Book Review: Little Red Riding Hood

BOOK REVIEW: Little Red Riding Hood

 

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Pinkney, Jerry.  2007.  LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD.  New York:  Little, Brown and Company. ISBN  0316013552

 

2.  PLOT SUMMARY

LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD is a retelling of a German folktale. This tale tells how a sweet girl encounters a hungry wolf on the way to visit her grandmother across the forest. The wolf impersonates the grandmother in attempts to eat the girl. This folktale conveys the theme that win prevails over evil.

 

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

This is a traditional folktale that varies from culture to culture. This is clearly a tale that was told to teach children how to be safe and of the consequences that could arise if they do not do so.

 

In this book the illustrations fill the entire page. They are full of color and detail. The illustrations really help this story to come to life. The forest is in full Winter. The detail in the snowy forest is beautiful.

 

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

THE CARLE BOOKSHOP Review: “This spectacular reimagining of one of Grimm's most beloved cautionary tales is brought to life by Caldecott Medal-winning artist Jerry Pinkney. In this inspired rendering of the classic Grimm Brothers folktale, Caldecott Medal-winning artist Jerry Pinkney introduces two favorite children's characters to a new generation: the sly, scary wolf and the sweet little girl in her famous red hood.”\

GOODREADS Review: “Pinkney's charming, masterfully-wrought illustrations--as warm and cozy as LIttle Red's cloak and as captivating ast he clever wold himself--are sure to lure you into the heart of this treasured tale.”

 

5. CONNECTIONS

*This would be an excellent book to teach students to add more detail to their illustrations.

*Review other versions of this story like:

Ziefert, Harriet. LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD ISBN: 0140565299

Gunderson, Jessica. LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD STORIES AROUND THE WORLD ISBN: 1479554359

 

Based on a review by Barbara Jean Thompson

 

 

Book Review: Swamp Angel

BOOK REVIEW: Swamp Angel

 

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Isaacs, Anne.  1994.  SWAMP ANGEL.  Ill. by Paul Zelinsky.  New York: E.P. Dutton Children’s Books. ISBN  0525452710

 

2.  PLOT SUMMARY

SWAMP ANGEL is about a character named Angelica Longrider. This story begins with her birth in 1815. She continues to grow and when she reaches womanhood a tale is told about how she slays a bear. She is a huge, rough and tumble, likable character. She goes around and around trying to outwit the bear, Tarnation, and eventually prevails.

 

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

This folk tale is a tall tale from the state of Tennessee. In the beginning of the book, where the main character is introduced, it is almost like a prologue and then the story starts within the first few pages with, “Once upon a time.” The dialect the author uses is characteristic of the time, the area and of a good tall tale. There are outrageous elements in this tall tale like the size of the character, Angelica Longrider. She is huge, which is reminiscent of the tall tale character Paul Bunyon. There are regional references like “across the hills of Tennessee.”  The story is of the caliber of a classic tall tale that every child should experience.

 

The story and illustrations are very cohesive. The illustrations are executed in a retro style. There are outrageous elements to the illustrations that exemplify the outrageous elements of the tall tale. Drama, description, and expression are expressed in this book through the illustrator.  

 

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

1995 Caldecott Honor Book

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL review: “An American classic in the making.”

THE HORN BOOK: “Move over Paul Bunyon, you are about to meet Swamp Angel…visually exciting, wonderful to read aloud, this is a picture book to remember.”

 

5. CONNECTIONS

*This would be an excellent book study of tall tales.

*This would be an excellent book study for illustration.

*Other tall tales to read concurrently:

Pope Osborne, Mary. AMERICAN TALL TALES ISBN: 9780307982599

Nolen, Jerdine. BIG JABE ISBN: 0060540613

Meister, Cari. DAVEY CROCKET AND THE GREAT MISSISSIPPI SNAG ISBN: 1479554316

 

Based on a review by Barbara Jean Thompson

Book Review: The Three Javelinas

 BOOK REVIEW: The Three Javelinas

 

1.     BIBLIOGRAPHY

Lowell, Susan.  1992.  THE THREE JAVELINAS.  Ill. by Jim Harris.  Flagstaff, AZ:  Rising Moon. ISBN  9780590481700

 

2.  PLOT SUMMARY

THE THREE JAVELINAS is a different version of The Three Little Pigs. In this version the three javelinas follow the original tale but with different cultural and regional references. For example, instead of building houses with straw, sticks and brick, the javelinas build houses with tumbleweed, saguaro pieces and adobe bricks. The villain is a coyote instead of a wolf. In the end, instead of the wolf falling into a pot to his demise, the coyote gets burned by hot sauce.

 

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

This story is an incredible example of a folktale that is adapted by using specific cultural and regional details. This version of The Three Little Pigs is published from Flagstaff, Arizona by an author that is a fourth generation Arizonan. This adapted folktale is a humorous version that brings in a wiser character, making humor of the original three pigs.

The illustrations are very detailed. The color scheme embodies the colors of the desert.

 

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

GOODREADS review: “This clever and humorous tale is sure to delight children of all ages, especially those familiar with the Southwest. Dressed in cowboy duds and prepared for life in the rugged desert, these characters are more than any coyote bargained for.”

PUBLISHERS WEEKLY review: “This clever and flavorful change of scene puts a diverting spin on an old favorite.”

 

5. CONNECTIONS

*This story would be an excellent reader’s theater event focusing on the main characters unique and humorous characters.

*Other variations to read and compare to The Three Javelinas:

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

Scieszka, Jon. THE TRUE STORY OF THE THREE LITTLE PIGS. ISBN: 9780140544510

 

Based on a review by Barbara Jean Thompson

Book Review: Turtle's Race with Beaver

BOOK REVIEW: Turtle’s Race with Beaver: A Traditional Seneca Story  

 

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Bruchac, Joseph.  1942.  TURTLE’S RACE WITH BEAVER: A TRADITIONAL SENECA STORY.  Ill. by Joseph Aruego and Ariane Dewey.  New York:  Puffin Books. ISBN  0142404667

 

2. PLOT SUMMARY

TURTLE’S RACE WITH BEAVER is a traditional moral tale from the Seneca tribe. The specific animals in this tale are common to the Seneca people. This folk tale is about a turtle who has a good home. When the turtle is hibernating for Winter, a beaver comes along a takes over the area in the absence of turtle. As turtle comes out of her slumber, she realizes a beaver has taken over. Both animals are unwilling to give up any part of the pond, so they agree on a race to determine the pond’s owner. The turtle concludes that she will probably not win the race and regain her home due to the beaver being bigger and faster. They start the race and the turtle latches on to the beaver’s tail. As they are close to the finish line, turtle chomps on beaver’s tail and beaver launches him across the pond to the victory. In the end, turtle offers to share the pond with beaver, but he refuses due to his embarrassment from losing. As he finds a new home, there is another turtle, but this turtle is willing to share their pond with the beaver.

 

3.     CRITICAL ANALYSIS

This story teaches moral lessons of greed, sharing and honesty with the reader. The dialogue is an interesting way to keep the story flowing and focused on the characters. This folktale doesn’t end as I would’ve expected it you and extends to model how the story could’ve ended if these aspects of greed didn’t exist. This story is a comparable tale to The Tortoise and the Hare.

The illustrations are simple, colorful, and very telling in action. The illustrator does a great job of showing the character’s expressions.

 

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

KIRKUS REVIEWS: “The artists’ trademark energy-filled pen-and-ink and gouache illustrations enhance the tale with color and humor. Each animal bursts with personality in this sure winner.”

GOODREADS REVIEW: “Turtle's Race with Beaver by Joseph Bruchac

Is your typical story of the weaker but wiser animal winning in a race. This story has been passed down as an oral story within many of the Native American storytellers. This is a great story to share with any age level and can be used to teach multiple concepts.”

 

5. CONNECTIONS

*You could compare this book to other similar folktales:

THE TORTOISE AND THE HARE: AN AESOP FABLE ISBN: 0823405109

THE LION AND THE MOUSE ISBN: 0316013560

CHICKEN LITTLE ISBN: 1596434643

 

Based on a review by Barbara Jean Thompson 

Book Review: Because by Mo Willems

Because 

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Willems, M. (2019). Because. Hyperion Books for Children.

Ren, A. (2020). Because. by Mo Willems. New York: Hyperion Books for Children. ISBN 9781368019019

2. PLOT SUMMARY

This book is the characterization of its title, Because. This is a step by step book which depicts how certain things can happen "because" of this, etc. It is a picture book that is inspired by music showing how people become inspired but also inspire others.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

In the inside cover of the book there is a composition named Symphony #8 in B Minor by Franz Schubert. At the back inside cover of the book there is a composition named The Cold by Hilary Purrington. This shows the progression of this book from inspirer to inspirer. The book flows and circles back around to show the reader all the aspects of this progression. I love how the cover states the Author as Score and the Illustrator as Performance.

The flowing music notes on almost every page really illustrate the concept of this book. The characters in the book are spotlighted because this book is about the people in it and how they affect each other. These illustrations fill the whole page making this a stunning book. I appreciate how the pictures for the author and illustrated are drawn by the Illustrator.

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

GoodReads Choice Award

5. CONNECTIONS

*Use for music and art education

*Use as an author study on Mo Willems as it is very different than the majority of the book.

ISBN 9781368019019

1. 978-1368019019

1. 978-1368019019

Book Review: You Are Not My Mother by P.D. Eastman

You Are Not My Mother

Eastman, P.D. (1960). You Are Not My Mother. Random House Inc.

2. PLOT SUMMARY

A baby bird hatches while it's mother is away. This causes a slew of problems that need to be solved. You find yourself concerned for the baby bird, hoping it finds its way back to its mother.

 

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

This is a repetitive book. The baby bird asks different character the same question making this book a predictable book for readers. This is effective in teaching making prediction while reading. The dialogue in this story carries the plot as the baby bird goes from character to character asking, "Are you my mother?"

The illustrations are very telling in color, action and expression. Simple, consistent colors run throughout the book. This keeps the story coherent and easier to follow.

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

Scholastic Parent & Child 100 Greatest Books for Kids

Timeoutnewyorkkids.com 50 Best Books for Kids

5. CONNECTIONS

*Author P.D. Eastman was a protege of Theodor Geisel, also known as Dr. Seuss

*Eastman previously worked in story development at Walt Disney Production and Warner Brothers Cartoons

*Also available in Spanish and Board Book

*Can be integrated in Science curriculum teaching parent and baby pairs

ISBN 0394900189

Book Review: This Is Not My Hat by Jon Klassen

This Is Not My Hat

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Klassen, J. (2012). This Is Not My Hat. Candlewick Press.

2. PLOT SUMMARY

You follow a small fish on a journey of stealing a hat from a large fish. The small fish is the narrator and shares with the reader what he is doing on his journey. There are unexpected moments and the ending is a funny surprise.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

This is a funny, simple picture book from author and illustrator, Jon Klassen that interests the reader in the plot of the story. The language of the character is flowing and almost juvenile. The unexpected humor at the ending is amusing.

The illustrations in this book are simplistic, but artistic. The color theme is cohesive and runs throughout the book. The art is emphasized due to the dark background and lighter illustrations overlayed. The illustrator is very effective in showing the expressions of the fish. When turning pages from left to right it is almost like the illustrations are a long scroll continuing the movement of the fish from left to right. This book is an amazing example of a Caldecott Medal winning book.

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

The Caldecott Medal

Notable Children's Books from the American Library Association

New York Times Best Seller List

Kate Greenway Medal

5. CONNECTIONS

*Use as a model text to show different expressions in illustrations

*Compare with other books as to how words and illustrations can be arranged in different ways

*Can teach character skills, like telling the truth

*A good book for a quick laugh

 

ISBN 0763655996

Book Review: We Are Water Protectors by Carole Lindstrom

We Are Water Protectors

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Lindstrom, C. (2020). We Are Water Protectors. Roaring Book Press.

Goade, M. (2020). We Are Water Protectors. by Carole Lindstrom. New York: Roaring Book Press. ISBN 9781250203557

2. PLOT SUMMARY

This inspiring book features "the connection between her (the author's) culture and the land, speaking for all the voices that cannot speak for themselves." This book emphasizes the experiences of indigenous peoples of the past, present and future specifically regarding water. The oil pipelines that threaten the water supply are referred to as the "black snake." This book teaches the reader about the important of protecting water sources as a way of practicality, but also honor and heritage to their culture. The narrator is an indigenous girl who is being taught by a mentor named Nokomis. It is very clear that Nokomis is an educator of her people inspiring them to take care of their land and water, ensuring health and life for future generations. The book portrays a young girl developing her education and conviction, becoming brave and thus a Water Protector.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

This book is written simply and beautifully, resembling poetry or a song. There is a repeating statement, "We stand with our songs and our drums. We are still here." This renews the importance of the topic, in a protest like fashion. It also restates the ownership of this topic from people of the past and current people. The book is written in different points of view, but told by the same girl. The writing is engaging and effective in teaching the reader about who the Water Protectors are and why their cause and effort is justified and so important. This book includes a substantial amount of information on water, the indigenous led movements across North America, examples of further reading and a glossary of terms.

The illustrations in this book are exquisite. The reading will need to stop to marvel at the page. The combination of the fluid, poetic writing and the beautiful illustrations is more than memorable, making it an unforgettable book. The use of color lends to the emotion that is felt in the book. The illustration are water color like with the illustrator adding aspects of floral prints and unexpected additions that make the reader want to think deeper and analyze them. The expression and emotion in the pages is palpable. This book is an amazing example of a Caldecott Medal winning book.

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

"This book will both educate and inspire youth." - School Library Journal

Kirkus Prize Finalist

#1 New York Times Best Seller

Jane Addams Children's Book Award Winner

NPR Best Book of the Year

NYPL Best Books for the Year

Publishers Weekly Best Books of the Year

School Library Journal Best Books of the Year

Shelf Awareness Best Books of the Year

School Library Best Books of the Year

5. CONNECTIONS

*This would be effective in teaching about indigenous people, respect for the land and the historical fight for water.

*Use as a model text for literary or artistic aspects

*Other books by Carole Lindstrom regarding the topic:

Autumn Peltier, Water Protector

 

ISBN 9781250203557