Title: The Rainbow Fish
Author: Marcus Pfister
Publisher: Scholastic Inc
Copyright: 1992 by Nord-Sud Verlag AG, Gossau Zurich, Switzerland.
Ages: 4-8
Pages: 32
Genre: Picture
Summary:
Rainbow Fish is the most beautiful fish in the ocean, but he is very proud and selfish. Other fish want to play and be friends but he believes himself to be a cut above the company. One fish is brave enough to ask him for a beautiful scale. Rainbow fish refuses and sends him away. Word spreads about how mean he is and he is left alone. He asks the Starfish for advice and is sent to the Octopus. The Octopus tells him to share his scales with everyone and he’ll be happy. Rainbow fish is skeptical but tries it. With every scale he gives away he becomes happier. Until finally every fish has a scale. And while he’s no longer the most beautiful fish, he is happy because he has friends.
Recommendations:
I would recommend this book to everyone! It’s a sweet book with a nice message and beautiful pictures.
Possible Problems:
I do not foresee any potential problems.
My Reaction:
I love this book. It’s so cute and so true to life. There are many people in the world who have such beautiful “scales” and never share them. It’s a nice message to send to people to be less selfish and share.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Where the Wild Things Are
Title: Where the Wild Things Are
Author: Maurice Sendak
Publisher: Harper and Row, Publishers
Copyright: 1963 by Maurice Sendak
Ages: 4-8
Pages: 48
Genre: Picture Book
Summary:
One night Max wears his wolf suit and is making trouble. His mother scolds him and he yells “I’ll eat you up!” so his mother sends him to bed without anything to eat. His room begins to change into a forest, with vines and trees and even an ocean nearby. Max hops on a boat and travels for almost over a year to the land of the Wild Things. When Max arrives he tames the Wild Things and they make him their king. As king, he starts a wild rumpus. After a great party, Max sends them off to bed without dinner. And from across the world he could smell his own dinner. So Max leaves the wild things and sails again. When he arrives home in his room, his dinner is waiting for him. And it was still hot.
Recommendations:
I would recommend this book to children who are a little wild inside. Or parents who have their own Wild Thing(s).
Potential Problems:
The monsters in this book could possibly scare a child.
My reaction:
I love this book, the illustrations are unique and fill several pages instead of the traditional one, or half page. Max is easy to relate to. I think each of us has a little Wild Thing inside of us.
Author: Maurice Sendak
Publisher: Harper and Row, Publishers
Copyright: 1963 by Maurice Sendak
Ages: 4-8
Pages: 48
Genre: Picture Book
Summary:
One night Max wears his wolf suit and is making trouble. His mother scolds him and he yells “I’ll eat you up!” so his mother sends him to bed without anything to eat. His room begins to change into a forest, with vines and trees and even an ocean nearby. Max hops on a boat and travels for almost over a year to the land of the Wild Things. When Max arrives he tames the Wild Things and they make him their king. As king, he starts a wild rumpus. After a great party, Max sends them off to bed without dinner. And from across the world he could smell his own dinner. So Max leaves the wild things and sails again. When he arrives home in his room, his dinner is waiting for him. And it was still hot.
Recommendations:
I would recommend this book to children who are a little wild inside. Or parents who have their own Wild Thing(s).
Potential Problems:
The monsters in this book could possibly scare a child.
My reaction:
I love this book, the illustrations are unique and fill several pages instead of the traditional one, or half page. Max is easy to relate to. I think each of us has a little Wild Thing inside of us.
Ham the Astrochimp
Title: Ham the Astrochimp
Author: Richard Hilliard
Publisher: Boyds Mills Press
Copyright: 2007 by Richard Hilliard
Pages: 32
Ages: 4-8
Genre: Non-fiction
Summary:
A chimp named Chang, born in Africa was chosen to be part of the space program. He was renamed Ham in honor of the Holloman Air Medical Center where he was trained. Ham was one of the brightest chimps and had a great personality. Ham was being trained to go into space in order to test whether it was safe for humans. On January 31, 1961 Ham was strapped into a rocket and when it was ready Ham was blasted into space. Blinking lights told Ham which levers to pull and with every right choice he was rewarded with a treat. A problem arose and Ham was in space longer than planned, so him capsule didn’t land where it ought. The capsule started to take on water and it took nearly 3 hours to rescue Ham. Ham was unharmed and became a celebrity. He was monitored for many years in seclusion and this had ill effect. He was lonely. So he was moved to the zoo where he could interact with other chimps. Ham is buried at the International Space Hall if Fame in Alamogordo, New Mexico.
Who would I recommend this to?
I would recommend this book to people who love animal books, or books about space. Especially if they like books about the space race.
Possible problems:
This book could cause problems with families who have strong views about animal cruelty.
My reaction:
I was honestly angry throughout the book. I am very much against using animals as test subjects and was unhappy about how Ham was treated. It made me think of all the other animals who have been harmed in the name of science.
Author: Richard Hilliard
Publisher: Boyds Mills Press
Copyright: 2007 by Richard Hilliard
Pages: 32
Ages: 4-8
Genre: Non-fiction
Summary:
A chimp named Chang, born in Africa was chosen to be part of the space program. He was renamed Ham in honor of the Holloman Air Medical Center where he was trained. Ham was one of the brightest chimps and had a great personality. Ham was being trained to go into space in order to test whether it was safe for humans. On January 31, 1961 Ham was strapped into a rocket and when it was ready Ham was blasted into space. Blinking lights told Ham which levers to pull and with every right choice he was rewarded with a treat. A problem arose and Ham was in space longer than planned, so him capsule didn’t land where it ought. The capsule started to take on water and it took nearly 3 hours to rescue Ham. Ham was unharmed and became a celebrity. He was monitored for many years in seclusion and this had ill effect. He was lonely. So he was moved to the zoo where he could interact with other chimps. Ham is buried at the International Space Hall if Fame in Alamogordo, New Mexico.
Who would I recommend this to?
I would recommend this book to people who love animal books, or books about space. Especially if they like books about the space race.
Possible problems:
This book could cause problems with families who have strong views about animal cruelty.
My reaction:
I was honestly angry throughout the book. I am very much against using animals as test subjects and was unhappy about how Ham was treated. It made me think of all the other animals who have been harmed in the name of science.
Friday, January 29, 2010
Quick as a Cricket
Title: Quick as a Cricket
Author: Audrey Wood
Publisher: Child’s Play (International) Ltd.
Copyright: M Twinn 1982
Pages: 32
Age: 4-8
Genre: Picture book
Summary:
This is a story about a boy who is as quick as a cricket, and as slow as a snail. He’s as small as an ant and as big as a whale. He’s as sad as a basset, he’s as happy as a lark. He’s as nice as a bunny, and mean as a shark. He’s as cold as a toad, and as hot as a fox. He’s as weak as a kitten and strong as an ox. He’s loud as a lion, quiet as a clam. He’s as tough as a rhino, and gentle as a lamb. He’s as brave as a tiger, and shy as a shrimp. He’s as tame as a poodle and as wild as a chimp. He’s as lazy as a lizard and as busy as a bee. And when it’s all put together, it makes up him!
Who would I recommend this to?
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes Don Woods illustrations. I would also recommend this to anyone who likes animals.
Possible problems:
I do not foresee any problems with this book.
My Reaction:
I didn’t particularly like this book. Giant bugs are not really something that I like to see. And I thought the illustrations were a little too intense.
Author: Audrey Wood
Publisher: Child’s Play (International) Ltd.
Copyright: M Twinn 1982
Pages: 32
Age: 4-8
Genre: Picture book
Summary:
This is a story about a boy who is as quick as a cricket, and as slow as a snail. He’s as small as an ant and as big as a whale. He’s as sad as a basset, he’s as happy as a lark. He’s as nice as a bunny, and mean as a shark. He’s as cold as a toad, and as hot as a fox. He’s as weak as a kitten and strong as an ox. He’s loud as a lion, quiet as a clam. He’s as tough as a rhino, and gentle as a lamb. He’s as brave as a tiger, and shy as a shrimp. He’s as tame as a poodle and as wild as a chimp. He’s as lazy as a lizard and as busy as a bee. And when it’s all put together, it makes up him!
Who would I recommend this to?
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes Don Woods illustrations. I would also recommend this to anyone who likes animals.
Possible problems:
I do not foresee any problems with this book.
My Reaction:
I didn’t particularly like this book. Giant bugs are not really something that I like to see. And I thought the illustrations were a little too intense.
Stone Soup
Title: Stone Soup
Author: Marcia Brown
Publisher: Charles Scribner Sons
Copyright: 1947, renewed 1975 by Marcia Brown
Pages: 32
Ages: Ages 4-8
Genre: Fiction
Summary:
Three soldiers walking along had had nothing to eat for two days. Soon, They came upon a village. The villagers didn’t have much food so they hid it all. As the soldiers came into town they went door to door asking for food. Each villager turns them away with good reason. The soldiers announce that they’re going to make stone soup. They call for a giant pot, buckets of water and smooth stones. Then they would say the stones make good soup, but carrots would make it better, so someone brought carrots. After they bring carrots they suggest that cabbage would make the soup even better. After the cabbage, the soldiers suggest, beef and potatoes would make this a soup for a rich man. Then they say that barley and milk would help as well. After the soup is done the villagers tell the soldiers that such a feast deserves bread and a roast. After their meal, they danced and sang all night. After they were tired, they went back home and let the soldiers sleep in their homes. The next morning the soldiers left the villagers happy and content.
Who would I recommend this to?
I would recommend this to everyone. It’s a fun book, that you can actually apply. We made the stone soup in 1st grade and it was a great experience.
Possible Problems:
One possible problem for parents might be that the soldiers use trickery to get what they want.
My Reaction:
I like this book. It’s fun and descriptive and reminds me of my 1st grade year.
Author: Marcia Brown
Publisher: Charles Scribner Sons
Copyright: 1947, renewed 1975 by Marcia Brown
Pages: 32
Ages: Ages 4-8
Genre: Fiction
Summary:
Three soldiers walking along had had nothing to eat for two days. Soon, They came upon a village. The villagers didn’t have much food so they hid it all. As the soldiers came into town they went door to door asking for food. Each villager turns them away with good reason. The soldiers announce that they’re going to make stone soup. They call for a giant pot, buckets of water and smooth stones. Then they would say the stones make good soup, but carrots would make it better, so someone brought carrots. After they bring carrots they suggest that cabbage would make the soup even better. After the cabbage, the soldiers suggest, beef and potatoes would make this a soup for a rich man. Then they say that barley and milk would help as well. After the soup is done the villagers tell the soldiers that such a feast deserves bread and a roast. After their meal, they danced and sang all night. After they were tired, they went back home and let the soldiers sleep in their homes. The next morning the soldiers left the villagers happy and content.
Who would I recommend this to?
I would recommend this to everyone. It’s a fun book, that you can actually apply. We made the stone soup in 1st grade and it was a great experience.
Possible Problems:
One possible problem for parents might be that the soldiers use trickery to get what they want.
My Reaction:
I like this book. It’s fun and descriptive and reminds me of my 1st grade year.
I Just Forgot
Title: I Just Forgot
Author: Mercer Mayer
Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers
Copyright: 1988 Mercer Mayer
Pages: 24
Ages: 4-8
Genre: Picture Book
Summary:
The Little Critter tells the story of how he sometimes remembers, and sometimes forgets. He remembers to brush his teeth, but forgets to make his bed. He remembers to put his dishes in the sink, but forgets to put the milk away. He almost to forgets to feed his puppy, but the puppy reminds him. He doesn’t forget to water the plants, they look fine to him. He didn’t forget to feed the fish, the fish just wasn’t hungry. The Little Critter caught the bus, but forgot his lunch. He remembers his raincoat, but forgets his boots. He doesn’t take off his boots in the house because he’s going outside. He was only going to eat 3 cookies but ate them all because he forgot to count them. He leaves the refrigerator door open, but says he wasn’t finished eating. He was going to get the newspaper, but the puppy got it first. He took a bath and remembered to wash behind his ears, (he didn’t use soap, but he didn’t forget… he just hates soap), but he also forgot to pick up his toys and turn off the bathwater. He then goes on to say there are two things he never forgets. And they are to have his mom read him a bedtime story and to kiss her goodnight.
Who would I recommend this to?
I would recommend this to children, or even parents who have a had time remembering things (which I think is everyone). I would recommend it to people who love unique illustrations. And of course, children who want their parents to read to them. I think this is a great starter book for that.
Possible problems:
I don’t foresee any possible problems with this book.
My reaction:
I absolutely love this book! It’s so cute and teaches nice lessons for children. That even though they forget a lot, they still remember some very important things. The illustrations are very catchy. I love how it’s not a perfect picture, but still detailed. And I like how he’s called a Little Critter, because that’s the best way to describe him.
Author: Mercer Mayer
Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers
Copyright: 1988 Mercer Mayer
Pages: 24
Ages: 4-8
Genre: Picture Book
Summary:
The Little Critter tells the story of how he sometimes remembers, and sometimes forgets. He remembers to brush his teeth, but forgets to make his bed. He remembers to put his dishes in the sink, but forgets to put the milk away. He almost to forgets to feed his puppy, but the puppy reminds him. He doesn’t forget to water the plants, they look fine to him. He didn’t forget to feed the fish, the fish just wasn’t hungry. The Little Critter caught the bus, but forgot his lunch. He remembers his raincoat, but forgets his boots. He doesn’t take off his boots in the house because he’s going outside. He was only going to eat 3 cookies but ate them all because he forgot to count them. He leaves the refrigerator door open, but says he wasn’t finished eating. He was going to get the newspaper, but the puppy got it first. He took a bath and remembered to wash behind his ears, (he didn’t use soap, but he didn’t forget… he just hates soap), but he also forgot to pick up his toys and turn off the bathwater. He then goes on to say there are two things he never forgets. And they are to have his mom read him a bedtime story and to kiss her goodnight.
Who would I recommend this to?
I would recommend this to children, or even parents who have a had time remembering things (which I think is everyone). I would recommend it to people who love unique illustrations. And of course, children who want their parents to read to them. I think this is a great starter book for that.
Possible problems:
I don’t foresee any possible problems with this book.
My reaction:
I absolutely love this book! It’s so cute and teaches nice lessons for children. That even though they forget a lot, they still remember some very important things. The illustrations are very catchy. I love how it’s not a perfect picture, but still detailed. And I like how he’s called a Little Critter, because that’s the best way to describe him.
The Great Gilly Hopkins
Title: The Great Gilly Hopkins
Author: Katherine Paterson
Publisher: HarperCollins
Copyright: 1978 by Katherine Paterson
Pages: 160
Ages: 9-12
Genre: Fiction
Summary:
Galadriel (Gilly) Hopkins is a foster child who has been passed from family to family her whole life. Until now. Miss Ellis, Gilly’s social worker takes her to a woman named Mrs. Trotter. Trotter is not well educated and lives in a cluttered and dirty house. She has one other child named William Earnest (W.E.) who is developmentally slow. Gilly immediately decides that she hates it there. She makes fun of W.E. and Trotter and is then horrified when she finds out that Mr. Randolph (a man of color) comes over for dinner quite often. On top of this Gilly finds her school to be disgusting. She is equally horrified when she learns that her teacher is a woman of color as well. On her first day of school she gets into a fight and is quite pleased with herself when she discovers she’s drawn blood from the boy. The next day she meets a greasy girl named Agnes Stokes who seems up to no good. Gilly dislikes her but decides she might use her. All Gilly really wants is for her mother to come and get her. She treasures a picture of her mother and the postcard sent to her.
While eating dinner with Trotter, W.E. and Mr. Randolph, Gilly is asked to read to them. Refusing to read the Bible she runs next door to Mr. Randolph’s to find a book. While there, she finds some money in the bookcase. She takes it, and then goes back to read to everyone. That night Gilly plans to go back to Mr. Randolph’s to look for more money, and then buy a bus ticket to see her mother.
Gilly decides that she’ll need help in getting to Mr. Randolph’s money, so she starts being more friendly to Agnes and W.E.
Soon, Gilly catches up with her class at school and proceeds to pass everyone up. She is still feeling quite angry about her situation and decides to write her teacher a nasty letter/picture. Her teacher keeps her after class and thanks her for her letter. Gilly is floored, and bolts out the door.
Galadriel Hopkins was ready to get out. But in her haste she used both Agnes and W.E. to get the money from Mr. Randolph. It wasn’t much, especially when she had to give to her helpers. With this realization, Gilly decides she’ll have to work for her money, and begins cleaning Trotter and Mr. Randolph’s house. While attempting to get more money from Mr. Randolph’s house, she isn’t able to find any and gets desperate. She writes to her mother telling her that she hates it there and is living with a religious fanatic. She steals a stamp and sends her letter.
Finding out the Trotter received her support check, Gilly steals the money and runs to the bus station to buy her ticket. She succeeds, but then the police come and hand her back over to Trotter. Just as Gilly is beginning to understand that Trotter truly loves and cares about her, Gilly’s grandmother appears to tell Gilly she’s taking her away. What makes things worse is that Trotter, W.E. and Randolph all come down with the flu when she arrives so the place is a madhouse.
Once everyone is better, Trotter receives a visit from Mrs. Ellis and they talk to Gilly about going to live with her Grandmother. Gilly is extremely resistant, but eventually realizes she has to go. Her grandmother picks her up and lets her choose a room. Gilly chooses her Uncles old room. As Gilly settles in she writes Trotter and W.E. and they write back. While she settles, her grandmother tells her, her mother is coming to visit. When the get to the airport, Gilly’s mother is nothing like what Gilly remembers. She finds out the hard way that her mother didn’t want her and had lied. She calls Trotter for advice. In the end, Gilly returns to her grandmother “ready to go”.
Who would I recommend this book to?
I would recommend this book to children who are struggling. Foster children. Or Foster parents. Also anyone who likes books that are a little different. It’s not your traditional happy ending. It’s more realistic.
What problems might arise from this book?
Some problems this book could potentially cause are Gilly’s negativity towards blacks and those of lower income. Gilly is very negative and mischievous and can be very mean.
My response:
I liked this book because it showed how Gilly was able to grow. She started as a dysfunctional angry child and eventually learns that life isn’t fair and just about her. She learns to love Trotter and W.E.
Author: Katherine Paterson
Publisher: HarperCollins
Copyright: 1978 by Katherine Paterson
Pages: 160
Ages: 9-12
Genre: Fiction
Summary:
Galadriel (Gilly) Hopkins is a foster child who has been passed from family to family her whole life. Until now. Miss Ellis, Gilly’s social worker takes her to a woman named Mrs. Trotter. Trotter is not well educated and lives in a cluttered and dirty house. She has one other child named William Earnest (W.E.) who is developmentally slow. Gilly immediately decides that she hates it there. She makes fun of W.E. and Trotter and is then horrified when she finds out that Mr. Randolph (a man of color) comes over for dinner quite often. On top of this Gilly finds her school to be disgusting. She is equally horrified when she learns that her teacher is a woman of color as well. On her first day of school she gets into a fight and is quite pleased with herself when she discovers she’s drawn blood from the boy. The next day she meets a greasy girl named Agnes Stokes who seems up to no good. Gilly dislikes her but decides she might use her. All Gilly really wants is for her mother to come and get her. She treasures a picture of her mother and the postcard sent to her.
While eating dinner with Trotter, W.E. and Mr. Randolph, Gilly is asked to read to them. Refusing to read the Bible she runs next door to Mr. Randolph’s to find a book. While there, she finds some money in the bookcase. She takes it, and then goes back to read to everyone. That night Gilly plans to go back to Mr. Randolph’s to look for more money, and then buy a bus ticket to see her mother.
Gilly decides that she’ll need help in getting to Mr. Randolph’s money, so she starts being more friendly to Agnes and W.E.
Soon, Gilly catches up with her class at school and proceeds to pass everyone up. She is still feeling quite angry about her situation and decides to write her teacher a nasty letter/picture. Her teacher keeps her after class and thanks her for her letter. Gilly is floored, and bolts out the door.
Galadriel Hopkins was ready to get out. But in her haste she used both Agnes and W.E. to get the money from Mr. Randolph. It wasn’t much, especially when she had to give to her helpers. With this realization, Gilly decides she’ll have to work for her money, and begins cleaning Trotter and Mr. Randolph’s house. While attempting to get more money from Mr. Randolph’s house, she isn’t able to find any and gets desperate. She writes to her mother telling her that she hates it there and is living with a religious fanatic. She steals a stamp and sends her letter.
Finding out the Trotter received her support check, Gilly steals the money and runs to the bus station to buy her ticket. She succeeds, but then the police come and hand her back over to Trotter. Just as Gilly is beginning to understand that Trotter truly loves and cares about her, Gilly’s grandmother appears to tell Gilly she’s taking her away. What makes things worse is that Trotter, W.E. and Randolph all come down with the flu when she arrives so the place is a madhouse.
Once everyone is better, Trotter receives a visit from Mrs. Ellis and they talk to Gilly about going to live with her Grandmother. Gilly is extremely resistant, but eventually realizes she has to go. Her grandmother picks her up and lets her choose a room. Gilly chooses her Uncles old room. As Gilly settles in she writes Trotter and W.E. and they write back. While she settles, her grandmother tells her, her mother is coming to visit. When the get to the airport, Gilly’s mother is nothing like what Gilly remembers. She finds out the hard way that her mother didn’t want her and had lied. She calls Trotter for advice. In the end, Gilly returns to her grandmother “ready to go”.
Who would I recommend this book to?
I would recommend this book to children who are struggling. Foster children. Or Foster parents. Also anyone who likes books that are a little different. It’s not your traditional happy ending. It’s more realistic.
What problems might arise from this book?
Some problems this book could potentially cause are Gilly’s negativity towards blacks and those of lower income. Gilly is very negative and mischievous and can be very mean.
My response:
I liked this book because it showed how Gilly was able to grow. She started as a dysfunctional angry child and eventually learns that life isn’t fair and just about her. She learns to love Trotter and W.E.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Andersen's Fairy Tales
Title: Thumbelina (The Ugly Duckling, The Happy Family, The Snow Queen)
Author: Hans Christian Andersen
Publisher: Gramercy Books
Copyright: 1984 Crown Publishers, Inc.
Pages: 803
Ages: 9-12
Genre: Fairy Tale
Summary:
There was a woman who wanted a child of her own but didn’t know where to get one. She found a witch and paid her for one. The witch gave her a Tulip and had her take it home. The woman thought the flower was so pretty, she kissed it. As she did, it opened to reveal a little girl in the middle of the flower no bigger than a thumb. The woman named her Thumbelina. Thumbelina was happy. She slept in a walnut shell and played in her “pond”, and sang all day. One night while Thumbelina was sleeping, a nasty toad kidnapped her and took her away so that Thumbelina could marry her son. She put her on a lily pad so she couldn’t escape and then left to prepare her home. When Thumbelina woke up she was distraught. The fish who heard of the evil toads plan cut the lily pad free and Thumbelina was on her way. While floating along a cockchafer picked her up of the lily pad and took her away. He had thought she was pretty but soon his friends made fun of her and he sent her away. Thumbelina lived in the woods from summer, through autumn. By winter, she didn’t know what to do. She was freezing and had no food. She found a field-mouse and asked to stay with her. The field-mouse agrees as long as Thumbelina keeps house and tells stories to her and Mr. Mole. The field-mouse wants Thumbelina to marry Mr. Mole but Thumbelina doesn’t. While living with the field-mouse, Thumbelina discovers a “dead” sparrow in Mr. Mole’s tunnel. She warms him and he is revived. He offers to take her with him but she refuses. Later, the field-mouse tells Thumbelina that she is to marry the Mole. Thumbelina is distraught and when summer comes, she runs away with the Sparrow. The Sparrow takes her to warmer country where he tells her to pick a flower to live in. When she does, she discovers it is occupied by a king, just her size. He finds her so beautiful he puts his crown on her head and asks to marry her. She agrees and is given gifts by all the other people there. The Sparrow is sad to leave his friend, but leaves to tell the story.
Who would I recommend this to?
I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys Andersen’s work, or someone who is struggling with being little (I did when I was younger, I related to Thumbelina).
Possible problems:
The story makes Thumbelina seem rather unintelligent. For example, why doesn’t she leave the Field-mouse and Mole as soon as she discovers their plan for her? Instead she lets Sparrow go and waits several months before escaping. Parents who want their children to take action instead of waiting might not appreciate this story.
My reaction:
I’ve always loved this story, although I admit I prefer the movie. I think the Prince is introduced much too late in the book, while in the movie I believe he makes an appearance within the first fifteen minutes. But back to the book. I think it's cute and well written, however I'm not sure if I'd read it to my class.
Author: Hans Christian Andersen
Publisher: Gramercy Books
Copyright: 1984 Crown Publishers, Inc.
Pages: 803
Ages: 9-12
Genre: Fairy Tale
Summary:
There was a woman who wanted a child of her own but didn’t know where to get one. She found a witch and paid her for one. The witch gave her a Tulip and had her take it home. The woman thought the flower was so pretty, she kissed it. As she did, it opened to reveal a little girl in the middle of the flower no bigger than a thumb. The woman named her Thumbelina. Thumbelina was happy. She slept in a walnut shell and played in her “pond”, and sang all day. One night while Thumbelina was sleeping, a nasty toad kidnapped her and took her away so that Thumbelina could marry her son. She put her on a lily pad so she couldn’t escape and then left to prepare her home. When Thumbelina woke up she was distraught. The fish who heard of the evil toads plan cut the lily pad free and Thumbelina was on her way. While floating along a cockchafer picked her up of the lily pad and took her away. He had thought she was pretty but soon his friends made fun of her and he sent her away. Thumbelina lived in the woods from summer, through autumn. By winter, she didn’t know what to do. She was freezing and had no food. She found a field-mouse and asked to stay with her. The field-mouse agrees as long as Thumbelina keeps house and tells stories to her and Mr. Mole. The field-mouse wants Thumbelina to marry Mr. Mole but Thumbelina doesn’t. While living with the field-mouse, Thumbelina discovers a “dead” sparrow in Mr. Mole’s tunnel. She warms him and he is revived. He offers to take her with him but she refuses. Later, the field-mouse tells Thumbelina that she is to marry the Mole. Thumbelina is distraught and when summer comes, she runs away with the Sparrow. The Sparrow takes her to warmer country where he tells her to pick a flower to live in. When she does, she discovers it is occupied by a king, just her size. He finds her so beautiful he puts his crown on her head and asks to marry her. She agrees and is given gifts by all the other people there. The Sparrow is sad to leave his friend, but leaves to tell the story.
Who would I recommend this to?
I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys Andersen’s work, or someone who is struggling with being little (I did when I was younger, I related to Thumbelina).
Possible problems:
The story makes Thumbelina seem rather unintelligent. For example, why doesn’t she leave the Field-mouse and Mole as soon as she discovers their plan for her? Instead she lets Sparrow go and waits several months before escaping. Parents who want their children to take action instead of waiting might not appreciate this story.
My reaction:
I’ve always loved this story, although I admit I prefer the movie. I think the Prince is introduced much too late in the book, while in the movie I believe he makes an appearance within the first fifteen minutes. But back to the book. I think it's cute and well written, however I'm not sure if I'd read it to my class.
Saturday, January 23, 2010
The Polar Express
The Polar Express
Chris Van Allsburg
Houghton Mifflin
Copyright: 1985 by Chris Van Allsburg
Pages: 32
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Genre: Picture book (Christmas)
Summary:
On Christmas Eve, a young boy lay in his room listening for the sound of Santa. Instead, he hears the sound of a train. He rushes outside to the train and the conductor tells him that this is the Polar Express and that it goes to the North Pole. He boards the train. The train is filled with children and they are served candies and hot chocolate. They travel through the wilderness, climb mountains, and never slowing. The mountains turn to hills as they arrive at the North Pole. The city seemed empty until they see the elves gathering in the center of the city. The conductor leads the children outside and when Santa appears everyone cheers. Santa chooses the young boy to receive the first gift of Christmas. Instead of choosing something extravagant, he asks for a silver bell from Santa’s sleigh. Santa gives him the bell and flies away in his sleigh. As the children get back on the train, the boy realizes he’s lost his bell. Before they can go look for it, the train takes off. Once home, the boy hears the conductor yell “Merry Christmas”. The next morning the boy’s sister finds a small box and gives it to him. Inside is the bell. His parents tell him it’s too bad it’s broken, but he and his sister can still hear it. Over the years his friends and sister can no longer hear it. But he never forgets. He always believes.
Who would I recommend this to?
I would recommend this to anyone who loves Christmas and who ever believed in Santa.
Potential Problems:
This could be a problem for families that don’t celebrate Christmas, or don’t want their children to get the wrong idea (Santa) about Christmas.
My Reaction:
I love this book! It’s one of my favorites to read at Christmas. The illustrations really add to the story and make it seem very magical.
Chris Van Allsburg
Houghton Mifflin
Copyright: 1985 by Chris Van Allsburg
Pages: 32
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Genre: Picture book (Christmas)
Summary:
On Christmas Eve, a young boy lay in his room listening for the sound of Santa. Instead, he hears the sound of a train. He rushes outside to the train and the conductor tells him that this is the Polar Express and that it goes to the North Pole. He boards the train. The train is filled with children and they are served candies and hot chocolate. They travel through the wilderness, climb mountains, and never slowing. The mountains turn to hills as they arrive at the North Pole. The city seemed empty until they see the elves gathering in the center of the city. The conductor leads the children outside and when Santa appears everyone cheers. Santa chooses the young boy to receive the first gift of Christmas. Instead of choosing something extravagant, he asks for a silver bell from Santa’s sleigh. Santa gives him the bell and flies away in his sleigh. As the children get back on the train, the boy realizes he’s lost his bell. Before they can go look for it, the train takes off. Once home, the boy hears the conductor yell “Merry Christmas”. The next morning the boy’s sister finds a small box and gives it to him. Inside is the bell. His parents tell him it’s too bad it’s broken, but he and his sister can still hear it. Over the years his friends and sister can no longer hear it. But he never forgets. He always believes.
Who would I recommend this to?
I would recommend this to anyone who loves Christmas and who ever believed in Santa.
Potential Problems:
This could be a problem for families that don’t celebrate Christmas, or don’t want their children to get the wrong idea (Santa) about Christmas.
My Reaction:
I love this book! It’s one of my favorites to read at Christmas. The illustrations really add to the story and make it seem very magical.
Grimms' Fairy Tales
Grimms’ Fairy Tales
(The Frog Prince, Brother and Sister, Rapunzel, and Snow White)
Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm
Cathay books
Copyright: Artia, Prague 1979
Pages: 248
Reading Level: Ages 4-8
Genre: Fairy Tales
Summary (The Frog Prince):
There was a king who had many daughters and who were all beautiful but the youngest was the most beautiful. His youngest daughter’s favorite pastime was to sit in the forest and throw her golden ball and then catch it. One day the ball fell into the well and she cried loud and long. A frog appears asking her why she’s crying. She confides that she dropped her ball and she can’t retrieve it. The frog promises that he will fetch it for her if she will let him eat off her plate, play with her and sleep in her bed. She agrees and when he fetches it she denies him and returns home. While eating dinner that night, there is a commotion outside. The frog had followed her home. The King orders her to keep her promise so she lets the frog eat off her plate, and sleep in her bed. The frog irritates her so much she throws him. When he falls he turns into a Prince and explains that he was cursed and that they will go to his kingdom. His man-servant Henry finds them and takes them to the kingdom. Henry is so happy that the bands around his heart burst.
Who would benefit from reading this book?
Most any children could benefit from these fairytales, as long as they’re not easily frightened. They teach fairness, and that the world is not always nice.
Any Problems?
Parents might find some of the stories violent and unfair. Many of the themes focus around a “Prince Charming” which could cause problems for the parents who want their girls to be independent.
My Reaction: I used to love the fairytales, but now they seem fake and obnoxious. For example: In The Frog Prince, the princess throws the frog, he turns into a prince and they get married. It’s not exactly realistic. I suppose this is the point.
(The Frog Prince, Brother and Sister, Rapunzel, and Snow White)
Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm
Cathay books
Copyright: Artia, Prague 1979
Pages: 248
Reading Level: Ages 4-8
Genre: Fairy Tales
Summary (The Frog Prince):
There was a king who had many daughters and who were all beautiful but the youngest was the most beautiful. His youngest daughter’s favorite pastime was to sit in the forest and throw her golden ball and then catch it. One day the ball fell into the well and she cried loud and long. A frog appears asking her why she’s crying. She confides that she dropped her ball and she can’t retrieve it. The frog promises that he will fetch it for her if she will let him eat off her plate, play with her and sleep in her bed. She agrees and when he fetches it she denies him and returns home. While eating dinner that night, there is a commotion outside. The frog had followed her home. The King orders her to keep her promise so she lets the frog eat off her plate, and sleep in her bed. The frog irritates her so much she throws him. When he falls he turns into a Prince and explains that he was cursed and that they will go to his kingdom. His man-servant Henry finds them and takes them to the kingdom. Henry is so happy that the bands around his heart burst.
Who would benefit from reading this book?
Most any children could benefit from these fairytales, as long as they’re not easily frightened. They teach fairness, and that the world is not always nice.
Any Problems?
Parents might find some of the stories violent and unfair. Many of the themes focus around a “Prince Charming” which could cause problems for the parents who want their girls to be independent.
My Reaction: I used to love the fairytales, but now they seem fake and obnoxious. For example: In The Frog Prince, the princess throws the frog, he turns into a prince and they get married. It’s not exactly realistic. I suppose this is the point.
The Eleventh Hour
The Eleventh Hour
Graeme Base
Harry N. Abrams
Copyright: 1988
Pages: 32
Reading Level: Ages 4-8
Genre: Picture Book
Summary:
Horace is turning eleven and is having a party. He sends out invitations to his best friends. He makes eleven foods that elephants like and prepares eleven games to play. The next day when the guests arrive, they go in to look at the feast. But before they can eat Horace has games planned. They have a sac race, musical chairs, a card game, snakes and ladders, and a Cricket match. The played pool, and Blind Man’s Bluff. They played tennis, hide and seek, and even chess. Their final game was Tug o’ War after which they headed back to the house. Upon reaching the dining room they discover the feast is gone. Each one declares their innocence. Horace decides it really doesn’t matter and brings sandwiches for everyone. If you follow the clues you’ll find that the mice ate it all.
Who would benefit from this book?
I think anyone who likes puzzles would really enjoy this. A child who has a learning disability like A.D.D. might benefit as well. There’s a lot on the page to keep their attention.
Any potential problems?
The book is very busy. So if someone is easily overwhelmed they probably shouldn’t read this book in one sitting.
My Reaction:
I did not personally enjoy this book. It was much too busy for me. I had a hard time even finding the mice on each page. To me they didn’t even look like mice.
Graeme Base
Harry N. Abrams
Copyright: 1988
Pages: 32
Reading Level: Ages 4-8
Genre: Picture Book
Summary:
Horace is turning eleven and is having a party. He sends out invitations to his best friends. He makes eleven foods that elephants like and prepares eleven games to play. The next day when the guests arrive, they go in to look at the feast. But before they can eat Horace has games planned. They have a sac race, musical chairs, a card game, snakes and ladders, and a Cricket match. The played pool, and Blind Man’s Bluff. They played tennis, hide and seek, and even chess. Their final game was Tug o’ War after which they headed back to the house. Upon reaching the dining room they discover the feast is gone. Each one declares their innocence. Horace decides it really doesn’t matter and brings sandwiches for everyone. If you follow the clues you’ll find that the mice ate it all.
Who would benefit from this book?
I think anyone who likes puzzles would really enjoy this. A child who has a learning disability like A.D.D. might benefit as well. There’s a lot on the page to keep their attention.
Any potential problems?
The book is very busy. So if someone is easily overwhelmed they probably shouldn’t read this book in one sitting.
My Reaction:
I did not personally enjoy this book. It was much too busy for me. I had a hard time even finding the mice on each page. To me they didn’t even look like mice.
A Bad Case of Stripes
A Bad Case of Stripes
David Shannon
Scholastic
Copyright 1998
Pages: 32
Ages 4-8
Genre: Picture book
Summary:
Camilla Cream is a little girl who loves lima beans. But instead of eating them, she pretends to hate them so she can fit in with her friends. While getting ready for the first day of school, she looks in the mirror and sees herself covered in stripes! She was the color of the rainbow. She tells her mother that she feels fine, but no one can deny the existence of her stripes. Dr. Bumble comes to see her and declares that she is fit for school. The next day Camilla goes to school only to change into the colors of the flag during the Pledge of Allegiance. The children make fun of her all day. The evening the principal calls to tell Mrs. Cream that Camilla is a distraction and will need to stay home. The Next day Mrs. Cream called Mr. Bumble. He arrived with four people in white coats who all tried to cure Camilla. Each one gives her a different pill. The next morning Camilla woke up feeling fine! Until she got dressed. None of her clothes fit. She was in the shape of a giant pill. The finest scientific minds came to observe her but she only got worse. Camilla stayed home all day while the Creams were swamped with helpers. Nothing worked. One day, Camilla even became her room. Her mouth was her bed, her eyes were the paintings on her wall and her dresser was her nose. It seemed it was getting worse. When things seemed their worst, there was a knock on the door. A little old lady stood at the front door and asked to help. She went to Camilla’s room and offered her lima beans. At first she refused. But then she accepted them and immediately turned back into herself. Camilla learned a valuable lesson. While some people thought she was weird, she was able to be herself.
Who would benefit from reading this?
I think anyone who is having a hard time being themselves around others would benefit this book. Or even a child who loves lima beans!
Potential Problems:
I think a potential problem may be that she is in her underwear throughout the book.
My reaction:
I thought it was a cute book with a nice message about being yourself.
David Shannon
Scholastic
Copyright 1998
Pages: 32
Ages 4-8
Genre: Picture book
Summary:
Camilla Cream is a little girl who loves lima beans. But instead of eating them, she pretends to hate them so she can fit in with her friends. While getting ready for the first day of school, she looks in the mirror and sees herself covered in stripes! She was the color of the rainbow. She tells her mother that she feels fine, but no one can deny the existence of her stripes. Dr. Bumble comes to see her and declares that she is fit for school. The next day Camilla goes to school only to change into the colors of the flag during the Pledge of Allegiance. The children make fun of her all day. The evening the principal calls to tell Mrs. Cream that Camilla is a distraction and will need to stay home. The Next day Mrs. Cream called Mr. Bumble. He arrived with four people in white coats who all tried to cure Camilla. Each one gives her a different pill. The next morning Camilla woke up feeling fine! Until she got dressed. None of her clothes fit. She was in the shape of a giant pill. The finest scientific minds came to observe her but she only got worse. Camilla stayed home all day while the Creams were swamped with helpers. Nothing worked. One day, Camilla even became her room. Her mouth was her bed, her eyes were the paintings on her wall and her dresser was her nose. It seemed it was getting worse. When things seemed their worst, there was a knock on the door. A little old lady stood at the front door and asked to help. She went to Camilla’s room and offered her lima beans. At first she refused. But then she accepted them and immediately turned back into herself. Camilla learned a valuable lesson. While some people thought she was weird, she was able to be herself.
Who would benefit from reading this?
I think anyone who is having a hard time being themselves around others would benefit this book. Or even a child who loves lima beans!
Potential Problems:
I think a potential problem may be that she is in her underwear throughout the book.
My reaction:
I thought it was a cute book with a nice message about being yourself.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Heckedy Peg
Heckedy Peg
Audrey Wood
Voyager Books
Copyright 1987
Pages 32
Ages 4-8
Genre: Picture Book, Fiction
Summary
Heckedy Peg is a story about a poor mother who has seven children. Their names are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. One day before the mother leaves for town she tells her children they may each have something. Each child tells her what they would like and on her way out the door she tells them not to let strangers in or play with the fire. Soon after Heckedy Peg (a witch) comes by and asks to come in and have her pipe lit. At first the children refuse, but then she offers them a bag of gold and the children let her in. The evil witch turns each child into a different type of food. She packs them into her cart and takes them far away to her home. Soon the mother returns home to find an empty house. She is understandably upset when a bird comes to tell her the news. Their mother comes after them just as Heckedy Peg is sitting down to enjoy her feast. The mother knocks to gain entrance but the witch gives her excuses that she is too dirty. The mother tricks the witch into letting her in. Once inside Heckedy Peg tells the mother that she has one chance to guess which child is which otherwise she’ll eat them. The mother successfully matches what they wanted from the market with what they were turned into and the children are restored. The mother then chased the witch away and off a bridge and she was never seen again.
I would recommend this book to children who have problems about obedience, and to teach caution around strangers.
People might have a problem with this story because it may scare children. Heckedy Pegs threats are violent. Also, some parents may have a problem with their being a single mother of 7 children.
I loved the artwork in this book. The illustrations look like they could be oil paints. I also thought the mother was very clever to trick the old witch into letting her in.
Audrey Wood
Voyager Books
Copyright 1987
Pages 32
Ages 4-8
Genre: Picture Book, Fiction
Summary
Heckedy Peg is a story about a poor mother who has seven children. Their names are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. One day before the mother leaves for town she tells her children they may each have something. Each child tells her what they would like and on her way out the door she tells them not to let strangers in or play with the fire. Soon after Heckedy Peg (a witch) comes by and asks to come in and have her pipe lit. At first the children refuse, but then she offers them a bag of gold and the children let her in. The evil witch turns each child into a different type of food. She packs them into her cart and takes them far away to her home. Soon the mother returns home to find an empty house. She is understandably upset when a bird comes to tell her the news. Their mother comes after them just as Heckedy Peg is sitting down to enjoy her feast. The mother knocks to gain entrance but the witch gives her excuses that she is too dirty. The mother tricks the witch into letting her in. Once inside Heckedy Peg tells the mother that she has one chance to guess which child is which otherwise she’ll eat them. The mother successfully matches what they wanted from the market with what they were turned into and the children are restored. The mother then chased the witch away and off a bridge and she was never seen again.
I would recommend this book to children who have problems about obedience, and to teach caution around strangers.
People might have a problem with this story because it may scare children. Heckedy Pegs threats are violent. Also, some parents may have a problem with their being a single mother of 7 children.
I loved the artwork in this book. The illustrations look like they could be oil paints. I also thought the mother was very clever to trick the old witch into letting her in.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Beauty
Rachel Bean
01/12/10
Beauty
Robin McKinley
HarperCollins Publisher Inc.
Copyright 1978
Pages 247
Reading Level: Young Adult
Summary
Beauty is a re-telling of the story Beauty and the Beast. Beauty (Honor) lives with her father and two beautiful sisters, Grace and Hope. While Beauty’s given name is Honor, hardly anyone remembers this. Beauty is quite different from her sisters in that she is not beautiful. She is tall and lanky and can be awkward. Her family is very well off, but when bad luck strikes her family, they are left in dire straits. Her family must sell their shipping business and move to the country. While adapting to life in the country, her father is sent word of one of his ships returning. He immediately leaves to find out its fate. Before he leaves he asks his daughters what he can bring them from town. Beauty asks for rose seeds. After several months their father returns with an extraordinary tale. On his way home he takes a shortcut and quickly becomes lost in a blizzard. He is lead to a castle where he and his horse are cared for by invisible servants. After he has recovered and is about to begin his journey home, he sees a rose garden. Remembering his promise to Beauty he picks a rose. The master of the castle (the Beast) immediately appears. He tells Beauty’s father that he can either die for his theft or Beauty can come to the castle and live with him. He promises no harm will come to her and that she will have all that she needs. The Beast gives Beauty’s father one month to decide and sends him on his way. As Beauty hears this, she tells her father she will go. Her sisters and father argue with her, but she sticks with her decision. The day soon comes and her father escorts her to the castle gates. She doesn’t look back. Upon arriving at the castle she soon meets the Beast. Her first impression is not a good one. The Beast terrifies her but they slowly begin a friendship. Every night the Beast asks Beauty to marry him and her response is always no. Despite this, their friendship grows and flourishes. Beauty’s days are filled with reading, riding her horse and spending time with the Beast. One night during a storm Beauty is disturbed by a dream of her family and she begins to miss them more than ever. The Beast shows Beauty her family, and then her sister’s fiancé who is long presumed dead. Beauty begs the Beast to allow her to go home and tell her sister her fiancé is alive. He allows it, but gives her a rose and one week. After one week the rose will wilt and he will die. As soon as she has permission, she gathers some belongings and returns home. She tells her family of her life (as much as they could understand) and enjoys her week with them. She tells Grace that her fiancé is alive and well. On her last night she dreams of the dying Beast, the rose wilts and without saying goodbye to her family she rushes to the Beast, but because he is dying she can not find the way. After traveling all day, she finds her way back to the castle. In the room where they first met, the Beast appears dead. She expresses her love and he wakes up. After talking about what could have happened if she had not come, she proposes to him. He immediately transforms back into a human. Beauty does not recognize him at first and is frightened but soon realizes what has happened. However that soon turns to dread when she realizes how beautiful he is and how dull she looks. However, when he leads her to a mirror she sees her reflection and realizes how beautiful she has become. They decide to have the wedding that day and everything ends with a cheer.
Who would benefit from reading this? I think this book is geared more toward girls. Also, girls who are having self esteem issues or who like romantic stories.
What problems or conflicts would this book potentially cause? In the beginning of the book, it almost seems like women are the weaker sex. Also, sending your daughter off to live with a Beast, some parents might think this is inappropriate.
I did not particularly enjoy this book. I thought there should have been more going on at the castle and more development of their relationship. I also thought that it took too long to actually introduce the Beast into the story. The background on the family was nice, but I kept wondering when the Beast would be brought in.
01/12/10
Beauty
Robin McKinley
HarperCollins Publisher Inc.
Copyright 1978
Pages 247
Reading Level: Young Adult
Summary
Beauty is a re-telling of the story Beauty and the Beast. Beauty (Honor) lives with her father and two beautiful sisters, Grace and Hope. While Beauty’s given name is Honor, hardly anyone remembers this. Beauty is quite different from her sisters in that she is not beautiful. She is tall and lanky and can be awkward. Her family is very well off, but when bad luck strikes her family, they are left in dire straits. Her family must sell their shipping business and move to the country. While adapting to life in the country, her father is sent word of one of his ships returning. He immediately leaves to find out its fate. Before he leaves he asks his daughters what he can bring them from town. Beauty asks for rose seeds. After several months their father returns with an extraordinary tale. On his way home he takes a shortcut and quickly becomes lost in a blizzard. He is lead to a castle where he and his horse are cared for by invisible servants. After he has recovered and is about to begin his journey home, he sees a rose garden. Remembering his promise to Beauty he picks a rose. The master of the castle (the Beast) immediately appears. He tells Beauty’s father that he can either die for his theft or Beauty can come to the castle and live with him. He promises no harm will come to her and that she will have all that she needs. The Beast gives Beauty’s father one month to decide and sends him on his way. As Beauty hears this, she tells her father she will go. Her sisters and father argue with her, but she sticks with her decision. The day soon comes and her father escorts her to the castle gates. She doesn’t look back. Upon arriving at the castle she soon meets the Beast. Her first impression is not a good one. The Beast terrifies her but they slowly begin a friendship. Every night the Beast asks Beauty to marry him and her response is always no. Despite this, their friendship grows and flourishes. Beauty’s days are filled with reading, riding her horse and spending time with the Beast. One night during a storm Beauty is disturbed by a dream of her family and she begins to miss them more than ever. The Beast shows Beauty her family, and then her sister’s fiancé who is long presumed dead. Beauty begs the Beast to allow her to go home and tell her sister her fiancé is alive. He allows it, but gives her a rose and one week. After one week the rose will wilt and he will die. As soon as she has permission, she gathers some belongings and returns home. She tells her family of her life (as much as they could understand) and enjoys her week with them. She tells Grace that her fiancé is alive and well. On her last night she dreams of the dying Beast, the rose wilts and without saying goodbye to her family she rushes to the Beast, but because he is dying she can not find the way. After traveling all day, she finds her way back to the castle. In the room where they first met, the Beast appears dead. She expresses her love and he wakes up. After talking about what could have happened if she had not come, she proposes to him. He immediately transforms back into a human. Beauty does not recognize him at first and is frightened but soon realizes what has happened. However that soon turns to dread when she realizes how beautiful he is and how dull she looks. However, when he leads her to a mirror she sees her reflection and realizes how beautiful she has become. They decide to have the wedding that day and everything ends with a cheer.
Who would benefit from reading this? I think this book is geared more toward girls. Also, girls who are having self esteem issues or who like romantic stories.
What problems or conflicts would this book potentially cause? In the beginning of the book, it almost seems like women are the weaker sex. Also, sending your daughter off to live with a Beast, some parents might think this is inappropriate.
I did not particularly enjoy this book. I thought there should have been more going on at the castle and more development of their relationship. I also thought that it took too long to actually introduce the Beast into the story. The background on the family was nice, but I kept wondering when the Beast would be brought in.
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