Monster Museum

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihJnLV2FXE9WX4f1oJanDhPrO6BljCCmQ5WedgSb5KpWpOZN4SjN8a3qy7w50L7xAH9bEh_NIYhHIB0fSAP7rTSczJAB5E44DCZyENXAB0GHGiyztJsq0SpGzDYnVh6bolQhezwg7pGZo/s1600/745648.jpg

Bibliography:

Singer, Marilyn. 2001. MONSTER MUSEUM. Ill. by Gris Grimly. New York: Hyperion Books for Children. ISBN 078680520

Summary:

Children go into the Monster Museum and explore nineteen horrifyingly exciting creatures it has to behold.  While exploring, they have a frightenly great time.  In the end, monsters bid them farewell, and the children that were kind just may have found they have a new friend.

Critical Analysis:

Marilyn Singer has created a comically spooky compilation of twenty-one rhyming monster themed poems.  In this compilation, the reader gets acquainted with what the museum has to offer its guests in the first poem, Monster Museum. Then readers read on to poetically experience such inhabitants as Count Dracula, The Werewolf, The Mummy, Bigfoot, Medusa, and many more.  Bigfoot offers an entertaining account of his “awesome” wedding day to Misses Yeti, where they were “tossing snowballs like confetti.”  To make this book even more entertaining than it already is are its watercolor illustrations by Gris Grimly that contribute to furthering the spine-tingling hilarity of each poem.  Grimly does a nice job of giving each monster a scary, but yet comical expression.  The visiting kids each have a look as if thinking, “What in the world have I gotten myself into?”  In the end, the “brave souls” are "bid farewell," and then Singer uses a play on words to title the “Glo-Scary.”  The “Glo-scary" allows readers to peruse and also learn about each horrifying character inhabiting the museum.  This monster themed compilation is appropriately entertaining for elementary aged children.

Review Excerpts:

“Among the season's best creature features.” -Publishers Weekly

“Singer’s poems are lively and humorous (if not great literature), and they impart quite a bit of information about various famous monsters.” -Kirkus Reviews

"This fresh, witty book will be popular for not-so-scary storytimes, as well as independent reading.” -School Library Journal

Connections:

-Read other works written by Marilyn Singer:

Mirror Mirror

Shoe Bop!

Monday on the Mississippi

The Painted Fan

The Golden Heart of Winter

The Pickle Plan

Archer Armadillo’s Secret Plan

Big Wheel

Charmed

-Read this compilation during a monster themed narrative writing unit

-Read during the month of October

-Write original monster or spooky themed poetry

Diamond Willow

http://childrensbookalmanac.com/wp-content/uploads/Diamond-Willow.png

Bibliography:

Frost, Helen. 2008. DIAMOND WILLOW. New York: Farrar, Straus, & Giroux. ISBN 9780374317768

Summary:

Twelve year old Diamond Willow is an introverted Alaskan girl who wonders if she will ever be shiny like the Diamond in her name or always just plain Willow.  No matter though because she has love and affection for her sled dogs and is a capable dogmusher.  But is this really enough?  Through persuasion she convinces her parents to let her sled to her grandparents for the weekend and on the way home tragedy strikes her beloved dog Roxy.   Through this tragedy, Willow journeys on self-discovery and a mission to save the one she loves.  In turn, she gains a new outlook of herself and the world surrounding her.

Critical Analysis:

Diamond Willow by, Helen Frost is poetry written in the first person verse novel form.  In fact, each poem is written as a diamond shape poem encompassing another poem within.  These poems are eloquent and parallel to whom Diamond Willow is.  Each embedded poem is an insight into Willow’s innermost thoughts and feelings.  In addition, Willow’s character parallels the diamond willow stick that she is named after.  This is a stick that looks rough and plain on the outside, but when the bark is peeled away and the wood is sanded, you see beautiful diamond scars that are from where its branches have broken away.  Frost helps to poetically portray this emotional parallelism by slowing revealing Willow’s true scars of losing her twin soon after birth.  A great addition to this verse novel is the well-chosen sensory language that Frost uses.  With this language, the reader feels the cold, “quiet air” of Alaska, sees the “sparkling” snow, and feels Roxy’s blinding pain.  Willow’s happiness is truly felt at the end, “I am flying… like my twin sister Diamond is alive inside me.”  Through Helen Frost’s eloquence, the reader follows Willow’s realization of who she really is because of the consequences that befall her and the ones she loves after the fateful tragedy that strikes Roxy.  This poetic novel is brilliantly written and a true surprise to its readers.

Awards:

2009 Lee Bennett Hopkins Poetry Award

2008 Mitten Award - Michigan Library Association

2009 The Lion and the Unicorn Award for Excellence in North American Poetry Honor Book

2009 Winner of Best Books of Indiana, Children and Young Adult Book

2009 CCBC Choices List

Review Excerpts:

“Frost presents her story in a series of poems in Willow’s voice, using a form inspired by the marks on a diamond willow stick; roughly diamond-shaped and no two exactly alike, each contains a “hidden message” printed in boldface that spans several lines and encapsulates the poem. It’s a novel idea, and largely works quite well.” – Kirkus Reviews

"This complex and elegant novel will resonate with readers who savor powerful drama and multifaceted characters." —School Library Journal

“Set in a remote part of Alaska, this story in easy-to-read verse blends exciting survival adventure with a contemporary girl’s discovery of family roots and secrets.” —Booklist

Connections:

-Read other written works by Helen Frost:

Keesha’s House

Spinning Through the Universe

The Braid

Monarch and Milkweed

-Research diamond willow 

-Write a diamond shape poem

-Write a haiku using Alaska or winter as the topic

The One and Only Ivan

http://rebeccafjellanddavis.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/Ivan9780062283474_p0_v2_s260x420.jpg

Bibliography:

Applegate, Katherine. 2012. THE ONE AND ONLY IVAN. Ill. by Patricia Castelao. New York: Harper Collins Children’s Books. ISBN 9780061992254

Summary:

An artistic gorilla, The One and Only Ivan, spends his days considering art and TV shows in his domain at the Exit 8 Big Top Mall and Video Arcade where people come to see him and his friends.  His dearest friends are Stella the elephant and Bob the stray dog, but even though he has them, his world is still mundane day in and day out.  That is until Ruby, a baby elephant, shows up and changes Ivan’s life forever.  Tirelessly, Ivan embarks on an artistic plan of expression to save Ruby, and in turn saves himself from a life in a lonely cage and a doomed circus show.

Critical Analysis:

Based on a real-life gorilla’s story that Katherine Applegate heard about, she has created a novel in verse told from the first person perspective of Ivan, a gorilla.  Readers are entwined in a first-hand experience of what it is like to live in a cage and be on display for others’ entertainment by Applegate’s use of figurative language.  Her poetry is also written in a conversational manner that makes it feel as if Ivan is talking to you as you read his thoughts and feelings.   Sadness is portrayed for a large portion of the verse in that it seems as though Ivan and his friends are destined to a life in a cage.  Ivan at first calls his home a “domain,” but one day Ruby asks Ivan if she is going to die in her domain like Aunt Stella.  In his response he feels “something tighten in [his] chest, something dark and hot,” and calls their domain for what it really is, a “cage.”  Gut-wrenching is an appropriate description of Katherine Applegate’s novel in verse until hope then happiness is felt in the end when Ivan, Ruby, and Bob are given the humane life that any creature deserves.  Through this portrayal in poetry, Applegate makes the reader contemplate the life and treatment of domesticated animals.  The One and Only Ivan is appropriate for ages 8 and above.

Awards:

2013 Newbery Medal Winner

2013 Christopher Award

Review Excerpts:

“Utterly believable, this bittersweet story, complete with an author’s note identifying the real Ivan, will inspire a new generation of advocates.” – Kirkus Reviews

"Applegate makes a powerful statement about the treatment of animals–especially those living in captivity–and reminds readers that all creatures deserve a safe place to call home. A must-have." – School Library Journal

“Important.” —The Horn Book

Connections:

-Read non-fiction books on such topics as: the circus, caring and/or training circus animals, gorillas, elephants, zoos

-Research: the habitats of gorillas and elephants, circus careers, zoology

-Find and recite/read poetry on topics such as: the circus, gorillas, elephants, zoos

-Create zoo, animal, and/or circus poetry

-Read other works from Katherine Applegate:

            Animorphs series

            Remnants series

            Sharing Sam

            Listen to My Heart

            Home of the Brave

            Eve and Adam

Swamp Angel

http://images.amazon.com/images/P/0525452710.01.LZZZZZZZ.jpg

Bibliography:

Isaacs, Anne, 1994. SWAMP ANGEL. Ill by Paul Zelinsky. NewYork, NY: Dutton Children's Books. ISBN 0525452710

Summary:

In 1815, larger than life Angelica Longrider was born in Tennessee.  Her daddy gave her an ax to gnaw on, and by age two used it to build her mother and father a log cabin.  Later, when she was only twelve years old a wagon train and its passengers got “mired in Dejection Swamp” and she came to their rescue, earning the nickname Swamp Angel.  In time, Tennessee was plagued with the likes of a gargantuan bear called Thundering Tarnation who was eating up the winter stores.  Voracious men set off to the task of getting rid of the nasty varmint, but not all the hunting was to be had by just the men.  Amid taunts that she should tend the mending and be making pies, Swamp Angel set out to deal with the likes of the pesky bear.  Much to the men’s dismay, Swamp Angel single-handedly got rid of Thundering Tarnation.  In the process of wrestling with “that bristled bear,” she created The Great Smoky Mountains, Ursa Major, and the Montana Shortgrass Prairie, thus enhancing her already immense character.

Critical Analysis:

Author Anne Isaacs has spun an amazing yarn in her original creation of an American tall tale.  She presents the reader Swamp Angel who is a hero with character of gargantuan proportions.  When she “was full grown, she was second to none in buckskin bravery, performing eye-popping wonders in the bogs and backwoods of Tennessee.”  Also, in keeping with the tall tale tradition Isaacs explains through lively actions, massive amounts of hyperbole, and humor how Swamp Angel created some of America’s natural wonders while whipping Thundering Tarnation, and in doing so becoming a heroine of Tennessee.

Illustrator Paul Zelinsky has brought the character of Swamp Angel to life in his primitive style of illustrations.  At once a reader can tell that Angelica Longrider is indeed larger than life and meant for great adventures.  The first page shows a family picture of dad standing next to mom who is holding Angelica when she was a baby.  However, this isn't any ordinary baby, she is huge!  Zelinsky illustrates a main character in proportions that show she is much bigger than ordinary things.  When two year old Angelica is building the log cabin, it looks as though she is playing with Lincoln Logs.  As she gets older and is known as Swamp Angel, Zelinsky shows her almost always having to squat or hunch over to emphasize her massiveness in everyday life.

Isaacs and Zelinsky have done an amazing job in keeping the tradition of American tall tales alive in this original tale.  They have created a tale that will have readers of all ages entertained in the outrageous shenanigans of a female hero and a feisty bear. It is only fitting that this book was awarded the Caldecott Honor in 1995!

Awards:

1995 Caldecott Honor Book

2013 Phoenix Picture Book Award by the Children's Literature Association

1995 Boston Globe-Horn Book Honor Book

1994 ALA Notable Book

New York Times Best Illustrated Books of 1994

School Library Journal Best Books of 1994

Booklist Children's Editors Choices 1994

Publisher's Weekly Best Books of 1994

Review Excerpts:

“This valiant heroine is certain to leave youngsters chuckling-and perhaps even keeping a close watch on the night sky.” –Publishers Weekly

“With its good-natured, larger-than-life heroine and broad, fanciful paintings, this original Tennessee tall tale is exhilarating and side-splittingly funny.” –School Library Journal

“It is impossible to convey the sheer pleasure, the exaggerated loopiness, of newcomer Isaacs's wonderful story. Matching the superb text stride for stride are Zelinsky's (The Wheels on the Bus, 1990) altered-state, American primitive paintings--gems that provide new pleasures, reading after reading. To say that you are entering Caldecott land doesn't begin to do this book justice.” –Kirkus Reviews

Connections:

-Adapt this tall tale into a comic

-Adapt this tall tale into a reader’s theatre

-Read more tall tales, such as: Paul Bunyan, Stormalong Annie, Pecos Bill, Jonny Appleseed, and John Henry

-Write a tall tale using the author’s craft elements of hyperbole, simile, and metaphor

Sirko and the Wolf

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51CRH1RH0CL.jpg

Bibliography:

Kimmel, Eric A. 1997. SIRKO AND THE WOLF: A UKRAINIAN TALE. Ill. by Robert Sauber. New York, Holiday House. ISBN 0823412571

Summary:

Sirko has loyally served his owners, but one day his master’s wife determines that he is too old to be of any use to the family.  So off to the forest Sirko is taken by his master and left.  Shortly Sirko meets a wolf who helps him in his time of need.  The wolf hatches a plan to get Sirko back in the good graces of his master and the master’s wife.  The plan works and Sirko is showered with praise and indulgences.  However, as he is home in a warm bed, he knows that he wouldn’t be where he is without the wolf’s help.  Sirko also knows he must find a way to repay the wolf, so he invites the wolf to come to the harvest feast at his home.  The wolf discerns that he would be unwelcome, so together they devise how the wolf can be part of the feast.  All goes according to plan until the guests start playing music.  Then the plan goes awry, and Sirko has to pretend to chase away the wolf to fool his master and the guests.  Finally, when Sirko and the wolf are together again, they realize that no matter who you are or where you live you can be friends on your own terms. 

Critical Analysis:

In Sirko and the Wolf, Eric Kimmel has enlightened readers with an adaptation of a Ukrainian folk tale.  His characters are connectable with readers of all ages; however older children will more likely appreciate and gain more meaning from the tale than younger children.  With each turn of the page, a reader can feel for and relate with the events in the story even though the main characters are talking animals. 

For me, the most relatable line in the story is, “I don’t mind being hungry and cold, as long as I can sing when I please.  I would rather be free than fed.”  In keeping with folk tale tradition, it is apparent by this memorable statement from the wolf that this tale has a moral to be realized by readers.  This line speaks volumes in so many ways.  Such as, the historical strife that the Ukraine has been through, happiness doesn't come from things, and to be true to yourself.  In addition, readers can glean other morals from this folk tale, for example repay friends with kindness, help others in need, and you can be friends no matter your differences.

Robert Sauber’s richly detailed illustrations add to the appeal of this tale.  Readers will be drawn to the folk art like paintings as much as to the story itself.  Each page of illustrations draws the tale further along, giving a deeper understanding to the story.  It feels as if you are under the table with the wolf and see Sirko looking in at you from the outside when Sirko hides the wolf under the table before the start of the feast.  This book is just as much a work of art as it is a story, sure to ensue pride in a Ukrainian tradition.

Finally, the Ukrainian culture is abundantly represented in this adaptation by Kimmel and Sauber.  The depicted mountainous landscape, the bandora that the farmer plays, the name Sirko, and the farming community all have Ukrainian cultural ties.  Also helping is Kimmel’s personal familial connection to the Ukraine that is apparent in this adaptation.  This folk tale is definitely a phenomenal addition to anyone’s multicultural folk tale collection.

Review Excerpts:

"rich, evocative illustrations" –School Library Journal

“Illustrated with impressionistic paintings that vividly dramatize each scene, this picture book tells a story that will please the many dog lovers in the world.” –Booklist

Connections:

-Read other Eric Kimmel adaptations of folk tales

-Read Ukrainian Folk Tales by, Irina Zheleznova

-Research the Ukraine

-Illustrate the moral(s) of this folk tale

-Orally retell this folk tale using a felt board and felt board characters

The Three Little Javelinas

http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1179107068l/875593.jpg

Bibliography:

Lowell, Susan. 1992. THE THREE LITTLE JAVELINAS. Ill. by Jim Harris. Rising Moon. ISBN 0873585429

Summary:

Once upon a time way out in the desert three little javelinas trotted off together to seek their fortunes and soon after parted ways.  Along their journeys they encountered the wily coyote who was tired of eating mice and rabbits and wanted to gobble the enticing javelinas up.  The coyote desirously tries his best to blow in the first pig’s tumbleweed home, the second’s saguaro cactus abode, and finally the sturdy adobe dwelling of the third pig.  To no avail does he succeed in this witty adaptation, and the three little javelinas lived happily ever after.

Book Analysis:

In this adaptation of the classic folktale The Three Little Pigs, Susan Lowell has presented a southwestern spin on a classic story loved by many.  Instead of three pigs and a wolf, Lowell has chosen three javelinas and a coyote that live in the desert.  As with the traditional tale, the sneaky coyote repeats, “Then I’ll huff, and I’ll puff, and I’ll blow your house in!” and is unsuccessful in eating his prey, then falls into the wood stove at the end.  However, this tale goes further and explains why the coyote calls “yip yap yeep yeowww” at night, he is remembering his fateful fall into the stove.

The illustrations by Jim Harris are vivid and entertaining.  He offers a somewhat whimsical rendition of the characters.  Such as, when the three little javelinas go off into the world, they are skipping merrily down the path together.  Each turn of the page engrosses the reader visually into the southwestern culture and perspective of a desert habitat. 

In addition, Lowell has taken this traditional tale originally influenced by European culture and embellished it with the Native American, Mexican, and Anglo cultures of the southwest.  One way she did this was by choosing to use the fabled coyote of southwest cultures that is often viewed as a trickster that is frequently outsmarted by others.  Furthermore, she adds to the spice of culture in this tale by including culturally specific words and their pronunciations, such as javelinas, saguaros, ha’u, and adobe.  Overall, children will enjoy the rich word choice and engrossing culture that is brought to life in Lowell’s adaptation and Harris’s illustrations.

Review Excerpts:

“This clever and flavorful change of scene puts a diverting spin on an old favorite…Sprightly fun.” –Publishers Weekly

“Pure fun on paper!” –Children’s Bookwatch

“Harris’ illustrations are appealing and humorous, and children who loved the original will enjoy this version.” –Booklist

“Complete harmony of text and pictures: altogether lovely.” –Kirkus Reviews

“Whether read aloud in school or in amused solitude, this is a picture book that will be enjoyed again and again.” –School Library Journal

Connections:

-Read other versions of The Three Little Pigs, then compare and contrast the adaptations

-Write your own fractured version of the tale

-Adapt and perform a reader’s theatre

-Research southwestern cultures and/or desert habitats