Module Seven: Picture Books in Verse and Poetry

Bateman, Teresa. 2004. APRIL FOOLISHNESS. Ill. by Nadine Bernard Westcott. Morton Grove, IL: Albert Whitman & Company.

*Plot Summary

Grandpa tries unsuccessfully to avoid falling for an April Fool’s joke, but Grandma along with the grandchildren gets the last laugh.

*Impressions

The characters in this book consist of Grandpa, Grandma, the children, and, of course, the farm animals. The animals on the farm are important to the plot because they are the source of all of the potential problems that could occur if what the children say is true. Grandma is a spirited, fun-loving character who plays a role in the surprise offered at the end of the story. Readers will have fun identifying with the jokers and victim of the jokes played. Moving the plot along is each claim made by the children, and the illustrations add to the humor by portraying what could be happening on the farm. The plot contains a clear climax and humorous resolution. Although the plot is fun, it is also believable. The farm setting is important to the story because the problem involves the farm and animals; the farm setting also makes the story interesting.

Rhyme and rhythm define the style of the text and make the story great for reading aloud. Repeated words and phrases also add to the fun. There is also an air of drama as the children attempt to pull a fast one on their grandfather. The story also contains lots of dialogue. Adding to the light-hearted feel of the book are the humorous illustrations which show the farm animals sunbathing and listen to an iPod. The cartoonish colorful pictures also add details which support the plot and aren’t stated in the text. Finally, the themes of the story include humor, family, and holiday traditions.

To conclude, this is a fun book to share in the classroom or in the library. Students will enjoy the rhyming text and the fun of the illustrations.

*Review Excerpts

"The book's double-edged joke (Grandpa won't be fooled, and so he's more foolish) and the fact that kids love the idea of adult-sanctioned mischievousness makes this a surefire giggle-inducer."
Publishers Weekly

"Cartoon artwork closely follows the action as the disarray grows, drawing readers into Grandpa's imagination and disbelief. Bold watercolors, punctuated by ink detail, frame the animals' frolic as described in the rhyming verse. Wake up a storytime about farm life or save this one for April foolishness."
School Library Journal

(Image from www.hobbydirectory.com)

Module Six: History (Fictional Picture Books)

Hesse, Karen. 2004. THE CATS IN KRASINSKI SQUARE. Ill. by Wendy Watson. New York: Scholastic Press.

*Plot Summary

A young girl, with the help of many cats left behind by Jews in Nazi occupied Poland, distracts the Gestapo and gets food behind the wall of the Ghetto.

*Impressions

The narrator is a young girl who loves cats and cares for her friend behind the wall. The portrayal of the girl is realistic and sympathetic. The cats in the story also play an important role because they represent the families who were no longer living free in Warsaw. Although the situation in the book is a complicated one, Hesse explains the plot with simple details and basic facts. These details help readers understand the seriousness of the time in history; the problem in the story is authentic. The time and place of the story are established successfully without overwhelming readers with too much information. Similarly, the illustrations are simple but still show the city and the style of dress.

The narration of the story is almost poetic using repeated phrases and sparse dialogue. The book has lots of white space with few words on the page. Although the illustrations are simple, they are effective. Shapes, instead of details, of faces and buildings are shown. The illustrations also move the action along and add to the climax. Themes of the book include perseverance, family, and kindness.

To conclude, I really enjoyed this book. The illustrations and story are both beautiful. Teachers can incorporate this into a social studies unit or read it to introduce a historical novel.

*Review Excerpts

"Author and artist take a complex situation and make its most important aspects comprehensible to a child. Older readers will most appreciate the bravery and intelligence of this impressive heroine."
Publishers Weekly

"It's an empowering story about the bravery and impact of young people, and Hesse's clear, spare poetry, from the girl's viewpoint, refers to the hardships suffered without didacticism. In bold, black lines and washes of smoky gray and ochre, Watson's arresting images echo the pared-down language as well as the hope that shines like the glints of sunlight on Krasinski Square. An author's note references the true events and heartbreaking history that inspired this stirring, expertly crafted story."
BookList *Starred Review

(Image from lookingglassreview.com)

Module Five: Picture Books for Older Readers - 3rd Grade +

Schaefer, Lola M. 2004. ARROWHAWK. Ill. by Gabi Swiatkowska. New York: Henry Holt and Company.

*Plot Summary

A hawk is hit by an arrow and suffers other injuries before receiving the aid and eventually returning successfully to the wild.

*Impressions

This story revolves around the injury, survival, and recovery of Arrowhawk, a hawk hit by an arrow. The animal is revealed to us through narration and description for its actions. For examples, readers can conclude Arrowhawk is strong and determined as the text states, “Ignoring his pain, he cleaned his wounds…” The illustrations give readers a deeper understanding of Arrowhawk’s character, showing the bird before, during, and after getting hit by the arrow. The plot moves along through narration and illustrations which portray details about Arrowhawk’s ordeal. Since Arrowhawk is hit early in the story, the problem becomes his survival. The resolution of the story is hopeful. The natural setting of the book is portrayed in the illustrations. Swiatkowska also uses light and dark to create mood and variety and to move the plot along.

The style of the book involves descriptions without the benefit of dialogue. Schaefer’s word choice makes the description interesting and helps the story flow. Full page illustrations in subdued colors do not distract from the text. These realistic paintings add details and help explain longer narration as well as adding understanding of Arrowhawk’s feelings and pain. Finally, the themes of the book are survival and respect/awareness for living creatures.

To conclude, I enjoyed reading this book and was amazed by the story. Science teachers might enjoy sharing this book as well.

*Review Excerpts

"Gorgeous paintings fill the pages, lending mood, light, and information while avoiding depictions of gory wounds or prey. An afterword includes a photograph of the red-tailed that inspired the book; describes his capture, treatment, and release; and discusses hawks and other raptors and how they are faring in their attempts to cohabitate with humans. Unusual in its narration from the wild animal's point of view, this is an important and dramatic tale that should be widely shared with children."
School Library Journal

(Image from us.macmillan.com)

Module Four: Folktales and Fairytales Revisited

Calmenson, Stephanie. 2001. THE FROG PRINCIPAL. Ill. by Denise Brunkus. New York: Scholastic Press.

*Plot Summary

Mr. Bundy, the dedicated principal, is accidentally turned into a frog and finds a way to continue his work before returning back to normal.

*Impressions

Calmenson’s tale is filled with likeable characters. Mr. Bundy is a caring, loyal school principal who is devoted to his adoring faculty and students. The colorful illustrations also add interest and a sense of fun to the characters. Readers can easily identify the problem, climax, and resolution of this story; Brunkus’ illustrations help accentuate the problem and solution. The setting of this updated folktale is a modern school which is essential to the plot. Readers see many different parts of the school as Mr. Bundy, the frog, goes about his business as the frog principal.

This tale is upbeat and simple; the use of onomatopoeia makes the story more interesting and enjoyable. The illustrations and plot are straightforward and portray a humorous, light problem with no evil or bad characters. Illustrations are bright and include lots of green, like Mr. Bundy’s suit on the first page. Brunkus uses watercolor to create colorful, realistic images. Finally, the theme of the story includes loyalty.

Overall, this is a fun read that would be excellent to share aloud in the classroom or library. Students will enjoy the addition of this story to a folktale/fairytale unit.

*Review Excerpts

"Calmenson's version of "The Frog Prince" takes many liberties with the original tale, adding quirky humor and delightful situations. Brunkus's watercolor and colored-pencil illustrations accentuate the hilarity of this spoof on the traditional fairy tale. Read aloud or alone, this book is sure to get its share of chuckles."
School Library Journal

(Image from www.mppl.org)

Module Three: Picture Books for the Younger Set - PreK to 2nd Grade

Willems, Mo. 2004. KNUFFLE BUNNY: A CAUTIONARY TALE BY MO WILLEMS. New York: Hyperion Books for Children.

*Plot Summary

Trixie goes on a trip to the Laundromat with her father and leaves behind her prized possession, Knuffle Bunny. Trixie along with her mommy and daddy are determined to locate the stuffed rabbit.

*Impressions

In young Trixie, Willems has a believable character; her reaction to losing Knuffle Bunny is on target. Likewise, adult readers may quickly identify with Trixie’s parents, like Dad not understanding Trixie’s message and Mom instantly noticing Knuffle Bunny is missing. The characters are revealed through simple narration, limited dialogue, and great illustrations. The facial expressions and body language of the characters is expertly portrayed in the pictures. The plot of the book revolves around the big problem – Trixie has lost Knuffle Bunny. Many children can relate to the misplacement or loss of their “lovey.” Illustrations and Trixie’s baby dialogue move the plot along, and the story comes to a happy conclusion as Knuffle Bunny is found and Trixie speaks her first word. The setting also plays a role in the story; the photographs show an urban setting. Details in the photos show that Brooklyn is the specific place, and children who may be unfamiliar with a Laundromat will appreciate the pictures.

The style of the book is simple, featuring a large font and few words on each page. The dialogue though sparse is effective to telling the story. A combination of drawn characters in color and black and white photographs is unique and adds interest. These illustrations definitely add detail and help tell the story. Readers learn more about the characters’ feelings, the loss of Knuffle Bunny, and the search thanks to the illustrations. Furthermore, Willems’ illustrations convey humor and show progression of the conflict. Finally, the themes include working together, family, and losing things we love. Although these themes are present, they do not take away from the fun, simple story.

To conclude, this is an excellent book. The photographs and text combine for a wonderful story that makes me smile everytime I read it.

*Review Excerpts

"In an innovative style that employs dappled black-and-white photographs of Brooklyn as backdrop to wickedly funny color cartoons, Willems (Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!) creates an entertaining story for parents and children alike."
Publishers Weekly

"Even children who can already talk a blue streak will come away satisfied that their own strong emotions have been mirrored and legitimized, and readers of all ages will recognize the agonizing frustration of a little girl who knows far more than she can articulate."
BookList *Starred Review

(Image from ala.org)

Module Two: Classic Picture Books and Authors

Zolotow, Charlotte. 1969. THE HATING BOOK. Ill. by Ben Shecter. New York: HarperCollins Children’s Books.

*Plot Summary

A misunderstanding between friends leads one friend to proclaim hatred for another until she finally listens to her mother’s advice.

*Impressions

Many child readers will easily identify with the main character in this story. She is hurt by her friend’s ignoring her. The narrator claims she doesn’t care although clearly she does as she notices each way that her friend mistreats her. The plot which depicts a familiar situation – being hurt by a friend – is revealed through action, dialogue, and thoughts. Readers are quickly pulled into the middle of the conflict and find a clear and positive resolution at the conclusion of the story. The illustrations also complement the text. The setting of the story is a general location, and the illustrations show the passage of time from fall to winter.

The story is told with rhyme and repeated phrases (“Oh I hated my friend…”). The word attention-getting word “hate” is used in the title and repeatedly throughout the book. This adds to the emotion of the story and shows the narrator’s frustration with her friend. The illustrations in the book feature realistic drawings and warm toned colors which help create the mood of the story. Also the pictures help convey the tension between the two girls by portraying the protagonist’s facial expressions. Finally, the themes of the story include friendship, misunderstanding, and forgiveness. Although these themes are present, they are not overpowering to the story.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. Counselors, librarians, teachers, and parents might us it to open a discussion about resolving conflict with friends.

*Review Excerpts

"When a girl's friend ignores her completely, all bad feelings get out of hand, in this gentle look at friendship."
Publishers Weekly

(Image from infibeam.com)

Module One: The Big Winners - Picture Books

Beaumont, Karen. 2005. I AIN’T GONNA PAINT NO MORE! Ill. by David Catrow. New York: Harcourt, Inc.

*Plot Summary

An unruly, creative child defies his mother and gives in to the temptation to paint and paint and paint.

*Impressions

The narrator is a spirited, defiant, and wild child. Catrow’s illustrations give readers great insight into the young boy’s escapades as he continues to paint despite his mother’s warnings. The action of the plot moves along logically as the child cannot resist painting another body part. Illustrations add to the action as the pages of the book progressively fill with paint and the narrator loses control. Readers are entertained and left to wonder where it will end. Also adding to the plot is the arrangement of the text and illustrations; readers must turn the page to see the ending of the sentence and some pictures continue from one page spread to the next. The setting of the story is the home of the mother and son. A contrast is shown between the messy painted parts of the house and the clean rooms. The painted parts feature bright colors and the clean parts feature black and white.

The story features rhyme, rhythm, and repeated sentences. Adding to the style of the book are the zany, exaggerated illustrations. The colors enhance the mood and convey the out of control feeling as the boy continues to paint his body. Also, the illustrations add detail to the story that is not told through narration, such as when the boys sees his mother. Finally, Beaumont’s humorous book communicates themes like self-control, temptation, and humor.

Overall, this is an entertaining book that is certain to have children smiling and chanting along.

*Review Excerpts

"Given the plot's premise, Catrow's humorously hyperbolic art fittingly takes center stage here, growing increasingly flamboyant and electric as the boy embellishes more and more of his anatomy—and his playful pooch becomes equally well decorated."
Publishers Weekly

"With rhymes that invite audience participation and scenes that draw the eye, this is a strong storytime choice. Based on the song 'It Ain't Gonna Rain No More,' the rhythmic text can be read or sung with equal effectiveness."
School Library Journal

(Image from bookfaircompany.com)