Tag Archives: Picture Book

The Herd Boy

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the herd boy

Author/ Illustrator: Niki Daly

Publishing Information: Frances Lincoln Limited, 2012

Number of Pages: 30

Genre: Non-fiction, Picture book

 

the herd boy 2

Analysis:

Malusi is a South African herd boy. The job is very hard but he does it very well. He and his friend both have their own dreams. While his friend Lungisa wants to be a soccer player, Malusi wants to be president when he grows up.

This book demonstrates multiculturalism through a typical day of a South African herb boy Malusi. The text functions as a window for children to notice and explore the differences in the world. On the other side of the earth, there are different types of food, different clothes, and people with different skin color speaking different language. The kids there do not live in fancy houses. They get up early to work instead of rushing to catch the school bus in order not to be late. They take care of animals not for fun but for a living. This book was published just a few years ago. However, I can hardly find any modern elements from both texts and illustrations. It shows children that people elsewhere are living a very different life. People can be different in various ways but dreams are universal.

I found one of the plots in this story problematic. Children might be confused when they saw Nelson Mandela in “a shiny new car” with a man in suit driving for him (p. 21). On one hand, the strong contrast between the car and “the dirt road” reveal the gap between different classes. On the other hand, it is a symbol for a hope of development country, both in wealth and in technology. I think a better way to express this plot is to talk more about how Nelson Mandela gets to his place and further specify the necessary characteristics of leadership.

Perceptually, the book uses narrative sentences to tell a relatively complete story. Almost all of the colors in the book are dark which reflects the relatively poor living condition. The pictures in the book are not framed but the text and images are completely separated which construct the feeling of looking into another world and another culture. The horizon exists all the time except for the last picture which depicted Malusi’s dream. Structurally, the text and images do not overlap. Ideologically, the story encourages children to be brave. When facing difficulties, keep calm and find the best solution. At the same time, it is okay to have dreams and fight for them — even if they seem to be unreachable right now.

Will Princess Isabel Ever Say Please?

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untitled

Author: Steve Metzger

Illustrator: Amanda Haley

Publishing Information: Holiday House, 2012

Number of Pages: 30

Genre: Fantasy

 

Analysis:untitled2

            Isabel is a beautiful princess who is seemingly perfect, except for her bad manners and refusal to ever say “please.” Although she has many suitors that initially wish to marry her, each one changes his mind as soon as he realizes how rude she is and marries a kinder princess. It is not until the end of the story that she learns the importance of saying “please” and having good manners, which helps her find a prince who will love her.             I think this story sends a good message to children that contrasts the typical theme of princess stories. In most stories of a princess, she is praised for her beauty and marries a prince because she is a beautiful princess. However, in the case of Princess Isabel, her beauty is not enough for the princes to marry her, as they are turned off by her rudeness. It is not until the very end of the story, when Isabel finally says “please” that she is able to woo one of the princes. The author notes, “When the prince heard Isabel say ‘please,’ he was so impressed by her humility and fine manners that he fell in love with her on the spot” (pg. 28). Although the “love at first sight” critique is apparent, this sends a much better message to children as it explicitly states that it was the humility and fine manners that led the prince to fall in love with Princess Isabel. As a result, children are able to see that inner beauty and being a good person is more important than outer beauty. Furthermore, it teaches them the value of manners, and that a lack of manners will yield consequences even for a beautiful princess who seems to have it all.

The illustrations are done in bright watercolors, and remain unframed to allow readers to really experience this story from within. However, more detail and brighter colors are given to the illustrations of Isabel, symbolizing her central importance to the story. Despite the nicely done illustrations, the text could exist alone and still convey all of the messages to readers that it is intended to.

As a whole, I believe the ideologies of manners and the importance of inner beauty make this a refreshing change of pace from the typical princess fairytales children see more often.

How to Get Married

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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.

Tom’s Tree

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7

Author: Gillian Shields

Illustrator: Gemma Raynor

Publishing Information: Good Books, 2009

Number of Pages: 24

Genre: Fantasy

8

Analysis:

Tom’s Tree tells the story of a young boy named Tom who plants a tree and tells the reader all of the fantastical things he will be able to do in his tree when it grows. However, he becomes discouraged when the tree takes longer to grow than he had hoped, and his dreams are dashed. In the end, he finds that the tree will grow just as big and strong as he had hoped, and he is able to share this moment with his son when he is grown.

This is a very imaginative story, with illustrations that work well with the text to assist in the storytelling. Frankly, I found that the illustrations were additive, as the text alone would not have been able to tell the story as well. There are bright illustrations that cover both pages, and personify all the hopefulness Tom has for the future of his tree. Furthermore, we are able to see Tom’s changing facial expressions as time goes on and the process of the tree growing is taking longer than he had hoped. All of the illustrations are done without frames, letting us really dive into Tom’s fantasies with him. I found it interesting that readers were able to see the parallels between the size of Tom and the size of his tree as they changed over time; as Tom got older, the tree grew larger, showing the connection between the two rather than merely the passing of time.

The story can certainly serve to teach children to allow their imaginations to flourish, and that patience is a virtue. Although Tom’s tree did not grow as quickly as he had hoped it would, it still grew to just the size and splendor that he was hoping for as a boy. Furthermore, in my opinion, it was even more special because he got to share the tree and his ideas for it with his son when it had finally grown large enough. Therefore, I found that this was an imaginative story with valuable undertones that would be a fun read for young readers.

“Slowly, Slowly, Slowly” said the Sloth

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9 10

Author: Eric Carle

Illustrator: Eric Carle

Publishing Information: Philomel Books, 2002

Number of Pages: 24

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

Genre: Fable

Analysis:

This book tells the story of a sloth living in the jungle, and going about his daily activities. The other animals wonder why he does things so differently than the other animals and start to ask him questions about it. Finally, the sloth explains that he enjoys his lifestyle and does things at his own pace.

This story is illustrated with bright watercolors, as the plot is fairly lighthearted. It also provides both a picture of each animal that is featured in the story, along with their name on the back pages. An interesting thing to note, however, is that the sloth is always featured on the left page of the book, until the other animals start to question his lifestyle. This shows readers that the sloth is secure with himself until this point. Once the other animals begin questioning him, he is featured on the right page, indicating that he is less secure and faces more of a conflict than he did prior.

My initial perception of this book was that it was merely a simple children’s picture narrative, for beginning readers. I felt this way because the text was fairly simple, and there was not an elaborate storyline to go along with the pictures. Furthermore, the illustrations were very eye-catching, leading me to believe that they were the intended focus. However, when analyzing the text on a deeper level, I was able to see a more important message reflected by the sloth and his story. The story provides children with a window to see that different people have different ways they like to do things, and that is perfectly acceptable; different people like different things. It is also a mirror to show them that they are unique and have a unique way of going about things that they like best. This book teaches children the importance of accepting your differences, and being happy in what you choose to do. As a result, I’ve found that while the illustrations are certainly to be admired, there is a deeper context to be found in this simple story of a sloth in the jungle.

A Storm Called Katrina

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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.

Toot & Puddle: A New Friend

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13 14

Title: Toot & Puddle: The New Friend

Author: Holly Hobbie

Illustrator: Holly Hobbie

Publishing Information: Little, Brown and Company, 2004

Number of Pages: 29

Genre: Fable

Analysis:

Toot and Puddle are two pigs that are spending some time playing with their friend Opal, who introduces them to her new friend Daphne. Daphne seems to be very good at everything she does, and she certainly knows it as she shows off her talents and skills to the three other pigs, making her come across as a snob. Eventually, a conflict occurs in which Opal demonstrates a skill that Daphne does not have, and the friends realize that everyone has different skills and talents that they are good at.

This story serves as a window for children to understand that, although someone may be very talented at one thing, they should not view this as a shortcoming on their part; no one is good at everything, and different people have different talents. In the beginning of the story, Daphne has most of the power, because everyone is impressed that she has so many talents. However, this shifts when she begins to be a bit snobbish, and the friends are less enthralled with her because they dislike her attitude. This is evident, as the facial expressions and negative body language are reflected nicely in the illustrations.

In the beginning of the story, the colors are very bright and warm, signaling a freedom and happiness among Toot, Puddle, and Opal. However, there is a noticeable absence of illustrations and the colors begin to dull as the story proceeds, as a result of the frustration that emerges when Daphne is introduced. At the end of the story, Opal is seen looking out the window, which symbolizes her growth from the beginning of the story, as she finds a skill she is best at and learns the moral of the story.

As I touched upon, this story teaches children that everyone has different skills, and no one is better or worse than another person because of their individual skills. I perceived this book as one that had a conflict with showing off and how that impacted friendships when I read it for the first time, which is still a theme that is worth acknowledging. The illustrations are primarily framed, so they are experiencing the story as an outsider who can glean the message from our own point of view. I think that this book provides a creative way to teach children about the impacts of bragging, and how everyone has different abilities that make them special.

 

Clumsy Duck

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Author: Britta Teckentrup

Illustrator: Britta Teckentrup

Publishing Information: Boxer Books Limited, 2013

Number of Pages: 20

Genre: Fable

3 4

Analysis:

Clumsy Duck is a small duck who has big feet, which causes her to fall quite a bit and bump into things. Her friend, Chick, tries to do different activities with Clumsy Duck in order to see just how clumsy she is, and if there are any activities she can do without being so clumsy. In the end, Chick and Clumsy Duck discover that Clumsy Duck’s big feet are perfect for swimming very gracefully in the water.

The story starts with Clumsy Duck feeling bad about herself, because she thinks she has a flaw (her feet) that prevents her from doing things that everyone else can. However, she finds in the end that this very thing she initially viewed as a flaw was actually one of her best strengths when she used it in a different context. This can serve as both a window and a mirror for children, as it teaches them that being different can work to their advantage, and they should not feel bad about the parts of them that are different. Furthermore, the story highlights the ways in which Chick assures her friend that they will find something she is good at and tries different activities to figure out what that is. This provides a door for children to apply the same practices with their peers, rather than treating their differences in a negative way. This book definitely reflects a theme of friendship and self-acceptance that can help kids with their self-perception.

The illustrations have bright colors that help to show the hopefulness that is seen throughout the process of finding Clumsy Duck’s best use for her big feet. Also, the illustrations are not framed, allowing the reader to experience the story with the characters. I thought it was also encouraging that both Clumsy Duck and Chick were always the same size as one another throughout the story, which shows readers that they are equals (despite Clumsy Duck’s differences). Finally, I found it interesting that, for most of the story, Clumsy Duck is on the right side of the page, as this indicates the conflict she is facing within herself throughout the story.

I had the phrase “If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again” as a mantra in my head as a reflected on the storyline, because of Chick’s persistence to find something her friend would do well. This can also help children to not be discouraged by their shortcomings, and to pick themselves up and move forward. Due to the ideologies of self-acceptance, acceptance of others, and friendship that were embedded in the story, I thought this book was a very cute way to present valuable life-lessons for young children.

Pinduli

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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

New Shoes

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Author: Susan Lynn Meyer

Illustrator: Eric Velasquez

Publisher and year: Holiday House 2015

Number of pages: 30

Genre: Historical Fiction

         IMG_3396New Shoes is about a young African American girl, Ella Mae, who goes to the local shoe shop to get new shoes. But since it was during the time of Jim Crow laws Ella Mae was not allowed to try on any of the shoes because of her skin color. She found out that this was something that happened to every African American person, so Ella Mae and her best friend Charlotte decided to do something about it. They started their own shoe store by colleting old shoes and fixing them up to be as good as new. At their shoe shop everyone was able to try on all the shoes they wanted.

I believe that this book could function as both a mirror and window for the reader depending on their background and culture. For a reader who comes from a minority background they would view this book as a mirror of their lives since they have a personal connection to what happened in the story. A reader that comes from a Caucasian background might view this book as a window since they are unable to connect to the segregation that Ella Mae experienced in the story. For a reader that comes from a majority background for them it would be looking into what it was like during the time period of the unfair Jim Crow laws. Culture is very prevalent in New Shoes, African Americans and Caucasians are both represented within the text. Since this a historical fiction book we are able to see what it was like for both Caucasians and African Americans during the time of Jim Crow laws. I learned a lot from this book. Before I opened the book I had no idea that African Americans were not even aloud to try on the shoes they were about to purchase with their own money. Instead they had to stand on a piece of paper and use a pencil to trace their feet so they could find a good size. This book did a good job at representing how strong Ella Mae and Charlotte were to open their own shoe store since they were tired of not being treated equally.

The illustrations throughout this book are beautiful; the illustrator did an amazing job painting the emotions and small details on every page. I have noticed that in almost every picture Ella Mae is facing right and the only time she is face left is when she is told she is unable to try on the shoes to see if they fit. I found this interesting since usually if someone is going towards the right they feel less secure and if they are going towards the left they are more secure. In the image when she is facing left, for me would be a moment where I don’t feel secure at all since I’m being treated poorly. Another time I noticed that Ella Mae is facing left is the very last page where Ella Mae and Charlotte are helping a costumer at their store and Ella Mae states, “In our store, anyone who walks in the door can try on all the shoes they want” (Meyer, pg. 30). In the image it is shown how happy and powerful Ella Mae and Charlotte feel after being able to open a shoe store where everyone is treated equally.IMG_3397