Title: Lincoln: A Photo Biography
Author: Russell Freedman
Publisher: Sandpiper
Copyright: 1987 by Russell Freedman
Ages: 9-12
Pages: 160
Genre: Non-Fiction
Summary:
This is the story of Lincolns life as it has never been shown to children before.
He was born February 12, 1809 in Kentucky. He was named after his pioneer grandfather. His family moved to Knob Creek where he remembers his first home. He didn’t have much formal education and mainly taught himself. His parents were not educated at all. His biological mother died when he was young and after a year his father left to find another wife. Lincoln grew to be a very tall and lanky man with a long lean face. Many people thought he was unattractive when they first saw him, but everyone enjoyed his company. He had a wonderful sense of humor and loved to learn. He was rarely seen without a book in his hands. He was a great ax wielder and could chop all day long. Even when he was young he suffered from depression. At age 22 he left home and began a job at a general store. It didn’t last long. At age 23 he decided to run for state legislature. That fell through when he enlisted in the militia to stop the Indians from destroying their crops. Once finished, he ran again and did not win. He tried his luck as a frontier merchant but that venture failed as well.
He ran for legislature again and was chosen and he began to study law on his own. Lincoln met a woman named Mary and fell in love with her. However her parents didn’t approve and he fell into a deep depression. 15 months later, they meet again and know they still love each other so they get married. They had four sons and Lincoln continued his career. But when his son Eddie turned 4 he became ill and died. Lincoln and Mary fell into depression, and he buried himself in his work. He and a friend owned a lawyers office and it was constantly a mess. But that didn’t stop him from being an amazing lawyer.
Abe and Mary fought often and the neighbors could almost always hear them. They adored their sons but refused to discipline them.
For the most part he was against slavery, but he was going for votes. He wanted it to die a natural death but soon discovered that it would not.
Lincoln ran for president and won. There were many attempts to assassinate Lincoln and once he hid in a train to escape them. The American Civil war began and Lincoln tried many times to command armies or at least get a competent commander. He failed many many times.
Another tragic loss occurred when their son Willie died from a fever. Lincoln came into his worst depression yet. The pace of the war sped up and Lincoln was still losing. Lincoln freed the slaves and many enlisted in the army to help. Many people wanted him to take back the emancipation, but Lincoln said, “I may be a slow walker, but I never walk backwards.”
Many soldiers were put to death because they ran from the army, but Lincoln pardoned as many as he could. Lee (the general of the South) finally surrendered after thousands of deaths on both sides.
On good Friday, Lincoln and Mary attend a play and because his guard was not where he was supposed to be, Lincoln was shot by John Wilkes Booth. Booth jumps onto the stage, breaking his leg but escapes. Later he is shot in a barn and killed. The President died later that night.
His funeral was well attended and when the train that carried his body passed, people built fires to honor him.
Recommendations:
I would recommend this to slightly older children. Probably around the ages of 9-12. I think it is a good introduction to Lincoln.
Potential Problems:
It doesn’t sugarcoat his life like a lot of history books.
My Reaction:
I liked this book because it was honest. It didn’t show him as a perfect man with no faults whose only ambition was to free the slaves. I learned a lot of things that I never knew before about Lincoln.
Monday, April 5, 2010
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Fancy Nancy: Bonjour Butterfly
Title: Fancy Nancy Bonjour Butterfly
Author: Jane O’Connor
Publisher: HarperCollins
Copyright: 2008 by Jane O’Connor
Ages: 4-8
Pages: 32
Genre: Picture
Summary:
Nancy thinks Butterflies are exquisite. When she and her friend Bree see one the say Bonjour! Bree is having a birthday party and it will be Butterfly themed. They make butterfly invitations and plan a butterfly cake. Nancy is going to dress up as an Azure butterfly. Nancy is so excited! But it turns out that her grandparents anniversary is on the same day! So she has to miss Bree’s party. Nancy is not happy, and Bree is heartbroken. When they get to her grandparents she becomes a little happier. They stay at a fancy hotel and Nancy gets candy and even has a spa experience in the bathroom. And at the party she has lots of fun dancing with her grandpa. She apologizes for being cross and has a great night. The next day they go to a butterfly garden and she lets her grandfather know what an expert she is.
Recommendations:
I would recommend this to girly girls who love frills and bows and butterflies.
Potential Problems:
They are strongly geared toward little girls.
My reaction:
A cute book, I like butterflies, and the language is fantastic, but the story is a little boring.
Author: Jane O’Connor
Publisher: HarperCollins
Copyright: 2008 by Jane O’Connor
Ages: 4-8
Pages: 32
Genre: Picture
Summary:
Nancy thinks Butterflies are exquisite. When she and her friend Bree see one the say Bonjour! Bree is having a birthday party and it will be Butterfly themed. They make butterfly invitations and plan a butterfly cake. Nancy is going to dress up as an Azure butterfly. Nancy is so excited! But it turns out that her grandparents anniversary is on the same day! So she has to miss Bree’s party. Nancy is not happy, and Bree is heartbroken. When they get to her grandparents she becomes a little happier. They stay at a fancy hotel and Nancy gets candy and even has a spa experience in the bathroom. And at the party she has lots of fun dancing with her grandpa. She apologizes for being cross and has a great night. The next day they go to a butterfly garden and she lets her grandfather know what an expert she is.
Recommendations:
I would recommend this to girly girls who love frills and bows and butterflies.
Potential Problems:
They are strongly geared toward little girls.
My reaction:
A cute book, I like butterflies, and the language is fantastic, but the story is a little boring.
Wendy
Title: Wendy
Author: Karen Wallace
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Copyright: 2003 by Karen Wallace
Ages: 12+
Pages: 320
Genre: Fiction
Summary:
Wendy is very different from what her parents would like her to be. She is extremely imaginative and often talks to her dog as if it will answer. She, John and Michael have terrible nanny that treats them horribly and when she thinks they are bad she makes them drink castor oil. And on occasion she even hits them.
One night after a dreadful day with Nanny, Wendy and John sneak out to watch a party their parents are hosting. Only while they watch they see their father in an inappropriate situation with a woman named Mrs. Cunningham who is not their mother. Nanny catches them and makes them drink castor oil.
Letitia, Mrs. Cunningham’s daughter is a vile and evil girl. She is spoiled rotten and gets her way with everything. She hated Wendy, but today she had to play with her.
Esther Cunningham is Letitia’s half sister and a true friend of Wendy’s, and she cannot stand her sister and brother.
The next day, Mrs. Darling tells John and Wendy that they are to play with the Cunningham children. Wendy and John are not pleased. In the end, John ends up being tied up and teased with a red hot poker. Letitia reenacts what Wendy saw the night before and then Wendy is violently ill. Wendy confides in the maid Liza what Nanny does to them and sends Nana in to keep her company.
Wendy hates London and wants to go to Rosegrove (a family property) to visit. But that is not to happen for the time being, for the present her family has a picnic which turns sour after their father loses his temper. But instead of having to go with Nanny, she goes with Esther instead. And then confides in her what Letitia had done and why she had become ill. She also shares what Henry does to John. Luckily The Cunningham’s are leaving for the country and Wendy will not have to deal with them much longer.
Mrs. Darling learns that they are broke (after spending quite a lot of money).
The children talk of running away to their Uncles house in Rosegrove and John comes up with a plan to earn the money. But it is ridiculous, so they obviously do not go through with it. When their lemonade is brought out to them Nanny gets angry and refuses to let them have any, but other servants come to the children’s aid. When Nanny grabs Wendy’s arm and twists, making her scream, Mrs. Darling sees. The children are taken car of by the servants while Mrs. Darling dismisses Nanny. She also pawns some of her jewelry to send the children to Rosegrove. She calls Wendy to her and explains that without a nanny they will need to behave extra good. Wendy agrees and the children leave.
When they arrive at Rosegrove they go to meet their Uncle. But Wendy sneaks around to sneak up on him and succeeds. The children are ecstatic to be there. Soon Wendy goes to visit her friend Thomas; he is mentally disabled and can sometimes be unpredictable. He is an amazing painter and when Wendy first sees him after a long absence she sees the dark and evil painting he had done. It disturbs her and Thomas both. She helps him to get rid of it. The summer progresses and they all have a wonderful time, until Mrs. Darlings comes, and Wendy sees her embracing Thomas. She is furious, how could her mother do that?! She runs and runs, but trips and hits her head. She doesn’t know how long she was unconscious but she has horrible horrible dreams. Her family finds her and has to call a doctor because she is so sick.
Wendy wakes up to find her mother crying next to her, she tells her mother that she hates her. Soon, Wendy is out and about again.
At home, Mr. Darling gets drunk almost everyday and is tearing the house apart. He gets drunk and takes his car out for a drive. He crashes and then goes after the women protesting for the right to vote. Esther sees him and is completely shocked. She writes to Mrs. Darling and they plan to return home.
Wendy goes to play with Letitia again and learns what happened with her father. And when her father gets drunk again, he yells at Mrs. Darling that Wendy is just as mad as her big brother. But Wendy doesn’t have an older brother that she knows of. She goes to visit Esther and they talk about the possibility of her having a mad older brother.
The Cunningham’s have a fight because he found out she was having an affair with Mr. Darling. His punishment to his wife is either for all of them to move away to the country or a divorce, and she chooses the country.
Wendy stole money from her mother to go visit her mad brother and even gave some to her brothers so that they could have some sweets. But then she is sent to say goodbye to Letitia. Letitia threatens to kill herself and Wendy becomes worried. And then Letitica sends Wendy a suicide note, and she sneaks to her mothers room to deliver a note but hears her parents arguing about her older brother. That is when she learns that Thomas is her brother.
Leticia does not go through with her death threat and they move away.
Wendy returns to find her home completely changed. Her father found a job, sold his car and the family is happier and when she arrives she is given a package from her Uncle. It was a picture than Thomas had drawn and it was of her.
That night, Wendy writes her mother a letter and returns almost all of the money she stole. Then she sees her parents and they are happy again. That night, she dreams of Thomas, the boy who would never grow up.
Recommendations:
This is a relatively dark book with talk of infidelity and divorce and mental illness as a bad thing. I would only suggest this to older readers. At least 12 years old.
Potential Problems:
There is infidelity, divorce, violence, parents sending their children away and alcoholism.
My Reaction:
I’m honestly not sure how I feel about this book. I know that I despise Mr. Darling and was greatly bothered by how dark it was, but I’m glad everything worked out in the end.
Author: Karen Wallace
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Copyright: 2003 by Karen Wallace
Ages: 12+
Pages: 320
Genre: Fiction
Summary:
Wendy is very different from what her parents would like her to be. She is extremely imaginative and often talks to her dog as if it will answer. She, John and Michael have terrible nanny that treats them horribly and when she thinks they are bad she makes them drink castor oil. And on occasion she even hits them.
One night after a dreadful day with Nanny, Wendy and John sneak out to watch a party their parents are hosting. Only while they watch they see their father in an inappropriate situation with a woman named Mrs. Cunningham who is not their mother. Nanny catches them and makes them drink castor oil.
Letitia, Mrs. Cunningham’s daughter is a vile and evil girl. She is spoiled rotten and gets her way with everything. She hated Wendy, but today she had to play with her.
Esther Cunningham is Letitia’s half sister and a true friend of Wendy’s, and she cannot stand her sister and brother.
The next day, Mrs. Darling tells John and Wendy that they are to play with the Cunningham children. Wendy and John are not pleased. In the end, John ends up being tied up and teased with a red hot poker. Letitia reenacts what Wendy saw the night before and then Wendy is violently ill. Wendy confides in the maid Liza what Nanny does to them and sends Nana in to keep her company.
Wendy hates London and wants to go to Rosegrove (a family property) to visit. But that is not to happen for the time being, for the present her family has a picnic which turns sour after their father loses his temper. But instead of having to go with Nanny, she goes with Esther instead. And then confides in her what Letitia had done and why she had become ill. She also shares what Henry does to John. Luckily The Cunningham’s are leaving for the country and Wendy will not have to deal with them much longer.
Mrs. Darling learns that they are broke (after spending quite a lot of money).
The children talk of running away to their Uncles house in Rosegrove and John comes up with a plan to earn the money. But it is ridiculous, so they obviously do not go through with it. When their lemonade is brought out to them Nanny gets angry and refuses to let them have any, but other servants come to the children’s aid. When Nanny grabs Wendy’s arm and twists, making her scream, Mrs. Darling sees. The children are taken car of by the servants while Mrs. Darling dismisses Nanny. She also pawns some of her jewelry to send the children to Rosegrove. She calls Wendy to her and explains that without a nanny they will need to behave extra good. Wendy agrees and the children leave.
When they arrive at Rosegrove they go to meet their Uncle. But Wendy sneaks around to sneak up on him and succeeds. The children are ecstatic to be there. Soon Wendy goes to visit her friend Thomas; he is mentally disabled and can sometimes be unpredictable. He is an amazing painter and when Wendy first sees him after a long absence she sees the dark and evil painting he had done. It disturbs her and Thomas both. She helps him to get rid of it. The summer progresses and they all have a wonderful time, until Mrs. Darlings comes, and Wendy sees her embracing Thomas. She is furious, how could her mother do that?! She runs and runs, but trips and hits her head. She doesn’t know how long she was unconscious but she has horrible horrible dreams. Her family finds her and has to call a doctor because she is so sick.
Wendy wakes up to find her mother crying next to her, she tells her mother that she hates her. Soon, Wendy is out and about again.
At home, Mr. Darling gets drunk almost everyday and is tearing the house apart. He gets drunk and takes his car out for a drive. He crashes and then goes after the women protesting for the right to vote. Esther sees him and is completely shocked. She writes to Mrs. Darling and they plan to return home.
Wendy goes to play with Letitia again and learns what happened with her father. And when her father gets drunk again, he yells at Mrs. Darling that Wendy is just as mad as her big brother. But Wendy doesn’t have an older brother that she knows of. She goes to visit Esther and they talk about the possibility of her having a mad older brother.
The Cunningham’s have a fight because he found out she was having an affair with Mr. Darling. His punishment to his wife is either for all of them to move away to the country or a divorce, and she chooses the country.
Wendy stole money from her mother to go visit her mad brother and even gave some to her brothers so that they could have some sweets. But then she is sent to say goodbye to Letitia. Letitia threatens to kill herself and Wendy becomes worried. And then Letitica sends Wendy a suicide note, and she sneaks to her mothers room to deliver a note but hears her parents arguing about her older brother. That is when she learns that Thomas is her brother.
Leticia does not go through with her death threat and they move away.
Wendy returns to find her home completely changed. Her father found a job, sold his car and the family is happier and when she arrives she is given a package from her Uncle. It was a picture than Thomas had drawn and it was of her.
That night, Wendy writes her mother a letter and returns almost all of the money she stole. Then she sees her parents and they are happy again. That night, she dreams of Thomas, the boy who would never grow up.
Recommendations:
This is a relatively dark book with talk of infidelity and divorce and mental illness as a bad thing. I would only suggest this to older readers. At least 12 years old.
Potential Problems:
There is infidelity, divorce, violence, parents sending their children away and alcoholism.
My Reaction:
I’m honestly not sure how I feel about this book. I know that I despise Mr. Darling and was greatly bothered by how dark it was, but I’m glad everything worked out in the end.
Friday, April 2, 2010
Why Are Animals Red?
Title: Why Are Animals Red?
Author: Melissa Stewart
Publisher: Enslow Publishers
Copyright: 2009 by Melissa Stewart
Ages: 4-8
Pages: 32
Genre: Non-Fiction
Summary:
This book is about all the different reasons why some animals are red. The most obvious is the ladybug, this is a sign for danger. The Scarlet Ibis is a bird born white or grey, but because of their diet of red crabs, they turn red as well! The Bald Uakari has a very red face. This is appealing to the girls who are looking for a mate. The Northern Cardinal sends the same message. The Great Frigate Bird pumps air into a red pouch to attract females. The Coral Snake is very poisonous and its red color means “Stay Away”. Morpho Caterpillars stay together to create a large red mass that scares other creatures. White Tipped Soldier Fish are hard to find, but very red. Their color helps them hide from their enemies. Radiant Sea Urchins give stings to those who pass by. There is also the Pacific Giant Octopus. It changes its color to blend in with its surroundings. All of these are reasons why some animals are red!
Recommendation:
I wouldn’t recommend this book, I thought it was boring and the pictures were dull.
Potential Problems:
Other than being boring, none.
My Reaction:
Boring. I checked it out thinking I’d like it, but then I didn’t like it at all. The pictures were boring and plain and there wasn’t a lot of information.
Author: Melissa Stewart
Publisher: Enslow Publishers
Copyright: 2009 by Melissa Stewart
Ages: 4-8
Pages: 32
Genre: Non-Fiction
Summary:
This book is about all the different reasons why some animals are red. The most obvious is the ladybug, this is a sign for danger. The Scarlet Ibis is a bird born white or grey, but because of their diet of red crabs, they turn red as well! The Bald Uakari has a very red face. This is appealing to the girls who are looking for a mate. The Northern Cardinal sends the same message. The Great Frigate Bird pumps air into a red pouch to attract females. The Coral Snake is very poisonous and its red color means “Stay Away”. Morpho Caterpillars stay together to create a large red mass that scares other creatures. White Tipped Soldier Fish are hard to find, but very red. Their color helps them hide from their enemies. Radiant Sea Urchins give stings to those who pass by. There is also the Pacific Giant Octopus. It changes its color to blend in with its surroundings. All of these are reasons why some animals are red!
Recommendation:
I wouldn’t recommend this book, I thought it was boring and the pictures were dull.
Potential Problems:
Other than being boring, none.
My Reaction:
Boring. I checked it out thinking I’d like it, but then I didn’t like it at all. The pictures were boring and plain and there wasn’t a lot of information.
Amazing Bats
Title: Amazing Bats
Author: Seymour Simon
Publisher: Chronicle Books
Copyright: 2005 by Seymour Simon
Ages: 4-8
Pages: 40
Genre: Non-fiction
Summary:
Bats are the only mammals on the planet that can fly. There are about 1000 different kinds of bats all over the world. Some bats live in caves and come out at night to eat. Most bats eat insects (not humans), but some others eat fruit or nectar from flowers. And then completely opposite are the bats that eat fish or frogs. A bat can learn a lot by listening to its prey, like how big it is and what it is. There are also vampire bats, which bite their victim and then drink its blood.
During the winter, some bats travel to warmer places like Texas or New Mexico. Other bats live in cold places like caves and hibernate. They can sleep for up to six months!
There are two groups of bats. Megabats and Microbats the first is a large bat the eats fruit and the latter is smaller and eats insects. But the largest bat is the flying fox. It weighs more than 2 lbs and has a wingspan of over 6 feet. And one of the smallest is the pipistrelle. It weighs less than two pennies.
Bats are helpful creatures. They eat insects so that we’re not bothered by them.
Recommendation:
I would recommend this to animal lovers and probably a first grade classroom.
Potential Problems:
I do not see any problems with this book.
My Reaction:
I love bats! I think they’re so cute! So naturally I love this book. However I thought vampire bats were a joke, I guess not!
Author: Seymour Simon
Publisher: Chronicle Books
Copyright: 2005 by Seymour Simon
Ages: 4-8
Pages: 40
Genre: Non-fiction
Summary:
Bats are the only mammals on the planet that can fly. There are about 1000 different kinds of bats all over the world. Some bats live in caves and come out at night to eat. Most bats eat insects (not humans), but some others eat fruit or nectar from flowers. And then completely opposite are the bats that eat fish or frogs. A bat can learn a lot by listening to its prey, like how big it is and what it is. There are also vampire bats, which bite their victim and then drink its blood.
During the winter, some bats travel to warmer places like Texas or New Mexico. Other bats live in cold places like caves and hibernate. They can sleep for up to six months!
There are two groups of bats. Megabats and Microbats the first is a large bat the eats fruit and the latter is smaller and eats insects. But the largest bat is the flying fox. It weighs more than 2 lbs and has a wingspan of over 6 feet. And one of the smallest is the pipistrelle. It weighs less than two pennies.
Bats are helpful creatures. They eat insects so that we’re not bothered by them.
Recommendation:
I would recommend this to animal lovers and probably a first grade classroom.
Potential Problems:
I do not see any problems with this book.
My Reaction:
I love bats! I think they’re so cute! So naturally I love this book. However I thought vampire bats were a joke, I guess not!
Crazy Horse
Title: Crazy Horse
Author: Kristine Brennan
Publisher: Chelsea House Publications
Copyright: 2002 by Chelsea House Publishers
Ages: 9-12
Pages: 64
Genre: Non-fiction
Summary:
Crazy Horse was born in South Dakota in 1840 to a man named Worm and a woman named Rattle Blanket Woman. He had two known siblings. Not much is knows about his early life other than most people believed him to be white because of his light skin and light hair. His name before he was Crazy Horse was Curly. He learned to hunt and raid and scout for buffalo and enemy tribes.
When a cow of a white man is killed and cannot be replaced, fighting begins. His chief is killed and he wanders off on h is own, wondering what will happen to his people. He began a vision quest and received a vision. His vision was interpreted to mean that he would be a great warrior but not to be proud, and to always help the needy.
He soon becomes a warrior and kills two Arapaho men and because he disobeys his vision, he is promptly hit in the leg with an arrow.
There continued to be battles against the whites despite the Civil War and many Indians were killed. Crazy Horse even fell in love but was tricked and his love taken away.
He worked with a chief called Black Kettle and they fought side by side. He was then called as a shirt wearer (a respected and responsible man) and he was to help lead.
A treaty is signed, but misunderstood by the Indians and they have to live on a reservation. Through all of this, Crazy Horse was still in love and ran off with the woman he loved, but she was married and he ended up being shot in the face. He recovered, but times got harder. Crazy Horse eventually married and had a daughter named “They are afraid of her”. But she dies of cholera. He never displayed emotion, but he stayed with her body for several days mourning her loss.
Because of the gold rush, the whites wanted all of the Indian land they had previously given them. The declared that after a certain date the Indians would be hunted down. The Indians placed a counter attack and won. But Colonel Custer came at them again. He and all of his men were killed.
The Indians are once again attacked, and another tribe took 3 days to reach Crazy Horse and his camp. In total, 11 babies died. Crazy Horse soon realizes that he can no longer fight and surrenders. But in essence, he and his people are prisoners. He is urged to meet the president but refuses because the whites refuse to keep their promises. Rumors begin that Crazy Horse will try to kill all the whites (because of a mistranslation) and people begin to turn on him. They plot to kill him and he takes his wife and runs. He is then promised a meeting and goes. Unknowingly into a trap. The whites imprison him. He tries to escape and is stabbed twice with a bayonet. He dies later that night with his father by his side. No one knows what happened to his body.
Recommendations:
I think everyone should read this book so that they know what the Indians went through because of the whites. It’s an important part of our history.
Potential Problems:
It is violent, and some of the men have several wives.
My Reaction:
I liked reading this book, I learned a lot, and I think I would read this book again.
Author: Kristine Brennan
Publisher: Chelsea House Publications
Copyright: 2002 by Chelsea House Publishers
Ages: 9-12
Pages: 64
Genre: Non-fiction
Summary:
Crazy Horse was born in South Dakota in 1840 to a man named Worm and a woman named Rattle Blanket Woman. He had two known siblings. Not much is knows about his early life other than most people believed him to be white because of his light skin and light hair. His name before he was Crazy Horse was Curly. He learned to hunt and raid and scout for buffalo and enemy tribes.
When a cow of a white man is killed and cannot be replaced, fighting begins. His chief is killed and he wanders off on h is own, wondering what will happen to his people. He began a vision quest and received a vision. His vision was interpreted to mean that he would be a great warrior but not to be proud, and to always help the needy.
He soon becomes a warrior and kills two Arapaho men and because he disobeys his vision, he is promptly hit in the leg with an arrow.
There continued to be battles against the whites despite the Civil War and many Indians were killed. Crazy Horse even fell in love but was tricked and his love taken away.
He worked with a chief called Black Kettle and they fought side by side. He was then called as a shirt wearer (a respected and responsible man) and he was to help lead.
A treaty is signed, but misunderstood by the Indians and they have to live on a reservation. Through all of this, Crazy Horse was still in love and ran off with the woman he loved, but she was married and he ended up being shot in the face. He recovered, but times got harder. Crazy Horse eventually married and had a daughter named “They are afraid of her”. But she dies of cholera. He never displayed emotion, but he stayed with her body for several days mourning her loss.
Because of the gold rush, the whites wanted all of the Indian land they had previously given them. The declared that after a certain date the Indians would be hunted down. The Indians placed a counter attack and won. But Colonel Custer came at them again. He and all of his men were killed.
The Indians are once again attacked, and another tribe took 3 days to reach Crazy Horse and his camp. In total, 11 babies died. Crazy Horse soon realizes that he can no longer fight and surrenders. But in essence, he and his people are prisoners. He is urged to meet the president but refuses because the whites refuse to keep their promises. Rumors begin that Crazy Horse will try to kill all the whites (because of a mistranslation) and people begin to turn on him. They plot to kill him and he takes his wife and runs. He is then promised a meeting and goes. Unknowingly into a trap. The whites imprison him. He tries to escape and is stabbed twice with a bayonet. He dies later that night with his father by his side. No one knows what happened to his body.
Recommendations:
I think everyone should read this book so that they know what the Indians went through because of the whites. It’s an important part of our history.
Potential Problems:
It is violent, and some of the men have several wives.
My Reaction:
I liked reading this book, I learned a lot, and I think I would read this book again.
Sharks
Title: Sharks
Author: Catriona Clarke
Publisher: Usborne Books
Copyright: January 2007
Ages: 4-8
Pages: 32
Genre: Non-fiction
Summary:
A shark is a type of fish. There are over 400 different types of sharks. Sharks use their gills to breathe underwater. Sharks are the best hunters in the ocean. They have good sense of hearing, sight and smell. They can also sense the electric signals from living things. A shark’s main weapon is it’s teeth and each shark has a slightly different kind. They have several rows of teeth so if they lose one, it is easily replaced. They are very good at attacking their prey by sneaking up on it. Sharks are difficult to see from the top and bottom because of their coloring. Some sharks lay eggs, while others have natural births. Every shark is different and has a different way of life. Some travel in the ocean and others stay close to where they were born. The whale shark is the biggest fish in the world and is also the most gentle.
The most famous and dangerous shark is the Great White Shark. They eat big fish, seals and sometimes even people.
Sharks all over the ocean are dying because of oil spills, fishing and meals. These are just some of the reasons that they are in danger.
Recommendation:
I would gear this book more toward boys, but is a girl wanted to read it too that would be completely fine.
Potential Problems:
Can be scary, but then I’m terrified of Sharks.
My reaction:
I enjoyed the read, despite the fact that it was about sharks. Some of the sharks just looked silly and not scary at all, so that was nice.
Author: Catriona Clarke
Publisher: Usborne Books
Copyright: January 2007
Ages: 4-8
Pages: 32
Genre: Non-fiction
Summary:
A shark is a type of fish. There are over 400 different types of sharks. Sharks use their gills to breathe underwater. Sharks are the best hunters in the ocean. They have good sense of hearing, sight and smell. They can also sense the electric signals from living things. A shark’s main weapon is it’s teeth and each shark has a slightly different kind. They have several rows of teeth so if they lose one, it is easily replaced. They are very good at attacking their prey by sneaking up on it. Sharks are difficult to see from the top and bottom because of their coloring. Some sharks lay eggs, while others have natural births. Every shark is different and has a different way of life. Some travel in the ocean and others stay close to where they were born. The whale shark is the biggest fish in the world and is also the most gentle.
The most famous and dangerous shark is the Great White Shark. They eat big fish, seals and sometimes even people.
Sharks all over the ocean are dying because of oil spills, fishing and meals. These are just some of the reasons that they are in danger.
Recommendation:
I would gear this book more toward boys, but is a girl wanted to read it too that would be completely fine.
Potential Problems:
Can be scary, but then I’m terrified of Sharks.
My reaction:
I enjoyed the read, despite the fact that it was about sharks. Some of the sharks just looked silly and not scary at all, so that was nice.
The Story of Taylor and His Wheelchair
Title: The Story of Taylor and His Wheelchair
Author: Jamee Riggio Heelan
Publisher: Peachtree Publishers
Copyright: 2000 by the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago
Ages: 4-8
Pages: 32
Genre: Non-fiction
Summary:
This is a story about a boy named Taylor. He has a twin brother named Tyler who is his best friend. They both like chocolate ice cream, to wrestle and watch basketball. They also enjoy reading about dinosaurs.
Unlike Tyler, Taylor has Cerebral palsy. While Tyler can run and jump and play, Taylor has trouble walking. Every week Taylor visits Kathryn, a physical therapist who helps him work on his muscles. He has many friends in therapy. He learned to walk with his walker, but got easily tired. It was often frustrating having to rely on other people to help him all the time.
When Taylor had the chance to use a wheelchair, he was excited. He had to train himself how to use it. But one of his friends from school was sad that he was going to use a wheelchair. He thought it was better to use the walker. But Taylor explained that this was best. Taylor’s family surprises him with his first wheelchair and he began practicing immediately. Tyler helps him practice so that he can get stronger. One problem with a wheelchair is that he cannot go up stairs or through heavy doors. But his school has special ramps for children in wheelchairs. There is also an automatic door that opens for him. Water fountains are the perfect height, as well as the sinks.
When Taylor gets home, Tyler helps him with his muscle stretches and when they’re done they go outside and play. They play basketball, their favorite sport and they’re equally good at it. Now, with a wheelchair, there are more possibilities for Taylor.
Recommendations:
I think physically disabled children could greatly benefit from this book. It could help them realize that they are not alone.
Potential Problems:
I don’t see any problems with this book.
My Reaction:
I liked this book. Taylor and Tyler both seem very sweet. It’s nice that Taylor was able to find something that worked for him, since the walker wasn’t working.
Author: Jamee Riggio Heelan
Publisher: Peachtree Publishers
Copyright: 2000 by the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago
Ages: 4-8
Pages: 32
Genre: Non-fiction
Summary:
This is a story about a boy named Taylor. He has a twin brother named Tyler who is his best friend. They both like chocolate ice cream, to wrestle and watch basketball. They also enjoy reading about dinosaurs.
Unlike Tyler, Taylor has Cerebral palsy. While Tyler can run and jump and play, Taylor has trouble walking. Every week Taylor visits Kathryn, a physical therapist who helps him work on his muscles. He has many friends in therapy. He learned to walk with his walker, but got easily tired. It was often frustrating having to rely on other people to help him all the time.
When Taylor had the chance to use a wheelchair, he was excited. He had to train himself how to use it. But one of his friends from school was sad that he was going to use a wheelchair. He thought it was better to use the walker. But Taylor explained that this was best. Taylor’s family surprises him with his first wheelchair and he began practicing immediately. Tyler helps him practice so that he can get stronger. One problem with a wheelchair is that he cannot go up stairs or through heavy doors. But his school has special ramps for children in wheelchairs. There is also an automatic door that opens for him. Water fountains are the perfect height, as well as the sinks.
When Taylor gets home, Tyler helps him with his muscle stretches and when they’re done they go outside and play. They play basketball, their favorite sport and they’re equally good at it. Now, with a wheelchair, there are more possibilities for Taylor.
Recommendations:
I think physically disabled children could greatly benefit from this book. It could help them realize that they are not alone.
Potential Problems:
I don’t see any problems with this book.
My Reaction:
I liked this book. Taylor and Tyler both seem very sweet. It’s nice that Taylor was able to find something that worked for him, since the walker wasn’t working.
Amelia Earhart
Title: Amelia Earhart
Authors: Marilyn Rosenthal and Daniel Freeman
Publisher: Capstone Press
Copyright: 1999 to Capstone Press
Ages: 9-12
Pages: 24
Genre: Non-Fiction
Summary:
Amelia Earhart was born in 1897 in Kansas. Her parents traveled so she was cared for by her grandmother. Her family moved around quite a lot because of her father’s business and she attended many schools. It wasn’t common, but she went to college. But instead of graduating, she became a nurse in Toronto, Canada with her sister. Most of the men treated were pilots and Amelia began to have a desire to be a pilot. In 1922 she received her pilots license from Neta Snook. Her mother and sister helped her purchase her first plane, but she sold it when her parents divorced to buy a car. Amelia was the first woman to travel to Europe by plane. She married her manager George Putnam.
Amelia broke many flight records, including being the first woman to fly an airplane alone across the Atlantic. She accomplished the same with the Pacific. With this she became famous. She used her fame to help women. She began her plans to be the first to fly around the world.
She and friend Fred Noonan made it almost the entire way around the globe, but they lost contact with the Navy. They never reached their destination and their plane has never been found. It remains a mystery and Amelia remains a legend.
Recommendations:
Girls who want to be pilots, or simply enjoy flying.
Potential Problems:
It speaks of divorce.
My Reaction:
I learned a bit. I didn’t realize that they had never found her plane. I thought they had. But it’s very informational, but not boring, and the pictures are nice.
Authors: Marilyn Rosenthal and Daniel Freeman
Publisher: Capstone Press
Copyright: 1999 to Capstone Press
Ages: 9-12
Pages: 24
Genre: Non-Fiction
Summary:
Amelia Earhart was born in 1897 in Kansas. Her parents traveled so she was cared for by her grandmother. Her family moved around quite a lot because of her father’s business and she attended many schools. It wasn’t common, but she went to college. But instead of graduating, she became a nurse in Toronto, Canada with her sister. Most of the men treated were pilots and Amelia began to have a desire to be a pilot. In 1922 she received her pilots license from Neta Snook. Her mother and sister helped her purchase her first plane, but she sold it when her parents divorced to buy a car. Amelia was the first woman to travel to Europe by plane. She married her manager George Putnam.
Amelia broke many flight records, including being the first woman to fly an airplane alone across the Atlantic. She accomplished the same with the Pacific. With this she became famous. She used her fame to help women. She began her plans to be the first to fly around the world.
She and friend Fred Noonan made it almost the entire way around the globe, but they lost contact with the Navy. They never reached their destination and their plane has never been found. It remains a mystery and Amelia remains a legend.
Recommendations:
Girls who want to be pilots, or simply enjoy flying.
Potential Problems:
It speaks of divorce.
My Reaction:
I learned a bit. I didn’t realize that they had never found her plane. I thought they had. But it’s very informational, but not boring, and the pictures are nice.
The Wright Brothers
Title: The Wright Brothers
Author: Lola M. Schaefer
Publisher: Capstone Press
Copyright: 2000 Capstone Press
Ages: 4-8
Pages: 24
Genre: Non-Fiction
Summary:
Wilbur and Orville Wright were born in the late 1800’s and liked to build kites. When their father gave them a toy helicopter, they used its design to make other toys. In 1892 the opened a bicycle shop where they repaired and built bicycles. In 1900 they began building gliders. They observed birds in order to build the best gliders. They tested a total of over 200 wing shapes. They soon began construction on an airplane called the Flyer. The Wright Brothers later passed away but their inventions helped with the airplanes we use today.
Recommendations:
I would recommend this book to the pre-kindergarten group, for those children who enjoy planes.
Potential problems:
I see none.
My reaction:
A very simple book that gets to the point without a lot of words. It was a little too simple for me.
Author: Lola M. Schaefer
Publisher: Capstone Press
Copyright: 2000 Capstone Press
Ages: 4-8
Pages: 24
Genre: Non-Fiction
Summary:
Wilbur and Orville Wright were born in the late 1800’s and liked to build kites. When their father gave them a toy helicopter, they used its design to make other toys. In 1892 the opened a bicycle shop where they repaired and built bicycles. In 1900 they began building gliders. They observed birds in order to build the best gliders. They tested a total of over 200 wing shapes. They soon began construction on an airplane called the Flyer. The Wright Brothers later passed away but their inventions helped with the airplanes we use today.
Recommendations:
I would recommend this book to the pre-kindergarten group, for those children who enjoy planes.
Potential problems:
I see none.
My reaction:
A very simple book that gets to the point without a lot of words. It was a little too simple for me.
A Single Shard
Title: A Single Shard
Author: Linda Sue Park
Publisher: Random House Children’s Books
Copyright: 2001 by Linda Sue Park
Ages: 9-12
Pages: 192
Genre: Historical Fiction
Summary:
Tree-Ear is an orphan who lives under the bridge with his friend Crane-man in Korea. They take care of each other and today Tree-Ear brings rice home. A man taking his rice to market had a hole in his sack and the rice fell out. After waiting for the man to round the corner, he caught up to him and told him about the hole, he was then able to scoop the rice off the ground and take it home to Crane-man. Crane-man is crippled and cannot do many of the tasks that are required so Tree-ear does them.
Tree-ear greatly enjoys watching the potters create new things, but his favorite is Min. Every throwing day he goes to watch him. Min will often make several of the same pot and then destroy them all because they are not good enough. But because Min desired perfection, he was the greatest potter in the region.
Several days after his last visit, he goes back to Min’s but discovers that he is not there, so he goes to the shop to explore. Unfortunately he breaks a pot and to repay Min, he offers to work for him. Min reluctantly agrees and for the first time in Tree-ears life, he has a job which means food once a day.
For his first day at work he is sent up the mountain to collect firewood, he chops all day long creating a blister in the center of his hand, the wagon he uses to carry the wood tips over and he has to begin again. He then leave the cart and the house and returns to the bridge where Crane-man waits for him. The next day Tree-ear is scolded before he even makes it to the house. He had not completed his job. He began taking the wood to the kiln from then on. After the 9th day of working for Min, Tree-ear’s debt is paid, but he requests to stay with Min and Min agrees. Now instead of wood, he is to collect the clay. It is a hard and messy process, but Tree-Ear learns quickly.
That night he returns home to find Crane-man without his crutch. It broke when Crane-man hit it against a rock and Tree-ear begins to feel guilty for not being their for his friend but things quickly return to their light hearted banter.
The next day Tree-ear had a plan, he would bring his own bowl to work so that he could eat half and take half to Crane-man. However, at the end of the day an animal had eaten his leftovers. He decided he would have to be more clever. He dug a hole and placed a rock over it to protect his food and it worked. But a few days after he discovers that the bowl is full when he goes to retrieve it.
He begins learning how to drain the clay, and many times he has to drain it more than once. And often it was not enough for Min. Tree-Ear couldn’t wait to be able to learn to be a potter himself.
As summer approaches, food becomes easier to collect for Crane-man and he and Tree-ear often have better meals to eat. But this also meant that there was more time on his hands, so he would stay at Min’s house and do extra chores to help Min’s wife. One morning tree-ear follows Kang, another potter and discovers that he’s hiding something. But he continues with his work and waits.
Crane-man makes him a pair of sandals, and when they no longer fit, he makes him another pair. But this isn’t acceptable for winter. Min’s wife gives him her son’s clothes because he passed away. Tree-ear gives the coat to Crane-man to keep warm and continues work. He discovers what Kang has been working on, but keeps it a secret, because he doesn’t want to steal an idea. But soon, word from the palace comes that they are looking for a new potter. Min works very hard to make a few pieces to show and eventually comes up with what he wants. The emissary arrives and Kang’s creations are revealed, so now Tree-Ear can give the secret (because it is no longer a secret) to Min. However, Kang is chosen to be the potter, but only for a few months. Min is the next choice and begins working on his own version of Kang’s Inlaying. But there is no way for him to get the pottery to the palace, so Tree-Ear volunteers to take them.
Min spends almost all of his time perfecting the pottery, though the first several batches are ruined and then destroyed.
Crane-man tells Tree-ear of a fox who are generally bad luck and explains how one helped him decide not to be a monk. The story somewhat confuses Tree-ear, but listens none the less.
Tree-ear tells his friend of his upcoming journey and Crane-man begins to make him more sandals. Tree-Ear begins to lose interest in working for Min when Min tells him that he will never teach him to be a potter because he is not his son, his son is dead. Tree-Ear asks Crane-man why this is so and he explains it. He tells him that it used to be that no one wanted to be a potter so they made a law that the profession would be passed from father to son. Crane-man didn’t know if it was still that way but he said that the tradition had continued. He continued to work for Min but decides to learn pottery without him. There is more than one way to make pottery, he decides to use molding as his method for now.
As Min continues his work he discovers that he needs something to carry them in. So Crane-man makes a stray container for them. The container is tested and proved to work well. It is decided that Tree-ear will leave in the morning, and before he goes he gives Crane-man a molded monkey that he made for him.
Tree-ear travels without much incident for the first six days. He began to relax a little until he realized that he would be spending the night in the forest. While there, he encounters a fox. He is terrified and barely able to sleep. But he does, and when he wakes he realizes how silly it was to fear a fox. He continues his journey until he reaches a place that Crane-man insisted he visit. While there, he is overtaken by bandits and the vases are broken. Desperate, Tree-ear picks up a single shard and continues on his journey to the palace. When he reaches the gates he refuses to see anyone but the emissary and when he does he shows him the shard. Therefore, gaining a commission for Min.
The Emissary sends a ship back to Tree-Ear’s home and he goes with it, making the journey much quicker. As soon as they reach land, he run’s to Min’s house to find him. Ajima tells him that he is at the draining site. As soon as Tree-Ear reaches him, he tells him the wonderful news, only to be disappointed by the news of Crane-mans death.
The next day, Tree-ear returns to work and finds that he has to chop wood, but it’s different this time. Min tells him that he needs his own wheel. Tree-ear will finally learn pottery! Ajima invites Tree-ear to live with them and take part of the name of their first son. Tree-ear is now Hyung-pil and he finally has a family.
Recommendations:
There are so many ways this book could be introduced. In an art class, a history class or simply for fun reading.
Potential Problems:
The way orphans are treated might give the children ideas.
My reaction:
I thought this was a historically accurate book. My Aunt is Korean and it is quite similar to what she has talked about. I liked the book, although it seemed slow at times. Overall though it was good.
Author: Linda Sue Park
Publisher: Random House Children’s Books
Copyright: 2001 by Linda Sue Park
Ages: 9-12
Pages: 192
Genre: Historical Fiction
Summary:
Tree-Ear is an orphan who lives under the bridge with his friend Crane-man in Korea. They take care of each other and today Tree-Ear brings rice home. A man taking his rice to market had a hole in his sack and the rice fell out. After waiting for the man to round the corner, he caught up to him and told him about the hole, he was then able to scoop the rice off the ground and take it home to Crane-man. Crane-man is crippled and cannot do many of the tasks that are required so Tree-ear does them.
Tree-ear greatly enjoys watching the potters create new things, but his favorite is Min. Every throwing day he goes to watch him. Min will often make several of the same pot and then destroy them all because they are not good enough. But because Min desired perfection, he was the greatest potter in the region.
Several days after his last visit, he goes back to Min’s but discovers that he is not there, so he goes to the shop to explore. Unfortunately he breaks a pot and to repay Min, he offers to work for him. Min reluctantly agrees and for the first time in Tree-ears life, he has a job which means food once a day.
For his first day at work he is sent up the mountain to collect firewood, he chops all day long creating a blister in the center of his hand, the wagon he uses to carry the wood tips over and he has to begin again. He then leave the cart and the house and returns to the bridge where Crane-man waits for him. The next day Tree-ear is scolded before he even makes it to the house. He had not completed his job. He began taking the wood to the kiln from then on. After the 9th day of working for Min, Tree-ear’s debt is paid, but he requests to stay with Min and Min agrees. Now instead of wood, he is to collect the clay. It is a hard and messy process, but Tree-Ear learns quickly.
That night he returns home to find Crane-man without his crutch. It broke when Crane-man hit it against a rock and Tree-ear begins to feel guilty for not being their for his friend but things quickly return to their light hearted banter.
The next day Tree-ear had a plan, he would bring his own bowl to work so that he could eat half and take half to Crane-man. However, at the end of the day an animal had eaten his leftovers. He decided he would have to be more clever. He dug a hole and placed a rock over it to protect his food and it worked. But a few days after he discovers that the bowl is full when he goes to retrieve it.
He begins learning how to drain the clay, and many times he has to drain it more than once. And often it was not enough for Min. Tree-Ear couldn’t wait to be able to learn to be a potter himself.
As summer approaches, food becomes easier to collect for Crane-man and he and Tree-ear often have better meals to eat. But this also meant that there was more time on his hands, so he would stay at Min’s house and do extra chores to help Min’s wife. One morning tree-ear follows Kang, another potter and discovers that he’s hiding something. But he continues with his work and waits.
Crane-man makes him a pair of sandals, and when they no longer fit, he makes him another pair. But this isn’t acceptable for winter. Min’s wife gives him her son’s clothes because he passed away. Tree-ear gives the coat to Crane-man to keep warm and continues work. He discovers what Kang has been working on, but keeps it a secret, because he doesn’t want to steal an idea. But soon, word from the palace comes that they are looking for a new potter. Min works very hard to make a few pieces to show and eventually comes up with what he wants. The emissary arrives and Kang’s creations are revealed, so now Tree-Ear can give the secret (because it is no longer a secret) to Min. However, Kang is chosen to be the potter, but only for a few months. Min is the next choice and begins working on his own version of Kang’s Inlaying. But there is no way for him to get the pottery to the palace, so Tree-Ear volunteers to take them.
Min spends almost all of his time perfecting the pottery, though the first several batches are ruined and then destroyed.
Crane-man tells Tree-ear of a fox who are generally bad luck and explains how one helped him decide not to be a monk. The story somewhat confuses Tree-ear, but listens none the less.
Tree-ear tells his friend of his upcoming journey and Crane-man begins to make him more sandals. Tree-Ear begins to lose interest in working for Min when Min tells him that he will never teach him to be a potter because he is not his son, his son is dead. Tree-Ear asks Crane-man why this is so and he explains it. He tells him that it used to be that no one wanted to be a potter so they made a law that the profession would be passed from father to son. Crane-man didn’t know if it was still that way but he said that the tradition had continued. He continued to work for Min but decides to learn pottery without him. There is more than one way to make pottery, he decides to use molding as his method for now.
As Min continues his work he discovers that he needs something to carry them in. So Crane-man makes a stray container for them. The container is tested and proved to work well. It is decided that Tree-ear will leave in the morning, and before he goes he gives Crane-man a molded monkey that he made for him.
Tree-ear travels without much incident for the first six days. He began to relax a little until he realized that he would be spending the night in the forest. While there, he encounters a fox. He is terrified and barely able to sleep. But he does, and when he wakes he realizes how silly it was to fear a fox. He continues his journey until he reaches a place that Crane-man insisted he visit. While there, he is overtaken by bandits and the vases are broken. Desperate, Tree-ear picks up a single shard and continues on his journey to the palace. When he reaches the gates he refuses to see anyone but the emissary and when he does he shows him the shard. Therefore, gaining a commission for Min.
The Emissary sends a ship back to Tree-Ear’s home and he goes with it, making the journey much quicker. As soon as they reach land, he run’s to Min’s house to find him. Ajima tells him that he is at the draining site. As soon as Tree-Ear reaches him, he tells him the wonderful news, only to be disappointed by the news of Crane-mans death.
The next day, Tree-ear returns to work and finds that he has to chop wood, but it’s different this time. Min tells him that he needs his own wheel. Tree-ear will finally learn pottery! Ajima invites Tree-ear to live with them and take part of the name of their first son. Tree-ear is now Hyung-pil and he finally has a family.
Recommendations:
There are so many ways this book could be introduced. In an art class, a history class or simply for fun reading.
Potential Problems:
The way orphans are treated might give the children ideas.
My reaction:
I thought this was a historically accurate book. My Aunt is Korean and it is quite similar to what she has talked about. I liked the book, although it seemed slow at times. Overall though it was good.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
The Farm
Title: The Farm
Author: Gail Saunders-Smith
Publisher: Capstone Press
Copyright: 1998 by Capstone Press
Ages: 4-8
Pages: 24
Genre: Non-fiction
Summary:
A farm is a place to grow crops, and raise animals. Crops are plants like wheat, corn, and soybeans. Farmers can use machines to plant crops, like plows and planters. They can also use machines to harvest the crops. Other farmers raise animals like sheep and chickens for their wool and eggs. Cows and pigs are used for meat, while a diary cow is used for milk. The milk is used to make butter, cream and ice cream. Farmers feed their animals everyday to keep them healthy. Horses, dogs and cats can also live on the farm, they can be pets or used as help. This is what a farm can be like.
Recommendation:
This is a very simple book for beginners. Probably pre-kindergarten.
Potential problems:
I see none.
My reaction:
It’s a cute book. It’s informative, but not in an overwhelming way. I wouldn’t read it again unless a child brought it to me to read to them.
Author: Gail Saunders-Smith
Publisher: Capstone Press
Copyright: 1998 by Capstone Press
Ages: 4-8
Pages: 24
Genre: Non-fiction
Summary:
A farm is a place to grow crops, and raise animals. Crops are plants like wheat, corn, and soybeans. Farmers can use machines to plant crops, like plows and planters. They can also use machines to harvest the crops. Other farmers raise animals like sheep and chickens for their wool and eggs. Cows and pigs are used for meat, while a diary cow is used for milk. The milk is used to make butter, cream and ice cream. Farmers feed their animals everyday to keep them healthy. Horses, dogs and cats can also live on the farm, they can be pets or used as help. This is what a farm can be like.
Recommendation:
This is a very simple book for beginners. Probably pre-kindergarten.
Potential problems:
I see none.
My reaction:
It’s a cute book. It’s informative, but not in an overwhelming way. I wouldn’t read it again unless a child brought it to me to read to them.
The Lion and the Mouse
Title: The Lion and the Mouse
Author: Jerry Pinkney’s
Publisher: Little Brown and Company
Copyright: 2009 Hachette Book Group, Inc
Ages: 4-8
Pages: 40
Genre: Picture
Summary:
A mother mouse is out exploring when an owl comes after her. She escapes through a log and out onto a field. Only then does she discover that she is in the Lion’s territory. The Lion captures her, but has mercy and releases her so that she can return to her babies. Poachers come to the land and place traps. One day while the Lion is out he steps into one and is captured. The Mouse hears his roars and goes to help him. She gnaws through the ropes to free him. Once he is free, he thanks the little Mouse and she is able to take some of the rope back to her home.
Recommendations:
Everyone, it is such a beautiful book. Even those who don’t understand the deeper meaning will enjoy looking at the beautiful pictures.
Potential Problems:
The poachers should be explained as people who break the law.
My reaction:
An absolutely beautiful book. The illustrations are amazingly beautiful and the best part of the book is that you can insert whatever you want for the animals to say without your child correcting you.
Author: Jerry Pinkney’s
Publisher: Little Brown and Company
Copyright: 2009 Hachette Book Group, Inc
Ages: 4-8
Pages: 40
Genre: Picture
Summary:
A mother mouse is out exploring when an owl comes after her. She escapes through a log and out onto a field. Only then does she discover that she is in the Lion’s territory. The Lion captures her, but has mercy and releases her so that she can return to her babies. Poachers come to the land and place traps. One day while the Lion is out he steps into one and is captured. The Mouse hears his roars and goes to help him. She gnaws through the ropes to free him. Once he is free, he thanks the little Mouse and she is able to take some of the rope back to her home.
Recommendations:
Everyone, it is such a beautiful book. Even those who don’t understand the deeper meaning will enjoy looking at the beautiful pictures.
Potential Problems:
The poachers should be explained as people who break the law.
My reaction:
An absolutely beautiful book. The illustrations are amazingly beautiful and the best part of the book is that you can insert whatever you want for the animals to say without your child correcting you.
Always With You
Title: Always With You
Author: Ruth Vander Zee
Publisher: Wm B. Eerdmans Publishing
Copyright: 2008 Ruth Vander Zee
Ages: 4-8
Pages: 32
Genre: Picture
Summary:
Kim barely remembers her mother. Her home was bombed when she was four years old and her mother is killed, leaving Kim completely alone. The day of the bombing Kim was sent to play under the coconut trees and after a few moments the earth shook and the village was engulfed in flames. Kim ran to her mother who was in a crater where their home had been and her mother whispered, “Kim, come to me. Don’t be afraid. I will always be with you.”
A soldier discovers Kim lying with her mother and tries to kill her, but Kim survives. Her vision is hazy and everything seems gray. Then different soldiers appear and carry Kim away, giving her water and even a piece of gum. The soldiers take her away and she began to get better, but the world was still gray. She is taken to an orphanage where she lives for the next 5 years. She went to school, and because she still could not see, her new friend Vinh helped her to learn. After school, she and Vinh would play in the ocean, pretending to be bluebirds. At night Kim would cry for her mother while Ong or Ba would comfort her. Kim is given a doll and begins to feel safe again. The memory of her mother keeps Kim from being afraid.
Recommendations:
I think this should be read to kindergarten or first graders to introduce war and how unfair it can be.
Potential Problems:
The mother dies, and a soldier tries to murder Kim as well.
My Reaction:
I liked this book, you are really able to connect with Kim and feel how she is feeling. You also get a sense for what she sees, only being able to see gray when everyone else around her can see.
Author: Ruth Vander Zee
Publisher: Wm B. Eerdmans Publishing
Copyright: 2008 Ruth Vander Zee
Ages: 4-8
Pages: 32
Genre: Picture
Summary:
Kim barely remembers her mother. Her home was bombed when she was four years old and her mother is killed, leaving Kim completely alone. The day of the bombing Kim was sent to play under the coconut trees and after a few moments the earth shook and the village was engulfed in flames. Kim ran to her mother who was in a crater where their home had been and her mother whispered, “Kim, come to me. Don’t be afraid. I will always be with you.”
A soldier discovers Kim lying with her mother and tries to kill her, but Kim survives. Her vision is hazy and everything seems gray. Then different soldiers appear and carry Kim away, giving her water and even a piece of gum. The soldiers take her away and she began to get better, but the world was still gray. She is taken to an orphanage where she lives for the next 5 years. She went to school, and because she still could not see, her new friend Vinh helped her to learn. After school, she and Vinh would play in the ocean, pretending to be bluebirds. At night Kim would cry for her mother while Ong or Ba would comfort her. Kim is given a doll and begins to feel safe again. The memory of her mother keeps Kim from being afraid.
Recommendations:
I think this should be read to kindergarten or first graders to introduce war and how unfair it can be.
Potential Problems:
The mother dies, and a soldier tries to murder Kim as well.
My Reaction:
I liked this book, you are really able to connect with Kim and feel how she is feeling. You also get a sense for what she sees, only being able to see gray when everyone else around her can see.
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