Module 5 The True Story of the Three Little Pigs

Summary

This book is about the tale of the Three Little Pigs. It is told from the wolf's point of view. This book is an adorable parody of the classic fable that everyone is familiar with. The wolf claims that he was framed. He says that he had a cold and that made him sneeze the houses down and killed the pigs. Furthermore, he says that he only ate the pigs in order to not waste food.
The style of the illustrations is unique and filled with several little sight gags. For instance, while the wolf is making a cake for his granny, we see bunny ears in the mixture he is preparing.

My impressions

I loved this book. The illustrations are wonderful and the author does a good job of presenting the wolf as a civilized, innocent man. The jokes are sly, if you'll forgive the pun, and witty. This is a really great book for kids because they can feel smart and as if they are in on the joke.

Reviews

“Scieszka and Smith's bestselling picture book humorously turns the original fairy tale on its ear, and the audio version will give kids even more to howl about. A. Wolf's version of how he innocently sneezed his pig neighbors' homes down and was later framed by the authorities becomes all the more vivid with Scieszka's multihued performance. His portrayal of A. Wolf sounds just this side of smarmy; he colors his voice with a feigned innocence and appropriately defensive tone. Strings dominate Hoffman's vibrant composition though accordion, horns, banjo and other instruments appear occasionally. The music seamlessly follows the story's mood from lighthearted to ominous. At the third pig's brick house, "when the cops drove up," listeners will delight in the accompanying hilarious sound effects of police sirens, radios and facetious newscasters. Side two of the recording contains the original soundtrack with no narration. Ages 3-8. (Oct.)” (Publisher's Weekly 1989)

Use in a Library Setting

I think this would be a great book to read for a fairy tale themed story time. I think the children would really enjoy getting a fresh perspective on an old story. After the story, the person reading it can ask the kids if they think that the wolf is telling the truth. Then it may be a good time to lead a small discussion about how different people may view the same situation.

References

Elizabeth Deveraux, Diane Roback. Publishers Weekly. New York: Sep 8, 1997. Vol. 244, Iss. 37; p. 32 (1 page)
Scieszka, Jon. The True Story of the Three Little Pigs. 1989. Reprint. New York City: Puffin, 1996. Print.

Module 4 Ginger Pye September 21-27 Newberry and Printz Winners

Ginger Pye

by Elanor Estes

Summary

This book is about Jerry Pye and his family. He has a younger sister, Rachel, a wonderful mother and a father that studies birds. One of the Pye's neighbors has had a litter of puppies and Jerry has picked out one that he thinks is particularly smart. His first obstacle is making sure that he can buy the dog from Mrs. Speedy, because someone else in town has decided that they would like to own the dog as well. Through a family friend, the young Pyes were able to earn enough money to buy the dog before the other person could claim him. As the children were taking Ginger home, they thought that someone may have been following them.

The kids name the dog Ginger and soon he proves to be quite a remarkable dog. Ginger is so remarkable in fact, that someone steals him away from the Pyes. He is stolen before Thanksgiving and it took the family months to find him.

My thoughts

I didn't care too much for this book. It seemed a little dated, but that is not the overall problem that I found with it. I felt that there was too much filler in the book and not enough written about the main obstacle. I do not feel that children of today would have the attention span for this type of book. I hate to admit it, but I barely did. The story would take us to rock on the other side of town and I would think “when are she going to get back to the main plot?”

I enjoyed the illustrations with this book. They are simple and quant. They are plan sketches.

I did really enjoy some of the dialogue. Some of the dialogue was old fashioned, but I really enjoyed that. The author did a good job of showing life in a small town. For example, it seems as if everywhere the children went, they seemed to know everyone else. I think that this was very charming.

Reviews about the book

Horn Book said this “is the book for which we have been waiting” and that this book is “an ourstanding book.” (Horn Book 1952)

Usage in a library setting

I think this would be an excellent book to use in a program regarding kids' grandparents. I think this novel is a wonderful example of the day to day life of people in the early 1950's. A great idea for a program would be to have a grandparents week where they read these stories with their grandchild.

References

"Ginger Pye." Horn Book July / August (1952): Print.

Module 4 Rabbit Hill

Summary

The animal residents of Rabbit Hill are very excited because new Folks are moving onto the farm. All of the animals wonder what kind of people will move in. Most importantly, will they be planting folks?
Little Georgie Rabbit is the protagonist of this tale. He is young and plucky. He is full of energy, but this can and does lead to him getting hurt. When the new folks move in, they turn out to be very accepting of animals, even healing them when they are injured.

My Impressions

I enjoyed this book immensely. This book is surprisingly progressive for it's time. Even though this book was written in 1944, it talks about helping and caring for animals. As an animal lover myself, I find this to be refreshing in the era.
The drawings were adorable and detailed. I thoroughly enjoyed hearing a tale from the animals' point of view. It is very interesting to think that they would have a stake in what kind of person moves onto the farm.


Reviews

“Although the story probably will not have broad appeal, this version would serve to enhance collections of Newbery Award winners.-Marcia Brightman, Orange Elementary Schools, MA” (School Library Journal 1996)

Uses in a Library Setting

This book would be great for an assignment on animals. For instance, if a teacher is teaching for a week on animals, this book would be a lovely companion piece. It could be read aloud once every day for a week. The children can write stories that correspond with the book. For example, the first day they can write about what they would want the “Folks” to be like if they were animals living on that farm.

References

Lawson, R. (1974). RABBIT HILL. New York: Dell.
(1996). Reviews. School Library Journal, August 1

Module 3-The Man Who Walked Between the Towers

This story is the story of Phillipe Petit's walk between the World Trade Center Towers. He was an artist and performer who had dreamed of walking between the towers. He did so and was arrested.

This is not my favorite of the books we have read, but it is still cute. I think the author did a good job relating the story for children. I had seen the documentary Man on Wire which discusses his life as well, so this was an interesting translation.

School Library Journal said that "with its graceful majesty and mythic overtones, this unique and uplifting book is at once a portrait of a larger-than-life individual and a memorial to the towers and the lives associated with them." Although I feel that with the history behind the buildings, it may be hard to find an appropriate age group for these books.

This would be a good book for a program that discusses September 11. The kids can read about the towers and discuss the why Phillipe did what he did.

Lukehart, W., Jones, T., Toth, L., Charnizon, M., Grabarek, D., & Larkins, J. (2003, November). The Man Who Walked between the Towers (Book). School Library Journal, 49(11), 125-125. Retrieved September 22, 2009, from Library, Information Science & Technology Abstracts with Full Text database.

Module 3: Kitten's First Full Moon

Kitten's First Full Moon is about a kitten that sees the moon and thinks it is a bowl of milk. As much as she tries to get at the moon, she cannot reach it. When she gets home, she finds a bowl of milk waiting for her.

This book is a good fable with a wonderful lesson. The pictures are simple as is the language.


School Library Journal says that the "charcoal and cream-colored palette, the understated illustrations feature thick black outlines, pleasing curves, and swiftly changing expressions that are full of nuance." (School Library Journal

This would be a wonderful book for a theme on perseverance. The example of the kitten's tenacity is an example of that. This may also be a good book to use in a theme surrounding animals.


Wendy Lukehart. (2004, April). Kitten's First Full Moon. School Library Journal, 50(4), 114. Retrieved September 22, 2009, from Research Library. (Document ID: 621443261).

Module 2: Are You There God, It's Me, Margaret?

Margaret's world is changing. She is growing up, her body is changing and to top it off, she has yet to choose a religion. Her mom is Christian and her dad is Jewish. She has also found a new group of girls to hang out with, and their bragging about their bodies makes Margaret feel insecure.

This was a cute book that my mom had given me when I was younger. I did not read it at the time, and I wish I had. I think I would have found it helpful and comforting. Margaret is likable and it is easy to see myself in her shoes.

Breckenridge lists this book as one of the young adult novels that will stand the test of time. She places it with other classics such as Little Women and The Adventures of Tom Sawyer.


I think this book would be too controversial to use for a program, but I may recommend it to girl's parents. This recommendation would, of course come with a warning as to the book's contents.

Breckenridge, K. (1988, April). Modern Classics. School Library Journal, 34(8), 42. Retrieved September 9, 2009, from Library, Information Science & Technology Abstracts with Full Text database.

Module 2: Caps for Sale

Caps for Sale is a book about a man that sells caps that are all placed upon his head. When he gets tired, he takes a nap and wakes to find the caps are missing.

This is an adorable book that shows ingenuity and the illustrations are clear and bright.
In a review in Booklist, it is mentioned that this book is for the 4-6 age group. (Booklist 1989) I think that this might be for a younger audience. I would estimate that 3 to 4 year olds would enjoy this book.
This would be a great book to encourage children to mimic. The children can move and react to the storyteller’s movements.

“Caps for Sale." Booklist April. 15 (1989)

Module 1-The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein

This book is about a boy that grows up and has a wonderful friendship with a tree. As he gets older, his relationship with the tree changes and the tree gives up everything she has to make the boy, now a man, happy.

This book is an amazing fable about love and friendship. The book is all at once sad and thoughtful. The ending is bittersweet as the process of life continues. As a writer for the New York Times states it, the "trouble with this ‘Giving Tree' of yours is that it falls between two stools; it's not a kid's book -- too sad, and it isn't for adults -- too simple." (New York Times, 1973)

This would be perfect for a story time revolving around sharing and caring for others.

Cole, W. (1973, September 9). About Alice, a rabbit, a tree... and a book about me. New York Times, pp. 394.