Poetry Review-INSECTLOPEDIA

1. Bibliography

Florian, Douglas. 1998. Insectlopedia. San Diego: Harcourt Brace & Company. ISBN 0152012067

2. Plot Summary

In this deliciously creepy crawly book by Douglas Florian, double page spreads are dedicated to 21 different members of the insect "community". Each insect is described in poem and accompanied by an illustration on the opposite page. Poems range from silly ("O Daddy/Daddy O/How'd you get those legs to grow...") to dramatic (Dragonfly: "I am the dragon:/Down on your knees!").

3. Critical Summary

The rhythmic poetic quality is the strong point of this book. Whether it be funny or educational, the clever rhymes are fun to read and listen to. Also, the way the design of the text "acts out" the poem is very interesting. For example, the words to the inchworm's poem arch up in the shape of the insect, the text of the whirligig beetle's poem goes around in a circle to describe how the beetles "twirl", and when the locusts make your grass "disappear", the word also takes on a ghostly erased look. The actual content of the poems are educational as well as entertaining, letting children know why walking sticks look the way they do, the qualities of a termite nest, and the role of a male giant water bug. The illustrations, also by Doug Florian, were done in watercolors on brown paper bags in a collage style. They humorously and imaginatively build on the realistic but whimsical descriptions of the insects in the poetry. Slightly more sophisticated than picture book illustrations intended for younger audiences, these illustrations are perfect to capture the interest of elementary grade readers.

4. Review Excerpts

School Library Journal Starred Review-"Shaped or pattern poems about the inchworm, whirligig beetles, and mound-building termites work particularly well. The words are arranged in pleasing patterns and the rhythms fit the characteristics of the subjects. The design adds to the overall appeal."

Booklist Starred Review-"The verse rhymes at the ends of lines, and often internally as well, as Florian plays with sound and meter, word and sense, and even the placement of words on the page to create poems that children will enjoy..."

Kirkus-"The watercolor illustrations, abstract and stylized, achieve a comic effect by incorporating collage elements reminiscent of an entomologist's field notes."

5. Connections

*This book would complement any elementary grade science lesson on insects.

*Children could also make up original poems about other insects that weren't mentioned.

Other books about our animal friends written and illustrated by Douglas Florian are:

Lizards, Frogs, and Polliwogs. ISBN 0152052488

Mammalabilia. ISBN 0152050248

In the Swim. ISBN 0152024379

Beast Feast. ISBN 0152017372

On the Wing. ISBN 0152023666

Traditional Folktale Review-AND THE GREEN GRASS GREW ALL AROUND

1. Bibliography

Schwarz, Alvin. 1999. And The Green Grass Grew All Around. Ill. by Sue Truesdell. New York: HarperTrophy. ISBN 0064462145.

2. Plot Summary

And The Green Grass Grew All Around is a compilation of children's rhymes, songs, and sayings that were created on the playground, in tree houses, and anywhere else children gather. Children's natural instinct to rhyme generates a wealth of fun and silly poetry of sorts that Alvin Schwartz has gathered together in this book. The book is divided into chapters with different themes such as "Food" or "School". The poems and songs range from completely nonsensical to wise observations on human nature ("Often we are foolish, when it's hot we want it coolish, when it's cool we want it hot, always wanting what is not.") Rhymes cover songs, riddles, jump rope cadences, and hand clapping games.

3. Critical Analysis

This book has so much to offer all ages! There are scores that go along with the rhymes that are traditionally sung so that the reader may sing along. There are notes on certain rhymes that highlight interesting facts about it or its origin. In fact, there is a more detailed section in the back of the book for notes, sources, and a bibliography. Alvin Schwartz has also included an introduction entitled "Skinny bone, skinny bone", sharing the origin of his interest in the subject of childhood playground rhymes. What makes this book an instant classic, however is Sue Truesdell's drawings and characters that perfectly capture the humor, mischief, and playfulness of the compilation. The black and white sketches accompany almost every rhyme and express the action in humorous detail. This book is certain to be a favorite with kids. Kids often feel like they fly below the radar of adults. To have some of the language of their world not only acknowledged by the adult world but praised is a welcome and exciting infiltration!

4. Review Excerpts

School Library Journal-"It's hard to imagine illustrations better suited to the book's silly, energized tone than Truesdell's big-eyed, animated, and humorous characters. Given plenty of white space, they tumble, goof, and guffaw across the pages, in ideal tandem with the poetry. These drawings may be in black and white, but readers will never pick up a more colorful book."

Kirkus Review-"It's hard to imagine a child who wouldn't greet this treasure trove with enthusiasm."

5. Connections

I had the pleasure of reading this book to both my two year old and my nine year old. My toddler son enjoyed the silly rhymes and rhythms but the book held special meaning for my daughter. Her eyes lit up to hear rhymes that she and her friends say at school, never before realizing that other people knew them. It was very validating to her. She was just as interested in the background notes as I was. We had so much fun talking about the rhymes that I remembered from my childhood and she was very pleased to discover that there were many rhymes that she knew and I did not. We also discussed variations of rhymes that we had learned a little differently such as "Good night, sleep tight, don't let the bedbugs bite." We were both familiar with the ending that was not written, "but if they do, get a shoe, and beat them til they're black and blue." With older children, this can open up discussions that they personally relate to and feel that they can contribute to.

Other compilations of playground rhymes are:

Sierra, Judy. Schoolyard Rhymes: Kids Own Rhymes for Rope Skipping, Hand Clapping, Ball Bouncing and Just Plain Fun. ISBN 9780375825163.

Cole, Joanna. Miss Mary Mack: And Other Children's Street Rhymes. ISBN 9780688097493.

Cole, Joanna. Anna Banana: 101 Jump-Rope Rhymes. ISBN 9780688088095.

And for slightly more daring and "mature" audiences:

Hart, Anita F. Potty Mouth: Profane Poetry, Recess Rhymes, and Other Ditties From the Playground. ISBN 0762432551.

Other books illustrated by Sue Truesdell:

Karim, Roberta. This is a Hospital, Not a Zoo! ISBN 9780618246229.

Joosse, Barbara. A Wild Willie Mystery series.

George, Jean Craighead. How to Talk to your Dog. ISBN 9780060270933.

Strauss, Linda Leopold. A Fairy Named Hilary. ISBN 9780439175197.

Winthrop, Elizabeth. Halloween Hats. ISBN 9780805063868.

Little, Jean. Hey World, Here I Am! ISBN 9780064403849.

Traditional Folktale Review-CACTUS SOUP

1. Bibliography
Kimmel, Eric A. 2004. Cactus Soup. Ill. by Phil Huling. New York: Marshall Cavendish. ISBN 0761451552.

2. Plot Summary
The townspeople of San Miguel, Mexico are not happy to learn that a troop of soldiers are on their way into town! "Soldiers are all alike," the Mayor grumbles in worry that the soldiers will eat up all the food in town. The people hide their food, dress in dirty rags, and smear mud on their faces in hopes of convincing the soldiers that they are poor and do not have any food to share. The "capitan" of the troop, seeing through the townspeople's act, announces that they will just have to make "cactus soup" from one cactus thorn. Using the citizens' own curiosity and reverse psychology, the captain convinces them to contribute food ingredients to the soup ("Too bad you don't have any onions. Cactus soup always tastes better with onions. But why ask for what you don't have?") By the end of the book, the people share a huge fiesta with the troop and are better for the experience although they are not quite sure how they fed so many people with just "cactus soup".

3. Critical Analysis
Kimmel's retelling of the classic "Stone Soup" tale is set in Mexico during the time of the Mexican Revolution and depicts a poor village wanting to conserve their food, which would have been a realistic situation. The immersion of this story into Mexican culture is complete from the spicy ingredients of the soup to the Spanish words in italics that are used throughout the story (ex. sombreros, bandeleros, amigos) Kimmel even included a glossary in the back of the book that defines the Spanish terms used. What really captures the Hispanic essence of this book, however, is the earth tone watercolor pictures that Phil Huling created for this story. Characters with fun expressions are shown in authentic Mexican dress and the adobe buildings and earthy colors used depict the hot, sunny landscapes of Mexico.
The theme of this story, as in all "Stone Soup" story variations, is that sharing what you have with your fellow man benefits all and creates a joyful heart. It also demonstrates how you can accomplish much with very little when everyone contributes.

4. Review Excerpts
Publishers Weekly-"Kimmel, ever the master storyteller, incorporates especially vivid cadences in the words of the wily, world-weary captain; but it's Huling who makes the story sing. His comically exaggerated characters garner laughs without shedding their humanity, while his swooping, elongated lines and radiant colors recall the sun-drenched earthiness and high spirits of early 20th- century Mexican art."
School Library Journal-"... a wonderful example of the international appeal–and ready adaptation–of timeless tales of human nature."
Booklist-"...the sun-baked watercolors by Huling, whose lanky villagers dwarfed by looming sombreros, swaybacked horses, and bowlegged vaqueros evoke both the exaggerated perspectives of Mexican muralists and the tongue-in-cheek universe of Speedy Gonzales.
Kirkus Reviews-"A good choice for those seeking variants of Stone Soup, or books with Mexican themes."

5. Connections
With younger grades, this story could be turned into a reader's theater complete with creating "Cactus Soup" for the students to eat.
With older students, this book could also enrich a unit on the Mexican Revolution or any celebration of Mexican culture and heritage.

Other variations of the "Stone Soup" tale are:
Brown, Marcia. Stone Soup. ISBN 0689711034
Davis, Aubrey. Bone Button Borscht. ISBN 1550743260
Forest, Heather. Stone Soup. ISBN 0874836026

Other folktales with a Southwestern or Mexican flavor:
Kimmel, Eric. The Runaway Tortilla. ISBN 189081718X
Kimmel, Eric. The Three Cabritos. ISBN 0761453431
Ketteman, Helen. Armadilly Chili. ISBN 0807504580

Traditional Folktale Review-BUBBA THE COWBOY PRINCE

1. Bibliography

Ketteman, Helen. 1997. Bubba The Cowboy Prince: A Fractured Texas Tale. Ill. by James Warhola. New York: Scholastic Press. ISBN 9780590255066.

2. Plot Summary

In Bubba The Cowboy Prince, the traditional Cinderella tale gets a Texas-sized makeover complete with lots of Texas twang! For a gender twist, Bubba is the mistreated hero of the story, abused at the hands of his "wicked stepdaddy and his hateful and lazy stepbrothers." Bubba has to do all the work around the ranch but he doesn't complain because he loves ranching. Playing the traditional role of the Prince is Miz Lurleen, "the purtiest and richest gal in the county." Miz Lurleen decides she needs to find herself a husband who loves ranching as much as she does and throws a ball for all the ranchers in the county. Of course, Bubba's stepdaddy and brothers won't allow Bubba to go but he gets some help from his fairy godcow who dresses him up in the "handsomest cowboy duds he'd ever laid eyes on." Miz Lurleen is not impressed with any of the ranchers at the ball until she dances with Bubba. ("Why, you're cute as a cow's ear.") At midnight, Bubba's clothes turn back into rags and he runs out of the ball, leaving a single cowboy boot. Of course, the next day, Miz Lurleen goes ranch to ranch having cowboys try on the boot. When she finds Bubba, his stepdaddy and stepbrothers "throw chicken fits" but Bubba just smiles and rides off into the sunset with Miz Lurleen.

3. Critical Analysis

This story takes the beloved tale of Cinderella and gives it a fresh modern look with a fun exaggerated western style that almost gives it a tall tale feel. The dialogue stays consistently "Texan" such as using "fer" and "git" and Miz Lurleen "aiming to find herself a feller". Ketteman westernizes every detail in the story from the men dressing up in bolo ties and boots, to the ranching chores Bubba has to do , to the most memorable character: the fairy godcow. Male readers may identify more with this masculine version of Cinderella. Warhola's oil painting illustrations capture the exaggeration and whimsy of the characters. His depiction of the fairy godcow with her pink halo is especially memorable as well as Miz Lurleen's mile-high hair!

4. Review Excerpts

Booklist-"Ketteman wisely leaves the plot unchanged, but the story has a distinct western flair and a humorous tall-tale feel..."

Publishers Weekly-"Just the ticket for buckaroos lookin' fer a good read."

Kirkus Reviews-"A Cinderella parody features the off-the-wall, whang-dang Texas hyperbole of Ketteman and the insouciance of Warhola, who proves himself only too capable of creating a fairy godcow..."

5. Connections

This book begs to be read out loud! In fact, it is impossible to read out loud without using a fun exaggerated Texas twang accent. I know- I tried! I read this story to my two year old and my nine year old who both erupted into giggles at the cowboy dialect and the silly illustrations. This book would be perfect for a read-aloud or a readers theater in the classroom because of the distinctly defined characters in the story.

Other modern parodies of the Cinderella tale are:

Cole, Babette. Prince Cinders. ISBN 0698115546

Minters, Frances. Cinder-elly. ISBN 0140561269

Lowell, Susan. Cinder Ellen: A Wild Western Cinderella. ISBN 0064438643

Jackson, Ellen. Cinder Edna. ISBN 0688162959

Nonfiction Picture Book Review-ARTIST TO ARTIST

1. Bibliography
Carle, Eric. 2007. Artist to Artist: 23 Major Illustrators Talk to Children About Their Art. New York: Philomel Books. ISBN 0399246002

2. Plot Summary
This beautifully made book consists of notes from distinguished illustrators to young aspiring artists. The impressive list of artists include Tomie de Paola, Chris Van Allsburg, Quentin Blake and many other dearly loved children's book illustrators. Heartfelt letters touch on individual artist's childhood beginnings, education, experiences, studio environments, daily schedules, and personal thoughts and feelings. Illustrators also give advice and encouragement to young people who have the desire to create art. All profits from this book go to the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art.

3. Critical Analysis
Each one page note from the illustrator is accompanied by pictures and samples of the illustrator's work on the opposing folded page. A very diverse group of illustrators were chosen for this book while all sharing the honor of being distinguished in their field. Artistic styles run the gamut from whimsical and child-like to extremely realistic. The personality and emotions of the illustrators really shine through in their narratives.The work samples are very helpful in drawing connections for the reader between picture books and illustrators that they may or may not be familiar with. The sectional format of the book makes for an easy and aesthetically pleasing read.

The underlying theme throughout this book is one of encouragement from a mentor to a would-be artist. All of these artists came from different backgrounds. They were not all born with the innate ability to draw beautiful artwork. They were not all good in school- in fact, the opposite is more common. Not all of them knew from an early age that this was absolutely what they wanted to do with their lives. But they do all have a few things in common. They all had a desire to draw and create. And they all had people in their lives that encouraged them to follow their heart-which a is role they are seeking to fill in the minds and hearts of tomorrow's artists.

4. Review Excerpts
Kirkus Reviews-"Fun to read and view, this anthology is a treasure trove of creative insight and inspiration."
School Library Journal-"...the end result is a gorgeous, browsable gallery of international treasures, with a behind-the-scenes tour led by the generous and gifted creators themselves."
Publishers Weekly- "...offers kids and parents insight into the creative processes of renowned artists."

5. Connections
Other books that showcase picture book illustrators include:
Gr. 7 and up:
Evans, Dilys. Show and Tell: Exploring the Fine Art of Children's Book Illustration. ISBN 9780811849715
Gr 4 and up:
Marcus, Leonard S. A Caldecott Celebration: Seven Artists and Their Paths to the Caldecott Medal. ISBN 9780802797032
Gr 3 and up:
Marcus, Leonard S. Side by Side: Five Favorite Picture Book Teams Go to Work. ISBN 9780802787781

Picture Book Review-SO YOU WANT TO BE PRESIDENT?

1. Bibliography
St. George, Judith. 2000. So You Want to Be President? Ill. by David Small. New York, NY: Philomel Books. ISBN 9780399251528

2. Plot Summary
In this entertaining book, Judith St. George gives advice to young readers who aspire to be president one day. All forty two men who have previously held the title of President of the United States are included as St. George relays both serious and fun facts about each. Presidents are grouped together by similar things and stood apart for what made them unique. Readers are given tips based on statistics of past presidents such as, "you might consider joining the army" or "another route to the White House is to be Vice President..." Both the advantages and disadvantages of the job are considered; the President "has a swimming pool, bowling alley, and a movie theater" but "always has to be dressed up." The author also stresses how important it is to be honest when you are the president and depicts what happens when you are not as in the cases of Presidents Nixon and Clinton. The book concludes with the Presidential oath, the seriousness it must be taken with, and the notion that most of our presidents have done their very best to fulfill it.

3. Critical Analysis
Judith St. George writes a wonderfully entertaining and informative book about a subject that can sometimes be dry and stuffy. Throughout the book, presidents are first and foremost represented as human beings with childhoods, failures, likes and dislikes. The strong theme is that, while being President is a tough job, it is an attainable dream for everyone. The message to children is that all of the Presidents were unique individuals and none were perfect, therefore there is a possibility that you could be President too! St. George blends historical facts with fun anecdotal information perfectly to bring past presidents alive to children.

David Small's comical and interesting illustrations of Presidents really contribute to making the narrative come to life. Among the most memorable of the humorous caricature-like illustrations is a drawing of President Taft being air-lifted into his specially made tub because he was so big (more than 300 pounds) and President Andrew Jackson mid-swing in a fight to depict the long list of duels, fights, shootings and brawls he had participated in when he ran for President (fourteen in all!) Small also illustrated a more powerful depiction of President Clinton and Nixon, their heads hung in shame, descending the capitol steps to show the serious consequences of Presidential dishonesty.

This book confirms the humanity of all past Presidents and firmly communicates to young readers that ANYBODY can be President if they have integrity and are willing to work hard. Furthermore, it affirms that the Presidency is an office worthy of aspiring to.

4. Review Excerpts
Publishers Weekly-"The comical, caricatured artwork emphasizes some of the presidents' best known qualities and amplifies the playful tone of the text...The many clever, quirky asides may well send readers off on a presidential fact-finding mission--and spark many a discussion of additional anecdotes. A clever and engrossing approach to the men who have led America."

Booklist-"The light tone of the book makes it possible for readers to absorb a great deal of information, some of it silly, but underlying the treatment is a sense of the significance and dignity of the office and the faith that children still aspire to be president."

Horn Book Magazine-"The conclusion, with its reiteration of the oath of office, is positively inspiring. "

5. Connections
Other picture books about the Presidential Office are:
Goodman, Susan. See How They Run: Campaign Dreams, Election Schemes, and the Race to the White House. ISBN 9781599901718.
Stier, Catherine. If I Ran for President. ISBN 9780807535431.
Vecchione, Glen. The Little Giant Book of American Presidents. ISBN 9781402726927.
King, David C. Have Fun with the Presidents: Activities, Projects, and Fascinating Facts. ISBN 9780471679059.