How chipmunk got his stripes

Bruchac, Joseph and James Bruchac.  2001.  How Chipmunk got his stripes.  Ill. by Jose Aruego and Ariane Dewey.   New York: Dial Books for Young Readers.  ISBN 0803724047

Plot:

In the beginning of the story, there is a bear and chipmunk disputing over the sunrise.  They continue a discussion of what will happen in the morning.  Will there be darkness or light?  Of course, the know it all bear thinks that he has the power to control the sunrise.  To make matters worse, the squirrel is name calling using words that can be deemed hurtful. 

Critical Analysis:

The characters of the book are the bear and the Squirrel, which is referred in the end of the book, as the chipmunk.  Within the story there are minimal supporting characters and are bystanders rather than intertwined in the storyline.    

The theme of the story is that someone wants to be right   There seems to be a power struggle between the bear and the squirrel.  Each is looking to be in control of mother nature.  As each page is turned there is a whimsical tone with regards to the illustrations.  They are colorful and appealing ,in order to, grab the audience's attention.  The illustrations correlate to the storyline that creates a cohesive main idea.

The moral lesson of the story brings the book together, in the sense that each page is a learning experience. Making fun of someone's mistakes is clearly wrong because it  creates anger and humiliation.    The story makes emphasis on that lesson.  Of course, the bear is not amused by the humiliation and ends up trying to hurt the squirrel. 

The story brings attention to bullying, which in any form, is incorrect behavior.  The moral of the story is to acknowledge the wrong behavior and offer an apology, whenever possible.  No one deserves to be humiliated in a private or public setting.  The book offers important life lessons to children and brings an awareness to the consequences that can influence future behavior.

Excerpts:

From School Library Journal: "He is now Chipmunk, the Striped One."

Oliff, Grace.  Review of How Chipmunk got his stripes by Joseph Bruchac and James Bruchac.   School Library Journal 47(2):109. 

From Kirkus Reviews: "Cleaver use of perspective emphasizes the difference in size between boastful Bear and his pint-sized trickster opponent."

Kirkus Reviews.  2000.  "Review of How Chipmunk got his stripes by Joseph Bruchac and James Bruchac.  Accessed September 22.  https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/joseph-bruchac/how-chipmunk-got-his-stripes/.

Connections:

other books by Joseph Bruchac

Children of the Longhouse  ISBN 0140385045

The Earth under Sky Bear's feet  ISBN 069811647X

The First Strawberries ISBN 01405644098

                       

-Activities for children-

Children can be asked to write why is it wrong to make fun of someone.

Ask children to learn how to prevent bullying and notify a teacher if they see it happening.

Children can be asked to write why name calling is wrong.  What are the consequences of name calling?

Ask children if they know what to do if they see someone being made fun of.

Personal Response:

            I love the story because it gives life lessons that children and adults should know.  Being a bully, no matter the age group, is morally wrong.  This is an introduction to learning what is acceptable behavior.  A teacher or parent can start by teaching children appropriate behaviors to different situation.  The book teaches children right from wrong.  It teaches children that consequences are due to our own actions.   I would recommend the book to parents.

 

The three pigs

Wiesner, David.  2001.  The Three Pigs.  New York: Clarion Books.  ISBN 06818007016

Plot:

The story opens with the traditional classic tale of The Three Little Pigs, then transitions into other children's stories books.  As the pages are turned, the three pigs' adventures become interesting and imaginative.  Instead of the outcome of the classic tale, the pigs are going through to see how life can be, if the wolf doesn't exist.  

Critical Analysis:

The main character are the three pigs and the wolf that is derived from the original story.  The supporting characters include a cat, a cow and a dragon.  The supporting characters are sporadically and strategically placed within the book. 

The  main theme is the pigs are jumping from various classical books and merging themselves within the story.  The illustrations shows loose leaf papers, as if, the pigs are reading classic tales, but that is a hypothesis.  The blank and torn pages within the book could support that theory.    Illustrations are colored with pencil because of the striations patterns of the characters, while others seem to be water colored images.

The idea that the pigs are finding acquaintances to scare away the wolf is something unexpected.   The setting, in which, pigs travel through various storylines creates a fun backdrop.  The pages turn and the reader can imagine the next adventure.   The book makes several references to classic children's stories to capture the audience and remind the reader of the original works. 

 

Excerpts:

From Booklist: "Wiesner has created a funny, wildly imagined tale that encourages kids to leap beyond the familiar, to think critically about conventional stories and illustration, and perhaps to flex their imaginations and create wonderfully subversive versions of their own stories."

Engberg, Gillian.  Review of The three pigs by David Wiesner.  Booklist 97(18):1761.

From School Library Journal: "Children will delight in the changing perspectives, the effect of the wolf's folded-paper body, and the whole notion of the interrupted narrative."

Lukehart, Wendy.  Review of The three pigs by David Wiesner.  School Library Journal 47(4):126. 

From Kirkus Reviews: "On the last few pages, the final words of the text break apart, sending letters drifting down into the illustrations to show us that once we have ventured into the wider world, our stories never stay the same."

Kirkus Reviews.  2001.  "Review of The three pigs by David Wiesner.  Accessed September 22.  https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/david-wiesner/the-three-pigs/.

Awards:

Caldecott Winner (2002)

Top 100 Picture Books #68 (2012) School Library Journal

Connections:

other books by David Weisner

Mr. Wuffles (2014 Caldecott Honor Books) ISBN 0618756612

Tuesday (1992 Caldecott Medal Winner) ISBN 0395551137

Flotsam (2007 Caldecott Medal Winner) ISBN 0618194576

                       

-Activities for children-

Children can be asked to write a corresponding story to continue the storyline.

Ask children to color the different houses and describe the materials that might be used.

Children can write a different scenario to continue story and present in front of the classroom.

Personal Response:

            I loved the revitalization of the classic tale and how it intertwines other stories.  I like the fact that a person can choose the ending of the book.  A teacher can engage children to use their imagination and critical thinking skills to make up additional storylines.  This practice is beneficial because a teacher can teach additional skills that can promote literacy.

Rumpelstiltskin

Zelinsky, Paul O.  1986.  Rumpelstiltskin.  New York: E.P. Dutton.  ISBN 0525442650    

Plot:

The story begins with a mysterious creature,  small in stature who is deceitful towards the miller's daughter.  The man offers his power to turn straw to gold for the miller's daughter in order to please  the king demands.  This power is not without giving something in return , a firstborn child.

Critical Analysis:

The characters of the story are the man who goes by the name of Rumpelstiltskin and the miller's daughter.  The supporting characters, the miller, who is mentioned briefly in the story but is underdeveloped and the king who is in and out of the storyline.  The king's character is not consistent in every page but does make an entrance to see the gold thread.

The setting is a straw-filled room and a spinning wheel in which will be used for gold.  The style of the story is surrounded by the mystery of Rumpelstiltskin and his magical powers.  How does the little man know when someone is in need?  Rumpelstiltskin preys on the innocent and takes advantage of the miller's daughter. 

The  main theme is full of deception by Rumpelstiltskin which is seemingly chronicled throughout the book.  The tone is somber, due to the desperation, of the miller's daughter to pay her debt.   The miller's daughter outsmarts the man by answering his question by using trickery herself. 

The illustrations are colorful prints that follow each scene so that if a reader was unable to comprehend the storyline, it could be seen as a visual aide.

 

Excerpts:

From School Library Journal: "Zelinsky's smooth retelling and glowing pictures cast the story in a new and beautiful light."

Patron, Susan.  1986.   Review of Rumpelstiltskin by Paul O. Zelinsky.  School Library Journal 33(2):168.

From Kirkus Reviews: "The miller's daughter/queen has the face of a madonna, although her expressions are contemporary enough to interest modern children in her plight."

Kirkus Reviews.  1986.  "Review of Rumpelstiltskin by Paul O. Zelinsky.  Accessed September 22.  https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/jacob-grimm/rumpelstiltskin-7/.

Awards:

Caldecott Honor Book (1987)

School Library Journal Best Book

Connections:

other books by Paul O. Zelinsky

Rapunzel ISBN 01423011930

The Wheels on the Bus ISBN 0525446443

Knick Knack Paddywhack  ISBN 0525469087

                       

-Activities for children-

Children can be asked to write what the moral lessons are in the book.

Children can write what their thoughts about the story and share with the class.  This will give an idea of how they comprehended the story and lesson.

Personal Response:

            The book is somewhat of a sad story in which a person must decide what is more important to them.  There are several moral dilemmas in the book that are heartbreaking and others are lessons to learn.  The emotional pull to find out the ending creates a suspense that has to be solved. The secrecy of the man's name is revealed. 

This is a blog for a course requirement. LS5603 Literature for Children and Young Adults

Walk a green path

Lewin, Betsy.  1995. Walk a green path.  New York: Lothrop, Lee & Shepard Books.  ISBN 0688134254

Plot:

This intriguing picture book takes you through a adoring journey with the beauty of nature.  The pictures envelops the individual to imagine where each plant takes you.  An awareness of nature gives us an imaginary garden, seen only, by the reader.  The beauty of each plant is greatly appreciated by those who love gardening.  It is though we are time traveling to view each specimen and finding beauty with nature.  It is quite mysterious when you read the book because the tone seems to having a lingering quality, as if, you are waiting for the next plant bloom to arrive.

Critical analysis:

The characters of the book are a variety of plants that are seemingly described by the author.  Her point of view is finding breathtaking views of something so simplistic and beautiful. 

The setting is somewhat elusive as the author makes several references of locations from around the world.  There is not a clear location to the plants as described in the book only a brief reference to a possible location.  One has to use their imagination to find such beauty within each plant.     Imagery is used to convey a thought process.  The author writes with an enthusiastic tone to surround the reader into a tranquil environment.

The theme seems to stem from the love of  nature, plants, and environment.  The positive tone to the book carries throughout and it seems, as if, we are sitting right next to the plant, itself.

The author conveys messages like a symphony of music, relaxing and enjoying what is around us.  The book is remarkably written well and the effect of the water colored pictures give a soothing tone.  

Excerpts:

From the School Library Journal: "Lewin transports viewers to lush watercolor paintings to an appreciation of the green world."

Piehl, Kathy.  Review of Walk a green path by Betsy Lewin.  School Library Journal 41(Apr 95):126. 

From Booklist: "The paintings are the most memorable part of the book, beautifully conveying a sense of Lewin's affection for growing things, both backyard and exotic."

Vender, Mary Harris.  Review of Walk a green path by Betsy Lewin.  Booklist 91(June 1995):1778. 

From Kirkus Reviews: "Lewin draws readers into a celebration of the green path with brief poetic reflections and full page watercolors of growing things encountered around the world."

Kirkus Reviews.  1995.  "Review of Walk a green path by Betsy Lewin." Accessed September 9.  https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/betsy-lewin/walk-a-green-path/. 

Connections:

Other Betsy Lewin books

Chubbo's Pool ISBN 039572807X

You Can Do It!  ISBN 0823430553

Animal Snackers ISBN 0439774268

Activities for children:

Children can draw their favorite plant and write a story about the scene.

Children can plant a school garden to learn about plants.

Personal Response:

I believe the book is a great learning tool for everyone.  It gives you the idea that nature is beautiful and that you can enjoy the scenery.  The book takes you through a wonderful insight of seeing nature in its rarest form, simply by observing it.  I would recommend the book to anyone who enjoys nature, gardening or a tranquil setting.

The Invention of Hugo Cabret

Selznick, Brian.  2007.  The Invention of Hugo Cabret.  New York: Scholastic Press.  ISBN 0439813786

Plot:

Mystery is around a boy named Hugo, who lives his life in a train station, adjusting clocks. The setting takes place in Paris, France, a place Hugo calls home.  He is stealth in his movements, so that no one finds out, who he really is.  Through the shadows and darkness, Hugo begins a covert mission to fix an automata, whose previous life, is a mystery.  Where did the automata come from?  Hugo has no family in existence throughout the book and his only companion seems to be the automata.  Though he is intrigued by the automata, he is obsessed with finding the secrets it holds.  To repair the automata, Hugo begins to steal from a toy merchant who is located within the train station. He begins this journey to complete the automata by taking apart the toys to fix what is wrong with the mechanism.  The fascination with the automata seems to stem from drawings his father culminated, previously, which surprises the toy merchant. 

Critical Analysis:

The automata has become a constant companion to Hugo.  He becomes obsessed with the automata and has a thirst to find out the key secret.  What does the automata have in store?  The book keeps the reader in suspense and once you begin the journey with Hugo, it hooks the individuals to unlock the secrets. 

Hugo Cabret is like a detective, asking questions, observing every aspect of the train station.  He is well knowable in many aspects, especially fixing toys.  His drive to fix the automata becomes a crutch and a rewarding experience at the same time.   It seems Hugo has a maddening persona because he is consumed by the automata.   

The mystery behind the toy maker is revealed at the end of the book.  There are twists and turns with Hugo and the toy maker.  Conflict between the two is evident throughout the book, possible because the toy merchant sees himself in Hugo.  Why is the toy merchant interested in the drawings of the automata?

The latter part of the book reveals the true identity of the toy merchant, a man called George Melies, who turns out to be a pioneer in cinema.  An astonishing revelation is that George is the  creator of the automata.  It is a surprising twist to the story and somewhat unexpected.  Throughout the book, there are remarkable scenes, intertwining characters and setting the tone for the story.  It loops together characters by circumstances such as the toy merchant parts and the automata. 

The theme throughout the book is somber and sad.  There is a sense of urgency, secrecy, and hidden messages to unfold.  The book briefly mentions a few family members but they are underdeveloped and do not contribute greatly to the storyline.

Brian Selznick did a wonderful job, illustrating scenes in black and white pencil drawings that create a mysterious setting.  Every page becomes intriguing and a person can feel drawn to the character, as if, they are in the story themselves. 

Excerpts:

From the School Library Journal: "Selznick's art ranges from evocative, shadowy spreads of Parisian streets to penetrating close-ups."

Lukehart, Wendy. Review of  The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick.   School Library Journal 53(5):218.

From Booklist: "an intriguing mystery set in 1930s Paris about an orphan, a salvaged clockwork invention, and a celebrated filmmaker, resuscitates an anemic genre- the illustrated novel- and takes it to a whole new level."

Mattson, Jennifer.  Review of  The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick.  Booklist 103(9/10):97. 

From the Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books: "However, the pacing, plot, and characters are all geared to young readers, who will find Hugo, the intrepid orphan racing against time and towards his goals, as compelling as the artistic tribute to cinema and forgotten filmic geniuses."

Spisak, April.  Review of The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick.  Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books 60(8):321-344.

From Horn Book Magazine:"There is a bounty of mystery and incident here, along with several excellent chase scenes expertly rendered in the atmospheric, dramatically crosshatched black-and-white (naturally) pencil drawings that make up at least a third of the book."

Sutton, Roger.  Review of The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick.  Horn Book Magazine 83(2):173-175.

From Kirkus Reviews: "The book, an homage to early filmmakers as dreammakers, is elegantly designed to resemble the flickering experience of silent film melodramas."

Kirkus Review.  2007.  "Review of The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick."  Accessed September 9.  https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/brian-selznick/the-invention-of-hugo-cabret/.

Connections:

Other Brian Selznick books

Wonderstruck ISBN    0545027896                          

The Houdini Box ISBN 0689844514

The Boy of a Thousand Faces ISBN 0064410803

Awards:

2008 Caldecott Medal Winner

Activities for children:

Watch a George Melies movie and write about your thoughts.

Children can color scenes from the book like the clocks or the automata.

Children can draw a version of the automata and explain what it can do.  What would the automata draw for them?

Personal Response:

I believe the pencil drawings helped me coordinate the tone of the book with the words.  When visual imagery is used, the individual can sense the setting and theme of the book.  Although, the surprising part of the book was the creator of the automata, which was at the end of the book.  The story focus primarily on the automata and what its secrets hold.  It kept me in suspense and turn the page to find out the secret.  The book was a learning experience and I took away from it a lesson that is true.  The secret, is to follow your dreams, no matter your age.  

Eloise: A book for precocious grown ups

Thompson, Kay.  1955.  Eloise: A book for precocious grown ups.  Ill. by Hilary Knight.  New York: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers.  ISBN 067122350X

Plot:

 Picture a luxurious hotel known for its distinct exterior and historical significance, a place where the elite gather for afternoon tea and a child named Eloise who lives in the hotel.  The Plaza Hotel is a prestigious hotel where notable guests are New York socialites. The book takes you through Eloise's adventures from the hotel lobby, to the elevators and ballrooms to show how she spends her day.  Her life is filled with fun activities, visiting guests, playing with toys, and ordering room service.   All these activities under the watchful eye of her precious nanny who cares for Eloise.  Eloise has a life of privilege and uses it at her leisure.  Whether she skips, hops, jumps, runs or walks through the hotel, Eloise takes you into her world, as seen through her eyes.

Critical Analysis:

The main character, Eloise, is a small child whose companion is her nanny, a dog named Weenie, and Skipperdee, a pet turtle.  Eloise seems to be a lonely child, as she lives in a hotel, with no other child companion.  The book makes one reference to a mother but is underdeveloped and not a part of the main story line.  Eloise seems to pass the day by keeping herself busy.  Her imagination runs wild and fills her day with activities to occupy time. 

The story seems to focus on a wealthy society at The Plaza Hotel.  It  is known for their glamorous establishment and location in New York City.  The author uses French phrases to add an air of sophistication to the book.  It feels, as if, you are among the finest in the world. 

The grandeur of The Plaza Hotel is seen through the remarkable drawings by Hilary Knight.  The illustrator used black, white and pink throughout the book, to show the elegant backdrop of the hotel.  The luxury of the hotel can be seen by the attire that the guest are wearing.  The illustrations mimic the story and anyone can follow the main idea. 

In the book, there are some phrases that are repetitive, in order, to accentuate the language distinction of a culture.  The author uses the character ,nanny, to place those phrases to emphasize the meaning of a word.    Spelling errors are noted throughout the book, possibly due to the phonics of each word.

The author references time on the last page of the book, as if, all the activities take place in one day, as suppose to throughout a week. 

Excerpts:

Top 100 Picture Books #37- School Library Journal 2009

Top 100 Picture Books #76- School Library Journal 2012

1998 Literary Landmark- The Plaza Hotel (where the books setting is written from)

Connections:

Other Kay Thompson Books:

Eloise in Paris ISBN 0689827040                 

Eloise in Moscow ISBN 0689832117           

Eloise at Christmastime ISBN 0689830394              

-Activities for children-

Ask school children, what activities would they do at a hotel, if it was their permanent home?

Would you like to live in a hotel?  Why?

Children could be asked to draw their version of an "Eloise room."

Personal Response:

I believe the book is relatable to many children whose parents work away from home.  It is a great book to teach children to keep themselves busy by doing fun activities.  From running, playing or finding thing to do, children can create a schedule of activities to entertain themselves for the day.  It teaches critical thinking because a child must make a list of things to do.  Although Eloise is a privileged child, her daily activities are simplistic and don't require monetary funds.  The moral of the story is to have fun.