Week 14: Online Books

Rationale:
I chose this category because I use these sites frequently in my classroom at a listening center. I have found that due to the limited communication and lower cognitive abilities of my students, they are better able to comprehend and follow the stories in this format. I felt it would be good to use this in the end also, because it would allow me to tidy any loose ends for the entire project while still completing reading.

I looked at Tumblebooks, Bookflix, and Storyline. All have different strengths. Tumblebooks is great because it gives you a great deal of information up front about the book when you are searching for books such at the length of the reading, the grade, lexile, and accelerated reader numbers, and a short description. Tumblebooks also has a short quiz, book report forms, games and puzzles for the students and lesson plan ideas for the teacher.

Bookflix is great because it pairs a fiction and nonfiction book at the same level together by using a common topic. It also has activities afterward that can be done online. There is a section for each that is called meet the author, which gives a basic overview of the author, then links to more information on an outside web page. An explore the web section also allows for more research outside the scholastic site.

Storyline Online is presented by the Actor's Guild and the stories are read by famous actors. They are well read hold the interest in the reader with the the highly entertaining renditions.

The Magic Orange Tree and other Haitian Folktales

The Magic Orange Tree and other Haitian Folktales

This book is exactly as its title suggests, a book of Haitian Folk Tales. I thought it would be an interesting read with the Haitian Earthquake in the near past. We have a family at our school, who is from Port au Prince and lost family members during the tragedy. This book gave some interesting and very quirky stories. It did seem to be a bit dry though and did not hold my interest. I do not think I would advise buying this for a library, but may look into the multiple volumes for an audio version which may add more pizazz to the stories.

Breath

Reviewed of Breath by Donna Jo Napoli From School Library Journal

Legend has it that in 1284 the city of Hameln (or Hamelin) suffered a plague of rats of which they tried to rid themselves by hiring a piper to lead the vermin away. When the residents reneged on their payment to him, he led their children away, as well. This tale has proved fertile ground for a lot of literature, from the 19th-century poem by Robert Browning to a 20th-century novel by Gloria Skurzynski. Now Napoli adds Breath-and breadth-to the canon. She includes the potent elements of ergot poisoning and suspected witchcraft in her plot, which is narrated by 12-year-old Salz-a boy whose frequent, serious illnesses render him almost useless on his family's farm. (An afterword explains that he has cystic fibrosis.) The author vividly describes the frightening conditions facing the townspeople and their increasingly desperate attempts to understand and overcome the torrential rains; the rat infestation; the diseases afflicting their livestock; and the physical, mental, and sexual maladies that beset them. Salz is an intelligent observer who is tried for witchcraft when he doesn't succumb to the same illnesses as the rest of the population. (He doesn't drink the beer made from the infected grain.) Readers unfamiliar with the psychotropic effects of ergot poisoning may be as mystified as these medieval citizens by the events presented here. Salz's illness is likely to be equally puzzling until it is explained in the postscript. The confusion and speculation this ignorance might produce are realistically portrayed, but it's possible that foreknowledge would provide a richer reading experience for teens.
Miriam Lang Budin, Chappaqua Public Library, NY Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc. This text refers to an alternate Hardcover edition.

I had a very difficult time getting into this book. First, I didn't connect to the characters. I also knew what cystic fibrosis was and knew it made people taste salty, eliminating the mystery of Salz. Then I figured out what was making the people sick very early in the book adding little suspense or surprise. I just didn't connect with the story as a whole. I did like the end of the book where they described the real history and diseases that were presented in the book. I would probably not add this to a library.

The Steel Pan Man of Harlem

Review of The Steel Pan Man of Harlem by Colin Bootman by Publishers Weekly

Bootman (Fish for the Grand Lady) triumphs with this gorgeously moody, thoroughly cinematic retelling of the Pied Piper of Hamelin, ingeniously set during the Harlem Renaissance and starring a mysterious musician from the Caribbean (who, it should be noted, has more than a passing resemblance to Laurence Fishburne). The oil paintings conjure up a gritty, workaday world where magic has taken hold: the vermin do cannonballs into bathtubs, and straphangers at the 125½ Street subway platform are suddenly transformed into feverish Lindy Hoppers when the stranger begins to play his steel pan (“He held the sticks in the air, closed his eyes, and began playing the sweetest melody anyone had ever heard”). With text that beautifully embellishes the pictures, and a far happier and more politically relevant ending than the original (after Harlem’s white mayor reneges on his promise to pay the musician for driving out the rats, he’s seen fox-trotting out of town, never to be seen again), this book has all the makings of a spellbinder. Ages 5–9. (Nov.)

I really enjoyed this book with the story and humor added. When the mayor can't stop dancing, you just have to laugh! The paintings were deep and give you the feeling of the music you would have heard in the Harlem Renaissance. Another well written and beautifully illustrated book.

Mama Miti

Review of Mama Miti by Donna Jo Napoli, Kadir Nelson From Booklist

Luminous illustrations are the highlight of this third recent picture-book biography of Wangari Maathai, the Kenyan environmental activist who received the 2004 Nobel Peace Prize. In brief, poetic lines that have a folktale tone, Napoli describes how “wise Wangari” helped Kenyan village women solve problems from hunger to dirty water with the same solution: “Plant a tree.” Eventually, Maathai’s Green Belt movement became a worldwide mission. Jeanette Winter’s Wangari’s Trees of Peace: A True Story from Africa and Claire A. Nivola’s Planting the Trees of Kenya: The Story of Wangari Maathai (both 2008) integrate more background context, and readers encountering Maathai’s story for the first time here will need to start with the appended short biography in order to understand the story’s generalized references. Most noteworthy is Nelson’s vibrant collage artwork, which features soaring portraits and lush landscapes in oil paint and printed fabrics. An author’s note about sources and a glossary of Kikuyu and Swahili words used throughout the text close this moving tribute, which will partner well with Winter’s and Nivola’s titles. --Gillian Engberg

Fabulous true story, simply written, and amazing illustrations all make this book a must have for the library. I loved every last page cover to cover!

Firebird

Review of Firebird by Jane Yolen From School Library Journal

A well-known character in Russian folklore, the fierce and beautiful Firebird, is also featured in the ballet, set to the music of Igor Stravinsky. It is the ballet version of the story that Yolen and Vagin present in this richly hued picture book. Young Prince Ivan is hunting near the castle of the terrible demon Kostchei when he captures Firebird. In exchange for its freedom, the bird gives Ivan one of its feathers, which eventually helps him to defeat the demon and marry the beautiful princess imprisoned in the castle. The text makes the story clear and exciting, faltering slightly at the rhymed incantations: "Wave the feather in the air- Firebird will be right there." Yolen has based her telling on George Balanchine's choreography, which varies slightly from other versions. The Fokine version, found in Louis Untermeyer's Tales from the Ballet (Golden Press, 1968; o.p.), adds a magical egg holding the powers of Kostchei. The illustrations are especially useful in explicating the ballet. In the large painting at the top of each spread, the action is played out in the forest by the hero, villain, and bird. In the long, narrow artwork below the text, the scene on stage is shown, with costumed dancers portraying the Firebird and demons. Even the pit orchestra is given a scene in the beginning. Not to be confused with two stunningly illustrated titles of different folktales, Demi's The Firebird (Holt, 1994; o.p.) and Ruth Sanderson's The Golden Mare, the Firebird, and the Magic Ring (Little, Brown, 2001), Yolen's Firebird will be most appreciated as an introduction to the ballet.
Ellen Heath, Orchard School, Ridgewood, NJ Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

I remember growing up listening to Russian folklore and playing with my aunt's nesting dolls. My family has a lot of Russian heritage. This book reminded me of growing up. I loved the visuals you get when you have a book though, versus storytelling. The illustration of this book were fantastic. I loved how the illustrator matched the colors of the story in the top pane with the colors of the costumes and set of the ballet in the bottom pane. The story held interest of even my younger kiddos. I would definitely include this book in an elementary and middle school library.

Week 13: Fairy Tales and Folk Tales

Week 13: April 20-26

Fairy Tales and Folk Tales

http://bookwink.com

www.childrenslit.com

1. Firebird by Jane Yolen
2. Mama Miti by Donna Jo Napoli, Kadir Nelson
3. The Steel Pan Man of Harlem by Colin Bootman
4. The Magic Orange Tree and other Hatian Folktales, Vol. 1
5. Breath by Donna Jo Napoli

Rationale:
Folktales and Fairy Tales always seem to appeal to children. There are always many twists of the traditional fairytales and folktales. I wanted to explore some I hadn’t seen. I must admit this also coincides with a unit on folk tales and fairy tales I am doing in April in my classroom ☺!

Steady Hands: Poems About Work by Tracie Vaughn Zimmer, Megan Halsey and Sean Addy

Review of Steady Hands: Poems About Work by Tracie Vaughn Zimmer, Megan Halsey and Sean Addy From Publishers Weekly

Inventive, complicated collages and well-crafted poems focus on the activities of working people in this eye-catching book. With an observant eye, Zimmer (Sketches from a Spy Tree) captures different individuals performing work with steady hands. She details the flap/ roll/ flap of the baker kneading dough or the way a clerk performs a ballet/ of hands as she sorts, scans and bags groceries. Sometimes she gives the worker a backstory or views him after hours—a former lawyer prefers the predictable company of dogs and becomes a dog walker, while the exterminator doesn't mind the guys at the bowling alley calling him Roach. Halsey and Addy's (Amelia to Zora) hip collages combine individual cut-outs of people along with drawings, photos, textured backgrounds and designs. The aspiring filmmaker pops out of a box of movie popcorn while the tow-truck driver fishes in the city, literally reeling in cars. The sophisticated look should generate plenty of interest from the target audience. Ages 9–12. (Feb.) Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc.

2 poems from this book appealed to me the most. The first was "Personal Administrator" talking about interviewing people for jobs and knowing right away if they ave it based on visual cues and the tone of voice. It struck me as I am preparing to be in a library. The second was "Librarian", touching on so many of the digital things a librarian does now from blogs and podcasts, to introducing graphic novels and starting guys book clubs. I think the way these two struck me speaks loudly for having a book full of jobs that will strike the right nerve in others. This is most definitely a book I would include in the elementary and middle school libraries and suggest for career exploration units.

I Can Be Anything! by Jerry Spinelli, Jimmy Liao

Review of I Can Be Anything! by Jerry Spinelli, Jimmy Liao From School Library Journal

The imaginative young boy in this marvelous story has some unusual answers to a frequently asked question. The youngster, clad in overalls and a cap, dreams of being "a pumpkin grower," "puddle stomper," or "silly-joke teller." Both the lilting text and amusing watercolor and acrylic illustrations are full of energy. The boy runs and skips from one adventurous goal to the next, accompanied by rabbits, frogs, and other little creatures. His animal friends gaze at him through the window of a homey kitchen in his future role as a "mixing-bowl licker." When he imagines being a "baby-sis soother," the smiling child is dressed in an elephant costume, and his sister laughs. In the end, on a four-page foldout, the boy decides, "So many jobs!/They're all such fun—/I'm going to choose…/EVERY ONE!" This outstanding book pairs well with Leonid Gore's When I Grow Up (Scholastic, 2009) or Jeanie Franz Ransom's What Do Parents Do? (…When You're Not Home) (Peachtree, 2007).—Linda L. Walkins, Mount Saint Joseph Academy, Brighton, MA Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc.

Though this was a cute book, I am not sure why it was classified as poetry when I was researching books for this reading project. It does rhyme and could be considered a poem, but it is not a book of poetry. That being said, I do like the illustrations and it is great for practicing rhyme in your preschool- first grade crowd. My 3 and four year old loved it and my special needs first and second grade group enjoyed reading it when doing rhyme.

Frankenstein Makes a Sandwich by Adam Rex

Review of Frankenstein Makes a Sandwich by Adam Rex From School Library Journal

This hilarious collection of illustrated poems describes the lives of well-known monsters. There's Frankenstein, who tries to borrow food from townsfolk, but is instead pelted with garbage: Its true, at first/he thought the worst:/His neighbors were so rude!/But then he found/that on the ground/they'd made a mound of food. The accompanying illustration shows the pickle-green brute happily eying a towering sandwich made from discarded edibles. In several comical appearances, the Phantom of the Opera bemoans the fact that he can no longer compose arias because he cant get catchy tunes out of his head (Its a small world after all./Angry cursing fills the hall./Now hes crawling up the wall./Its a small, small world). He eventually considers an alternate career. The Creature from the Black Lagoon ignores his mothers advice, swims too soon after eating, and sinks; Count Dracula walks around with spinach in his teeth because no one dares tell him about it. Told with smooth, unstrained rhymes, each selection captures its subjects voice. Rex uses an impressive variety of techniques and media in the artwork while paying homage to famed illustrators. From shiny black-and-white graphics in Zombie Zombie, to a Richard Scarry-esque interpretation of the Yeti, to pen-and-ink sketches of Dr. Jekyll, each creature claims its own style. The book is fresh, creative, and funny, with just enough gory detail to cause a few gasps. Kids will eat it up.–Lee Bock, Glenbrook Elementary School, Pulaski, WI Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc.

I had both the book and audio versions of the poetry. This is most definitely a book for boys! If you don't know your monsters, you will not find it as entertaining. My girls just kept asking "Who is the Phantom" and or "Why is the dog worried about hair in the shower" (it was the werewolf's dog). I found if funny and refreshing. I would suggest it for 3-5th grade boys, maybe younger for your higher level reading students.

Joyful Noise: Poems for Two Voices

Review of Joyful Noise: Poems for Two Voices by Paul Fleischman from Amazon.com

Winner of the 1989 Newbery Award, Joyful Noise is a children's book of poetry about insects that was designed for two readers to enjoy together. On each page are two columns of verse for children to alternate reading aloud about the lives of six-legged creatures ranging from fireflies writing in the sky to a love affair between two lice, crickets eating pie crumbs and the single day in the life of a mayfly. Charming large scale soft-pencil illustrations enhance the comical, easy-to-read text. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Again my 7 year old LOVED this poetry book. She read it again and again. She listened to the audio version in the car for weeks. She took it to school and shared it with friends. I liked the way the 2 voices could be used. I didn't enjoy the audio version as much as the print with 2 actual people. It was interesting to see the words side by side and when each reader was supposed to come in with their part. I felt the audio version needed more pizazz with background music or something, but then again it is now on Cecelia's MP3 player so there is something I missed!

Mirror Mirror: A Book of Reversible Verse

Review of Mirror Mirror: A Book of Reversible Verse by Marilyn Singer, Josee Massee From School Library Journal

This appealing collection based on fairy tales is a marvel to read. It is particularly noteworthy because the poems are read in two ways: up and down. They are reverse images of themselves and work equally well in both directions. "Mirror Mirror" is chilling in that Snow White, who is looking after the Seven Dwarves, narrates the first poem of the pair. Read in reverse, it is the wicked queen who is enticing Snow White to eat the apple that will put her to sleep forever. "In the Hood" is as crafty as the wolf who tells of his delightful anticipation of eating Red Riding Hood. The mirrored poem is Red Riding Hood reminding herself not to dally since Grandma awaits. The vibrant artwork is painterly yet unfussy and offers hints to the characters who are narrating the poems. An end note shows children how to create a "reverse" poem. This is a remarkably clever and versatile book that would work in any poetry or fairy-tale unit. A must-have for any library.—Joan Kindig, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc.

I am truly spellbound by Singer's ability to not only write a poem that can be read forward and backwards, but has 2 different meanings from 2 different points of view at the same time! My 7 year old was equally enamored by the poems. She takes it to school daily and we have checked the book out so many times that we can no longer renew it at the library. We just bought our own copy! This book is not only a must have for the library, it should be shown to teachers to use in units to support curriculum. Fantastic book!

Week 12: Poetry

Week 12: April 13-19

Poetry

www.childrenslit.com

1. Mirror Mirror: A Book of Reversible Verse by Marilyn Singer, Josee Massee
2. Joyful Noise: Poems for Two Voices by Paul Fleischman
3. Frankenstein Makes a Sandwich by Adam Rex
4. I Can Be Anything! by Jerry Spinelli, Jimmy Liao
5. Steady Hands: Poems About Work by Tracie Vaughn Zimmer, Megan Halsey and Sean Addy

Rationale:
My 7 year old has been very interested in poetry lately, especially poems she can memorize. I am hoping to find some gems that I can read with her following this unit.

On My Block

On My Block edited by Dana Goldberg Product Description

This book was part of my collection already because I knew one of the 15 artists featured in the book, Cbabi Bayoc. I lived in Shaw neighborhood for 8 years and Cbabi and his family were very active in that community. The park in his story is Tower Grove Park and I can picture it very vividly as he describes it. I felt a connection to his story, because it ran parallel to mine. I enjoyed the other stories, but wished I had a little more detail and background knowledge, as I did for Cbabi's. The artists all had very differing experiences growing up showing all walks of life can achieve success. They all had very different styles of art also which made it fun to flip from page to page to see what the next page had to hold for the reader. Though I loved the book and treasure my autographed version, I don't think it would be a popular book in the library and would only purchase it if it were paired with an artist visit. Instead I would probably go with Young Cornrows Callin Out the Moon by Ruth Forman and Illustrated by Cbabi Bayoc.

A Long Walk to Water

Review of A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park From School Library Journal

Salva and Nya have difficult paths to walk in life. Salva's journey, based on a true story, begins in 1985 with an explosion. The boy's small village in Sudan erupts into chaos while the 11-year-old is in school, and the teacher tells the children to run away. Salva leaves his family and all that is familiar and begins to walk. Sometimes he walks alone and sometimes there are others. They are walking toward a refugee camp in Ethiopia, toward perceived safety. However, the camp provides only temporary shelter from the violent political storm. In 1991-'92, thousands are killed as they try to cross a crocodile-infested river when they are forced out of the country; Salva survives and gets 1200 boys to safety in Kenya. Nya's life in 2008 revolves around water. She spends eight hours a day walking to and from a pond. In the dry season, her family must uproot themselves and relocate to the dry lake bed where they dig in the mud until water eventually trickles out. Nya's narrative frames Salva's journey from Sudan to Ethiopia to Rochester, NY, and, eventually, back to Sudan. Both story lines are spare, offering only pertinent details. In the case of Salva, six years in a camp pass by with the barest of mentions. This minimalism streamlines the plot, providing a clarity that could have easily become mired in depressing particulars. The two narratives intersect in a quiet conclusion that is filled with hope.–Naphtali L. Faris, Saint Louis Public Library, MOα(c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc.

I did not read much about this book before reading the book itself. Until the afterward, I had no idea Salva was a real person. After reading the story, then finding out it was Salva's story, it made me want to be a voice for the cause. I have many friends who run to raise money for clean drinking water. This supports reasoning to do so for such a worthy cause worldwide. Great book for a high school library and would be a great pairing with a school wide project to raise money and increase awareness.

Day of Tears

From School Library Journal
This powerful and engaging historical novel is told in dialogue and through monologues. It also moves around in time, from the period when the story takes place to "interludes," in which the various characters look back on these events years later. It begins with a factual event–the largest slave auction in United States history that took place in 1859 on Pierce Butler's plantation in Georgia. The book introduces Butler, his abolitionist ex-wife Fanny Kemble, their two daughters, the auctioneer, and a number of slaves sold to pay off Butler's gambling debts. Emma, a fictional house slave, is the centerpiece of the novel. She cares for the master's daughters and has been promised that she will never be sold. On the last day of the auction, Butler impulsively sells her to a woman from Kentucky. There she marries, runs away, and eventually gains her freedom in Canada. Lester has done an admirable job of portraying the simmering anger and aching sadness that the slaves must have felt. Each character is well drawn and believable. Both blacks and whites liberally use the word "nigger," which will be jarring to modern-day students. The text itself is easy to read and flows nicely. Different typefaces distinguish the characters' monologues, their dialogues with one another, and their memories. Still, middle school readers may have some difficulty following the plot until they get used to the unusual format. Altogether this novel does a superb job of showing the inhumanity of slavery. It begs to be read aloud, and it could be used in sections to produce some stunning reader's theater.

I have not had a book that I have read cover to cover without putting down in YEARS! I did just that with Day of Tears by Julius Lester. This book was amazing! I started crying for the characters at page 96 and didn't stop until the end. You become so attached to the characters from the beginning and can't help but hurt for them when their lives are uprooted and they have no control. I also find the point of view interesting because it shows the point of view as the story unfolds, but it shows the point of view from the same person years later, which adds a level of depth and insight to the book. This book is not only a must for a library, but would be fantastic to support curriculum in the the classroom for upper grades or middle school.

What the World Eats

Review of What the World Eats by Peter Menzel, Faith D’Aluisio From Publishers Weekly

Adapted from last year's Hungry Planet, this brilliantly executed work visits 25 families in 21 countries around the world. Each family is photographed surrounded by a week's worth of food and groceries, which Menzel and D'Aluisio use as a way of investigating not only different cultures' diets and standard of living but also the impact of globalization: why doesn't abundance bring better health, instead of increased occurrences of diabetes and similar diseases? These points are made lightly: delivered almost conversationally, the main narrative presents friendly, multigenerational portraits of each family, with meals and food preparation an avenue toward understanding their hopes and struggles. A wealth of supporting information—lush color photographs, family recipes, maps, sidebars, etc.—surrounds the text (superb design accomplishes this job harmoniously) and implies questions about global food supplies. Pictures of subsistence farmers in Ecuador cultivating potatoes from mountainous soil form sharp contrasts with those of supermarkets in a newly Westernized Poland. Fact boxes for each country tabulate revealing statistics, among them the percentage of the population living on less than $2 per day (47% in China, where the average daily caloric intake is nonetheless 2,930 per person); the percentage with diabetes; number of KFC franchises. Engrossing and certain to stimulate. All ages. Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc.

I found this book difficult to read cover to cover, it may be better as a coffee table book. It has A LOT of information along with the personal stories of the families involved. I found the pictures of the families with a weeks worth of groceries and the amount it cost for them to purchase them, most interesting. I think this would be an excellent book to use when dividing into groups for a class project. Each group could then get more information about their part of the world and present it. I would use this mostly at the high school level, but think it would also be appropriate to share in part with elementary of middle school children.

The Impossible Journey

Review from The Impossible Journey by Gloria Whelan From School Library Journal

A story of a remarkable 13-year-old girl in an extraordinary situation. In Leningrad, in 1934, Marya sets out to find her parents, former aristocrats and therefore considered enemies of the state, who have been sent to Siberia as political prisoners. The spirited and resourceful girl learns that her mother is in Dudinka, a thousand miles from the closest railway station. Marya obtains a few rubles selling her paintings (like Kobe in Homeless Bird [HarperCollins, 2000], Marya's creativity helps sustain her) and buys tickets for herself and her younger brother. At the railway station, the children begin their trek, finding their way by following a river. Some strangers help them; others conspire to report them to the authorities for placement in an orphanage. A tribe of reindeer-herding Samoyeds helps the children to their final stop, where they are reunited with their mother. Papa, who had been sent to a coal-mining camp in Siberia, eventually joins them, but is so ill that he dies at the first signs of spring. Life under Stalin as seen through the eyes of Marya is accessible, well researched, and culturally insightful. Lyrical prose conveys both a strong sense of place and the tremendous love that compels the protagonist to find her parents. Once again, Whelan successfully explores territory less traveled in books for young people. Connie Tyrrell Burns, Mahoney Middle School, South Portland, ME Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.

I listened to the audio version of this book and it was a good read. I found when looking at the actual text, the audio version helped with pronunciation of many names, towns, and other words that were unfamiliar and difficult to sound out. That would be something to think about when recommending this book to young readers. It would be suggested for strong readers in 5th -8th grade for the book version. Children 3rd and up would probably enjoy the audio version. This book could be a good companion to history lessons on the Stalin era.

The Sandwich Swap

Review of The Sandwich Swap by Her Majesty Queen Rania From School Library Journal

The day Lily stops eating her peanut butter and jelly sandwich to tell Salma her hummus and pita sandwich looks yucky—and vice versa—is the day they stop being friends. Their collaborative art projects end. They no longer play on the swings or jump rope together, and, at lunch time, they sit at different tables. As their story spreads across the school, so does intolerance. Students begin choosing sides in the cafeteria and calling each other "Jelly heads" and "Chickpea brains." When the two girls get caught in the middle of a food fight and called to the principal's office, they decide it's time to make some changes. The first is accomplished over their sandwich lunch; the second, over a multicultural smorgasbord, the latter depicted on a foldout of an enormous table laden with dishes and flags. Soft watercolor cartoon illustrations portray a lively student body and a slightly forbidding principal. This engaging title reminds children that having the courage to try new things can result in positive experiences.—Tanya Boudreau, Cold Lake Public Library, AB, Canada
(c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc.

I LOVED, LOVED, LOVED, this book! The pictures were adorable and made the characters very lovable. The story taught a very valuable lesson on accepting differences. I even like the font used for the text. My girls loved the book and were even able to talk about friends form school who ate different types of food than them. It sparked interest in different cultures and we have been trying many foods after a trip to Jay's International Market. A great book for the classroom and beyond.

Week 11: Cultural Diversity

Week 11: April 6-12

Cultural Diversity

www.childrenslit.com

http://bookwink.com/

1. The Sandwich Swap by Her Majesty Queen Rania with Kelly DiPucchio Illustrated by Tricia Tusa (Middle eastern)
2. Day of Tears: A Novel in Dialogue by Julius Lester (African American)
3. The Impossible Journey by Gloria Whelan (Russian)
4. In My Family/En mi Familia by Carmen Lomas Garza (Hispanic)
5. What the World Eats by Peter Menzel, Faith D’Aluisio
6. On My Block edited by Dana Goldberg
7. What Does Peace Feel Like? by Vladimir Radunsky
8. A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park (African)

Rationale:
For 5 years I worked at an Inner City Charter School. The populations was primarily Aferican American, Bosnian, and Hispanic. At my current school I work with a paraeducator who is from Pakistan. My children attend Campbell Montessori School and they have many friends who have an ethnicity other than Caucasian. On top of this, my sister worked in Vietnam for 3 years and is currently in Germany. I wish I had paid more attention to cultures and had more background before now, but I am rapidly learning and thought this would only help in my quest to be more knowledgeable about other cultures.

Dear Mr. Henshaw

Dear Mr. Henshaw by Beverly Cleary Amazon.com Review

When, in second grade, Leigh writes to an author to tell him how much he "licked" his book, he never suspects that he'll still be writing to him four years later. And he never imagines the kinds of things he'll be writing about:

"Dear Mr. Henshaw, I am sorry I was rude in my last letter... Maybe I was mad about other things, like Dad forgetting to send this month's support payment. Mom tried to phone him at the trailer park where, as Mom says, he hangs his hat."

It's not easy being the new kid in town, with recently divorced parents, no dog anymore, and a lunch that gets stolen every day (all the "good stuff," anyway). Writing letters, first to the real Mr. Henshaw, and then in a diary to a pretend Mr. Henshaw, may be just what he needs.

This Newbery Medal-winning book, by the terrifically popular and prolific Beverly Cleary (Ramona Quimby, Age 8 and Runaway Ralph), exhibits a subtlety and sensitivity that will be appreciated by any youngster who feels lonely and troubled during the transition into adolescence. Winner of numerous other awards, including two Newbery Honors, Cleary teams up with Caldecott winner Paul O. Zelinsky, who creates a quiet backdrop for the realistic characters. --Emilie Coulter

Again, I remember reading ts when I was little and relating to it because of my parent's divorce. I remembering being hopeful for Leigh that his dad would be more involved. I look at it now and get mad that Leigh's dad became so distant and made so little effort to keep in touch with him. I see the growth and maturity he had through the book of which I did not remember from before. I did laugh out loud a few times at his thoughts too and I am sure I did not think they were as funny as a child. I think this is a fantastic book for children who are going through a divorce and gives them hope that things will turn out all right. You just hope they can find their Mr. Henshaw to get them through.

Sarah, Plain and Tall by Patricia Maclachlan

Review of Sarah, Plain and Tall by Patricia Maclachlan From School Library Journal

Glenn Close narrates Patricia MacLachlan's beautiful novels on this fine audio collection. Sarah, Plain and Tall tells the story of Sarah, who came from Maine to answer Jacob's advertisement for a wife and mother, all from the point of view of young Anna. The classic story continues in Skylark, as Anna and her brother, Caleb, must travel with their new mother, Sarah, to Maine when a terrible drought threatens their home. Caleb picks up the story several years later in Caleb's Story, telling of the return of his grandfather, who had abandoned the family when Caleb's father was a young boy. Close, who played the role of Sarah in the Hallmark Hall of Fame production of the first book, creates distinct voices for each character without ever resorting to theatrics. Anna and Caleb's voices mature as listeners progress through the stories, and Close's carefully unobtrusive narration showcases MacLachlan's simple yet poetic words. An interview with Patricia MacLachlan at the end of the collection gives students more information about the author's life and writing process, and about the real-life inspiration for Sarah. A beautiful collusion of an excellent story with a perfect narrator, and a treat for all listeners. Kathleen Kelly MacMillan, Maryland School for the Deaf, Columbia
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

I remember reading this book when I was about 9. I remember thinking that I wish my dad would find a new wife like Sarah. Strong, outspoken, and talented in many ways. I also remember the book being much longer! It was actually a pretty short story and I still loved it as I did when I was little. I do think it would take a pretty avid young reader to e interested in this book. It would also appeal to mainly girls. I do think I would keep it in the library, but I am not sure I would order it for a library that did not have it yet.

Week 10: Older Newbery Winners

Week 10: March 30- April 5
Newbery Winners I Remember Reading in Elementary School
http://bookwink.com/
http://www.ala.org

1. 1986 Sarah, Plain and Tall by Patricia Maclachlan
2. 1984 Dear Mr. Henshaw by Beverly Cleary

Rationale:
This week and next I explore Newbery winners. I remember vividly trying to read every Newbery nominee every year. I also remember earning a special lunch with my librarian for all of the students who were able to complete this task. The library at my school gives incentives for these books as well as other award winning books. In week 8, I chose to read the last 3 years winners for the modern books and for week 10 I chose to reread 3 books I remember loving as an elementary student.

Lon Po Po: A Red-Riding Hood Story from China

Review of Lon Po Po: A Red-Riding Hood Story from China by Ed Young From Publishers Weekly

This version of the Red Riding Hood story from Young ( The Emperor and the Kite ; Cats Are Cats ; Yeh-Shen ) features three daughters left at home when their mother goes to visit their grandmother. Lon Po Po, the Granny Wolf, pretends to be the girls' grandmother, until clever Shang, the eldest daughter, suspects the greedy wolf's real identity. Tempting him with ginkgo nuts, the girls pull him in a basket to the top of the tree in which they are hiding, then let go of the rope--killing him. One of Young's most arresting illustrations accompanies his dedication: "To all the wolves of the world for lending their good name as a tangible symbol for our darkness." Like ancient Oriental paintings, the illustrations are frequently grouped in panels. When the girls meet the wolf, e.g., the left panel focuses on their wary faces peering out from the darkness, the middle enlarges the evil wolf's eye and teeth, and the third is a vivid swirl of the blue clothes in which the wolf is disguised. The juxtaposition of abstract and realistic representations, the complicated play of color and shadow, and the depth of the artist's vision all help transform this simple fairy tale into an extraordinary and powerful book. Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.

I remember this book from a nanny job I had in high school. The girls I watched during the summer loved to read this book again and again. They would hide under covers every time they thought the wolf was going to eat the 3 children. They would jump on the bed in the end when the wolf was killed. My own 3 girls especially like knowing that 3 sisters can defeat evil and gladly take roles when acting out the story. It is a timeless classic with soft, beautiful illustrations for the elementary library.

Black and White

Review of Black and White by David Macaulay From Publishers Weekly

At first glance, this is a collection of four unrelated stories, each occupying a quarter of every two-page spread, and each a slight enough tale to seem barely worth a book--a boy on a train, parents in a funny mood, a convict's escape and a late commuter train. The magic of Black and White comes not from each story, however, but from the mysterious interactions between them that creates a fifth story. Several motifs linking the tales are immediately apparent, such as trains--real and toy--and newspapers. A second or third reading reveals suggestions of the title theme: Holstein cows, prison uniform stripes. Eventually, the stories begin to merge into a surrealistic tale spanning several levels of reality, e.g.: Are characters in one story traveling on the toy train in another? Answers are never provided--this is not a mystery or puzzle book. Instead, Black and White challenges the reader to use text and pictures in unexpected ways. Although the novelty will wear off quickly for adults, no other writer for adults or children explores this unusual territory the way Macaulay does. Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Though this book was stated on Amazon as being for ages 4-8, I would actually recommend that it be read with older children. The idea of 4 story lines interweaving is a bit to difficult for a 4 year of to fully comprehend. My 7 year old was able to see some of the correlations, but it was my 9 year old niece that was able to articulate what she saw and make discoveries on her own. I would recommend this book for 3rd- 5th grade, especially if you are asking them to look at the stories as 1, not as 4 separate stories. I really enjoyed the book and loved the 4 styles of illustration, all included in the same text.

Tuesday

Review of Tuesday by David Wiesner From Publishers Weekly

In this nearly wordless picture book, Wiesner ( Hurricane ; Free Fall ) again takes readers on an imaginative voyage, using everyday reality merely as a touchstone. Here, a squadron of frogs soars through the night air one Tuesday, squatting upon lily pads that they use as flying carpets. Apparently intending no harm, these mysterious visitors to a suburban development leave a minimum of disruption as evidence of their eerie flight: a few startled eyewitnesses, some scattered lily pads and a spooked dog. Wiesner's visuals are stunning: slightly surrealistic, imbued with mood and mystery, and executed with a seemingly flawless command of palette and perspective. But, perhaps because this fantasy never coalesces around a human figure, it is less accessible and less resonant than his tales that center on a child protagonist.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

I think my 4 year old's summary is right on, "That's silly mommy". I started with the back cover which claims, "The events recorded here are verified by undisclosed source to have happened somewhere, USA, on Tuesday." I had no idea what the book was supposed to be about, but upon seeing the first illustration before the title page, began to laugh. The frog's lily pad was flying and the look on the frog's face was priceless! My daughters felt the same and enjoyed the frog adventure "Tuesday" evening into Wednesday morning. This imaginative story would be a well loved book by all in the elementary library!

Mirette on the High Wire

Mirette on the High Wire by Emily Arnold McCully From Publishers Weekly

In this picture book set in 19th-century Paris, a child helps a daredevil who has lost his edge to regain his confidence. Many traveling performers stay at Madame Gateaux's boarding house, but Mme.'s daughter Mirette is particularly taken with one guest--the quiet gentleman who can walk along the clothesline without falling off. Mirette implores the boarder to teach her his craft, not knowing that her instructor is the "Great Bellini" of high wire fame. After much practice the girl joins Bellini on the wire as he conquers his fear and demonstrates to all of Paris that he is still the best. McCully's story has an exciting premise and starting point, but unfortunately ends up as a missed opportunity. Bellini's anxiety may be a bit sophisticated for the intended audience and, surprisingly, the scenes featuring Mirette and Bellini on the high wire lack drama and intensity. McCully's rich palette and skillful renderings of shadow and light sources make this an inviting postcard from the Old World.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

I was surprisingly involved in this book. By the end when Mirette "saves" Bellini during his high wire attempt I had tears in my eyes. I'm not sure what drew me in, but I did get drawn in as did my girls. You couldn't help but be excited for Mirette when she performed for the first time and saved the day. For days to come we had "high wire practice" with 3 little Mirette wannabe's!

Smoky Night

Review of Smoky Night , illustrated by David Diaz; text: Eve Bunting From Publishers Weekly

Bunting addresses urban violence in this thought-provoking and visually exciting picture book inspired by the Los Angeles riots. Although they're neighbors, Daniel's cat and Mrs. Kim's cat don't get along. Nor do Daniel and his mother shop at Mrs. Kim's market. "It's better if we buy from our own people," Daniel's mother says. But when Daniel's apartment building goes up in flames, all of the neighbors (including the cats) learn the value of bridging differences. Bunting does not explicitly connect her message about racism with the riots in her story's background, but her work is thoroughly believable and taut, steering clear of the maudlin or didactic. Diaz's dazzling mixed-media collages superimpose bold acrylic illustrations on photographs of carefully arranged backgrounds that feature a wide array of symbolic materials--from scraps of paper and shards of broken glass to spilled rice and plastic dry-cleaner bags. Interestingly, Diaz doesn't strongly differentiate the presumably Asian American Mrs. Kim from the African American characters--even the artwork here cautions the reader against assumptions about race. Ages 5-up.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

This is another book that I would use with caution in the younger grades. The multimedia illustrations almost seem to make noise on the page. They are busy and the different mediums clash against each other, creating in sorts, a feeling you would have had if you would have been there during the L.A. riots. The pictures themselves are appropriate for younger kids, but the larger story is hard for them to grasp. My 3 and 4 year old focused more on the immediate story with the cats, fire, and people. My 7 year old was very disturbed by the idea of riots and her questions seemed only to form more questions and uncertainty. I think if she were a bit older she may have been better able to understand what was happening. Still it would be a good book for elementary or middle school library. I would maybe even include it for high school lessons to help introduce the subject.

Officer Buckle and Gloria

Review of Officer Buckle and Gloria by Peggy Rathmann From Publishers Weekly

Rathmann (Good Night, Gorilla) brings a lighter-than-air comic touch to this outstanding, solid-as-a-brick picture book. Officer Buckle, a mustachioed policeman who wears a crossed-out-banana-peel patch on his sleeve, has a passion for teaching students about safety, but his audiences tend to doze off during his lectures. They awaken, however, when police dog Gloria joins Buckle onstage. As Buckle speaks, Gloria-behind Buckle's back-mimes each safety lesson (e.g., leaping sky-high for "Never leave a thumbtack where you might sit on it!" and making her fur stand on end to illustrate "Do not go swimming during electrical storms!"). School safety increases tenfold and Buckle and Gloria find themselves in great demand. But when he finally learns of his sidekick's secret sideshow, Buckle's feelings are terribly hurt. Rathmann's high-voltage cartoons, outlined in black ink for punchy contrast, capture her characters' every feeling, from Gloria's hammy glee and Buckle's surprised satisfaction to Gloria's shame at having tricked her partner. In a sound and sensitive conclusion, Gloria's disastrous attempt to go solo inspires Buckle's "best safety tip yet": "Always stick with your buddy!" As a bonus, equally sage sayings decorate the volume's endpapers.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

This was a cute book and it ad a dog which is always a plus with young kids :). Good 'ole Gloria becomes the hero for this book. When she and Officer Buckle are mad at each other, you know her heart aches with loyalty for her human. They are such a good team you almost wish they were real so they could come to your school for an assembly. This book gets two thumbs up from my 3 book worms and will be checked out again and again!

Golem

Review of Golem by David Wisniewski From Publishers Weekly

Elaborately composed cut-paper spreads give a 3D, puppet-show-like quality to a retelling of a Jewish legend. Rabbi Loew has a prophetic vision in 1580 when the Jews of Prague are accused of mixing the blood of Christian children into matzoh: he must create a Golem, "a giant of living clay, animated by Cabala, mystical teachings of unknown power." Brought to life with apocalyptic explosions of steam and rain, the Golem seeks out the perpetrators of the Blood Lie and turns them over to the authorities. Thwarted, the enraged enemies of the Jews storm the gates of the ghetto, but the Golem grows to enormous height and violently defeats them with their own battering ram. Once his work is done, he pitifully (and futilely) begs the Rabbi: "Please let me live! I did all that you asked of me! Life is so... precious... to me!" Wisniewski (The Wave of the Sea Wolf) emphasizes the Golem's humanity and the problems with his existence; instead of reducing the legend to a tale of a magical rescuer, the author allows for its historical and emotional complexity. The fiery, crisply layered paper illustrations, portraying with equal drama and precision the ornamental architecture of Prague and the unearthly career of the Golem, match the specificity and splendor of the storytelling. An end note about the history and influence of the legend is particularly comprehensive.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

I honestly found this book a bit too dark for kids. I read it on my own and decided I would only present it to my oldest. By pages 8-10 she was finished with the story. She was scared and didn't like the illustrations. I would use this book with great caution with lower elementary and still with some caution with upper elementary. I would also suggest background knowledge before using this book. It does have amazing paper cut illustrations, but it seems this book won a Caldecott more for adult benefit than for a children's book.

Rapunzel

Review of Rapunzel by Paul O. Zelinsky from Amazon.com

In older versions of the classic tale Rapunzel, it always seemed improbable that a grown man could scale a tower using only his beloved's hair. Not so in Paul O. Zelinsky's Caldecott Medal-winning version of Rapunzel. Here, Rapunzel's reddish-blonde mane is thick with waves and braids, and cascades like a waterfall down the walls of her isolation tower. In Zelinsky's able hands it's easy to believe that a prince would harbor no hesitations about scrambling up our fair heroine's hair.

Of course, this is not the work of an amateur--Zelinsky's lush versions of Hansel and Gretel, Rumpelstiltskin, and Swamp Angel all earned him Caldecott Honors. His gorgeous, Italian Renaissance-styled illustrations are characterized by warm golden tones and the mesmerizing sensation of trompe l'oeuil. Not only does he have the touch of a world-class illustrator, Zelinsky has also proven himself a master storyteller. We are frightened when the sorceress demands to take the baby Rapunzel, we are alarmed when the flowing locks are cruelly shorn, and we rejoice when the prince and his now modest-haired love are reunited. The notes at the back of Rapunzel reveal his careful scholarship regarding the long history of the story (tracing its origins and transformations from Italy to France and finally to Germany and the Grimm brothers)--work that no doubt contributed to his clean, compelling version of the age-old tale. Children will be captivated by the magical story and evocative pictures and adults will delight in the fresh feel of a well-loved legend.

This is not your Disney version of Rapunzel! The details in the oil painting illustrations are nothing short of astounding. The tower itself is a work of art which makes me feel as if I am back in Europe with it's bold color, patterns, arched, columns, and lines. The facial expressions on the characters are realistic and fit so well with the storyline. I can see why Paul Zelinsky has won a Caldecott for this book!

Snowflake Bentley

Review of Snowflake Bentley, Ill. by Mary Azarian; by Jacqueline Briggs Martin From Publishers Weekly

Azarian's (A Farmer's Alphabet) handsome woodcuts provide a homespun backdrop to Martin's (Grandmother Bryant's Pocket) brief biography of a farmboy born in 1865 on the Vermont snowbelt who never lost his fascination with snowflakes. Wilson A. Bentley spent 50 years pioneering the scientific study of ice crystals, and developed a technique of microphotography that allowed him to capture the hexagonal shapes and prove that no two snowflakes are alike. Martin conveys Bentley's passion in lyrical language ("snow was as beautiful as butterflies, or apple blossoms"), and punctuates her text with frequent sidebars packed with intriguing tidbits of information (though readers may be confused by the two that explain Bentley's solution of how to photograph the snowflakes). Hand-tinted with watercolors and firmly anchored in the rural 19th century, Azarian's woodcuts evoke an era of sleighs and woodstoves, front porches and barn doors, and their bold black lines provide visual contrast to the delicate snowflakes that float airily in the sidebars. A trio of Bentley's ground-breaking black-and-white photographs of snowflakes, along with a picture and quote from him about his love for his work, is the icing that tops off this attractive volume. Ages 4-8.
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

I love the wood cut illustrations; they bring a feeling of jumping back in time. There was something refreshing also to see how difficult it was to capture images so long ago. With cell phones and digital cameras, I think we take for granted how much of life can be documented. This book reminds us of a simpler time. The story of Wilson Bentley was told in storybook way that keeps even younger readers fascinated. The added facts in the side bars help older readers to build questions and become more inquisitive. This is a fantastic book that must be a part of the library.

Grandfather's Journey

Review of Grandfather's Journey by Allen Say; text: edited by Walter Lorraine From Publishers Weekly

Say transcends the achievements of his Tree of Cranes and A River Dream with this breathtaking picture book, at once a very personal tribute to his grandfather and a distillation of universally shared emotions. Elegantly honed text accompanies large, formally composed paintings to convey Say's family history; the sepia tones and delicately faded colors of the art suggest a much-cherished and carefully preserved family album. A portrait of Say's grandfather opens the book, showing him in traditional Japanese dress, "a young man when he left his home in Japan and went to see the world." Crossing the Pacific on a steamship, he arrives in North America and explores the land by train, by riverboat and on foot. One especially arresting, light-washed painting presents Grandfather in shirtsleeves, vest and tie, holding his suit jacket under his arm as he gazes over a prairie: "The endless farm fields reminded him of the ocean he had crossed." Grandfather discovers that "the more he traveled, the more he longed to see new places," but he nevertheless returns home to marry his childhood sweetheart. He brings her to California, where their daughter is born, but her youth reminds him inexorably of his own, and when she is nearly grown, he takes the family back to Japan. The restlessness endures: the daughter cannot be at home in a Japanese village; he himself cannot forget California. Although war shatters Grandfather's hopes to revisit his second land, years later Say repeats the journey: "I came to love the land my grandfather had loved, and I stayed on and on until I had a daughter of my own." The internal struggle of his grandfather also continues within Say, who writes that he, too, misses the places of his childhood and periodically returns to them. The tranquility of the art and the powerfully controlled prose underscore the profundity of Say's themes, investing the final line with an abiding, aching pathos: "The funny thing is, the moment I am in one country, I am homesick for the other." Ages 4-8.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

I enjoyed the simplicity of this book. It expresses so clearly the feeling of missing one place, while having a deep love for the place you are. The illustrations were also simple, giving you the feeling of looking at a personal scrapbook.

Joseph Had a Little Overcoat

Joseph Had a Little Overcoat by Simms Taback (Viking) From Publishers Weekly

As in his Caldecott Honor book, There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly, Taback's inventive use of die-cut pages shows off his signature artwork, here newly created for his 1977 adaptation of a Yiddish folk song. This diverting, sequential story unravels as swiftly as the threads of Joseph's well-loved, patch-covered plaid coat. A flip of the page allows children to peek through to subsequent spreads as Joseph's tailoring produces items of decreasing size. The author puts a droll spin on his narrative when Joseph loses the last remnant of the coat a button and decides to make a book about it. "Which shows... you can always make something out of nothing," writes Taback, who wryly slips himself into his story by depicting Joseph creating a dummy for the book that readers are holding. Still, it's the bustling mixed-media artwork, highlighted by the strategically placed die-cuts, that steals the show. Taback works into his folk art a menagerie of wide-eyed animals witnessing the overcoat's transformation, miniature photographs superimposed on paintings and some clever asides reproduced in small print (a wall hanging declares, "Better to have an ugly patch than a beautiful hole"; a newspaper headline announces, "Fiddler on Roof Falls off Roof"). With its effective repetition and an abundance of visual humor, this is tailor-made for reading aloud. All ages. (Oct.)
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

I liked the book version of this book, but the version on Bookflix through Scholastic was so entertaining! The background music was very fitting for the era and culture of which this book took place. It also added other sound effects that made the book come alive. In either form, this book is sure to capture the young audience and keep them guessing what the coat will become next!

So You Want to Be President?

Review of So You Want to Be President? Ill. by David Small; by Judith St. George From Publishers Weekly

This lighthearted, often humorous roundup of anecdotes and trivia is cast as a handbook of helpful hints to aspiring presidential candidates. St. George (Sacagawea; Crazy Horse) points out that it might boost your odds of being elected if your name is James (the moniker of six former presidents) or if your place of birth was a humble dwelling ("You probably weren't born in a log cabin. That's too bad. People are crazy about log-cabin Presidents. They elected eight"). She serves up diverse, occasionally tongue-in-cheek tidbits and spices the narrative with colorful quotes from her subjects. For instance, she notes that "Warren Harding was a handsome man, but he was one of our worst Presidents" due to his corrupt administration, and backs it up with one of his own quotes, "I am not fit for this office and never should have been here." Meanwhile, Small (The Gardener) shows Harding crowned king of a "Presidential Beauty Contest"; all the other presidents applaud him (except for a grimacing Nixon). The comical, caricatured artwork emphasizes some of the presidents' best known qualities and amplifies the playful tone of the text. For an illustration of family histories, Small depicts eight diminutive siblings crawling over a patient young George Washington; for another featuring pre-presidential occupations, Harry Truman stands at the cash register of his men's shop while Andrew Johnson (a former tailor) makes alterations on movie star Ronald Reagan's suit. The many clever, quirky asides may well send readers off on a presidential fact-finding mission and spark many a discussion of additional anecdotes. A clever and engrossing approach to the men who have led America. Ages 7-up. (Aug.)
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Though this is a great book and has many fun and eccentric facts about presidents, it was published in 2000 and only spans through President Clinton. On page 43 it states, "No person of color has been president" as well as stating a woman ran for vice president. Both are obviously not facts any longer after the election of 2008. The glossary of presidents in the back of the book is also off a bit due to time continuing. As a librarian I would still have this book in the library, but would caution the children as to the date of publication.

The Three Pigs

A Review of The Three Pigs by David Wiesner From Publishers Weekly

Even the book's younger readers will understand the distinctive visual code. As the pigs enter the confines of a storybook page, they conform to that book's illustrative style, appearing as nursery-rhyme friezes or comic-book line drawings. When the pigs emerge from the storybook pages into the meta-landscape, they appear photographically clear and crisp, with shadows and three dimensions. Wiesner's (Tuesday) brilliant use of white space and perspective (as the pigs fly to the upper right-hand corner of a spread on their makeshift plane, or as one pig's snout dominates a full page) evokes a feeling that the characters can navigate endless possibilities--and that the range of story itself is limitless. Ages 5-up.

I have to admit this story was not one of my favorites. It seems like a traditional story, but then the animals randomly jump out of the page. They then meander through various stories until they decide to go home and take a dragon with them. Huh? I didn't really get the appeal. The illustrations saved the book for me, with the jump from 2D to 3D type drawings it gave the pages depth. After the third or fourth read to various students and kids, it started to grow on me more. The kids sure seemed to like it more than I did. The boys were especially fond of the story and found it hilarious! It would be a must have because it was an award winner, but I personally didn't care for it.

My Friend Rabbit

Review of My Friend Rabbit by Eric Rohmann From Publishers Weekly

My friend Rabbit means well, begins the mouse narrator. But whatever he does, wherever he goes, trouble follows. Once Rabbit pitches Mouse's airplane into a tree, Rohmann tells most of the story through bold, expressive relief prints, a dramatic departure for the illustrator of The Cinder-Eyed Cats and other more painterly works. Rabbit might be a little too impulsive, but he has big ideas and plenty of energy. Rohmann pictures the pint-size, long-eared fellow recruiting an elephant, a rhinoceros and other large animals, and coaching them to stand one on top of another, like living building blocks, in order to retrieve Mouse's plane. Readers must tilt the book vertically to view the climactic spread: a tall, narrow portrait of a stack of very annoyed animals sitting on each other's backs as Rabbit holds Squirrel up toward the stuck airplane. The next spread anticipates trouble, as four duckling onlookers scurry frantically; the following scene shows the living ladder upended, with lots of flying feathers and scrabbling limbs. Somehow, in the tumult, the airplane comes free, and Mouse, aloft again, forgives his friend... even as the closing spread implies more trouble to follow. This gentle lesson in patience and loyalty, balanced on the back of a hilarious set of illustrations, will leave young readers clamoring for repeat readings. Ages 4-8.
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

I think we all have our own version of Rabbit. You know that friend or family member that always seems to be causing trouble. They don't mean to, but they do. While reading this story I couldn't help but think of my brother Ben. Each page made me laugh a little harder as Rabbit Stacked the animals to try to reach the plane. It was a totally Ben thing to do! Looking to my future it is probably my Lydia who is turning into a "Rabbit" herself. The fantastic story told almost entirely through pictures is a must have for any little one of whom trouble follows!

The Man Who Walked Between the Towers

Review of The Man Who Walked Between the Towers From School Library Journal

As this story opens, French funambulist Philippe Petit is dancing across a tightrope tied between two trees to the delight of the passersby in Lower Manhattan. Gerstein places him in the middle of a balancing act, framed by the two unfinished World Trade Center towers when the idea hits: "He looked not at the towers, but at the space between them and thought, what a wonderful place to stretch a rope-." On August 7, 1974, Petit and three friends, posing as construction workers, began their evening ascent from the elevators to the remaining stairs with a 440-pound cable and equipment, prepared to carry out their clever but dangerous scheme to secure the wire. The pacing of the narrative is as masterful as the placement and quality of the oil-and-ink paintings. The interplay of a single sentence or view with a sequence of thoughts or panels builds to a riveting climax. A small, framed close-up of Petit's foot on the wire yields to two three-page foldouts of the walk. One captures his progress from above, the other from the perspective of a pedestrian. The vertiginous views paint the New York skyline in twinkling starlight and at breathtaking sunrise. Gerstein captures his subject's incredible determination, profound skill, and sheer joy. The final scene depicts transparent, cloud-filled skyscrapers, a man in their midst. With its graceful majesty and mythic overtones, this unique and uplifting book is at once a portrait of a larger-than-life individual and a memorial to the towers and the lives associated with them.
Wendy Lukehart, Washington DC Public Library
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

I had never heard such a story and at first thought it must be a tall tale! By the end of the book I was shocked to know it was actually accomplished! For hour we "walked between towers" on tape lines in the basement. Days later the impact this book had was evident when my oldest walked a balance beam on the playground and shouted, "Look mom I am Philippe!" The story is only supported by the artwork! Each page has a different quality that adds depth to the story. In one the facial expression help to tell it. In other sit is the multiple perspectives from earth or sky that show how daring a feat this was! An amazing book to add to an elementary library collection!

Kitten's First Full Moon

A Review of Kitten's First Full Moon by Kevin Henkes From School Library Journal

An irresistible offering from the multifaceted Henkes. The spare and suspense-filled story concerns a kitten that mistakes the moon for a bowl of milk. When she opens her mouth to lick the treat, she ends up with a bug on her tongue. Next, she launches herself into the air, paws reaching out for the object of her desire, only to tumble down the stairs, "bumping her nose and banging her ear and pinching her tail. Poor Kitten." Again and again, the feline's persistent attempts to reach her goal lead to pain, frustration, and exhaustion. Repetitive phrases introduce each sequence of desire, action, and consequence, until the animal's instincts lead her home to a satisfying resolution. Done in a charcoal and cream-colored palette, the understated illustrations feature thick black outlines, pleasing curves, and swiftly changing expressions that are full of nuance. The rhythmic text and delightful artwork ensure storytime success. Kids will surely applaud this cat's irrepressible spirit. Pair this tale with Frank Asch's classic Moongame (S & S, 1987) and Nancy Elizabeth Wallace's The Sun, the Moon and the Stars (Houghton, 2003) for nocturnal celebrations.-Wendy Lukehart, Washington DC Public Library
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

This book is another that will be loved by the younger crowd, especially the pre-K kiddos. My 3 year old found this book most interesting 1. because it had animals, and 2. because the humor of the kitty thinking the moon was milk was her kind of humor! The story is simple to follow and kitten prevails in the end, getting a bowl of real milk. I am sure this one would be difficult to keep on the shelves in an elementary library.

The Hello, Goodbye Window

Review of The Hello, Goodbye Window Ill. by Chris Raschka, by Norton Juster From School Library Journal

The window in Nanna and Poppy's kitchen is no ordinary window–it is the place where love and magic happens. It's where the girl and her doting grandparents watch stars, play games, and, most importantly, say hello and goodbye. The first-person text is both simple and sophisticated, conjuring a perfectly child-centered world. Sentences such as "When I get tired I come in and take my nap and nothing happens until I get up" typify the girl's happy, imaginative world. While the language is bouncy and fun, it is the visual interpretation of this sweet story that sings. Using a bright rainbow palette of saturated color, Raschka's impressionistic, mixed-media illustrations portray a loving, mixed-race family. The artwork is at once lively and energetic, without crowding the story or the words on the page; the simple lines and squiggles of color suggest a child's own drawings, but this is the art of a masterful hand. Perfect for lap-sharing, this book will find favor with children and adults alike.–Angela J. Reynolds, Washington County Cooperative Library Services, Hillsboro, OR

This book takes on a special sentimental value with the sweet relationship between the granddaughter and grandparents. Not only did it bring back memories of my grandparents and how I loved to go to see them when I was young. It also accentuated the relationship my children have with their grandparents now. It points out how important the little things we share each day really are to children, down to every hello and goodbye. The softness of the illustrations helped to reinforce the books message and drew in the young listener. The book was a sweet story that should be told again and again.

Floatsam

A Review of Flotsam by David Wiesner from School Library Journal

A wave deposits an old-fashioned contraption at the feet of an inquisitive young beachcomber. Its a Melville underwater camera, and the excited boy quickly develops the film he finds inside. The photos are amazing: a windup fish, with intricate gears and screwed-on panels, appears in a school with its living counterparts; a fully inflated puffer, outfitted as a hot-air balloon, sails above the water; miniature green aliens kowtow to dour-faced sea horses; and more. The last print depicts a girl, holding a photo of a boy, and so on. As the images become smaller, the protagonist views them through his magnifying glass and then his microscope. The chain of children continues back through time, ending with a sepia image of a turn-of-the-20th-century boy waving from a beach. After photographing himself holding the print, the youngster tosses the camera back into the ocean, where it makes its way to its next recipient. This wordless books vivid watercolor paintings have a crisp realism that anchors the elements of fantasy. Shifting perspectives, from close-ups to landscape views, and a layout incorporating broad spreads and boxed sequences, add drama and motion to the storytelling and echo the photographic theme. Filled with inventive details and delightful twists, each snapshot is a tale waiting to be told. Pair this visual adventure with Wiesners other works, Chris Van Allsburgs titles, or Barbara Lehmans The Red Book (Houghton, 2004) for a mind-bending journey of imagination.–Joy Fleishhacker, School Library Journal
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This is another wordless book that is well deserving of the Caldecott award it has earned. The pictures are vivid and intriguing!. At first they seem "normal" then they take an unusual turn. It is fun to look at each picture and pick out what seems "not quite right". The concept of the book is a bit difficult to grasp for younger students (first grade or below), but the idea of the camera traveling over decades can be picked up by older student more easily. It would be a fantastic book to use to spark some creative writing. A must have for the elementary library.

The Invention of Hugo Cabret

Review of The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick from Amazon.com

Orphan, clock keeper, and thief, Hugo lives in the walls of a busy Paris train station, where his survival depends on secrets and anonymity. But when his world suddenly interlocks with an eccentric, bookish girl and a bitter old man who runs a toy booth in the station, Hugo's undercover life, and his most precious secret, are put in jeopardy. A cryptic drawing, a treasured notebook, a stolen key, a mechanical man, and a hidden message from Hugo's dead father form the backbone of this intricate, tender, and spellbinding mystery.

This book was so built up in my mind, I have to admit I was afraid it would not live up to expectations. Luckily my fears we unfounded! This was an amazing story with astounding art. I loved the way in some sections of the book it would show a story in itself, like a travel path of Hugo, yet in other portions it would show the same view of something just getting closer and more detailed. It added variety to the book and different perspectives to the reader.

The story I loved because it told the story in parts, yet the stories were interwoven. There was just enough mystery to keep you reading, but none of the outcomes were shocking. You couldn't help but be excited for Hugo in the end when he finally found a place to call home. Not only would I have this in an elementary or middle school library, I would think it a must for a high school library. Amazing book, cover to cover!