Tag Archives: K-5

How to Get Married

Posted on by

5

Author: Sally Lloyd-Jones

Illustrator: Sue Heap

Publishing Information: Schwartz & Wade Books, 2009

Number of Pages: 32

Tags: Fiction, Family, Picture Book, K-1

Genre: Realistic Fiction

6

Analysis:

This story serves as a step-by-step guide for how to find someone you’d like to marry, and how to, then, plan out a wedding. The story is told from the perspective of the “bride” and the strategies she uses for planning out her marriage.

I must admire the fact that the book is very inclusive, as the bride states a very diverse range of people you can marry, and brushes on the topic of polygamy as well when she says, “Usually, you’re not allowed to marry lots of people at once. Except sometimes you are” (Lloyd Jones, 8). As a result, I found that this would serve as a window to teach children to be very open-minded in terms of who another person chooses to marry, and the different types of families that result from those marriages. Also, it becomes both a mirror and a door, as they assess their own preferences in marriage and can practice both their own preferences and a tolerance for the preferences of others. As a result, I think that this simple how-to book can be a fun and more lighthearted way to teach children about an event that happens all the time.

Although the book is meant to be a silly and fun way to approach the topic, I did find bits of the story to be a bit problematic. The bride provides different lists of things you should not do in front of the person you like, or they won’t want to marry you. This could send a negative message to children that tells them that they must act a particular way to impress someone, rather than being themselves. Also, she creates a list of people you should not marry, which backpedals on the inclusiveness of the story, and teaches children that some people are less deserving of marriage/love than others. As a result, I think it sends the wrong message in some aspects, and I’m not sure I would want to read this to children in my classroom.

As a whole, I found this book to be a fun way for children to learn about the topic of marriage in terms they could understand. While I did have some critiques in some areas of the storyline, I was not completely turned off by the book and still found parts that I believe children can really benefit from.

A Storm Called Katrina

Posted on by

11 12

Author: Myron Uhlberg

Illustrator: Colin Bootman

Publishing Information: Peachtree, 2011

Number of Pages: 34

Tags: Culture, Family, Historical Fiction, K-5, Picture Book

Genre: Historical Fiction

Analysis:

A Storm Called Katrina introduces us to a boy named Louis and his parents who are living in New Orleans at the time that the infamous Hurricane Katrina hits town. Louis and his parents must flee their home to find safety and shelter, all while trying not to get separated in the midst of all the panic and confusion that surrounds the community.

As we all know, Hurricane Katrina was a real storm that hit the New Orleans communities in the early 2000’s that had a profound impact. This story provides a window for children to learn about the tragedy and some of the struggles faced by families in the form of a children’s story. The book provides real pictures and information about Hurricane Katrina in the back flaps, but also does a good job at depicting the different conflicts faced by families in the story of Louis and his family.

The illustrations in the book are painted very dark, in reflection of the dire circumstances. One often sees looks of sadness, panic, and distress in the faces of the characters as well, that work together with the text to show raw emotions of the family members. Furthermore, the illustrations are large but framed, emphasizing the power of the plot but also that we, as readers, are experiencing the story from the outside.

Due to the circumstances Louis must learn to be brave in how he copes with the natural disaster and its effects. He follows the instructions his parents give to him, although he is afraid. He also takes the initiative to play his cornet in the Superdome to help his father find him when he is separated from Louis and his mother. In this way, children are taught the value of being brave in the face of a scary situation. Throughout the book, the family remains close and works together, therefore, teaching children the importance of family and sticking together even when times are tough.

Initially, the book may come across as only one of historical fiction to teach children about some of the events of Hurricane Katrina, but when reflecting deeper on the story, one will be able to see the life lessons that are also embedded in the plot. As a result, I think this is a very educational and impactful story for children, despite a few moments that are a little scary for young readers.

Pinduli

Posted on by

Author: Janell Cannon

Illustrator: Janell Cannon

Publisher and year: Scholastic 2004

Number of pages: 38

Genre: Fiction

          IMG_3392 Pinduli is the story of a beautiful hyena that wanders away from her mother into the East African wild. While Pinduli is wandering she runs into dogs, a lion and a zebra who all judged Pinduli’s looks. Pinduli becomes very self conscience and starts to change her looks to fit in, she gets to the point where she covers herself in dust making her look like a ghost. All the animals that once teased her were now afraid of her and begged her to forgive them for being mean since the believed she was a ghost. Pinduli told them they must find out why they were teasing others and give the one you teased food to be forgiven. Pinduli’s mother found her and reminded her of her inner and outer beauty

This text talks a lot about how you should always treat others how you want to be treated. The text also talks about being true to yourself and not changing to fit in. Since these are the main themes throughout the story I believe that this text might function as a door. I believe this because the readers can learn lessons from the text and apply those lessons to their own lives. Feeling like you don’t fit in is something that a lot of people are able to connect to. Since this books features animals there are no cultures represented besides the fact that the story is based in East Africa. At the end of the book there is diagram that shows the hyena family and other animals from East Africa, which gives readers some insight about the wild life in Africa that a lot of readers probably don’t know about. I really liked how the author put an explanation about the different animals in the book at the end because it made me as a reader feel more connected to the book after having more knowledge of the animals.

The illustrations throughout this book are beautifully done and the emotions of each animal is very clear in the text . While all different types of animals are teasing Pinduli she is always facing right showing that she is less secure. I have also noticed that all the animals that have teased her are much bigger and are higher up on the page showing that the have the power in that moment. As the story goes on and as the mean animals learn their lesson and apologize to Pinduli then she becomes more proud of her appearance and she starts facing left showing that she is more secure with herself. I really enjoyed this text because it teaches the important lesson of never changing yourself for someone else and also to treat others, as you want to be treated.IMG_3393

The Other Side

Posted on by

IMG_5983

Title: The Other Side

Author: Jacqueline Woodson

Illustrator: E.B. Lewis

Publisher: G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 2001

Number of pages: 32 Pages

Tags: Culture, Diversity, Emotion, Friendship, Historical Fiction, Picture Book, K-5, Stephanie Prentice

Genre: Historical Fiction

Analysis

Clover’s mother will not allow her to cross the fence that separates the African-American side of town from the White side of town where Anna lives because she claims it is not safe. After spending the summer wondering why she is not allowed to cross the fence, Clover gets closer and closer to the fence. Eventually, Clover begins talking to Anna and their friendship grows despite Clover’s moms wishes.

This text allows readers to tap into the realities of African-Americans during the Civil Rights Movement. Clover’s mother is hesitant to allow her to cross into the White part of town because of safety concerns. The depictions of African American as well as American girls allows readers to see themselves and their culture. Despite the common belief that all African Americans during this time period are poor and unprivileged, the illustrations shows Clover and her mother nicely dressed while walking through town. The pictures are very realistic, which mirrors the idea that racism and prejudice is a very realistic problem. The author also discusses the fact that Clover’s mother has bought her toys to play with inside on rainy days. The story seems to take place in a rural setting, which was usually where segregation was heavy during this time period. The power seems to lie in the hands of the White side of town because of Clover’s situation. This story acts as a door because it inspires readers to knock down the fences in their own lives.

Perceptually, the images are usually only one page with the text on the other. The first and last pages have images that cover a double page spread. Especially on the last page, the double spread picture symbolizes the growth that took place within the story. The growth of Clover and Anna’s friendship is symbolized in the pictures. At the beginning, there is tension and distance IMG_5984between both girls. As they continue to talk, the girls move closer together. In the story, the fence is a physical barrier between the interaction of the African American and the White populations. It also symbolically represents the barriers that people, especially African Americans, face in their lives. This title, The Other Side, also refers to another aspect of the story. This story features a main character that questions why racism and prejudice are ruling people’s lives. In this case, the character is the person on the other side of the powerful race during this time. This powerful theme carries into other aspects of life. Readers will benefit from the tolerance displayed in the story.

 

Back-to-School Rules

Posted on by

IMG_5985Title: Back-to-School Rules

Author: Laurie Friedman

Illustrator: Teresa Murfin

Publisher: Carolrhoda Books, 2011

Number of pages: 32 pages

Tags: Fiction, Picture Book, K-5, Stephanie Prentice

Genre: Fiction

Analysis

During this story, Percy offers his rules for going back to school for the year. He explains what not to do during class in order to be successful. Percy claims that if someone follows his ten rules that they will have a lot of fun during school.

This book can act as a window for children to see themselves in the story. For example, children can imagine themselves in their own classroom and reflect on their behavior. However, the lack of diversity does not allow for children to see cultures that are different from their own. The images create a humorous depiction of school, showing students doing very silly things such as swimming in the fish tank. In some cases, the images contradict the text.

The images are very colorful and vibrant, grabbing the reader’s attention. The beginning of the book begins with Percy walking to school through his town. The images often mirror the text, IMG_5986depicting the behaviors that Percy claims you should not do . Percy’s rules are often a different color in the text. The illustrator uses different techniques to display the information. For example, on one page, she uses arrows to display the order of which it appears in the text. On the next page, she uses a thought cloud to display the rules. The illustrator also uses a chalkboard to display the rules of Percy. Structurally, the text has a slight rhyming scheme. However, it is sometimes forced, making it difficult to hear the rhyming.

This book is a funny way of discussing class rules; however, it is displayed in a very negative way. This book lists many things that students should not do, rather than stating what the students can do in a positive manner. For example, Percy claims that a student should not arrive late because teachers do not like to wait. Sometimes when a student is late it is out of their control. This list of behaviors to avoid can make children afraid for what can happen if they were to break one of these rules. This book does a good job of opening the discussion for classroom rules, but should not be used to tell children how to act in school. Many of the rules limit the children’s creativity and abilities because of the harsh negativity.

 

The New Girl… And Me

Posted on by

Title: The New Girl… And Me

Author: Jacqui RobbinsIMG_5971

Illustrations: Matt Phelan

Publisher: Anthenum Books for Young Readers, 2006

Number of pages: 32 pages

Tags: Diversity, Emotion, Fiction, Friendship, Picture Book, K-5, Stephanie Prentice

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Analysis

When a new girl, Shakeeta, comes to school most of the girls are excited to show her around except for Mia. Mia remains reserved and watches the interactions between Shakeeta and the rest of her classmates. When Shakeeta is deliberately excluded from the game of soccer by a boy named DJ, Mia strikes up a conversation with Shakeeta as they are sitting together on the bench. The girls soon become good friends.

While the message of the story is positive, some events in the story can be taken in a negative view. For example, when DJ bullies Shakeeta at recess, the rest of the class follows his lead, laughing at his mean comments. This can lead children to believe that it is okay to bully people. In addition, Mia is originally scared of Shakeeta when she first arrives. Lastly, Shakeeta threatens to punch DJ when he makes fun of her name. This can teach children to believe that violence is the answer if they are being bullied. Lastly, Mia is originally scared of Shakeeta when she arrives in the classroom. This can be seen as stereotyping and profiling.

The illustrator does a good job of capturing the true emotions of children with their facial expressions and body language. The pale colors of the pictures and white backgrounds allow for readers to focus on the facial expressions and body language in different situations. Before Mia and Shakeeta have their first interaction with each other, they are deliberately placed on the opposite sides of the double page picture. This deliberate placement symbolizes the idea that they are not yet friends. On the next page, Mia asks Shakeeta about her iguana and they begin a lively conversation. As the girls dive deeper into their conversation, they move closer to each other on the bench, symbolizing their growing friendship. Mia’s first attempts to start a conversation, asking about Shakeeta’s iguana, can give students who are shy like Mia ideas on how to start a conversation with a new classmate. In addition, the illustrations bring in anelement of multiculturism without it being the main focus. This allows a diverse population of students see themselves in the story. The interracial friendship also adds an example of tolerance and acceptance.

This book can be used if a teacher is expecting a new student. It can open discussions of how to make a new student feel welcomed, but it is important to remember how the book can be viewed in a negative way while having discussions about this book. IMG_5973

What James Said

Posted on by

Title: What James Said

Author: Liz RosenburgIMG_5967

Illustrators: Matt Myers

Publisher: Roaring Book Press, 2015

Number of pages: 32 Pages

Tags: Diversity, Emotion, Fiction, Friendship, Picture Book, K-5, Stephanie Prentice

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Analysis

A little girl believes that her best friend, James, is saying mean things behind her back. Therefore, she gives him the silent treatment during school to get her revenge. As the school day goes on, James comes up with ways that become more tempting for the little girl to talk to him. In the end, they realize their friendship is worth too much to fight.

The two main characters include a boy and a girl, which goes above the common belief that friendships should only be made within the same gender. In addition, the friendship between an African American boy and a Caucasian female shows tolerance and acceptance. The images of the other students of the class also include diversity, representing a wide array of ethnicities. This allows children to see themselves in the story, as well as see other ethnicities in addition to their own.

IMG_5968Perceptually, the images are very bright and enticing for the children. The use of faded watercolor pictures, such as in the picture below, allows the focus to remain on the narrator and James. The use of large text in certain areas allows the reader to recognize which points should be emphasized while reading the story aloud. Some of the illustrations resemble the ones that children would draw, making it very relatable for the readers. The layout of the text in relation to the pictures also allows the readers to follow the sequence very well, especially when the author is describing how each classmate heard the rumor about the narrator. Ideologically, this book shows the dangers of gossip and rumors and the effects they have on friendships. The misunderstanding during the “game of telephone” leads to the narrator’s feelings getting hurt by her best friend. Children who read this book are able to see the damage done by gossip and rumors. The ending of the book allows readers to see some things can be misunderstood and taken out of proportion. It also emphasizes the idea of friendship and its importance. The two sided story, the narrator and James’ actions, also show the different emotions when two friends are fighting. This book also gives an example of how children can solve problems with their friends. However, the way in which the narrator reacts is not recommended for children.

The Three Pigs

Posted on by

IMG_9614 [405971]

Author/Illustrator: David Wiesner

Publisher and Year: Clarion Books, 2001

Number of Pages: 38

Genre: Fantasy/Fiction

IMG_9615 [405972]

Analysis: “The Three Pigs” is a book where Wiesner puts a weird but interesting twist on the typical “The Three Little Pigs” story by not only allowing the pigs to stand strong, but to move on into a whole different story. From there, they escape the big bad wolf along with a new friend. This book could function as a door into the imaginative world of the three pigs. An old tale that many of us grew up on now has a huge twist on it, opening up our eyes to the many possibilities. In the typical beginning of the story, the wolf has all of the power. Then, the pigs become powerful and essentially “create their own ending” to the story. The images align with my understanding of culture by allowing the pigs to go in and out of reality. They are also allowed to dip into another story and experience something from that and (literally) take something from it.

Perceptually, the words in this book sometimes contradict the images, but it works. The words are typical “The Three Little Pigs,” and dialog is used often.

Structurally, the pigs “come out” of story and “go into” another. They look realistic when they’re not in their story, and the pictures are framed when their classic story is being told. The pigs move in the right direction into the new story.

Similar to the original story, “The Three Pigs” shows us that bullies never prevail.

 

The Great Paper Caper

Posted on by

IMG_9622 [405979]Author/Illustrator: Oliver Jeffers

Publisher and Year: Philomel Books, 2008

Number of Pages: 40

Genre: Fantasy/Fable

IMG_9623 [405980]

Analysis: “The Great Paper Caper” is about an aspiring bear who dreams of winning a paper airplane competition finds himself in a pickle when he is exposed for cutting down a lot of trees. After he explains why he cut down the trees, the town takes interest in his ideas. This book works as a window into an imaginary world that most would otherwise never experience. Close to all of the power seems to be distributed throughout the jungle, as all of the animals come to the conclusion that someone must be held responsible for the missing trees. The jungle in this book seems somewhat like real life (with an interrogation process and “cops”) so some of the power also lies in their hands. Because the bear was interfering with the daily routines of the jungle (and ultimately the world), he was disliked and considered an enemy by the majority. The bear was ostracized because of his different ideas, which is typically how society deems what is normal and what is not.

Perceptually, this book has very little words and the words are spaced out, so the main focus was on the pictures. The bear never actually speaks in the book, we are only told what he is saying.

Structurally, this story is told with pictures and thought bubbles. The bear continuously walks to the right and appears lower on the page when he is confronted by everyone, but then appears on the top of the page when everyone applauds him for having such a great idea, perhaps to show a change in status.

Have You Filled A Bucket Today?

Posted on by

Title: Have You Filled A Bucket Today? A Guide to Daily Happiness for Kids Bucket1

Author: Carol McCloud

Illustrator: David Messing

Publisher and Year: Ferne Press, 2006

Number of Pages: 31

Genre: Fiction 

Analysis: Have You Filled a Bucket Today? is a children’s picture book which received a Mom’s Choice Award, and teaches children the benefits of kindness to everyone, even complete strangers. Throughout the book a bucket is used as a symbol of a person’s happiness. If the bucket is full, then a person is happy, but if the bucket is empty a person is sad. 

Have You Filled a Bucket Today? includes five different cultures on the first page and continues to show people of different races and ages throughout the book. Not only are different races and ages exhibited throughout the book but also a child in a wheelchair is represented. This book can serve as a mirror for a reader who is acting in a caring and loving manner towards others, but this book could also be considered a door since it encourages others to act and fill other people’s buckets. Society often thinks that adults have the influence, but this book shows that through simple actions, children can impact their peers, adults, teachers, and even strangers.

Bucket2

Perceptually, this book appears to be a happy and joyful book. The text is big,clear and easy for students to read. The  amount of text represented on each page is just enough to grasp the understanding and then move on to the next page. Each page adds onto the previous page, while still reflecting the same message.

Structurally, the diverse characters vary, but the image of the bucket remains the same. The bucket reflects a character’s outward appearance. For example, characters that wear glasses have a bucket that wears glasses. This artistic style shows the audience that the bucket is not an item separate from the person. A bucket is symbolic of the person’s feelings and emotions on the inside. Since this book suggests that children have the power to impact a person’s happiness, the images of children and adults are on the same level. This image is a powerful point because it shows that children can impact adults just as much if not more than adults can impact children. Throughout the book, the images mirror the text, showing exactly what is written, but in some instances the images add to the text further explaining the story through pictures.

Bucket3

Finally, ideologically this book’s positive message will have a lasting effect on children more than the negative lesson. One aspect that was negative was when the author points out that a bully is a “bucket dipper” (p. 15). The illustrator adds onto these words by creating images that show bullying actions. These words and images give children examples of ways that they should not behave towards their peers. The first positive message shows children the affect that happiness can have on other people as well as their own happiness. Not only does this book portray a positive message overall, but also there are relatable examples that students can take away from this book.