Bibliography:
Mora, Pat. (1997). Tomás and the Library Lady. Ill. by Raul Colon. New York: Alfred A. Knopf. ISBN 0679804013.
Plot Summary:
Young Tomás' family is a migrant farmer family, travelling between places every fall and spring. Tomás finds the public library and begins to visit often. He makes friends with the librarian who lets him take books home and share the stories with his family. Tomás falls in love with books and spends his spare time at the library. When it is time for Tomás' family to move again he gives a parting gift to the librarian. The story ends with a note about Tomás Rivera (the muse for the story) and his love for books.
Critical Analysis:
The illustrations are fabulous. The colors are very subdued yet defined. The lines of the illustrations flow well and show action in the pictures. The front of the pictures are defined, with the background a little hazy. There are very intricate details, like the dinosaurs teeth and the eyes of the characters. Another thing I noticed was the texture of the pictures.
Tomás becomes the storyteller of the family since he is going to the library and reading new books and gaining new ideas. Tomás is not the only person in the library learning - Tomás is also teaching the librarian Spanish. Several Spanish words come up in the text. The book is almost a 'coming of age' as the storytelling is passed down from the Grandfather to Tomás.
It is interesting to note the author's note in the back of the book. Tomás Rivera's life was influenced by a librarian and by books. If reading the book aloud, be sure to make note of this to students. Having the "true story" behind the picture book brings reality to the already heartwarming book.
Awards Won:
Texas Bluebonnet Master List 1999-2000
Notable Children's Books - Smithsonian 1997
Children's Picture Book Review excerpt: "The combination of watercolors and colored pencils in earth tones creates the hazy feel of summer days, which nicely compliment the heartwarming story by Pat Mora. The story is even more affecting when we realize it is a fictionalized account of one summer in the life of a real person."
Connections:
--Use to introduce new cultural ideas or careers
--Use to introduce a bilingual study
--Use as an icebreaker for "Meet the Librarian" or "Get to know the Library"
--Use in conjunction with lessons on the importance of reading or the art of storytelling.
Source:
About.com. "Tomas and the Library Lady: Children's Picture Book Review." http://childrensbooks.about.com/od/productreviews/fr/tomas_library.htm
Showing posts with label picture books. Show all posts
Showing posts with label picture books. Show all posts
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Millions of Cats by Wanda Gág - Book Review
Bibliography:
Gág, Wanda. 1928. Millions of Cats. Ill by Wanda Gág. New York: G. P. Putnam's Sons. ISBN 0399233156.
Plot Summary:
The book begins with an older couple, sad because they are lonely. The old man departs on a journey to find a cat to make the old woman happy. The old man comes upon a great many cats, but cannot pick just one. He brings all the cats back with him. The old woman is surprised and tells the man they cannot keep all of the cats. The old man and the old woman want the cats to pick the prettiest of them all which brings the cats to all fight each other. The last cat standing is a small kitten (who did not get involved in the cat-fight). The old man and the old woman declare the kitten the best and the three are very content in the end.
Critical Analysis:
Wanda Gág brings a wonderful story to life with her illustrations. The drawings are detailed and all in black and white. Many of the pages have too much text for my liking in a picture book (one entire page covered with text). I think it is important to note the book was written and published first in 1928.
The story follows a good sequence, from the old woman wanting a cat to the old man bringing many cats home, and finally the old couple settling with one cat. The manner in which the cat becomes theirs is important to note as well. This was a small cat that was so scrawny it was overlooked in all the fighting. The words and pictures of the story are logical for a child to understand.
Awards Won:
Newbery Honor Award - 1928
Notable Fact - Oldest American Picture Book still being published
School Library Journal excerpt - "Considered by many to have ushered in the age of the modern picture book, this Newbery Honor winner is characterized by innovative design and a strong storyteller's cadence."
Connections:
--Other books by Wanda Gág- Snippy and Snappy, The Funny Thing
--Use as an introduction to a math lesson (billion, trillion, etc).
--Use in a study about cats
--Use in an art class to study the pen & ink drawings
--Use in a lesson about exaggeration
Source:
School Library Journal. "One Hundred Books that Shaped the Century" Review of Millions of Cats by Wanda Gág. School Library Journal, January 1, 2000. http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/article/CA153035.html
Gág, Wanda. 1928. Millions of Cats. Ill by Wanda Gág. New York: G. P. Putnam's Sons. ISBN 0399233156.
Plot Summary:
The book begins with an older couple, sad because they are lonely. The old man departs on a journey to find a cat to make the old woman happy. The old man comes upon a great many cats, but cannot pick just one. He brings all the cats back with him. The old woman is surprised and tells the man they cannot keep all of the cats. The old man and the old woman want the cats to pick the prettiest of them all which brings the cats to all fight each other. The last cat standing is a small kitten (who did not get involved in the cat-fight). The old man and the old woman declare the kitten the best and the three are very content in the end.
Critical Analysis:
Wanda Gág brings a wonderful story to life with her illustrations. The drawings are detailed and all in black and white. Many of the pages have too much text for my liking in a picture book (one entire page covered with text). I think it is important to note the book was written and published first in 1928.
The story follows a good sequence, from the old woman wanting a cat to the old man bringing many cats home, and finally the old couple settling with one cat. The manner in which the cat becomes theirs is important to note as well. This was a small cat that was so scrawny it was overlooked in all the fighting. The words and pictures of the story are logical for a child to understand.
Awards Won:
Newbery Honor Award - 1928
Notable Fact - Oldest American Picture Book still being published
School Library Journal excerpt - "Considered by many to have ushered in the age of the modern picture book, this Newbery Honor winner is characterized by innovative design and a strong storyteller's cadence."
Connections:
--Other books by Wanda Gág- Snippy and Snappy, The Funny Thing
--Use as an introduction to a math lesson (billion, trillion, etc).
--Use in a study about cats
--Use in an art class to study the pen & ink drawings
--Use in a lesson about exaggeration
Source:
School Library Journal. "One Hundred Books that Shaped the Century" Review of Millions of Cats by Wanda Gág. School Library Journal, January 1, 2000. http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/article/CA153035.html
Sunday, January 29, 2012
A Sick Day for Amos McGee by Philip C. Stead - Book Review
Bibliography:
Stead, Philip C. 2010. A Sick Day for Amos McGee. Ill. by Erin E. Stead. New York: Roaring Book Press. ISBN 9871596434028.
Plot Summary:
Amos McGee, a zookeeper, starts his morning routine by getting out of bed, getting dressed, eating breakfast, then heading to the bus stop. After arriving at the zoo, Amos McGee visits his friends - the elephant, the turtle, the penguin, the rhinoceros, and the owl. The book then leads to the conflict. Amos McGee is sick and stays home from work. The zoo animals miss Amos and take a bus to visit him. The animals take care of Amos, they have tea, then all go to bed at Amos' house.
Critical Analysis:
A Sick Day for Amos McGee is a beautiful children's story. It shows the importance and duties of friendship between two people (or animals in this case). Amos is the caretaker of the animals at the zoo, and the animals in turn come to care for Amos in his time of need. Both the author and the illustrator made a point for each character to have a distinct personality. From the proud tortoise who wins the race every time to the shy penguin with turned in feet, the illustrations capture the essence on each page.
There are four notable pages in the book with no words - When the animals are waiting for the bus and when the animals are on the bus. Another notable piece of the book is the red balloon. Starting in the second half of the book, a red balloon appears on almost every page. On the last page, the penguin (who is usually with the red balloon) watches the balloon by the moonlight as everyone else sleeps. It is the little details like the red balloon or the small mouse throughout the story that make it even more charming.
The illustrations by Erin E. Stead are simply amazing (for lack of a better word). The picture book has minimal coloration with pencil drawings and shadings for the bulk of the book. Each character is very detailed and shows emotion. The animals and Amos are both thoughtfully illustrated.
Awards Won:
The Caldecott Medal - 2011
ALA Youth Media Award - 2011
Bank Street Best Children's Book of the Year - 2011
Best Illustrated Children's Book Awards (The New York Times Book Review) - 2010
ALSC Notable Children's Book - 2011
Review Excerpt from School Library Journal - "According to the bookflap, Erin creates her illustrations by hand using woodblock printing techniques and pencil.” That’s impressive in and of itself, but I think the use of color is fascinating."
Connections:
--Use the book to teach kindness and caring for others.
--For preschool students, teach about the animals themselves, characteristics of animals.
--For high school art students, use to show the detail and emotion in illustrations.
--See other books by Philip C. Stead: Creamed Tuna Fish and Peas on Toast or Jonathan and the Big Blue Boat.
--Career connection - being a zookeeper.
Source:
School Library Journal. "Review of the Day: A Sick Day for Amos McGee by Philip C. Stead." Review of A Sick Day for Amos McGee by Philip C. Stead. School Library Journal, April 7, 2010, Review of the Day. http://blog.schoollibraryjournal.com/afuse8production/2010/04/07/review-of-the-day-a-sick-day-for-amos-mcgee-by-philip-c-stead/
Stead, Philip C. 2010. A Sick Day for Amos McGee. Ill. by Erin E. Stead. New York: Roaring Book Press. ISBN 9871596434028.
Plot Summary:
Amos McGee, a zookeeper, starts his morning routine by getting out of bed, getting dressed, eating breakfast, then heading to the bus stop. After arriving at the zoo, Amos McGee visits his friends - the elephant, the turtle, the penguin, the rhinoceros, and the owl. The book then leads to the conflict. Amos McGee is sick and stays home from work. The zoo animals miss Amos and take a bus to visit him. The animals take care of Amos, they have tea, then all go to bed at Amos' house.
Critical Analysis:
A Sick Day for Amos McGee is a beautiful children's story. It shows the importance and duties of friendship between two people (or animals in this case). Amos is the caretaker of the animals at the zoo, and the animals in turn come to care for Amos in his time of need. Both the author and the illustrator made a point for each character to have a distinct personality. From the proud tortoise who wins the race every time to the shy penguin with turned in feet, the illustrations capture the essence on each page.
There are four notable pages in the book with no words - When the animals are waiting for the bus and when the animals are on the bus. Another notable piece of the book is the red balloon. Starting in the second half of the book, a red balloon appears on almost every page. On the last page, the penguin (who is usually with the red balloon) watches the balloon by the moonlight as everyone else sleeps. It is the little details like the red balloon or the small mouse throughout the story that make it even more charming.
The illustrations by Erin E. Stead are simply amazing (for lack of a better word). The picture book has minimal coloration with pencil drawings and shadings for the bulk of the book. Each character is very detailed and shows emotion. The animals and Amos are both thoughtfully illustrated.
Awards Won:
The Caldecott Medal - 2011
ALA Youth Media Award - 2011
Bank Street Best Children's Book of the Year - 2011
Best Illustrated Children's Book Awards (The New York Times Book Review) - 2010
ALSC Notable Children's Book - 2011
Review Excerpt from School Library Journal - "According to the bookflap, Erin creates her illustrations by hand using woodblock printing techniques and pencil.” That’s impressive in and of itself, but I think the use of color is fascinating."
Connections:
--Use the book to teach kindness and caring for others.
--For preschool students, teach about the animals themselves, characteristics of animals.
--For high school art students, use to show the detail and emotion in illustrations.
--See other books by Philip C. Stead: Creamed Tuna Fish and Peas on Toast or Jonathan and the Big Blue Boat.
--Career connection - being a zookeeper.
Source:
School Library Journal. "Review of the Day: A Sick Day for Amos McGee by Philip C. Stead." Review of A Sick Day for Amos McGee by Philip C. Stead. School Library Journal, April 7, 2010, Review of the Day. http://blog.schoollibraryjournal.com/afuse8production/2010/04/07/review-of-the-day-a-sick-day-for-amos-mcgee-by-philip-c-stead/
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