Nonfiction/Biography: FRANKLIN DELANO ROOSEVELT

Bibliography





Freedman, Russell. 1990. Franklin Delano Roosevelt. New York, NY: Houghton Mifflin. ISBN 0-89919-379-X





Summary

In ten chapters, Freedman provides an overview of the life or Franklin Delano Roosevelt from childhood and schoolroom to politics and the White House. The biography contains pictures on nearly every page, anecdotes from those who knew the president, and background historical information. Each chapter opens with a quote from Roosevelt, or one concerning him by one of his contemporaries. The author includes a short chapter of museums and sites to visit and a photo album section. For interested readers, Freedman offers more titles covering specific topics and times of his life.

Critical Analysis

Writing a biography concerning a president that is intended for children is surely a daunting task. The author must include enough background history to present an understandable context for the actions of the subject, without writing a history text book. Russell Freedman has done just that in his biography, Franklin Delano Roosevelt. He includes details of the childhood and youth of Roosevelt which will interest children: long blond curls and a dog named Monk make the grownup President Roosevelt a "real" person. Freedman explains the causes, reactions, and desperation of the Great Depression succinctly. He presents the complicated chain of events leading to World War II with clarity. This book provides an excellent introduction to Roosevelt and his era.

Freedman presents a balanced picture of Roosevelt. He gives him the political credit due him as "The Man Who Changed America" without discounting personal triumphs, for example, refusing to allow polio to thwart him. Freedman does not shy away from his mistakes--his extra-marital affair or his court-packing attempt. The author presents material about Eleanor, a historical figure in her own right, that complements the events of her husband's life.

The reader will gain great insight into the period by observing the clothing, people, and surroundings presented in the many black and white photos throughout each chapter. Even the layout and typeface has the feel of Art Deco. I enjoyed these glimpses into the life of Roosevelt and his family.

Review Excerpts

Booklist: "'The man who could not walk became the leader of a country paralyzed by uncertainty and despair'--that's the inherent drama in Freedman's immensely enjoyable photo biography. . . . As in his Newbery Award-winning photo biography, Lincoln {BRD 1988}, Freedman is candid about the president's failures and about criticism and controversy..."

Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books:"{This book is} profusely illustrated with photographs. . . . An impressive list of sources attests to Freedman's research; the index has been carefully compiled; a list of places to visit is included. The book should be of interest to adult as well as young adult students of history, and it gives with remarkable clarity assessments of such major events as World War II, the Great Depression, the New Deal, and the changes in social services established during Roosevelt's long tenure in the White House."

Connections



Students can take a virtual field trip to the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum. The website offers biographical material, time lines, puzzles, teacher curriculum, and a even a copy of Roosevelt's report card! http://www.fdrlibrary.marist.edu/educat33.html

Presidential picture books:

Piven, Hanoch. What Presidents are Made Of. ISBN-13: 978-0689868801

Harness, Cheryl. Ghosts of the White House. ISBN-13: 978-0689848926

Nonfiction/Biography: TEAM MOON: HOW 400,000 PEOPLE LANDED APOLLO 11 ON THE MOON

Bibliography



Thimmesh, Catherine. 2006. Team Moon: How 400,000 People Landed Apollo 11 on the Moon. ISBN 0-618-50757-4



Summary

"Fate has ordained that the brave men who went to the moon to explore in peace will stay on the moon to rest in peace...", one of Thimmesh's opening quotes draws the reader into the Apollo 11 mission. Though Nixon did not have to read this speech, readers realize as the author highlights the work of various teams, that the mission had a much higher chance of failure than success. As she takes the reader through the mission's timeline, Thimmesh portrays the dedication and precision of those 400,000 people who made the moon walk possible, from the seamstresses who made the space walk suits, to the men monitoring fuel consumption by the second. After an extensive source section, readers will find more resources both online and in various media.

Critical Analysis

Team Moon: How 400,000 People Landed Apollo 11 on the Moon attracts readers with its striking appearance from the front cover to the credits. Black pages provide the perfect background for NASA space shots as well as set off a multitude of black and white as well as color photos. The elements of the layout are well balanced.

Quotes from the astronauts and team during the mission give the narrative a sense of immediacy. Each quotation received due documentation by chapter at the end of the text. I know how the mission ends, and I still held my breath. When you are born into a universe that has footprints on the moon, you take space travel for granted. Children and adults will be fascinated by the determination and effort of all the Americans who put men on the moon-- and brought them home.

Review Excerpts

Science Books & Films: "Kudos to Catherine Thimmesh for remembering the players on Team Moon and dedicating the time to document their efforts for all of us to appreciate. This is a thin book, but well assembled and worth you and your children's time to read and enjoy."

The Horn Book: "... a spectacular and highly original addition to the literature of space exploration."

Connections

Florian, Douglas. Comets, Stars, the Moon, and Mars: Space Poems and Paintings. ISBN-13: 978-0152053727

Video clips of the moon landing let students hear the words from the book and see the pictures in action.
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=1416393771637021814&q=&hl=en

For a website with a timeline appraoch, and an audio clip of President Kennedy's challenge visit: http://www.historyplace.com/unitedstates/apollo11/index.html.

Students who wish to know more about the astronauts may read their biographies: http://history.nasa.gov/ap11ann/astrobios.htm .

Nonfiction/Biography: THE BRAIN: OUR NERVOUS SYSTEM

Bibliography


Simon, Seymour. 1997. The Brain: Our Nervous System. New York, NY: Harper Collins Children's Books. ISBN 0-688-14641-4


Summary



The Brain: Our Nervous System presents children with concise, logically presented information on this most important of organs. In this introductory look, Simon begins by asking readers to think about thinking. Then he explains the intricate parts that make up the brain and the functions they perform, such as glial cells supporting the neurons. After describing how the nervous system works, Simon gives readers a look at at the brain section by section.



Critical Analysis

This book targets a young audience, yet Simon gives them the courtesy of correct terms and vocabulary, including some Latin roots. Pictures and diagrams are clearly labeled to demonstrate the information presented on the page. The author explains the functions in a manner that neither condescends to nor confuses the reader, such as comparing myelin sheaths to insulation around electrical wire. Neither the text nor supporting images overwhelm the reader.

Vivid images of the brain, models, and diagrams contribute to the artistic and intellectual merit of this photo essay. The black background used on many pages enhances the striking nature of the computer enhanced images and emphasizes the text.

Review Excerpts

Booklist: "Pictures include computer-generated scans, a diagrammatic painting, and many photographs, some greatly enlarged and color enhanced. The vivid illustrations catch the eye, but the clearly written text provides a fuller understanding of what happens in various parts of the brain and nervous system. "

The Horn Book: "The variety of views and the lucid presentation provide an absorbing introduction to this amazing control system that "can do more jobs than the most powerful computer ever made."

Connections



After reading Simon's series about the body, children could outline themselves on butcher paper and add the interesting facts they gleaned near the corresponding body part.


Seymour, Simon. The Heart: Our Circulation System. ISBN-13: 978-0060877217

Seymour, Simon. Bones: Our Skeletal System. ISBN-13: 978-0688177218

Seymour, Simon. Guts: Our Digestive System. ISBN-13: 978-0060546519

Seymour, Simon. Lungs: Your Respiratory System. ISBN-13: 978-0060546519

Seymour, Simon. Eyes and Ears. ISBN-10: 0688153038

Seymour, Simon. Muscles: Our Muscular System. ISBN-13: 978-0688177201





The popular Magic School Bus series investigates the body:



Cole, Joanna. The Magic School Bus Inside the Human Body. ISBN-13: 978-0590414272

Poetry: DANITRA BROWN LEAVES TOWN

Bibliography




Grimes, Nikki. 2002. Danitra Brown Leaves Town. Ill. by Floyd Cooper. New York, NY: Harper Collins. ISBN 0-688-13155-7









Plot Summary

Zuri and her best friend Danitra plan to thoroughly enjoy summer, but when Danitra goes on vacation, Zuri doubts summer will be at all worthwhile. Letters, written in free verse, between the two girls reveal that each girl manages quite well. Zuri makes a new friend and takes advantage of all the fun the neighborhood has to offer. Danitra delights in the new experiences of her country life and the connections she makes with extended family. Ultimately, they realize that their friendship and summer can survive separation.

Critical Analysis

The rhythm of Danitra Brown Leaves Town allows for successful reading aloud and replicates the flow of natural language. Grimes successfully uses rhyme, often internally, to enhance the rhythm without creating a "sing-song" effect. Her imagery is vivid; she portrays the night sky as "a thick overcoat all buttoned up with stars". Children will relate to the subjects of friendship and missing someone close.

Floyd Cooper paints soft illustrations in rich warm hues to evoke memories of summer time. The beauty of his work lies in the individuality of the people portrayed. The family grouping pictured for the poem, "Danira's Family Reunion" provides an excellent example. Faces, skin tones, and hair styles are varied, and the expressions offer a glimpse into each personality.

Review Excerpt

Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books: "An uplifting contemporary spin on the town mouse and the country mouse, this is a natural for an end-of-semester readaloud or independent summer reading."

Kirkus Reviews: "Grimes's poems read and flow well, and Cooper's paintings simply burst with energy and expressiveness."





Connections



Discuss the qualities of friendship. Discussion prompts, activities, and writing extensions for older students can be found at: http://www.goodcharacter.com/BCBC/Friendship.html.

Before summer vacations begin, re-read the first poem, "Big Plans" discuss children's favorite things about summer and have them write and illustrate a poem of their own.

Poetry: IT'S RAINING PIGS & NOODLES

Bibliography





Prelutsky, Jack. 2000. It's Raining Pigs & Noodles. Ill. by James Stevenson. New York, NY: Harper Collins. ISBN 0-06-02915-8





Plot Summary

This collection of Jack Prelutsky's lively poetry looks with humor into the world of childhood. He investigates the woes of liver, homework, and cleaning your room. Some poems, such as "I'm Building a Bridge of Bananas", tickle the imagination and others are nonsense, shape poems, or gleefully "gross" in the manner of "Chocolate Covered Salami".

Critical Analysis

Variety, both in form and substance, keeps the poems fresh and interesting as the reader peruses more than 100 poems in this collection. The manner in which Prelutsky plays with words is as appealing as the words he chooses themselves; "unabated chaos", "in need of extrication", and "mere amphibian" roll off the tongue. After reading very few poems like "I Took a Sip of Water", the reader begins to watch for the twist at the end that transforms the poem into a joke. Though some of the nonsense poems grow tiresome ("The Yaks Convened a Meeting"), the vast majority of these poems are delightful to share aloud.

James Stevenson matches the energetic and zany style of Prelutsky's poetry with his bold strokes and simple drawings. The subject matter follows the descriptions in the poems, presenting exactly what one imagines while reading.

Prelutsky's work has appeal to adults as well. "Deep in Our Refrigerator" could be inspired by my own kitchen -- where leftovers languish until they are unidentifiable. I also enjoyed "I'm Standing in the Corner" though from a different perspective as the mother of a toddler. The humor that reaches children, also touches those of us who loved childhood.

Review Excerpts


Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books: "Prelutsky short of great is still superior to most poets' best, however, especially combined with Stevenson's high-spirited and irreverent line-and-wash art. With inviting possibilities for readalone, readaloud, chorus, and performance, this one will offer welcome expansion to your poetry shelf. . . . Grades three to six."

The Horn Book; "Prelutsky plays his way through silly images, nonsense words, and corny punch lines. Some of the one hundred and six poems here celebrate childhood mischief. . . . And it wouldn't be Prelutsky without a bit of the gross. . . . Stevenson deftly follows the goofy tone in small homely pen sketches sprinkled among the verse."

Connections

Collect other books by Prelutsky to study how he effectively uses language, humor, and unexpected objects in his work.

Prelutsky, Jack. A Pizza the Size of the Sun. ISBN-10: 0688132359

Prelutsky, Jack. New Kid on the Block. ISBN-13: 978-0688022716

After reading a selection of his poems, children may wish to try their hand at poetry. Tips and insights from Jack Prelutsky as well as exercises to get kids started:

Prelutsky, Jack. Pizza, Pigs, and Poetry: How to Write a Poem. ISBN-13: 978-0061434488

Poetry: ALEUTIAN SPARROW

Bibliography




Hess, Karen. 2003. Aleutian Sparrow. New York, NY: Simon & Schuster. ISBN 0-689-86189-3





Plot Summary

After the Japanese invade the Aleutian islands during World War II, the United States government relocated the native people to camps farther south and inland. The Aleutian Sparrow, based on this historical event, follows a young girl named Vera and her family away from her home and through the period of her relocation. Hesse chronicles the struggles of the Aleutian people to survive both the harsh conditions of the camps and the forces eroding their culture. Many died. Some lost the desire to stay with the community, and those that did return received a bitter homecoming. Nevertheless, Vera's last words, "And as Aleuts have always done, We find the will to begin again.", leave the reader hopeful for her future.

Critical Analysis

Both the style of Hesse's writing and the subject matter are powerful. Her well chosen episodes move the reader succinctly through the entire exile. One feels drawn to the indomitable spirit of Vera and her friends as they cling to their traditions to the best of their ability and carve special times out of the hardship. Still, she does not neglect the frustration the Aleut people feel when isolated in an unfamiliar environment, restricted by the government, and resented by the townspeople.

Throughout the poems Hesse offers glimpses of the culture and way of life Vera has left behind. "No seagull eggs, no cod, no halibut, no crab, no salmonberry jam...," food, traditional work, religion, and education are woven into the story adding richness and realism. Though many poems are brief, the words have been chosen with such care that much is revealed to the reader.

This, my first experience with a verse novel, proved highly rewarding. I was deeply moved by the images and emotions that were so intensely conveyed. As I had no previous knowledge of the historical events that inspired this novel, I was motivated to learn more; a feeling that I think my students will share. I look forward to reading The Aleutian Sparrow with middle school children, trusting it will be a favorite for many.

Review Excerpts

School Library Journal: "...Aleutian Sparrow brings to light an important time in American history, and in the process introduces readers to Aleut culture."

Bulletin for the Center for Children's Books: "The brief author's note refers to true events upon which the story is based but does not mention sources. Endpaper maps are helpful, black-and-white linocuts introducing each section are quietly decorative, and a glossary clarifies Aleut terms."

Connections

Aleut Story, a PBS film, documents the history of the Aleutian relocation and features interviews of actual camp survivors http://www.aleutstory.tv/.

The Arctic Studies Center has information on current and historical culture http://www.mnh.si.edu/arctic/index.html.

For background reading:

Kohlhoff, Dean. When the Wind Was a River: Aleut Evacuation in World War II. ISBN-13: 978-0295974033

Traditional Literature: AND THE GREEN GRASS GREW ALL AROUND

Bibliography





Schwartz, Alvin. 1992. And the Green Grass Grew All Around. Ill. by Susan G. Truesdell. New York, NY: Harper Collins. ISBN 0-06-022757-5





Plot Summary

And the Green Grass Grew All Around is a collection of folk poems containing everything from jump rope rhymes and riddles to traditional sayings and parodies. Schwartz provides the tunes to many of the verses, as well as explanatory notes. He has organized his anthology by topic (food, school) and type (teases, games). An informative notes section follows the main body of the work explaining the development, purpose, and brief history of each category. This book also contains an extensive bibliography.

Critical Analysis

And the Green Grass Grew All Around reveals to both children and adults the cultural importance of children's oral poetry, which is perhaps overlooked and undervalued. The author points out that the everyday language and purpose, to be recited aloud, differs from formal poetry. Both differences enhance the appeal to children. The pace of the poems varies refreshingly from one as short as "No way, José" to the three page poem that comprises section seven. The author has organized his selections in a clear and manageable fashion. Students will relish the school section in which other students have expressed their frustration with teachers, principals, and homework.

Sue Truesdell rough black and white sketches ideally suite the informal and child oriented text. They are playful in subject and humorous in execution. Her images convey a sense of action and energy that enhance the lively poetry.

I enjoyed reading the differences between poems I grew up with and the author's recorded version. It highlights the dynamic nature of the oral tradition. The "Fun and Games" section which contains "ready or not" and "you're it" rhymes particularly interested me. Schwartz offered many that I had never heard.



Review Excerpt

School Library Journal: "A marvelous book that is sure to become a classic if children have any say in the matter. Schwartz has gathered sassy, funny, scary, and slightly naughty children's folk poetry heard on schoolgrounds and wherever else kids are having fun. Adults who stew over the appropriateness of Roald Dahl's books or Shel Silverstein's poetry may have concerns here, but kids will love having all their underground playground rhymes in one volume. . . . It's hard to imagine illustrations better suited to the book's silly, energized tone than Truesdell's big-eyed, animated, and humorous characters. . . . Read this outrageous volume before it is shelved; once the kids discover it, it will always be checked out."


Connections



Children could collect examples of folk poetry from their families and communities to create a class anthology.


Children, working in groups, could create their own parodies of familiar verses, such as "Roses are red,", the jingles of poplar products, or familiar nursery rhymes.

Children can learn the jump rope, marching, and dancing poems from the "Fun and Games" section and go outside to "perform" them.

Traditional Literature: THE IRISH CINDERLAD

Bibliography

Climo, Shirley. 1996. The Irish Cinderlad. Ill. by Loretta Krupinski. New York, NY: Harper Collins. ISBN 0-06-024396-1.


Plot Summary

The Irish Cinderlad contains the essential elements of a "Cinderella" variant: wicked stepsisters, evil stepmother, harsh treatment of the protagonist, a magical helper, and a happy "ever-after". Becan, named "Little One" in Irish, grew enormous feet. His step family sent him to work as a herdboy, gave him little food, and much torment. While watching the cows, he befriends a magical bull, who provides Becan with filling meals and a sympathetic ear. When the stepsisters discover the bull, Becan and the bull flee. The bull is killed in a fight, but leaves Becan his tail. The tail helps Becan overcome a giant and win the giant's boots. It also aids in his fight with a dragon, saving a princess and winning her heart. He loses one of his giant boots at the scene of victory, and this boot helps the Princess locate Becan. Thus he becomes Prince Becan and begins a happy new life.

Critcial Analysis

Climo's version offers several benefits to those collecting "Cinderella" stories. The male protagonist may add interest to students familiar only with the Disney version. The author presents some wonderful imagery: Becan's mother popping porridge in his mouth every time it opened, or the local men stuffing shoes with straw and extra socks. The bull, according to the author's note, was held to be powerfully magic. The author's note also gives historical background to storytelling in Ireland. This tale is well paced and would hold appeal for middle elementary children.


Loretta Krupinski illustrated The Irish Cinderlad. The animals' fur and the flora have a pleasing textural appearance. The humans, in contrast, seem incomplete or soft. For example, the princess, who is tied to a post as a dragon sacrifice, pleads for help. However, her face appears tranquil, and she wears a small smile. The setting, disappointingly, indicates Europe, but not specifically Ireland.



Review Excerpt

Booklist: "According to the appended note, this 'Cinderella' variant is based primarily on Douglas Hyde's 'The Bracket Bull' and Sara Cone Bryant's 'Billy Beg and His Bull.' The retelling is satisfactory but lacks enough cultural detail to give it a distinctive Irish flavor. The illustrations are overly pretty and romanticized. When the text specifies a 'blue-green sea,' the picture shows a pinkish purple ocean. In a robust story of courage and danger, the dainty illustrations seem incongruous. This will be useful primarily in libraries where Climo's earlier titles, The Egyptian Cinderella (1989) and The Korean Cinderella (1993), are popular."

Connections

This book's simplicity and dialog would make it an excellent choice for a reader's theater written and produced in class.

Climo has written several "Cinderella" variants with protagonists from different countries. Collect them to begin a comparative study geographically.



Climo, Shirley. The Persian Cinderella. Ill. by Robert Florczak. ISBN:0064438538


Climo, Shirley. The Egyptian Cinderella. Ill. by Ruth Heller. ISBN:0833588788


Climo, Shirley. The Korean Cinderella. Ill. by Ruth Heller. ISBN:0064433978

An alternate book to introduce this Irish tale:

Greene, Ellen. Billy Beg and His Bull: An Irish Tale. Ill. by Kimberly Bulcken Root ISBN:0823411001

Traditional Literature: BIG ANTHONY AND THE MAGIC RING

Bibliography

dePaola, Tomie. 1979. Big Anthony and the Magic Ring. Ill. dePaola, Tomie. San Diego, CA: Harcourt. ISBN-13: 9780152071240



Plot Summary

In this sequel to dePaola's Strega Nona, her assistant, Big Anthony, must be reminded that her magic is not to be trifled with. Spring fever seizes Strega Nona, and she decides to use a magic ring to transform herself into a beauty to enjoy a little "Night Life". Big Anthony takes the first chance he gets to use the ring himself. Transformed into a handsome stranger, he ventures to the village dance. Big Anthony discovers that beauty has a price when the maidens in the village refuse to let him rest, or leave. Unfortunately, the ring is stuck, complicating his escape. Strega Nona saves him with the judicious use of olive oil.


Critical Analysis

DePaola's plot, though uncomplicated, tells a charming and humorous story. The characters may be typical of the "witch mother" and "fool", but they are none the less endearing. Readers will enjoy the idea of Strega Nona curing her spring fever with a lively tarantella, and the idea of a grandmother partying all night long. Even young readers will be able to predict that Big Anthongy will land in trouble when he takes the magical ring. The addition of Bamblona, the pudgy baker's daughter that has a soft spot for Big Anthony, lends a touch of humor.

The author/illustrator provides a rich setting through both a judicious use of the Italian language and his sun washed paintings of the Italian countryside. Cypress trees and red tiled roofs add authenticity. The costumes also reflect medieval Italy, especially at the village dance. I enjoy this author's lively illustrations, particularly in the Strega Nona series. The lines are simple, but the faces' of his characters reflect a great range of emotions.

Review Excerpt

Booklist: “Big Anthony romps through a case of spring fever with an ill-gotten magic ring, against the architectural background and blue skies of la bella Italia.”




Connections


These prequels to Strega Nona concerning the main characters in this series would be a fun addition; the reading levels are fairly low:



dePaola, Tomie. Strega Nona: Her Story. ISBN-10: 0698118146
dePaola, Tomie. Big Anthongy: His Story. ISBN-10: 0698118936


Tomie dePaola's official Website includes the author's discussion of how the characters Strega Nona and Big Anthony were developed: http://www.tomie.com/main.html .

Picture Books: A CALDECOTT CELEBRATION

Bibliography

Marcus, Leonard. S. 1998. A Caldecott Celebration. New York, NY: Walker. ISBN 0-8027-8656-1



Plot Summary

A Caldecott Celebration chronicles the work of six Caldecott Medal winners: Robert McCloskey, Marcia Brown, Maurice Sendak, William Steig, Chris Van Allsburg, and David Wiesner. These author/illustrators' work span six decades and a variety of styles. For each winner, Marcus shares biographical information about the author as well as describing the creative process that led to the winning book.

Critical Analysis

Children will be able to gain an understanding of the process of writing and illustrating a book from the interviews and anecdotes presented in A Caldecott Celebration. Not only will they begin to realize that authors are regular people with real families and backgrounds, but also they are able to see that writing is a process, sometimes struggle, for adults. Marice Sendak's difficulty with Where the Wild Things Are exemplifies this challenge. He was so dissatisfied with the first versions, featuring wild horses, that he put the whole idea aside, and the final, successful, version turned out quite differently from his first attempts.

Thumbnail and dummy representations of the works in progress add interest and authenticity to the pages. The dedication of these artists to their work proves amazing. Robert McCloskey filled his apartment with ducklings (and all that ducklings produce) to gain an intimate knowledge of their anatomy and movement. Marcia Brown spent hours studying period costumes, dances, and styles to add historical richness to her version of the Cinderella story.

I was surprised at the level of fascination I felt reading this book. A Caldecott Celebration provides factual information with an engaging and lively prose. The interviews, artist's photographs, and art samples draw readers to the selected medal-winning books. I want to re-read the books I know and find the ones I missed knowing the history of the stories.



Review Excerpts


Starred review in Publishers Weekly: “Filled with witty anecdotes and pithy observations, Marcus’s approach to examining the works of six Caldecott Medalists will be of as much interest to adults as to picture book readers.”

Starred review in Booklist: “A lively, informative introduction to each book and its maker. A beautifully made book, this will serve as a fine resource for children interested in illustration and for teachers researching author/ illustrator studies."


Connections

This is a book about books. Students would benefit from reading the Caldecott Medal books that are described in Marcus' book along with his informative text.

Other books on authors/illustrators:

Christelow, Eileen. What Do Authors Do? ISBN:0395866219

Christelow, Eileen. What Do Illustrators Do? ISBN:0395902304

Note:

An updated version of this title, which includes The Man Who Walked Between the Towers by Mordecai Gerstein, was released to celebrate the book's tenth anniversary.

MARCUS, Leonard S. A Caldecott Celebration: Seven Artists and Their Paths to the Caldecott Medal. ISBN 978-0-8027-9703-2

Picture Books: FLOTSAM

Bibliography


Wiesner, David. 2006. Flotsam. Ill. by David Wiesner. New York, NY: Clarion. ISBN-13:978-0-618-19457-5. ISBN-10:0-618-19457-6.



Plot Summary



Flotsam, a wordless picture book, chronicles a boy's day at the shore with his family. A wave brings up an antique camera, which, when the film is successfully developed, reveals magical underwater worlds. The boy also discovers that the camera has passed through the hands of many children in its travels. He decides to become part of the camera's history and adds snapshot of himself holding a picture of all the previous participants before returning the camera to the ocean. Readers then follow the camera's next voyage to another child playing on a different beach.




Critical Analysis

Davis Weisner's detailed and exquisite watercolor pictures in Flotsam create a complete and intriguing story without the use of one word. In fact, words would detract from the concentration one needs to give his illustrations. From page to page, the vantage point and scale change contributing to the progression of the plot. For example, some pages contain a single traditional drawing, but other have a series of frames rather like a comic. The illustrations convey much about the protagonist. The first page features a large crab in front of an eye. When you turn the page, you realize the crab is tiny and the eye belongs to an observant boy. Looking further, you see that instead of the usual surfboard or water toys, he brings a collection box and microscope. Weisner also employs a subtle humor in his work, such as an octopus family enjoying the contents of a submerged moving van.

I was rather amazed that my young daughter, at this point my only test subject, showed such interest in the book. It was impossible to flip through the pages and not add narrative as we went along. Soon she was adding to our story by describing the elements she found engaging.

Review Excerpts


Caldecott Medal Winner 2007
Starred Review in Booklist: "Like Chris Van Allsburg's books and Wiesner's previous works, this visual wonder invites us to rethink how and what we see, out in the world and in our mind's eye."

Cooperative Children’s Book Center Choices: "David Wiesner once again lets the pictures tell the story—this time literally—in another masterful wordless picture book that will send readers’ imaginations soaring."


Connections

More wordless picture books: http://nancykeane.com/rl/317.htm , http://collaboratory.nunet.net/nssd112/oakterrace/imc/wordless.html, http://www.rif.org/educators/books/Picture-Books.mspx

Groups of students could write stories based on the illustrations, either a narrative of Weisner's work, or an imaginative story inspired by one of his fanciful drawings. ESL students would benefit from creating an oral narrative.

Students can predict what would happen in the next installment of the story. What will the next child do? What will she see? These predictions could be illustrations, text, or a published combination.

Picture Books: EDWINA THE DINOSAUR WHO DIDN'T KNOW SHE WAS EXTINCT

Bibliography

Willems, Mo. 2006. Edwina The Dinosaur Who Didn't Know She Was Extinct. Ill. By Mo Willems. New York, NY: Hyperion Books for Children. ISBN 0-7868-3748-9



Plot Summary

Reginald Von Hoobie-Doobie, a smart elementary student, grows increasingly exasperated that the citizens of his town refuse to acknowledge that their beloved dinosaur, Edwina, is extinct. After several elaborate attempts to persuade the townspeople, he attempts to enlighten Edwina personally. Reginald convinces her she is indeed extinct, but realizes he has missed knowing Edwina herself.



Critical Analysis

Many readers will be able to identify someone they know like Reginald Von Hoobie-Doobie. He is serious. He is accurate. He is rather grumpy. Still, he is real, and grows more likable as his character develops. The writing in lively and engaging. After Reginal convinces Edwina that she is extinct, you hesitate to turn the page. Will the helpful, cookie-baking dinosaur be gone?

From the illustrations, one may glean a deeper understanding of the characters. Willems' cartoon-like drawing excels at conveying emotion. Readers are able to see Edwina's sweetness through Willems' renderings, from her facial expressions to the way her pink polished claws clasp her pocket book, as well as through her actions. Many pages feature multiple, black-and-white illustrations that indicate passage of time and enrich the tale. The final page, which contains no text, reveals the friendship developing between the two characters.

I enjoyed sharing this book with my toddler; it is just a fun story. She asked for "Edwina" several nights in a row, and even began to fill in parts of the text, gleefully shouting, "Edwina was shocked!" The illustrations appealed to her, and she pointed out details that I did not notice.


Review Excerpts

Horn Book : "Superior, well above average."

Kirkus Reviews: "The just-right resolution is a tribute to the child's rock-solid faith in how the world should be, not how it really is."




Connections

Edwina the Dinosaur Who Didn't Know She Was Extinct could be incorporated into a lesson on respecting others for "who" they are instead of "what" they can be labeled.

Poetry Connections:

Collection of dinosaur poems: http://www.tooter4kids.com/DinosaurIndex/dinosaur_poems.htm