1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Sis, Peter. 2007. THE WALL: GROWING UP BEHIND THE IRON CURTAIN. New York: Frances Foster Books. ISBN 0374347018
2. PLOT SUMMARY
Sis provides readers with an intimate, inside perspective to the Iron Curtain. He powerfully communicates his message through drawings that illustrate events that happened as he grew up in Soviet ruled Czechoslovakia. While captions are provided to detail the scenes, the meaning lies in the images. Strategic use of color and font create powerful moods unifying the images. Sis’s work emphasizes the dreams that could be found in the west combined with the despair that was present in the tightly controlled east.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Based on his own experience, Sis does not use sources to aid his book. Therefore, there is no bibliography. The book is primarily comprised of important historical events. Having lived through the time, readers will appreciate the personal perspective and details Sis can give to the situation.
This nonfiction work is untraditional in structure as it relies heavily on drawings with very little text. There is a brief yet consistent storyline throughout that follows a chronological format. Although there is not a reference aid, given the style of the book, it is not necessary.
The style is highly unique yet moving. On some pages, the design can seem a little busy at times as the reader is presented with many images at once. The lack of text encourages the audience to think.
Although this book is brief with lots of illustrations, it is not appropriate for young children. They do not have the critical historical knowledge necessary to appreciate the book. As a result, they would not understand many of the messages and probably find the book quite boring.
4. AWARDS WON AND REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
Caldecott Honor Book
Robert F. Sibert Medal
Starred review in BOOKLIST: “Throughout, terrific design dramatizes the conflict between conformity and creative freedom, often through sparing use of color; in many cases, the dominant palette of black, white, and Communist red threatens to swallow up young Peter's freely doodled, riotously colored artwork.
Starred review in SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “Complex, multifaceted, rich in detail . . . [Sís’s] concluding visions of freedom are both poignant and exhilarating.”
5. CONNECTIONS
*Lead a discussion about the Iron Curtain. Explain to the students about the USSR.
* Have students create drawings detailing historical events that happened in their lives.
* Share other books written by Peter Sis
The Tree of Life: Charles Darwin ISBN: 0374456283
Starry Messenger: Galileo Galilei ISBN: 0374470278
Monday, March 22, 2010
THE BRAIN
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Simon, Seymour. 2006. THE BRAIN: OUR NERVOUS SYSTEM. New York: Collins. ISBN 006877189
PLOT SUMMARY
Simon’s presentation of the brain is awe inspiring. The large full page images are graphic, grotesque, and cool. The book details the way neurons communicate by firing signals, memory, and how specific portions of the brain function. Chalk full of little factoids such as “your brain continues to grow in size until you are seven years old” young audiences are sure to be fascinated.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Backed the Smithsonian, Simon has created another nonfiction masterpiece about the human body. To further his credibility, he includes a short excerpt thanking Dr. Etingin for her careful review of the manuscript. However, the book is missing a bibliography.
Simon’s book flows logically starting with basic components of the brain first and later progressing to more complex processes. There are no reference aids, but the text is concise and is surrounded by images that help to organize the content.
The extraordinary images make the book very enticing. The clarity is incredible and complements the amazing capabilities of the brain quite nicely. By using large font and dedicating the majority of space on pages to images, the highly scientific text does not overwhelm. Simon’s book is sure to stir curiosity amongst readers.
While Simon’s book is excellent, the topic is difficult to comprehend. I would make sure readers were accelerated before presenting them with this.
AWARDS AND REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
LIBRARY SCHOOL JOURNAL: “His clear, concise writing style is complemented by stunning color images taken with radiological scanners, such as CAT scans, MRIs, and SEMs (scanning electron microscopes.)”
BOOKLIST: “Simon's way of explaining what's happening in everyday terms enhances the book's readability. Attentive readers will be rewarded with a dramatic portrait of what Simon calls "the control center for everything you do."
CONNECTIONS
* Invite a neurologist to be a guest speaker at your school.
* Explain how EEG, CAT, MRI, and PCT scans work to create images.
* Share other books written by Simon about the body
THE HEART: OUR CIRCULATORY SYSTEM ISBN: 0060877219
MUSCLES: OUR MUSCULAR SYSTEM ISBN: 0688177204
Simon, Seymour. 2006. THE BRAIN: OUR NERVOUS SYSTEM. New York: Collins. ISBN 006877189
PLOT SUMMARY
Simon’s presentation of the brain is awe inspiring. The large full page images are graphic, grotesque, and cool. The book details the way neurons communicate by firing signals, memory, and how specific portions of the brain function. Chalk full of little factoids such as “your brain continues to grow in size until you are seven years old” young audiences are sure to be fascinated.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Backed the Smithsonian, Simon has created another nonfiction masterpiece about the human body. To further his credibility, he includes a short excerpt thanking Dr. Etingin for her careful review of the manuscript. However, the book is missing a bibliography.
Simon’s book flows logically starting with basic components of the brain first and later progressing to more complex processes. There are no reference aids, but the text is concise and is surrounded by images that help to organize the content.
The extraordinary images make the book very enticing. The clarity is incredible and complements the amazing capabilities of the brain quite nicely. By using large font and dedicating the majority of space on pages to images, the highly scientific text does not overwhelm. Simon’s book is sure to stir curiosity amongst readers.
While Simon’s book is excellent, the topic is difficult to comprehend. I would make sure readers were accelerated before presenting them with this.
AWARDS AND REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
LIBRARY SCHOOL JOURNAL: “His clear, concise writing style is complemented by stunning color images taken with radiological scanners, such as CAT scans, MRIs, and SEMs (scanning electron microscopes.)”
BOOKLIST: “Simon's way of explaining what's happening in everyday terms enhances the book's readability. Attentive readers will be rewarded with a dramatic portrait of what Simon calls "the control center for everything you do."
CONNECTIONS
* Invite a neurologist to be a guest speaker at your school.
* Explain how EEG, CAT, MRI, and PCT scans work to create images.
* Share other books written by Simon about the body
THE HEART: OUR CIRCULATORY SYSTEM ISBN: 0060877219
MUSCLES: OUR MUSCULAR SYSTEM ISBN: 0688177204
MICHELANGELO
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Stanley, Diane. 2000. MICHELANGELO. New York: HarperCollins Publishers. ISBN 06880150853
2. PLOT SUMMARY
When Michelangelo was born, it was unlikely he would become a great artist. However, through a series of fortunate events he was placed in the care of people who would foster his talents. From a stonecutter who inspired his love of sculpture to the Medici family who provided his formal education, Michelangelo was given great opportunity in the world of art. In his twenties, his Pieta and David caught the eye of many quickly making him the most popular sculptor in Italy. After that, unfortunately, most of his life he was forced to do work he largely distained for the Vatican such as painting the Sistine Chapel. His last duty was designing Saint Peter's Cathedral. He passed away in the middle of its construction.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Stanley is a favorite author in the realm of children's nonfiction books. In the opening her book, she establishes credibility for MICHELANGELO by giving thanks to a Haravard professor who assisted her compilation. The work includes a bibliography at the end where all the sources of information used can be found.
The book's layout follows the natural chronological sequence of events. Although lacking specific reference aids, the text is broken up with illustrations and symbols making it easy to navigate. The illustrations are instrumental in clarifying the text as they allow readers to see the art created by Michelangelo as well as the places he worked. Having one picture per page, the illustrations provide the reader with a way to focus on the more important events given that Michelangelo's life was very complex.
Stanley treats her audience as young scholars writing a book that provides an in depth and thorough perspective of Michelangelo's life. Her vocabulary is rich and style mature.
In my opinion, this biography should only be read by accelerated readers who are in 4th grade or above. I strongly disagree with the "8+" age level inside the cover. While the book is superb, it is important that the audience have a thorough understanding of the significance of the papacy during the 15th and 16th centuries in order to comprehend many of the events. I feel less advanced readers will easily become frustrated by the density of information and not be able to make the necessary connections.
4. AWARDS AND REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY: "There is no one like Stanley (Leonardo da Vinci; Joan of Arc) for picture-book biography as she brings to the genre an uncanny ability to clarify and compress dense and tricky historical matter, scrupulous attention to visual and verbal nuances, and a self-fulfilling faith in her readers' intelligence."
BOOKLIST: " But when it comes to Michelangelo's sculptures and paintings, Stanley does an interesting thing. Rather than trying to re-create them herself, she inserts actual images that were computer manipulated, using Adobe Photoshop. A few of the images are not as crisp as one might like, but seeing Michelangelo chiseling the statue of David makes for a surprising, effective bit of art."
5. CONNECTIONS
* Pull art books that show Michelangelo's masterpieces to share with students
* Teach a lesson about life in the 15th and 16th centuries, so students have a better understanding of the time period Michelangelo lived.
*Share other biographies by Diane Stanley
LEONARDO DA VINCI ISBN: 0688161553
JOAN OF ARC ISBN: 0064437485
Stanley, Diane. 2000. MICHELANGELO. New York: HarperCollins Publishers. ISBN 06880150853
2. PLOT SUMMARY
When Michelangelo was born, it was unlikely he would become a great artist. However, through a series of fortunate events he was placed in the care of people who would foster his talents. From a stonecutter who inspired his love of sculpture to the Medici family who provided his formal education, Michelangelo was given great opportunity in the world of art. In his twenties, his Pieta and David caught the eye of many quickly making him the most popular sculptor in Italy. After that, unfortunately, most of his life he was forced to do work he largely distained for the Vatican such as painting the Sistine Chapel. His last duty was designing Saint Peter's Cathedral. He passed away in the middle of its construction.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Stanley is a favorite author in the realm of children's nonfiction books. In the opening her book, she establishes credibility for MICHELANGELO by giving thanks to a Haravard professor who assisted her compilation. The work includes a bibliography at the end where all the sources of information used can be found.
The book's layout follows the natural chronological sequence of events. Although lacking specific reference aids, the text is broken up with illustrations and symbols making it easy to navigate. The illustrations are instrumental in clarifying the text as they allow readers to see the art created by Michelangelo as well as the places he worked. Having one picture per page, the illustrations provide the reader with a way to focus on the more important events given that Michelangelo's life was very complex.
Stanley treats her audience as young scholars writing a book that provides an in depth and thorough perspective of Michelangelo's life. Her vocabulary is rich and style mature.
In my opinion, this biography should only be read by accelerated readers who are in 4th grade or above. I strongly disagree with the "8+" age level inside the cover. While the book is superb, it is important that the audience have a thorough understanding of the significance of the papacy during the 15th and 16th centuries in order to comprehend many of the events. I feel less advanced readers will easily become frustrated by the density of information and not be able to make the necessary connections.
4. AWARDS AND REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY: "There is no one like Stanley (Leonardo da Vinci; Joan of Arc) for picture-book biography as she brings to the genre an uncanny ability to clarify and compress dense and tricky historical matter, scrupulous attention to visual and verbal nuances, and a self-fulfilling faith in her readers' intelligence."
BOOKLIST: " But when it comes to Michelangelo's sculptures and paintings, Stanley does an interesting thing. Rather than trying to re-create them herself, she inserts actual images that were computer manipulated, using Adobe Photoshop. A few of the images are not as crisp as one might like, but seeing Michelangelo chiseling the statue of David makes for a surprising, effective bit of art."
5. CONNECTIONS
* Pull art books that show Michelangelo's masterpieces to share with students
* Teach a lesson about life in the 15th and 16th centuries, so students have a better understanding of the time period Michelangelo lived.
*Share other biographies by Diane Stanley
LEONARDO DA VINCI ISBN: 0688161553
JOAN OF ARC ISBN: 0064437485
Friday, March 5, 2010
THE BRAID
BIBLIOGRAPHY:
Frost, Helen. 2006. THE BRAID. New York: Frances Foster Books. ISBN 0374309620
PLOT SUMMARY:
Two sisters, Jeannie and Sarah, are separated during the Highland Clearances when their family is forced to leave Scotland for Canada. However, before they are separated Sarah braids their hair together, and cuts it off leaving each girl with a part. Jeannie sets sail with the family while Sarah stays behind with her grandmother. The journey at sea is brutal and takes the lives of the girls’ father and two of their younger siblings. Having nothing upon arrival, Jeannie, her mother, and little baby brother struggle to find food and stay alive. Day by day, they slowly make progress. Back in Scotland, Sarah falls in love with Murdo who impregnates her. Not knowing there is a baby, Murdo leaves for Canada and finds Sarah’s family. Wanting to marry Sarah, he asks for her mother’s permission and plans to return. He is able to find work on a ship which takes him back to Scotland, and the couple is united.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS:
Frost intricately crafts a heartfelt story. Praise poems intertwine Jeannie and Sarah’s narration poems to transition between the two voices. The effect is beautiful as the reader feels connected to the stories yet is given poetry breaks to reflect. These poems in between shed light on subjects such as money or food that are pertinent to the story. The sentences are short and read with a quick rhythm.
The book is best described as depressing yet eloquent. It is not till the end that any hope seems to arise. There is strong theme of devotion to family through separation. The verse novel sends a profound statement regarding the hardships of immigrants.
The work is very moving. With both girls telling their sides, the reader has a chance to feel their agony. In my opinion, the subject matter is only appropriate for mature readers. Children should not be exposed to such pain at early ages.
AWARDS WON AND REVIEW EXCERPTS:
Starred review from School Library Journal: “While the inventive form is accomplished and impressive, it's the easy flow of the verse and its emotional impact that will carry even reluctant readers into the windswept landscape and the hardships and dreams of these two girls.”
Starred review from Booklist: “The braid is both powerful fact and stirring metaphor in the girls' story of lasting connections, oceans apart, and it extends to encompass themes of home, shelter, and heritage, as well as the yearning for family wherever one lives.”
CONNECTIONS:
*Lead a discussion regarding hardships caused by family separation. See if any of your students have immigration stories they would like to share.
*Have students write a praise poem to go along with the book
*Share nonfiction books about the Highland Clearances
Richard, Eric. THE HIGHLAND CLEARANCES: PEOPLE, LANDLORDS, AND RURAL TURMOIL. ISBN 1841585424
Mackenzie, Alexander. HISTORY OF THE HIGHLAND CLEARANCES. ISBN 0901824968
Frost, Helen. 2006. THE BRAID. New York: Frances Foster Books. ISBN 0374309620
PLOT SUMMARY:
Two sisters, Jeannie and Sarah, are separated during the Highland Clearances when their family is forced to leave Scotland for Canada. However, before they are separated Sarah braids their hair together, and cuts it off leaving each girl with a part. Jeannie sets sail with the family while Sarah stays behind with her grandmother. The journey at sea is brutal and takes the lives of the girls’ father and two of their younger siblings. Having nothing upon arrival, Jeannie, her mother, and little baby brother struggle to find food and stay alive. Day by day, they slowly make progress. Back in Scotland, Sarah falls in love with Murdo who impregnates her. Not knowing there is a baby, Murdo leaves for Canada and finds Sarah’s family. Wanting to marry Sarah, he asks for her mother’s permission and plans to return. He is able to find work on a ship which takes him back to Scotland, and the couple is united.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS:
Frost intricately crafts a heartfelt story. Praise poems intertwine Jeannie and Sarah’s narration poems to transition between the two voices. The effect is beautiful as the reader feels connected to the stories yet is given poetry breaks to reflect. These poems in between shed light on subjects such as money or food that are pertinent to the story. The sentences are short and read with a quick rhythm.
The book is best described as depressing yet eloquent. It is not till the end that any hope seems to arise. There is strong theme of devotion to family through separation. The verse novel sends a profound statement regarding the hardships of immigrants.
The work is very moving. With both girls telling their sides, the reader has a chance to feel their agony. In my opinion, the subject matter is only appropriate for mature readers. Children should not be exposed to such pain at early ages.
AWARDS WON AND REVIEW EXCERPTS:
Starred review from School Library Journal: “While the inventive form is accomplished and impressive, it's the easy flow of the verse and its emotional impact that will carry even reluctant readers into the windswept landscape and the hardships and dreams of these two girls.”
Starred review from Booklist: “The braid is both powerful fact and stirring metaphor in the girls' story of lasting connections, oceans apart, and it extends to encompass themes of home, shelter, and heritage, as well as the yearning for family wherever one lives.”
CONNECTIONS:
*Lead a discussion regarding hardships caused by family separation. See if any of your students have immigration stories they would like to share.
*Have students write a praise poem to go along with the book
*Share nonfiction books about the Highland Clearances
Richard, Eric. THE HIGHLAND CLEARANCES: PEOPLE, LANDLORDS, AND RURAL TURMOIL. ISBN 1841585424
Mackenzie, Alexander. HISTORY OF THE HIGHLAND CLEARANCES. ISBN 0901824968
TOASTING MARSHMALLOWS
BIBLIOGRAPHY:
Kiesler, Kate. 2001. TOASTING MARSHMALLOWS CAMPING POEMS by Kristine O’Connell George. New York: Clarion Books. ISBN 061804597X
PLOT SUMMARY:
George’s collection of poetry pays tribute to fond outdoor memories. Although there is no formal table of contents, the collection flows nicely. The book opens with a poem about a family putting up a tent at the beginning of their trip and ends with a poem about a girl tucking her flannel shirt back into a drawer. The verses are simple and short yet moving and profound. Well articulated, readers can easily relate with the scenes George presents.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS:
George’s poems have a nice rhythm that flows naturally. Her word choice while simple enough for young readers to understand creates wonderful visuals. The frequent use of onomatopoeia such as “wriggle, scoootch, scrunch, giggle, Flop.” makes the reader feel as if he is in the scene himself. The text is arranged in a manner that complements the poems, trickling down for “Storm” and shaped like a tent for “Tent”.
The illustrations are phenomenal and beautiful. The soft brush strokes develop a day dreamy world adding to reminiscent nature of the poems. The paintings provide a scene the reader wishes he could enter.
George’s poetry strongly connects to the audience. As readers can relate to the scenes depicted, it brings them back in time evoking emotions of those memories. George’s book will not only draw kids into the wonder of camping but leave them yearning to go again.
AWARDS WON AND REVIEW EXCERPTS:
Starred review from Booklist: "fine collection brings the outdoors up close...direct, satisfying poems that will engage kids at school, across the curriculum, or at home."
Library School Journal: “All of the selections convey a child-focused sense of wonder as the campers explore the lakefront and surrounding terrain, enjoy the marvels of the natural world, relish meals round the campfire, and toast marshmallows.”
CONNECTIONS:
* Create the perfect setting for this story by constructing a large tent in the library. Read the book aloud from to the children inside the tent to make the poetry reading memorable.
* Ask the students what their favorite camping memories are and have them write their own poem.
* Share other books authored by Kristine O’Connell George
THE GREAT FROG RACE: AND OTHER POEMS. ISBN 0618604782
OLD ELM SPEAKS TREE POEMS. ISBN 0618752420
Kiesler, Kate. 2001. TOASTING MARSHMALLOWS CAMPING POEMS by Kristine O’Connell George. New York: Clarion Books. ISBN 061804597X
PLOT SUMMARY:
George’s collection of poetry pays tribute to fond outdoor memories. Although there is no formal table of contents, the collection flows nicely. The book opens with a poem about a family putting up a tent at the beginning of their trip and ends with a poem about a girl tucking her flannel shirt back into a drawer. The verses are simple and short yet moving and profound. Well articulated, readers can easily relate with the scenes George presents.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS:
George’s poems have a nice rhythm that flows naturally. Her word choice while simple enough for young readers to understand creates wonderful visuals. The frequent use of onomatopoeia such as “wriggle, scoootch, scrunch, giggle, Flop.” makes the reader feel as if he is in the scene himself. The text is arranged in a manner that complements the poems, trickling down for “Storm” and shaped like a tent for “Tent”.
The illustrations are phenomenal and beautiful. The soft brush strokes develop a day dreamy world adding to reminiscent nature of the poems. The paintings provide a scene the reader wishes he could enter.
George’s poetry strongly connects to the audience. As readers can relate to the scenes depicted, it brings them back in time evoking emotions of those memories. George’s book will not only draw kids into the wonder of camping but leave them yearning to go again.
AWARDS WON AND REVIEW EXCERPTS:
Starred review from Booklist: "fine collection brings the outdoors up close...direct, satisfying poems that will engage kids at school, across the curriculum, or at home."
Library School Journal: “All of the selections convey a child-focused sense of wonder as the campers explore the lakefront and surrounding terrain, enjoy the marvels of the natural world, relish meals round the campfire, and toast marshmallows.”
CONNECTIONS:
* Create the perfect setting for this story by constructing a large tent in the library. Read the book aloud from to the children inside the tent to make the poetry reading memorable.
* Ask the students what their favorite camping memories are and have them write their own poem.
* Share other books authored by Kristine O’Connell George
THE GREAT FROG RACE: AND OTHER POEMS. ISBN 0618604782
OLD ELM SPEAKS TREE POEMS. ISBN 0618752420
SONG OF THE WATER BOATMAN
BIBLIOGRAPHY:
Prange, Beckie. 2005. SONG OF THE WATER BOATMAN & OTHER POND POEMS by Joyce Sidman. Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin Company. ISBN 0618135472.
PLOT SUMMARY:
In unique form, Sidman unites science and poetry to create a fascinating book about pond life. Each page features a poem dedicated to a specific creature living in the pond. Adjacent to the poems are nonfiction excerpts that provide the reader with background information. SONG OF THE WATER BOATMAN & OTHER POND POEMS will both enchant and educate readers.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS:
Each of Sidman’s poems has a different style. Some are crafted beautifully using onomateopoeia such as “Spring Splashdown” where others like “In the Depths of the Summer Pond” feature a strong sense of rhythm. Sidman’s use of rhyme in “Song of the Water Boatman and Backswimmer’s Refrain” is brilliant as her word choice adds great musicality without detracting from meaning or feeling forced.
The poems personify the creatures by showcasing their specific attitudes. From the diving beetle saying “If it moves, it is mine. If it’s anywhere near me, it is mine. If I’m hungry (and I’m always hungry), it is mine, mine, mine” to the wood duck’s “Fluff, Fluff, wiggle, wiggle. Snooze, snooze…Mommy calling!” the words leave the reader with a strong impression regarding the demeanor of the creatures.
Prange’s blue and green woodcuts help to bind the poems together as the backgrounds flow nicely between pages. The soothing rhythm that is created by the poems is complemented through the use of watercolor.
While the illustrations would attract younger audiences, the text is rather advanced. Fortunately, there is a glossary in the back of the book to help guide stumped readers. Personally, I feel this book would be best for children 3rd grade and above.
AWARDS WON AND REVIEW EXCERPT(S):
Caldecott Honor Book
BCCB Blue Ribbon Nonfiction Book Award
Starred review in School Library Journal: “An organic union of poetry and science, this book encourages readers to ponder the minutiae and magnificent life of the natural world.”
Starred review in Booklist: “Sidman employs many poetic forms, including austere haikus and rollicking sea shanties, and her fine selections are both accessible and sophisticated.”
CONNECTIONS:
* After discussing the poem “A Small Green Riddle”, invite children to create their own riddles about their favorite part of nature. Have classmates try to guess the riddles.
* Take the students to a nearby pound and look for the creatures featured in the book.
* Compare and contrast this book with Sidman’s BUTTERFLY EYES AND OTHER SECRETS OF THE MEADOW. ISBN 061856313X
Prange, Beckie. 2005. SONG OF THE WATER BOATMAN & OTHER POND POEMS by Joyce Sidman. Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin Company. ISBN 0618135472.
PLOT SUMMARY:
In unique form, Sidman unites science and poetry to create a fascinating book about pond life. Each page features a poem dedicated to a specific creature living in the pond. Adjacent to the poems are nonfiction excerpts that provide the reader with background information. SONG OF THE WATER BOATMAN & OTHER POND POEMS will both enchant and educate readers.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS:
Each of Sidman’s poems has a different style. Some are crafted beautifully using onomateopoeia such as “Spring Splashdown” where others like “In the Depths of the Summer Pond” feature a strong sense of rhythm. Sidman’s use of rhyme in “Song of the Water Boatman and Backswimmer’s Refrain” is brilliant as her word choice adds great musicality without detracting from meaning or feeling forced.
The poems personify the creatures by showcasing their specific attitudes. From the diving beetle saying “If it moves, it is mine. If it’s anywhere near me, it is mine. If I’m hungry (and I’m always hungry), it is mine, mine, mine” to the wood duck’s “Fluff, Fluff, wiggle, wiggle. Snooze, snooze…Mommy calling!” the words leave the reader with a strong impression regarding the demeanor of the creatures.
Prange’s blue and green woodcuts help to bind the poems together as the backgrounds flow nicely between pages. The soothing rhythm that is created by the poems is complemented through the use of watercolor.
While the illustrations would attract younger audiences, the text is rather advanced. Fortunately, there is a glossary in the back of the book to help guide stumped readers. Personally, I feel this book would be best for children 3rd grade and above.
AWARDS WON AND REVIEW EXCERPT(S):
Caldecott Honor Book
BCCB Blue Ribbon Nonfiction Book Award
Starred review in School Library Journal: “An organic union of poetry and science, this book encourages readers to ponder the minutiae and magnificent life of the natural world.”
Starred review in Booklist: “Sidman employs many poetic forms, including austere haikus and rollicking sea shanties, and her fine selections are both accessible and sophisticated.”
CONNECTIONS:
* After discussing the poem “A Small Green Riddle”, invite children to create their own riddles about their favorite part of nature. Have classmates try to guess the riddles.
* Take the students to a nearby pound and look for the creatures featured in the book.
* Compare and contrast this book with Sidman’s BUTTERFLY EYES AND OTHER SECRETS OF THE MEADOW. ISBN 061856313X
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