Book Review - THE HORRID LITTLE PIGS



Book Review – THE THREE HORRID LITTLE PIGS

1.       BIBLIOGRAPHY

Pichon, Liz. 2008.  THE THREE HORRID LITTLE PIGS.  Wilton, CT: Tiger Tails.  ISBN 978-1-58925-077-2

2.       PLOT SUMMARY

This book takes the classic tale of the three little pigs and turns it inside out!  In this story, the pigs are horrid, kicked out of the family home by mama pig.  Realizing they need shelter, the pigs are too lazy to build strong houses, and one just steals their house from the chickens!  Throughout, all of the offers of help from the friendly wolf are rebuffed.  Soon, the piggies become jealous of the wolf’s fine house and plot to take it, but are surprised by the wolf’s kind reaction.  In the end, everyone learns how to work together and the tale ends “happily ever after”.

3.       CRITICAL ANALYSIS

This book is a cute, quirky twist on the classic fairy tale of The Three Little Pigs.  The text is visually interesting for the novice reader, moving the words up and down and altering font sizes.  It would make an excellent choice for the reluctant reader.  The story features an excellent message for children about kindness, tolerance, and redemption.  Kids might enjoy the pigs’ rowdy behavior at the beginning, but they will come to understand the error of their ways and cheer as those piggies become happy and productive.  The resolution is happy, if unrealistic, which is a trait of traditional literature.  The bright, colorful pictures are excellent, very entertaining and engaging for children, with plenty of nice details.  All of the animals (with the exception of the horrid little pigs) are warm and cuddly.  See the picture of the birds and baby chickens relaxing by the fire while the wolf reads them a story to see what I mean.  The expressions on all of the characters are spot on, from the pigs’ grimace to the inviting smile of the friendly wolf.  The text and pictures come together in this tale of anthropomorphic animals that learn to get along in peace and harmony.

4.       REVIEW EXCERPTS

Reviewed in the SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “If you think you can't jam another twist on a classic tale into your collection, think again.  The full-color cartoon illustrations capture the pigs' bad behavior and comeuppance with a goofy exuberance. The font size shrinks and enlarges to mirror the action and the text works as a fun read-aloud as well as a read-alone.”

Reviewed in CHILDREN’S LITERATURE: “The surprise ending is a delight.  The parody is fun all the way through to the back end pages, which show the reformed, cleaned-up trio.”

5.       CONNECTIONS

* For more fresh takes on those three little pigs, consider these:

Trivizas, Eugene.  THE THREE LITTLE WOLVES AND THE BIG BAD PIG. ISBN 978-0689815287

Scieszka, Jon.  THE TRUE STORY OF THE THREE LITTLE PIGS.  ISBN 0670827592

Book Review - JOSEPH HAD A LITTLE OVERCOAT



Book Review – JOSEPH HAD A LITTLE OVERCOAT

1.       BIBLIOGRAPHY

Taback, Simms.  1999.  JOSEPH HAD A LITTLE OVERCOAT.  New York, NY: Viking Books.  ISBN 0-670-87855-3

2.       PLOT SUMMARY

Based on a Yiddish folk song, this Caldecott award winning book tells the story of Joseph’s old coat, which became a jacket, then a vest, and so on until nothing is left at all!  Can you make something out of nothing?  With a little imagination, the answer will surprise you!

3.       CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Simms Taback’s talents are on full display in this book, earning him another Caldecott Medal.  The clear and simple text is perfect for the early reader, mixed with a couple of more challenging words, but not too many.  Phrases like “It got old and worn” are repeated frequently, allowing even the most novice readers a chance to get in on the fun.  The pictures, created with watercolor, Gouache, pencil, ink, and collage are visually arresting with plenty of humorous details that reward a close look.  There are multiple visual references to Jewish stories and traditions, which could lead to further discussions.  Comforting patterns, quilts, rugs, and fabrics are generously used, giving the book a warm feeling similar to a comfortable jacket.  Animals grace many of the pages, furthering the feeling of comfort that this book provides.  Die cut holes are cleverly used on several pages, giving alert readers a chance to guess at the clothing item that will be coming up next as the overcoat slowly whittles down to oblivion.  Even when Joseph finally reaches the point where he has nothing, the foreshadowed ending encourages children to start fresh and create new things where before there was nothing.  The moral of the story is affirming, full of hope for the future.

4.       REVIEW EXCERPTS

2000 Caldecott Medal Winner

Reviewed in SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “A book bursting at the seams with ingenuity and creative spirit.  Striking gouache, watercolor, and collage illustrations are chock-full of witty details-letters to read, proverbs on the walls, even a fiddler on the roof. Taback adapted this tale from a Yiddish folk song and the music and English lyrics are appended. The rhythm and repetition make it a perfect storytime read-aloud.”

Reviewed in BOOKLIST: “Taback's mixed-media and collage illustrations are alive with warmth, humor, and humanity. Their colors are festive yet controlled, and they are filled with homey clutter, interesting characters, and a million details to bring children back again and again.”

5.       CONNECTIONS

* The official website for JOSEPH can be found HERE.

http://www.simmstaback.com/Simms_Taback_Books_-_Joseph_Had_A_Little_Overcoat.html

* A great companion book would be NABEEL’S NEW PANTS: AN EID TALE retold by Fawzia Gilani-Williams, which also deals with clothing alterations!

* Simms Taback also won a Caldecott Honor Medal with his book THERE WAS AN OLD LADY WHO SWALLOWED A FLY.

Book Review - LITTLE BRITCHES AND THE RATTLERS

Book Review – LITTLE BRITCHES AND THE RATTLERS

1.       BIBLIOGRAPHY

Kimmel, Eric A.  2008.  LITTLE BRITCHES AND THE RATTLERS.  Ill. By Vincent Nguyen.  Tarrytown, NY: Marshall Cavendish Corporation.  ISBN 978-0-7641-5432-8

2.       PLOT SUMMARY

Little Britches the cowgirl was on her way to a rodeo, when she was waylaid by terrible rattlesnakes.  Each time, she bribed the different snakes with various articles of her clothing until she was only left with “her long johns and red bandana”!  On the verge of giving up and going home, she comes across the snakes arguing over who is “the finest rattler in the gulch”.  The argument escalates until all of the snakes eat other completely up, leaving only the clothes!  A fully dressed Little Britches made it to the rodeo after all, and wins first prize!

3.       CRITICAL ANALYSIS

In this good vs. evil Texas folktale, Eric Kimmel spins a nice story for Kinder through second graders.  The book would be a fine read-aloud, with plenty of down home Texan slang that children would love if read with a thick accent and tall Stetson hat.  Little Britches teaches a good lesson about persistence and never giving up even when things look bleak.  Kids will also love how the cowgirl is a strong female character that perseveres and emerges triumphant at the end, winning first prize!  Text is appropriate for early readers, who might have a little challenge with the unusual regional spellings like “git” for “get” and “swallering” for “swallowing”.  Special mention must be made for Vincent Nguyen’s excellent illustrations.   The book features warm colors, with golden sand, red boots, and blue jeans, evoking classic western images.  Each of the snakes features a unique color and pattern, keeping them unique and visually interesting.  The expressions on the cowgirl’s face are excellent, and run the gamut from excited to disappointment, and ultimately triumph. 

4.       REVIEW EXCERPTS

Reviewed in BOOKLIST: “Kimmel’s little yarn makes good use of early counting concepts and introduces some western lingo in a leisurely repetitive structure. This will make for a swell read-aloud, highlighted by the repeated threat Little Britch-ch-ches, we’re gonna s-s-swaller you up! Nguyen’s artwork complements the glib silliness as the snakes try to fill out the little girl’s clothing.”

Reviewed in SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “Little Britches looks like a spunky preschooler with determination written all over her postures and face. The colorful snakes look wily and ridiculous when dressed in her duds. A fun read-aloud.”

5.       CONNECTIONS

* For more Texas sized fun with Eric Kimmel, try:

Kimmel, Eric. THE THREE LITTLE TAMALES.  ISBN 978-0761455196

Kimmel, Eric. THE GREAT TEXAS HAMSTER DRIVE. ISBN 978-0761453574

Laurel Mountain Elementary Librarian

Hello!
My name is David Jurecka, and I am the new librarian this year at Laurel Mountain!
On this blog, you will find reviews I do of books available in our library.

Please also visit the main library page HERE.
Thank you & have fun reading!

Book Review – CLICK, CLACK, MOO COWS THAT TYPE

1.       BIBLIOGRAPHY

Cronin, Doreen. 2000.  CLICK, CLACK, MOO COWS THAT TYPE.  Ill. By Betsy Lewin. New York, NY: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers. ISBN 1416903488

2.       PLOT SUMMARY

Farmer Brown runs into labor problems with his animals when the cows start typing up demands on their typewriter.  At first, the farmer refuses, but when the cows cut off the milk supply, he reconsiders.  This emboldens the hens (and later the ducks) to also make demands, which are also granted.

3.       CRITICAL ANALYSIS

This is a book with something for everyone.  Kids will love the bright, cheerful watercolor pictures by Betsy Lewin and those anthropomorphic animals getting the best of the Farmer Brown and making him mad.  The upset expression on the farmer's face and his shadow when he's hopping mad that milk production has stopped is a delight for children.  Also noteworthy is the expressions of the animals as they alternate from defiant to nervous.  This really helps to give them personality and builds tension.  Adults will enjoy the fun word play and explaining the concept of a “neutral party” to their children.  There’s also a good lesson to be had about resolving conflicts peacefully.  Word selection is appropriate for early readers, with the typing segments ("Click, clack, moo") repeated frequently using a unique typewriter font.  Kids love to say that part, and it also offers a break for beginning readers and builds confidence that they can read through to the end of the story.  At the end of the tale, there is an amusing, wordless denouement where Farmer Brown offers one last concession to the ducks.

4.       REVIEW EXCERPTS

2001 Caldecott Honor Book

Reviewed in BOOKLIST: “Today’s preschoolers may have to be told about antique clackety typewriters, but they’ll love the slapstick of the domesticated animals who get the farmer to toe the line.”

Reviewed in GOODREADS: “This hilarious tale will give young rebels-in-the-making a taste of the power of peaceful protest and the satisfaction of cooperative give and take.”

5.       CONNECTIONS

* This could be a great book for young readers to learn about negotiations and settling conflicts.
* Doreen Cronin's website can be found HERE.
http://www.doreencronin.com/www.doreencronin.com/Home.html
* The DVD can be purchased through Amazon.
http://www.amazon.com/Click-Clack-Moo-Scholastic-Storybook/dp/B00113ALMM/ref=sr_1_1?s=movies-tv&ie=UTF8&qid=1315873604&sr=1-1

* The author, Doreen Cronin, wrote other books with similar characters and situations, also with illustrations by Betsy Lewin.

Cronin, Doreen.  GIGGLE, GIGGLE, QUACK.  ISBN 1416903496

Cronin, Doreen.  THUMP, QUACK, MOO.  ISBN 141691630X

Book Review – KITTEN’S FIRST FULL MOON

1.       BIBLIOGRAPHY

Henkes, Kevin.  2004.  KITTEN’S FIRST FULL MOON.  New York, NY: Greenwillow Books.  ISBN 0-06-058829-2

2.       PLOT SUMMARY

A kitten mistakes her first full moon for a bowl of milk, and wants it.  She journeys into the night, never getting closer to the milk, but having several misadventures leaving her wet, sad, and tired.  Eventually, the kitten gives up and heads home where a great big bowl of milk waits for her.  She’s a lucky kitten after all!

3.       CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Henkes’ writing is clear and simple, perfect for toddlers or the very early reader.  The word selection is perfect for these beginners, with simple words in a large font.  The book usually alternates between pages with more words, and then pages with fewer words, keeping the interest of youngsters and offering a break for the beginning reader.  The phrase "Poor Kitten!" is repeated often to encourage an emotional connection with the young kitten and her plight.  The pictures, created with gouache and colored pencils, capture a nighttime stroll well with simple black and white images featuring thick black lines.  The expressions of the kitten are excellent as well, capturing the main character’s emotions during her wild night.  It's interesting to note that some pages feature up to six illustrations, while others have only one.  This variety may keep the younger readers interested, and can teach them how to decode a series of pictures.  Also noteworthy are the illustrations that feature the kitten on the opposite side of the page from the little bowl of milk (also known as the moon).  This enhances the feeling that the milk is visible and inviting, yet somehow always out of reach.  This book teaches a good lesson about persistence, and knowing when to go home and just take a break.

4.       REVIEW EXCERPTS

2005 Caldecott Medal Winner

Reviewed in the NEW YORK TIMES: “The pictures fit the words perfectly, with equal amounts of simplicity and charm.  As the title implies, there are two stars in this story: the moon, which doubles as a bowl of milk, and Kitten.”

Reviewed in PUBLISHER’S WEEKLY:  “The narrative and visual pacing will keep children entranced, and the determined young heroine and her comical quest will win them over.”

5.       CONNECTIONS

* This is an excellent book to teach children empathy and how to keep trying even during adversity.

* Teaches a good lesson about good things happening when you least expect it.
* The official web site for the book can be found HERE.
http://www.kevinhenkes.com/kittens_first.asp

* Other books for children who enjoy this title of a little one seeking adventure:

Henkes, Kevin.  LITTLE WHITE RABBIT.  ISBN 0062006428

Johnson, Crockett. HAROLD AND THE PURPLE CRAYON. ISBN 0064430227

Book Review – ALEXANDER AND THE TERRIBLE, HORRIBLE, NO GOOD, VERY BAD DAY



1.       BIBLIOGRAPHY

Viorst, Judith.  1972. ALEXANDER AND THE TERRIBLE, HORRIBLE, NO GOOD, VERY BAD DAY.  Ill. by Ray Cruz. Kingsport, TN: Kingsport Press.  ISBN 0-689-30072-7

2.       PLOT SUMMARY

Alexander has a very bad day, with one terrible thing happening after another.  He describes how all the other kids get everything they want, except him.  His mom assures him that some days are like that…even in Australia.

3.       CRITICAL ANALYSIS

This book can be enjoyed by anyone who has ever experienced a bad day.  Although one terrible thing after another happens to Alexander, the themes of this book can reassure children that they are not the only ones who feel this way.  The first person point of view allows the author to explore our protagonist's internal feelings and emotions.  The writing sets a mood of relentless bad news, with Alexander repeating over and over again that he is having a very, very bad day and that he wants to escape to Australia.  This repetition also helps emerging readers by giving them passages they are familiar with, which allows them to build confidence in their reading skills.  Black and white illustrations by Ray Cruz capture the look of grumpy young boys very well, especially with Alexander’s miserable expression on the front cover.  Many of the pictures depict him looking upset, while the kids around him are smiling or indifferent, capturing the feeling of isolation Alexander is feeling.

4.       REVIEW EXCERPTS

ALA Notable Children’s Book

Reviewed in 100 Best Books for Children: "Bibliotherapy rarely produces a classic, but this book describes perfectly a simple childhood and adult phenomenon – a day when things just don’t go your way."

Reviewed by School Library Journal: “The perfect antidote to any adult that claims that childhood is one sweet, blissful, stress free ride of innocence and carefree days.”

5.       CONNECTIONS

* This book would be a good choice to comfort children experiencing a bad day, letting them know they are not alone.
* The 1990 HBO adaptation can be viewed HERE.  It is not availabe on DVD.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ezbssw11724&feature=related

* Alexander returned in more books, many years later.  One about money management, the other on dealing with a different kind of change:

Viorst, Judith. ALEXANDER, WHO USED TO BE RICH LAST SUNDAY. ISBN 0689711999

Viorst, Judith. ALEXANDER, WHO’S NOT (DO YOU HEAR ME? I MEAN IT!) GOING TO MOVE. ISBN 0689820895