BIBLIOGRAPHY:
Sweet, Melissa. 2005. SCHOOLYARD RHYMES: KIDS’ OWN RHYMES FOR ROPE SKIPPING, HAND CLAPPING, BALL BOUNCING, AND JUST PLAIN FUN by Judy Sierra. New York: Alfred A. Knopf. ISBN 0375825169
PLOT SUMMARY:
Sierra’s collection of favorite schoolyard rhymes is sure to be a favorite with kids. Full of pure nonsense and fun, the rhymes have been passed down through generations. While much of their creation remains a mystery, the chants are extremely popular in American culture. The light hearted rhymes may often complement games such as hand clapping and jump rope. Sierra includes a couple of rhymes on each page to form a book chalk full of favorites.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS:
The characters are everyday objects and people that children can easily relate to such as teddy bears, soda cans, or teachers. The rhymes feature silly combinations of words and events adding to the fun of the craft. They have a quick rhythm which is generally set to a popular tune. This adds to the rhymes longevity as it easier to remember. Because many of the stories were created a long time ago, they often feature older words like peppermint stick that are not part of children’s vernacular today.
Sweet sketches vibrant illustrations to complement the energy of the rhymes. Using bright water colors, she created pictures that are child-like and carefree. She borders many of the rhymes with text imbedded in an object like a jump rope or clothesline.
This collection is intended for adults to share with kids. I feel that it would be helpful if the author had suggested a tune at the bottom of the rhyme to guide the reader. Because many of these rhymes have different renditions, kids might be a little confused. For example, there are several lines in Sierra’s version of Miss Mary Mack that are often altered by kids today.
AWARDS WON AND REVIEW EXCERPTS(S):
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL review: “Sierra has selected some of the funniest and most memorable schoolyard rhymes available in this appealing collection, including such old favorites as Miss Mary Mack, Mack, Mack, Lady with the Alligator Purse, and Liar, Liar, Pants on Fire.”
BOOKLIST review: “A great choice for back-to-school displays.”
CONNECTIONS:
*Teach the students several of the rhymes that carry the same tune. Have them sing to build oral fluency skills.
*Have your students write down their favorite schoolyard rhymes to build your own library’s collection.
*Select a favorite rhyme and have each child draw their own illustrations.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
BUBBA THE COWBOY PRINCE
BIBLIOGRAPHY:
Warhola, James. 1997. BUBBA THE COWBOY PRINCE: A FRACTURED TEXAS TALE by Helen Ketteman. New York: Scholastic Press. ISBN 0590255061
PLOT SUMMARY:
Bubba lives on a ranch with his cruel stepbrothers, Dwayne and Milton, and evil stepdaddy. When Miz Lurleeen, the prettiest girl in the county, decides to have a ball to find herself a companion, the stepbrothers hurry off to the ball telling Bubba he’s too smelly. However, the fairy godcow appears and magically changes Bubba into a handsome cowboy with dazzling clothes. Bubba goes to the ball and enchants Miz Lurleen, but at midnight, his clothes turn back to rags, and embarrassed, he runs off. Miz Lurleen is left with one of his boots, and she decides to try it on all the men in the county to find her guy. The boot fits Bubba perfectly, and the happy couple rides off into the sunset together.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS:
The characters in Ketteman’s tale directly represent archetypes of good and evil. While they are very flat and not well developed, the audience still knows to root for Bubba against the wicked step brothers and step daddy. The story reads with a quick pace keeping up the interest of young readers. In addition, the Texas diction is fabulous. Ketteman’s word choice and spelling such as “purtiest” gives the language a thick Southern draw.
The illustrations are crucial to the development of the setting. They showcase authentic details to Texas culture such as big hair, belt buckles, and fiddles. By providing a rich and dramatized Texas backdrop, the illustrations contrast this tale from the other Cinderella stories. In addition, the great expressions Warhola paints on the character’s faces help emphasize the emotion.
I think kids will find the silly nature of this book most appealing. Ketteman’s language lends itself great to storytelling. However, young children might find the language to be challenging for them to read independently as they won’t be familiar with the some of the words.
AWARDS WON AND REVIEW EXCERPT(S):
KIRKUS: “A Cinderella parody features the off-the-wall, whang-dang Texas hyperbole of Ketteman (The Year of No More Corn, 1993, etc.) and the insouciance of Warhola, who proves himself only too capable of creating a fairy godcow; that she's so appealingly whimsical makes it easy to accept the classic tale's inversions.”
CONNECTIONS:
* Compare and contrast this story to the original Cinderella (Disney). Make a bubble chart to assist as a visualize aid for the students while they discuss.
* Share other Cinderella variants
Martin, R. THE ROUGH-FACE GIRL. ISBN 0698116267
Climo, S. THE EGYPTIAN CINDERELLA ISBN 0064432793
*Have students create their own variant using inspiration from their local community. For example, the protagonist could be a new boy who came to school and the antagonists could be two bullies and an evil teacher.
Warhola, James. 1997. BUBBA THE COWBOY PRINCE: A FRACTURED TEXAS TALE by Helen Ketteman. New York: Scholastic Press. ISBN 0590255061
PLOT SUMMARY:
Bubba lives on a ranch with his cruel stepbrothers, Dwayne and Milton, and evil stepdaddy. When Miz Lurleeen, the prettiest girl in the county, decides to have a ball to find herself a companion, the stepbrothers hurry off to the ball telling Bubba he’s too smelly. However, the fairy godcow appears and magically changes Bubba into a handsome cowboy with dazzling clothes. Bubba goes to the ball and enchants Miz Lurleen, but at midnight, his clothes turn back to rags, and embarrassed, he runs off. Miz Lurleen is left with one of his boots, and she decides to try it on all the men in the county to find her guy. The boot fits Bubba perfectly, and the happy couple rides off into the sunset together.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS:
The characters in Ketteman’s tale directly represent archetypes of good and evil. While they are very flat and not well developed, the audience still knows to root for Bubba against the wicked step brothers and step daddy. The story reads with a quick pace keeping up the interest of young readers. In addition, the Texas diction is fabulous. Ketteman’s word choice and spelling such as “purtiest” gives the language a thick Southern draw.
The illustrations are crucial to the development of the setting. They showcase authentic details to Texas culture such as big hair, belt buckles, and fiddles. By providing a rich and dramatized Texas backdrop, the illustrations contrast this tale from the other Cinderella stories. In addition, the great expressions Warhola paints on the character’s faces help emphasize the emotion.
I think kids will find the silly nature of this book most appealing. Ketteman’s language lends itself great to storytelling. However, young children might find the language to be challenging for them to read independently as they won’t be familiar with the some of the words.
AWARDS WON AND REVIEW EXCERPT(S):
KIRKUS: “A Cinderella parody features the off-the-wall, whang-dang Texas hyperbole of Ketteman (The Year of No More Corn, 1993, etc.) and the insouciance of Warhola, who proves himself only too capable of creating a fairy godcow; that she's so appealingly whimsical makes it easy to accept the classic tale's inversions.”
CONNECTIONS:
* Compare and contrast this story to the original Cinderella (Disney). Make a bubble chart to assist as a visualize aid for the students while they discuss.
* Share other Cinderella variants
Martin, R. THE ROUGH-FACE GIRL. ISBN 0698116267
Climo, S. THE EGYPTIAN CINDERELLA ISBN 0064432793
*Have students create their own variant using inspiration from their local community. For example, the protagonist could be a new boy who came to school and the antagonists could be two bullies and an evil teacher.
I, DOKO
BIBILOGRAPHY:
Young, Ed. 2004. I, DOKO: THE TALE OF A BASKET. New York: Philomel Books. ISBN 0399236232
PLOT SUMMARY:
The story is told by a basket named Doko. Although a simple basket, he plays an integral role throughout the life of his master. From the holding the babies of the family to carrying the wife when she passes away to bringing the dowry when the son is married, Doko is always present for important moments. When Doko’s master becomes old and feeble, the son seeks to leave his father at the temple using Doko to transport him. Before the father leaves, the grandson requests that the father return Doko, so that he too will be able to take his father to the temple to leave when he is old. Shocked and full of tears, the son turns back and brings his father back to the cottage.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS:
Young captures life in his story as if it’s on a rolodex showing quick glimpses of events through the lives of the characters. The quote on the first page is provocative and leads nicely into the story. The book carries excellent rhythm for story telling with each page building the mood. At the end, I, DOKO sends a strong message about treating elders as one would like to be treated themselves.
The chalk and splatter paint illustrations are airy and scenic complementing the tale-like nature of the story. The pictures allow the reader to be better educated about Nepalese culture providing images of a “doko” as well as traditional clothing. The colors used emphasize the mood in the tale. Happier times have light green and blue backgrounds where tragic and tense times feature dark red and blue.
I loved how Young showcased Doko as little and simple yet one of the heroes. As the humble narrator, the audience has grown fond of the Doko throughout the story. Therefore, when it is Doko who plays a pivotal role in saving his master, the reader is surprised yet most satisfied.
AWARDS WON AND REVIEW EXCERPTS:
Starred review in BOOKLIST: “As increasing numbers of families anticipate in-home care for elderly relatives, parents will want to share this story's poignant message with their children. The book may also inspire students' recastings of familiar tales from unusual points of view.”
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL review: “The simple text offers a splendid backdrop for the beautiful illustrations. Done in gouache, pastel, and collage, the pictures have graceful lines, subtle textures, and magnificent colors. With gold endpapers and gold edgings around each page, there's a timeless quality suited to the story. Lovely.”
CONNECTIONS:
* Lead a discussion using sing the quote on the first page “What one wishes not upon oneself, one burdens not upon another” –Kung Fu Tze, Sixth Century, B.C. Ask the students what their interpretation of the quote is.
* Share other stories illustrated by Ed Young and have the children find some common themes of Asian culture
Reibstein, Marke. WABI SABI. ISBN 0316118257
Adams, Tracey. THE LOST HORSE: A CHINESE FOLKTALE. ISBN
015205023
* Invite children to create stories using the perspective of their own belongings such as a backpack or a shoe.
Young, Ed. 2004. I, DOKO: THE TALE OF A BASKET. New York: Philomel Books. ISBN 0399236232
PLOT SUMMARY:
The story is told by a basket named Doko. Although a simple basket, he plays an integral role throughout the life of his master. From the holding the babies of the family to carrying the wife when she passes away to bringing the dowry when the son is married, Doko is always present for important moments. When Doko’s master becomes old and feeble, the son seeks to leave his father at the temple using Doko to transport him. Before the father leaves, the grandson requests that the father return Doko, so that he too will be able to take his father to the temple to leave when he is old. Shocked and full of tears, the son turns back and brings his father back to the cottage.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS:
Young captures life in his story as if it’s on a rolodex showing quick glimpses of events through the lives of the characters. The quote on the first page is provocative and leads nicely into the story. The book carries excellent rhythm for story telling with each page building the mood. At the end, I, DOKO sends a strong message about treating elders as one would like to be treated themselves.
The chalk and splatter paint illustrations are airy and scenic complementing the tale-like nature of the story. The pictures allow the reader to be better educated about Nepalese culture providing images of a “doko” as well as traditional clothing. The colors used emphasize the mood in the tale. Happier times have light green and blue backgrounds where tragic and tense times feature dark red and blue.
I loved how Young showcased Doko as little and simple yet one of the heroes. As the humble narrator, the audience has grown fond of the Doko throughout the story. Therefore, when it is Doko who plays a pivotal role in saving his master, the reader is surprised yet most satisfied.
AWARDS WON AND REVIEW EXCERPTS:
Starred review in BOOKLIST: “As increasing numbers of families anticipate in-home care for elderly relatives, parents will want to share this story's poignant message with their children. The book may also inspire students' recastings of familiar tales from unusual points of view.”
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL review: “The simple text offers a splendid backdrop for the beautiful illustrations. Done in gouache, pastel, and collage, the pictures have graceful lines, subtle textures, and magnificent colors. With gold endpapers and gold edgings around each page, there's a timeless quality suited to the story. Lovely.”
CONNECTIONS:
* Lead a discussion using sing the quote on the first page “What one wishes not upon oneself, one burdens not upon another” –Kung Fu Tze, Sixth Century, B.C. Ask the students what their interpretation of the quote is.
* Share other stories illustrated by Ed Young and have the children find some common themes of Asian culture
Reibstein, Marke. WABI SABI. ISBN 0316118257
Adams, Tracey. THE LOST HORSE: A CHINESE FOLKTALE. ISBN
015205023
* Invite children to create stories using the perspective of their own belongings such as a backpack or a shoe.
Monday, February 8, 2010
A CALDECOTT CELEBRATION
BIBLIOGRAPHY:
Marcus, Leonard S. 1998. A CALDECOTT CELEBRATION: SIX ARTISTS AND THEIR PATHS TO THE CALDECOTT MEDAL. New York: Walker and Company. ISBN 0802786561
PLOT SUMMARY:
To honor the 60th anniversary of the Caldecott Award, A CALDECOTT CELEBRATION tells the stories of six of the most famous winners. A short introduction explains why the award was created and the process behind selecting recipients. Then Marcus delves into the lives of Robert McCloskey, Marcia Brown, Maurice Sendak, William Steig, Chris Van Allburg, and David Wiesner. Short biographies are given about the respective artists as well as the inspiration behind creating their award winning books.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS:
A CALDECOTT CELEBRATION brings meaning behind famous illustrations to life. By exploring the journeys of illustrators, a voice is given to efforts behind the creations. Not only does the reader learn about the illustrator personally, but the struggles they endured in composing their masterpieces. Marcus's book shows that with hard work and dedication dreams can become reality.
Much attention is devoted to the various artistic techniques used by the illustrators. Marcus provides the reader with an inside glimpse into how the famed works were created. From explaining how McCloskey observed ducks in Boston to Brown's painstakingingly detailed process of separating colors so that the appropriate hue would be created, the book provides a fascinating glimpse into the illustrator's worlds.
The book is laid out beautifully with many old sketches and drafts of the famous works included. Additionally, there are photographs of items that provided the inspiration for the drawings. Overall, Marcus does a wonderful job in applauding the efforts of illustrators.
AWARDS WON AND REVIEW EXCERPT(S):
Starred review in PUBLISHERS WEEKLY: “Filled with witty anecdotes and pithy observations, Marcus’s approach to examining the works of six Caldecott Medalists will be of as much interest to adults as to picture book readers.”
Starred review in BOOKLIST: “A lively, informative introduction to each book and its maker. A beautifully made book, this will serve as a fine resource for children interested in illustration and for teachers researching author/ illustrator studies.”
CONNECTIONS:
*Have the students select their own favorite illustrator to research
*Pull all the books from your library who have won the Caldecott Award and let the kids browse through the books to find their favorites
*Using the books published this year, have the children vote on who they think should win the Caldecott for next year
Marcus, Leonard S. 1998. A CALDECOTT CELEBRATION: SIX ARTISTS AND THEIR PATHS TO THE CALDECOTT MEDAL. New York: Walker and Company. ISBN 0802786561
PLOT SUMMARY:
To honor the 60th anniversary of the Caldecott Award, A CALDECOTT CELEBRATION tells the stories of six of the most famous winners. A short introduction explains why the award was created and the process behind selecting recipients. Then Marcus delves into the lives of Robert McCloskey, Marcia Brown, Maurice Sendak, William Steig, Chris Van Allburg, and David Wiesner. Short biographies are given about the respective artists as well as the inspiration behind creating their award winning books.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS:
A CALDECOTT CELEBRATION brings meaning behind famous illustrations to life. By exploring the journeys of illustrators, a voice is given to efforts behind the creations. Not only does the reader learn about the illustrator personally, but the struggles they endured in composing their masterpieces. Marcus's book shows that with hard work and dedication dreams can become reality.
Much attention is devoted to the various artistic techniques used by the illustrators. Marcus provides the reader with an inside glimpse into how the famed works were created. From explaining how McCloskey observed ducks in Boston to Brown's painstakingingly detailed process of separating colors so that the appropriate hue would be created, the book provides a fascinating glimpse into the illustrator's worlds.
The book is laid out beautifully with many old sketches and drafts of the famous works included. Additionally, there are photographs of items that provided the inspiration for the drawings. Overall, Marcus does a wonderful job in applauding the efforts of illustrators.
AWARDS WON AND REVIEW EXCERPT(S):
Starred review in PUBLISHERS WEEKLY: “Filled with witty anecdotes and pithy observations, Marcus’s approach to examining the works of six Caldecott Medalists will be of as much interest to adults as to picture book readers.”
Starred review in BOOKLIST: “A lively, informative introduction to each book and its maker. A beautifully made book, this will serve as a fine resource for children interested in illustration and for teachers researching author/ illustrator studies.”
CONNECTIONS:
*Have the students select their own favorite illustrator to research
*Pull all the books from your library who have won the Caldecott Award and let the kids browse through the books to find their favorites
*Using the books published this year, have the children vote on who they think should win the Caldecott for next year
KNUFFLE BUNNY
BIBLIOGRAPHY:
Willems, Mo. 2004. KNUFFLE BUNNY. New York: Hyperion Books for Children. ISBN 0786818700
PLOT SUMMARY:
Willem's story is about a young child, Trixie, who accidentally leave her beloved Knuffle Bunny behind during an outing to the Laundromat. When Trixie realizes what she's done, she tries to notify her dad. However, since Trixie cannot speak yet, expressing her unhappiness is the only means she has. Unfortunately, her dad does not understand what is wrong. Upon arriving home, the mom immediately asks where the Knuffle Bunny is. The family hurries back to the Laundromat and as the dad finds the stuffed animal, Trixie exclaims "Knuffle Bunny". These are her first words.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS:
Many children will be able to relate to Willem's tale about losing a dear stuffed animal. The plot is simple enough for young audiences to easily understand yet detailed enough to be believable. Also, the main character, Trixie, is around the same age as most children who are likely to have a "friend" they tag along.
The setting is created with a series of black and white photographs taken on the city streets. One dimensional, colorful characters are sketched into the photographs. The contrast of color, dimension, and medium proves striking. Additionally, the simplicity of the drawings place emphasis on the mood's of the characters.
Personally, while the illustrations are eye catching, I do not find them to be aesthetically appeling. I like the photographs, but the character sketeches come across to me as harsh and a little frightening. However, they do have a cartoon-like appearance that is generally a big hit with children. Therefore, kids might be more inclined to show an appreciation for the illustrations.
AWARDS AND REVIEWED EXCERPTS:
Bccb Blue Ribbon Picture Book Award
Starred review in SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: "Personalities are artfully created so that both parents and children will recognize themselves within these pages."
Starred review in BOOKLIST: "This comic gem proves that Caldecott Medal-winner Willems, the Dr. Spock and Robin Williams of the lap-sit crowd, has just as clear a bead on pre-verbal children as on silver-tongued preschoolers."
CONNECTIONS:
*Lead a discussion about the importance of keeping up with our belongings. Encourage children to share ideas about how they can make sure their most cherished possessions stay safe, so they don't end up like Knuffle Bunny.
*Gather other books that have been written by Mo Willems. Share with the students that he has won 6 Emmy Awards for his work on Sesame Street to connect books to the popular TV show.
DON'T LET THE PIGEON DRIVE THE BUS ISBN: 078681988X
TIME TO PEE! ISBN: 0786818689
THE PIGEON FINDS A HOT DOG ISBN: 0786818697
Willems, Mo. 2004. KNUFFLE BUNNY. New York: Hyperion Books for Children. ISBN 0786818700
PLOT SUMMARY:
Willem's story is about a young child, Trixie, who accidentally leave her beloved Knuffle Bunny behind during an outing to the Laundromat. When Trixie realizes what she's done, she tries to notify her dad. However, since Trixie cannot speak yet, expressing her unhappiness is the only means she has. Unfortunately, her dad does not understand what is wrong. Upon arriving home, the mom immediately asks where the Knuffle Bunny is. The family hurries back to the Laundromat and as the dad finds the stuffed animal, Trixie exclaims "Knuffle Bunny". These are her first words.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS:
Many children will be able to relate to Willem's tale about losing a dear stuffed animal. The plot is simple enough for young audiences to easily understand yet detailed enough to be believable. Also, the main character, Trixie, is around the same age as most children who are likely to have a "friend" they tag along.
The setting is created with a series of black and white photographs taken on the city streets. One dimensional, colorful characters are sketched into the photographs. The contrast of color, dimension, and medium proves striking. Additionally, the simplicity of the drawings place emphasis on the mood's of the characters.
Personally, while the illustrations are eye catching, I do not find them to be aesthetically appeling. I like the photographs, but the character sketeches come across to me as harsh and a little frightening. However, they do have a cartoon-like appearance that is generally a big hit with children. Therefore, kids might be more inclined to show an appreciation for the illustrations.
AWARDS AND REVIEWED EXCERPTS:
Bccb Blue Ribbon Picture Book Award
Starred review in SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: "Personalities are artfully created so that both parents and children will recognize themselves within these pages."
Starred review in BOOKLIST: "This comic gem proves that Caldecott Medal-winner Willems, the Dr. Spock and Robin Williams of the lap-sit crowd, has just as clear a bead on pre-verbal children as on silver-tongued preschoolers."
CONNECTIONS:
*Lead a discussion about the importance of keeping up with our belongings. Encourage children to share ideas about how they can make sure their most cherished possessions stay safe, so they don't end up like Knuffle Bunny.
*Gather other books that have been written by Mo Willems. Share with the students that he has won 6 Emmy Awards for his work on Sesame Street to connect books to the popular TV show.
DON'T LET THE PIGEON DRIVE THE BUS ISBN: 078681988X
TIME TO PEE! ISBN: 0786818689
THE PIGEON FINDS A HOT DOG ISBN: 0786818697
THE HOUSE IN THE NIGHT
BIBLIOGRAPHY:
Krommes, Beth. 2008. THE HOUSE IN THE NIGHT by Susan Marie Swanson. New York: Houghton Mifflin Company. ISBN 0618862447
PLOT SUMMARY:
In this bedtime story, the world is depicted as calm and whimsical. When a family returns home, the child goes to his room where there is a light. He finds a book on his bed and reads as story about a bird flying through the sky. Illustrations show the child on the back of the bird as it soars through the night sky. To conclude, the child is tucked into bed by his mother and enters a peaceful slumber.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS:
Swanson's words carry a very soothing rhythm. She presents the story primarily through short prepositional phrases that build up to a climax. For the second half of the story, she inverts many of the same phrases used during the first half. Using this style, the reader feels as if he is slowly zooming in and out of the story.
The illustrations further complement this technique as broad scenes of rolling hills gradually narrow in focus to the bedroom. In the middle of the Swanson's book, the main character is swept away himself by the book he is reading as he imagines himself as part of the story. Once the character finishes reading his book, the illustrations guide the audience's focus from the bedroom back into the vast night outside. This specific and gradual progression of images adds to the book's comforting nature. THE HOUSE IN THE NIGHT presents the world as orderly and safe.
The illustrations are black and white with certain objects "lit up" in yellow. The "yellow light" leads the reader through the story not only emphasizing key objects but also offering a reassuring light in the darkness. The pictures are expansive compared to the simple text. Thus, the majority of the plot is understood through illustrations.
I do not think the cover does justice to the illustrations inside the book. From the cover, the book seems rather dull based on the lack of color and simplicity title and might not intrigue a young reader to pull it from the shelf. However, once the child opens the book and begins to read, I feel the dream-like images will quickly engage the reader.
AWARDS WON AND REVIEW EXCERPTS:
Caldecott Award
Starred review in SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: "Swanson weaves a soothing song that is as luminescent and soulful as the gorgeous illustrations that accompany her words."
Starred review in BOOKLIST: "A beautiful piece of bookmaking that will delight both parents and children."
CONNECTIONS
*Read "This is the Key of the Kingdom" out of the OXFORD NURSERY RHYME BOOK and have the children listen to the rhyme patterns
*Lead a discussion regarding the children's bedtime rituals and encourage them to read a book as part of their routine.
*Gather other books illustrated by Beth Krommes to show the students additional illustrations made crafted through wood engraving/scratchboard
Sidman, Joyce. BUTTEFLY EYES AND OTHER SECRETS OF THE MEADOW. ISBN-13: 978-0618563135
Nicholls, Judith. THE SUN IN ME. ISBN-13: 978-1846861611
Krommes, Beth. 2008. THE HOUSE IN THE NIGHT by Susan Marie Swanson. New York: Houghton Mifflin Company. ISBN 0618862447
PLOT SUMMARY:
In this bedtime story, the world is depicted as calm and whimsical. When a family returns home, the child goes to his room where there is a light. He finds a book on his bed and reads as story about a bird flying through the sky. Illustrations show the child on the back of the bird as it soars through the night sky. To conclude, the child is tucked into bed by his mother and enters a peaceful slumber.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS:
Swanson's words carry a very soothing rhythm. She presents the story primarily through short prepositional phrases that build up to a climax. For the second half of the story, she inverts many of the same phrases used during the first half. Using this style, the reader feels as if he is slowly zooming in and out of the story.
The illustrations further complement this technique as broad scenes of rolling hills gradually narrow in focus to the bedroom. In the middle of the Swanson's book, the main character is swept away himself by the book he is reading as he imagines himself as part of the story. Once the character finishes reading his book, the illustrations guide the audience's focus from the bedroom back into the vast night outside. This specific and gradual progression of images adds to the book's comforting nature. THE HOUSE IN THE NIGHT presents the world as orderly and safe.
The illustrations are black and white with certain objects "lit up" in yellow. The "yellow light" leads the reader through the story not only emphasizing key objects but also offering a reassuring light in the darkness. The pictures are expansive compared to the simple text. Thus, the majority of the plot is understood through illustrations.
I do not think the cover does justice to the illustrations inside the book. From the cover, the book seems rather dull based on the lack of color and simplicity title and might not intrigue a young reader to pull it from the shelf. However, once the child opens the book and begins to read, I feel the dream-like images will quickly engage the reader.
AWARDS WON AND REVIEW EXCERPTS:
Caldecott Award
Starred review in SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: "Swanson weaves a soothing song that is as luminescent and soulful as the gorgeous illustrations that accompany her words."
Starred review in BOOKLIST: "A beautiful piece of bookmaking that will delight both parents and children."
CONNECTIONS
*Read "This is the Key of the Kingdom" out of the OXFORD NURSERY RHYME BOOK and have the children listen to the rhyme patterns
*Lead a discussion regarding the children's bedtime rituals and encourage them to read a book as part of their routine.
*Gather other books illustrated by Beth Krommes to show the students additional illustrations made crafted through wood engraving/scratchboard
Sidman, Joyce. BUTTEFLY EYES AND OTHER SECRETS OF THE MEADOW. ISBN-13: 978-0618563135
Nicholls, Judith. THE SUN IN ME. ISBN-13: 978-1846861611
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This blog was created to showcase my book reviews for a course at TWU. I hope you enjoy them!
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