Traditional Literature Review- Joseph Had A Little Overcoat

Bibliography

Taback, Simms. 1999. Joseph Had a Little Overcoat. New York: Viking. ISBN 0670878553

Plot Summary

This traditional piece of literature is a classic that many can pass on generation after generation.  This story is taken from the author's favorite childhood Yiddish folktale song.  Joseph worked on a farm and has a very nice overcoat that has progressively become worn and torn.  The author has used his state of coat as the center of attraction.  Joseph is not really ready to give up his overcoat so with a little help of stitching, cutting, and pattern creating he reuses it for a jacket, a vest, a scarf, a tie, a handkerchief, and finally a button.  

Critical Analysis

This story has a wonderful moral 'something can be nothing and nothing can be something.'  Joseph could have easily gotten upset about his overcoat being torn and worn but he thought about the positive and he always found a way to make something else out of something that could have been nothing.  It's a great way to show how we can recycle old items, use our imagination, become resourceful and be unique!  Also this story is absolutely great for the young with simple vocabulary, and word repetition.  

The artwork is truly rich with eye catching bold, bright colors.  The collages are mesmerizing and it draws the reader in to look at every detail.  As the reader reads through the text the die cut gives the reader a clue to know what Joseph makes next from his worn and torn overcoat.  The characters in the story are amazed to see what's next for Joseph and so will the reader reading this fascinating story.

Reviews Excerpts/Awards

Recipient of  the Parent's Choice Gold Award

Parenting Certificate of Excellence

New York Times Best Illustrated Book of 1997

Publisher's Weekly starred review, "Children of all ages will joyfully swallow this book whole."

Received Caldecott Honor Medal

School Library Journal, "Pre-Gr 3-A book bursting at the seams with ingenuity and creative spirit. When Joseph's overcoat becomes "old and worn," he snips off the patches and turns it into a jacket. When his jacket is beyond repair, he makes a vest. Joseph recycles his garments until he has nothing left. But by trading in his scissors for a pen and paintbrush he creates a story, showing "you can always make something out of nothing." Clever die-cut holes provide clues as to what Joseph will make next: windowpanes in one scene become a scarf upon turning the page. Striking gouache, watercolor, and collage illustrations are chock-full of witty details-letters to read, proverbs on the walls, even a fiddler on the roof. Taback adapted this tale from a Yiddish folk song and the music and English lyrics are appended. The rhythm and repetition make it a perfect storytime read-aloud.-Linda Ludke, London Public Library, Ontario, Canada Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information."

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Connections

-The children can make a list of things that can be recycled.

- Have children write and draw about what they could make out of an overcoat as Joseph did.

-Read another book of Simms Taback, There Was An Old Lady Who Swallowed A Fly.

-Read the The Principal's New Clothes by Stephanie Calmenson or Mary Wore Her Red Dress by Merle Peek.

-Go through the 'lost and found' box at your school and try to recycle items inside.

-Write about a time you made something out of nothing.

-Bring in some fabric and give each child the same amount of inches (yards, foot etc.) and have them make something out of nothing.  Each child will come up with something different and interesting but they will all have the same pattern.

Traditional Literature Review- The Three Little Pigs

Bibliography

Guarnaccia, Steven. 2010.  The Three Little Pigs An Architectural Tale.  Abrams Books for Young Readers.  ISBN 9780810989412

Plot Summary

This is a pleasant version of The Three Little Pigs that highlights the architectural world.  Just as the original story of The Three Little Pigs, each pig builds their house out of some special material that they think will withstand the powerful blowing of the mischievous wolf.  All of the pigs model their masterpiece from three well known architects.  The first pig builds his home out of scraps, the second pig build his home out of glass and the third pig builds his home from concrete and stone.

Critical Analysis        

In this story the reader can appreciate the different types and styles of houses.  All of the core elements of the original story are present, however this story adds emphasis on architecture and the style of a beautiful home.  Knowing that the houses in the story actually represent an actual design from a real house makes this story more interesting.  The illustrations will catch the young eye but the information will seize the older audience.  However, this would be a great introduction for children to learn about architecture.

The pigs have human like characteristics of actual architects.  The illustrations appears to be like blueprints from an architectural sketch. Inside the cover are representations of architectural furniture and the design with the credited architect. 

Reviews Excerpts/Awards/Honors

Booklist, "The story works without the sophisticated references, but the endpapers, printed with design icons featured on the pages, provide a fun, interactive game and will pique kids' interest in the subject. Grades K-3." --Gillian Engberg

Publishers Weekly, "Of the trio, Guarnaccia favors Wright, and the puckish architect outwits the wolf on several occasions. He plays to design fans, decorating the pigs' homes with objects by the likes of Noguchi and Starck, and his endpapers provide a visual index to the allusions. Without a background in 'starchitects,' though, children will need a design history lesson to appreciate this retelling. Ages 4 — up. (June)"

Connections

• Have the students to draw a house that they would build to keep out the wolf.
• Look at actual architecture blueprints for the structure of a house.
• Read another version of Three Little Pigs and discuss similarities and differences.
• Complete research on each of the architects featured in this story.

·         Have children create their own retelling of a classic tale by using art and architecture magazines to create a collage.

Traditional Literature Review- Just A Minute A Trickster Tale and Counting Book

Bibliography

Morales, Yuyi. 2003. Just A Minute A Trickster Tale and Counting Books. Chronicle Books. ISBN 9780811837583

Plot Summary

In this trickster tale and basic counting story, it's time for Grandma Beetle's birthday party.  Grandma Beetle receives a knock on the door and the special something is skeleton Senor Galvera.  Senor Galvera tells Grandma that it's time for her to go away with him.  Grandma Beetle defers handsome Senor Galvera by asking him to wait so that she can do a few household duties.  The small things start from sweeping ONE house, to boiling TWO pots of tea, to making THREE pounds of corn for tortillas.  Senor Galvera becomes impatient and no longer wants to wait but by that time it's time for Grandma's party to start.  Senor Galvera had an awesome time at the party, and when he left Grandma Beetle found a letter written by him stating that he would return next year at the same time.

Critical Analysis

A counting game to outwit death is a pretty clever!  Three simple words "Just A Minute" tricks death into not taking her away.  This book is an awesome starter for learning Spanish numbers as it relates to English numbers.  The art and storyline are a perfect combination in this counting book.  The reader does not have to know the meaning of the story to enjoy it and that makes this a good read.  Perhaps content-wise, young readers might not have a clear concept of death, which may be intense and scary if not properly related to them. But as a teaching moment, this would be a great talking point of how death can be perceived and even celebrated in other cultures.

Skeleton Senor Galvera is very detailed from his innocent flower eyes to his fashionable fedora hat.  If death had a face this is what I would want it to look like.  This skeleton's features are very nonthreatening, this is not your ordinary skeleton that you would see during Halloween. This multi-culture gem displays figures that are reminiscent of Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos) artwork.  On the last page the illustration of Grandma Beetle winking implies that she has cheated death.  

Reviews Excerpts/Awards

Kirkus Reviews, "Lit with dancing lines and warm colors, Morale's illustrations enhance the appeal of this winning story even further."

Publisher's Weekly, "Her deep, glowing pastels and stylized human characterizations beautifully conjure the traditions of Latin American muralists..."

School Library Journal, "This deceptively simple read-aloud treat has as many layers as an onion, and is every bit as savory."

Booklist, "Along with their useful math and multicultural elements, the splendid art and spirited storytelling auger a long, full life for this original folktale."

Pura Belpre Medal Book Illustrator Award

Tomas Rivera Mexican American Children's Book Award

ALA Notable Books for Children (2004)

Golden Kite Honor (2003)

Americas Book Award for Children's & Young Adult Literature (2003)

Connections

-Read the sequel Just In Case by Yuyi Morales.

-Learn about Mexico – its celebrations, foods, fiesta piñata designs, beautiful pottery designs, and storytelling customs.

-Compare Morales's illustrations with the designs that come from traditional and folk art of Mexico.

-Write about how Senor Galvera felt after leaving Grandma Beetle's party, knowing that she didn't come with him.

-Mix in Math and have students to come up with how long Senor Galvera stayed at Grandma Beetle's house while she did her household duties.

LS 5603 Literature for Children and Young Adults-Picture Book: Where The Wild Things Are

Bibliography

Sendak, Maurice. 1991.  WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE.  Harper Collins Publishers.  ISBN 0060254920

Plot Summary

In this classic fiction, Max is a child that is behaving mischievous at home one night.  Max runs around the house acting wild in a costume.  Max refused to behave correctly and disrespects his mother.  As a result of Max's unruly behavior he is sent to bed without having dinner.  That night Max lets his imagination run wild.  He travels far around the world where the wild things are.  The wild things make Max the King of Wild Things.  Max grows lonely from being away from home so he decides to return back home in which he finds his dinner is still warm.

Critical Analysis

This story shows how a typical child can easily misbehave with their parents.  It also shows how a child can have a wild imagination that can take them anywhere they want to go.  Not only does Max have a wild imagination it displays how a child can be disobedient and get punished for it.  When children or adults are placed in a situation where they would rather not be in they imagine a place where they can be, and in this case Max wanted to be far, far, far away from his mother.  But in the end he realizes that he misses something that wasn't there anymore-his mother.  A good moral of this story would be, you never know what you've got until it's gone.

The pictures really help bring the story together. There is a sentence that matches the pictures on most of the pages, but the pages that don't have words gives an opportunity for a child's imagination to run wild and make it up.  You can look at the pictures and understand what is happening without reading any words.  The colors in this tale are very dark like a metaphor for the wild things.  The wild things are depicted as frightening and feral but are not graphically scary.  

Reviews Excerpts/Awards/Honors

Caldecott Medal (1964)

Most Distinguished Picture Book of the Year (1964)

International Hans Christian Andersen Medal for illustration (1970)

Laura Ingalls Wilder Award (1983)

School Library Journal: "Each word has been carefully chosen and the simplicity of the language is quite deceptive."

Connections

·         Have students write about a time when they got in trouble for their behavior and what they did.

·         Make a list of mischievous things Max did that night and then have the student to write a note to his mother asking her for forgiveness and have the class vote on which one she would be show forgiveness towards.

·         Have students create another Wild Thing monster.

·         Max was sent to bed without supper and that could have made him sad, so have the children write about a time they were sad and draw a picture that matches the sentence.

LS 5603 Literature for Children and Young Adults-Picture Book: Elephants Cannot Dance

Bibliography

Willems, Mo.  2009.  ELEPHANTS CANNOT DANCE.  New York:  Hyperion Books for Children. 

ISBN 9781423114109

Plot Summary

In this funny tale, Elephant and Pig are totally different characters.  Elephant is cautious and Pig just does things without thinking.  One day Pig tries to teach her friend Elephant how to dance.  Elephant insists that elephants cannot dance but Pig refuses to believe that elephants don't dance.  Elephant gives in after Pig's persistent ways but he doesn't do well.  Elephant gets frustrated with every move and quits.  From all the wrong movements, Elephant made his own unique dance without evening knowing it.  Two squirrels see him dancing and they want to learn his way of dancing and so Pig follows and wants to dance her friends' way as well.  But Pig becomes frustrated with the dance moves.

Critical Analysis

This narration is very common to any child because often times children are faced with doing things that they don't want to do but because their friends do it they must give in and try it.  It also shows how two totally different people can be friends-opposites attract.  While children read this book they will realize it's okay to be different at something.  When you think you can't do something, try it because it might just be right, too!

The illustration is very simple with soft colors promoting closeness with the reader.  The background lacks detail so it makes it easier for the reader to focus on Elephant and Pig.  The pictures are filled with great expression, emotion, and action. 

Reviews Excerpts/Awards

Cybil Award (2009)    

The Bulletin(starred review):  "Theses books will easily take their place alongside Seuss and Eastman as classics in the beginning-reader genre."

School Library Journal Review:  "These masterful mini-dramas will delight and amuse easy-reader and picture-book audiences, alike."

Connections

-Discuss things that they have felt overwhelmed about and make a list, such as Elephant.

-Have students reenact the story such Reader's Theatre to help promote fluency.

-Have each child get up and move their own favorite way.

-Share other Elephant and Pig books by Mo Willems:  My Friend is Sad, Today I Will Fly, I Will Surprise My Friend, Pigs Make Me Sneeze, I Am Invited  To a Party, There Is A Bird On Your Head, I Love My New Toy, Are You Ready To Play Outside, Watch Me Throw The Ball, I Am Going.

LS 5603 Literature for Children and Young Adults-Picture Book: A Sick Day for Amos McGee

Bibliography

Stead, Philip C.  2009.  A SICK DAY FOR AMOS MCGEE. by Stead, Erin E.  Roaring Brook Press.  ISBN 9781596434028

Plot Summary

In this picture book, author Philip Stead writes about an elderly man that has a gentle soul.  Amos McGee visits his animal friends daily at the zoo, where he works.  McGee, has a daily routine where he makes time to do special things with each of his friends.  He shares an extraordinary relationship with an elephant, rhinoceros, penguin, the tortoise, and an owl.  One day Amos McGee gets ill and is unable to come to work to see his friends so his friends rush quickly to comfort and care for  him.

Critical Analysis

This charming story is great for the young and old because it introduces compassion towards one another.  It teaches everyone how to respect and how to be a loyal friend.  This is a timeless and fundamental narrative that has the underline meaning throughout the story, "treat others as you would have them treat you".   It's sweet how the animals are doing human-like acts when Amos McGee gets sick.  People desire friendships such as the depicted characters in this story.

The illustrations in this book are just as gentle as the character Amos McGee.  The illustrator Erin Stead created her images by hand using wood block printing techniques and pencil.  The pictures are subtle in color and simple so that you can focus on the characters on an uncluttered background.  The wordless pages constructs an intimate connection with each character.

Reviews Excerpts/Awards

Kirkus Review:  "Erin E. Stead’s beautifully wrought woodblock prints and pencil work create almost painfully expressive characters...This gentle, ultimately warm story acknowledges the care and reciprocity behind all good friendships."

School Library Journal Review:  “Whether read individually or shared, this gentle story will resonate with youngsters.”

Booklist Review:  "Like the story, the quiet pictures, rendered in pencil and woodblock color prints, are both tender and hilarious… The extension of the familiar pet-bonding theme will have great appeal, especially in the final images of the wild creatures snuggled up with Amos in his cozy home.”

The New York Times Book Review: "Observant readers will notice tiny surprises hidden in plain sight: a red balloon, a tiny mouse and sparrow popping up here and there in the story. Erin E. Stead, the illustrator, overlays her pencil sketches with gentle tones of pink, peach, blue and green, and bright red spots that belie the deceptive ordinariness of the text."

Connections

-Have the children make a list of what a good friend is and how to be a good friend.

-Research each animal in the story and write about them.

-Have students brainstorm a list of other animals that they would see at the zoo, and have them change the story with one of the new animals. 

-Read additional stories about friendships such as Help: A Story of Friendship! by Holly Keller, George and Martha: The Complete Stories of Two Best Friends by James Marshall, or Best Friends: A Special Book of True Friendship by Fran Pickering, Poppy Bloom, and John Blackman.