GENRE: Traditional Literature

A Version of Cinderella...




http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://i14.ebayimg.com/01/c/02/00/1f/15_8.JPG&imgrefurl=http://product.ebay.com/Bubba-the-Cowboy-Prince_ISBN-10_0590255061_ISBN-13_9780590255066_W0QQfvcsZ1388QQsoprZ832685&h=251&w=304&sz=17&hl=en&start=4&sig2=4aIIabsYVZu3JXPWjXApkw&um=1&usg=__3KbkfRRxClvFHW1SmZ_tyorZ340=&tbnid=7FDxtfyU8XkRCM:&tbnh=96&tbnw=116&ei=szLkSI6nJIGy8AT35NmzDg&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dbubba%2Bthe%2Bcowboy%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DG

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Ketteman, Helen. 1997. Bubba The Cowboy Prince A Fractured Texas Tale. New York: Scholastic Press. ISBN 0-590-25506-1.

PLOT SUMMARY

Bubba, the main character, is a cowboy in Texas living with his wicked stepdad and mean stepbrothers. They try to make his life miserable by making him do all the chores around the ranch. Bubba loves ranching, so he does not mind doing the work. One good day Miz Lurleen, the richest and prettiest girl around, decides to throw a ball to find herself a husband. Since Bubba did not have appropriate attire, he does not go to the ball. That is, till, a fairy godcow appears to help him get ready for the ball. Once at the ball, Bubba and Miz Lurleen dance and start liking each other. At midnight, Bubba's attire and fetid smell come back. He dashes out of the ball losing one of his dirty boots while Miz Lurleen calls after him. Determined to find the owner of the boot, Miz Lurleen takes on the task of having the men in the county try on the boot. Bubba and the boot are a perfect match such as Bubba and Miz Lurleen are, too. Happily, they ride off into the sunset as the wicked stepdad and stepbrothers throw a chicken fit.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Helen Ketteman has created a very enjoyable fractured tale based on Cinderella. As the story is told in a Texan slang, the author captivates her audience by making the tale hilarious and extremely entertaining. Although the reader might know somewhat what will happen at every turn of the page, it does not take away from the story, and on the other hand, the reader is eager to know what twist will be added to this "Cinderella" story. It is not difficult at all to get into the story and the Texas twang right away. If it is being read aloud, the reader will soon find himself or herself reading the story Texas-style. It is a wonderful fractured tale that makes it extremely amusing to whoever reads the story.

REVIEW EXCERPTS

Review by Booklist. "With a male in the starring role, this charming and funny retelling may hold more appeal for young boys than the traditional version may."

Review by Publishers Weekly. "Rustler lingo and illustrations chockablock with Texas kitsch make this ranch-spun Cinder-fella a knee-slappin' tale."

CONNECTIONS

This wonderfully told story can serve as a springboard for many activities for young children. Teachers, as well as parents, can compare and contrast the story with the traditional tale of Cinderella. Also, the genre of fractured tales can be explored and analyzed. In the classroom setting, a poll can be taken to see which version, fractured fairy tale or traditional tales, is more popular with the children.

This link will provide further information about the author, Helen Ketteman: http://biography.jrank.org/pages/2073/Ketteman-Helen-1945.html

Folk Literature Collection...

http://images.google.com/images?hl=en&q=and+the+green+grass+grew+all+around&btnG=Search+Images&gbv=2



BIBLIOGRAPHY


Schwartz, Alvin. 1992. And the Green Grass Grew All Around. USA: HarperTrophy A Division of HarperCollins Publishers. ISBN: 0064462145.


PLOT SUMMARY


This book is full of rhyme and folk poetry. The book is divided into sections that depict a given theme for the poetry found in that part of the book. There are folk poems that range from food or school to nonsense or rain and shine. The author does a beautiful job of compiling and organizing all these poems that bring to life everyday basic and silly things. The book starts with an introduction by the author where first days of school are described to latter life moments in which folk tale was understood and researched. After the introduction, a great selection of poetry is found. At the end of the book, a section of notes, sources, bibliography and index of first lines can be found about the content of the book.


CRITICAL ANALYSIS

This book is one that can be enjoyed by opening to any page in the book. The rhymes are silly and take the reader back to childhood times. It would be unusual for the reader not to find at least one poem that has been heard before. Although some poems or rhymes might not be politically correct in our times, they do possess a lesson in life that can be taken by anyone reading these rhymes. The book is written in a simple way that attracts the reader to keep on reading every line. The illustration are also simple and not overpowering that take away from what is being read. Overall, the book is recommended for some fun and easygoing reading.

REVIEW EXCERPTS

Starred reviewed in Booklist. "The late Alvin Schwartz has left a joyful legacy in this collection of folk poetry for everyone to share."

Reviewed in School Library Journal. "A marvelous book that is sure to become a classic if children have any say in the matter."

CONNECTIONS

These are other books written by Alvin Schwartz (1927-1992). Most of his books are based on the theme of folklore and wordplay:

Stories to Tell a Cat
And the Green Grass Grew All around: Folk Poetry from Everyone
Gold and Silver, Silver and Gold: Tales of Hidden Treasure
I Saw You in the Bathtub and Other Folk Rhymes
Telling Fortunes: Love Magic, Dream Signs, and Other Ways to Learn the Future
Love Magic: Dream Signs and Other Ways to Learn the Future
Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark
More Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark Scary

A retold folktale...

http://images.google.com/images?hl=en&q=tony%27s+bread&btnG=Search+Images&gbv=2

BIBLIOGRAPHY

dePaola, Tomie. 1989. Tony's Bread An Italian Folktale. New York: G. P. Putnam's Sons. ISBN: 0399216936.

PLOT SUMMARY

Tomie dePaola’s retold folktale revolves around three main characters. There is Tony, a baker that lives in a small town in Italy, his beloved daughter, Serafina, and Angelo, a clever nobleman from Milano. As the story is told, the reader finds out that Tony’s dream is to establish a bakery in Milano and that he spoils his daughter by giving her everything she wants. Tony adores his daughter and believes no man is worthy of being with her. One day, Angelo is in town and falls in love with Serafina. By talking to Serafina’s aunts, he knows exactly how to get around Tony’s firm decision of not allowing any man to court his daughter.

Angelo offers Tony to take him and Serafina to Milano knowing it would be hard for Tony to refuse since Angelo is well aware of Tony’s dream. Needless to say, they all go to Milano and enjoy all sorts of pastries made by bakers in the city. After the trip, Tony feels much disillusioned thinking his baking will never compare to Milano’s bakers. Angelo does not give up on his idea of marrying Serafina, so they all brainstorm on ideas of baking wonderful bread. Once Tony knows what bread he wants to create, Angelo gives him the best ingredients for his new invention. The new bread becomes popular in Milano which paves the road for Tony and Serafina to move to Milano. As Serafina and Angelo marry in a quiet ceremony, Tony is being celebrated and acclaimed for the delicious bread he makes. The people call out “pan de Tonio” which brings about the name panettone for the wonderful bread know enjoyed by so many, especially during Christmas time.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Tony’s Bread is a charming folktale that explains how the Italian bread, panettone, came to be about. In his usual style of retelling stories and illustrating them, Tomie dePaola has created a wonderful book in which he takes the reader through events that lead to making the panettone. By retelling the story, dePaola also, allows the reader to learn a little about the Italian culture by the way the father is so protective of his daughter and the tight-knit aunts who gossip in low voices and help out in the unfolding of events in the story. It is a wonderful told story which can be enjoyed by young and old alike!

REVIEW EXCERPTS

Review in Publishers Weekly. "The tale is a typically charming dePaolian effort, and the illustrations abound with his trademark coziness."

Review in Booklist. "Lighthearted pictures in the artist's familiar style back the text, which heartily celebrates the setting with a liberal sprinkling of Italian phrases and such characters as the three meddling aunties."

CONNECTIONS

This link take you directly to Tomie dePaola's official website:

http://www.tomie.com/

dePaola has written and/or illustrated over 200 books for children. This is what he says about illustrating a book:

"If my book is going to take place in a different place like Mexico or Italy, I'll look at dozens and dozens of photos of those places to "exercise" my imagination. Sometimes, but not too often, I will do VERY rough sketches of the whole book in the DUMMY." (This excerpt was taken from Mr. dePaola's offical website).

Some of his most famous books that keep circulating incessantly through my library are:

Strega Nona

The Legend of the Bluebonnet

and my all-time favorite

Now One Foot, Now the Other

GENRE: Picture Books

A Cladecott Medal winner...



Google. Images. http://images.google.com/images?hl=en&q=hugo+cabret+pictures&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=X&oi=image_result_group&resnum=1&ct=title (accessed September 16, 2008).

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Selznick, Brian. 2007. The Invention of Hugo Cabret. New York: Scholastic Press. ISBN 0439813786

PLOT SUMMARY

Brian Selznick writes the story through the point of view of an orphan, Hugo Cabret, living in a Paris train station in 1931. Hugo finds himself in the middle of a mystery that involves his dead father, an automaton, a toy booth owner and his goddaughter, and a heart-shaped key that can unlock the mysterious wonder of the automaton. By following and deciphering clues, Hugo unveils events that will change his life and the life of others forever.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Selznick's writing is powerful and insightful. The reader, through his words, is able to transport himself to the main character's era and is able to feel the uncertainty, the wonder and amazement that Hugo feels. Hugo Cabret discovers new "talents" and feelings as the story progresses, and the reader does the same thing through his eyes and thoughts. The writer combines very eloquently fact and fiction by allowing the reader to learn about the birth of the motion picture era while living a fictional adventure through Hugo Cabret. As Hugo turns the pages of a reference book while trying to solve a mystery, the reader learns that "Georges Melies began his career as a magician and he owned a theater of magic in Paris." Selznick weaves fact and fiction magically in his novel.

Selznick's amazing story does not stop at words. He's story transcends words to the magical pictures he created for the novel. He drew the pictures using pencil on Fabriano Artistico watercolor paper. Even when no color is present, all pictures are black and white, the reader misses nothing and gains a lot from the detail picture that come to life as the pages are turned. Selznick is successful in telling the story through his pictures. When the words stop telling the story, the pictures continue to do so very seamlessly. The details of every drawing tell the emotions of the characters and events of the story so eloquently. When looking at Hugo's eyes on the drawings, the reader can almost wage that he is seeing the eyes of a living child. Selznick proves that a picture is worth a thousand words.

Personally, the novel was enthralling and captivating. I had a difficult time putting down the book once I started it. I read every word and admired every picture telling me the story. I wanted to know more and more about Hugo and all the characters that surrounded him. As the story unfolded, I could see that terrible, along with wonderful, events where at every turn of the story. I enjoyed the sections where the story was told through the pictures. I devoured every detail so as not to miss any clues that would take me to understand what Hugo was going through and discovering. In my opinion, the downfall of the book was that it had to end. I wanted it to keep going and keep living through Hugo.

It is a wonderful book in which I kept making connections with other masterpieces such as the Harry Potter series. In a very simple way, but yet very palpable way, Hugo and Harry seem to be alike. Both of them orphans and unveiling mysteries surrounding them make them alike, but of course, both in their own unique way as done by their creators. The Invention of Hugo Cabret is a novel that can be enjoyed by young and old and those that love mysterious adventures coupled with beautiful pictures that tell a story through every detail.

REVIEW EXCERPTS

Starred review in The Horn Book: "Complete genius."

Starred review in School Library Journal: "Shatters conventions."

CONNECTIONS

Some more books illustrated by Brian Selznick are The Dinosaurs of Waterhouse Hawkins which is a Caldecott Honor book, Walt Whitman: Words for America which is a New York Times Best Illustrated, and When Marian Sang which is a Sibert Honor winner.

A book and website that give more information about George Melies are Before Hollywood: From Shadow Play to the Silver Screen and http://www.missinglinkclassichorror.co.uk/index.htm.

About the creation of children's picture books...

Google. Images. http://images.google.com/images?um=1&hl=en&q=side+by+side+five+favorite+picture-book+teams&btnG=Search+Images (accessed September 15, 2008)

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Marcus, Leonard S. 2001. Side by Side Five Favorite Picture-Book Teams Go to Work. New York: Walker Publishing Company, Inc. ISBN 0802787789

PLOT SUMMARY

Leonard Marcus writes about five teams of collaborators who created timeless children's books. In his own easygoing style, Marcus reveals the stories of these collaborators that allow the readers to learn how teamwork played an important role in the creation of such books as Louis the Fish, Sam and the Tigers, The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales, The Magic School Bus Explores the Senses and The Glorious Flight. The writers is successful in entertaining while educating its audience about the roots of each book and how the collaborators were able to support each other while still giving space for a personal touch.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

The author, Leonard Marcus, takes into the lives and thoughts of five teams of children's books collaborators. He manages to tell the readers how each book came to live in terms of the story line and the illustrations. The readers find themselves looking at early sketches of the books as well as handwritten editing by the hand of the authors. Marcus does a stupendous job in narrating the sometimes funny ways in which this collaborators came to work together. This being the case of Arthur Yorinks and Richard Egielski in which one recognized the other as a person being recommended by a professor to illustrate his stories. In terms of Joanna Cole and Bruce Degen, Joanna was intrigued about illustrating a science-related book that would be written, by Degen, in a lighter approach from the norm of nonficiton books. And just like that, Marcus' book continues to tell unusual anecdotes about these collaborators of children's books.

By the time the reader realizes it, the book has been completed with much entertainment and great facts about how great authors and illustrators have worked together to give their audiences unforgettable books. The pictures in the book give great insight as to what the collaborators were trying to convey to their audiences. The book includes pictures of authors and illustrators, covers of the famous books, copies of notebook papers with handwritten notes, and even some pictures of where the collaborators' homes. Overall, it is a great book that gets into the minds of the collaborators and lets the readers be part of that world that sometimes the public sees as unimaginable such as the world of writers.

This is a great book to share with children since it will give them the notion of how writers and illustrators work together to create stories and pictures that become timeless. Also, it gives them an insight of how the writing and illustrating process is something that takes time, and it is perfected as the work starts taking shape. Although it can be a great book for older children, the vocabulary is not simple enough for younger audiences. It can be shared with them, but it cannot be independent reading material for them.

As a school librarian, I do feel it is a "must see" for teachers, so they can learn and share the wonderful process of writing and illustrating a book with their students.

REVIEW EXCERPTS

Starred review in Publishers Weekly "Insights into the inner workings of bookmaking."

Starred review in Booklist "Inviting . . . well-written and beautifully designed."

CONNECTIONS

Other books by Leonard S. Marcus are A Caldecott Celebration which also received starred reviews, 75 Years of Children's Book Week Posters, and Author Talk.

The link to Marcus S. Leonard's website: http://www.leonardmarcus.com/index.html

A children's book illustrated by Betsy Lewin...

Google. Images. http://images.google.com/images?um=1&hl=en&q=duck+for+president (accessed September 15, 2008)

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Cronin, Doreen. 2004. Duck for President. Illustrated by Betsy Lewin. New York: Scholastic, Inc. ISBN 0439671442.

PLOT SUMMARY

Cronin’s story is an entertaining narration of an unhappy Duck with his duties at Farmer Brown’s farm. He decides to have an election to see who will run the farm. Of course, Duck wins and quickly realizes running the farm is no easy chore. In search of an easier job, he runs for governor and then for president winning both elections. Again, he comes to the crude realization that holding those offices is no easy task. As he checked the help-wanted ads, he sees a duck is needed at the farm. Duck goes back to the farm, but Farmer Brown is still running the farm (which is not an easy job) while Duck is busy writing his autobiography. Of course, the first line of his autobiography reads “Running a farm is very hard work.”

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

The comical tone of the book written by Doreen Cronin is well supported by the illustrator Betsy Lewin. The funny and detailed pictures done in brush and watercolor give the story the right touch to convey the feelings of the characters. The frustration, desolation, disdain, surprise, or contentness, among other feelings, felt by the characters can repeatedly be seen and felt throughout the storyline and pictures. Lewin does a very good job in capturing the feeling of the story along with the funniness. The story is enjoyable and the humorous pictures make it much more so for the readers.

A weakness of the story is tha the voting process is very basic, and many aspects of it are left out. The reader of the story will understand about majority votes but not the authentic and intricate process of voting. Even though the book deals much with elections and voting, I think the underlying message of the story goes back to "the grass isn't always greener on the other side." After going through three elections, Duck finally realizes this lesson. Duck for President is a great children's book that can easily be just enjoyed or analyzed for deeper meaning.

REVIEW EXCERPTS

Review in School Library Journal "Betsy Lewin's comical watercolors with bold black outlines come to life in this fully animated production."

Review in Library Media Collection "...clever, humorous story...full of puns..."

CONNECTIONS

Other books illustrated by Betsy Lewin:

Click, Clack, Moo; Cows That Type
Giggle, Giggle, Quack, Quack

Click Clack, Quackity-Quack