Module 3: Poetry - OUT OF THE DUST

BIBLIOGRAPHIC DATA:

Hesse, Karen. 1997. OUT OF THE DUST. New York: Scholastic Press. ISBN 0590360809

PLOT SUMMARY:

What would life have been like for a girl in her early teenage years on her family’s farm in the Oklahoma dust bowl during the Great Depression? This verse novel exposes both the expected hardships and the unexpected tragedies through a series of haunting and emotionally charged poems written from the perspective of fourteen-year-old Billie Jo. With almost constant dust storms brewing, Billie Jo’s family has little hope for their wheat crops and desperately struggles to make ends meet. When a tragic accident takes the life of her pregnant mother and unborn baby brother, Billie Jo and her father find life on the farm almost unbearable. There is hope in the end as the devastated father and daughter find a way to reconnect and reclaim their happiness.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS:

Billie Jo’s character is profoundly important to the heart of this story. All of the poems are written from her point of view, and readers will easily identify and sympathize with her simple yet powerful language. Readers will instantly like Billie Jo for her honesty, passion, and bravery, and her positive qualities will draw readers further into each successive poem.

The tragic yet realistic plot of this story will undoubtedly create a powerfully emotional reaction in readers. From dealing with the devastation of drought and frequent dust storms to feelings of guilt revolving around the horrific accident that kills her mother and unborn brother, Billie Jo’s early teenage years prove to be extremely difficult. Billie Jo cannot even find comfort in her true passion, playing the piano, because of the terrible burns she suffered from the flames that took her pregnant mother from her. Inevitably, Billie Jo reaches a breaking point and runs away from her family’s farm, leaving her grieving and distant father alone. Billie Jo’s adventure leads her to conclude that there is no better alternative to the life she had, and she returns home to discover that her father has a new woman in his life. While adjusting to all of life’s changes, Billie Jo and her father begin the process of healing, forgiving, reconnecting, and finding happiness in the aftermath of their terrible circumstances. Each individual poem carries the plot further along, and readers are left with the complete picture of the narrative at the end.

Billie Jo’s tragic story takes place in the Oklahoma dust bowl during the years of the Great Depression. The setting plays an enormous role in the story, and the drought and dust even feel like tangible characters themselves at times. Hesse successfully delivers a harsh yet accurate look at the life of a farmer and his family during this difficult time period.

An underlying theme delivered in the poems is the importance of maintaining hope. Billie Jo’s father never gives up on his farm, and Billie Jo finds some of her father’s perseverance in herself despite the bleakness of her situation. Readers will be encouraged by her ability to look ahead with hope and strength.

Hesse’s incredible style uses concise, simple language to pack a powerful emotional punch. The choice to relate the story through a series of poems enhances the depth of the tale and exposes Billie Jo’s feelings more openly than writing a traditional novel would have.

The poems are free verse poems, allowing the rhythm of the poems to feel very natural and conversational. Hesse’s careful arrangement of lines and spaces emphasizes certain words and phrases, enhancing the emotional quality of the language used. The word choice, rhythm, and emotional imagery combine to leave readers feeling as though they are right there in Oklahoma with Billie Jo. The poem “Midnight Truth” offers a good example of the amazing combination of these elements in its second stanza: “I could’ve loved her better. / She could’ve loved me, too. / But she’s rock and dust and wind now, / she’s carved stone, / she’s holding my stone brother.”

While the book is the length of a typical novel, the individual poems are fairly concise. Readers will be pleasantly surprised by the amount of emotion and thought-provoking substance Hesse is able to pack into such few words. The content of this story is aimed at middle school students and up, and even adults will appreciate this emotional story. This verse novel would make a great addition to any young adult collection, and this story has the potential to popularize poetry among young adults. After reading OUT OF THE DUST, I am certainly looking forward to reading more of Karen Hesse’s verse novels.

REVIEW EXCERPTS:

From BOOK REPORT (November/December 1997):
“While billed as a novel and clearly a narrative, the entire book is formatted in prose-like free verse poetry structure, which enhances the accessibility, the clarity, and haunting nature of its storyline. Targeted toward junior high students, the book would be a wonderful addition to any supplemental reading list about the Dust Bowl, and could also be useful as a model of the close link between poetry and prose; as a coming-of-age story; and as a novel to be read solely for its own merit. Out of the Dust should not stay on any shelf long enough to gather dust. Highly Recommended.”

From BOOKLIST starred (Vol. 94, No. 3 (October 1, 1997)):
“The story is bleak, but Hesse's writing transcends the gloom and transforms it into a powerfully compelling tale of a girl with enormous strength, courage, and love. The entire novel is written in very readable blank verse, a superb choice for bringing out the exquisite agony and delight to be found in such a difficult period lived by such a vibrant character. It also spares the reader the trouble of wading through pages of distressing text, distilling all the experiences into brief, acutely observed phrases. This is an excellent book for discussion, and many of the poems stand alone sufficiently to be used as powerful supplements to a history lesson.”

From PUBLISHERS WEEKLY (January 11, 1999):
In a starred review of the 1998 Newbery Medal winner, set during the Depression, PW said, "This intimate novel, written in stanza form, poetically conveys the heat, dust and wind of Oklahoma. With each meticulously arranged entry Hesse paints a vivid picture of her heroine's emotions."

CONNECTIONS:

*Awards:
1998 Newbery Medal Winner
Notable/Best Books (A.L.A) 1998

*Other verse novels by Karen Hesse:
Hesse, Karen. 2001. WITNESS. New York: Scholastic Press. ISBN 0439272009

Hesse, Karen. 2003. ALEUTIAN SPARROW. New York: Margaret K. McElderry Books. ISBN 0689861893

*Activities:
This book would be a great choice to share with students during a unit on the Great Depression. It would certainly add authenticity to that time period and allow the students to imagine life during the Great Depression more completely.

This novel is also a great way to introduce students to a type of poetry they may have never encountered before. Verse novels like OUT OF THE DUST are an excellent way to engage reluctant readers and show all students how powerful and enjoyable poetry can be.

Students could also be encouraged to write verse novels about their own lives, modeling after Hesse’s diary-like poetry style.

*Websites:
http://www.childrensliteraturenetwork.org/aifolder/aipages/ai_h/hesse.html
http://www.kidsreads.com/authors/au-hesse-karen.asp

Module 2: Traditional Tales - THE LEGEND OF THE INDIAN PAINTBRUSH

BIBLIOGRAPHIC DATA:

DePaola, Tomie. 1988. THE LEGEND OF THE INDIAN PAINTBRUSH. New York: G. P. Putnam’s Sons. ISBN 0399215344

PLOT SUMMARY:

In this beautiful retelling of a Native American legend, Little Gopher, the smallest boy in the tribe of the People who traveled the Plains, discovers his talents and his place within the tribe when he follows the advice of his Dream-Vision to paint the story of his People and the amazingly beautiful sunset. Little Gopher used his talents to create many wonderful paintings of warriors and Dream-Visions, but he was not satisfied with the colors he had for the painting of the sunset until a voice tells him that he will find the colors he needs the next day. He finds paintbrushes the exact colors of the sunset the next evening, and his wonderfully bright paintbrushes are left on the hill where they take root and bloom as gorgeous wildflowers. In the end, Little Gopher is praised for his great paintings and contributions to the tribe.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS:

The main character of this tale, Little Gopher, embodies a blend of human qualities that readers will easily identify with. Being the smallest boy in the tribe, Little Gopher wrestles with his individual differences and often wishes he was more like the other children who would grow up to be warriors. Little Gopher’s inherent goodness, devotion to his tribe, and dedication to his artistic talents ultimately triumph in the end, bringing him pride and recognition amongst his People. Little Gopher’s character is an example of the classic underdog, and readers will rejoice as he finds success by staying true to himself.

THE LEGEND OF THE INDIAN PAINTBRUSH is a pour quoi story, attempting to explain the occurrence of wildflowers called Indian Paintbrushes according to a Native American legend. The legend centers around Little Gopher, the smallest boy in his tribe who learns to use his talents and differences in a remarkable way. Unlike the other children who will grow up to become skilled warriors, Little Gopher was given the talent of being an artist. When Little Gopher goes to the hills to think about becoming a man, he is visited by a Dream-Vision that tells him that his place among his People will be to paint pictures of the warriors and the visions of the shaman so that they will be remembered forever. Little Gopher is also instructed by his Dream-Vision to find a white buckskin and “paint a picture that is as pure as the colors in the evening sky.” Little Gopher painted many great pictures of his People, but he could not find the right colors to paint the bright and beautiful sunset. One night, he hears a voice that tells him that he will find the colors he needs on the ground of the hills where he watches the sunset every evening. The next evening, Little Gopher returns to the hill and finds brushes filled with the perfect colors of paint to capture the amazing sunset. He leaves the paintbrushes on the ground, where they take root in the earth and spread. From then on, the brightly colored wildflowers bloom each spring, and Little Gopher’s People are grateful for his talents and contributions and praise him as “He-Who-Brought-the-Sunset-to-the-Earth.” Readers of all ages will appreciate the simplicity of the plot, which focuses the reader’s attention on the sheer beauty of the tale.

The story takes place “many years ago when the People traveled the Plains and lived in a circle of teepees.” The setting is significant to the story because the reader immediately understands that this is a Native American folktale that originated long ago.

This beautiful tale easily conveys to the reader the importance of staying true to yourself and following your own path. This theme is underscored throughout the legend as Little Gopher struggles between wanting to be like everyone else and wanting to follow his natural talent, artistry. Readers will find themselves wanting Little Gopher to be himself and follow his Dream-Vision of painting, and they will be overjoyed when his dedication to his individual talents secures him an important place within the larger group.

DePaola’s simple style and wording has the amazing ability to convey the profoundness of the story’s message. By excluding complications and unnecessary details, dePaola retells the folktale in a way that maintains its oral quality, enhancing the legend’s message and authenticity. DePaola’s blending of careful word choice and beautiful illustrations really allow the reader to fully experience the folktale.

The story is categorically enhanced by dePaola’s beautiful painterly illustrations. The drawings are simple and not at all complicated, which matches well with the simple message of the legend. DePaola’s use of color is amazing, and he captures the warmth and true beauty of the sunset easily. The beautiful illustrations are the perfect complement to this beautiful folktale.

While the story does not attempt to explain a lot about Native American culture, the significance of culture to the legend can still be perceived throughout the story. The importance of warriors to the tribe is made clear, and the tribe’s custom of going “out to the hills alone to think about becoming a man” is touched upon. DePaola also includes language that can be considered important to the culture, such as “Dream-Vision.” The cultural significance of nature to the story can be seen in the brilliantly colored paintbrushes that take root and spread to become wildflowers. Furthermore, the reader is reminded of the importance of culture as Little Gopher discovers his role in contributing to his tribe and preserving the history of his culture through painting.

This story is both beautifully written and beautifully illustrated, and I believe it deserves a place in any folktale collection. From its simple message of staying true to one’s self to its ability to expose readers of all ages to this wonderful legend, dePaola’s beautiful retelling of this Native American folktale should not be overlooked.

REVIEW EXCERPTS:

From SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL (June 1988):
“The humanity expressed in this story illustrates the value of perseverance, and of endurance of effort that will bring its reward. DePaola's softly rounded shapes and his hero's diminutive stature, downcast eyes, and sober mien breathe attitudes of acceptance, of quiet waiting, of diligent persistence. The picture of the boy gazing mutely, patiently, into the western sky is ineffably moving. And dePaola must have had a wonderful time painting the gloriously uplifting skies depicted here.”

From PUBLISHERS WEEKLY (May 13, 1988):
“This tale is related with deceptive simplicity by dePaola; he enhances the plainness of the story with his primitive illustrations, and, like Little Gopher, he finds inspiration in the colors of the sunset.”

From KIRKUS REVIEW (1988):
“The retelling is pleasantly cadenced, even though it tells us more about the artist's need for self-expression within any society than about Plains Indians. And dePaola's somber tones burst forth into satisfyingly brilliant sunsets. This should do well at picture-book tour.”

CONNECTIONS:

*Activities:
This story lends itself well as a companion to a unit on Native American culture, legends, and art. After reading the story, students could be encouraged to further investigate and explore any or all of these topics and how they relate to Native American culture.

Students could also be encouraged to further explore wildflowers (where they grow, origins of their names, etc.) after reading this story.

*Other folktales retold by Tomie dePaola:
DePaola, Tomie. 1983. THE LEGEND OF THE BLUEBONNET. New York: G. P. Putnam’s Sons. ISBN 9780399209376

DePaola, Tomie. 1994. THE LEGEND OF THE POINSETTIA. New York: G. P. Putnam’s Sons. ISBN 0399216928

*Websites:
http://www.intangibility.com/inw/Wildflowers/Indian-Paintbrush.html
http://www.homeschoolshare.com/legend_of_the_indian_paintbrush.php
http://stancock.iweb.bsu.edu/CyberLessons/paintbrush/Indian%20paintbrush.html
http://www.tomie.com/

Module 2: Traditional Tales - BUBBA THE COWBOY PRINCE

BIBLIOGRAPHIC DATA:

Ketteman, Helen. 1997. BUBBA THE COWBOY PRINCE: A FRACTURED TEXAS TALE. Ill. by James Warhola. New York: Scholastic Press. ISBN 0590255061

PLOT SUMMARY:

In this endearing and hilarious version of the Cinderella tale, Ketteman creates a refreshing and surprising tale that will cause readers to rethink what they know about Cinderella. Instead of the usual hard-working girl magically running off to the ball to steal the heart of the handsome young prince, Ketteman completely turns things upside down by telling the tale of a tough, hard-working young cowboy named Bubba, who is overworked and mistreated by his cruel “stepdaddy” and two stepbrothers. When Bubba’s stepbrothers head off to a ball thrown by Miz Lurleen, the “purtiest” girl around, Bubba is left behind on the family ranch. True to the Cinderella plot, magic intervenes in the form of a fairy godcow to help Bubba get dressed for the ball. Just as Bubba begins to win Miz Lurleen’s heart, the magic wears off as the clock strikes midnight, leaving Bubba filthy and smelling like cattle. As Bubba runs off, his boot is left behind, and Miz Lurleen sets off to find the owner of the boot. Once she discovers that Bubba’s foot fits perfectly into the boot, the happy couple rides off on horseback into the sunset.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS:

The unexpected and comical characters are what make this a successful and unforgettable version of Cinderella. Readers will immediately identify Bubba, the tough, hard-working young cowboy, as the hero of the story. The wicked stepdaddy and lazy stepbrothers are easily disliked, and readers will delight in their foiled attempts to keep Bubba down. The rich and beautiful Miz Lurleen, the counterpart to the handsome prince in the original tale, is endearing and likeable. Perhaps the most hilarious character of all is the fairy godcow, who appears after a lightning strike, chewing her cud and magically helping Bubba get ready for the ball. The necessary components of good and bad characters for this version of Cinderella are all present, and Ketteman does an outstanding job putting a fresh and funny twist on the traditional Cinderella characters.

The simple plot of this story follows the usual Cinderella formula with twists and differences to match the outstanding new characters. A disappointed Bubba is left to herd cattle on the ranch while his cruel stepdaddy and stepbrothers head off to Miz Lurleen’s ball. After a bolt of lightning, Bubba hears someone telling him to go to the ball. Bubba is surprised to find the voice coming from a fairy godcow, who, with a few swishes of her tail, magically transforms Bubba into a clean and handsome cowboy atop a beautiful white stallion. To the dismay of Bubba’s stepdaddy and stepbrothers, Miz Lurleen is enamored with the new and improved Bubba. But, the night takes a dramatic turn when the magic disappears at midnight, leaving Bubba filthy, smelly, and dressed in rags in the arms of Miz Lurleen. Of course, Bubba runs away, leaving Miz Lurleen unsure of the identity of the handsome young cowboy. Luckily, Miz Lurleen is left with one of Bubba’s boots, and she sets off to track down the owner of the boot, the man she wants to marry. When the boot fits perfectly on Bubba’s foot, the wicked stepdaddy and stepbrothers are furious as Bubba and Miz Lurleen ride off to live “happily ever after, roping, and cowpoking, and gitting them dogies along.”

The setting, a ranch in Texas, plays an important role in this tale. It provides a completely new and different context to tell an innovative version of an old tale. The unexpected setting gives fullness to the comical characters.

Staying true to the Cinderella theme, this story underscores the message that good prevails over evil. Readers will be overjoyed and relieved when Bubba triumphs in the end, leaving the cruel stepdaddy and stepbrothers defeated.

Ketteman’s style includes using comical slang throughout the story, such as “dogies,” “feller,” and “purty.” While this Cinderella version does not attempt to reflect an actual culture, Ketteman’s humor and exaggerated Texas slang add to the originality and universal appeal of this tale.

James Warhola provides fantastic painterly illustrations that enhance the humorous quality of this story. The exaggerated facial features of the wicked stepdaddy and stepbrothers add to their unappealing nature. Miz Lurleen’s huge blonde hair is hilarious, and Warhola’s depiction of the fairy godcow is sure to evoke laughter from anyone who sees it. Overall, the colorful and comical illustrations are sure to make this story a hit for read aloud time.

REVIEW EXCERPTS:

From PUBLISHERS WEEKLY (November 17, 1997):
“Rustler lingo and illustrations chockablock with Texas kitsch make this ranch-spun Cinder-fella a knee-slappin' tale… While spoofing Cinderella is not a new idea, Ketteman and Warhola's (Aunt Hilarity's Bustle) well-matched flair for hyperbole gives both the narrative and illustrations a one-two punch. Just the ticket for buckaroos lookin' fer a good read.”

From KIRKUS REVIEW (1997):
“A Cinderella parody features the off-the-wall, whang-dang Texas hyperbole of Ketteman (The Year of No More Corn, 1993, etc.) and the insouciance of Warhola, who proves himself only too capable of creating a fairy godcow; that she's so appealingly whimsical makes it easy to accept the classic tale's inversions… Bubba and babe, hair as big as a Texas sun, ride off to a life of happy ranching, and readers will be proud to have been along for the courtship.”

CONNECTIONS:

Activities:
This book would make an excellent and fun addition to a unit of study on Cinderella. Students will love comparing and contrasting this hilarious and unique version with more traditional variants.

After reading this story, students could be encouraged to write their own silly version of Cinderella, with unique characters and a creative setting.

Students could also be encouraged to extend the story, writing about what happens next for Bubba and Miz Lurleen.

Other humorous Cinderella versions:
Lowell, Susan. 2001. CINDY ELLEN: A WILD WESTERN CINDERELLA. Ill. .by Jane Manning. New York: HarperTrophy. ISBN 0064438643.

Johnston, Tony. 1998. BIGFOOT CINDERRRRRELLA. Ill. by James Warhola. New York: G. P. Putnam’s Sons. ISBN 0399230211.

Module 2: Traditional Tales - SCHOOLYARD RHYMES

BIBLIOGRAPHIC DATA:

Sierra, Judy. 2005. SCHOOLYARD RHYMES: KIDS’ OWN RHYMES FOR ROPE SKIPPING, HAND CLAPPING, BALL BOUNCING, AND JUST PLAIN FUN. Ill. by Melissa Sweet. New York: Alfred A. Knopf. ISBN 0375825169

PLOT SUMMARY:

This book contains a fantastic collection of children’s playground chants, rhymes, and songs. Sierra puts forth an extensive compilation of 50 fun and rhythmic rhymes, including some traditional rhymes that will be recognized by many as well as some newer rhymes that are sure to become favorites. From hilarious rhymes to downright grotesque rhymes, Sierra makes room for a little bit of everything in this collection. Adults and children alike will treasure seeing these lighthearted and memorable rhymes in print.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS:

Many of the 50 rhymes contain an array of unforgettable characters. From “Cinderella, dressed in yella” to the lady with the alligator purse, the funny and often bizarre characters are full of energy and add a memorable quality to a lot of the rhymes.

The 50 playground rhymes, chants, and songs selected by Sierra are laid out in poetic form, making them easy to follow for readers of all ages. Sierra’s collection is careful to include a potpourri of the many different types of playground rhymes, both old and new. Some of the rhymes selected are sweet and comforting, such as the classic “Teddy bear, teddy bear” rhyme. Other rhymes will cause readers to laugh out loud, such as the cheetah’s hysterical assertion that he doesn’t need underwear in “Tarzan, Tarzan.” This extensive collection even includes many hilariously gross rhymes that kids will absolutely love, such as the step by step description of how to eat worms in “Nobody likes me.” There is a little bit of everything for everyone in this great collection of playground rhymes, reminding readers of all ages how much fun childhood can be. Also included are an introduction on schoolyard rhymes written by Judy Sierra and an index, arranged by first lines, of the 50 rhymes included in the collection.

Melissa Sweet’s colorful and captivating illustrations are a major component of this collection, drawing the reader further into the wonderful world of childhood. The illustrations have a child-like, almost “doodling” quality to them, adding a level of authenticity to the childhood rhymes. The illustrations fill the pages, and there is a lot of visual support for each rhyme. The excellent illustrations give life to the rhymes in comical ways, and the unforgettable visual images further cement the rhymes into readers’ minds. Sweet incorporates the rhymes into her drawings in charming and innovative ways. For example, the words of the rhyme may appear written on a child’s jump rope or the stems of roses. Sweet’s creative style enhances the fun and playful nature of this book.

This book will appeal to everyone due to its incredible ability to tap into the universal culture of childhood. SCHOOLYARD RHYMES will bring back great memories for some and reinforce the merit of popular rhymes for others. Even readers who have never heard the rhymes before can appreciate them for their comical and playful nature. Sierra does an outstanding job capturing the joy and humor of childhood and transferring it into a collection of playground rhymes that would enhance any children’s collection.

REVIEW EXCERPTS:

From HORN BOOK (September/October, 2005):
“Kids will enjoy this celebration of naughtiness and childhood fun.”

From SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL (October 1, 2005):
“The rhythms and nonsense rhymes are irresistible, compelling memorization and participation in the fun…Sweet's animated watercolor-and-collage illustrations fill the pages with expressive faces, thin lines of verse shaped into jump ropes and borders, and hilarious interpretive scenes from the rhymes. This is a definite winner, as it will be enormously popular with children.”

CONNECTIONS:

Activities:
Encouraging students to practice rhymes such as these enhances listening, speaking, memorization, and rhyming skills.

Teaching children playground rhymes would make an excellent rainy day activity when students cannot go outside. Children could be taught or even encouraged to make up their own clapping games and hand signals to go along with the rhymes, allowing them some necessary physical activity on days when going to the playground is not possible.

Ask students to write variations to these rhymes or even make up their own from scratch, allowing students to use creativity and their imaginations.

Module 1: Picture Books - KITTEN'S FIRST FULL MOON

BIBLIOGRAPHIC DATA:

Henkes, Kevin. 2004. KITTEN’S FIRST FULL MOON. New York: Greenwillow Books. ISBN 0060588292

PLOT SUMMARY:

When an adorable kitten sees a full moon for the first time, she mistakes it for a bowl of milk in the sky. After a series of mishaps trying to get to the bowl of milk in the sky, the poor kitten ends up wet, sad, tired, and hungry. But, readers will be overjoyed when kitten finally heads back home to find a great big bowl of milk waiting for her on the porch.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS:

As the only character in this story, Kitten has a lot of entertaining to do. But, Kitten easily meets the challenge and leaves readers not only entertained but cheering for her triumph as well. Henkes’ black and white depiction of Kitten is beautiful and endearing. Kitten’s facial expressions are perfect for each situation in the story, and the reader can feel her wide eyes imploring for help when she ends up in the pond and realizes it is not what she sought after. Kitten’s curiosity and persistence practically leap off the page, and readers will easily sympathize with this delightful character.

When Kitten sets out after the bowl of milk in the sky, she first tries simply opening her mouth and licking at it. Unfortunately for Kitten, this just results in a bug landing on her tongue. The shocked look on Kitten’s face as the bug rests on her tongue will certainly amuse readers. Her next attempt involves jumping off the top step of the porch, but this only results in a tumble down the steps for poor Kitten. After unsuccessfully chasing the bowl of milk and then climbing the tallest tree she could find, Kitten sees an even bigger bowl of milk as she gazes into the pond below. Readers will truly feel sorry for Kitten as she races to the pond and jumps right in, leaving her wet and without any milk. One look at Kitten’s wide-eyed, dejected face will leave readers wanting to pick Kitten up and deliver a bowl of milk to her themselves. Finally, with one final look at the full moon, Kitten heads for home. In a dramatic and satisfying twist, Kitten finds a big bowl of milk waiting for her on the porch once she gets home. The initial excitement on Kitten’s face gives way to sheer contentment as she curls up and falls asleep beneath the light of the moon.

The story takes place on the porch, field, and pond near Kitten’s house. While the setting plays an important role in providing Kitten with a place for her mishaps, it is Kitten herself who remains the true focus of the story.

Although the plot is not complicated, the theme of persistence and determination paying off in the end is prevalent throughout the story. Readers will admire Kitten’s bravery and curiosity, and they will feel reassured when she finally gets her milk in the end.

The style of this story combines a simple tale about one kitten’s adventurous night with beautiful and engaging black and white illustrations that draw the reader into the kitten’s world. Although the black and white illustrations, prepared with gouache and colored pencil, imply a level of simplicity, the illustrations are actually far from simple. A lot is going on in the fantastic artwork, and an enormous amount of Kitten’s emotions are portrayed through the illustrations. The thick outlines and sharp contrast between light and dark add an adventurous element to the story, and the cleverly designed illustrations enhance the reader’s desire for Kitten to get her well-deserved bowl of milk.

This book would make a great addition to any children’s collection. The basic plot combined with simple yet fascinating pictures make this an excellent book for a read aloud. Children will undoubtedly enjoy this book for both the story and the beautiful artwork.

REVIEW EXCERPTS:

From KIRKUS REVIEW starred (February 15, 2004):
“The style is reminiscent of Clare Newberry (Marshmallow, April's Kittens) without soft, fuzzy shapes, but artful in its gracelessness and naïveté, just like a kitten. Simply charming.”

From BOOKLIST starred (February 15, 2004 (Vol. 100, No. 12)):
“Henkes' text, reminiscent of Margaret Wise Brown's work in the elemental words, rhythms, and appealing sounds, tells a warm, humorous story that's beautifully extended in his shimmering, gray-toned artwork. Working in bold black lines and the silvery palette of moonlight, he creates a lovable, expressive character in the determined kitten, and his dramatic contrasts of light and dark capture the excitement of a nighttime adventure.”

From HORN BOOK starred (Fall 2004):
“The black-and-white forms in this sweet story about a kitten who thinks the full moon is a bowl of milk are larger and more solid-looking than Henkes's usual work. The kitten, whose white fur glows against the charcoal-gray sky, is sprightly and expressive as she fails repeatedly ("Poor Kitten!") to get at that milk. The rhythmic, action-oriented text is just right for small children.”

2005 Caldecott Medal Winner

CONNECTIONS:

*Activities:
Show students the story through illustrations alone. See how much of the story they can determine from visual literacy alone.

As the book is read aloud, stop frequently and ask students to predict what will happen next. The basic story plot and excellent illustrations will offer students a variety of clues to help them guess what is coming next.

Use this story for an interactive read aloud. Invite students to read the phrase “Poor Kitten!” out loud with you. This will give students a chance to be a part of the story.

This book would be an excellent introduction to a unit on the moon and phases of the moon.

*Websites:
http://www.harperchildrens.com/webcontent/teachers_guides/pdf/0688096999.pdf
http://www.astronomy.com/asy/default.aspx?c=a&id=1219

Module 1: Picture Books - KNUFFLE BUNNY

BIBLIOGRAPHIC DATA:

Willems, Mo. 2004. KNUFFLE BUNNY: A CAUTIONARY TALE. New York: Hyperion Books for Children. ISBN 0786818700

PLOT SUMMARY:

What could possible go wrong on a simple trip to the Laundromat with Daddy and a favorite stuffed animal? Young Trixie finds out in this adorable tale of a simple Laundromat trip gone wrong. Unbeknownst to Daddy, Trixie’s stuffed bunny is accidentally left behind. When poor Trixie tries desperately to explain this to her daddy, her still developing communication skills leave both her and her daddy more than a little frustrated. After a series of hilarious and frantic “aggles” and “flaggles” from Trixie, Daddy ends up having to carry his extremely distraught daughter back home. In the end, Trixie’s mommy saves the day and leads readers to an unforgettable reunion and momentous occasion for the whole family.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS:

Mo Willems is a master at creating books with lovable and memorable characters, and KNUFFLE BUNNY is no exception. Readers are immediately drawn to Trixie, and her spirited personality shines through on every page. From her wide-eyed amazement at the world around her on the trip to the Laundromat to her desperate attempt at going “boneless” in order to show her daddy how unhappy she is about losing her bunny, Trixie successfully commands the reader’s attention and evokes sympathy at her helpless situation. Adults will also find themselves sympathizing with Trixie’s clueless daddy, especially when he good-naturedly misinterprets Trixie’s complaints about her missing bunny as a statement about going home. Anyone who has ever dealt with an unhappy toddler will laugh out loud at the dazed expression on Daddy’s face by the time he and a very disgruntled Trixie get home. Willems’ amazing characters and the riveting depictions of them transform the simple plot of this story into an unforgettable reading experience.

The simple plot of this story will be easy for even the youngest readers to follow, and the hilarious illustrations play a major role in moving the plot along. The adventure begins simply enough as Trixie excitedly heads out on an errand to the Laundromat with her daddy. Although the bunny is not mentioned in the text until late in the story, the importance of Knuffle Bunny to Trixie can easily be seen from the beginning as she lovingly grasps the bunny throughout the walk to the Laundromat. Trixie has so much fun at the Laundromat that Knuffle Bunny is momentarily forgotten. As soon as Trixie realizes the bunny is missing, the comical exchanges between Trixie and Daddy begin. While Trixie’s daddy remains clueless about Knuffle Bunny’s situation, Trixie unwillingly heads home without her beloved stuffed animal. In the end, Trixie’s mommy realizes that Knuffle Bunny is missing, and the whole family heads back to the Laundromat to recover the missing bunny. The happy reunion is just what readers are waiting for, and Trixie surprises everyone by speaking her first words, “Knuffle Bunny!!!” Children will love hearing an adult read Trixie’s baby talk, and the combination of Trixie’s frustration and the hilarious illustrations are what make this simple story so appealing.

The story takes place in a typical city neighborhood, and many young readers will take comfort in familiar scenes such as the park, school, and the Laundromat. The setting is shown to the reader through black and white photographs.

Although the plot is simple, readers can detect the subtle message of the importance of growing up and learning new skills. Readers will cheer Trixie on as she tries to communicate with her daddy, and they surely will rejoice when she finally says her first words.

Mo Willems’ unique style of combining simple text and plot with lively illustrations and speech bubbles shines through in this story. Willems’ choice of black and white photographs of the city with colorful cartoon people placed in the scenes really draws the reader’s attention to the importance of the characters themselves. The focus on the characters and their facial expressions is crucial to enhancing the story from a simple plot to a lively story which readers can really sympathize with.

I would highly recommend this book as a staple to any school library or children’s collection. The funny characters and amazing illustrations make this a perfect read aloud book. Although the book is intended for young audiences, both children and adults will be able to appreciate the humor and endearing characters in this story. My two year old giggled with pleasure when I read this story to him, and that deserves a starred review in my opinion!

REVIEW EXCERPTS:

From PUBLISHERS WEEKLY starred (August 16, 2004):
“Any child who has ever had a favorite toy will identify with the toddler star of this tale. The plot is simple: Trixie loses bunny, finds bunny and then exuberantly says her first words-"Knuffle Bunny!!!" The fun comes from the details." Ages 4-8. (Sept.) Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.

From SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL starred (October 1, 2004):
PreS-Gr 1-“The concise, deftly told narrative becomes the perfect springboard for the pictures. They, in turn, augment the story's emotional acuity...Personalities are artfully created so that both parents and children will recognize themselves within these pages. A seamless and supremely satisfying presentation of art and text.”-Martha Topol, Traverse Area District Library, Traverse City, MI Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.

A 2005 Caldecott Honor Book

CONNECTIONS:

*Other books about Knuffle Bunny:
Willems, Mo. 2007. KNUFFLE BUNNY TOO: A CASE OF MISTAKEN IDENTITY. New York: Hyperion Books for Children. ISBN 1423102991

*Activities:
Even the youngest students can participate in writing extension activities for this story. Students will love writing from Trixie’s point of view, giving voice to her frustrated attempts at communication.

This simple story plot lends itself well to young audiences predicting what will happen next. The fantastic illustrations give readers lots of clues, and children will delight in predicting the happy ending.

This book would also be an excellent choice for taking students on a “picture walk.” The illustrations are such a major part of the story that students will enjoy figuring out the story based on the illustrations alone.

*Websites:
http://mowillemsstuff.blogspot.com/
http://www.mowillems.com/
http://www2.scholastic.com/browse/lessonplan.jsp?id=950

Module 1: Picture Books - TALKING WITH ARTISTS

BIBLIOGRAPHIC DATA:

Cummings, Pat. 1992. TALKING WITH ARTISTS: CONVERSATIONS WITH VICTORIA CHESS, PAT CUMMINGS, LEO AND DIANE DILLON, RICHARD EGIELSKI, LOIS EHLERT, LISA CAMPBELL ERNST, TOM FEELINGS, STEVEN KELLOGG, JERRY PINKNEY, AMY SCHWARTZ, LANE SMITH, CHRIS VAN ALLSBURG, AND DAVID WIESNER. New York: Bradbury Press. ISBN 0027242455

PLOT SUMMARY:

In this fascinating look at the professional lives of fourteen famous children’s book illustrators, Cummings combines factual information with entertaining dialogue in the form of short interviews with the illustrators. The same eight questions are asked of each illustrator, and the surprisingly unique answers offer insight into each illustrator’s life and work. Autobiographical information, childhood and adult photographs, and childhood artwork are also included for each illustrator. The book is completed with a glossary of art terms as well as a list of five favorite books illustrated by each featured illustrator. This book is a great read for both adults and children interested in learning more about the lives, talents, and work of professional children’s book illustrators.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS:

Cummings does a great job compiling and editing the illustrator interviews for this book. There is a section devoted to each illustrator, and the sections are arranged in alphabetical order by the illustrator’s last name. Each illustrator’s section begins with a “My Story” segment, which contains autobiographical information on the illustrator’s childhood, family, first memories of art, schooling, and path to a professional career. Included with the “My Story” segment are two photographs of the illustrator, one current and one from childhood. Coupled with the autobiographical information, the photographs offer the reader a true look into the illustrator’s life, both past and present. Following the “My Story” segment is a series of the following eight questions posed to each illustrator:

1. Where do you get your ideas from?
2. What is a normal day like for you?
3. Where do you work?
4. Do you have any children? Any pets?
5. What do you enjoy drawing the most?
6. Do you ever put people you know in your pictures?
7. What do you use to make your pictures?
8. How did you get to do your first book?

The wording of these questions allows all readers, both young and old, to engage with the book. The variety of interesting answers will keep readers’ interest while allowing the illustrators’ personalities to shine through. Also included in each illustrator’s interview section are samples of both childhood and current artwork. These sample illustrations are a major part of this book, and children will surely spend as much time looking at the beautiful illustrations as reading the interviews. Readers will delight in examining the childhood artwork of the famous illustrators, and readers may even see similarities in their own artwork.

While all of the illustrators’ answers to the eight questions are unique, there are some common messages conveyed to the reader. All of the illustrators are passionate about their work, and readers are left with a sense of the importance of finding success in doing what you love. Also present is the strong message of hard work and dedication paying off in the end. Children reading this book will also take comfort in the message that people can do anything they put their minds to.

The artists highlighted in this book were carefully chosen for their significant contributions to the field, and children will easily recognize the work of many of these fourteen illustrators. Cummings does an excellent job of selecting illustrators with a wide range of ethnicities and backgrounds. Her careful choices from all walks of life further accentuate the message to young readers that anyone can aspire to success with hard work and determination. The attention devoted to each illustrator’s individual family and cultural experiences is engaging and refreshing. Readers will be able to identify with many of the personal experiences shared in the book, which creates a feeling of listening to captivating personal stories rather than simply reading a list of facts.

This book would make a great addition to any library, and it is an interesting read for anyone who has ever enjoyed a good picture book or beautiful artwork. Due to the book’s amazing ability to blend factual information with entertaining dialogue, even young children will remain engaged with this book. Readers will be left with a greater understanding of the process involved with illustrating a children’s book as well as a feeling of companionship with some of the most well loved children’s illustrators of recent times.

REVIEW EXCERPT:

From HORN BOOK starred (September, 1992):
“Fourteen well-known children's book illustrators respond to questions about their lives and work in a lively interchange of ideas...An inspired concept, executed with class.”

CONNECTIONS:

*Other books in the Talking with Artists series:
Cummings, Pat. 1995. TALKING WITH ARTISTS, VOLUME 2: CONVERSATIONS WITH THOMAS B. ALLEN, MARY JANE BEGIN, FLOYD COOPER, JULIE DOWNING, DENISE FLEMING, SHEILA HAMANAKA, KEVIN HENKES, WILLIAM JOYCE, MAIRA KALMAN, DEBORAH NOURSE LATTIMORE, BRIAN PINKNEY, VERA B. WILLIAMS, AND DAVID WISNIEWSKI. New York: Simon and Schuster Children’s Publishing. ISBN 0689803109

Cummings, Pat. 1999. TALKING WITH ARTISTS, VOLUME 3: CONVERSATIONS WITH PETER CATALANOTTO, RAUL COLON, LISA DESIMINI, JANE DYER, KEVIN HAWKES, G. BRIAN KARAS, BETSY LEWIN, TED LEWIN, KEIKO NARAHASHI, ELISE PRIMAVERA, ANNA RICH, PETER SIS, AND PAUL O. ZELINSKY. New York: Clarion Books. ISBN 0395891329

*Included in set: Boston Globe Horn Book - Nonfiction Winners Past [set/series]

*Activities:
This book would serve as a great introduction to a read aloud of any one of the featured illustrators’ picture books. Students can use the foundation of knowledge regarding picture book illustrators gained from this book to lead more thoughtful discussions on the importance of illustrations to actual picture books.

This book would serve as a great resource for a research project featuring one of the illustrators in the book. Students could be encouraged to compile a project featuring one of the illustrators and his/her artwork.

*Websites:
http://howtobeachildrensbookillustrator.wordpress.com/
http://www.picturebookartists.org/
http://www.picture-book-illustrators.com/

Introduction

This blog is created for the purpose of posting book reviews for the Literature for Children and Young Adults course, LS 5603.20, at Texas Woman's University. I look forward to posting my first book review soon.