first time to see a full moon in the sky. Kitten thinks the moon is a bowl of milk and tries desperately to get to it without success. After a long night of chasing the moon, kitten returns home to find a bowl of milk waiting for her on the porch.

Critical Analysis
This is a story for very young children who will be captivated by the illustrations and easy text. “It was Kitten’s first full moon. When she saw it, she thought, there’s a little bowl of milk in the sky. And she wanted it.” The author takes us on a journey from Kitten’s front porch, through the garden, past the field, and eventually up the highest tree she can find, trying to get the bowl of milk in the sky. Children everywhere will relate to wanting something so badly in this wonderful story.

Kevin Henkes beautiful black-and-white illustrations compliment the text perfectly. His use of wide black lines and shades of grey show us how a full moon laminates the night sky. His simple use of shape and line are easily recognizable to even the youngest of readers. The way that Kitten’s expressions change with each emotion will have children feeling the same way that Kitten does with each turn of the page.

This is a perfect book for preschool and kindergarten aged children. The uncomplicated text and charming illustrations will have them cheering for Kitten to finally reach her bowl of milk in the sky.

Review Excerpt(s)
Starred review in BOOKLIST: “Henkes' text, reminiscent of Margaret Wise Brown's work in the elemental words, rhythms, and appealing sounds, tells a warm, humorous story that's beautifully extended in his shimmering, gray-toned artwork.”
Review in SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “The rhythmic text and delightful artwork ensure storytime success.”

Connections
This book would be a great choice when talking about shapes. There are many connections from the moon in the sky to pads of Kitten’s feet. You could also bring in the difference between night and day and talk about what happens with the earth when the sun goes down and the moon comes up.

Other Books By Kevin Henkes:
A Good Day ISBN 0061552054
Owen ISBN 0688114490
Sheila Rae the Brave ISBN 0688147380
Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse ISBN 0688128971
Old Bear ISBN 0061552054

Picture Book Review: Written and Illustrated by Mo Willems

Book Cover Photo Source: Wikipedia page, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knuffle_Bunny, accessed September 13, 2008.

Bibliography
Willems, Mo. 2004. KNUFFLE BUNNY: A Cautionary Tale. New York, NY: Hyperion Books for Children. ISBN 0786855932.

Plot Summary
In this book, Mo Willems tells a familiar story of a child losing a cherished toy. A father and daughter go to the Laundromat to do the wash and unbeknownst to the child, her “Knuffle Bunny” gets mixed in with the clothes and thus, accidentally left behind. As they walk back home, Trixie realizes that Knuffle Bunny is no longer with her. She tries to tell her daddy what is wrong, but since she cannot yet talk he doesn’t understand her. In an effort to get her point across, she cries, bawls and eventually collapses into a boneless heap. It is not until they arrive home and her mommy asks, “Where’s Knuffle Bunny?” does her daddy realize what has been wrong with Trixie on the way home. The whole family runs back to the Laundromat and after much searching finally find Trixie’s Knuffle Bunny. As the daddy is pulling the stuffed toy from the dryer, Trixie shouts her first words; “Knuffle Bunny”!

Critical Analysis
Willem’s simple text is wonderful for young children. The story is simple and something that they can easily identify with. Adults who read this story to their children or students will be able to discuss with them something that they have lost and how it made them feel. This will allow for great interaction between reader and listener.

The illustrations in this book complement the text perfectly. The photographs in the background are easily recognizable by the youngest of readers and are done in muted black and white and sepia tones. The cartoon illustrations that make up the family are done with simple lines and bright colors. Even as Trixie and her dad walk out of the Laundromat, Knuffle Bunny is easily found in the washing machines window. The facial expressions and mannerisms of the characters in the book will allow children to identify with the emotions being felt as each page is turned.

This is a great book to share with young readers. The simple text is easy enough for beginning readers and children everywhere will be able to identify with the characters within these pages.

Review Excerpt(s)
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL review: “This amusing, universal tale is cleverly illustrated with hand-drawn cartoons juxtaposed onto digital photographs that reflect a well-traveled and familiar city neighborhood route.”
Starred review in BOOKLIST: “Even children who can already talk a blue streak will come away satisfied that their own strong emotions have been mirrored and legitimized, and readers of all ages will recognize the agonizing frustration of a little girl who knows far more than she can articulate.”
HORNBOOK: “This everyday drama will immediately register with even pre-verbal listeners.”

Connections
This is a great story to use when talking about emotions. The characters in the book go through a range of emotions including happy, sad, excited, mad, frustrated, worried, relief and many others. This would be a great way to discuss these with young children and have them match the emotion to the page where it is occurring.

Other books written and illustrated by Mo Williams include:
Knuffle Bunny Too ISBN 1423102991
Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! ISBN 0786819881

Leonardo, the Terrible Monster ISBN 0786852941

Edwina, the Dinosaur who Didn’t Know She Was Extinct ISBN 0786837489

The Pigeon Finds a Hot Dog! ISBN 0786818697

The Pigeon Has Feelings, Too! ISBN 0786836504

Time to Say “Please”! ISBN 0786852933

LS 5603-21 Literature for Children & Young Adults, Fall 2008

This blog will be changing directions and will now be used to post book reviews for LS 5603, Literature for Children and Young Adults. This class is being taught by Dr. Sylvia Vardell and is part of the requirements for the MLS program at Texas Woman's University in Denton, Texas. I am starting my first year as a school librarian and am looking forward to delving into the world of children's literature. I have been an avid reader for as long as I can remember and enjoy instilling that love of reading into my students!