1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Stanley, Diane. 2002. SALADIN: NOBLE PRINCE OF ISLAM. New York, NY: HarperCollins Publishers. ISBN-10: 0688171354
2. PLOT SUMMARY
Saladin: Noble Prince of Islam was written by Diane Stanley to tell the story of a dearly loved Muslim hero who is not so well-known in the West. This book not only tells the story of Saladin’s life, but also educates young readers on the history of the Crusades.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
In a post 9/11 world, Saladin: Prince of Islam is a very useful tool for educating young readers about Islam. Stanley’s timely book introduces children to Saladin, a hero who committed his life to freeing his homeland from invaders from the West. The Crusades happened a very long time ago, however, that period in history continues to impact the relationship between Islam and countries in the West. While reading about Saladin’s life, children will have an opportunity to better understand how the distrust between “Muslims” and “Christians” began. Also, readers will learn about a very famous Muslim who showed great mercy to frequently merciless enemies.
Stanley’s writing is non-fiction, but Saladin’s story is so amazing that it encourages young readers to use their imagination to picture the amazing military campaigns and tactics used by Saladin and his opponents in their quest to rule the Holy Land. In describing battles scenes in that day, Stanley writes, “They (infantrymen) were often seen marching along with dozens of arrows sticking out of their backs, like an army of oversized hedgehogs.”
The book also introduces readers to memorable characters who played key roles in the Crusades. Saladin’s story promotes an understanding of the importance of personal character in relation to choice, regardless of religious affiliation. It discusses Muslim Saladin’s noble character in detail, but also mentions Raymond of Tripoli, a Christian, who was “wise and capable…” Readers of this biography will have the opportunity to meet King Richard, the Lion-Hearted. He is described as an “obnoxious bully with a genius for making enemies.”
The illustrations depict the attire and settings of the Islamic East and are very helpful in assisting young readers in picturing the Middle Ages in the Holy Land. The intricate and fanciful drawings capture the Persian/Islamic flavor of the Middle East during the Crusades.
4. AWARDS AND BOOK EXCERPT(S)
Publisher’s Weekly: “…focuses on the 12th-century ruler known as "the Muslim saint-king" who was "praised even by his enemies as 'the marvel of his time' " and crystallizes many of the issues still at the root of conflicts today.”
School Library Journal: “Even more important, however, may be the chance to put oneself in the shoes of "the enemy," an exercise that is as useful today as it would have been in 1099.”
Booklist: **Starred Review** “the generally strong telling is more than matched by glorious paintings that mirror Islamic artwork of the times.”
5. CONNECTIONS
If you were interested in this book, you may also be interested in:
Rumford, James. 2004. TRAVELING MAN: THE JOURNEY OF IBN BATTUTA. ISBN-10: 0618432337
Jones, Rob Lloyd. 2007. CRUSADERS. ISBN-10: 0794516173
Stanley, Diane. 2002. JOAN OF ARC. ISBN-10: 0064437485
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Saturday, March 20, 2010
ALMOST ASTRONAUTS: 13 WOMEN WHO DARED TO DREAM BY TANYA LEE STONE
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Stone, Tanya Lee. 2009. ALMOST ASTRONAUTS: 13 WOMEN WHO DARED TO DREAM. Somerville, MA: Candlewick Press. ISBN-10: 0763636118
2. PLOT SUMMARY
This social history of the fight for equal rights for women chronicles the struggle of women to be included in the space program. Stone introduces many readers to the “Mercury 13”, a diverse group of women pilots who included flight instructors and a senator’s wife. This book introduces many to the women who dared to believe, and who proved without a doubt, that they were equally capable of becoming astronauts.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Stone tells the story of the “Mercury 13” and in doing so demonstrates how much our society has changed in regards to the opportunities available to women today. Also, she does an admirable job illustrating the dedication and commitment of the women who took on the prejudices that existed toward the female sex in our recent history. Many young readers may not be aware of the level of discrimination there existed toward women in regards to professions. In this detailed account, Stone shares the personal stories of individuals who believed that women had the same right to pursue their dreams as men. Included in this account and a key player in the story is Dr. Randolph Lovelace, the NASA physician for the “Mercury 7” men, who believed women had the same physical and psychological capabilities to withstand the rigors of space travel. He, with other colleagues, decided to give women the opportunity to undergo the same grueling tests that had been administered to the males in the space program. Stone gives a detailed account of many of the tests the women underwent, including their performance and their personal memories.
The spearhead of the “Mercury 13” was a “soft-spoken” pilot by the name of Jerri Cobb who “ferried military aircraft all over the world and set the world altitude record, as well as a world light-plane speed record.” In Ms. Cobb, Stone portrays an excellent role-model for young girls who have big dreams. Throughout the struggle, Cobb demonstrated her competency and ability to the task at hand admirably and exhibited that she had both the discipline and perseverance to take on the male-dominated establishment. Although Ms. Cobb never made it into space, she was a pioneer in opening the doors for others who came after her, as were the other women who accepted the same challenge.
Stone includes many photographs and personal accounts that document this remarkable story. Also, newspaper and magazine article of the time are valuable in helping readers of today to understand the social stance toward women attempting to enter into “male-dominated” careers at that time in our history.
Stone has written an excellent account of a historical event that occurred in our recent past. Although this social history centers on the space program, it’s impact was far-reaching because it showed the American public that women were physically and psychologically able to withstand the same amount of stress as men. This message is still relevant today. In a media world that often depicts young girls as sex objects, it encourages young readers to see themselves in a different light, as having equal competency and ability as male counterparts. The book ends by featuring the women who have become astronauts, including Eileen Collins, “the first woman to pilot a space shuttle and to serve as a space shuttle commander.”
4. AWARDS AND BOOK EXCERPT(S)
School Library Journal: “…this passionately written account of a classic but little-known challenge to established gender prejudices also introduces readers to a select group of courageous, independent women.”
Booklist: “Nearly 20 years before the U.S. officially admitted women into the astronaut program, 13 women, known as the Mercury 13, fought for the right to soar into space.”
5. CONNECTIONS
Readers who enjoyed this book may also enjoy the following books:
Bridges, Ruby. 1999. THROUGH MY EYES. ISBN-10: 0590189239
Parks, Rosa & Haskins, John. 1992. ROSA PARKS: MY STORY. ISBN-10: 0803706731
Rochelle, Belinda. WITNESSES TO FREEDOM: YOUNG PEOPLE WHO FOUGHT FOR CIVIL RIGHTS. ISBN-10: 0140384324
Stone, Tanya Lee. 2009. ALMOST ASTRONAUTS: 13 WOMEN WHO DARED TO DREAM. Somerville, MA: Candlewick Press. ISBN-10: 0763636118
2. PLOT SUMMARY
This social history of the fight for equal rights for women chronicles the struggle of women to be included in the space program. Stone introduces many readers to the “Mercury 13”, a diverse group of women pilots who included flight instructors and a senator’s wife. This book introduces many to the women who dared to believe, and who proved without a doubt, that they were equally capable of becoming astronauts.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Stone tells the story of the “Mercury 13” and in doing so demonstrates how much our society has changed in regards to the opportunities available to women today. Also, she does an admirable job illustrating the dedication and commitment of the women who took on the prejudices that existed toward the female sex in our recent history. Many young readers may not be aware of the level of discrimination there existed toward women in regards to professions. In this detailed account, Stone shares the personal stories of individuals who believed that women had the same right to pursue their dreams as men. Included in this account and a key player in the story is Dr. Randolph Lovelace, the NASA physician for the “Mercury 7” men, who believed women had the same physical and psychological capabilities to withstand the rigors of space travel. He, with other colleagues, decided to give women the opportunity to undergo the same grueling tests that had been administered to the males in the space program. Stone gives a detailed account of many of the tests the women underwent, including their performance and their personal memories.
The spearhead of the “Mercury 13” was a “soft-spoken” pilot by the name of Jerri Cobb who “ferried military aircraft all over the world and set the world altitude record, as well as a world light-plane speed record.” In Ms. Cobb, Stone portrays an excellent role-model for young girls who have big dreams. Throughout the struggle, Cobb demonstrated her competency and ability to the task at hand admirably and exhibited that she had both the discipline and perseverance to take on the male-dominated establishment. Although Ms. Cobb never made it into space, she was a pioneer in opening the doors for others who came after her, as were the other women who accepted the same challenge.
Stone includes many photographs and personal accounts that document this remarkable story. Also, newspaper and magazine article of the time are valuable in helping readers of today to understand the social stance toward women attempting to enter into “male-dominated” careers at that time in our history.
Stone has written an excellent account of a historical event that occurred in our recent past. Although this social history centers on the space program, it’s impact was far-reaching because it showed the American public that women were physically and psychologically able to withstand the same amount of stress as men. This message is still relevant today. In a media world that often depicts young girls as sex objects, it encourages young readers to see themselves in a different light, as having equal competency and ability as male counterparts. The book ends by featuring the women who have become astronauts, including Eileen Collins, “the first woman to pilot a space shuttle and to serve as a space shuttle commander.”
4. AWARDS AND BOOK EXCERPT(S)
School Library Journal: “…this passionately written account of a classic but little-known challenge to established gender prejudices also introduces readers to a select group of courageous, independent women.”
Booklist: “Nearly 20 years before the U.S. officially admitted women into the astronaut program, 13 women, known as the Mercury 13, fought for the right to soar into space.”
5. CONNECTIONS
Readers who enjoyed this book may also enjoy the following books:
Bridges, Ruby. 1999. THROUGH MY EYES. ISBN-10: 0590189239
Parks, Rosa & Haskins, John. 1992. ROSA PARKS: MY STORY. ISBN-10: 0803706731
Rochelle, Belinda. WITNESSES TO FREEDOM: YOUNG PEOPLE WHO FOUGHT FOR CIVIL RIGHTS. ISBN-10: 0140384324
ANIMALS NOBODY LIKES BY SEYMOUR SIMON
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Simon, Seymour. 2003. ANIMALS NOBODY LOVES. New York. NY: Sea Star Books. ISBN-10: 1587171554
2. PLOT SUMMARY
Animals Nobody Likes is a visually engaging book that will attract children of all ages. Simon presents a visual feast of animals that both repel and intrigue us. The author provides information about each animal which either supports or contradicts their reputation. In addition, this book, presented in photo essay form, provides a wide assortment of different types of creatures that include mammals, reptiles, sea life, and insects.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Seymour Simon’s photo essay about a diverse group of animals engages readers through visually stunning images and provides interesting, but little known facts about most of the animals featured. For example, Simon writes about piranhas, “Piranhas have killed more people than the great white shark.”
Simon gives readers factual information about each animal to help young children to further their understanding about the different types of species that share our world. Also, his informative style encourages readers to develop a thirst for investigating facts rather than simply accepting myths. For example, Simon writes the truth about commonly misunderstood animals such as the “really shy and harmless” octopus, but also introduces readers to unfamiliar animals such as the Gila monster.
Although a relatively short summary of important facts is provided for each animal, Simon provides a glimpse into each featured creature that may encourage young readers to conduct more research. One might describe this book as a sampling that may very well draw readers to probe deeper to investigate creatures they find to be particularly interesting.
The photos are absolutely breath-taking and provide young readers with detailed images of the creatures. Simon strives to present a realistic view of each animal and their potential for danger. It is apparent that the author’s objective is to inform, rather than to promote fear. Simon has done an exceptional job attracting and keeping young readers attention.
4. AWARD AND BOOK EXCERPT(S)
Booklist: Simon puts forward some interesting facts and dispels a few myths about these 20 unlovable subjects
5. CONNECTIONS
If you enjoyed this book, you may enjoy the following photo essays by Seymour Simon:
Simon, Seymour. 2006. WHALES. ISBN-10: 0060877111
Simon, Seymour. 2006. THE BRAIN: OUR NERVOUS SYSTEM. ISBN-10: 0060877197
Other books that inform young readers of interesting facts about our world:
Drake, Jane & Love, Ann. ALIEN INVADERS: SPECIES THAT THREATEN OUR WORLD. Ill. Mark Thurman. ISBN 0887767982
Simon, Seymour. 2003. ANIMALS NOBODY LOVES. New York. NY: Sea Star Books. ISBN-10: 1587171554
2. PLOT SUMMARY
Animals Nobody Likes is a visually engaging book that will attract children of all ages. Simon presents a visual feast of animals that both repel and intrigue us. The author provides information about each animal which either supports or contradicts their reputation. In addition, this book, presented in photo essay form, provides a wide assortment of different types of creatures that include mammals, reptiles, sea life, and insects.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Seymour Simon’s photo essay about a diverse group of animals engages readers through visually stunning images and provides interesting, but little known facts about most of the animals featured. For example, Simon writes about piranhas, “Piranhas have killed more people than the great white shark.”
Simon gives readers factual information about each animal to help young children to further their understanding about the different types of species that share our world. Also, his informative style encourages readers to develop a thirst for investigating facts rather than simply accepting myths. For example, Simon writes the truth about commonly misunderstood animals such as the “really shy and harmless” octopus, but also introduces readers to unfamiliar animals such as the Gila monster.
Although a relatively short summary of important facts is provided for each animal, Simon provides a glimpse into each featured creature that may encourage young readers to conduct more research. One might describe this book as a sampling that may very well draw readers to probe deeper to investigate creatures they find to be particularly interesting.
The photos are absolutely breath-taking and provide young readers with detailed images of the creatures. Simon strives to present a realistic view of each animal and their potential for danger. It is apparent that the author’s objective is to inform, rather than to promote fear. Simon has done an exceptional job attracting and keeping young readers attention.
4. AWARD AND BOOK EXCERPT(S)
Booklist: Simon puts forward some interesting facts and dispels a few myths about these 20 unlovable subjects
5. CONNECTIONS
If you enjoyed this book, you may enjoy the following photo essays by Seymour Simon:
Simon, Seymour. 2006. WHALES. ISBN-10: 0060877111
Simon, Seymour. 2006. THE BRAIN: OUR NERVOUS SYSTEM. ISBN-10: 0060877197
Other books that inform young readers of interesting facts about our world:
Drake, Jane & Love, Ann. ALIEN INVADERS: SPECIES THAT THREATEN OUR WORLD. Ill. Mark Thurman. ISBN 0887767982
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
THE POET SLAVE OF CUBA BY MARGARITA ENGLE
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Engle, Margarita. 2006. THE POET SLAVE OF CUBA: A BIOGRAPHY OF JUAN FRANCISCO MANZANO. Ill. Sean Qualls. New York, NY: Henry Holt and Company. ISBN-10: 0805077065
2. PLOT SUMMARY
In this amazing biography of Juan Francisco Manzano, Margarita Engle gives us a glimpse into the life of an amazing man. Manzano was born a slave in 18th century Cuba. His parents were freed by his first mistress, but he was kept a slave. She described him as her “her poodle.” He was very intelligent and was secretly taught how to read and write. He was granted his freedom by his first mistress, but somehow was tricked and enslaved by a cruel and brutal second mistress.
The Poet Slave of Cuba: A Biography of Juan Francisco Manzano was written in free verse by Engle. A collection of poems take readers on a walk through Manzano’s life; from childhood across a lifetime of slavery and ends with his desperate ride for freedom.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Manzano’s own poems were the basis for the writing of this book. Engle decided to give a voice not only to Manzano, but also to the other people in his life, including his two enslavers. When we listen to Manzano’s voice, we meet a brilliant and intelligent child/man who speaks with stunning clarity about his world. The child Manzano writes /Now my owner is ghostly/ inside her skeleton of powder/ but I, being only a poodle/can watch/ I am allowed to know /these truths/ about shadow/ and bright/. He clearly sees and expresses the effects slavery has on its perpetrators.
In this haunting book, we also hear the voice of Maria de Pilar, Manzano’s mother and are deeply moved by the anguish of a mother who cannot help her son. Although she is free, she cannot be far from her son. Manzano writes of her /a bird-mother/caged but winged. Toribio, his father has an opportunity to speak. Most chilling is the voice of his crazed mistress.
Engle has given voices to those who have long been denied a voice. Also, by exploring the darkness of his mistresses, we catch a small glimpse of both the justification and the callousness that dictated much of the course of Manzano’s life.
The Poet Slave of Cuba: A Biography of Juan Francisco Manzano is a masterpiece. Qualls’ illustrations capture the anguish of Manzano and his family. He also captures the shallowness and the evil that has enslaved his mistresses. The wickedness of slavery casts a sad pall on all of the illustrations. Qualls drawings and Engle’s words work in unison to help us to understand Manzano’s world.
Engle heard Manzano through his poems and acted as a vehicle that transported his voice and story to our time. It is an amazing book about an incredible man.
4. AWARDS AND BOOK EXCERPT(S)
Awards: American Library Association Best Books for Young Adults; American Library Association Notable Children's Books; Americas Award for Children’s and Young Adult Literature, Winner; IRA Children's Book Award; IRA Teachers' Choices; NCTE Notable Children’s Books in the Language Arts; Bank Street Best Children's Book of the Year; Books for the Teen Age, New York Public Library; CCBC Choice (Univ. of WI); Pura Belpre Author Award; Arizona Grand Canyon Young Readers Master List
SCHOOL LIBRARY SCIENCE:” This is an absolutely lovely book about the unlovely subject of slavery.”
BOOKLIST: ** Starred Review** In plain, stirring free verse, Engle dramatizes the boyhood of the nineteenth-century Cuban slave Juan Francisco Manzano, who secretly learned to read and wrote poetry about beauty and courage in his world of unspeakable brutality.
5. CONNECTIONS
If you found these books enjoyable, you may be interested in the following:
Engle, Margarita. THE SURRENDER TREE. ISBN-10: 0805086749
Draper, Sharon. COPPER SUN. ISBN-10: 1416953485
Weatherford. Carol Boston. MOSES: WHEN HARRIET TUBMAN LED HER PEOPLE TO FREEDOM. Ill. By Kadir Nelson. ISBN-10: 0786851759
Engle, Margarita. 2006. THE POET SLAVE OF CUBA: A BIOGRAPHY OF JUAN FRANCISCO MANZANO. Ill. Sean Qualls. New York, NY: Henry Holt and Company. ISBN-10: 0805077065
2. PLOT SUMMARY
In this amazing biography of Juan Francisco Manzano, Margarita Engle gives us a glimpse into the life of an amazing man. Manzano was born a slave in 18th century Cuba. His parents were freed by his first mistress, but he was kept a slave. She described him as her “her poodle.” He was very intelligent and was secretly taught how to read and write. He was granted his freedom by his first mistress, but somehow was tricked and enslaved by a cruel and brutal second mistress.
The Poet Slave of Cuba: A Biography of Juan Francisco Manzano was written in free verse by Engle. A collection of poems take readers on a walk through Manzano’s life; from childhood across a lifetime of slavery and ends with his desperate ride for freedom.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Manzano’s own poems were the basis for the writing of this book. Engle decided to give a voice not only to Manzano, but also to the other people in his life, including his two enslavers. When we listen to Manzano’s voice, we meet a brilliant and intelligent child/man who speaks with stunning clarity about his world. The child Manzano writes /Now my owner is ghostly/ inside her skeleton of powder/ but I, being only a poodle/can watch/ I am allowed to know /these truths/ about shadow/ and bright/. He clearly sees and expresses the effects slavery has on its perpetrators.
In this haunting book, we also hear the voice of Maria de Pilar, Manzano’s mother and are deeply moved by the anguish of a mother who cannot help her son. Although she is free, she cannot be far from her son. Manzano writes of her /a bird-mother/caged but winged. Toribio, his father has an opportunity to speak. Most chilling is the voice of his crazed mistress.
Engle has given voices to those who have long been denied a voice. Also, by exploring the darkness of his mistresses, we catch a small glimpse of both the justification and the callousness that dictated much of the course of Manzano’s life.
The Poet Slave of Cuba: A Biography of Juan Francisco Manzano is a masterpiece. Qualls’ illustrations capture the anguish of Manzano and his family. He also captures the shallowness and the evil that has enslaved his mistresses. The wickedness of slavery casts a sad pall on all of the illustrations. Qualls drawings and Engle’s words work in unison to help us to understand Manzano’s world.
Engle heard Manzano through his poems and acted as a vehicle that transported his voice and story to our time. It is an amazing book about an incredible man.
4. AWARDS AND BOOK EXCERPT(S)
Awards: American Library Association Best Books for Young Adults; American Library Association Notable Children's Books; Americas Award for Children’s and Young Adult Literature, Winner; IRA Children's Book Award; IRA Teachers' Choices; NCTE Notable Children’s Books in the Language Arts; Bank Street Best Children's Book of the Year; Books for the Teen Age, New York Public Library; CCBC Choice (Univ. of WI); Pura Belpre Author Award; Arizona Grand Canyon Young Readers Master List
SCHOOL LIBRARY SCIENCE:” This is an absolutely lovely book about the unlovely subject of slavery.”
BOOKLIST: ** Starred Review** In plain, stirring free verse, Engle dramatizes the boyhood of the nineteenth-century Cuban slave Juan Francisco Manzano, who secretly learned to read and wrote poetry about beauty and courage in his world of unspeakable brutality.
5. CONNECTIONS
If you found these books enjoyable, you may be interested in the following:
Engle, Margarita. THE SURRENDER TREE. ISBN-10: 0805086749
Draper, Sharon. COPPER SUN. ISBN-10: 1416953485
Weatherford. Carol Boston. MOSES: WHEN HARRIET TUBMAN LED HER PEOPLE TO FREEDOM. Ill. By Kadir Nelson. ISBN-10: 0786851759
MEOW RUFF: A STORY IN CONCRETE POETRY BY JOYCE SIDMAN
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Sidman, Joyce. 2006. MEOW RUFF: A STORY IN CONCRETE POETRY. Ill. Michelle Berg. New York, NY: Houghton Mifflin Company. ISBN-10: 0618448942
2. PLOT SUMMARY
In this highly amusing storybook, a story of a puppy and a kitten is told in wonderfully descriptive concrete verse. In the beginning, we instantly connect with the frisky puppy’s delight at his escape to “freedom”. We empathize with the darling little kitten that has been dumped by the curbside. In the background, but definitely a part of the story, crows overhead sound the “alarm, alert.” In the mist of the story, clouds, made-up of verse, undergo changes over the course of the book and add intensity to the activity taking place everywhere, both on the ground and in the air. The puppy catches a whiff of the kitten and the chase is on. The kitten, unaware of the danger, is trying to daintily make her way in an unfamiliar world. The scenery is described in descriptive and rich verse encoded throughout the illustrations. When the two meet, the tables are turned and it is the pup that ends up in the tree. The story climaxes when the puppy and the kitten are caught in the middle of a “ferocious sudden” thunderstorm. This heartwarming book ends with a surprising twist.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Meow Ruff: A Story in Concrete Poetry is a visual feast of descriptive adjectives. Sidman’s rich verses and Berg’s heartwarming illustrations come together to create an aurally rich and visually engaging book. Sidman’s masterful description of the common objects which surround us encourages us to take a second look at the world around us. For example, the green, round, circle treetop has light green writing which tell us to consider its complexity, “Each leaf a map of branches/Each twig a branch of leaves/Each branch a tree of twigs/Each tree a green haired/”. Berg adds a wonderful assortment of small characters throughout the pages that draw children to take a closer look at overlapping stories. In this marvelous book, everything has a voice, from the picnic table to the raindrops falling on it.
Sidman captures the puppy’s joyful chase and the dainty kitten’s feistiness. The use of concrete poetry encourages young readers to imagine what objects and animals around them might say if they had a voice. By giving poetry a concrete voice, children can begin to understand and appreciate it in relation to themes and objects that are familiar to them.
Berg’s geometrical illustrations are delightfully uncomplicated and perfectly compliment Sidman’s more complicated text. Meow Ruff: A Story in Concrete Poetry is a wonderful book to introduce young readers to the endless possibilities presented by the medium of poetry.
4. AWARDS AND BOOK EXCERPT(S)
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “Using concrete poetry as the vehicle, Sidman relates a simple story.”
BOOKLIST: “…unlike most books about the form, (Sidman) doesn't just collect unrelated poems, but tells a story through them.
5. CONNECTIONS
If you enjoyed these books written in concrete poetry, you may enjoy the following:
Graham, Joan Bransfield. SPLISH, SPLASH. ISBN 10: 0618111239
Lewis, J. Patrick. DOODLE DANDIES: POEMS THAT TAKE SHAPE. ISBN-10: 0689848897
Janeczko, Paul B. THE POKE IN I: A COLLECTION OF CONCRETE POEMS. Ill. Chris Raschka. ISBN 10: 0763623768
Janeczko, Paul B. A FOOT IN THE MOUTH: POEMS TO SPEAK, SING AND SHOUT. Ill. Chris Raschka. ISBN 10: 07636066
Sidman, Joyce. 2006. MEOW RUFF: A STORY IN CONCRETE POETRY. Ill. Michelle Berg. New York, NY: Houghton Mifflin Company. ISBN-10: 0618448942
2. PLOT SUMMARY
In this highly amusing storybook, a story of a puppy and a kitten is told in wonderfully descriptive concrete verse. In the beginning, we instantly connect with the frisky puppy’s delight at his escape to “freedom”. We empathize with the darling little kitten that has been dumped by the curbside. In the background, but definitely a part of the story, crows overhead sound the “alarm, alert.” In the mist of the story, clouds, made-up of verse, undergo changes over the course of the book and add intensity to the activity taking place everywhere, both on the ground and in the air. The puppy catches a whiff of the kitten and the chase is on. The kitten, unaware of the danger, is trying to daintily make her way in an unfamiliar world. The scenery is described in descriptive and rich verse encoded throughout the illustrations. When the two meet, the tables are turned and it is the pup that ends up in the tree. The story climaxes when the puppy and the kitten are caught in the middle of a “ferocious sudden” thunderstorm. This heartwarming book ends with a surprising twist.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Meow Ruff: A Story in Concrete Poetry is a visual feast of descriptive adjectives. Sidman’s rich verses and Berg’s heartwarming illustrations come together to create an aurally rich and visually engaging book. Sidman’s masterful description of the common objects which surround us encourages us to take a second look at the world around us. For example, the green, round, circle treetop has light green writing which tell us to consider its complexity, “Each leaf a map of branches/Each twig a branch of leaves/Each branch a tree of twigs/Each tree a green haired/”. Berg adds a wonderful assortment of small characters throughout the pages that draw children to take a closer look at overlapping stories. In this marvelous book, everything has a voice, from the picnic table to the raindrops falling on it.
Sidman captures the puppy’s joyful chase and the dainty kitten’s feistiness. The use of concrete poetry encourages young readers to imagine what objects and animals around them might say if they had a voice. By giving poetry a concrete voice, children can begin to understand and appreciate it in relation to themes and objects that are familiar to them.
Berg’s geometrical illustrations are delightfully uncomplicated and perfectly compliment Sidman’s more complicated text. Meow Ruff: A Story in Concrete Poetry is a wonderful book to introduce young readers to the endless possibilities presented by the medium of poetry.
4. AWARDS AND BOOK EXCERPT(S)
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “Using concrete poetry as the vehicle, Sidman relates a simple story.”
BOOKLIST: “…unlike most books about the form, (Sidman) doesn't just collect unrelated poems, but tells a story through them.
5. CONNECTIONS
If you enjoyed these books written in concrete poetry, you may enjoy the following:
Graham, Joan Bransfield. SPLISH, SPLASH. ISBN 10: 0618111239
Lewis, J. Patrick. DOODLE DANDIES: POEMS THAT TAKE SHAPE. ISBN-10: 0689848897
Janeczko, Paul B. THE POKE IN I: A COLLECTION OF CONCRETE POEMS. Ill. Chris Raschka. ISBN 10: 0763623768
Janeczko, Paul B. A FOOT IN THE MOUTH: POEMS TO SPEAK, SING AND SHOUT. Ill. Chris Raschka. ISBN 10: 07636066
Thursday, March 4, 2010
INSECTLOPEDIA BY DOUGLAS FLORIAN
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Florian, Douglas. 1998. INSECTLOPEDIA. San Diego, CA: Harcourt Brace & Company. ISBN-10: 0152163352
2. PLOT SUMMARY
In this whimsical anthology about insects, Florian creates a playful and beautifully illustrated collection of poems. Insectlopedia features educational poems that engage young readers by exploring the many different characteristics of a wide variety of fairly common insects. In his poems, the author provides enough interesting clues to create curiosity about the many little friends that share our world.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
In Inseclopedia, Florian writes amusing poems that creatively instruct us about some common and some not so common facts about the insects that fill our world. In verse, he showcases the amazing diversity that surrounds us
Florian has a talent for applying interestingly descriptive words to insects (and arachnids). For example, in “The Black Widow Spider”, Florian describes a black widow by using such fanciful language as “From my eight dainty legs to my shine round back”. In “The Walking Stick”, in rhyming short verses he educates readers about the walking stick’s unique body style qualities. Florian does a masterful job of creating poems that encourage students to make inferences as to the reasons why a certain verse was included. For example, he ends the “The Monarch Butterfly” with “swallows that swallow him/frequently puke.”
This book is a useful tool for parents and educators who want to encourage children to be problem-solve and to investigate the small, but very complex creatures that co-exist with us. It also fosters a connection to poetry in young readers by introducing them to verse that entertains, amuses, and intrigues young and old.
4. AWARDS WON AND REVIEW EXCERPTS
PUBLISHER’S WEEKLY: “…Florian manages to seamlessly blend science with pure whimsy.”
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “Florian offers 21 short, inventive poems and paintings that create playful images of animals.”
BOOKLIST: “…a witty collection of short poems about insects and spiders.”
KIRKUS REVIEWS: “…Read alone or read aloud, each of these ticklish tidbits features an individual member of the insect world.”
5. CONNECTIONS
Readers who enjoyed Insectlopedia might also enjoy the following:
Florian, Douglas. On a Wing. ISBN-10: 0152023666
Hopkins, Lee Bennett. Spectacular Science: A Book of Poems. Ill. Virginia Halstead. ISBN-10: 0689851200
Lewis, J. Patrick. Scien-Trickery: Trickery in Science. Ill. Frank Remkiewitz. ISBN-10: 0152058494
Florian, Douglas. 1998. INSECTLOPEDIA. San Diego, CA: Harcourt Brace & Company. ISBN-10: 0152163352
2. PLOT SUMMARY
In this whimsical anthology about insects, Florian creates a playful and beautifully illustrated collection of poems. Insectlopedia features educational poems that engage young readers by exploring the many different characteristics of a wide variety of fairly common insects. In his poems, the author provides enough interesting clues to create curiosity about the many little friends that share our world.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
In Inseclopedia, Florian writes amusing poems that creatively instruct us about some common and some not so common facts about the insects that fill our world. In verse, he showcases the amazing diversity that surrounds us
Florian has a talent for applying interestingly descriptive words to insects (and arachnids). For example, in “The Black Widow Spider”, Florian describes a black widow by using such fanciful language as “From my eight dainty legs to my shine round back”. In “The Walking Stick”, in rhyming short verses he educates readers about the walking stick’s unique body style qualities. Florian does a masterful job of creating poems that encourage students to make inferences as to the reasons why a certain verse was included. For example, he ends the “The Monarch Butterfly” with “swallows that swallow him/frequently puke.”
This book is a useful tool for parents and educators who want to encourage children to be problem-solve and to investigate the small, but very complex creatures that co-exist with us. It also fosters a connection to poetry in young readers by introducing them to verse that entertains, amuses, and intrigues young and old.
4. AWARDS WON AND REVIEW EXCERPTS
PUBLISHER’S WEEKLY: “…Florian manages to seamlessly blend science with pure whimsy.”
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “Florian offers 21 short, inventive poems and paintings that create playful images of animals.”
BOOKLIST: “…a witty collection of short poems about insects and spiders.”
KIRKUS REVIEWS: “…Read alone or read aloud, each of these ticklish tidbits features an individual member of the insect world.”
5. CONNECTIONS
Readers who enjoyed Insectlopedia might also enjoy the following:
Florian, Douglas. On a Wing. ISBN-10: 0152023666
Hopkins, Lee Bennett. Spectacular Science: A Book of Poems. Ill. Virginia Halstead. ISBN-10: 0689851200
Lewis, J. Patrick. Scien-Trickery: Trickery in Science. Ill. Frank Remkiewitz. ISBN-10: 0152058494
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