BUFFALO WOMAN BY PAUL GOBLE

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Goble, Paul. 1984. BUFFALO WOMAN. New York, NY: Bradbury Press. ISBN-10: 0689711093
2. PLOT SUMMARY
In this very romantic book based on a legend from the tribes of the Great Plains, Paul Goble retells and illustrates a beautiful story for all ages. A talented young hunter meets a mysterious maiden and marries her. He is very happy and a young son is born to them. However, his tribe refuses to accept his bride because she is different and is not one of them. When his young bride and his son leave to return to her people, the young hunter unrelentingly follows them. His love for them is constant, even in the face of possible death. His love does not falter even after realizing that his wife is a buffalo, as is his son. His love is tested and when he passes the test, he is given the honor of joining the buffalo. His bravery results in a union between The People and the Buffalo People. Because of his faithfulness, the legend explains, the buffalo people give “their flesh so that little children and babies still unborn, will always have meat to eat.”
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Paul Goble’s beautiful book illustrates a lovely legend/folktale that explains why the buffalo are happy to give their flesh to nourish little children. This pour quoi tale seeks to reassure and help little ones to understand why it is acceptable to eat the flesh their friends, the buffalo. The simple and direct retelling of this tale is accompanied by colorful, elegantly sketched illustrations of native scenes depicting the events in the story.
While reading Buffalo Woman, one could easily imagine oneself transported to a smoky scene around a campfire in an Indian village a long time ago. Little children, stomachs filled with freshly roasted buffalo, listening raptly as an elder in a sing-song voice tells the story of the brilliant hunter/hero who gave himself up to join his wife and child and for their people. Because of his heroic act, the buffalo people accepted humans as their own. In the telling of this legend, the close interdependent relationship between “The People” and the buffalo was explained and honored. The value of the hero sacrificing himself for his family and his people is taught to the next generation.
In our time, Buffalo Woman promotes both acceptance and tolerance for those who are different from us. Goble retells and illustrates a timeless book.
4. AWARDS AND EXCEPTS
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: *STARRED REVIEW* “In text and illustrations, Goble's story exhibits a quiet simplicity, respect for nature and the power of love."
ALA Notable Children's Book
School Library Journal Best Book of the Year
Booklist Editors' Choice
The Horn Book Fanfare List
5. CONNECTIONS
Readers may also enjoy these folktales based on Native American legends by Paul Goble:
STAR BOY. ISBN-10: 0689714998
THE GIFT OF THE SACRED DOG. ISBN-10: 0020432801
THE GIRL WHO LOVED WILD HORSES. ISBN-10: 0689845049
DREAM WOLF. ISBN-10: 0689815069

BUBBA THE COWBOY PRINCE

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Ketteman, Helen. 1997. BUBBA THE COWBOY PRINCE: A FRACTURED TEXAS TALE. Ill. By James Warhola. New York, NY: Scholastic Press. ISBN-10: 0590255061
2. PLOT SUMMARY
In this very amusing fractured western retelling of Cinderella, we find roles switched and meet a humble and engaging “Bubba”rella instead of the traditional Cinderella. Poor Bubba works hard every day doing what he loves best, ranching and cow poking. His worthless stepbrothers are good at bossing him around and not much good at anything else. His stepdaddy obviously favors his flesh and bone sons and does not appreciate his stepson’s hardworking ways. When Miz Lurleen, a wealthy ranch owner decides it’s time to marry, she invites all eligible bachelors to a do-si-do and is heartily disappointed with the lack of “real” cowboys who show up for her shindig. Of course, Bubba makes it to her shindig with help from a very kind “godcow” who gussied him to look pretty darn good, but just until midnight. Bubba, back in rags, loses track of time and loses his worn boot in his hurry to high tail it out of there. However, Miz Lurleen has found her cowboy and will not be deterred. With boot in hand, she sets out to find him. A fairy tale ending ensues with Bubba and Lurleen riding off into the sunset.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Bubba the Cowboy Prince: A fractured Texas Tale features a strong female heroine, Miss Lurleen and a handsome and humble Cinderella, Bubba. It truly captures western culture with encoded Texas twang and turns the classic Cinderella into a funny story that engages and entertains readers of all ages.
Ms. Ketteman has broken away from the very traditional roles exemplified by the classic Cinderella story. Although Bubba may be a bit naïve and his circumstances are “sorry”, he focuses on the positive thing in his life, ranching. Bubba shows us his sensitive side many times in the story. When he realized that he was not presentable to dance with Miz Lurleen, he”…felt lower than a rattlesnake in a gully.” Miz Lurleen is a strong character who also happens to be a successful rancher. She can see beneath the “raggedy shirt” of Bubba to see a heart that beats to the same passion, ranching. Unlike the traditional Cinderella, she is a strong role model for young girls. Bubba shows boys that it is perfectly acceptable to be sensitive.
The illustrations are exceptionally well-matched with the story. Ketteman’s mastery with words and Warhola’s hilarious illustrations result in a fun, humorous and very entertaining tale. Warhola’s illustrations capture the characters essence beautifully. The “godcow” is a “hoot.” Together, Ketteman and Warhola capture the spirit of the old West and breathe new life into a classic story.
4. AWARDS WON AND REVIEW EXCERPTS
KIRKUS: “A Cinderella parody features the off-the-wall, whang-dang Texas hyperbole of Ketteman (The Year of No More Corn, 1993, etc.) and the insouciance of Warhola, who proves himself only too capable of creating a fairy godcow…”
5. CONNECTIONS
Readers who enjoyed this retelling of Cinderella may also enjoy:
Lowell, Susan. Ill. Jane Manning. CINDY ELLEN: A WILD WESTERN CINDERLLA. ISBN-10: 0064438643
Cole, Babette. PRINCE CINDERS. ISBN-10: 0698115546
Jackson, Ellen. Ill. Kevin O’Malley. CINDER EDNA. ISBN-10: 0688162959
Steptoe, John. MUFARO’S BEAUTIFUL DAUGHTERS. ISBN-10: 1591123186
Louie, Ai-Ling. YEN-SHEN: A CINDERELLA STORY FROM CHINA. ISBN-10: 0698113888
Climo, Shirley. AN EGYPTIAN CINDERELLA. ISBN-10: 0064432793

MOONBEAMS, DUMPLINGS & DRAGON BOATS by Nina Simonds, Leslie Swartz &The Children's Museum

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Simonds, N., Swatz, L., &The Children’s Museum Boston. 2002. Ill. By Meilo So. MOONBEAMS, DUMPLINGS & DRAGON BOATS. Orlando, FL: Harcourt, Inc. ISBN-10: 0152019839
2. PLOT SUMMARY
Moonbeams, Dumplings & Dragon Boats features five major Chinese festivals. In this wonderful book, the authors seek to facilitate a deeper understanding of Chinese culture by providing traditional stories, recipes, and crafts associated with each festival. The illustrations are both beautiful and useful in trying to replicate some of the crafts.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
The authors of Moonbeams, Dumplings & Dragon Boats have created a wonderful tool that will be useful for both educators and parents alike in developing an understanding and appreciation for the Chinese culture.
Each festival comes with a folktale, crafts, and recipes that go along with it. Each traditional tale explains the reason for the festival. As folktales around the world often do, some Chinese folktales seek to explain the reasons for human tragedy while reassuring its listeners that people do indeed have some control over forces that appear frightening and unpredictable. For example, the Festival of the New Year features the Kitchen God who is a cowardly and gluttonous character who would rather allow humans to suffer than to accept responsibility for his actions. Because of his cowardly behavior, humans suffer through a difficult New Year. However, when humans discover his less than honorable behavior, they take matters into their own hands and trick the Kitchen God into giving the good report they deserve to the Jade Emperor. This trickery results in a prosperous New Year. In this way, this Chinese folktale is a combination between a pour quoi and a trickster tale. Other traditional folktales showcase virtues that the culture values.
Meilo So has done a magnificent job illustrating pictures of China past and present-day China and interwoven them throughout the text. In this way, young readers begin to develop an appreciation for China’s past, while understanding that China has continued to progress along with the rest of the world. The illustrations are richly flavored with Chinese culture, past and present.
The authors demonstrate their sincere desire to facilitate a multisensory experience for children by providing a list of easily accessible materials for many of the crafts. Also, multiple recipes are included with each festival and many have ingredients or substitutions that are easily available. In addition, step-by-step instructions with many illustrations have been provided for both the crafts and the recipes.

4. AWARDS AND BOOK EXCEPTS
PUBLISHER’S WEEKLY: “Step-by-step illustrations aid in food preparation or crafts such as New Year Prints or Good Luck Characters in this elegantly designed volume.”
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “Moonbeams is a useful, visually appealing addition to any holiday collection.”
5. CONNECTIONS
If readers were interested in learning about the Chinese culture and festivals, they may also be interested in the following:
Hoyt-Goldsmith, D. CELEBRATING CHINESE NEW YEAR. Photographs by Lawrence Migdale. ISBN-10: 0823415201
Vaughan, M.K., THE DANCING DRAGON. Ill. By Stanley Wong Hoo Foon. ISBN-10: 1572551348
Chan, M. CELEBRATING CHINESE NEW YEAR: AN ACTIVITY BOOK. ISBN-10: 1932457046

The Pigeon Finds a Hot Dog by Mo Willems

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY Willems, Mo. 2004. THE PIGEON FINDS A HOT DOG. New York, NY: Hyperion Books for Children. ISBN 0-7868-1869-7
2. PLOT SUMMARY
In The Pigeon Finds a Hot Dog, Mo Willems writes and illustrates a story that is entertaining for young readers, as well as readers of all ages. In this story, Pigeon finds a hot dog and is intent on enjoying it. However, there is one hindrance to Pigeon’s enjoyment; a very cute little duckling who obviously wants the hot dog as well. Pigeon’s struggles between his selfish desires to singlehandedly consume the hot dog and his growing guilt over his refusal to share his treasure result in a very funny tale.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
In The Pigeon Finds a Hot Dog, Mo Willems’ writing and illustrations are simple, hilarious and engaging. There are two characters in the book, a pigeon and a duckling. The conflict in the story stems from a hot dog that Pigeon has found and duckling’s refusal to leave him alone to enjoy it. Young children will relate to Pigeon’s struggle between eating the hot dog and sharing with his little friend.
The author’s style encourages interaction between the audience and the pigeon. Young readers can easily relate to pigeon’s joy when he finds a hot dog. The simple yet dramatic illustrations show Pigeon delightfully dancing around singing, “Oooooh! A hot dog! Yummy! Yummy! Yummy!” A young audience` can relate to the pigeon’s stance that the hot dog belongs to him because he found it. They witness his struggle between wanting to greedily consume the hot dog and feeling uneasy about doing so because he knows that sharing is the right thing to do. Duckling never asks pigeon to share his hot dog. He understands that the hot dog does indeed belong to Pigeon. Instead, he states that he only seeks to know what the hot dog tastes like. He calls himself “a curious bird.” However, the sweet duckling does indeed succeed in eliciting sympathy from readers who know what it’s like to be on the short-end of the sharing stick. Due to the self-centered nature of early childhood, young readers can easily relate to pigeon’s struggle between greed and generosity.
Mo Willems demonstrates a sensitive understanding of how young children perceive the world. For example, the ownership of the hot dog is never questioned. Young children can sympathize with pigeon’s greed while building empathy for duckling. This book is a useful tool that gently and wittily teaches the value of sharing. In the end, pigeon shares the hot dog and they both enjoy it together.
Pigeon Finds a Hot Dog provides many opportunities to discuss pigeon’s dilemma and to help him to problem-solve. It is a useful tool for parents and educators in guiding children in experiencing the value of sharing.
4. AWARDS WON AND BOOK EXCERPT(S)
School Library Journal review: “Willems's deceptively simple cartoon drawings convincingly portray his protagonist's emotional dilemma, from his initial joy to his frustration and struggle over what he wants to do versus what he knows is right.”
5. CONNECTIONS
Books by Mo Willems that children (young and old) can relate to and that encourage social and everyday living problem-solving:
Don’t Let the Pigeon Stay Up Late ISBN-10: 0786837462
Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus ISBN-10: 078681988X
The Pigeon Wants a Puppy ISBN-10: 1423109600
The Pigeon Has Feelings Too. ISBN-10: 0786836504

Artist to Artist

1. BIBILIOGRAPHY
Lee, P. (Editor); Brigg s, David (Editor); Palmer, Courtenay (Editor). 2008. ARTIST TO ARTIST 23 MAJOR ILLUSTRATORS TALK TO CHILDREN ABOUT THEIR ART. New York, NY: Philomel Books. ISBN0 978-0-399-24600-5
2. PLOT SUMMARY
Artist to Artist 23 Major Illustrators Talk to Children about Their Art is an anthology of personal stories by beloved illustrators that benefits the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art. In this book, children’s most popular artists share how they became artist. Featured illustrators include pictures of themselves as young children and write excerpts that speak personally to children. The collection includes a diverse group of artists that use a variety of different art mediums.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Illustrators have spent an inordinate amount of the time in the background since authors all too often receive center stage. In this wonderful book, illustrators are the stars of the show. Furthermore, illustrators have a voice and use it to share about themselves, their childhood, and how they became illustrators. Many artists share about the process they go through in order to create art for picture books. All the illustrators present children with different examples of their own unique style. Some Artists speak very personally to children and are very honest, such as Nancy Ekholm Burkett who writes, “Because I felt very alone as a child, drawing became my companion, and my bridge to the World.” This is just one example of many that help children to understand the importance of art as a form of self-expression and as a means to connect with others.
In addition, artists utilize their own unique style in making their self portrait. Since photographs are included of the artists, it is very entertaining to discuss the difference between how the artist actually looks and how they illustrate themselves. In their self-portraits, the illustrators do an amazing job of teaching how much one can learn from drawings by paying attention to the details. In addition, children learn the power of art to communicate and do so without the need for words.
In Artist to Artist 23 Major Illustrators Talk to Children about Their Art , illustrators invite children into their profession and share with them their love of art. In fact, the book itself is an invitation to children to explore their own unique style. The artists do a masterful job of relating to children that there is no right or wrong way to “do” art. They simply encourage children to undertake the journey of creating in order to discover more about themselves and the world around them.
4. AWARDS WON AND REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: A gorgeous, browsable gallery of international treasures.
KIRKUS: *Starred Review* Fun to read and view, this anthology is a treasure trove of creative insight and inspiration.
5. CONNECTIONS
If children, young and old, enjoyed this book, they may also enjoy:
Carle, Eric. THE ART OF ERIC CARLE. ISBN 0399240020
Evans, Dilys. SHOW AND TELL: EXPLORING OF THE FINE ART OF CHILDREN’S BOOK ILLUSTRATION. ISBN-13: 9780811849715

Salisbury, Martin. PLAY PEN: NEW CHILDREN’S BOOK ILLUSTRATION. ISBN: 9781856695244

THE HOUSE IN THE NIGHT By Susan Marie Swanson

1.BIBLIOGRAPHY
Swanson, Susan M. 2008. THE HOUSE IN THE NIGHT. Ill. By Beth Krommes. Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin Company. ISBN 13 978-618-86244-3
2. PLOT SUMMARY
In this beautifully illustrated book, a child is given the key to a house. In that house, she finds a book and proceeds to go on a whimsical journey of the imagination riding on the back of a magical bird. The language is poetic and beautiful in its simplicity. However, the imagery that it evokes is powerful and spell-binding. The sing-song quality of the wording has a very soothing quality that lulls young readers to sleep.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
The illustrations in this book are magnificent. Many little details intrigue children and draw them into the story. The illustrations and the words work together in absolute harmony. The words are simple, yet poetic. Because of the simplicity of the words, one can draw little ones to make inferences as to their meaning. For example, “On the bed waits a book.” Little ones know that books do not wait. However, because the words are understandable, this allows discussion for meaning.
The House in the Night is an award-winning book that exemplifies the harmonious pairing of the author and the illustrator. In the beginning of the book, a child is handed a key to a house. In the house is a light, and the light illuminates certain objects, including a book. The child opens the book and is transported to the very stars. Children are captivated by intricate artwork and attention to detail. The story is unusual and captures even young children’s attention as it prompts little ones to try to understand the story line.
In this collaboration, Swanson and Krommes create a masterpiece that is enjoyable for ages.
4. AWARDS WON AND REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
Caldecott Medal, 2009; Minnesota Book Award, 2009; Junior Library Guild Premiere Selection; Kirkus Reviews Best Children's Books; Publishers Weekly Best Books; Parents' Choice; New York Public Library Titles for Reading and Sharing
BOOKLIST: *Starred Review* A beautiful piece of bookmaking that will delight both parents and children.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY: This volume's artful simplicity, homely wisdom and quiet tone demonstrate the interconnected beauty and order of the world in a way that both children and adults will treasure.
5. CONNECTIONS
* This is a very soothing bedtime story for young children.
*If parents and young children enjoyed this book, they may enjoy the following:
Brown, Margaret Wise. GOODNIGHT MOON. ISBN-10: 0898459885
*Consider the following books for their poetic appeal to children:
Swanson, Susan Marie. TO BE LIKE THE SUN. ISBN 978-0152057961
Pinkney, Jerry. THE LION AND THE MOUSE. ISBN-10: 0316013560

Great Children's Books

1.BIBLIOGRAPHY

Swanson, Susan M. 2008. THE HOUSE IN THE NIGHT. Ill. By Beth Krommes. Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin Company. ISBN 13 978-618-86244-3

2. PLOT SUMMARY

In this beautifully illustrated book, a child is given the key to a house. In that house, she finds a book and proceeds to go on a whimsical journey of the imagination riding on the back of a magical bird. The language is poetic and beautiful in its simplicity. However, the imagery that it evokes is powerful and spell-binding. The sing-song quality of the wording has a very soothing quality that lulls young readers to sleep.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

The illustrations in this book are magnificent. Many little details intrigue children and draw them into the story. The illustrations and the words work together in absolute harmony. The words are simple, yet poetic. Because of the simplicity of the words, one can draw little ones to make inferences as to their meaning. For example, “On the bed waits a book.” Little ones know that books do not wait. However, because the words are understandable, this allows discussion for meaning.

The House in the Night is an award-winning book that exemplifies the harmonious pairing of the author and the illustrator. In the beginning of the book, a child is handed a key to a house. In the house is a light, and the light illuminates certain objects, including a book. The child opens the book and is transported to the very stars. Children are captivated by intricate artwork and attention to detail. The story is unusual and captures even young children’s attention as it prompts little ones to try to understand the story line.

In this collaboration, Swanson and Krommes create a masterpiece that is enjoyable for ages.

4. AWARDS WON AND REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

Caldecott Medal, 2009; Minnesota Book Award, 2009; Junior Library Guild Premiere Selection; Kirkus Reviews Best Children's Books; Publishers Weekly Best Books; Parents' Choice; New York Public Library Titles for Reading and Sharing

BOOKLIST: *Starred Review* A beautiful piece of bookmaking that will delight both parents and children.

PUBLISHERS WEEKLY: This volume's artful simplicity, homely wisdom and quiet tone demonstrate the interconnected beauty and order of the world in a way that both children and adults will treasure.

5. CONNECTIONS

* This is a very soothing bedtime story for young children.

*If parents and young children enjoyed this book, they may enjoy the following:

Brown, Margaret Wise. GOODNIGHT MOON. ISBN-10: 0898459885

*Consider the following books for their poetic appeal to children:

Swanson, Susan Marie. TO BE LIKE THE SUN. ISBN 978-0152057961

Pinkney, Jerry. THE LION AND THE MOUSE. ISBN-10: 0316013560