1. Bibliographic
McKissack, Patricia. 2006. PORCH LIES: TALES OF SLICKSTERS, TRICKSTERS, AND OTHER WIY CHARACTERS. Ill.by Andre Carrilho. New York, New York: Random House. ISBN 037593619X
2. Plot Summary
This book is a collection of "stories, or porch lies, [...] tales of humor and exaggeration told to listeners of all ages" (McKissack, X). According to the author's note, these are all tales that she heard as a child and has only now written them down with a few modifications. The characters are humorous, clever, and overall, larger than life. The tales themselves are reminiscent of other tall tales found in other cultures.
3. Critical Analysis
This collection, while quite humorous, is also an important multicultural work. These stories, or porch lies, serve as a tool for preserving the African American culture. In these tales, African American protagonists use their wits to out-smart their adversaries and, no matter what the challenge, end up on top. At the same time, these stories are also didactic in nature as they impress upon the reader the importance of knowledge, hard work, and perseverance.
While the stories are multicultural, they also may be classified as a form of traditional literature. The tales began in oral form with no known originator. Also, the characters are symbolic of good and evil and the plots are simple, direct, and episodic. For example, in "The Devil's Guitar", Bukka Black, the protagonist, represents good while evil is represented by the Devil himself. We learn very little about Bukka as the story progresses other than that he is a musician that wants nothing more than fame and fortune. However, in the end he chooses to go home to his mother rather than sell his soul to the Devil in exchange for riches. In short, these humorous folktales are examples of multicultural tall tales.
The black and white illustrations in this collection are few but effective. The use of light versus shadow as well as the disproportionate nature of the characters make these people seem imaginary rather than life-like. This mimics the feel of the text in which the characters are described in ways that are very symbolic rather than realistic.
4. Review Excerpts
School Library Journal- "These ten literate stories make for great leisure reading and knowing chuckles."
Horn Book - "Grandly melodramatic black and white illustrations capture the mood of the stories and the flavor of the period."
Booklist - "the nine original tales in this uproarious collection draw on an African American oral tradition and blend history and legend with sly humor, creepy horror, villainous characters, and wild farce."
5. Connections
- Discuss the examples of African American culture found in the story
* Spirituals
* food
* family structure
- Other multicultural collections
*PIO PEEP! TRADITIONAL SPANIST NURSERY RHYMES collected by Alma Flor Ada and Isabel Campoy
*MOONBEAMS, DUMPLINGS & DRAGON BOATS: A TREASURY OF CHINESE HOLIDAY TALES, ACTIVITIES & RECIPES collected y Nina Simonds and Leslie Swartz
Thursday, September 27, 2007
THE LOST CHILDREN: THE BOYS WHO WERE NEGLECTED
1. Bibliography
Goble, Paul. 1993. THE LOST CHILDREN: THE BOYS WHO WERE NEGLECTED. Ill. by Paul Goble. New York, New York: Bradbury Press. ISBN 0027365557
2. Plot Summary
This book is based on a Blackfoot Indian myth that explains the origins of the Pleiades stars. According to the myth, there were six Blackfoot children who were orphaned and alone. The children had little to eat, old discarded clothes, and no home in which to sleep at night. Instead of caring for these unfortunate youths, the village people mistreated them and laughed at their misfortune. One day, the kids decided to leave their misery behind and become stars. They were welcomed to the heavens by the Moon Woman and Sun Man who punished the tribe by causing a drought. The myth ends with a moral lesson by saying, "all little children are gifts from God."
3. Critical Analysis
Goble's retelling of this Blackfoot myth is very simple and direct. As in the fashion of all myths, the purpose of this tale is to explain the existence of something in nature- in this case, an unusual grouping of stars. Also, the presence and power of the Sun Man and his ability to punish those on Earth adds credence to this mythical story. Throughout this tale, Goble has remained loyal to the symbolism and meaning originally imbued in this ancient myth.
In order to illustrate this book, Goble researched the Blackfoot Indians and has, therefore, created an accurate depiction of artwork that might have been found in an actual Blackfoot camp. The colors are bright earth-tones and the artwork, especially on the renderings of the tipis, have an ancient, symbolic look. The colors as well as the pattern found within the illustrations (especially the picture of the Sun Man and Moon Woman) remind me of a bright colored quilt. I would also like to note that the paper and bindings are all made of recycled materials which adds to the natural, environmentally friendly nature of this ancient tale.
4. Review Excerpts
School Library Journal: "Goble's work [...] is notable both for its graphic design and for the narrative it adorns"
Publisher's Weekly: "Goble tells this story with earnest simplicity, a gentle cadence to his words imbuing the text with particular significance."
5. Connections
- Read about the Blackfoot Indians and discuss other myths/beliefs
- Read other books by Paul Goble
* THE GIRL WHO LOVED WILD HORSES
* DEATH OF THE IRON HORSE
* ADOPTED BY THE EAGLES: A PLAINS INDIAN STORY OF FRIENDSHIP AND TREACHERY
Goble, Paul. 1993. THE LOST CHILDREN: THE BOYS WHO WERE NEGLECTED. Ill. by Paul Goble. New York, New York: Bradbury Press. ISBN 0027365557
2. Plot Summary
This book is based on a Blackfoot Indian myth that explains the origins of the Pleiades stars. According to the myth, there were six Blackfoot children who were orphaned and alone. The children had little to eat, old discarded clothes, and no home in which to sleep at night. Instead of caring for these unfortunate youths, the village people mistreated them and laughed at their misfortune. One day, the kids decided to leave their misery behind and become stars. They were welcomed to the heavens by the Moon Woman and Sun Man who punished the tribe by causing a drought. The myth ends with a moral lesson by saying, "all little children are gifts from God."
3. Critical Analysis
Goble's retelling of this Blackfoot myth is very simple and direct. As in the fashion of all myths, the purpose of this tale is to explain the existence of something in nature- in this case, an unusual grouping of stars. Also, the presence and power of the Sun Man and his ability to punish those on Earth adds credence to this mythical story. Throughout this tale, Goble has remained loyal to the symbolism and meaning originally imbued in this ancient myth.
In order to illustrate this book, Goble researched the Blackfoot Indians and has, therefore, created an accurate depiction of artwork that might have been found in an actual Blackfoot camp. The colors are bright earth-tones and the artwork, especially on the renderings of the tipis, have an ancient, symbolic look. The colors as well as the pattern found within the illustrations (especially the picture of the Sun Man and Moon Woman) remind me of a bright colored quilt. I would also like to note that the paper and bindings are all made of recycled materials which adds to the natural, environmentally friendly nature of this ancient tale.
4. Review Excerpts
School Library Journal: "Goble's work [...] is notable both for its graphic design and for the narrative it adorns"
Publisher's Weekly: "Goble tells this story with earnest simplicity, a gentle cadence to his words imbuing the text with particular significance."
5. Connections
- Read about the Blackfoot Indians and discuss other myths/beliefs
- Read other books by Paul Goble
* THE GIRL WHO LOVED WILD HORSES
* DEATH OF THE IRON HORSE
* ADOPTED BY THE EAGLES: A PLAINS INDIAN STORY OF FRIENDSHIP AND TREACHERY
BUBBA, THE COWBOY PRINCE: A FRACTURED TEXAS TALE
1. Bibliography
Ketteman, Helen. 1997. BUBBA, THE COWBOY PRINCE: A FRACTURED TEXAS TALE. Ill. By James Warhola. New York, New York: Scholastic Inc. ISBN 0590255061
2. Plot Summary
This Tale is a gender reversed Cinderella story with a Texas twist. Bubba is a kind, sweet natured cowboy who works from dawn until dusk on a ranch that belongs to his evil stepdaddy. Meanwhile, rather than sharing in the chores, Bubba's evil stepbrothers Dwayne and Milton spend their days lying around and barking orders at poor Bubba. When Ms. Lurleen throws a ball in order to find her perfect mate, Bubba is transformed by his fairy godcow into an impressive sight. In the end, Ms. Lurleen chooses Bubba as her man even after she discovers that he is not a wealthy landowner but a ranch-hand. They live happily ever after.
3. Critical Analysis
This fractured tale is an adaptation of the well-known fairy tale, Cinderella. As with all traditional folktales, the characters in this retelling represent the two sides of human nature. Bubba symbolizes good, while his stepdaddy and two stepbrothers represent evil. This very simple plot is episodic in nature and the theme of good vs. evil is evident throughout. In the end, this modern retelling of a traditional staple is true to form when Bubba and Ms. Lurleen ride off into the sunset and good once again triumphs over evil.
The oil on canvas illustrations in this book have a dreamlike quality as the artist uses light and shading to create a magical feel. The presence of twinkling lights symbolizes magic while the evil characters are created using muted tones. This light vs. dark motif mimics the good vs. evil theme in the text. While the illustrations add both humor and depth to this tale, they also help to create and explain the Southern ranching culture in which this story is set.
4. Review Excerpts
Golden Sower Award (2001)
Booklist- "the story has a distinct western flair and a humorous tall-tale feel"
Publisher's Weekly- "Just the ticket for buckaroos lookin' fer a good read"
5. Connections
- Read and compare other versions of Cinderella
* ELLA ENCHANTED by Gail Carson Devine
* DINORELLA: A PREHISTORIC FAIRY TALE by: Pamela Edwards
*PRINCE CINDERS by: Babette Cole
- create a reader's theater presentation
- discuss the role of the folktale and read other examples
* LITTLE RED RIDINGHOOD
* THE UGLY DUCKLING
* THE THREE LITTLE PIGS
Ketteman, Helen. 1997. BUBBA, THE COWBOY PRINCE: A FRACTURED TEXAS TALE. Ill. By James Warhola. New York, New York: Scholastic Inc. ISBN 0590255061
2. Plot Summary
This Tale is a gender reversed Cinderella story with a Texas twist. Bubba is a kind, sweet natured cowboy who works from dawn until dusk on a ranch that belongs to his evil stepdaddy. Meanwhile, rather than sharing in the chores, Bubba's evil stepbrothers Dwayne and Milton spend their days lying around and barking orders at poor Bubba. When Ms. Lurleen throws a ball in order to find her perfect mate, Bubba is transformed by his fairy godcow into an impressive sight. In the end, Ms. Lurleen chooses Bubba as her man even after she discovers that he is not a wealthy landowner but a ranch-hand. They live happily ever after.
3. Critical Analysis
This fractured tale is an adaptation of the well-known fairy tale, Cinderella. As with all traditional folktales, the characters in this retelling represent the two sides of human nature. Bubba symbolizes good, while his stepdaddy and two stepbrothers represent evil. This very simple plot is episodic in nature and the theme of good vs. evil is evident throughout. In the end, this modern retelling of a traditional staple is true to form when Bubba and Ms. Lurleen ride off into the sunset and good once again triumphs over evil.
The oil on canvas illustrations in this book have a dreamlike quality as the artist uses light and shading to create a magical feel. The presence of twinkling lights symbolizes magic while the evil characters are created using muted tones. This light vs. dark motif mimics the good vs. evil theme in the text. While the illustrations add both humor and depth to this tale, they also help to create and explain the Southern ranching culture in which this story is set.
4. Review Excerpts
Golden Sower Award (2001)
Booklist- "the story has a distinct western flair and a humorous tall-tale feel"
Publisher's Weekly- "Just the ticket for buckaroos lookin' fer a good read"
5. Connections
- Read and compare other versions of Cinderella
* ELLA ENCHANTED by Gail Carson Devine
* DINORELLA: A PREHISTORIC FAIRY TALE by: Pamela Edwards
*PRINCE CINDERS by: Babette Cole
- create a reader's theater presentation
- discuss the role of the folktale and read other examples
* LITTLE RED RIDINGHOOD
* THE UGLY DUCKLING
* THE THREE LITTLE PIGS
Thursday, September 13, 2007
KNUFFLE BUNNY
1. Bibliography
Willems, Mo. 2004. KNUFFLE BUNNY. Ill. by Mo Willems. New York: Hyperion Books for Children. ISBN 0786818700
2. Plot Summary
In this very realistic story, Trixie is a toddler on the brink of developing articulate speech. She and her favorite toy accompany Daddy on an errand to the neighborhood laundromat. In all the excitement, Trixie loses track of her beloved toy and much to her frustration, she is unable to make her Daddy understand. Luckily, Mommy notices the missing toy and it is soon recovered. Trixie is so relieved to have her friend back that, in her excitement, she blurts out her first words, “Knuffle Bunny.”
3. Critical Analysis
In this book, Willems describes a very realistic situation that both parents and children will be able to relate to. Willems relates this delightful tale with simple language available to young readers. Yet, his use of direction, humor, and dialog, including incomprehensible baby talk, make this story both engaging and enjoyable.
The creative illustrations that accompany this delightful story are a true testament to Willem's artistic talent. The illustrations, composed of black and white photographs of a real neighborhood with colorful cartoon characters superimposed, adds to the realistic quality of the text. The photos of real places allow the reader to become further engaged in the story while the cartoon characters add humor. This book is truly a work of artistic brilliance.
4. Review Excerpts
ALA Notable Books for Children
Carnegie Medal
Bluegrass Award
Red Clover Award
School Library Journal: “A seamless and supremely satisfying presentation of art and text”
Booklist: “Readers of all ages will recognize the agonizing frustration of a little girl who knows far more than she can articulate”
Publishers Weekly: “Any child who has ever had a favorite toy will identify with the toddler star of this tale”
5. Connections
-Read other stories about lost/misplaced toys and ask the children to share their own tales.
*THE LOST TOYS by Irina Hale
*THE VELVETEEN RABBIT by Marjorie Williams
-Read other books by Mo Willems and discuss the different types of illustrations used.
LEONARDO, THE TERRIBLE MONSTER
KNUFFLE BUNNY TOO: A CASE OF MISTAKEN IDENTITY
Willems, Mo. 2004. KNUFFLE BUNNY. Ill. by Mo Willems. New York: Hyperion Books for Children. ISBN 0786818700
2. Plot Summary
In this very realistic story, Trixie is a toddler on the brink of developing articulate speech. She and her favorite toy accompany Daddy on an errand to the neighborhood laundromat. In all the excitement, Trixie loses track of her beloved toy and much to her frustration, she is unable to make her Daddy understand. Luckily, Mommy notices the missing toy and it is soon recovered. Trixie is so relieved to have her friend back that, in her excitement, she blurts out her first words, “Knuffle Bunny.”
3. Critical Analysis
In this book, Willems describes a very realistic situation that both parents and children will be able to relate to. Willems relates this delightful tale with simple language available to young readers. Yet, his use of direction, humor, and dialog, including incomprehensible baby talk, make this story both engaging and enjoyable.
The creative illustrations that accompany this delightful story are a true testament to Willem's artistic talent. The illustrations, composed of black and white photographs of a real neighborhood with colorful cartoon characters superimposed, adds to the realistic quality of the text. The photos of real places allow the reader to become further engaged in the story while the cartoon characters add humor. This book is truly a work of artistic brilliance.
4. Review Excerpts
ALA Notable Books for Children
Carnegie Medal
Bluegrass Award
Red Clover Award
School Library Journal: “A seamless and supremely satisfying presentation of art and text”
Booklist: “Readers of all ages will recognize the agonizing frustration of a little girl who knows far more than she can articulate”
Publishers Weekly: “Any child who has ever had a favorite toy will identify with the toddler star of this tale”
5. Connections
-Read other stories about lost/misplaced toys and ask the children to share their own tales.
*THE LOST TOYS by Irina Hale
*THE VELVETEEN RABBIT by Marjorie Williams
-Read other books by Mo Willems and discuss the different types of illustrations used.
LEONARDO, THE TERRIBLE MONSTER
KNUFFLE BUNNY TOO: A CASE OF MISTAKEN IDENTITY
JOSEPH HAD A LITTLE OVERCOAT
1. Bibliography
Taback, Simms. 1999. JOSEPH HAD A LITTLE OVERCOAT. Ill. by Simms Taback. New York: Penguin Books. ISBN 0670878553
2. Plot Summary
This very vivid Picture book tells the story of a man named Joseph who owned an old, worn out overcoat. Instead of throwing it away, a very creative Joseph uses the material to make a smaller garment, and then a smaller garment. This process continues until there is only enough fabric left to cover a small button. When Joseph loses the button, he writes a book about his experience, proving that “you can always make something out of nothing”(Taback, 1999).
3. Critical Analysis
For this story, Taback uses short sentences and direct language to tell a very simple story about a man that recycles his coat instead of throwing it out. This very direct narrative has a stark absence of details which are instead obtained from vibrant illustrations. Taback's use of bright primary colors and bold patterns mirror the feelings of hope found within the story as Joseph finds good in everything and makes something out of nothing. These amazing illustrations are composed of painterly, collage, and die cuts which together make the pictures appear to jump right off the page.
4. Review Excerpts
Caldecott Medal
National Jewish Book Awards
ALA Notable Book for Children
Horn Book Guide: “Clever, humorous, visually engrossing, poignant”
School Library Journal: “bursting at the seams with ingenuity and creative spirit”
5. Connections
-Gather other books by Taback and discuss his use of color to convey feelings. You might also discuss the use of die-cuts and what they can add to a story.
*THERE WAS AN OLD LADY WHO SWALLOWED A FLY by Simms Taback
-Read the following books and discuss the idea of a book that teaches a moral lesson.
* AESOP'S FABLES
* THE CLASSIC TREASURY OF HANS CHRISTIAN ANDERSON
Taback, Simms. 1999. JOSEPH HAD A LITTLE OVERCOAT. Ill. by Simms Taback. New York: Penguin Books. ISBN 0670878553
2. Plot Summary
This very vivid Picture book tells the story of a man named Joseph who owned an old, worn out overcoat. Instead of throwing it away, a very creative Joseph uses the material to make a smaller garment, and then a smaller garment. This process continues until there is only enough fabric left to cover a small button. When Joseph loses the button, he writes a book about his experience, proving that “you can always make something out of nothing”(Taback, 1999).
3. Critical Analysis
For this story, Taback uses short sentences and direct language to tell a very simple story about a man that recycles his coat instead of throwing it out. This very direct narrative has a stark absence of details which are instead obtained from vibrant illustrations. Taback's use of bright primary colors and bold patterns mirror the feelings of hope found within the story as Joseph finds good in everything and makes something out of nothing. These amazing illustrations are composed of painterly, collage, and die cuts which together make the pictures appear to jump right off the page.
4. Review Excerpts
Caldecott Medal
National Jewish Book Awards
ALA Notable Book for Children
Horn Book Guide: “Clever, humorous, visually engrossing, poignant”
School Library Journal: “bursting at the seams with ingenuity and creative spirit”
5. Connections
-Gather other books by Taback and discuss his use of color to convey feelings. You might also discuss the use of die-cuts and what they can add to a story.
*THERE WAS AN OLD LADY WHO SWALLOWED A FLY by Simms Taback
-Read the following books and discuss the idea of a book that teaches a moral lesson.
* AESOP'S FABLES
* THE CLASSIC TREASURY OF HANS CHRISTIAN ANDERSON
A CALDECOTT CELEBRATION
1. Bibliography
Marcus, Leonard S. 1998. A CALDECOTT CELEBRATION: SIX ARTISTS AND THEIR PATHS TO THE CALDECOTT MEDAL. New York: Walker and Company. ISBN 0802786561
2. Plot Summary
This book is a compilation of stories about the creation of six Caldecott Award winning books. It highlights a book from each decade spanning the award's sixty year history. The book also includes some biographical information about each author as well as quotes from their award acceptance speeches. Each story contains a list of all of the titles created by that author along with the publication dates and any awards won. At the end of the book is a list of all of the Caldecott award-winning books from its inception in 1938 through 1998.
3. Critical Analysis
This book is a beautifully written account of six artists' lives and the paths they took that led them to win the Caldecott medal. The simple writing makes an understandable historical account while at the same time making each author both memorable as well as lovable. It offers a chronological look at the creation of a picture book, but adds a degree of emotion by quoting the authors themselves. This book would be inspiring for a young artist hoping to one day illustrate children's books.
The stories told in this book depend heavily on the written text, however, the illustrations add to a deeper understanding of the amount of work required to create a children's book. The examples of dummy sketches, while not a finished product, are unique and amazing to look at. The photographs of the artists add humanity to the biographies, and the copies of the book covers portray the finished product. While the illustrations are not the focal point of this book, they add character and believability to the text that they accompany.
4. Review Excepts
School Library Journal: “So many good stories for children and adults to enjoy”
Booklist: “ A beautifully made book, this will serve as a fine resource for children interested in illustration”
5. Connections
-Gather each of the books highlighted in this compilation. Read each book noting the finished product compared to the dummy sketches.
*MAKE WAY FOR DUCKLINGS by Robert McCloskey
*CINDERELLA; OR, THE LITTLE GLASS SLIPPER by Marcia Brown
*WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE by Maurice Sendak
*SYLVESTER AND THE MAGIC PEBBLEe by William Steig
*JUMANJI by Chris Van Allsbury
*TUESDAY by David Wiesner
-Other biographical books about author/illustrators
*TALKING WITH ARTISTS by: Pat Cummings
*A CALDECOTT CELEBRATION: SEVEN ARTISTS AND THEIR PATHS TO THE CALDECOTT MEDAL by: Leonard Marcus
Marcus, Leonard S. 1998. A CALDECOTT CELEBRATION: SIX ARTISTS AND THEIR PATHS TO THE CALDECOTT MEDAL. New York: Walker and Company. ISBN 0802786561
2. Plot Summary
This book is a compilation of stories about the creation of six Caldecott Award winning books. It highlights a book from each decade spanning the award's sixty year history. The book also includes some biographical information about each author as well as quotes from their award acceptance speeches. Each story contains a list of all of the titles created by that author along with the publication dates and any awards won. At the end of the book is a list of all of the Caldecott award-winning books from its inception in 1938 through 1998.
3. Critical Analysis
This book is a beautifully written account of six artists' lives and the paths they took that led them to win the Caldecott medal. The simple writing makes an understandable historical account while at the same time making each author both memorable as well as lovable. It offers a chronological look at the creation of a picture book, but adds a degree of emotion by quoting the authors themselves. This book would be inspiring for a young artist hoping to one day illustrate children's books.
The stories told in this book depend heavily on the written text, however, the illustrations add to a deeper understanding of the amount of work required to create a children's book. The examples of dummy sketches, while not a finished product, are unique and amazing to look at. The photographs of the artists add humanity to the biographies, and the copies of the book covers portray the finished product. While the illustrations are not the focal point of this book, they add character and believability to the text that they accompany.
4. Review Excepts
School Library Journal: “So many good stories for children and adults to enjoy”
Booklist: “ A beautifully made book, this will serve as a fine resource for children interested in illustration”
5. Connections
-Gather each of the books highlighted in this compilation. Read each book noting the finished product compared to the dummy sketches.
*MAKE WAY FOR DUCKLINGS by Robert McCloskey
*CINDERELLA; OR, THE LITTLE GLASS SLIPPER by Marcia Brown
*WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE by Maurice Sendak
*SYLVESTER AND THE MAGIC PEBBLEe by William Steig
*JUMANJI by Chris Van Allsbury
*TUESDAY by David Wiesner
-Other biographical books about author/illustrators
*TALKING WITH ARTISTS by: Pat Cummings
*A CALDECOTT CELEBRATION: SEVEN ARTISTS AND THEIR PATHS TO THE CALDECOTT MEDAL by: Leonard Marcus
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