Genre 3 Poetry: Verse Novel Review

Make Lemonade

1.BIBLOGRAPHY
Wolff, Virginia Euwer. 1993. Make Lemonade. New York: Scholastic Inc. ISBN 059048141.

2. PLOT SUMMARY
This book is a story of a fourteen year old girl named La Vaughn that takes on a babysitting job for a young mother of two named Jolly. Jolly is a single mother, lacks family support, education and all of the good things life has to offer. At first La Vaughn is being paid for her services, but after Jolly looses her job La Vaughn eventually has to become a dedicated volunteer. During this time a special bond is formed and La Vaughn uses her love and support to encourage Jolly to make lemonade out of lemons.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Pull out the kleenex! Wolff does an excellent job of sensing the emotions of readers in this open verse novel. This book highlights the life of the truly disadvantaged in America today. Once you begin reading you no longer feel like it is someone you don't know, you connect to the characters. Wolff does an excellent job of making the characters come to life. Wolff's creative use of words draw you into the characters without focusing on race. If you ever had an opinion about the poor, young mothers and the uneducated, this is the book to read to remove the blindfolds from your eyes. You are immediately drawn into the struggles of LaVaughn and Jolly and yet mesmerized by their will to overcome despite circumstances. The book is written in first person and has multiple short chapters that makes it easy to read. It keeps you coming back for more. Although a heartbreaking reality, it conveys a message of hope. Make Lemonade conveys a message of triumph. It reminds you that you can make lemonade out of "any" situation. This heartfelt young adult literature is geared for ages thirteen and up. I must warn you get your kleenex first.

4.REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
"Radiant with hope, this keenly observed and poignant novel is a stellar addition to YA literature."

-Publisher's Weekly

5.CONNECTIONS
Other Books by Virginia Euwer Wolff:
Bat Six
Probably A Still Nick Swanson
The Mozart Season
True Believer

Genre 2 Traditional Literature: A Book Written by Alvin Schwartz

And the Green Grass Grew All Around: Folk Poetry From Everyone

1. BIBLOGRAPHY
Schwartz, Alvin. And the Green Grass Grew All Around Folk Poetry From Everyone. Ill. by Susan Truesdell. HarperCollins Publishers, 1992. ISBN 0-06-022757-5.

2. PLOT SUMMARY
This book is a collection of over 250 folk poems from everyday life. It is Schwartz's personal record of folk poetry. This book focuses on fifteen different topics. It is in this book where Schwartz highlights the language of ordinary people.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Sassy, funny, scary and slightly naughty are just a few words to describe And the Green Grass Grew All Around. From rhymes and parodies to riddles and poems, this heartwarming book offers the entire family an opportunity to chant, sing and share their favorite folk poetry. Truesdell offers dramatic, energetic drawings with a sense of humor. Although the drawings may be in black and white it does not lack in humor. The characters tumble and guffaw across the pages. The watercolor illustrations will make you fall out of your seat with laughter. And the Green Grass Grew All Around sheds a funny spotlight on even one of the least talked about topics, an ant. "The ants go marching one by one..and the last one stops to have some fun" is just one example of the amazing humor that is found in this book. Schwartz celebrates the vitality and humor of everyday language. This wonderful book should be read by children of all ages. As soon as I read this book I couldn't help but think of my childhood. Also, if you are looking for just the right poem to write to the one you love I highly recommend this one, "Roses red, violets blue, Sugar is sweet but not like you. The violets fade, the roses fall, But you get sweeter all in all." (pg 53) You and the one you love will surely fall in "laughter".

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

"Not since Carl Wither's "A Rocket in My Pocket" (1948) has there been such a grand compilation... "

Kirkus Reviews

"This is a funny book, lets read more."

James Harry, 6 Years Old, My son

5. CONNECTIONS

Other Books by Alvin Schwartz: Chin Music:Tall Talk and Other Talk, Cross Your Finger, Spit in Your Hat: Superstitions and Other Beliefs, Flapdoodle: Pure Nonsense from American Folklore, Witcracks:Jokes and Jests from American Folklore.

Genre 2 Traditional Literature: Cinderella Review

Bubba the Cowboy Prince

1. BIBLOGRAPY
Ketteman, Helen. 1997. BUBBA THE COWBOY PRINCE. Ill by James Warhola. New York: Scholastic. ISBN 0-590-25506-1.

2. PLOT SUMMARY
Cowboy Bubba is bossed around the family ranch by his cruel stepdaddy and his downright mean stepbrothers. He never says a word. One day Miz Lurleen , a prettiest little rancher in Texas, throws a ball to meet her a feller. Bubba has to stay home. But with the help of his fairy godcow and a little southern magic Lurleen finds the prince she's always dreamed of.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
"Once a strapping young feller named Bubba lived on a ranch..." is the start of this funny southern twist on the Cinderella fairytale. The illustrations are colorful, delightful and fun to look at. Warhola, the illustrator, tends to shine a big spotlight on how things are done big in Texas. This is evident by the "big as the yellow sun" hairdo worn by Miz Lurleen. The Texas draw adds an extra sense of humor to this story. The text is easy to read and will keep you laughing. Even if you are not a Texan you will be "downright" floored by statements such as "strapping young feller" and "purtiest and richest gal." Ketteman and Warhola combined creative use of hyperbole gives this story an extra punch. It'll keep the readers coming back for more and more. Although geared for ages 5-8, this book is a must read for the entire family. It will really "rope" you in!

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
"Rustler lingo and illustrations chockablock with Texas kitsch make this ranch-spun Cinder-fella a knee-slappin' tale."
Publisher's Weekly
"A Cinderella parody features the off-the-wall, whang-dang Texas hyperbole of Ketteman..."
Kirkus Reviews

5.CONNECTIONS
Possible Classroom Lessons:
1. Read aloud another version of Cinderella and have students to compare and contrast the two books.
2. Have students to role play this book.
3. Great lesson on adjectives. After reading this book have students to list all of the adjectives.
4. Introduce lesson on hyperbole.
5. Have students to write their own version of Cinderella.

Story in Action:
Theatre Palisades Youth Program will present 7 performances of Bubba the Cowboy Prince. For more information contact varelac@aol.com.

Genre 2 Traditional Literature: A Book Written by Paul Goble

Dream Wolf

1. BIBLOGRAPHY
Goble, Paul. 1997. DREAM WOLF. Aladdin Picture Books. ISBN 0689815069.

2. PLOT SUMMARY
In this Plains Indian tale, a young boy named Tiblo and his little sister Tanski get lost in the hills while picking berries. Night falls and the two kids find refuge in a cave. While asleep Tiblo dreams that a wolf is watching over them and keeping them warm. When the two awake, he realizes it wasn't a dream at all. The wolf guides the two children back home. For this great act of kindness the wolf is showered with honor and gifts and the beginning of a special kinship with the wolf and the wolf people is formed.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This Indian tale is a great revision of The Friendly Wolf (Bradbury, 1974). Goble shares the tale of the beauty and wonderment of a relationship between man and animal. The lives and legend of this Indian tribe has been magnificently captured in Goble's illustrations. Goble's depiction of a "good wolf" offers a contrast to the idea that a wolf's main mission is to roam where few men dare, then to conquer and destroy. The wolf in this story is far less terrifying. In this heartfelt story readers have the opportunity to see and feel the special kinship between a village of people and a wolf. The text in this story keeps the reader engaged. This tale celebrates the American Plain Indian people and illuminates the beauty of the relationship between man and nature. It is very easy to read and kids of all ages would enjoy reading this Indian tale. This story will definitely stir up a desire to learn more about the Indian culture.

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
"Straightforward, rich emotions.... magnificent picture book."
Publisher's Weekly

5.CONNECTIONS
A Few Books Written by Paul Goble:
Red Hawk's Account of Custer's Last Battle 1969
Her Seven Brothers 1988
I Sing for the Animals 1991
Love Flute 1992
Mystic Horse 2003
All Our Relatives: Traditional Native American Thoughts about Nature, World Wisdom 2005

Related Activities:
After reading this selection have students to list animals that are helpful.
(guide dogs, horses)
Compare and contrast the wolf to other animals.
Explore different cultures.

Genre 1 Picture Books: A Caldecott Awarded Book

The Three Pigs

1. Biblography
Wiesner, David. The Three Pigs. ill. by Wiesner, David. Clarion Books, 2001. ISBN 0-618-00701-6.

2. Summary
The Three Pigs is the traditional story of the three little pigs. It includes the houses, the wolf and all of the huffing and puffing but there is a twist. The pigs adventure goes from traditional to surreal leading them completely out of this world or shall we say out of this story.

3. Critical Analysis
"Once upon a time there were three pigs" is how this classic tale begins. The illustrations that Wiesner begins with are similar to that of the traditional pig story but this story is anything but traditional. While the wolf tries to huff and puff the pigs' houses down one pig takes a flight right out of the story. The wolf is of course puzzled but continues with his mission, to fill up with pork. If the wolf thought he was puzzled then of course he did not believe what was is in store for him. The pigs set off on adventure right out of this story. Although a bit confusing at first, Wiesner illustrations leads you on a journey out of this world. His three dimensional illustrations are brilliant.

The three little pigs explore different stories by using the pages of the story as their means of transportation. Their adventure leads them to other stories and then into a story where they become heroes by saving a dragon's life. Finally, they venture back into their own story and
find safety from the wolf thanks to their new found friend, the dragon. Wiesner amazes readers with his bold and colorful illustrations. His illustrations evokes an out of this world experience. The twist and out of this story/world experience makes this book a must read for all ages.

4. Review Excerpt(s)
Publisher's Weekly gives this book a starred review. "Even the book's younger readers will understand the distinctive visual code."

5. Connections
Other books written and illustrated by David Wiesner
Tuesday
Free Fall
Sector 7
June 29, 1999
Hurricane

Genre 1 Picture Books: Creation of Children's Book

A Caldecott Celebration: Six Artists and Their Paths to the Caldecott Medal

1. Biblography
Marcus, Leonard S. A Caldecott Celebration: Six Artists and Their Paths to the Caldecott Medal. Walker and Company, 1998. ISBN 0-8027-8656-1.

2. Summary
Leonard Marcus sheds light on six acclaimed winners of the most prestigious illustration award. In this book you find out how your favorite books were imagined and created.

3. Critical Analysis
Golden Globe, Guild Awards and Emmys are just a few prestigious awards awarded for a job well done in acting. Artists, like everyone, appreciates being commended for their accomplishments. The Randolph Caldecott Medal has served as a way of recognizing artist for the most distinguished picture book for children published in America. In A Caldecott Celebration Marcus profiles six books that have showcased outstanding work by an artist. The books span six decades of the medal's history. It ranges from the 1940's to the 1990's. The following books were profiled: Make Way for Ducklings by Robert McCloskey, 1942, Cinderella; or, The Little Glass Slipper by Marcia Brown, 1955, Where the Wild Things Are, by Maurice Senda, 1964, Sylvester and the Magic Pebble by William Steig 1970, Jumanji by Chris Van Allsburg, 1982, and Tuesday by David Wiesner, 1992. Each book highlighted includes information about the illustrator, publisher and medium. A Caldecott Celebration illuminates the creative process of artist. This book is a must have of adults and children alike who have been touched by the creativity of an artist.

4. Review Excerpt
Publisher's Weekly gives this book a starred review. "Filled with witty anecdotes and pithy observations, Marcus's approach to examining the works of six Caldecott Medalists will be of as much interest to adults as to picture book readers. "

5. Connection
Related Websites:
www.walkeryoungreaders.com/
www.bookpage.com/9901bp/childrens/caldecott_celebration.html

Genre 1 Picture Books: A book illustrated by Chris Raschka

The Hello, Goodbye Window

1. Biblography
Juster, Norton. The Hello, Goodbye Window. Ill. by Raschka, Chris. Michael Di Capua Books, 2005. ISBN 0-7868-0914-0.

2. Summary
The Hello, Goodbye Window tells the story of a little girl that visits her Nanna and Poppy's house while centered around the kitchen window. The kitchen window provides a magical opportunity to say hello and goodbye. Told in the little girl's voice, she brings to life the wonderful and vivid experiences she encounters at her grandparents' house.

3. Critical Analysis
Vivid, magical, imaginative and energetic are just a few words to describe this story. Children of all ages can connect to this wonderful book. This story shows the connection between a granddaughter and her grandparents while centered around a magical gateway, the kitchen window. The paintbox illustrations are very colorful. The pictures allows you to use your own imagination and connect it to your life. The colors have been carefully selected to keep the reader engaged. Your imagination can run wild while reading this book because of the vibrant pictures. The illustrations that depicts breakfast being prepared and served includes details like Poppy holding a measuring cup, utensils, flower pots, the table with a warm bowl of oatmeal, allows you to sense the excitement Poppy has about making breakfast and shared moment. This story is a colorful tale of a relationship between grandparents and a grandchild. It is a must read.

4. Review Excerpt(s)
Publisher's Weekly gives this book a starred review. "Raschka warms the pages with glowing yellow, emerald, sapphire and golden brown, and he pictures the garden and trees in emphatic midsummer greens."
Common Sense Media gives this book five stars. "Warm drawings and text make this a must-have book."

5. Connections
Personal Connection
.. and the tears began to roll.. This book is so personal to me. I recently lost my grandmother and how the memories began to cloud my mind. My grandmother and I shared a special bond. I can remember the stories and the songs we shared while she cooked her wonderful meals. Oh, what a sweet aroma. This is why I am especially fond of the part when Poppy is in the kitchen cooking. I can vividly remember where everything was placed including the "glass jars." Raschka does an awesome job of illustrating the girl's feeling of peace and comfort during nap time. Looking at the picture was like looking at myself at grandma's house. Feeling what words can't describe, safety, comfort and above all, love. This book is an awesome family book that shows the genuine love between grandparents and a grandchild.
Other Books illustrated by Chris Raschka
Granny Torrelli Makes Soup
Five for a Little One
Happy to be Nappy
Skin Again
Fishing in the Air
Possible Activities
Spend time with your kids and talk about the illustrations. Have your child select which illustration they liked the best and why.
Read this book to your child if you are leaving them with their grandparents for the first time.