1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Wiesner,David. The Three Pigs, Clarion Books, 2012. ISBN 0618007016
2. PLOT SUMMARY
The Three Pigs begins with the three pigs building their house, and having the wolf blow down the first pigs house just like in the original story. However it all takes a turn when the wolf blows down the house of straw, the pigs escape into the pages of the storybook. From there, they go on a journey through various other fairy tales and nursery rhymes, and come into contact with other characters like Little Red Riding Hood.
Eventually, they return to their own story, where they use their new knowledge and resources to construct a sturdy brick house that is able to withstand the wolf's huffing and puffing.Within the story, there is a metafictional layer where the characters become aware of their existence within the book, blurring the lines between reality and fiction.This element adds to the storytelling.
Overall, "The Three Pigs" offers a fresh and imaginative take on the classic fairy tale, with a plot that incorporates elements of adventure, humor, and metafictional exploration.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
The Three Pigs offers a very whimsical feel to the story David Wiesner's "The Three Pigs" is a postmodern take on the classic fairy tale that challenges traditional narrative structures and explores the concept of storytelling itself. Through its amazing artwork and clever writing, Wiesner creates a narrative that breaks the boundaries of the storybook world and invites its readers to question the nature of reality and fiction.
One of the key elements of Wiesner's approach is the use of metafiction, where the characters within the story become aware of their existence as characters in a book. This metafictional layer adds depth to the story, prompting its readers to see the power of imagination in shaping stories.
Wiesner's illustrations play a crucial role in the story's themes. The detailed and creative artwork draws readers into the world of the three pigs, while also highlighting the storybook setting. Through its playful imagery, Wiesner challenges readers to think critically about the nature of storytelling and the ways in which stories are constructed.
In addition to its different approach to storytelling, "The Three Pigs" also offers an importance of creativity and imagination. By allowing the pigs to escape from their own story and venture into other tales, Wiesner breaks the boundaries of a “traditional story” and creates new possibilities.
However, some readers may find Wiesner's approach to be too challenging to fully understand and appreciate. This book requires its readers to be actively engaged and interpret the story, which may not be suitable for all audiences, particularly younger children who may be more accustomed to straightforward storytelling.
Overall, "The Three Pigs" is a thought-provoking and visually stunning book that pushes the boundaries of traditional storytelling. While this might not be the book for everyone, we can definitely appreciate the boundaries that are pushed in this book and the visually appealing pages.
4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
Horn Book Guide starred (Fall, 2001)
“There's a lot going on here, but once you get your bearings, this is a fantastic journey told with a light touch”.
School Library Journal (April 2001)
“K-Gr 6-In Tuesday (Clarion, 1991), Wiesner demonstrated that pigs could fly. Here, he shows what happens when they take control of their story….Witty dialogue and physical comedy abound in this inspired retelling of a familiar favorite.-Wendy Lukehart, Dauphin County Library, Harrisburg, PA”
Kirkus Reviews
“With this inventive retelling, Caldecott Medalist Wiesner ( Tuesday , 1991) plays with literary conventions in a manner not seen since Scieszka's The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales (1993). The story begins with a traditional approach in both language and illustrations, but when the wolf huffs and puffs, he not only blows down the pigs' wood and straw houses, but also blows the pigs right out of the story and into a parallel story structure…On the last few pages, the final words of the text break apart, sending letters drifting down into the illustrations to show us that once we have ventured out into the wider world, our stories never stay the same. (Picture book. 5-9)”
5. CONNECTIONS
*Imagination and creativity; If you feel like your classroom needs a bit of help with creativity, and imagination this is a good story to inspire your students in being creative!
*Adventure; this is an adventure filled story where you need to make sure to pay attention to every detail and illustration! If you want your students to become aware of details, this would be a great story!
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Taback, Simms. Joseph had a little overcoat, Scholastic Inc., 555 Broadway, New York, 1999. ISBN 0439216974
2. PLOT SUMMARY
Joseph had a little overcoat plot revolving around Joseph's overcoat and its transformation into smaller items as it becomes worn and torn over time. Each transformation represents a new stage in the life of the overcoat, ultimately creating the creation of a single button from the last remaining piece of fabric. While the plot may be straightforward and repetitive, it serves for exploring themes of resourcefulness, creativity, and contentment with what one has when they have it.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Joseph had a little overcoat is a story about a resourceful man, who was able to make something new of what he has and make it enough for him. This story offers a repetitive format where it is easy for the reader to keep up with the story and somewhat predictable.
One of the key strengths of the book is its emphasis on resourcefulness and creativity. Through Joseph's actions, the story encourages readers to consider the value of making the most out of limited resources and finding satisfaction in the act of creation. This theme is reinforced through the repetitive structure of the book, which highlights Joseph's creativeness in repurposing his overcoat many times.
Another interesting aspect of this story is its use of illustration. Taback's colorful and whimsical illustrations complement the text, providing visual interest and enhancing the storytelling experience. The illustrations also contribute to the book's multicultural appeal, as they implement elements of Eastern European Jewish culture, including traditional clothing and design motifs.
Additionally, "Joseph Had a Little Overcoat" contains a message of contentment and gratitude. Despite the loss of his overcoat, Joseph finds his joy in the process of transforming it into smaller items, demonstrating the importance of appreciating what one has and finding happiness in simple pleasures.
Overall, "Joseph Had a Little Overcoat" is a delightful and thought-provoking book that celebrates creativity, resourcefulness, and gratitude. While its repetitive structure may not appeal to all readers, its colorful illustrations and timeless themes make it a valuable addition to any children's library.
4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
School Library Journal Starred Review
“Pre-Gr 3-A book bursting at the seams with ingenuity and creative spirit. When Joseph's overcoat becomes "old and worn," he snips off the patches and turns it into a jacket. When his jacket is beyond repair, he makes a vest. Joseph recycles his garments until he has nothing left. But by trading in his scissors for a pen and paintbrush he creates a story, showing "you can always make something out of nothing." Clever die-cut holes provide clues as to what Joseph will make next: windowpanes in one scene become a scarf upon turning the page. Striking gouache, watercolor, and collage illustrations are chock-full of witty details-letters to read, proverbs on the walls, even a fiddler on the roof. Taback adapted this tale from a Yiddish folk song and the music and English lyrics are appended. The rhythm and repetition make it a perfect storytime read-aloud.-Linda Ludke, London Public Library, Ontario, Canada Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information”.
Horn Book (4/1/00)
“In this newly illustrated adaptation of a Yiddish folk song, die-cuts help tell the story of resourceful Joseph, a farmer/tailor, who recycles his worn overcoat into ever-smaller items. A mixture of painting and collage create a somewhat surreal but delightful effect; details in the art make this a pageant of pre-WWII Jewish-Polish life. Clever, humorous, visually engrossing, poignant, this tribute to a vanished way of life is worth holding on to”.
5. CONNECTIONS
*Art; this would be a great book to read if you want to spark the imagination and creativity with your students to make “something out of something else!”
*This is a great book to read about the endless possibilities anything can bring to your life, even if it's material things and it’s old there are many ways it can be reused.
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Isaacs Anne. Swamp Angel, Puffin, 2000. By Paul O. Zelinsky ISBN 0140559086
2. PLOT SUMMARY
Swamp Angel begins by giving us a background to how “Swamp Angel” came about, after we get to listen to the tale of how she came to be a heroine. Swamp Angel is faced with a series of challenges, including wrestling a giant bear named Thundering Tarnation. With her incredible courage and strength she was able to earn the reward of being known as the ‘Champion Wildcat’ by winning the fight with Tarnation.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Swamp Angel begins by giving us a folktale that shows us humorous action, exaggeration of the characters and stays relevant to the state where she is, which is Tennessee. We can see our character ‘Swamp Angel’, strength, courage and determination throughout the tale. The book offers us a look into the entertaining portrayal of the Wild West.
Additionally, "Swamp Angel" features a strong and independent female protagonist in the form of Swamp Angel herself. She is portrayed as an extraordinary female strength and courage, challenging traditional gender roles and stereotypes. This representation of a powerful female character is empowering and inspiring for readers, especially young girls, as it demonstrates that women can be strong, capable, and adventurous no matter the circumstances.
Along with the book's illustrations by Paul O. Zelinsky complements the text perfectly, capturing the whimsical and exaggerated parts of the story. Zelinsky's vibrant and detailed artwork brings the characters and settings to life, enhancing the overall reading experience.
However some readers will have a hard time reading this text because of how exaggerated the text is and how over the top the story is with details about the characters and some fast action making it a bit hard for younger readers to understand and keep up with and understand the message.
Overall, "Swamp Angel" is a delightful and entertaining tale that celebrates the spirit of adventure and the larger-than-life characters of the Wild West. With its humor, exaggeration, and empowering portrayal of a strong female protagonist, the book is sure to capture the imagination of readers.
4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
Kirkus Reviews starred (1994)
“This Tennessee tall tale concerns Angelina Longrider, who even as a child was a real big gal; in fact, and without being too gender-specific, she strongly resembles another wonderkid by the name of Paul Bunyan -- and she's just as much fun. Angelina -- a late bloomer -- builds her first log cabin when she's two, rescues a wagon train from Dejection Swamp (hence Swamp Angel), even tangles with wily Thundering Tarnation, a bear bent on pillaging the winter stores of all Angelina's neighbors. In an epic struggle, Angelina lays Thundering Tarnation low, stocks the whole state's larders from the bear's bounteous flanks, and creates Montana's Shortgrass Prairie from his pelt. It is impossible to convey the sheer pleasure, the exaggerated loopiness, of newcomer Isaacs's wonderful story. Matching the superb text stride for stride are Zelinsky's (The Wheels on the Bus, 1990) altered-state, American primitive paintings -- gems that provide new pleasures, reading after reading. To say that you are entering Caldecott land doesn't begin to do this book justice”.
School Library Journal (November 1997)
“K-Gr 3--Thundering Tarnation! With its good-natured, larger-than-life heroine and broad, fanciful paintings, this original Tennessee tall tale is exhilarating and side-splittingly funny. (Dec. 1994)”
Horn Book Guide starred (March, 1995)
“An original creation in the tall-tale tradition, Isaacs' rip-roaring narrative tells of a pioneer woman's transformation into Swamp Angel, summarizes her developing abilities, and focuses on her greatest triumph: the defeat of a marauding bear. Zelinsky, working on cherry and maple veneers, has adapted elements of American folk art; his sense of line matches the exuberance of the text so that the effect is a seamless interpretation”
5. CONNECTIONS
* This would be a great book to start conversations with students and empower young girls to be confident in themselves, have courage and strength in what they do.
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Morales, Yuyi. Dreamers, Neal Porter Books, 2018. ISBN 9780823440559
2. PLOT SUMMARY
In the book Dreamers, Yuyi Morales gives us an insight to her many challenges she faced as she had to adapt to a new environment she had never been in, especially with her child. Through the pages with their words and illustrations we can see how Morales cultivates the sense of resilience with them not giving up and continuing to embark in their journey with determination.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
"Dreamers" is a delightful and thought-provoking book in which Morales brings us in her journey through her immigrant journey. One of the key elements throughout the book that we can see and young readers as well can see is how easy to navigate the story is. There is a depth and message behind all of the written words and illustrations but it is broken down beautifully for the reader to keep up with.
We can see how books and libraries change the journey for her and her son. The power that books held for her journey can be seen in the illustrations with vibrant colors and captivating detailed images of books. We can see the diversity in the pages and the culture through some of the words that are written in Spanish so that we can connect with the author more.
However, "Dreamers" may be seen as “idealistic" in its portrayal of the immigrant experience, glossing over some of the harsh realities and systemic challenges faced by immigrants in the United States. While the book offers a hopeful and uplifting narrative, it may not fully capture the complexities of the immigrant experience for all readers, which may have some readers thinking about this text.
Overall, "Dreamers" is a beautifully crafted picture book that celebrates the immigrant experience, the power of literacy, and the universal human desire to dream and create a better life. Through its heartfelt narrative and stunning illustrations, Morales invites readers to empathize with the immigrant journey and reflect on the power of storytelling and resilience.
4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
Horn Book Guide starred (Spring 2019)
“Two "migrantes," a mother and her infant son, arrive on "the other side." Here they meet cultural challenges (customs, language) that are resolved at the San Francisco Public Library, with its "unimaginable" wealth of books that offer paths to literacy, community, even a career. Occasional Spanish words enrich the succinct, gently poetic text, illustrated with rich and vibrant pen-and-ink, acrylic, and collage art. Back matter sets the narrative in personal and historical context. Concurrently published in Spanish as Soqadore”.
Kirkus Reviews starred (August 15, 2018)
“Based on her experience of leaving Mexico for the United States, Morales’ latest offers an immigrant’s tale steeped in hope, dreams, and love. This story begins with a union between mother and son, with arms outstretched in the midst of a new beginning. Soon after, mother and son step on a bridge, expansive “like the universe,” to cross to the other side, to become immigrants. An ethereal city appears, enfolded in fog. The brown-skinned woman and her child walk through this strange new land, unwilling to speak, unaccustomed to “words unlike those of our ancestors.” But soon their journey takes them to the most marvelous of places: the library. In a series of stunning double-page spreads, Morales fully captures the sheer bliss of discovery as their imaginations take flight. The vibrant, surreal mixed-media artwork, including Mexican fabric, metal sheets, “the comal where I grill my quesadillas,” childhood drawings, and leaves and plants, represents a spectacular culmination of the author’s work thus far. Presented in both English and Spanish editions (the latter in Teresa Mlawer’s translation), equal in evocative language, the text moves with purpose. No word is unnecessary, each a deliberate steppingstone onto the next. Details in the art provide cultural markers specific to the U.S., but the story ultimately belongs to one immigrant mother and her son. Thanks to books and stories (some of her favorites are appended), the pair find their voices as “soñadores of the world.” A resplendent masterpiece. (author’s note) (Picture book. 4-8)”
School Library Journal (September 1, 2018)
“PreS-Gr 3-The acclaimed creator ofáNiño Wrestles the WorldáandáViva Fridaáhas crafted another masterpiece in this autobiographical picture book. From her son's birth to their move to the United States from Mexico in the mid-1990s to their often fraught- and barrier-filled life, the tale highlights the many obstacles immigrants face while trying to survive in a new country that doesn't readily welcome non-English-speaking people of color. The pair encounter respite at the library where, with the help of librarians, they find a home in the children's section. The dreamlike, lyrical text captures the wonder of childhood, learning, and discovery through books. The magical art marries the succinct and powerful narrative in a resplendent celebration of literacy, language, and the transformative power of the picture book form. Readers will delight in finding Morales's tributes to kid lit classics, new and old, throughout the spreads. The majestic illustrations often incorporate Mexican traditions and mythology and they resound with mythic imagery, speaking volumes about the love and dreams shared between mother and child. Morales explains in an author's note that she and her son are not "Dreamers" in the modern sense-"young undocumented immigrants who were brought to the U.S. as children"-but dreamers in the sense of all immigrants who come to a new country. Also appended are a thorough list of the books referenced in the artwork and a fascinating note on the materials used in the creation of this work, including a nib pen that once belonged to Maurice Sendak, scanned images of Morales's studio floor, her and her son's childhood drawings, and more. VERDICT- This excellent memoir encapsulates the fears, hopes, and dreams that come along with immigrating to a new place and building a new life in an unfamiliar and often hostile landscape. A timely and much-needed selection.-Shelley M. Diaz, School Library Journal”
5. CONNECTIONS
*Social awareness, in this book we can teach how to understand and see from the perspective of diverse backgrounds and cultures while understanding social and ethical norms for behavior.
*Immigrants and refugees, how their journey contributes to their lives, and what the differences between the terms are.
Comments
Post a Comment