Dewdney, A. (2007). Llama Llama mad at mama. New York, NY: Viking. ISBN: 978-0-670-06240-9
Interest Level: Ages 5 & under
Genre: Picture Book
Subjects/Themes: Llamas, Animals, Moms, Shopping, Anger, Temper Tantrums, Stories in Rhyme
Plot: Little Llama has to go to the store with Mama instead of getting to stay home and play. Little by little Llama gets upset. Eventually he gets so upset that he has a tantrum and starts throwing everything out of the shopping basket. Mama tells Llama to stop and that enough is enough. Mama calmly explains that she thinks shopping is boring too but at least she has Llama with her to make it better. Together they clean up Llama’s mess and then work as a team to get the shopping done.
Personal Thoughts: The illustrations convey the emotions in the story very well. Young children will easily relate to little Llama’s frustration about having to follow mom around while she does her chores. The rhyming text flows easily making it a great choice for a storytime book. Parents can use this story to help address tantrum problems and start conversations with children about how to make boring chores more fun.
Author's Website: Anna Dewdney's Website
Other Books by the Author: Llama llama holiday drama (2010); Roly Poly pangolin (2010); Nobunny's perfect (2008); Grumpy Gloria (2006); Llama llama red pajama (2005)
Showing posts with label LIBR 262A. Show all posts
Showing posts with label LIBR 262A. Show all posts
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
When Sophie gets angry - really, really angry (Book)
Bang, M. (1999). When Sophie gets angry - really, really angry. New York, NY: Blue Sky Press. ISBN: 0-590-18979-4
Interest Level: Ages 7 to 2
Genre: Picture Book
Subjects/Themes: Anger, Emotions, Coping Skills, Behavior, Siblings, Temper Tantrums, Sharing
Plot: Sophie is playing with her stuffed gorilla when her sister comes and takes it away. Sophie's mother tells her that it is her sister's turn to play with the gorilla. Sophie becomes very very angry, so angry she wants to smash everything. Sophie ends up throwing a temper tantrum and then runs outside to her favorite tree. In the tree's branches, she cries and begins to slowly calm down. After she's completely calm, Sophie returns home to her family who are all working together on a puzzle.
Personal Thoughts: One of the things I like about this book is that it talks about ways in which to deal with anger. Sophie runs to her tree to be alone and calm down. The book prompts children to think about what they should do when their angry. Parents and educators can use this book as a tool for starting a discussion about the right and wrong ways that children express anger. The illustrations are great, conveying the emotional ride that Sophie is on through the story very well.
Awards/Recognition:
Caldecott Medal Honor Award (2000)
Jane Addams Children's Book Honor Award (2000)
Charlotte Zolotow Award (2000)
Author Website: Molly Bang's Website
Other Books by the Author: The day Leo said I hate you (2008); The paper crane (1985); Ten, nine, eight (1983); Chattanooga sludge (1996)
Interest Level: Ages 7 to 2
Genre: Picture Book
Subjects/Themes: Anger, Emotions, Coping Skills, Behavior, Siblings, Temper Tantrums, Sharing
Plot: Sophie is playing with her stuffed gorilla when her sister comes and takes it away. Sophie's mother tells her that it is her sister's turn to play with the gorilla. Sophie becomes very very angry, so angry she wants to smash everything. Sophie ends up throwing a temper tantrum and then runs outside to her favorite tree. In the tree's branches, she cries and begins to slowly calm down. After she's completely calm, Sophie returns home to her family who are all working together on a puzzle.
Personal Thoughts: One of the things I like about this book is that it talks about ways in which to deal with anger. Sophie runs to her tree to be alone and calm down. The book prompts children to think about what they should do when their angry. Parents and educators can use this book as a tool for starting a discussion about the right and wrong ways that children express anger. The illustrations are great, conveying the emotional ride that Sophie is on through the story very well.
Awards/Recognition:
Caldecott Medal Honor Award (2000)
Jane Addams Children's Book Honor Award (2000)
Charlotte Zolotow Award (2000)
Author Website: Molly Bang's Website
Other Books by the Author: The day Leo said I hate you (2008); The paper crane (1985); Ten, nine, eight (1983); Chattanooga sludge (1996)
Let's Meet Farmer Jed (Board Book)
Mitter, M. (2008). Let's meet farmer Jed. Pleasantville, NY: Reader's Digest Children's Books. ISBN: 0-7944-1425-7
Interest Level: Ages 5 & under
Genre: Board Book
Subjects/Themes: Nutrition, Farms, Animals, Food
Plot: Follow Farmer Jed as he goes about his daily chores on the farm. Learn about the different crops he grows and the different livestock he takes care of. Each scene contains one of Farmer Jed's "Healthy Eating Tips" of food and nutrition. The bright and colorful illustrations are modeled after Fisher-Price's "Little People" toys. The different objects in the pictures are all labeled offering a sight word learning opportunity.
Personal Thoughts: So much nutrition information stuffed into such a small board book! All the different labeled items provide one learning opportunity, Farmer Jed's descriptions of life on the farm another, and the healthy eating tips teach children about proper nutrition. The healthy eating tips suggest things like eating breakfast every morning, drinking lots of water, and eating lots of fruits and vegetables.
Other Books by the Author: I'm going to eat you! (2006); The 100th day of school (2003); 1, 2, 3 counting rhymes (2004);
Interest Level: Ages 5 & under
Genre: Board Book
Subjects/Themes: Nutrition, Farms, Animals, Food
Plot: Follow Farmer Jed as he goes about his daily chores on the farm. Learn about the different crops he grows and the different livestock he takes care of. Each scene contains one of Farmer Jed's "Healthy Eating Tips" of food and nutrition. The bright and colorful illustrations are modeled after Fisher-Price's "Little People" toys. The different objects in the pictures are all labeled offering a sight word learning opportunity.
Personal Thoughts: So much nutrition information stuffed into such a small board book! All the different labeled items provide one learning opportunity, Farmer Jed's descriptions of life on the farm another, and the healthy eating tips teach children about proper nutrition. The healthy eating tips suggest things like eating breakfast every morning, drinking lots of water, and eating lots of fruits and vegetables.
Other Books by the Author: I'm going to eat you! (2006); The 100th day of school (2003); 1, 2, 3 counting rhymes (2004);
Happy Healthy Monsters: Grover's Guide to Good Eating (Book)
Kleinberg, N. (2007). Happy healthy monsters: Grover's guide to good eating. New York, NY: Random House Children’s Books. ISBN: 978-0-375-84063-0
Interest Level: Ages 8 to 3
Genre: Picture Book
Subjects/Themes: Nutrition, Monsters, Sesame Street, Healthy Eating Habits
Plot: Grover and Elmo introduce children to different types of healthy foods and healthy eating habits at the Good Eating Cafe where they work. At the same time a second story is going on in the pictures as Grover and Elmo try to serve a customer who isn't interested in their healthy suggestions. Foods that are good to eat all the time, such as vegetables and fruits, are discussed along with foods that are okay to eat only sometimes, such as soda and sweets. Healthy eating tips encourage children to eat healthy, eat lots of different types of vegetables, eat as a family, try new foods, and watch their portion size. The last two pages of the book offers suggestions for parents for encouraging healthy eating, proper rest, and exercise in children.
Personal Thoughts: I think my favorite thing about this book was that it mentioned eating junk food such as soda and sweets sometimes. It doesn't help to pretend children don't eat junk, but it does help to explain that these items are best in small quantities. The story is told with just the right amount of silliness while still getting the message of healthy eating across. The illustrations are well done, full of labels and extra conversation which add to both the information and humor.
Other Books by the Author: Bath time! (2008); Food! by Cookie Monster (1006)
Interest Level: Ages 8 to 3
Genre: Picture Book
Subjects/Themes: Nutrition, Monsters, Sesame Street, Healthy Eating Habits
Plot: Grover and Elmo introduce children to different types of healthy foods and healthy eating habits at the Good Eating Cafe where they work. At the same time a second story is going on in the pictures as Grover and Elmo try to serve a customer who isn't interested in their healthy suggestions. Foods that are good to eat all the time, such as vegetables and fruits, are discussed along with foods that are okay to eat only sometimes, such as soda and sweets. Healthy eating tips encourage children to eat healthy, eat lots of different types of vegetables, eat as a family, try new foods, and watch their portion size. The last two pages of the book offers suggestions for parents for encouraging healthy eating, proper rest, and exercise in children.
Personal Thoughts: I think my favorite thing about this book was that it mentioned eating junk food such as soda and sweets sometimes. It doesn't help to pretend children don't eat junk, but it does help to explain that these items are best in small quantities. The story is told with just the right amount of silliness while still getting the message of healthy eating across. The illustrations are well done, full of labels and extra conversation which add to both the information and humor.
Other Books by the Author: Bath time! (2008); Food! by Cookie Monster (1006)
Going to the Potty (Book)
Rogers, F. (1986). Going to the potty. New York, NY: Penguin Putnam Books for Young Readers. ISBN: 0-698-11575-9
Interest Level: Ages 4 and under
Genre: Picture Book, Non-Fiction
Subjects/Themes: Toilet Training, Growing Up
Plot: A toilet training book created by Mister Rogers. The book explains that when children are babies they need help to do things but that as they grow up they learn to do certain things on their own such as dressing themselves. Rogers also explains the different kinds of diapers and then the different ways a child might get toilet trained. The simple text is paired with real pictures of children and parents doing the different activities described. The children and parents are from a variety of cultures, ages, and genders.
Personal Thoughts: The tone of the book is in the same calming and reassuring tones associated with Roger’s own voice. The book offers encouragement to children in mastering this developmental milestone. Roger's uses grown up language instead of baby language to describe the different functions of the body. The pictures and text describe a variety of diapers and training methods such as showing both a potty chair and toilet seat. Part of Roger's First Experiences book series which helps children with different developmental milestones.
Author's Website: PBS Kids' Mister Roger's Neighborhood
Other books by the Author: Divorce (1996); Extraordinary Friends (2000); The New Baby (1996); Going to Day Care (1985); Going to the Doctor (1986)
Interest Level: Ages 4 and under
Genre: Picture Book, Non-Fiction
Subjects/Themes: Toilet Training, Growing Up
Plot: A toilet training book created by Mister Rogers. The book explains that when children are babies they need help to do things but that as they grow up they learn to do certain things on their own such as dressing themselves. Rogers also explains the different kinds of diapers and then the different ways a child might get toilet trained. The simple text is paired with real pictures of children and parents doing the different activities described. The children and parents are from a variety of cultures, ages, and genders.
Personal Thoughts: The tone of the book is in the same calming and reassuring tones associated with Roger’s own voice. The book offers encouragement to children in mastering this developmental milestone. Roger's uses grown up language instead of baby language to describe the different functions of the body. The pictures and text describe a variety of diapers and training methods such as showing both a potty chair and toilet seat. Part of Roger's First Experiences book series which helps children with different developmental milestones.
Author's Website: PBS Kids' Mister Roger's Neighborhood
Other books by the Author: Divorce (1996); Extraordinary Friends (2000); The New Baby (1996); Going to Day Care (1985); Going to the Doctor (1986)
Once Upon A Potty (Book)
Frankel, A. (1979). Once upon a potty: Boy. New York, NY: HarperFestival. [48 pages]. ISBN: 0-694-
01387-0
Frankel, A. (1980). Once upon a potty: Girl. New York, NY: HarperFestival. [48 pages]. ISBN: 0-694-01388-9
Interest Level: Ages 4 and under
Genre: Picture Book
Subjects/Themes: Toilet Training, Anatomy,
Plot: The book explains that the child in the book (boy or girl depending on the version) has different body parts for different functions. The pictures show anatomically correct pictures of a boy or girl. The book explains that the child has always been going "pee-pee" since they were a baby but now are learning to use the potty. The potty is actually a pot that was given as a gift. The tone of the book encourages children to not get frustrated by mistakes and to be proud and happy when they finally learn to use the potty correctly.
Personal Thoughts: The text is simple, narrated from the mother’s point of view, and uses some baby language such as “wee-wee” and “poo-poo” to describe bodily functions. The wording is a bit awkward or maybe just old fashioned at some points. The strength of this book comes from the anatomically correct drawings. Not my favorite toilet training book, but still useful to parents looking for help.
Author's Website: Alona Frankel's Website for Joshua and Prudence
Other Books by the Author: Prudence's Goodnight Book (2000); Joshua's Book Of Manners (2000); I Want My Mother (2000);
01387-0
Frankel, A. (1980). Once upon a potty: Girl. New York, NY: HarperFestival. [48 pages]. ISBN: 0-694-01388-9
Interest Level: Ages 4 and under
Genre: Picture Book
Subjects/Themes: Toilet Training, Anatomy,
Plot: The book explains that the child in the book (boy or girl depending on the version) has different body parts for different functions. The pictures show anatomically correct pictures of a boy or girl. The book explains that the child has always been going "pee-pee" since they were a baby but now are learning to use the potty. The potty is actually a pot that was given as a gift. The tone of the book encourages children to not get frustrated by mistakes and to be proud and happy when they finally learn to use the potty correctly.
Personal Thoughts: The text is simple, narrated from the mother’s point of view, and uses some baby language such as “wee-wee” and “poo-poo” to describe bodily functions. The wording is a bit awkward or maybe just old fashioned at some points. The strength of this book comes from the anatomically correct drawings. Not my favorite toilet training book, but still useful to parents looking for help.
Author's Website: Alona Frankel's Website for Joshua and Prudence
Other Books by the Author: Prudence's Goodnight Book (2000); Joshua's Book Of Manners (2000); I Want My Mother (2000);
Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs (Book)
Barrett, J. (1978). Cloudy with a chance of meatballs. New York, NY: Antheneum Books for Young Readers. ISBN: 0-689-30647-4
Interest Level: Ages 4 to 8
Genre: Picture Book
Subjects/Themes: Weather, Food, Bedtime Stories, Granparents, Imagination
Plot: Inspired by a pancake landing on one of the children's head, a grandfather tells his two grandchildren a bedtime story about the town of Chewandswallow. The town of Chewandswallow was like most other towns except that instead that they didn't grow or buy food. Instead they got their food three times a day from the sky. Instead of normal weather, it would rain hamburgers or soup, it would snow mashed potatoes, or the wind would blow in hot dogs. Everything was fine until the weather started getting out of control blowing in more food then the people could eat. The town was slowly getting destroyed by all the food so the people decided to leave by constructing boats out of stale bread and peanut butter. The finally sailed far enough to a place where food didn't fall from the sky and instead people grew and stored it. There they stayed, never returning the Chewandswallow.
Personal Thoughts: A cute story that just makes you want to look out your window and use your imagination. The idea of food falling from the sky is one that children can use to help pass the days of bad weather when they can't go outside. There are some sweet scenes between the children and their grandpa during the story. A great addition to a preschool storytime with a food or imagination theme. The movie adaptation only takes a few concepts from the book such as the food being part of the weather and making bread boats. In the movie, a scientist creates a machine to control the weather and cause food to fall. The machine eventually goes out of control and starts destroying the town.
Awards/Recognition:
Delaware Diamonds: Primary (Grades K-2) (1991)
Georgia Children's Book Award: Picture Storybook Award (1984)
Golden Sower Awards (Nebraska): Grades K-3 (1983)
Other Books by Author: Animals should definitely not act like people (1980); Animals should definitely not wear clothing (1970); I Know Two Who Said Moo: A Counting and Rhyming Book(2000); Which Witch Is Which? (2001); Never Take a Shark to the Dentist and Other Things Not To Do (2008); The Marshmallow Incident (2009);
Interest Level: Ages 4 to 8
Genre: Picture Book
Subjects/Themes: Weather, Food, Bedtime Stories, Granparents, Imagination
Plot: Inspired by a pancake landing on one of the children's head, a grandfather tells his two grandchildren a bedtime story about the town of Chewandswallow. The town of Chewandswallow was like most other towns except that instead that they didn't grow or buy food. Instead they got their food three times a day from the sky. Instead of normal weather, it would rain hamburgers or soup, it would snow mashed potatoes, or the wind would blow in hot dogs. Everything was fine until the weather started getting out of control blowing in more food then the people could eat. The town was slowly getting destroyed by all the food so the people decided to leave by constructing boats out of stale bread and peanut butter. The finally sailed far enough to a place where food didn't fall from the sky and instead people grew and stored it. There they stayed, never returning the Chewandswallow.
Personal Thoughts: A cute story that just makes you want to look out your window and use your imagination. The idea of food falling from the sky is one that children can use to help pass the days of bad weather when they can't go outside. There are some sweet scenes between the children and their grandpa during the story. A great addition to a preschool storytime with a food or imagination theme. The movie adaptation only takes a few concepts from the book such as the food being part of the weather and making bread boats. In the movie, a scientist creates a machine to control the weather and cause food to fall. The machine eventually goes out of control and starts destroying the town.
Awards/Recognition:
Delaware Diamonds: Primary (Grades K-2) (1991)
Georgia Children's Book Award: Picture Storybook Award (1984)
Golden Sower Awards (Nebraska): Grades K-3 (1983)
Other Books by Author: Animals should definitely not act like people (1980); Animals should definitely not wear clothing (1970); I Know Two Who Said Moo: A Counting and Rhyming Book(2000); Which Witch Is Which? (2001); Never Take a Shark to the Dentist and Other Things Not To Do (2008); The Marshmallow Incident (2009);
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Special Agent Oso (Cartoon)
Riley, F. (Creator), & Mitchell, J. (Director). (2009). Special agent Oso [Animated television series]. United States: Disney Channel's Playhouse Disney.
Interest Level: Ages 5 and under
Genre: Cartoon,
Subjects/Themes: Animals, Secret Agents, Daily Activities, Reasoning Skills
Running Time: 11 minutes each episode
Plot: Special Agent Oso is a bear who is also a secret agent. Each episode starts off with Oso trying to accomplish a mission, such as recover a gem from deep inside a cave. Oso usually fails his mission on his first try. His mission is then interrupted by a special mission where he must then go and help a child with a certain activity, such as cleaning their room. During that special mission, agent Oso is given three special steps to follow in order to help the child complete the activity. After helping the child, Agent Oso returns to his first mission and is able to accomplish it by remembering something he learned when helping the child.
Personal Thoughts: The show promotes thinking things through to accomplish daily activities. While Agent Oso's missions are in far off and tropical areas, the children he helps are in very ordinary homes doing ordinary everyday things. The cartoon helps children learn to accomplish everyday activities on their own such as brushing their teeth. The "three special steps" also help children learn to break big chores into smaller pieces in order to make them easier.
Cartoon Website: Playhouse Disney's Special Agent Oso Website
Interest Level: Ages 5 and under
Genre: Cartoon,
Subjects/Themes: Animals, Secret Agents, Daily Activities, Reasoning Skills
Running Time: 11 minutes each episode
Plot: Special Agent Oso is a bear who is also a secret agent. Each episode starts off with Oso trying to accomplish a mission, such as recover a gem from deep inside a cave. Oso usually fails his mission on his first try. His mission is then interrupted by a special mission where he must then go and help a child with a certain activity, such as cleaning their room. During that special mission, agent Oso is given three special steps to follow in order to help the child complete the activity. After helping the child, Agent Oso returns to his first mission and is able to accomplish it by remembering something he learned when helping the child.
Personal Thoughts: The show promotes thinking things through to accomplish daily activities. While Agent Oso's missions are in far off and tropical areas, the children he helps are in very ordinary homes doing ordinary everyday things. The cartoon helps children learn to accomplish everyday activities on their own such as brushing their teeth. The "three special steps" also help children learn to break big chores into smaller pieces in order to make them easier.
Cartoon Website: Playhouse Disney's Special Agent Oso Website
Some Babies Sleep (Book)
Cotton, C. (2007). Some babies sleep. New York, NY: Philomel Books. ISBN: 978-0-399-24030-0
Interest Level: Ages 4 and under
Genre: Picture Book
Subjects/Themes: Bedtime, Sleeping, Animals, Stories in Rhyme
Plot: The story describes the different places animal babies sleep using rhyming text. Whether in the desert, snow, under ground, or in a bed the story explains that all babies sleep. The illustrations show a little baby in red pajamas sleeping with different animals in the places described.
Personal Thoughts: A sweet bedtime story whose simple rhymes offer a gentle lullaby rythm. The animal names are never mentioned in the story only the different places they sleep. A fun game would be to have a child guess which animal is sleeping in the places described. The illustrations are soft and sweet with animal parents, animal babies and the human baby all cuddled up with one another.
Other Books by the Author: Snow Ponies (2001); At the edge of the woods (2002); Rain Play (2008)
Author Website: Cynthia Cotten Children's Author Website
Interest Level: Ages 4 and under
Genre: Picture Book
Subjects/Themes: Bedtime, Sleeping, Animals, Stories in Rhyme
Plot: The story describes the different places animal babies sleep using rhyming text. Whether in the desert, snow, under ground, or in a bed the story explains that all babies sleep. The illustrations show a little baby in red pajamas sleeping with different animals in the places described.
Personal Thoughts: A sweet bedtime story whose simple rhymes offer a gentle lullaby rythm. The animal names are never mentioned in the story only the different places they sleep. A fun game would be to have a child guess which animal is sleeping in the places described. The illustrations are soft and sweet with animal parents, animal babies and the human baby all cuddled up with one another.
Other Books by the Author: Snow Ponies (2001); At the edge of the woods (2002); Rain Play (2008)
Author Website: Cynthia Cotten Children's Author Website
Monday, November 29, 2010
Orange Pear Apple Bear (Book)
Gravett, E. (2007). Orange pear apple bear. New York, NY: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers. ISBN: 978-1-4169-3999-3
Interest Level: Ages 3 and under
Genre: Picture Book
Subjects/Themes: Bears, Play on Words, Colors, Shapes, Foods,
Plot: Using only five words (apple, pear, orange, bear, and there), children explore the concept of connecting different words to describe things in different ways. For example the phrase "orange bear" is used with a picture of an orange fruit and a bear as well as with an orange colored bear.
Personal Thoughts: A great sight word learning tool. The repetitiveness of the words is anything but boring when paired with the different illustrations. The water color illustrations pop against the white background. The bear juggles and eats the different fruit. The bear is described using fruit colors and shapes.
Awards/Recognition:
ALA Notable Children's Books - Young Readers Category (2009)
Oprah's Kids' Reading Lists - New Releases: 3-to-5 Years
School Library Journal Best Books (2007)
Author's Website: Emily Gravett's Website
Other Books by the Author: Dogs (2009); The Odd Egg (2009); Monkey and Me (2008); Wolves (2006);
Interest Level: Ages 3 and under
Genre: Picture Book
Subjects/Themes: Bears, Play on Words, Colors, Shapes, Foods,
Plot: Using only five words (apple, pear, orange, bear, and there), children explore the concept of connecting different words to describe things in different ways. For example the phrase "orange bear" is used with a picture of an orange fruit and a bear as well as with an orange colored bear.
Personal Thoughts: A great sight word learning tool. The repetitiveness of the words is anything but boring when paired with the different illustrations. The water color illustrations pop against the white background. The bear juggles and eats the different fruit. The bear is described using fruit colors and shapes.
Awards/Recognition:
ALA Notable Children's Books - Young Readers Category (2009)
Oprah's Kids' Reading Lists - New Releases: 3-to-5 Years
School Library Journal Best Books (2007)
Author's Website: Emily Gravett's Website
Other Books by the Author: Dogs (2009); The Odd Egg (2009); Monkey and Me (2008); Wolves (2006);
The Lion & The Mouse (Book)
Pinkey, J. (2009). The lion & the mouse. New York, NY: Little, Brown and Company Books for Young Readers. ISBN: 978-0-316-01356-7
Interest Level: Ages 8 and under
Genre: Picture Book
Subjects/Themes: Animals, Folk Tales, Stories without Words, Cooperation,
Plot: Without the use of words, the pictures in this story retell Aesop's classic tale of the lion and the mouse. The only text is a few scattered animal sounds in the background. This tale is set in a more modern animal preserve in the African Serengeti. The mouse, running from an owl, gets captured by a lion. The mouse is let go by the lion and returns to its baby filled nest. Hunters arrive and set a trap for the lion. The lion is caught in their net. The mouse hearing the lion's roar runs to the lion and chews through the ropes freeing the lion. The story ends with the mouse taking a piece of the rope back to its nest for the baby mice to chew on.
Personal Thoughts: The lack of words in this story only make the meaning behind it sweeter. The animals and the background are all realistically drawn. The body language and facial expressions on the lion are life-like showing grumpiness at being awaken, curiosity in the mouse, pride when walking around, startlement at being caught and gratitude towards the mouse. I can almost see the mouse actually scurrying across the pages from one place to another. So wonderfully done, its no surprise why it was choosen as a Caldecott Award Winner. Definitely a Must See Book for any age! Great for children to browse through on their own. A possible lesson plan would be to have children write their own dialog for the story.
Awards/Recognition:
ALA Notable Children's Books - All Ages Category (2010)
Booklist Editors' Choice - Books for Youth - Young Readers Category (2009)
Caldecott Medal (2010)
Indies' Choice Book Awards: Children's Illustrated (2010)
New York Times Best Illustrated Children's Books (2009)
Parents' Choice Awards - Picture Books (2009)
School Library Journal Best Books (2009)
Other Books by Author: Three Little Kittens (2010); The Ugly Duckling (1999); The all-I'll-ever-want Christmas doll (2010)
Interest Level: Ages 8 and under
Genre: Picture Book
Subjects/Themes: Animals, Folk Tales, Stories without Words, Cooperation,
Plot: Without the use of words, the pictures in this story retell Aesop's classic tale of the lion and the mouse. The only text is a few scattered animal sounds in the background. This tale is set in a more modern animal preserve in the African Serengeti. The mouse, running from an owl, gets captured by a lion. The mouse is let go by the lion and returns to its baby filled nest. Hunters arrive and set a trap for the lion. The lion is caught in their net. The mouse hearing the lion's roar runs to the lion and chews through the ropes freeing the lion. The story ends with the mouse taking a piece of the rope back to its nest for the baby mice to chew on.
Personal Thoughts: The lack of words in this story only make the meaning behind it sweeter. The animals and the background are all realistically drawn. The body language and facial expressions on the lion are life-like showing grumpiness at being awaken, curiosity in the mouse, pride when walking around, startlement at being caught and gratitude towards the mouse. I can almost see the mouse actually scurrying across the pages from one place to another. So wonderfully done, its no surprise why it was choosen as a Caldecott Award Winner. Definitely a Must See Book for any age! Great for children to browse through on their own. A possible lesson plan would be to have children write their own dialog for the story.
Awards/Recognition:
ALA Notable Children's Books - All Ages Category (2010)
Booklist Editors' Choice - Books for Youth - Young Readers Category (2009)
Caldecott Medal (2010)
Indies' Choice Book Awards: Children's Illustrated (2010)
New York Times Best Illustrated Children's Books (2009)
Parents' Choice Awards - Picture Books (2009)
School Library Journal Best Books (2009)
Other Books by Author: Three Little Kittens (2010); The Ugly Duckling (1999); The all-I'll-ever-want Christmas doll (2010)
Strega Nona (Book)
De Paola, T. (1975). Strega Nona. New York, NY: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers. ISBN: 0-671-66283-X
Interest Level: Ages 3 to 7
Genre: Picture Book
Subjects/Themes: Magic, Folk Tales, Witches, Pasta, Greed, Temptation, Caldecott
Plot: Strega Nona is a witch who creates potions to help other people with their problems. She hires Big Anthony to help her keep house. The one rule of the house is that Big Anthony is never to touch Strega Nona's pasta pot. Strega Nona's pasta pot would make pasta appear when she sang to it and disappear when she sang again to it and blew it three kisses. Big Anthony told the townsfolk about the magic pasta pot but nobody believed him. When Strega Nona leaves on a trip Big Anthony makes the pot make pasta for the whole village. But Big Anthony had only saw Strega Nona singing to the pot not blowing kisses and could not get the pot to stop making pasta. Soon the pasta overflowed the house and into the village. Strega Nona comes home and rescues the village from the pasta. As punishment, Big Anthony is forced to clean the village and Strega Nona's house by eating all the pasta.
Personal Thoughts: A good folk story with a good moral of listening to what you are told and following the rules. Big Anthony is a realistic character and gets angry when the townsfolk don't believe his story. Strega Nona is depicted as a kind old witch who helps others out with her potions but also disciplines them appropriately. The illustrations are full of detail and help tell the story well. A great story for preschool storytimes with a friendly witches or doing the right thing theme.
Awards/Recognition:
Caldecott Honor Book (1976)
ALA Notable Children's Book
Kirkus Choice
Horn Book Honor List
Nakamori Prize
Brooklyn Museum & Public Library Art Books for Children Citation (N.Y.)
Other Books in the Series:
Strega Nona Her Story (1996); Strega Nona Meets Her Match (1993); Strega Nona Takes a Vacation (2000)
Author Website: Offical Tomie de Paola Website
Interest Level: Ages 3 to 7
Genre: Picture Book
Subjects/Themes: Magic, Folk Tales, Witches, Pasta, Greed, Temptation, Caldecott
Plot: Strega Nona is a witch who creates potions to help other people with their problems. She hires Big Anthony to help her keep house. The one rule of the house is that Big Anthony is never to touch Strega Nona's pasta pot. Strega Nona's pasta pot would make pasta appear when she sang to it and disappear when she sang again to it and blew it three kisses. Big Anthony told the townsfolk about the magic pasta pot but nobody believed him. When Strega Nona leaves on a trip Big Anthony makes the pot make pasta for the whole village. But Big Anthony had only saw Strega Nona singing to the pot not blowing kisses and could not get the pot to stop making pasta. Soon the pasta overflowed the house and into the village. Strega Nona comes home and rescues the village from the pasta. As punishment, Big Anthony is forced to clean the village and Strega Nona's house by eating all the pasta.
Personal Thoughts: A good folk story with a good moral of listening to what you are told and following the rules. Big Anthony is a realistic character and gets angry when the townsfolk don't believe his story. Strega Nona is depicted as a kind old witch who helps others out with her potions but also disciplines them appropriately. The illustrations are full of detail and help tell the story well. A great story for preschool storytimes with a friendly witches or doing the right thing theme.
Awards/Recognition:
Caldecott Honor Book (1976)
ALA Notable Children's Book
Kirkus Choice
Horn Book Honor List
Nakamori Prize
Brooklyn Museum & Public Library Art Books for Children Citation (N.Y.)
Other Books in the Series:
Strega Nona Her Story (1996); Strega Nona Meets Her Match (1993); Strega Nona Takes a Vacation (2000)
Author Website: Offical Tomie de Paola Website
Cinderella (Book)
Eilenberg, M. (2008). Cinderella. Cambridge, MA: Candlewick Press. ISBN: 978-0-7636-3856-6
Interest Level: Ages 3 to 8
Genre: Picture Book
Subjects/Themes: Fairy Tale, Princesses and Princes, Fairy Godmothers,
Plot: A retelling of the classic Cinderella tale. The stepmother is jealous of Cinderella's beauty and makes her cook and clean. The stepsisters were just as mean and made fun on Cinderella. Cinderella's fairy godmother helps transform mice, rats, pumpkins and lizards into footman, horses, drivers, and a carriage. her fairy godmother transforms Cinderella's rags into beautiful gowns three different times for the three different balls. The first two balls Cinderella manages to leave the ball well before midnight. On the third night she barely escapes, losing a shoe in the process. The prince goes looking for the owner of the shoe. When it looks like Cinderella might not get to try the shoe on, her father speaks up in her defense for the first time. Cinderella's godmother returns and transforms her gown one more time. Cinderella and the Prince get married while her step-family tries to be supportive.
Personal Thoughts: This fairy tale retelling is nice and simple using words and descriptions that are easily understood by younger children. The illustrations are a mixture of soft pastel colors and sharp lines. The facial expressions on most of the characters are pretty plain. Cinderella doesn't really have any expression throughout the whole story. The animals on the other hand are quiet cute and full of silly expressions and smiles. The sound effects and simple text make the story a good choice for storytime reading.
Other Books by the Author: Beauty and the Beast (2006); Squeak's good idea (2001); Cowboy Kid (2000);
Interest Level: Ages 3 to 8
Genre: Picture Book
Subjects/Themes: Fairy Tale, Princesses and Princes, Fairy Godmothers,
Plot: A retelling of the classic Cinderella tale. The stepmother is jealous of Cinderella's beauty and makes her cook and clean. The stepsisters were just as mean and made fun on Cinderella. Cinderella's fairy godmother helps transform mice, rats, pumpkins and lizards into footman, horses, drivers, and a carriage. her fairy godmother transforms Cinderella's rags into beautiful gowns three different times for the three different balls. The first two balls Cinderella manages to leave the ball well before midnight. On the third night she barely escapes, losing a shoe in the process. The prince goes looking for the owner of the shoe. When it looks like Cinderella might not get to try the shoe on, her father speaks up in her defense for the first time. Cinderella's godmother returns and transforms her gown one more time. Cinderella and the Prince get married while her step-family tries to be supportive.
Personal Thoughts: This fairy tale retelling is nice and simple using words and descriptions that are easily understood by younger children. The illustrations are a mixture of soft pastel colors and sharp lines. The facial expressions on most of the characters are pretty plain. Cinderella doesn't really have any expression throughout the whole story. The animals on the other hand are quiet cute and full of silly expressions and smiles. The sound effects and simple text make the story a good choice for storytime reading.
Other Books by the Author: Beauty and the Beast (2006); Squeak's good idea (2001); Cowboy Kid (2000);
Caterpillar Dance (Book)
Grace, W. (2004). Caterpillar dance. New York, NY: Scholastic. ISBN: 0-439-59879-6
Interest Level: Ages 3 and under
Genre: Board Book
Subjects/Themes: Stories in Rhyme, Caterpillar, Butterfly, Colors, Counting
Plot: Follow five different colored caterpillars in a leaf bed as one by one they become beautiful butterflies. The caterpillar's fuzzy bodies are raised from the page that encourage textile exploration. Each butterfly has a holographic foil wings for an extra illustrated enjoyment.
Personal Thoughts: A simple board book. The repeating phrases are perfect for the intended age level. The caterpillar bodies and foil butterfly wings are a special touch. The rest of the illustrations are brightly drawn using simple lines and colors. Children are introduced to color names and the number five. Nothing special about the book but nothing terrible either. I like that its a board book in a bigger format which provides easier handling.
Other Books by the Author: The three little fish and the big bad shark (2007); Mike's Christmas (2002); Red train (2003); Who do you see: My first taggies book (2009)
Author Website
Interest Level: Ages 3 and under
Genre: Board Book
Subjects/Themes: Stories in Rhyme, Caterpillar, Butterfly, Colors, Counting
Plot: Follow five different colored caterpillars in a leaf bed as one by one they become beautiful butterflies. The caterpillar's fuzzy bodies are raised from the page that encourage textile exploration. Each butterfly has a holographic foil wings for an extra illustrated enjoyment.
Personal Thoughts: A simple board book. The repeating phrases are perfect for the intended age level. The caterpillar bodies and foil butterfly wings are a special touch. The rest of the illustrations are brightly drawn using simple lines and colors. Children are introduced to color names and the number five. Nothing special about the book but nothing terrible either. I like that its a board book in a bigger format which provides easier handling.
Other Books by the Author: The three little fish and the big bad shark (2007); Mike's Christmas (2002); Red train (2003); Who do you see: My first taggies book (2009)
Author Website
Green Eggs and Ham (Book)
Seuss, Dr. (1960). Green eggs and ham. New York, NY: Beginner Books. ISBN: 978-0-394-80016-5
Interest Level: Ages 5 & under
Genre: Picture Book
Subjects/Themes: Stories in Rhyme, Fantasy, Cumulative Stories, Pests, New Foods
Plot: Sam-I-Am tries to convince his friend to try green eggs and ham. Sam suggests different places and people to eat green eggs and ham with. His friend refuses one suggestion after another. Finally tired of Sam-I-Am's suggestions, his friend promises to try the green eggs and ham if Sam will leave him alone afterwards. To his surprise, Sam's friend actually likes green eggs and ham and thanks Sam for making him try them.
Personal Thoughts: Of all of Dr. Seuss' stories, this is probably one of my favorite to read aloud. A great story about being willing to try new foods at least once. The rhymes build upon one another after each suggestion. The illustrations are done in typical Dr. Seuss style that include splashes of red, yellow, and blue green colors against a white background. A great craft to go along with the story is actually making green eggs and ham using food coloring. A great addition to food or tongue twisting themed storytimes.
Website: Seussville.com
Some Other Books by the Author: Fox in Socks (1965); There's a Wocket in my Pocket (1974); Hop on Pop (1963); The Cat in the Hat (1957);
Interest Level: Ages 5 & under
Genre: Picture Book
Subjects/Themes: Stories in Rhyme, Fantasy, Cumulative Stories, Pests, New Foods
Plot: Sam-I-Am tries to convince his friend to try green eggs and ham. Sam suggests different places and people to eat green eggs and ham with. His friend refuses one suggestion after another. Finally tired of Sam-I-Am's suggestions, his friend promises to try the green eggs and ham if Sam will leave him alone afterwards. To his surprise, Sam's friend actually likes green eggs and ham and thanks Sam for making him try them.
Personal Thoughts: Of all of Dr. Seuss' stories, this is probably one of my favorite to read aloud. A great story about being willing to try new foods at least once. The rhymes build upon one another after each suggestion. The illustrations are done in typical Dr. Seuss style that include splashes of red, yellow, and blue green colors against a white background. A great craft to go along with the story is actually making green eggs and ham using food coloring. A great addition to food or tongue twisting themed storytimes.
Website: Seussville.com
Some Other Books by the Author: Fox in Socks (1965); There's a Wocket in my Pocket (1974); Hop on Pop (1963); The Cat in the Hat (1957);
The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs (Book)
Scieszka, J. (1989). The true story of the 3 little pigs. New York, NY: Viking Penguin. ISBN: 978-0-670-82759-6
Interest Level: Ages 3 to 8
Genre: Picture Book
Subjects/Themes: Humor, Wolves, Pigs, Twisted Fairy/Folk Tale, Misunderstandings,
Plot: Alexander T. Wolf tells his side of the three little pigs story. He explains that it was all a misunderstanding that resulted from him having a cold and trying to borrow a cup of sugar. Wolf went to his neighbor's house to borrow some sugar when he accidentally sneezed and blew down the straw house killing the first little pig. Not wanting to waste food, the wolf ate the little pig. The same thing happened when he went to the next house and again not wanting to waste food the wolf ate the dead little pig. The third little pig's house didn't blow down from a sneeze since it was made of bricks but the third pig was also very rude. The pig started calling the wolf's grandma names which made the wolf angry. When the cops and reporters came, the wolf was so angry he was trying to break down the pig's door. It was the reporters who started calling him the big bad wolf and made up the other story.
Personal Thoughts: A nice remake of the three little pigs story told from the wolf's point of view. The wolf speaks directly to the reader most of the time begging them to look at it from his point of view. The illustrations are well done showing a professor-like wolf with glasses and a mean looking pig. The pictures of cake batter and cheeseburgers are a little gruesome yet funny with bunny ears and pig tails sticking out. The ending shows the wolf behind bars being guarded by a pig policeman. A Must Read for fairy tale fans.
Awards/Recognition:
ALA Notable Children's Books (1990)
Black-Eyed Susan Book Awards (Maryland): Picture Book (1992)
Other Books by Author: Robot Zot! (2009); Melvin might? (2008); Cowboy and Octopus (2007); The Frog Prince Continued (1991); Baloney (Henry P.) (2001);
Author's Website: Jon Scieszka Worldwide
Interest Level: Ages 3 to 8
Genre: Picture Book
Subjects/Themes: Humor, Wolves, Pigs, Twisted Fairy/Folk Tale, Misunderstandings,
Plot: Alexander T. Wolf tells his side of the three little pigs story. He explains that it was all a misunderstanding that resulted from him having a cold and trying to borrow a cup of sugar. Wolf went to his neighbor's house to borrow some sugar when he accidentally sneezed and blew down the straw house killing the first little pig. Not wanting to waste food, the wolf ate the little pig. The same thing happened when he went to the next house and again not wanting to waste food the wolf ate the dead little pig. The third little pig's house didn't blow down from a sneeze since it was made of bricks but the third pig was also very rude. The pig started calling the wolf's grandma names which made the wolf angry. When the cops and reporters came, the wolf was so angry he was trying to break down the pig's door. It was the reporters who started calling him the big bad wolf and made up the other story.
Personal Thoughts: A nice remake of the three little pigs story told from the wolf's point of view. The wolf speaks directly to the reader most of the time begging them to look at it from his point of view. The illustrations are well done showing a professor-like wolf with glasses and a mean looking pig. The pictures of cake batter and cheeseburgers are a little gruesome yet funny with bunny ears and pig tails sticking out. The ending shows the wolf behind bars being guarded by a pig policeman. A Must Read for fairy tale fans.
Awards/Recognition:
ALA Notable Children's Books (1990)
Black-Eyed Susan Book Awards (Maryland): Picture Book (1992)
Other Books by Author: Robot Zot! (2009); Melvin might? (2008); Cowboy and Octopus (2007); The Frog Prince Continued (1991); Baloney (Henry P.) (2001);
Author's Website: Jon Scieszka Worldwide
Toot & Puddle: Puddle's ABC (Book)
Hobbie, H. (2000). Toot & Puddle: Puddle's ABC. Boston, MA: Little, Brown and Company. ISBN: 978-0-316-36593-2
Interest Level: Ages 3 to 7
Genre: Picture Book
Subjects/Themes: Pigs, Turtles, ABCs, Learning to Write,
Plot: Puddle the pig teaches Otto the turtle his ABCs so that he can learn to write his name. After learning to write each letter of the alphabet, Otto learns to write his name as well as Toot and Puddle's names. Each letter of the alphabet is introduced in both upper and lower case forms. A picture accompanies the letter with a short phrase or sentence. For example for the letter M there is the phrase "Miss Mud in Moonlight" accompanied by the picture of a muddy pig under a moon.
Personal Thoughts: Another ABC book for young children, though with a little bit more of a background story then most. I like how it connects the process of learning the alphabet with learning to write one's name. The illustrations are well done though Puddle looks a little like a know-it-all. Most of the letter phrases flow well and use only words that start with the letter they are connected with. The only spread that I really had a problem with was for the letter W where the phrase says "wooly bears waltzing" and shows two fuzzy caterpillars dancing. Where does the "bear" come from? It might have been better said using the word wigglers instead. But otherwise the book connects learning letters and learning how to write words really well. The text does run a little long though so I would suggest this ABC book for more advance letter learners.
Series Info: Part of the Toot & Puddle book series
Website: National Geographic's Toot & Puddle Website
Interest Level: Ages 3 to 7
Genre: Picture Book
Subjects/Themes: Pigs, Turtles, ABCs, Learning to Write,
Plot: Puddle the pig teaches Otto the turtle his ABCs so that he can learn to write his name. After learning to write each letter of the alphabet, Otto learns to write his name as well as Toot and Puddle's names. Each letter of the alphabet is introduced in both upper and lower case forms. A picture accompanies the letter with a short phrase or sentence. For example for the letter M there is the phrase "Miss Mud in Moonlight" accompanied by the picture of a muddy pig under a moon.
Personal Thoughts: Another ABC book for young children, though with a little bit more of a background story then most. I like how it connects the process of learning the alphabet with learning to write one's name. The illustrations are well done though Puddle looks a little like a know-it-all. Most of the letter phrases flow well and use only words that start with the letter they are connected with. The only spread that I really had a problem with was for the letter W where the phrase says "wooly bears waltzing" and shows two fuzzy caterpillars dancing. Where does the "bear" come from? It might have been better said using the word wigglers instead. But otherwise the book connects learning letters and learning how to write words really well. The text does run a little long though so I would suggest this ABC book for more advance letter learners.
Series Info: Part of the Toot & Puddle book series
Website: National Geographic's Toot & Puddle Website
Gruff the Grump (Book)
Smallman, S. (2009). Gruff the grump. Intercourse, PA: Good Books. ISBN: 978-1-56148-669-4
Interest Level: Ages 5 & under
Genre: Picture Book
Subjects/Themes: Bears, Rabbits, Kindness, Grumpiness, Gifts, Moods
Plot: Gruff is a great big grumpy bear. He lives is a musty dusty cave and doesn't care what anyone else thinks about him. One day he rescues a rabbit stuck in a tree. The rabbit gives Gruff a "star" he found as a way of saying thank you. Gruff brings "star" or golden leaf home which motivates him to clean a part of his cave. On a different day Gruff rescues the rabbit from the river and is given another star. Gruff ends up cleaning the rest of his cave but becomes sad at how lonely he feels. Sad turns to mad and Gruff ends up yelling at the little rabbit when he comes knocking. The little rabbit starts crying and Gruff tries different things to cheer him up, finally apologizing for his behavior. The animals become friends and end up playing with all the stars.
Personal Thoughts: Gruff the bear could be any grumpy child. The giving of gold "stars" by the little rabbit is reminiscent of gold stars children might get in a classroom for good behavior, in Gruff's case in return for being kind and helping someone else. The story also suggests that cleaning a messy room can help cheer a grumpy person up. Children might also relate to how the bear snaps at the little rabbit, not because he was mad at the rabbit but because he was upset and lonely. Acting silly doesn't stop rabbit's tears, but apologizing does (another good lesson for young children). The illustrations are wonderfully done with colored pencils in fall and forest colors. A great addition for bear, fall, or kindness themed storytimes. Also a good picture book in a preschool classroom or at home to help introduce a rewards chart.
Other Books by the Author: The Lamb Who Came For Dinner (2007); There's No Such Things As Monsters! (2009); The Very Greedy Bee (2007); The Monkey with the Bright Blue Bottom (2009); Dragon Stew (2010);
Interest Level: Ages 5 & under
Genre: Picture Book
Subjects/Themes: Bears, Rabbits, Kindness, Grumpiness, Gifts, Moods
Plot: Gruff is a great big grumpy bear. He lives is a musty dusty cave and doesn't care what anyone else thinks about him. One day he rescues a rabbit stuck in a tree. The rabbit gives Gruff a "star" he found as a way of saying thank you. Gruff brings "star" or golden leaf home which motivates him to clean a part of his cave. On a different day Gruff rescues the rabbit from the river and is given another star. Gruff ends up cleaning the rest of his cave but becomes sad at how lonely he feels. Sad turns to mad and Gruff ends up yelling at the little rabbit when he comes knocking. The little rabbit starts crying and Gruff tries different things to cheer him up, finally apologizing for his behavior. The animals become friends and end up playing with all the stars.
Personal Thoughts: Gruff the bear could be any grumpy child. The giving of gold "stars" by the little rabbit is reminiscent of gold stars children might get in a classroom for good behavior, in Gruff's case in return for being kind and helping someone else. The story also suggests that cleaning a messy room can help cheer a grumpy person up. Children might also relate to how the bear snaps at the little rabbit, not because he was mad at the rabbit but because he was upset and lonely. Acting silly doesn't stop rabbit's tears, but apologizing does (another good lesson for young children). The illustrations are wonderfully done with colored pencils in fall and forest colors. A great addition for bear, fall, or kindness themed storytimes. Also a good picture book in a preschool classroom or at home to help introduce a rewards chart.
Other Books by the Author: The Lamb Who Came For Dinner (2007); There's No Such Things As Monsters! (2009); The Very Greedy Bee (2007); The Monkey with the Bright Blue Bottom (2009); Dragon Stew (2010);
Saturday, November 27, 2010
A Dog Needs a Bone (Book)
Wood, A. (2007). A dog needs a bone!. New York, NY: Blue Sky Press. ISBN: 0-545-00005-X
Interest Level: Ages 5 and under
Genre: Picture Book
Subjects/Themes: Dogs, Stories in Rhyme, Promises
Plot: A little yellow dog promises one thing after another if only his mistress will give him a bone to chew on. He would be on his best behavior, do all the chores, and treat his mistress like a queen, if only he gets a bone. Sad to find his mistress has left him alone, the dog naps in her bed. He wakes to find she's returned from the store. His mistress teases him with carrots, broccoli, and peas before finally giving the poor dog a bone.
Personal Thoughts: This is a very cute and nicely illustrated book. The illustrations were made with crayon on brown paper bags and capture the expressions of the dog very well. Reminiscent of a young child begging for a toy or treat, the dog's ability to keep his promises later might be questionable. The mistress' teasing of the dog with vegetables is funny though it doesn't quiet encourage healthy eating in young children. The rhyming in the story makes this book an easy read at storytimes. A co-worker of mine did a felt board variation of the story that included pulling the vegetables and one big bone out of different paper bags.
Author's Website: Audrey Wood's Club House
Other Books by the Author: The napping house (1984); The Bunyans (1996); The flying dragon room (1996); Silly Sally (1991); Heckedy Peg (1987);
Interest Level: Ages 5 and under
Genre: Picture Book
Subjects/Themes: Dogs, Stories in Rhyme, Promises
Plot: A little yellow dog promises one thing after another if only his mistress will give him a bone to chew on. He would be on his best behavior, do all the chores, and treat his mistress like a queen, if only he gets a bone. Sad to find his mistress has left him alone, the dog naps in her bed. He wakes to find she's returned from the store. His mistress teases him with carrots, broccoli, and peas before finally giving the poor dog a bone.
Personal Thoughts: This is a very cute and nicely illustrated book. The illustrations were made with crayon on brown paper bags and capture the expressions of the dog very well. Reminiscent of a young child begging for a toy or treat, the dog's ability to keep his promises later might be questionable. The mistress' teasing of the dog with vegetables is funny though it doesn't quiet encourage healthy eating in young children. The rhyming in the story makes this book an easy read at storytimes. A co-worker of mine did a felt board variation of the story that included pulling the vegetables and one big bone out of different paper bags.
Author's Website: Audrey Wood's Club House
Other Books by the Author: The napping house (1984); The Bunyans (1996); The flying dragon room (1996); Silly Sally (1991); Heckedy Peg (1987);
Bark, George (Book)
Feiffer, J. (1999). Bark, George. New York, NY: HarperCollins Publishers. ISBN: 0-06-205186-5
Interest Level: Ages 5 and under
Genre: Picture Book
Subjects/Themes: Dogs, Animal Sounds, Humor,
Plot: A mother dog becomes distressed because instead of barking like a dog should, her puppy is making other animal sounds. In order to solve George's problem, George's mother takes him to the vet. After asking George to bark and getting other animal sounds, the vet reaches deep inside George and pulls out different animals. After pulling out a cat, a duck, a pig and a cow, George finally is able to bark. The mother dog is so happy she kisses everyone and takes George out to show off his new bark. But instead of barking George says "Hello."
Personal Thoughts: Children will enjoy making the different animal sounds. The fact that the vet pulls out a variety of animals from deep down inside George is pretty funny, especially when you start considering how they got in there in the first place. Children might be worried or might just find it hilarious when George says "Hello" at the end of the book and we must presume that he swallowed a person. I really like the animated version of this book which is narrated by John Lithgow. The animation for the cartoon is minimal and doesn't take away from feeling of the original illustrations. A Must Read picture book! Great for dog or animal sound themed storytimes.
Awards/Recognition:
ALA Notable Children's Books (2000)
Booklist Editors' Choice - Books for Youth - Young Readers Category (1999)
Buckeye Children's Book Award (Ohio): Grades K-2 (2001)
Flicker Tale Children's Book Award (North Dakota): Picture Books (2002)
Florida Reading Association Children's Book Award (2003)
Georgia Children's Book Award: Picture Storybook Award (2002)
Grand Canyon Reader Award (Arizona): Picture Book (2002)
Great Lakes Great Books Award (Michigan): Grades K-1 (2002)
Keystone to Reading Book Award (Pennsylvania): Primary category (2001)
Parents' Choice Awards - Picture Books (1999)
School Library Journal Best Books (1999)
Author's Website: Jules Feiffer Website
Other Books by the Author: Phantom Tollbooth (1961); The Daddy Mountain (2004);
Interest Level: Ages 5 and under
Genre: Picture Book
Subjects/Themes: Dogs, Animal Sounds, Humor,
Plot: A mother dog becomes distressed because instead of barking like a dog should, her puppy is making other animal sounds. In order to solve George's problem, George's mother takes him to the vet. After asking George to bark and getting other animal sounds, the vet reaches deep inside George and pulls out different animals. After pulling out a cat, a duck, a pig and a cow, George finally is able to bark. The mother dog is so happy she kisses everyone and takes George out to show off his new bark. But instead of barking George says "Hello."
Personal Thoughts: Children will enjoy making the different animal sounds. The fact that the vet pulls out a variety of animals from deep down inside George is pretty funny, especially when you start considering how they got in there in the first place. Children might be worried or might just find it hilarious when George says "Hello" at the end of the book and we must presume that he swallowed a person. I really like the animated version of this book which is narrated by John Lithgow. The animation for the cartoon is minimal and doesn't take away from feeling of the original illustrations. A Must Read picture book! Great for dog or animal sound themed storytimes.
Awards/Recognition:
ALA Notable Children's Books (2000)
Booklist Editors' Choice - Books for Youth - Young Readers Category (1999)
Buckeye Children's Book Award (Ohio): Grades K-2 (2001)
Flicker Tale Children's Book Award (North Dakota): Picture Books (2002)
Florida Reading Association Children's Book Award (2003)
Georgia Children's Book Award: Picture Storybook Award (2002)
Grand Canyon Reader Award (Arizona): Picture Book (2002)
Great Lakes Great Books Award (Michigan): Grades K-1 (2002)
Keystone to Reading Book Award (Pennsylvania): Primary category (2001)
Parents' Choice Awards - Picture Books (1999)
School Library Journal Best Books (1999)
Author's Website: Jules Feiffer Website
Other Books by the Author: Phantom Tollbooth (1961); The Daddy Mountain (2004);
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