BIBLIOGRAPHY
Weisner, David. 2006. FLOTSAM. New York : Clarion Books.
ISBN: 9780618194575 .
AWARDS
Winner of the 2007 Randolph Caldecott Medal
A New York Times Best Illustrated Children's Book
PLOT SUMMARY
It's a clear, sunny day on the beach. A young boy examines flotsam--anything floating that has been washed ashore. Suddenly, the waves dispense an old-fashioned underwater camera with a collection of unusual pictures. A sequence of scenes reveals amazing secrets, from mechanical fish and octopi reading in a living room, to a puffer fish hot-air balloon, sea turtles with buildings on their backs and starfish islands. The most amusing is the image of a girl looking directly out at the viewer and holding a photo of another kid, who is holding a photo of another kid, back through all the kids who had had the camera before and finally reaching the child who had started it all many years ago. The boy takes his own picture and then returns the camera back to the ocean where it belongs to deliver it to the next curious child….
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
True to his own style, David Weisner presents another eloquent book filled with exotic and extraordinary art. The bright colors on the cover highlight the rich and vibrant story; innovative designs and page layouts add to the sense of surreal. The work contains no words; the story is told entirely with pictures arranged in perfect sequence. Expressive, sensitively painted watercolors tell the story as words never could. Versatile, light and airy pictures in the beginning create the impression of a real-life beach story. Later in the book, a more generous, colorful palette is used to frame the imaginary. The illustrations are loaded with narrative information, so the story naturally moves along with dramas and development. And the magic of the boy's imaginative, dreamlike photos is intriguing and will amaze the reader.
The joyful process of reading pictures is the earliest stage of reading. Flotsam, with its vivid pictures enforces the visual literacy. It could be read not only by pre-readers and beginning readers, but also by adults (even illiterate or semiliterate) who want to read to children. They can tell the book, using the pictures for clues to the emerging plot. Flotsam encourages children to notice the details of beautiful illustrations, make discoveries for themselves, and anticipate what is going to happen next.
REVIEW EXCERPTS
BOOKLIST, starred review: "Wiesner offers another exceptional, wordless picture book that finds wild magic in quiet, everyday settings…”
HORN BOOK MAGAZINE: "The meticulous and rich detail of Wiesner's watercolors makes the fantasy involving and convincing."
PUBLISHER’S WEEKLY, starred review: "New details swim into focus with every rereading of this immensely satisfying excursion.”, starred review, August 2006 review, August 2006
CONNECTIONS
• Watercolors have been the medium of choice for a number of picture book illustrators:
Shulevitz, Uri. Snow. ISBN 9780374468620
Henkes, Kevin. Wemberly Worried. ISBN 9780061857768
Say, Allen. Grandfathers’s Journey. ISBN 9780547076805
Children may be introduced to some examples through a book display and by examining carefully one that appeals to them. These activities may be followed by a demonstration of watercolor painting by local artists.
• Ocean/Beach stories discussion – children can talk about the things the boy finds in the ocean and the adventures he has. What kind of shore flotsam they have found in the past?
• Introduce other wordless books:
Wiesner, David. Tuesday.ISBN-10: 0395870828 ISBN-13: 978-0395870822
Myer, Mercer. A boy, a Dog, a Frog, and a Friend. ISBN-10: 0803728816
Ormerod, Jan. Sunshine. ISBN-13: 9781845073909
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Monday, September 20, 2010
TOMAS AND THE LIBRARY LADY by Pat Mora, Illustrated by Raul Colon
Bibliography
Mora, Pat. Tomas and The Library Lady. Random House International,1977. ISBN 0375803491
Awards
1997 Américas Award for Children’s and Young Adult Literature Commended Title
Notable Books for Children,1997, Smithsonian
1998 Tomás Rivera Mexican American Children’s Book Award
Plot Summary
Tomas was born to a family of migrants. The story starts with the family’s annual drive through the summer heat from Texas to Iowa to pick corn. In Iowa, Tomas listens to his grandfather tell stories, and with Papa Grande’s encouragement, he walks downtown to the library to find more stories. Noticing his reluctance to enter, a librarian kindly offers him a drink and brings him books. Tomas spends all day reading, and when the library closes, the library lady lets him take books home, checked out on her own card. All summer, Tomas goes to the library whenever he can, reading his library books to his family in English and teaching the library lady a few words of Spanish. At the end of the summer, Tomas teaches her a sad word: Adios. He gives her a loaf of pan dulce, sweet bread, from his mother. And in the car on the way back to Texas, he reads his new book, a gift from the library lady.
Critical Analysis
This book is a heartwarming story from the childhood of Tomas Rivera. It is not a full biography, but a true and significant incident in the life of a real person. In a natural way, when describing what Tomas is reading, Mora uses the imagery words “smelled, rode, heard, and felt" to express all the different experiences he finds in books. The mixture of English and Spanish, instinctively translated within the dialogue, is used throughout the book and lends cultural credibility to the text. The idea of the boy, teaching the library lady some Spanish words, is also an excellent addition. Tomas and the Library Lady is a lovely tribute to a remarkable man, and to the woman who first set him on his journey of discovery.
Tomas and the Library Lady was Mora's first children's book to be accepted for publication, however, it took 8 years to see it in print. The book's illustrations slowed down the publication process. Raul Colon, the illustrator of the finished book, was actually the third illustrator to work on it. With his unique illustrating style Colon creates beautiful pictures. He weaves the illustrations to demonstrate to the reader the stories Tomas is hearing, and the books he is reading. The textures and colors used are gentle and moving. Some images in this book appear as if the artist used an etching tool on his painting to give an allusion of an old master print.
Although the story skims over the difficulty and poverty of migrant living, it introduces the concept to young readers, while offering an example of a real boy who had a very strong drive to learn. This is a book about the wonderful way librarians can change lives; a powerful vision of the rewards of the education that will reach across cultures.
Review Excerpts
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY: “While young readers and future librarians will find this an inspiring tale, the endnote gives it a real kick; the story is based on an actual migrant worker who became chancellor of a university—where the library now bears his name."
SMITHSONIAN: “powerful story”
BOOKLIST: “Mora’s story is based on a true incident in the life of the famous writer Tomás Rivera, the son of migrant workers who became an education leader and university president."
Connections
• The book could be used with other books that depict a special love for the library and reading:
McKissack, Patricia. Goin' Someplace Special. ISBN 9781416927358
Miller, William. Richard Wright and the Library Card. ISBN 9781880000885
Parr, Todd. Reading Makes You Feel Good. ISBN 0316043486
• Lead a discussion about migrant labor:
Adler, David A. A picture book of Cesar Chavez. ISBN 9780823422029
Ancona, George. Harvest. ISBN 9780761450863
• Gather more book related to the traditions of Mexican American families
• Dorros, Arthur. Abuela. ISBN 0140562257
• Soto, Gary. Too many tamales. ISBN 0698114124
• Garza, Carmen Lomas. In my family. ISBN 0892391634
Mora, Pat. Tomas and The Library Lady. Random House International,1977. ISBN 0375803491
Awards
1997 Américas Award for Children’s and Young Adult Literature Commended Title
Notable Books for Children,1997, Smithsonian
1998 Tomás Rivera Mexican American Children’s Book Award
Plot Summary
Tomas was born to a family of migrants. The story starts with the family’s annual drive through the summer heat from Texas to Iowa to pick corn. In Iowa, Tomas listens to his grandfather tell stories, and with Papa Grande’s encouragement, he walks downtown to the library to find more stories. Noticing his reluctance to enter, a librarian kindly offers him a drink and brings him books. Tomas spends all day reading, and when the library closes, the library lady lets him take books home, checked out on her own card. All summer, Tomas goes to the library whenever he can, reading his library books to his family in English and teaching the library lady a few words of Spanish. At the end of the summer, Tomas teaches her a sad word: Adios. He gives her a loaf of pan dulce, sweet bread, from his mother. And in the car on the way back to Texas, he reads his new book, a gift from the library lady.
Critical Analysis
This book is a heartwarming story from the childhood of Tomas Rivera. It is not a full biography, but a true and significant incident in the life of a real person. In a natural way, when describing what Tomas is reading, Mora uses the imagery words “smelled, rode, heard, and felt" to express all the different experiences he finds in books. The mixture of English and Spanish, instinctively translated within the dialogue, is used throughout the book and lends cultural credibility to the text. The idea of the boy, teaching the library lady some Spanish words, is also an excellent addition. Tomas and the Library Lady is a lovely tribute to a remarkable man, and to the woman who first set him on his journey of discovery.
Tomas and the Library Lady was Mora's first children's book to be accepted for publication, however, it took 8 years to see it in print. The book's illustrations slowed down the publication process. Raul Colon, the illustrator of the finished book, was actually the third illustrator to work on it. With his unique illustrating style Colon creates beautiful pictures. He weaves the illustrations to demonstrate to the reader the stories Tomas is hearing, and the books he is reading. The textures and colors used are gentle and moving. Some images in this book appear as if the artist used an etching tool on his painting to give an allusion of an old master print.
Although the story skims over the difficulty and poverty of migrant living, it introduces the concept to young readers, while offering an example of a real boy who had a very strong drive to learn. This is a book about the wonderful way librarians can change lives; a powerful vision of the rewards of the education that will reach across cultures.
Review Excerpts
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY: “While young readers and future librarians will find this an inspiring tale, the endnote gives it a real kick; the story is based on an actual migrant worker who became chancellor of a university—where the library now bears his name."
SMITHSONIAN: “powerful story”
BOOKLIST: “Mora’s story is based on a true incident in the life of the famous writer Tomás Rivera, the son of migrant workers who became an education leader and university president."
Connections
• The book could be used with other books that depict a special love for the library and reading:
McKissack, Patricia. Goin' Someplace Special. ISBN 9781416927358
Miller, William. Richard Wright and the Library Card. ISBN 9781880000885
Parr, Todd. Reading Makes You Feel Good. ISBN 0316043486
• Lead a discussion about migrant labor:
Adler, David A. A picture book of Cesar Chavez. ISBN 9780823422029
Ancona, George. Harvest. ISBN 9780761450863
• Gather more book related to the traditions of Mexican American families
• Dorros, Arthur. Abuela. ISBN 0140562257
• Soto, Gary. Too many tamales. ISBN 0698114124
• Garza, Carmen Lomas. In my family. ISBN 0892391634
Sunday, September 19, 2010
THE TALE OF PETER RABBIT by Beatrix Potter
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Potter, Beatrix. 2002. The tale of Peter Rabbit. London: Frederick Warne. ISBN: 9780723247708 .
AWARDS
Waterstones The Nation's Favourite Children's Books (1997)
New York Public Library's Books of the Century
1001 Children's Books You Must Read Before You Grow Up (2009)
PLOT SUMMARY
In The Tale of Peter Rabbit three of Mrs. Rabbit’s children – Flopsy, Mopsy, and Cottontail – are good little bunnies, but the fourth, the dear Peter, is too curious and that gets him into trouble. He goes to Mr. McGregor’s garden even after his mother strictly forbids him to visit. The lure of goodies in Mr. McGregor’s garden is a big temptation for him and Peter disobeys. Unfortunately, he gets sick from eating the farmer’s vegetables and is chased by Mr. McGregor. When, without his clothes, he finally gets home, Mrs. Rabbit gives him chamomile tea, while his sisters get to eat supper.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
The Tale of Peter Rabbit is dramatic, exciting, and full of action little book. The original small format is specifically selected by Beatrix Potter because young children feel more comfortable holding that size. The story is well written in every aspect; there is no denying the charm of the crisp language and scientifically accurate (albeit the clothes) bunny rabbits.
The illustrations are artfully executed. Tiny, detailed watercolors each get a page of their own. Images are beautiful classics. Transparent, natural colors add to the sense of realism even though they depict little rabbits wearing coats and shoes. As a result, most children seem to find them thoroughly believable; consequently, they tend to see themselves in these stories and identify with the characters in them. Children like Peter’s naughty sense of adventure, and they are thrilled when he escapes from the clutches of Mr. McGregor. However, the literary concept of poetic justice that the good are rewarded and the bad are punished is also noticeable. The readers hold their anticipation for fairness and justice, and their expectations are fulfilled, seeing Peter’s endangerment and ultimate reconciliation.
Beatrix Potter delivers an engaging, brilliant classic.
REVIEW EXCERPTS
CHILDREN’S LITERATURE: “It is pleasing to the eye and easy to read, a plus for every parent, teacher or child reading this story time and again.”
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “Potter’s beautiful, impeccable illustrations are a perfect match for her finely honed prose. Our children deserve no less."
AMAZON.COM: "Beatrix Potter's animal stories have been a joy to generations of young readers.”, starred review, August 2006 review, August 2006
CONNECTIONS
• Rabbits Story Time Extensions:
Arnosky, Jim. Rabbits and Raindrops. ISBN 0399226354
Weninger, Brigitte. What have you done, Davy? ISBN 1558585818
Dunbar, Joyce. Tell me something happy before I go to sleep. ISBN 015201795X
• Storybook Gardens discussion – children’s literature includes many stories about vegetable gardens and flowers and the people who cared for them:
Stewart, Sarah. The Gardener. ISBN 0374425183
Saltzman, Ruth E. Poppy Bear: the garden that overslept. ISBN 1582700427
Cooney, Barbara. Miss Rumphius. ISBN 9780670479580
• Discussion – oral story telling provides valuable language experiences and helps children understand story structure:
Was The Tale of Peter Rabbit the only adventure in Peter’s life?
Ask the children do they disobey parent’s words
Have the children continue the story with their own ideas.
Potter, Beatrix. 2002. The tale of Peter Rabbit. London: Frederick Warne. ISBN: 9780723247708 .
AWARDS
Waterstones The Nation's Favourite Children's Books (1997)
New York Public Library's Books of the Century
1001 Children's Books You Must Read Before You Grow Up (2009)
PLOT SUMMARY
In The Tale of Peter Rabbit three of Mrs. Rabbit’s children – Flopsy, Mopsy, and Cottontail – are good little bunnies, but the fourth, the dear Peter, is too curious and that gets him into trouble. He goes to Mr. McGregor’s garden even after his mother strictly forbids him to visit. The lure of goodies in Mr. McGregor’s garden is a big temptation for him and Peter disobeys. Unfortunately, he gets sick from eating the farmer’s vegetables and is chased by Mr. McGregor. When, without his clothes, he finally gets home, Mrs. Rabbit gives him chamomile tea, while his sisters get to eat supper.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
The Tale of Peter Rabbit is dramatic, exciting, and full of action little book. The original small format is specifically selected by Beatrix Potter because young children feel more comfortable holding that size. The story is well written in every aspect; there is no denying the charm of the crisp language and scientifically accurate (albeit the clothes) bunny rabbits.
The illustrations are artfully executed. Tiny, detailed watercolors each get a page of their own. Images are beautiful classics. Transparent, natural colors add to the sense of realism even though they depict little rabbits wearing coats and shoes. As a result, most children seem to find them thoroughly believable; consequently, they tend to see themselves in these stories and identify with the characters in them. Children like Peter’s naughty sense of adventure, and they are thrilled when he escapes from the clutches of Mr. McGregor. However, the literary concept of poetic justice that the good are rewarded and the bad are punished is also noticeable. The readers hold their anticipation for fairness and justice, and their expectations are fulfilled, seeing Peter’s endangerment and ultimate reconciliation.
Beatrix Potter delivers an engaging, brilliant classic.
REVIEW EXCERPTS
CHILDREN’S LITERATURE: “It is pleasing to the eye and easy to read, a plus for every parent, teacher or child reading this story time and again.”
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “Potter’s beautiful, impeccable illustrations are a perfect match for her finely honed prose. Our children deserve no less."
AMAZON.COM: "Beatrix Potter's animal stories have been a joy to generations of young readers.”, starred review, August 2006 review, August 2006
CONNECTIONS
• Rabbits Story Time Extensions:
Arnosky, Jim. Rabbits and Raindrops. ISBN 0399226354
Weninger, Brigitte. What have you done, Davy? ISBN 1558585818
Dunbar, Joyce. Tell me something happy before I go to sleep. ISBN 015201795X
• Storybook Gardens discussion – children’s literature includes many stories about vegetable gardens and flowers and the people who cared for them:
Stewart, Sarah. The Gardener. ISBN 0374425183
Saltzman, Ruth E. Poppy Bear: the garden that overslept. ISBN 1582700427
Cooney, Barbara. Miss Rumphius. ISBN 9780670479580
• Discussion – oral story telling provides valuable language experiences and helps children understand story structure:
Was The Tale of Peter Rabbit the only adventure in Peter’s life?
Ask the children do they disobey parent’s words
Have the children continue the story with their own ideas.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Every book is its own world. On the bookmobile we are surrounded by shelves with picture books, chapter books, board books, and sometimes books left on the floor. We want to raise readers - children with empathy for other characters and people, children with reach vocabularies, children with big imaginations, and children who can always move into another world with a book.
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