The Three Pigs

Title: The Three Pigs

Author: David Wiesner

Publisher: Clarion Books

Date: 2001

Number of pages: 40

Reading level: Ages 4-8

Genre: Children's Picture Book

Summary: Once upon a time three pigs built three houses, out of straw, sticks, and bricks. Along came a wolf, who huffed and puffed...But the rest is unexpected...Author David Wiesner pushes the boundaries of the classic story. One by one, the pigs exit the fairy tale's border and set off on an adventure of their own. As the pigs accumulate outside their storybook pages and look in on the wolf they quickly realize they have been taken out of their original fairytale story. The even go as far as folding a page of their own story into a paper airplane, the pigs fly off to visit other storybooks. They visit two other stories, rescuing about-to-be-slain dragons and luring the cat and the fiddle out of the nursery rhyme. The story concludes with them bringing cat and the fiddle and the dragon to their last home, the brick house. When the wolf came for a visit he was in for a pleasant surprise when meeting the three pigs new friends. It was the last thing he expected.

My Reaction: I thought this was an excellent twist to the classic story. I didn't expect what was coming, so the witty and silly illustrations were really a surprise. I felt that the illustrations (like a comic) helped me get into the story and keep track of which story was which. Although it was semi- busy, the text and comic view-points helped the reader keep the story altogether.


Potential Problems: Being that the illustrations are busy it may be difficult for the younger readers to stay enthused in the storybook as they are very distracted with the different stories on each page. It can probably be confusing for children to differ from the original story, although fun.

My Recommendation: This book would best fit in a children's classroom reading time. I would assume it would be best understood with a teacher reading aloud to the children as they can hear the words, and watch the story unfold before them. The illustrations present a great picture for what is going on in the text of the story.

In Daddy's Arms I AM TALL

Title: In Daddy's Arms  I AM TALL

Author(s): 

Folami Abiade, Davida Adedjouma, David A. Anderson, Michael Burgess, Dakari Hru, Angela Johnson, Dinah Johnson, E. Ethelbert Miller, Lenard D. Moore, Sonia Sanchez, Javaka Steptoe, Carole Boston Weatherford

Publisher: Lee and Low Books

Date: 1997

Number of pages: 32

Reading level: Ages 9 - 12

Genre: Poetry and Rhyming 

Summary: This book is an inter-generational compilation of poems and rhymes celebrating fatherhood amongst well known and celebrated African American authors. It brings light the beauty in a father-child relationship.  It helps point out that family is the greatest gift on this earth, and to value this blessing in any way possible. By celebrating fathers, we can gain a deeper understanding of the love families can have. Throughout the course of the different poems, each author has the opportunity to highlight that fathers are amongst the best role models and hero's in today's society. Celebrating the cultural difference in African American families, helping children see that it's OK to be different, and have a different family structure.

My reaction: I think all the authors did a very good job in depicting the beauty that fathers have on our youth. My favorite poem was SEEDS by Javaka Steptoe. Its about a child listening to the father speak about life, and soaking it all in. Like a tree this seed grew within the child and became an apple, and the apple doesn't fall far from the tree (being the father and his ideals).

Potential problems: I did not notice any evident problems in the book.

My recommendation: I truly believe this book is inspirational in so many ways. It shows children that looking up to their fathers is natural and a bond that can never be broken. It aides the reader to see that the relationship child-father is never failing and how wonderful that is. The illustrations by Javaka Steptoe give each page a new dimension bringing each page a new story. It is fascinating, interesting and a fantastic read for young children.

Halloween

 

Title: Halloween

Author: Jerry Seinfeld

Publisher: Byron Preiss

Date: 2002

Number of pages: 33

Reading level: Ages 5-9

Genre: Children's Picture Book

Summary: Seinfeld (and most kids would agree), the purpose of trick-or-treating contains two important words: "Get candy." In this book, a boy takes a trip through the neighborhood in search for name-brand chocolate bars. "I'll wear anything I have to wear... to get the candy from those fools who are so stupidly giving it away," he suggests. The young boy undergoes wardrobe malfunctions in which he urges his impatient friends to wait for him as he fixes his issue. The familiar boy is then made one year to wear a coat over his awaited costume. He always dreamt growing up that he was superman and would one day purchase one of the costumes from the store. He felt inferior in the jacket as him mom sent him out the door with friends wearing a jacket, which covered up the costume in all it's heroic glory. After the coat fiasco, young Seinfeld dresses as a nit picky accountant, with a green visor and a filing cabinet for "chewy things," "sour things" and "rejects." The story then ends as he collects all his candy in a large bowl and consumes them all in one night. After completely a sugar high, Seinfeld wakes up the following morning feeling on top of the world, therefore actually feeling like a true hero, his hero, superman. 

My Reaction: Jerry Seinfeld's Halloween reads like one of his stand up routines that has been oversimplified. I love silliness, good chocolate and holidays however this book makes it a bit distasteful to me

Potential Problems: The book is disrespectful to adults, gives some very bad examples for children and is poorly written. The fact that the protagonist goes around demanding candy and rudely tosses that which he does not care for back to the caring person - it rude. I would think that children should be taught respect and better presentation when approaching doorsteps who kindly give them candy.

My recommendation: I would only recommend this to older children probably... I don't think it's age appropriate for children who actually would be going door to door asking for trick-or-treats. I feel that we should have more respect for adults, especially those handing out candy on such a holiday. It should not be read-aloud in public schools (young aged children) as I don't feel its sets a positive example.

A Year Down Yonder

Title: A Year Down Yonder

Author: Richard Peck

 Publisher: Puffin

Date: October 2000

Number of pages: 144

Reading level: Ages 9-12

Genre: Historical Fiction

Summary: Mary Alice is a 15-year-old who resides in Chicago with her parents. In September when school begins, Mary is sent to live with her Grandmother Dowdel while her parents struggle financially to survive. She is put on a train with her cat Bootsie and makes the long trek to Grandma's house. She immediately starts out a new high school. When the principle asks Mary Alice what grade she was in back in Chicago, she responds she was a sophomore. They comment how she is a year ahead here in their small town therefore she is advanced. Mary Alice then realized this was going to be a long ride in a small town stuck in the past.

Her first day she was sat next to Mildred Burdick who tried weaseling her out of a dollar. Mildred then followed Mary Alice home to Grandmothers after classes in hope to earn her dollar she thought that she was owed. Grandma invited the girls in for tea and corn bread. After hearing Mildred's explanation of why Mary was supposed to give her a dollar, Grandma Dowdel went out, tied Mildred's boots the horse, and sent it on it's way. You see, Mildred's father is in prison and has a long history of theft in the community, so Grandma was simply taking the horse back from the thief and releasing it to go home to it's rightful owner. Mildred then had to walk 5 miles to her house, and it was getting dark soon. Through this Mary Alice realized her Grandma is ruthless, and always looking to the very best/right thing for herself and others around her. 

The story takes place in a small town, centered around the unique individuals. Including Mary Alice's crush Royce, and her teacher Miss. Butler. Through these characters you see the reflection of the woman Mary Alice is to become the year living with her Grandma. She becomes increasingly comfortable living with her grandmother, and even enjoys outings with her crazy relative. 

A year down yonder concludes with Mary Alice and her changed view country-life and Grandma Dowdel, and she hesitates to head back home to Chicago. As for a surprise ending, wedding bells ring when World War II ends, and Mary Alice returns marry Royce McNabb (her long time crush) on Grandma's front porch.

My Reaction: I loved this book in the 7th grade. During reading time I remember not being able to put it down when the teacher said our time was up. I think it's an excellent model for children to view that although the age gap between their Grandparents - and as crazy and odd as they may be- you can still gain appreciation and love with them. I wanted a close bond with my Grandma by the end of the story as Mary Alice had obtained throughout the book with Grandma Dowdel. I love the way the author depicts the setting of the small town, and uses character developments to paint the picture of country-living. I feel as though it is the perfect length for middle school aged children. With it's witty humor and complex thinking ideas behind the protagonist in the story-line, it gives a place for the readers mind to wander and imagine the story as if they were right there living it. The author gave way for this book to become a great escape while also teaching many wonderful themes and hidden moral messages throughout.

Potential Problems: Grandma Dowdel at times is a little gruff in thinking. I could imagine that some children and individuals could mistaken humor of the Grandmothers personality, nature, and pranks to be that of correct character. I would assume most Grandparents are not like Dowdel, and would caution that children realize the fictitious characterization in the novel.

My Recommendation: As said in my reaction, I would assume this would be a positive read in classrooms ranging from 4th - 8th grade. I think children can really connect to the main character, even though it takes place in a totally different time period. The book serves as a clean and wonderful escape from today's technological world.

The Eleventh Hour

Title: The Eleventh Hour

Author: Graeme Base

Publisher: Harry N. Abrams

Date: 1993

Number of pages: 32

Reading level: Ages 9-12

Genre: Mystery

Horace the elephant is hosting a birthday party for his eleventh birthday party. He wants to invite eleven of his friends, play eleven games, and even eat a feast at 11. When his friends arrive to the palace, they salivate over the delicious food Horace has prepared - but Horace had other plans for his guests. They play tennis, and pool, hide and go seek, and gunny-sac races. Everything is perfect for Horace's celebration, until they discover at the time of the feast, that the meal is missing. All the different animals that were invited to the party began to point fingers at one another, and plead their cases as to why it was not them who ate the food. They are left puzzled to figure out the mystery through many different steps. The book is written with a series of deductions and clues to find out where the food disappeared too. Along the border of each page there are clues to unravel the mystery.

The clues lead you on a mysterious journey to figure out the thief. If you decode the message you would find that Kilroy and 111 of his mice friends ate the feast. Using the deductions, the clock, and the decoder in the back you can easily pin-point the perpetrator(s).  The book is so centered around the number 11, that an interesting footnote would be, K is the eleventh letter in the alphabet. Kilroy says in the book that he was incapable of eating the feast all by himself, to which he was telling the truth. The outcome is surprising

Clues such as a guided puzzle, and watching the clock throughout the book, will aide the reader to find out what happened.

My Reaction: I thought this children's book was an excellent picture-book. The way the author used mystery to keep the reader interested was thrilling. At age 21 I still really loved the book and the audience is directed towards that of a younger age. The book has great illustrations that keep you always looking around. It's not a quick read - which could be taken as enjoyable to many children or a young age.

Problems: The book is illustrations are somewhat busy and distracting that a listener might get wrapped up in the images, and miss the point of the story.

Recommendation: I would recommend this book to many elementary children. It would be a perfect book for story-time inside a classroom setting. It could also be used as a wonderful teaching tool for writing, reading and observation. The connection between the plot line, and the illustrations helps the readers gain a greater appreciation for the art in which it is written.

The Foot Book

Title: The Foot Book

Author: Theodor Geisel

Publisher: Random House Children's Books (New York)

Date: 1996

Number of pages: 28

Reading level: Infant-Preschool

Genre: Fantasy

Summary: Dr. Seuss (Theodor Geisel) takes the world of feet on a walk exploring the mysteries of opposites: "Front feet/ Back feet/ Red feet/ Black feet." The author helps bring the world of learning into a new light by making it enjoyable. The book teaches children how to distinguish the differences in all the opposites in regards to placement and movement of feet. The colorful artwork and creative animals help shed light on the funny twist of words and rhymes.

My Reaction: I just love to read this to my nephew. The rhymes make it enjoyable for all ages. My nephew loves looking at all the suessical creations. I like the teaching aspects inside the book that help readers understand the distinguishing factors opposites. This book is also known as Dr. Suess's opposites book. It has always been one of my favorite books, and think it's entertaining for most all readers.

Problems: Depending on the book printing date, and where the book is purchased - there is commonly changes in the grammar and rhymes.

Recommendation: I highly recommend this book for younger children. It is very educational and fun for them at the same time. While they enjoy what they are reading, they will in turn become more and more interested in book!

My Friend Called Rabbitt

Title: My Friend Rabbit

Author : Eric Rohmann

Publisher: Roaring Book Press

Date: 2002

Number of pages: 30

Reading Level: Ages 4-8

Genre: Fantasy

Summary: The theme in this children's book is working together to solve issues. The protagonist is Rabbit, who accidentally gets his mouse friend's plane stuck in a tree one afternoon. Through humorous teamwork, they bring together many other animals and stack them one on top of another in hopes to reach the plane high up in the tree. Their efforts pay off as they work together to reach the plane. But no matter where Rabbit goes, trouble seems to follow.

My Reaction:  I thought this book was fantastic. The pictures work really well with the text to help portray the value and importance of working together. I think it's great of children to see that working together can accomplish the impossible. Sometimes the most observant learning for children comes from that of seeing a hero of a story do something right. Rabbit fixing the problem he created is a great example and helps the reader look up to the protagonist.

Potential problems: I did not come across any problems.


Recommendations: I would recommend this picture book for younger children learning to read. It makes for a great bedtime story, or kindergarten read.

Shadow of a Bull

Title: Shadow of a Bull

Author: Maia Wojciechowska

Publisher: Atheneum Books

Date: 1964

Number of Pages: 151

Reading Level: Ages 9-12

Genre: Children's Literature - Fiction

Summary: Twelve-year old son of local bullfighter Juan Olivar, is raised in the shadow of his deceased Father. Manolo is expected to follow in his fathers footsteps, and become the next great bullfighter in the small town of Arcangel, Spain. Attempting to live up to the expectations of fellow townspeople, Manolo struggles to find the strength and courage to even begin to think of becoming the ultimate bullfighter.

Manolo begins to train as a matador without much enthusiasm. He finds out through through the process what really does bring him happiness and excitement, and it isn't the path that his fathers friends, his mother, and all the locals expected of this young boy. Manolo realizes that he does not have the spirit of a bullfighter, and gives his best friends brother the opportunity to fight in his place. Giving the underdog the rare opportunity that he would not be able to achieve on his own for quite some time shows that Manolo has found convertibility with the situation, and knows it is not his calling at this point in his life. He toils with remaining true to himself, and honoring his late father.  

My Reaction: I really enjoyed this coming of age story. I think that most young men look up to their fathers, and hope to one day have half the success they have achieved in their lifetimes. I think a neat twist to this is Manolo's confidence realizing that he doesn't have to be just like his father to be successful. He knows within his heart that he is not a bullfighter, and is able to stand up with courage and say, "this is not me, I am who I am." I believe it shows great strength to go against the expectations laid out before you. Especially in a culture like Manolo's, and a small town such as Arcangel, Spain. The author had a great way of creating vivid detail so that you felt like you were right there apart of the story.

Potential Problems: There is many bullfighting references and Spanish words that you are directed to flip to the back page for a directory of these terms. It is a more difficult book to understand, and my be better relayed if read aloud.

Recommendations: I would recommend Shadow of a Bull by Maia Wojciechowska as being a great read for many young boys looking to find the strength to stand up and say, "this is me, I am who I am."