Nerdy Book Club Book Review.MAMMOTH MATH: (WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM SOME ELEPHANT SHREWS). By: Macaulay, David.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Macaulay, David. MAMMOTH MATH: (WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM SOME ELEPHANT SHREWS). 2022. New York. DK Publishing. ISBN 978-0-7440-5611-2

PLOT SUMMARY

This book will take you through the basics of math. The mammoth and elephant shrews will guide you from beginning to end as they show examples of counting, different ways you can use numbers, learning about patterns and sequences as well as angles, shapes, length and width, nonstandard units of measurement and data. 

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

The classic style of this book with an abundance of text and sketched images of Mammoths as well as some elephant shrews, gives an interesting and lively take on basics of math. The use of appropriate vocabulary, paragraphs with explanations, and illustrations that directly tie the subject matter make it easy for readers to understand. Questions to be solved throughout the pages encourage critical thinking. To check for understanding, the answers are listed at the back end of the book. There is an abundance of information, useful for research purposes. The design is readable with text and images throughout the pages inviting the reader to directly apply their learning with the examples.   The illustrations are child-friendly with silly and fun examples, such as in rounding, the elephant shrews represent how to round up or down by their placement on the rollercoaster and the direction they are going. They also use the space well between the mammoth and the land around to create angles and shapes. The sequence of the book begins from the basics of numbers and progressively gets to more difficult ways of applying math such as area, volume, speed, weight and mass amongst other topics. The reference section contains multiplication charts, fractions, geometry, units of measurement, signs and symbols, a glossary, index and solutions to problems. 

REVIEWS & EXCERPTS/ AWARDS

School Library Journal starred, 08/01/22

School Library Journal starred (August 1, 2022): “ The book must be entered, poured over, absorbed, shared, flipped through and experienced.”

CONNECTIONS

This interesting book for grades 2-5 makes for a great reference book during math lessons. This book would be great to have readily available to refer to when talking about the topic they are studying. For example, if a student says they still don’t understand three dimensional shapes, they can read through the examples for a fun and different perspective on the topic. 

Readers can choose their favorite part of the informational book and recreate it by using their own examples and drawings, choosing a favorite animal and making it their own. 

More books about math:

Smibert, Angie. MATH (FASCINATING FACTS (CHILD’S WORLD)). ISBN 978-1-50384-464-3

Rosen, Michael J. MIND-BOGGLING NUMBERS. ISBN 978-1-46773-489-9

Green, Dan. MATH (BASHER BASICS). ISBN 978-1-53792-861-2

Biography Book Review "A HOME FOR MR.EMERSON" by: Kerley, Barbara. Ill. Edwin Fotheringham

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Kerley, Barbara. 2014. A HOME FOR MR. EMERSON. New York. Scholastic Press. ISBN 978-0-545-35088-4

PLOT SUMMARY

Ralph Waldo Emerson, grew up dreaming of creating his own home after moving around so much as a child. He had an affinity for  reading,learning and journaling. Once married, he built the house he dreamed of and worked hard to make it more than a house. He created his dream home with his children, making friends who visited often, and shared his parlor with people from all over to discuss topics of literature, theology and more. He loved his home in Concord, until one day a fire, which nearly destroyed the house, forced them to vacate with the most important of their belongings. An extremely saddened Emerson chose to go abroad to refresh and renew his spirit while his wife stayed behind. With the help and effort of the community, who would repay Emerson for his favors throughout the years, worked to repair the home. Upon his return, with a mindset of growth, Emerson was surprised with a repaired version of his home; except now it’s not just a celebration of rebuilding but a celebration of a community who worked together. 

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Kerley documents Emerson’s life with quotes from writing of his own through strategically placed throughout the picture-book biography. Fotheringham’s lively illustrations document the time and place accurately with a colorful and playful sense of design. The story takes us through Emerson’s life beginning at his young boy’s life leading up to marriage and beyond with a clear sequence of time. The illustrations are appropriately placed against the text, but also clearly communicate the subject matter, such as clear descriptions on the belongings being displaced from his home, the doves carrying Emerson across the atlantic ocean, his teary-eyed gaze at his rebuilt home with the community of support in the background. Emerson’s life is documented through an interesting and lively picture-book showing the author’s style and enthusiasm for sharing a not so well known literary figure amongst children, that will encourage the reader to read more about. Direct quotes from Emerson’s writing are placed throughout the story and cited appropriately at the end along with an author’s note, with more detailed information not mentioned in the storybook. Readers are encouraged to reflect on their own lives and invited to create their own life just as Emerson did through self-examination and future ideas set for oneself. 

REVIEWS & EXCERPTS/ AWARDS

Booklist, 02/01/14

Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books, 03/01/14

Horn Book Guide, 04/01/15

Kirkus Reviews, 12/15/13

Library Media Connection, 08/01/14

Publishers Weekly starred, 12/02/13

School Library Journal, 02/01/14

Booklist (February 1, 2014 (Vol. 110, No. 11)): “This has the same format and style of Kerley and Fotheringham’s earlier works, with colorful illustrations featuring cartoon-style figures in a pleasing, open layout”

Kirkus Reviews (December 15, 2013): “The illustrations–prancing across oversized pages–are cheery, inventive, bright and busy, depicting a contented-looking man in a coat and tails basking in the magnificence of life.”

Library Media Connection (August/ September 2014): “The use of direct quotes is impressive and adds a more personal touch.”

CONNECTIONS

This biographical picture-book is appropriate for the upper elementary school audience because of the balance with pictures and text. 

Inviting students to participate in the extension activity for creating their own life will really help them connect with the story as well as reflect on their own lives. 

I myself followed through with the “The great business of life is to learn ourselves” self reflection and so I believe having readers put pen to paper and create their list of jobs that sound interesting and describe themselves with adjectives they relate to, will really give them a sense of purpose and motivation towards their future. 

This activity also relates to Emerson’s journaling, so an activity can be for each student to present their writing to the class. Giving them the opportunity to have a community of support just as Emerson did. 

Other Biographical Informational Picture Story Books by Kerley, Barbara:

Kerley, Barbara. WALT WHITMAN: WORDS FOR AMERICA. ISBN 978-0-439-35791-3

Kerley, Barbara. THOSE REBELS, JOHN & TOM. ISBN 978-0-545-22268-6

Kerley, Barbara. ELEANOR MAKES HER MARK. ISBN 978-0-545-82612-9

Sibert Award Winning Book Review on THE RIGHT WORD Written by Bryant, Jen. Ill. Melissa Sweet.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Bryant, Jen. 2014. THE RIGHT WORD. Ill. Melissa Sweet. Grand Rapids, MI. Eedermans Books for Young Readers. ISBN 978-0-8028-5385-1

PLOT SUMMARY

“The Right Word” , awarded with the Caldecott Honor and Sibert Medal, tells the life story of Peter Mark Roget, the man who created the thesaurus, and is told through intricate illustrations and lists of words. As a young child he kept to himself as well as kept lists of words he knew had multiple ways of saying them. They were organized by categories and not by alphabetical order. Growing up he studied to become a doctor and tutored students while traveling the world before putting his work to practice. He became a doctor and published his lists of words that would sell out amongst the people. 

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Bryant’s accurate information tells the life story of Roget alongside Sweet’s creative use of watercolor, collage, and mixed media, which complement and bring his story to life. The double-page designs contain text to tell the story with images filled with detail that is interesting to the reader and encourages curiosity to dive deep into the details of each page. The linear layout tells the story from childhood to adulthood and married life of Roget with patterns throughout, for example, the subject matter of each page is shown in a word list alongside illustrations with details of facts. A list of principal events of Roget’s life lists a chronological order for his life, side-by-side with world events at that period of time. The author and illustrator’s notes at the end of the book give immense background to their reason for style in putting this book together. The information in this book is cited with a selected bibliography, sources, and includes titles for further reading. A page from Roget’s original word book is featured at the end, giving the reader a first hand look at the inspiration for this book. 

REVIEWS EXCERPT(S)/AWARDS

ALA Notable Children’s Books, 2015

Booklist starred, 08/01/14

Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books, 11/01/14

Caldecott Honor, 2015

Horn Book Guide Starred, 04/01/15

Kirkus Reviews starred, 08/01/14

Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Medal, 2015

Booklist starred (August 2014 (Vol. 110, No.22)): “In brilliant pages teeming with enthusiasm for language and learning, Bryant and Sweet (A Splash of Red, 2013) joyfully celebrate curiosity, the love of knowledge, and the power of words.”

Horn Book starred (Spring 2015): “Bryant’s linear telling follows Peter closely, expressing his curiosity, sensitivity, and populist spirit in language that is both decorous and warm.”

Kirkus Reviews starred (August 1, 2014): “Bryant’s prose is bright and well-tuned for young readers ... .Sweet tops herself–again!--visually reflecting Roget’s wise range as a thinker and product of the Enlightenment.”

CONNECTIONS

“The Right Word”’s informational biography makes for a fun and interesting way to learn about Peter Mark Roget and the creation of the thesaurus. 

The upper elementary audience would benefit from an introduction to the purpose of a thesaurus and examples of them as well can be modeled and displayed prior to reading the book.

The books  mentioned in the further reading section encourages readers to look into similar topics which promotes critical thinking and further reading. 

Carpenter, Mary Wilson. HEALTH, MEDICINE, AND SOCIETY IN VICTORIAN ENGLAND. ISBN 978-0-275-98952-1

Ferris, Jeri. NOAH WEBSTER & HIS WORDS. ISBN 978-0-544-58242-2

Non Fiction Book Review on THE SHARK BOOK by: Jenkins, Steve. Ill. Robin Page

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Jenkins, Steve. 2001. THE SHARK BOOK. Ill. Robing Page. New York. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. ISBN 978-1-328-56949-3

PLOT SUMMARY

In this Shark-filled informational book, the reader is presented with facts highlighting more than 30 types of sharks. The shark, usually known for being a dangerous and scary sea animal, is  described with accuracy and interesting facts from the dangerous sharks to the less threatening ones, describing their size, what they eat, adaptations to sea life and the anatomy’s function to survival. The sharks in this informational book are not portrayed in a threatening manner, rather the interesting facts are many that give lesser known facts about sharks an interesting appeal. 

There are more than 500 sharks in the world. Some spend most of their lives down on the seafloor, others swim around the open ocean and the rest prey on the coast. The shark's unique anatomy of cartilage makes for quick and easy mobility.  The biggest and now extinct shark, the megalodon, was capable of eating any creature. The smallest can fit on the palm of a human hand. Sharks are carnivores who have different ways of catching their prey. Unique body features help these sea creatures to see their prey such as the hammerhead shark or thrust their jaws to grab their prey such as the goblin shark, who lives down in the deep and dark waters. The bull shark is one adaptable shark who can live in different places, is the most common shark to humans and is responsible for the shark attacks feared by humans. 

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Jenkins and Page, a Caldecott award-winning pair, thoughtfully organized this information of sharks from beginning with what is a shark to ending with the most dangerous sharks out there. Included at the end is a table with information such as the name, average adult body length, its danger to humans, and conservation status. This encourages curiosity in readers as they can easily find the danger to humans and go straight to the page number for it. Another great reference guide throughout the book is the scale size of the shark in relation to a human. The information and scale size inspire the reader to think critically. The text is appropriately placed to describe a shark or a part being described. Minimal words are used and the illustrations pop against the white space throughout the book. The double page spread keeps the layout flowing with a clear sequence to read through. This book features illustrations of cut paper for the sharks and other objects which effectively describe the information. 

REVIEWS EXCERPT(S)

Booklist starred, 07/01/21

Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books starred, 06/01/21

Kirkus Reviews starred, 05/01/21

School Library Journal, 06/01/21

Booklist starred(July 2021 (Vol. 117, No.21)): “As in previous offerings, glorious torn-paper collages spill across pages, complementing the statuses and threats from humans.”

Kirkus Reviews Starred (May 1, 2021): “ Experts at the visual display of information return with this splendid album that presents 42 shark species, described and portrayed in torn- and cut-paper collage illustrations.”

School Library Journal (June 1, 2021): “The artwork is striking and beautiful. Each double-page spread shows the variety of shapes and textures of sharks as well their gorgeous markings.”

CONNECTIONS

This informational book on sharks was interesting for me to read. It was easy to read and the style of cut and torn paper was a breadth of fresh air. This style of images leads to a great craft activity. 

Readers can recreate their favorite shark using the cut and torn paper style to make their own. Correctly labeling information using additional information gathered by their own further research. 

Teaching students how to look at the table of information at the end of the book would be a great research skill to introduce to this elementary age group of 1st-4th graders. 

Other books about sharks: 

Williams, Lily. IF SHARKS DISAPPEARED. ISBN 978-1-25017-138-2

Pringle, Laurence P. SHARKS! ISBN 978-1-59078-571-1

Swanson, Diane. WELCOME TO THE WORLD OF SHARKS. ISBN 978-1-55285-170-8

Novel-In-Verse Book Review, DIAMOND WILLOW. Written by: Frost, Helen.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Frost, Helen. 2008. DIAMOND WILLOW. New York: Frances, Straus and Giroux. ISBN 978-0-374-31776-8

PLOT SUMMARY

Willow, a 12 year-old girl, who prefers to blend in, wants her family to see her for who she really is. In her journey to prove she is growing up, she mush’s the family dogs to her grandparents house and things take a turn for the worst. Willow loses control of her sled and Roxy, her lead dog, suffers a painful accident, which causes her to lose her eyesight. Willow's parents are left with a decision to euthanize Roxy, but Willow intervenes and mush’s her out to her grandparents house with the help of her friend, in hopes of saving her life. Along the way, ancestors in the form of wood creatures, were guiding and helping her to make things right. Her family shares the family secret of Willows’ twin sister who died soon after birth. The reincarnation of Diamond, her twin sister, is Roxy. Willow finds happiness in life through her time with her dogs and in the snow. 

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

This novel-in-verse is written in free verse and contains an author’s note with background on Willow’s life as well as a description of the diamond-shaped poems. The irregular diamonds are much like the ones from her Diamond Willow stick which she was peeling and sanding to polish for a lamp she creates at the end of her novel, but holds more meaning as it represents the Diamond Willow branch her sister and her were named after.  Every diamond -shaped poem is not the same, as the verse’s are made to fit the words of the poem by moving from line to line. The poems, which are read like a novel,contain a message within. There are bolded words that reveal Willow’s inner feelings, which fits the overall meaning of the poem. Occasionally, there is some onomatopoeia such as “Hike” but no music to the poems as it is a novel. 

The author uses similes such as “Silence stalks around us like a cat,” when Willow wonders why her family doesn’t trust her and she tries to explain her love for Roxy. The ancestor’s of the main characters are personified as animals throughout the novel-in-verse. They are introduced at the beginning before each poem and give thoughts much like with human qualities and express their feelings as well in a paragraph form, then Willow’s narrative is told in the diamond-shaped poems. There are sensory words to show us how Willow feels such as when she doesn’t want to show she’s afraid of the heavy snow falling in the middle of the woods, “I taste panic rising in my throat.” The reader can also imagine the severity of the situation when Roxy is injured in the line, “ Roxy/ sticks her face/ in the snow./ The snow/ turns/ red.” Diamond Willow is filled with emotion throughout as we read Willow’s inner feelings from beginning to end. Her sense of wanting to belong is something the middle-school age group can relate to. 

REVIEW/EXCERPT(S)/AWARDS

*Booklist, 06/15/08

*Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books starred, 06/01/08

*Horn Book Magazine, 07/01/08

*School Library Journal, 07/01/09

*Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA) 10/01/08

*Wilson’s Junior High School, 01/09/10

Booklist (June 1, 2008 (Vol. 104, No. 19): “The causal diamond shape of the poems reflects how precious jewels of wisdom can grow around painful scars.”

Horn Book Magazine (July/August, 2008): “Frost’s inclusion of animal guides who are the spirits of Willow's deceased relatives and who function as fairy-godmother figures to assist her; the blend of realism and magic-cum-religion stretches credulity just a little too far.”

School Library Journal (June 1, 2008): “Her poems offer pensive imagery and glimpses of character, and strong emotion.”

CONNECTIONS

-This novel in verse was interesting to read with its unique placement of words surrounded by the diamond shape and placed at the center, drawing the eye from top to bottom revealing the secret message. After reading the poem I’d look at the bolded words to understand Willow’s feelings in a couple of words. I also enjoyed how Roxy’s part was at the end. It tied the entire novel together and made for an emotional ending. 

-Classroom connection can be to read as a class and have students assigned to the ancestor characters and students take turns reading Diamond’s narrative. 

-Students can be invited to create their own poem based on a shape that has significance to an event they can relate to convey a message in their poem. 

Other novels in verse by Helen Frost: 

Frost, Helen. KEESHA’S HOUSE. ISBN 978-0-329-98135-8

Frost, Helen. HIDDEN. ISBN 978-1-48985-810-8

Frost, Helen. THE BRAID. 978-1-46689-633-8

Poetry Book Review, THE WATCHER. Written by: Grimes, Nikki.Illustrated by Collier Bryan

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Grimes, Nikki. 2017. THE WATCHER. Ill. By Collier Bryan. Michigan. Eerdmans Book for Young Readers. ISBN 978-0-8028-5445-2

PLOT SUMMARY

A shy boy who is afraid of a girl bully can not see themselves being friends as Jordan is afraid of the continuous bullying by Tanya. Each has an internal conflict that is resolved by the advice of family members who advise them to have faith in the lord. They are both guided by the lord who helps them to have compassion for one another as Tanya tries to work on herself and Jordan who, despite his fear of Tanya, chooses to be kind to both her and the new student who becomes a mutual friend to both. The poetic story based on Psalm 121 shows their journey is guided by faith and results in a friendship shared over dinner and for a long time to come. 

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

This poetic story is made up of “golden shovel” style poems based on Psalm 121. The note on “golden shovel” at the back of the book gives background to this style of poetry. The reference aid for Psalm 121 is included at the beginning ahead of reading the poems. We see the theme of bullying, friendship and compassion throughout the poems which is age appropriate and appeals to the school age audience. The arrangement of lines follows the “golden shovel” style which uses words from the existing Psalm and puts them at the end of a sentence, then places words in front of them to create a sentence that will fit the words and give meaning to the poem. The appealing part of the story is the attention to the end of the lines, which is where you find the line of the psalm from top to bottom on each poem, this adds to the collective effect of carefully choosing words to create the narrative for both the boy and girl. 

Jordan faces a moral dilemma in which he’s debating whether to return the wallet of the stingy landlord and we see a great arrangement of the words (foot and slip) “ …eye sees what my hand holds, where my foot /steps. Better give the wallet back before I slip.”, from the psalm embedded within the line and down the golden shovel technique giving them a very meaningful place in the poem. Personification, in the line /my stupid stomach screams hungry./ shows Tanya starving at lunch and worried for dinnertime. Jordan notices her struggle and kindly leaves her half his sandwich which evokes emotion of compassion. Her guilt is personified in the line / shame gnaws at me all day./ Compassion, kindness and friendship are felt throughout the story and reflected in the illustrations of paint and collage which uniquely feature students from Marlboro and Balmville elementary. 

REVIEW/EXCERPT(S)/AWARDS

*Booklist starred, 11/15/17

*Catholic LIbrary World, 12/01/17

*Horn Book Guide, 04/01/18

*Kirkus Reviews starred, 09/15/17

*Publishers Weekly Starred, 09/11/17

*School Library Journal, 10/01/17

Booklist starred (November 15, 2017 (Vol. 114, No.6)): “Childhood concerns, some common, some not, are elevated by the infusion of God into this wholly (and holy) original mix.” 

Kirkus Reviews Starred (September 15, 2017): “...Grimes delivers a compact yet powerful message of hope and encouragement based on Psalm 121.”

School Library Journal (October 1, 2017): “The text is also a valuable study in perspective, offering insight into the character’s motivations and fears.”

CONNECTIONS

-The golden shovel approach was so interesting to me. The explanation of the approach was so beneficial as well as the psalm at the beginning. I referred to both several times. 

-Having an adult take the lead to read this style of poetry would be beneficial to the students. Also, prefacing the story with the example at the back of the book for the golden shovel style will help students understand the placement of the bolded words on each page. 

-In a religious school setting this would be a great story to read and make a connection for Social Emotional Learning and religious studies. 

-Students can be encouraged to make their own poem using the “golden shovel” style as it is easy to set up with a starter poem or psalm, yet challenging to place words accurately to fit words and make it meaningful to a poem. 

Other books about friendship, bullying, feelings and emotions:

Latham, Irene. CAN I TOUCH YOUR HAIR?: POEMS OF RACE, MISTAKES, AND FRIENDSHIP. ISBN 978-1-51240-442-5

Florian, Douglas. FRIENDS AND FOES: POEMS ABOUT US ALL. ISBN 978-1-44248-795-6

Poetry Collection Book Review, ZOOBILATIONS! Written by Douglas. 2002. Illustrated by Douglas Florian.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Florian, Douglas. 2002. ZOOBILATIONS! Ill. by Douglas Florian. New York: Beach Lane Books. ISBN 9781534465909

PLOT SUMMARY

This collection of poems showcases different animals from the animal kingdom. Each page contains interesting illustrations and clever puns from a weasel showing his winter coat, tall giraffes reaching their necks high in the sky to a boastin orangutan swinging from tree to tree. 

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

The book has a clean two- page design for each poem. One page entails the poem and the other the illustration of the animal described in the poem. This animal kingdom topical collection of poems is appropriate for the lower elementary audience with its fun and natural rhymed lines and verses. Some poems are written in couplets while others are free verse; both types are arranged with a rhythm that fits the words to give meaning to the poem. Most of the poems have a meter of one syllable words with the rhyming word at the end of each line. This is appealing to the lower elementary audience as it catches their attention and invites them to participate. In “The Llama '' we see each clever word play as each line repeats “Llamas llike,” some alliteration at the end where “Llamas love the letter L,” and ll is used for any word with the letter l. 

There is assonance throughout the poems, in “Horses” we hear the repetition of vowels “Horses graze / and horses race./ Horses trot/ and horses pace. “The African Elephant” creatively describes the physical features of the elephant with similes for its trunk, “My trunk can trumpet like a horn.” The poems describe interesting facts about the familiar and less-known animals while using fun word play and fun drawings with its kid-like coloring for the illustrations. The Hammerhead’s illustration ironically demonstrates it nailing down its prey as the poem creatively uses language in a fun way that appeals to children. Moving from page to page, the poems are light and refreshing as there is a creative twist to each animal and their unique features. The antelope’s refreshing couplet “I wanted to write a poem about an antelope/ but I cantaloupe,” naturally evokes laughter which is a common feeling throughout this collection of animal poems.

REVIEW EXCERPT(S)/ AWARDS

*Booklist, 03/01/22

*Horn Book Magazine, 03/01/22

Booklist, (March 1, 2022 (Vol. 118, No. 13)): “It’s beastly fun, as usual, whether read silently or bellowed aloud.”

Horn Book Magazine, (March/April, 2022):  “Florian’s experimentation with word meaning and usage models how to have fun with writing, imagery, and verse.”

CONNECTIONS

-This collection of poems made me smile so much as I read through each one. I was so fascinated with the Antelope poem because of its pun that was short, yet had me laughing so much. I felt the power of poetry in this book. 

-Lower elementary students will benefit from this collection of animal poetry by listening to it aloud by an adult. 

-Engaging students to participate by acting like the animals will make for a fun dramatic extension to each poem. 

-Students can attempt to create their own poem on their favorite animal and create a drawing using crayons to reflect their poem. 

*Other books about animal poetry:

*Moore, Natalia. ANIMAL POEMS (POEMS JUST FOR ME). ISBN 978-1-53797-856-7

*Stone, Tiffany. BAAAAD ANIMALS. ISBN 978-1-896580-36-4

*Lewis, J. Patrick. MY HOME IN THE RAINFOREST (ROOKIE POETRY: ANIMAL HOMES) ISBN 978-0-531-23008-4

Review on the Poetry Book, JAZZ. by Myers, Walk Dean. Illustrated by: Christopher Myers.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Myers, Walk Dean.  2006. JAZZ. Ill. by: Christopher Myers. New York: Walter House. ISBN 978-0-8234-1545-8

PLOT SUMMARY

The picture book with rhyming text across 14 poems celebrates the different styles of music called jazz. The collection of poems along with the illustrations showcase the variety of instruments and characters with history and evolution of jazz in each poem. An introduction and glossary of jazz terms give background and meaning to the poems.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

The rhythm in the narration of the poems sounds like beats to a song. The illustrations of black ink and acrylic make the poems come to life with their vibrant colors and unique design arrangement. Jazz, the first poem, introduces the reader to what makes up this musical genre. Louie, Louie, How you play so sweet? 's matching sounds appeals to the joyful twist he gives to the music he learned down in New Orleans. Not every poem is playful as we feel the impact of emotion in Good-Bye to old Bob Johnson. “While a sad horn sounds a last good-bye” personifies and captures the moment of parting to Old Bob Johnson, which then is celebrated with “a jazzy lullaby” in a surprising choice of words as they celebrate his parting with figurative language in trumpet sounds that climb “along the road to heaven in 4/4 time.” 

The words and phrases are arranged in meaningful ways as we see throughout, but in Trenty-Finger Jack  the music in the onomatopoeia of the “Be ba boodie, be ba boodie, boo” show the style of the music to the poem and the dancing feel it gives compared to the blues. In Blue Creeps In, the image of a lonely man walks through the reader's mind with the mental picture of the blues guiding his lonesome walk, his reminiscing moments, and his feeling of longing for his significant other, who is illustrated on the page. Showing her feelings against a blue background setting the tone for this poem. 

The variety of poems include a variety of style, tone, and are unique to their own rhyme and rhythm. Font and hand-written pieces give the lines and phrases a unique and meaningful design. Reading these poems aloud to children will have a greater impact on the expressive and descriptive elements to appreciate the rich history of jazz and the important musicians of this genre.

REVIEW EXCERPT(S)/ Awards

*ALA Notable Children’s Books, 2007

*Booklist Starred, 09/01/06

*Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books, 02/01/07

*Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor, 2007

*Horn Book Magazine starred, 04/01/07

*Kirkus Reviews starred, 09/01/06

*Odyssey Award, 2008

*School Library Journal, 09/01/06

Booklist Starred, (September 1, 2006 (Vol. 103, No. 1)): “The poems parallel significant stages in the development of jazz, but the historical connection is only tangential; the draw of the poems, as with the music, is rhythm, and Myers captures the rolling cadences of early New Orleans jazz…”

Horn Book Magazine Starred (Spring 2007): “In this extended jam session, historical moments, great jazz musicians, and the various forms and instruments of the genre each take a turn on stage.”

Kirkus Reviews starred (September 1, 2006): “A script-like display type appears sparingly, guiding readers to the sound of jazz embedded in the pems’ syncopated rhythms.”

CONNECTIONS

-I believe this book was difficult to read at times. I had to re-read several poems multiple times to understand its rhyme and rhythm. I referred to the glossary many times, especially the “Be-Bop” term. This really helped me understand how to read the poems. I could imagine it would be difficult for a student to read on their own. Listening to the audiobook would definitely help. 

-Reading this picture book of poems out loud to young students will definitely create a meaningful experience and inviting them to create their own poem with musical rhythms can be challenging yet rewarding. 

-This picture book lends itself to a music lesson where students can mimic the jazz style with instruments or their own “BE BOP” style of music. 

Other books about music:

*Hill, Laban Carrick. WHEN THE BEAT WAS BORN: DJ KOOL HERC AND THE CREATION OF HIP HOP. ISBN 978-1-59643-540-7

*Singer, Marilyn. FEEL THE BEAT: DANCE POEMS THAT ZING FROM SALSA TO SWING. ISBN 978-0-8037-4021-1

*Allen, Jimmie. MY VOICE IS A TRUMPET. ISBN 978-0-593-35218-2

*Richards, Mary Agnes. A HISTORY OF MUSIC FOR CHILDREN. ISBN 978-0-500-65247-3

Review on THE THREE LITTLE PIGS By: M.J. York Ill. by Laura Ferraro Close

BIBLIOGRAPHY

York, M.J. 2012. THE THREE LITTLE PIGS. Ill. by Laura Ferraro Close. Minnesota: Child’s World. ISBN 9781614732167

PLOT SUMMARY

One day three little pigs are sent off into the world to make their own lives as their family has fallen into misfortune. Each pig made their own home. The first pig made his of straw. He was approached by the big bad wolf who huffed and puffed and blew the house in. He gobbled him up as he did the second pig whose house was made of sticks and didn’t withstand the big bad wolf and his hunger for the pig. After many unsuccessful attempts at trying to get the third pig out of his brick home, he is outsmarted by the pig when he jumps down the chimney and lands in a pot of boiling water. The big bad wolf is no more and the pig lived happily ever after. 

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

When misfortune strikes the pigs' older mother and their family, they are sent out to make their own lives as they go their separate ways and build their own homes giving them human-like characteristics. Each pig’s interaction with the wolf is set in the straw, sticks and brick home settings. The wolf moves the story from house to house and the illustrations complement the pigs facial expressions with accuracy to their response to emotion. They are simple and true to a classic folktale with simple settings and boxed text in long paragraphs. The style of repetition and pacing in the wolf’s pleas “...then I’ll huff and I’ll puff and I’ll blow your house down” shows the progression in his journey leading us to the end where although it is a happy ending for one pig, the first two were unfortunately gobbled up and the wolf disappears from the story as well. The folktale shows us that putting in time and effort into your work will pay off in the end just as it helped the third pig, enough to save his life. The opening of the story with “Once upon a time” and the ending “...the pig lived happily ever after” are true to a classic folktale. 

REVIEWS/EXCERPTS

School Library Journal (December 1, 2012): “...story ends with a “beyond the story, “ which includes a moral…e.g.Hard work(Three Little Pigs).”

Library Media Connection (May/June 2013): “the unique feature of these books is “Beyond the Story, “ which includes didactic interpretations and suggests how readers might internalize the moral of the story.”

*No awards listed for this book.

CONNECTIONS: 

*This classic tale ties into a sequencing activity for first, next, then last which can be a fun coloring cut and paste activity for the lower elementary level. 

*Dramatizing this classic tale with actors and a narrator would be a great retelling activity which involves the students for a fun opportunity to get into character and learn point of view. 

Pirotta, Saviour. THE THREE LITTLE PIGS. ISBN 978-1-168297-168-0

Perl, Erica S. THE THREE LITTLE GUINEA PIGS. ISBN 978-0-374-39004-4

Artell, Mike. THREE LITTLE CAJUN PIGS. ISBN 978-0-8037-2815-8

Mlawer, Teresa. THE THREE LITTLE PIGS= LOS TRES CERDITOS. ISBN 978-0-9883253-4-0

Review on JUST IN CASE: A TRICKSTER TALE AND SPANISH ALPHABET BOOK by: Yuyi Morales

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Morales, Yuyi. JUST IN CASE: A TRICKSTER TALE AND SPANISH ALPHABET BOOK. Ill. by Yuyi Morales. New York, NY. ISBN 978-1-54907-847-7

PLOT SUMMARY

Señor Calavera is getting ready to celebrate Grandma Bettle’s birthday when he is stopped by the  ghostly spirit of Grandpa Zelmiro, who reminds him he has forgotten to get a present. He gathers an alphabetical assortment of gifts in a hurry from  “cosquillas (tickles to make her laugh) to Yerbabuena (a good herb to soothe her day).  Señor Calavera has an accident and loses all his gifts.  He worries he will miss the party as he tries to find another gift. All is okay when he shows up to the party with the present Grandma Beetle would love the most, Grandpa Zelmiro.                                                                                                   

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Señor Calavera, a playful skeleton with a simply decorated sugar skull, preps himself for Grandma Beetle’s party with human traits by ironing his tie and dusting off his hat. Swirling about in the space from his home to the party we see a focus on the illustrations with simple text parallel to them. He silently follows Grandpa Zelmiro’s voice for collecting the alphabetical assortment of gifts. The repetition of “just in case…” leads us through the story following a long, letter by letter from an “acodión” to “yerbabuena” and to a happy ending when Grandpa Zelmiro appears at the party. 

We see the rich Latino culture represented in the Spanish language, the rich vibrant colors, and the illustrations.  The translations of the gifts help for a better understanding for their use and purpose throughout the story. One symbolic example was the “escalera” (to reach past the sky) symbolizing that Grandpa Zelmiro’s spirit is up there as he is shown wrapped around the ladder in the illustration. Smaller details such as the title of Señor Calavera’s book on his stool “Cien años de soledad” (100 years of solitude) set the tone for the protagonist's life as a calavera which is used in representing loved ones who have passed on. 

REVIEW EXCERPTS/AWARDS

Booklist (September 15, 2008): “This companion to Morales’ award-winning Just a Minute (2003) will be a hit for story time.”

Kirkus Reviews (October 15, 2006): “As gifted an artist as she is a storyteller, Morales is in top form here.”

Library Media Connection (May/June 2009): “ Vibrantly colorful illustrations interspersed throughout a rollicking story make this a delightful, atypical alphabet book.”

*ALA Notable Children’s Books, 2009

*Book Links, 03/01/10

*Booklist, 09/15/08

*Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books, 12/01/08

*Horn Book Magazine, 01/01/09

*Library Media Connection, 05/01/09

*Pura Belpré Author Honor, 2009

*Pura Belpré Illustrator Award, 2009

*School Library Journal, 09/01/08

CONNECTIONS

-This trickster tale is a great book to read for a social studies unit on cultures. It ties in Latino culture and because of its alphabetical component and is very useful for an ESL/bilingual component as well. 

-A sugar skull decorating activity would be a great artistic extension to this fun and vibrant read aloud. 

-I would recommend a Spanish speaker to lead the read-aloud as some of the Spanish words can be difficult to read. Using an online translator and dictionary can be very helpful to readers who are not familiar with the Spanish language. 

Morales, Yuyi. JUST A MINUTE: A TRICKSTER TALE AND COUNTING BOOK. ISBN 978-0-8118-6483-1

Berner, Bob. THE DAY OF THE DEAD = EL DIA DE LOS MUERTOS. ISBN 978-0-8234-2381-1

Weninger, Brigitte. AUNT FANNY’S STAR: CHILDREN AND THE LOVED ONES THEY LOST. ISBN 9789888341306

Review on JOSEPH HAD A LITTLE OVERCOAT by Taback, Simms.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Taback, Simms. 1999. JOSEPH HAD A LITTLE OVERCOAT. Ill. by Simms Taback. New York:Viking. ISBN 9780670878550

PLOT SUMMARY

Joseph had an old and worn overcoat that he liked so much. He wore it so often that it began to wear out. He did not get rid of it, instead he transformed it into many things.  The overcoat tore and he made it into a vest. This pattern is repeated throughout the story and we see the overcoat get smaller until it eventually turns into a button. The overcoat turns from a vest into a scarf, and from a scarf to a necktie. Then, it turned from a necktie to a handkerchief and finally to a small button. One day, Joseph loses the button and is left with nothing. He decides to make a story out of his loss and so the moral of the story is “ you can always make something out of nothing.”

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

The story is based on one of the author’s favorite Yiddish folk songs from his childhood called “I had a little overcoat.” Throughout the story there is rhyme and repetition which keeps the reader’s engaged and ready for the next piece of clothing to be revealed. The pages have die-cuts throughout the book that creatively reveal the illustrated clothing as the story moves along. Each piece of clothing appears in a different setting from his farm to the fair and to his nephew’s wedding. We see the importance of his Yiddish culture throughout the story in the illustrations. There are musical scores, paper clippings, and little details of picture frames and book titles that make the reader look more closely to the Yiddish culture and customs. The illustrations made of watercolor, ink and collage draw the reader in to carefully look at the detail in the mixed-media art. They complement the story as the garments are appropriate for the setting. The story has a happy ending as Joseph manages to turn something out of nothing. 

REVIEW EXCERPTS

Booklist (Vol. 96, No.9/10 (January 1, 2000): “ This newly illustrated version of the book Taback first published in 1977 is a true example of accomplished bookmaking from the typography and the endpapers to the bar code, set in what appears to be a patch of fabric.”

Publishers Weekly (November 1, 1999): “...Taback’s inventive use of die-cut pages shows off his signature artwork, here newly created for his 1977 adaptation of a Yiddish folk song.”

School Library Journal (January 2000): “ A book bursting at the seams with ingenuity and creative spirit.”

*ALA Notable Children’s Books, 2000

*Booklist, 01/01/00

*Bulletin of the Center for CHildren’s Books, 03/01/00

*Caldecott Medal, 2000

*Hornbook Magazine

*Publishers Weekly, 11/01/99

*School Library Journal, 05/01/02

CONNECTIONS

*This book is a great read for children led by an adult as they can guide them to look at the details. 

*This book lends itself to a great retelling opportunity through an art extension. Students can use recycled material to create all the garments Joseph created out of his overcoat. 

*Taback, Simms. THERE WAS AN OLD LADY WHO SWALLOWED A FLY. ISBN 978-0-670-86939-8

*Ziefert, Harriet. A NEW COAT FOR ANNA. ISBN: 978-0-394-89861-2

*Hutchins, Pat. YOU’LL SOON GROW INTO THEM, TITCH. ISBN: 978-0-688-11507-4