Module 6- Book 3 Graphic Novel

1.Bibliography
Hale,Dean and Hale,Shannon. 2008.
Rapunzel's Revenge ill.by Nathan Hale.New York,NY:Bloomsbury.ISBN:9781599902883 (pbk.)

2.Plot Summary
A strong female heroine,Rapunzel spends her childhood in the golden cage of her guardian Mother Gothel's castle. As Rapunzel grows older, she becomes more inquisitive about her beginnings and shows signs of rebellion. Her guardian, the evil Mother Gothel, then punishes Rapunzel by locking her in a magic tree house for four years. Rapunzel eventually escapes and teams up with her new friend Jack to find her real family and travel through the fairy tale wild west as she uses her hair,now grown into long braids, as a fearsome lasso.

3.Critical Analysis

The background characters and story are interesting,the plot is fast-paced and entertaining,and the setting is an intriguing twist on the old west,but what really makes this graphic novel stand out is the main character of Rapunzel. She is no wan and helpless fairytale princess, who believes that "someday my prince will come." Instead, she is a resourceful, feisty and self-reliant action heroine, who is " wanted dead or alive for horse thieving,kidnapping,jail breaking and using her hair in a manner other than nature intended." With Rapunzel,the Hales have created an unforgettable and likeable character.

The writers are sometimes less succesful at creating interesting dialogue, because the banter between Rapunzel and her sidekick Jack can come across as stale as standard dialogue from a predictable old "buddy" movie.

The superior artwork compensates for this flaw as the artist Nathan Hale succeeds in laying out the story panels in an uncluttered way with some very dramatic panoramic scenes taking up an entire page. Hale's cinematic style is perfect suited for conveying movement in the fast paced action scenes where Rapunzel whips out her long hair and uses it as a weapon.Hale also skillfully uses a varied palette of lush greens to portray the emerald green treehouse where Rapunzel is imprisoned as well as a dull range of brownish yellows to mimick the colors of the western desert.

4.Review Excerpts

School Library Journal
"The dialogue is witty, the story is an enticing departure from the original, and the illustrations are magically fun and expressive."

Horn Book
"Newbies may not realize how particularly well-matched the Hales' gutsy tale is to its format, but this introduction -- with its high action quotient, immediate sensory thrills, and wisecracking heroes -- should win many converts."

5.Connections

Readers who enjoy reimagined fairy tales with gutsy heroines will want to read these books:
Levine,Gail Carson. Ella Enchanted ISBN:0060275103
Minters,Frances.Sleepless Beauty ISBN:0670870331

Module 6- Book 2 Michael Printz YA Award Winner.

1. Bibliography
Marchetta,Melina.Jellicoe Road.2008.New York,NY: HarperTeen.ISBN:0061431834

2.Plot Summary
Three factions of teens, the Townies,the Cadets,and the Jellicoe students,led by their morose housemaster,Taylor Markham, plot and strategize endless and confusing war games in the Australian outback.


3.Critical Analysis
Dense,unnecesarily difficult,and utterly inaccesible,this novel will prove rewarding to only the most determined and experienced teen and adult readers. This cryptic and baffling book is possibly miscategorized as a teen novel because the complexity and structure of the novel make it better suited for college students and academic study.

4.Review Excerpts

Booklist
"The complexity of the backstory will be offputting to younger readers, but those who stick it out will find rewards in the heartbreaking twists of Marchetta’s saga."

School Library Journal
"While the novel might put off casual readers, patient, thoughtful teens will remain to extract clues from the interwoven scraps of Hannah's narrative."


5.Connections

Recommended for the most advanced students only, this book has little to draw in and capture the attention of most young adults.
However, teens who finished this novel might enjoy other difficult books about adolescent societies such as:
Golding,William.Lord of the Flies ISBN:0140283331.
Knowles,John. A Separate Peace. ISBN:0743253973

In addition,the gifted student who enjoys the experimental structure of this book might also delve into the works of Proust, Melville and Faulkner.

Module 6 Book 1 Newbery Award Winner

1.Bibliography
Gaiman,Neal.2008.The Graveyard Book.
New York,NY:Harper Collins.ISBN:978-0060530921

2.Plot Summary

A merciless killer slaughters a sleeping family,but neglects to kill a toddler sleeping upstairs in the crib. Instead,this toddler escapes into a nearby graveyard, where he is adopted by its ghostly inhabitants .Mr. and Mrs. Owens, a husband and wife buried in the cemetery, take him in and call him Nobody. "Bod",as he is later known,lives his life within the confines of the graveyard surrounded by nurturing spirits and comes of age.


3.Critical Analysis
The very dramatic opening scenes of this fantasy novel will grab readers immediately. However,the long-lasting lure of this book will stem from the fact that main character Nobody"Bod"Owens, as a living child among the dead, understands what it means to be different. Children who feel lonely and outcast will relate to his character.

Readers will also wish that they had friends like the wise, kind- hearted Silas, the flirtatious,likeable Liza Hempstock,as well as parents like the nurturing but fretful Mr. and Mrs.Owens. Children will also be enchanted by the graveyard setting. The graveyard,with its many ghostly children and other inhabitants, always seems believable because Gaiman applies a consistent internal logic to the rules of this shadowy world.In addition to the scenes in the comforting and enchanting graveyard,the novel contains other memorable scenes such as the Dance Macabrary. The communal Dance Macabray , a dance that the living and the dead share for one night,is described with memorable musical flourishes and haunting verses.

The Graveyard Book also works very effectively as an allegory for adolescence.Eventually "Bod"must come of age and leave the comforting confines of the graveyard for the real world.

However, there is one glaring weakness in the plot. The villain Jack's motivation seems weak;His ultimate motivation seems like an afterhtought.It does not
seem like a strong enough motivation to cause the murder of an entire family.

The illustrations by Dave McKean also seem unecessary and fail to make a lasting impression.

4. Connections
Readers who enjoyed the connections between a fantasy society and the real world in Gaiman's novel might like books by Terry Pratchett.
Pratchett,Terry.Bromeliad Trilogy. ISBN: 9780060094935

Older children, who are fascinated by the idea of a live boy raised by ghosts, will enjoy:
Ibbotson,Eva. The Haunting of Granite Falls. ISBN:9780525471929

Module 5- Book 3 Classic Historical Fiction

1.Bibliography
Paulsen,Gary.1993.Nightjohn.New York,NY: Delacorte Press.ISBN 0385308388

2.Plot Summary
As a child slave in the 1850's,12 year old Sarny knows few joys and comforts.Rather,she, and all the slaves around her,live in a state of constant fear and degradation. Her situation becomes even more dangerous when the defiant slave Nightjohn arrives and promises to teach her to read.

3.Critical Analysis

This is a powerfully written historical novel about the brutalizing effects of the institution of slavery. Paulsen uses short sentences, stark descriptions, some non-standard punctuation, dialect and the less sophisticated , limited point-of-view of a 12 year-old girl to effectively portray the stunting effect of slave life.

The narrative is driving,simple, yet breathtakingly focused.The sheer brutality of slave life is documented in sparse language that still contains a rough poetry because of its honesty.The plot is gripping,disturbing and unforgettable in its relentless grimness.


The fact that Sarny's ability to describe things is limited because of her circumscribed and imprisoned experience adds to the visceral impact of the book.
Sarny's curiosity,Mammy's subjection, and Nighjohn's defiance all come accross as realistic and understandable reactions to their subhuman environment.

Nightjohn also succeeds as a haunting portrayal of the search for human dignity and the unquenchable thirst for knowledge, as well as the innate curiosity of chidhood, even in the face of the most twisted cruelty. It is a story about the connections between literacy and freedom.Sarny explicitly states this in the last sentence of the books as she describes Nightjohn's return,"Late he come walking and it be Nightjohn bringing us the way to know."


4.Review Excerpts

Publisher's Weekly-
"Among the most powerful of Paulsen's works ( Hatchet ; The Winter Room ; Dogsong ), this impeccably researched novel sheds light on cruel truths in American history as it traces the experiences of a 12-year-old slave girl in the 1850s."

Booklist-
What gives the story transcendence is the character Nightjohn, who fires Sarny with hope. He once escaped north to freedom, and now he's come back to teach slaves what is fiercely forbidden them--reading

5.Connections

Gather other books with slave narratives such as Landau,Elaine. In Their Own Voices:The Journey to Freedom.ISBN:053111743X

Readers will want to seek out Paulsen's sequel to Nightjohn, called Sarny: A Life Remembered. ISBN:0385321953

Use this young adult novel as a springboard to discuss modern-day slavery.

Research ways to stop modern slavery.
Sites such as www.restavekfreedom.org or www.freetheslaves.net have suggestions for helping children trapped into slavery.

Gather other books about today's child slavery such as:
Bok,Francis. Escape from Slavery: the True Story of my Ten Years in Captivity and My Journey to Freedom in America. ISBN:0312306237
This autobiography of a former child slave is very accessible and discusses the author's childhood in a way that will interest young adults.

Module 5-Book 2- Historical Novel by Linda Sue Park

Bibliography
Park,Linda Sue.2001.A Single Shard.New York,NY:Clarion Books.ISBN:0395978270

2.Plot Summary
As an orphan living under a bridge with his father figure Crane Man in Twelfth- century Korea,Tree Ear must be resourceful,resolute and full of curiosity in order to survive. Crane Man adopted him as a little boy and has taught him how to be an exemplary human being, as well as the basics of survival in the potter's village where they live. But, Tree Ear longs to learn how to do more:he wants to create the luminous celadon ware that the village is famous for,even though this opportunity is only open to potter's sons.


3.Critical Analysis

Although the story is slow moving at times and the characters are somewhat flat,A Single Shard remains a very memorable and involving story.
Modern day readers may have difficulty relating to the almost saintly Tree-ear.Living according to the Korean ideals of filial duty and self-sacrifice,Tree-ear ,the ultimate goody two-shoes, always puts the needs of Crane Man first and seldom thinks of himself or has an unkind thought. Still,Tree-Ear's resourcefulness and determination will win over many young readers.

Ch'ulp'o, a potter's village famous for its Celadon ware,is vividly brought to life as a place full of cold,hunger, competition and uncertainty. The poor are so desperate that they eagerly scrabble for discarded rice grains in the fields.
Meanwhile,the potters compete with each other and take delight in the misfortune of their fellow craftsmen.

The cold of the Korean winter and the villages of the landscape of the Korean countryside are also well-described and seem very real. The reader becomes well aware of the fact that the landscape seems forbidding and scary to a village boy.

However the truly captivating aspect of A Single Shard is is the detailed and very focused portrayal of the coming of age of a crafstman. This novel succeeds because it is a fascinating portrayal of curiosity and creativity. Tree-ear's restless and insatiable curiosity leads him on the path to mastery of his chosen craft as an apprentice to the taciturn and crochety master potter Min.

Park's style successfully conveys the cadences, and saying of the Korean language while being written in English. The language flows well and never sounds stilted or false.

4.Review Excerpts

Starred Review Publisher's Weekly
"The author molds a moving tribute to perseverance and creativity in this finely etched novel set in mid- to late-12th-century Korea. Readers will not soon forget these characters or their sacrifices."

School Library Journal
"This quiet story is rich in the details of life in Korea during this period. In addition it gives a full picture of the painstaking process needed to produce celadon pottery. However, what truly stands out are the characters: the grumpy perfectionist, Min; his kind wife; wise Crane-man; and most of all, Tree-ear, whose determination and lively intelligence result in good fortune."


5.Connections
This book could lead to a discussion about the different attitudes towards authority and parents in Korean and American culture.

An exploration of Korean life and culture can be found in Simon Winchester's Korea: A Walk Through the Land of Miracles. ISBN:0135166268

Readers who enjoyed A Single Shard will want to seek out other books of historical fiction by Linda Sue Park.
Seesaw Girl ISBN:0395915147
The Kite Fighters ISBN:0395940419

Module 5- Book 1 Scott O'Dell Award Winner

1.Bibliography
Anderson,Laurie Halse Anderson.2008. Chains: Seeds of America.
New York,NY:Simon and Schuster Books for Young Reader's.ISBN:9781416905851


2.Plot Summary

Setting: Revolutionary New York.
Young slave Isabel and her sister Ruth are sold to the cruel Locktons during the American Revolution. Isabel spies for the revolutionaries because she believes they will grant her and her afflicted little sister Ruth, a chance at freedom.

3.Critical Analysis

"This country is going to be free and you and me with it",brash Curzon promises fellow-slave Isabel when he persuades her to spy for the rebels. His statement sums up the hope of all slaves during this time period. America's slaves, as well as the American patriots of the 1700's long for freedom. Alas,neither Colonel Regan,one of the leaders of the rebel forces, nor the other revolutionaries have any intention of granting universal freedom.

This novel is set during the American Revolution in the city of New York. Anderson skillfully portrays the turmoil brought about by the almost daily changing in fortunes during this era. The citizens never know who to welcome:one day Washington's rebellious forces appear poised for victory,the next day the British army seems sure to win. The tumultoous times are skillfully portrayed,as the plot never bogs down in details and intrigue that are overly convoluted.

In the book's most graphic chapter,the horror of fire is vividly brought to life by Anderson's description of flames,panic and burning houses during a conflagration in revolutionary New York.

Isabel's character is very believable and very real: She is by turns resourceful,naive,brave and fearful. She is mentally affected by the violence and the losses that she has suffered, yet at times she remains clearheaded.

The author writes this first person narrative using the voice of the intelligent,observant and even at times humorous and sarcastic young slave Isabel, who must look after her beloved sister Ruth after suffering devastating losses.

Isabel's surroundings and her interactions are effectively portrayed through the use of convincing dialogue and Anderson's sharp eye for detail. The banter between Curzon, a more sophisticated fellow slave, and Isabel,just new from the country, but with a good head on her shoulders ,is especially lively and engaging and captures the speech patterns of the era.

In additon to being entertaining,this book is also well-researched. The quotes that begin each chapter provide the reader with a historical context,while the useful appendix includes an interview where Andersen discusses her sources and inspirations for the novel. A careful reading of the Appendix and the acknowledgements would allow an interested and very committed researcher to seek out Andersen's sources and verify the facts presented in the novel.

4. Review Excerpts

School Library Journal
With short chapters, each beginning with a historical quote, this fast-paced novel reveals the heartache and struggles of a country and slave fighting for freedom. The characters are well developed, and the situations are realistic.

Horn Book
Anderson's novel is remarkable for its strong sense of time and place and for its nuanced portrait of slavery and of New York City during the Revolutionary War.

5.Connections
This book may start a class discussion on the definitions and responsibilities of freedom.

Gather other books about African-Americans during colonial America including:
Anderson, M. T. 2006. The Astonishing Life Of Octavian Nothing, Traitor To The Nation, Volume 1: The Pox Party. Cambridge, MA: Candlewick. ISBN 0763624020

and for slightly younger readers,

Berleth,Richard J. Samuel's Choice.ill by James Watling.Niles,Ill:Whitman.
ISBN:0807572187. In Samuel's Choice two African-Americans participate in the battle of Long Island and win their freedom.

Module 4- Book 3-Biography by Kathleen Krull.

1.Bibliography
Krull,Katherine.2004.The Boy on Fairfield Street:How Ted Geisel Grew Up to Become Dr. Seuss.ill.by Steve Johnson and Lou Fancher.New York,NY:Random House.ISBN:0375922989

2.Plot Summary
Krull chronicles how the animal loving,whimsical and artistically inclined boy named Ted Geisel developed into the talented author Dr. Seuss.


3.Critical Analysis
Pictures follow Ted Geisel's development as an artist and show how the same traits that were a hindrance when he did not know what to do with them were a bonus when properly chanelled. His character,temperament,propensities stayed the same and served him well so that he could create as Dr. Seuss.

Each episode in the life of Ted Geisel is presented as a vignette that illustrates a characteristic that would later help make Dr. Seuss who he was.

The spot art featuring favorite Seuss characters complement and echo the emotions expressed in the nostalgic,evocative paintings. For example,in a scene where he is derided for being German-American and unathletic, two tiny sneetch-like creatures look sad and crestfallen.

The beautifically crafted text is filled with vivid descriptions of Ted Geisel's childhood joys such as mention of "chin-up" or "ear-waggling" contests.

There is a complete bibliography in the back of Great Works Written and Illustrated by Dr. Seuss. The concluding essay On Beyond Fairfield Street provides a complete biography of Seuss and puts his early life in context. In this essay,we learn about his happier later years. There are also suggestions for further reading and a list of Seuss related websites. These resources would allow an interested reader to verify the facts presented in this Seuss biography.

A photograph of an older avuncular Dr. Seuss,satisyingly enough, shows him looking content after a life of happiness and achievement.

4.Review Excerpts

School Library Journal
" Krull's work is a terrific look at the boyhood of one of the most beloved author/illustrators of the 20th century."
Horn Book
"Four additional pages summarize the high points and pivotal moments of his entire life in somewhat more detail, but the real story here is of a boy who couldn't stop doodling, who ""feasted on books and was wild about animals,"" and who ""excelled at fooling around."" Krull does a good job of linking such early propensities with what turned up later, visually and thematically, in Geisel's books. Johnson and Fancher provide nostalgic full-page paintings that nicely recall illustrations of the period; a wealth of adroitly chosen vignettes from Seuss's own books (listed at the end) illuminate points made in the text"

5.Connections
Children who enjoyed learning about an author's life might like:
De Paola,Tomie. 26 Fairmount Avenue. ISBN:9780399232466
An autobiography by noted children's author Tomie De Paola.

They might also enjoy:
Potter,Giselle.The Year I Didn't Go to School. ISBN:9780689847301
An account of one author's unconventional childhood.

or
The Journey that Saved Curious George.ISBN-13: 978-0618339242
About the lives and creations of two other famous children's authors, Margret and H.A.Rey

Boy on Fairfield Street is a book that should prompt a discussion about character traits and goals. Maybe we don't need to completely change who we are to succeed. We just need to find a place where our strengths are appreciated. Students could talk about researching little-known careers that might suit them.

Module 4-Book 2 Non Fiction book by Seymour Simon

1.Bibliography
Simon,Seymour.2005.Amazing Bats.San Francisco,CA:Chronicle Books.ISBN:1587172623

2.Plot Summary
Debunks myths about bats and replaces them with fascinating and relevant facts in order to provide readers in grades 1-3 with a general overview about bats. Seymour Simon explains complex subjects such as echolocation and hibernation in an easy to understand style.

3.Critical Analysis
Seymour Simon shares many telling details about bats in order to put the bat's importance in perspective, such as "A little brown bat can eat about 600 bugs an hour. That's like you eating 20 pizzas a night."

The facts in this photo-essay book,which begins with some generalizations that apply to all bats and then zeroes in on species-specific details, are laid out in a direct and uncomplicated style. They are coupled with many dramatic close-up pictures of bat faces and large easy-to read white print against dark background or black print against an appealing light background. Simon illustrates the range of bat sizes with a memorable "actual size" photo of the tiny pipistrelle and an impressive shot of the gigantic flying fox, whose wingspan of six feet "is wider than you are tall."


This book is the right size for small hands and features a likeable picture of ordinary,everyday children watching for bats. This should make the book extremely accessible to young readers.

However,the only resources for verifying the facts in this book are the well-documented picture credits. Many of the pictures are from the respected organization,Bat Conservation International.This book lacks a simple bibliography and afterword that would aid teachers and others in searching for more information about bats.

4.Review Excerpts
School Library Journal
"Gorgeous photographs distinguish these two books from similar titles. The first one begins with an introduction to the topic, followed by facts about where bats live, what they eat, and how they handle the cold weather. Simon does a good job dispelling myths, adding trivia, and drawing readers in."

The Horn Book
"The text does a good job of introducing some rather sophisticated scientific concepts (e.g., sonar, hibernation). The organization is random, but the pictures are eye-catching and surprising. A spacious page design helps focus to the eye."


5.Connections

If you live in South/Central Texas,invite a speaker from Austin's Bat Conservation International,to come speak to the children.

In San Antonio,give parents and children directions to the Newell Street Bridge, the newest urban bat colony in Texas inadvertently created by the grouping of a public sculpture hanging from the bridge.

Students located too far from a bat colony might consider adopting a bat at the Bat World rehabilitation Center in Mineral Wells,Texas. More information is available at:
www.batworld.org.

Other books about bats:
Ackerman,Diane.Bats:Shadows in the Night. ISBN:0517709201
This book follows Merlin Tuttle,founder of Bat Conservation International as he studies and explains bats.

Cole,Joanna. The Truth about Bats. ISBN:0439107989
Miss Frizzle, from the Magic School Bus, explains echolocation and other bat mysteries. ISBN:0439107989

Module 4- Book 1 Orbis Award Winner

1. Bibliography
Bartoletti,Susan Campbell.2005.
Hitler Youth:Growing up in Hitler's Shadow.New York:NY
Scholastic.ISBN:0439353793

2.Plot Summary
I begin with the young.
We older ones are used up...
But my magnificent youngsters!
Look at these men and boys!
What material! With them, I can create a new world."
-Adolf Hitler

Author Campbell Bartoletti chronicles the rise of the Hitler Youth and the role they played in World War II through photographs,personal recollections, and eyewitness accounts.

Susan Campbell Bartoletti explains how Hitler could have risen to power by twisting the natural idealism and enthusiasm of the German youth. Many children joined for the excitment, cameraderie and adventure that the Nazi youth promised and simply accepted the Nazi view on subjects such as Jews and the war. Hitler Youth attempts to make the decisions of these ordinary German children comprehensible to readers.

The author provides a full portrait of life for young people in Hitler's Germany by also focusing on Jewish children who became the target of the Hitler youth as well as young resisters like Sophie,Hans and Inge Scholl who opposed Hitler and his ideas.

Jewish young people like Bert Loewen and Hanns Peter Herz also recount the hardships that they suffered under the Nazi regime,while the quotes and personal recollections of children such as Hitler Youth,Lothar Loewe give us a unique insight into the minds of children under Hitler's sway.

3.Critical Analysis
The organization of this compelling book, the story of the youths who helped Hitler achieve power, makes the history accessible.

A preliminary section entitled The Young People in this Book introduces each person discussed in the book with a clear photograph and a short explanation of the role that each one played in Nazi history.

An extensive bibliography, a list of quote sources, a foreward, an author's note and a description of the sources of the visually arresting photographs allow the reader to verify the author's research and follow up with further study.

The striking use of the unforgettable photographs arranged on the facing page of each chapter, coupled with clear explanatory captions in italics, as well as the powerfully effective use of quotes as chapter titles, such as Chapter 1's quote "For the Flag, We are Ready to Die:Hitler's Rise to Power" and the division of the text into logically and chronologically ordered chapters that are clearly numbered in what looks like Fraktur typeface lead the reader through the rise and fall of the Hitler Youth.

The very personal eyewitness accounts of the manipulated young people in this book, along with a look at the denazification process conducted by the post-war allies offer a fresh perspective on life in Nazi Germany.The discussion of the aftermath of the war and a timeline as well as an Epilogue that answers the question "What became of the young people in this book?" places the lives of the Nazi Youths in historical context.

The last chapter of the book ends with the chilling questions,"Could another despot like Hitler rise to power on the shoulders of young people ?" and "What are you willing to do to prevent such a shadow from falling over you and others?"

Ending with such powerful questions forces readers to see themselves as part of history and ponder their role in it.



4.Review Excerpts
School Library Journal
"Bartoletti lets many of the subjects' words, emotions, and deeds speak for themselves, bringing them together clearly to tell this story unlike anyone else has."
Hornbook
"With clarity and apt quotation (scrupulously sourced), Bartoletti takes readers from the prewar beginnings of Hitler Youth, through its significant role in gaining Hitler the government, to its ultimate position as a feeder for the German war machine."


5.Connections
Other books about young people caught up in history during the Nazi period:
Opdyke,Irene Gut.In my hands:Memories of a Holocaust rescuer.ISBN 0679891811 This fascinating autobiography,specifically aimed at young people, tells the story of one teen who decided to follow the dictates of her conscience and rescue Jews in Poland.

Frank,Anne.The Diary of a young girl. This classic diary of a young girl hiding from the Nazis is available in many editions. Though it is very familiar,it remains a powerful testament to the human spirit, and a moving account of one young person's experience.

Gottfried,Ted.Children of the slaughter:young people of the holocaust.Ill.by Stephen Alcorn. ISBN:0761317163.
Another well-written book about Jewish children in the Holocaust.

Have young adults read news stories of other genocides happening today, such as the one in Darfur. Discuss what can be done to stop these modern day atrocities.

Module 3-Verse Novel by Sonya Sones- Book 3

1.Bibliography
Sones,Sonya.2004.One of those Hideous Books where the Mother Dies.New York,NY:Simon Pulse.ISBN:9781416907886.

2.Plot Summary
Told in verse, the novel follows teenager Ruby as she grieves over her mother's recent death and moves in with her previously unknown movie star father. Ruby misses her best friend Lizbeth and her boyfriend Ray and corresponds with them through email about her Hollywood father and her trendy,"new-age" high school.

3.Critical Analysis
With its emphasis on celebrity and predictable plot,this novel reads like a Jacqueline Susann novel for teens. Although fast paced and absorbing,this book is ultimately unsatisfying because protagonist Ruby's reactions are stereotypical,shallow and predictable.Sones displays a good command of pacing and contemporary teen language in individual poems. She creates a brisk rythym of short,everyday words to smoothly move the action forward in such poems as The Next Few Days Just Sort of Blur By.
[Ruby feels..]
"Like I'm riding on a train
through the pouring rain
trying to see out the window
wearing someone else's glasses".
The free verse style does not seemed forced and the natural use of language and steady action should capture the attention of reluctant readers. Yet, the poems do not stand up well on their own.Each poem must be read in context to be enjoyed.It has no meaning at all,or linguistic merit when removed from its place next to other poems.

Despite its predictability,uninteresting language,and stock Hollywood and best friend characters, this verse novel does have some genuine insights. Because Sonya Sones has worked in Hollywood,both as a personal assistant on a movie set and an animator,she is in a good position to document the culture shock someone would feel if they came from the heartland to Hollywood.This aspect of the novel should appeal to teens who follow celebrity tweets and blogs.

Still, the novel is hampered by the incomplete development of the main character. Although Sones attempts to capture Ruby's emotional turmoil with overwrought,dramatic imagery such as,"my[Ruby's] eyes threaten to turn into two gushing faucets",Ruby's reactions never develop beyond skin-deep excitement or rudeness and glumness.Ruby's grief never seems very genuine and Sones uses the contrived celebrity plot so that she can neatly create a verse novel that comes across as a typical problem novel.


4.Review Excerpts

School Library Journal.
"This is not just another one of those gimmicky novels written in poetry. It's solid and well written, and Sones has a lot to say about the importance of carefully assessing people and situations and about opening the door to one's own happiness. Despite several predictable particulars of plot, Ruby's story is gripping, enjoyable, and memorable."

The Horn Book
"Sones' novel is an unusual combination of over-the-top Hollywood fairy tale and sharp, honest story about overcoming grief."
Connections:

Another novel in verse about a teen dealing with grief:
Escaping Tornado Season:A Novel in Verse by Julie Williams.
ISBN:9780060086398

Teens might want to read other verse novels by Sonia Sones.
Stop Pretending ISBN:0064462188 (pbk.)
What my Girlfriend Doesn't Know ISBN:9780689876028
What my Mother doesn't Know. ISBN:9780689876028

If teens liked the Los Angeles setting of the book and the glimpse into the movie industry, they might enjoy
Boy Proof By Cecil Castelluci. ISBN:9780763623333

Module 3- Book 2 Poetry book by Nikki Grimes

1.Bibliography-Grimes,Nikki.2005.
Danitra Brown,Class Clown.
Ill.by E.B.Lewis.New York,NY:Amistad.
ISBN-13:978-0688172909

2.Plot Summary
Everyone should have a friend like Danitra Brown. Zuri, shy and bad at math, is certainly glad that she does. Told from Zuri's point of view,this book chronicles Zuri's difficulties at school. Luckily, the irrepressible Danitra helps Zuri and makes every school day memorable.


Danitra has
"One of a kind hairdo
One of a kind smile
Singular appetite
Singular style
Original thinker
Ignoring every trend
Matchless tutor
Matchless friend."


3.Critical Analysis


The vibrant watercolors by E.B. Lewis portray the purple-wearing Danitra and the shyer ,more subdued Zuri. The school yard and classroom are filled in with enough visual detail to seem extremely real. Even the less focused shapes of the classmates in the background are portrayed with verve and appeal,while in the foreground,the portrayal of Zuri and Danitra seems very natural and works like a snapshot by freezing an important moment in time.

The lively rhymes perfectly capture the friendship of Zuri and Danitra.
The poetry flows well and represents the progress of the school year from shyness and fear to admiration and hope. The words rhyme at the end of each line, creating a natural flow that does not sound forced.This perfect rhyme scheme creates an exciting yet reassuring pattern. Grimes creates a feeling of affection for Danitra by showing that Zuri calls her my Danitra.

The rythym of the verses mirror the subject matter. When Grimes writes in bursts that Danitra"twirled and leaped and stamped her feet" it is easy to hear the poem as a stamping sort of dance.In poems like Miss Volchek the poet uses consonance with the hard sound of the letter r in the middle of the words"mister",year",Wexler" and teacher" to convey a sense of slight resentment against the new teacher.

Grimes also masters the art of describing characteristics without resorting to mere lists of character traits. Instead, her descriptions are filled with little details,like the unconventional contents of Danitra's lunch,symbolic of Danitra's easygoing non-conformity. These details, conveyed in every-day language, bring the characters to life.Even the names like Ms.Volcheck and the name of Zuri's crush ,Wardell, seem realistically taken from a classroom roster.

The language effectively conveys the emotions of love,affection,admiration,fear through falling and rising ryhthym and either more reticient or more assertive sounds.

Review Excerpts
School Library Journal
Starred Review."Grimes's text, a running sequence of titled verses, neatly voices the critical self-examination of preadolescent girls. Lewis's detailed watercolor paintings create energy of their own, revealing the girls' emotions with visualization of both joyous expressions and thoughtful moments."

Horn Book
"Lewis's watercolors contrast the almost-bland, fearful Zuri and the purple-wearing, ebullient Danitra with effective use of body language, clothing, and facial expressions, conveying not only their differing personalities but also their great friendship,"

Connections:
This is a good book to start a discussion on friendship.

Before the discussion,have children perhaps read their favorite parts of this book in unison. This book must be read aloud to be fully appreciated.
Have children describe their best friends.What do they like about them? Does Danitra have the same qualities? How are their own best friends like Danitra and how are they different? What makes someone your best friend?
On her website, Nikki Grimes even suggests making a check list of all the special things about your best friend.

Gather other books that celebrate friendship such as:
One that younger children will enjoy, Girls Together by Sherley Anne Williams.Ill. By Synthia Saint James .ISBN:9780152309824

Other books in this series-
Book 1:Meet Danitra Brown
ISBN: 9780688120733

Book 2:Danitra Brown Leaves Town
ISBN:9780688131555

Module 3- Book 1:Poetry book by Douglas Florian-

1. Bibliography
Florian,Douglas.2003.Autumnblings Ill.by Douglas Florian.
New York,NY: Greenwillow. ISBN:0060092793

2.Plot Summary

Douglas Florian answers the questions "What do you like about autumn" and "What do you not like about autumn?" in poems that celebrate the particular joys and disappointments unique to the season of autumn in this companion
volume to Winter Eyes and Summersaults. This book is aimed at children ages 5 and up.

3.Critical Analysis
Florian uses a wide variety of poetry techniques in an unobtrusive way ,to celebrate with children, the joys of poetry and the delights and drawbacks of autumn.

Florian sometimes employs short simple lines with every line rhymed. This rhyme scheme is called identical rhyme.

The poet alters the rhythym of the poems according to the subject matter.
The quick,sharp,fast falling rhythym of the poem,"What I Love about Autumn."mimicks the rapid fall of autumn leaves in a strong wind,while other poems like "Autumnblings"trip over the tongue with a gradual rising and falling sound that gives the impression of tumbling and slowly descending.

The author also makes good use of the onomatopoeia words like "screech"in the poem
Up and Down
"Up in a tree a screeching jay
is teaching others:
Stay Away!"
This particular poem also makes use of a typed up and down word pattern that follows the rise and fall of the speaker's voice in a way that must naturally engage children.
Indeed,Douglas Florian pulls out all the stops and uses a wide assortment of techniques to grab the attention of his young readers

The poem "Plump Pumpkin" uses the color orange of the pumpkins, a play on words and the alliteration of the title,as well as silly humor,and vivid images to interest little children.

"Plump Orange Pumpkin.
Plump orange cat.
Plump orange full moon-
Orange you fat."


The language used in Autumnblings stirs up a variety of moods and energy levels;it is at times energetic,contemplative,silly or even playful like the knock-knock jokes that kids love.

The simple,spontaneous and bright watercolors that illustrate each poem really seem as they are done by children,but they are drawn by the author. He uses a style that seems deliberately clumsy,yet charmingly naive,especially when he draws hands and faces. This is very impressive.

Florian describes the joys of the season in poems such as "What I Love About Autumn"

He describes the autumn wind in a captivating way.
The Wind
"Blow-Drier
Kite-Flier
Leaf-Dancer
Seed-Prancer
Hat-Tosser
Earth-Crosser"

Florian uses direct, simple language in a way that reflects children's speech patterns. The poems contain a sense of joy and movement that helps introduce the season to South Texans,who only experience 2 seasons: "hot" and "not as hot."



4.Review Excerpts

School Library Journal:
"These delightful poems about the season are imbued with a sense of innocent wonder. Attractive watercolor and colored-pencil illustrations cheerfully capture the childlike whimsy and colors of fall."

Booklist:
"Using rhyme, meter, and puns to good effect, as well as changes in fonts and type, he adds to the sense of movement and joy in the poetry."

Connections:

This book of poems should be read aloud to a group.
After you read these poems try these ideas:
Collect autumn leaves and smell them.Write down all the words associated with the leaves.
Have students compose an acrostic about Autumn together.
Harper Collins website suggests leaf related crafts such as making leaf rubbings.Other ideas from the site include talking about other animals that hibernate and tying these discussions to the poem "HiBearNation".

Other poetry books by Douglas Florian about seasons.
Summersaults ISBN:0060292679
Winter Eyes ISBN:0688164587
Poetry books by other authors about a season.
Winter Friends by Mary Quattlebaum.
ISBN:9780385908689

Module 2-Book 3 Folk Poetry

1. Bibliography
Schwartz, Alvin. 1992. And the Green Grass Grew All Around:
Folk Poetry From Everyone. Ill.by Sue Truesdell.
New York,NY:Harper Collins.ISBN:0060227583

2. Plot Summary
"Stare,Stare like a bear
Sitting in your underwear."
A collection of the folk poetry, street chants, jump-rope rhymes,ball bouncing songs, and hide-n-go seek call-outs that make up the soundtrack to childhood.
Schwartz approaches his subject matter with an inexhaustible curiosity,an eye for detail and a good ear for the poetry of the street.

The author proves himself to be a keen observer of street-lore and collects his material from a wide variety of sources. He talks to children from many geographical regions ranging from Appalachia to New York City.

Author Alvin Schwartz,who is very thorough, has all the loony and hilarious rhymes,parodies, and poetry divided into categories such as Food, School, Teases and Taunts, Love and Marriage and Work. There are many other categories,but a listing of these particular categories proves that there is a ridiculous rhyme for every occasion. Schoolyard chants pretty much cover Birth, Death and everything in between. Through his collection,Schwartz proves that children are not that sheltered from the harsh realities of life. Instead,children prefer to deal with harsh realities by turning to nonsense.

There is also a charming introduction in which Schwartz recounts his first playground "hazing" and his personal discovery in the schoolyard of taunts and chants.
He also provides the musical notation for some of the songs. This way they can be reproduced by any school music teacher.
3 Critical Analysis
Although the latest rhymes in this collection come from the late 1980's,they still seem fresh and funny.
The notes in the back of the book should not be skipped over. They are especially interesting because they mention the name of the individual child who supplied each rhyme. This serves as wonderful proof that these goofy rhymes could never be fashioned by a professional writer,but are sung by real children from San Francisco to San Antonio. As they are so crucial to understanding the history and development of street rhymes,perhaps they should be interspersed as end notes at the conclusion of each chapter. It seems as if these very important list of sources and notes would be overlooked because they are stuck in the back of the book.

The author also helpfully supplies and index of first lines, a very exhaustive bibliography,and some very enlightening, surprising and memorable histories of these rhymes in the notes section. Before I read this book,for example, I had no idea that eeny,meeny, miny,moe was derived from the celtic numbers for counting sheep.This is a fascinating book that I will turn to again and again.

The whimsical illustrations by Sue Truesdell work well with the nonsensical nature of the rhymes.


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

The Horn Book"Full of vigorous, swinging rhythms and funny, often nasty, sentiments, the pages are filled with well-known rhymes as well as new discoveries."


5 Connections
Children can tape record the playground chants that they know and share them with their friends. Have students collect some folk rhymes from their parents.

Other books about folk-rhymes and playground chants include:
Withers, Carl. Rocket in my pocket. ISBN-13: 978-0805008043
Sierra,Judy. Shoolyard Rhymes..ISBN-13: 978-0375825163
Yolen,Jane. Street Rhymes around the World.ISBN-13: 978-1563978944
Kids who loved the silly poems in this book will love the goofy poems in Shel Silverstein's Where the Sidewalk Ends. ISBN-13: 978-0060572341

Children might also enjoy clapping along with the songs on the compact Disc, Brazilian Playground, available through the Putumayo Kids record label.

Module 2-Book 2 Cinderella Variant

1 Bibliography
Fair Brown and Trembling :an Irish Cinderella Story. Daly,Jude.2000.
New York,NY: Farrar, Strauss and Giroux.ISBN 0374322473.

2.Plot Summary
In medieval Ireland, poor, beautiful sister "Trembling" is mistreated and hidden-away by her evil sisters "Fair" and "Brown", because they do not want her to marry before they do. One Sunday while she is doing chores because she is not allowed to attend church, a hen-wife appears to Trembling and exchanges the girl's rags with magic finery. The hen-wife sends her to church on a milk-white mare ,but issues a few warnings:"Do not go inside the church door. And the moment the service finishes ,ride home as fast as the mare will carry you!"Each successive Sunday after that, Trembling rides a different colored horse and stands at the entrance of the open village church wearing another magically colored dress. Soon the Prince of Emania and other princes from near and far crowd into the church to catch a glimpse of the mysterious beauty. The prince of Emania,who stayed outside the church during the service,reaches out and grabs Trembling's slipper as she flees the church on her horse.In an unusual continuation of the Cinderella story,after the Prince of Emania finds Trembling, he must still battle many foreign princes for her hand. Trembling and the Prince live happily ever after and have fourteen children.


3.Critical Analysis

It is possible that this Irish re-telling of the Cinderella story may not hold the attention of younger readers. The flat pictures, which show spindly-legged horses and characters with strangely-elongated fingers recall the medieval works such as The Bayeux tapestry and the Psalter of Saint Louis. These plain illustrations,done in a mixed media of watercolor and pastels, serve to emphasize the archetypal elements of the Cinderella story because of their lack of closely observed detail. Ms. Daly does make good use of the color green, so emblematic of "Erin" or Ireland where the story is set, because she creates vibrant hills and fields as a bacgkground for the figures in the story. Even though they are done with some bright colors, the simple illustrations with little detail will not hold children's interest.

The language of the tale,while adequate, lacks poetry and never manages to create a sense of drama. The pacing of the story, which seems awkward and labored, also fails to create a feeling of suspense. The characters of the evil sisters,Fair and Brown,while mean,never really emerge as characters that we love to hate. The lack of this intensity robs many readers of the ability to really despise the villains. This is one of the joys of the fairy tale. The wicked sisters do, however, receive a satisfying and original punishment;They are put out to sea in a barrel. In addition to the punishment of the sisters,there are other unusual aspects to the story. The scenes between the battling princes are unusual and will appeal to boys who must ordinarily feel bored and excluded by the original Cinderella tale.

4.Review Excerpts
School Library Journal
"Daly's retelling is enhanced by the lusciously colored, somewhat fey illustrations. However, it is diminished by language that is less rich than that in Joseph Jacobs's version of the tale."

Booklist
"This is a traditional version of the Cinderella story--no fractured fairy tale with a feminist hero who runs the show."

5.Connections
Though limited in its appeal,this book could still serve as a good starting point for an activity.

Readers could try making some Irish inspired crafts like the ones suggested in the book, Crafts for Saint Patrick's Day by Kathy Ross.ISBN 0761313060


Children could research other Cinderella variants.

Gather other Cinderella stories such as Soot Face: An Ojibwa Cinderella Story By Daniel San Souci ISBN 0-440-41363-X or The Persian Cinderella by Shirley Climo. ISBN-13: 978-0060267650 and compare and contrast the elements of the story. See how many common elements the children can find. How do the stories differ from the Disney story everyone is familiar with?

Module 2- Book 1 Folktale: In the Moonlight Mist

1. Bibliography San Souci,Daniel.1999.In the Moonlight Mist:A Korean Tale Ill. by Eujin Kim Neilan. Honesdale, PA
Boyds Mills Press: 1999.ISBN1563977540


2.Plot Summary
In this Korean folk tale set during the Chosun dynasty, a kind-hearted woodcutter rescues an enchanted deer,who then then tells the woodcutter how to trick a celestial maiden into marriage. The maiden learns to love the woodcutter,but soon longs for her heavenly home. Always the dutiful son, the woodcutter also worries about his frail elderly mother and ultimately shows that he is willing to sacrifice his happiness for her maternal well-being.


3.Critical Analysis
The illustrator uses thick, textured,vigorous concentric strokes of acrylic to convey mood and expression. Ms. Eujin Kim Neilan shows great skill in portraying the intensely expressive faces of the characters. The look of sorrow on the face of the now earth-bound magical wife is especially moving. The illustrations incorporate cinematic perspective with the use of close-ups and angles that look like movie stills. Especially notable is the illustration that shows the woodcutter, his wife and his baby with the page divided into three frames.
Another well done scene,which demonstrates the illustrator's adept use of perspective, shows the wife floating up into the sky with the bereft woodcutter shouting in the background. The colors are carefully tied to the scenes of the plot with lighter yellow colors used to picture earth scenes while a darker blue,violet palette is used to represent, enchanted, celestial space.

This story portrays the values that are prized by Korean society. These values include self-sacrifice,self-denial and taking care of elders. Filial duty,which is very important in Korea,creates a culturally related family dilemma. This dilemma occurs when the son must choose between joining his wife in heaven or using the opportunity to send his mother to this wonderful paradise instead. As this story reflects the strongly held Korean values,influenced by Confucianism,of filial piety and self sacrifice,American readers,raised in a culture of individualism,may feel distanced from the story and could find it difficult to relate to this point of view.

4.Review Excerpts
Booklist."An evocative tale with a dulcet message."
The Horn Book."The acrylic paintings extend the well-told text and add cultural details."

5.Connections
Teachers could use this book as an impetus to study and teach more about Korean culture. The juvenile series Cultures of the World has a very informative and interesting book on Korea by Jill Dubois.

Another tale that exposes children to Korean customs and history is:
Park, Linda Sue. The Firekeeper's Son. Ill. By Jill Dowling.
ISBN-13: 978-0618133376

Another fairy tale about self-sacrifice and filial duty is The Green Frogs: A Korean Folk Tale. Written and Illustrated by Yumi Heo.
ISBN-13: 978-0395683781.
This story is also a "pour-qoi" tale.


Teach some of the Korean games found in the book Look What we Bought You From Korea : Crafts,Games,Stories and Other Cultural Activities from Korean Americans By Phyllis Shalant. Illustrations by Sooyoo Hyunjoo Park. ISBN :0671887025

This book includes many fun Korean games,such as the Korean version of Paper,Scissors,Rock called Kawi/Pawi/Po.

Module 1 Picture Books -Book 3

1. Bibliography
Marcus,Leonard S.2001.
Side by Side:Five Favorite Picture-Book Teams go to Work.
New York,NY:Walker and Company. ISBN:0802787797

2.Plot Summary
A look at the collaborations that produced some of our most beloved picture books.

The author and illustrator interviews,photographs,drawings and handwritten notes help readers gain an understanding of all the labor that goes into creating a good children's book. The handwritten lists, as well as the thumbnail sketches which serve as very early rough drafts give the reader an insight into the creative process.Information about each collaboration is supplemented with examples of the illustrators' artwork in other publications such as Lane Smith's travel magazine illustrations. A helpful time line and biographical information are provided for each team.

3. Critical Analysis
The examination of the entire process is fascinating,but the "dummies" or page mock-ups of what will eventually become the final layout are especially interesting. All the chapters are worthwhile. However,the most memorable chapter of the book takes a look at writer Julius Lester's and illustrator Jerry Pinkney's artistic choices as they improve upon and update the negative portrayals of African Americans in Helen Bannerman's Little Black Sambo. Leonard Marcus portrays the history of this troubling book without resorting to inflammatory language,yet deals honestly with the underlying issues of stereotypes in a way that respects the intelligence of his readers. Side by Side is written in an easy-to-follow and engaging style aimed at the intermediate reader.

4.Review Excerpts
Publisher's Weekly Review
"Readers snared by their interest in the teams behind favorites such as the Magic School Bus series and The Stinky Cheese Man will appreciate the insights into the inner workings of bookmaking, and may well end up appreciating the books more for the energy and ingenuity it takes to create them."

The Horn Book
With his broad knowledge of the field and the imagination to communicate that knowledge to others, Leonard Marcus here provides unusual insight into the topic of artistic partnerships.

5.Connections
Encourage teams of older children to collaborate on their own story-telling project with original text and artwork.
Gather the books mentioned in Side-by-Side and talk about the specific illustrations reproduced in the book and what makes them special.

Other books about the artistry of children's literature:
Evans,Dilys.Show and Tell: Explore the Fine Art of Children's Book.ISBN:9780811849715

Graham,Paula W. (ed.)Speaking of Journals:Children's Book Writers Talk About their Diaries,Notebooks, and Sketchbooks.
ISBN:1563977419

Module 1 Picture Books- Books 2

June 13,2009

1.Bibliography
Swanson,Susan Marie. 2008.
The House in the Night.Ill.by Beth Krommes.
New York,NY:Houghton Mifflin.
ISBN 0780618862443


2.Plot Summary
The verses,starting with
"Here is the key to the house.
In the house burns a light.
In that light rests a bed.
On that bed waits a book..."
make up a poem with cumulative patterns modeled after such famous rhymes as "This is the house that Jack built."

3.Critical Analysis
This ultimate bed time story should lull children to sleep.
The prominent and eye-catching scratchboard illustrations in black and white with touches of gold jump out at the reader. They have a dimensionality and depth created by the cross hatching and stipling. The verses,along with the art, which abounds with fine,precise detail and texture, help create a dimly lit but comforting world. The restful mood created by the repetition of the verse is also nurtured by the recurring use of such motifs as the bird,who eventually carries a dreaming child on his back in each illustration.The carefully placed accents of luminous gold in the illustrations serve to emphasize the important nouns in the rhyme,such as book and house,while the lulling rythym of the text gives the book a quality of a lullaby and creates a sense of well-being. The appearance of yellow colored text subtly signals the climax in the book and puts the readers' focus on the bird.

4. Review Excerpts
2009 Randolph Caldecott Medal
Publisher's Weekly Best Books of 2008.
Starred review in Publisher's Weekly:
"This volume's artful simplicity, homely wisdom and quiet tone demonstrate the interconnected beauty and order of the world in a way that both children and adults will treasure."
Starred review in Booklist:
*"Here, the art is spectacular. Executed in scratchboard decorated in droplets of gold, Krommes' illustrations expand on Swanson's reassuring story (inspired by a nursery rhyme that begins, This is the key of the kingdom ) to create a world as cozy inside the house as it is majestic outside."


5. Connections
Gather other books with cumulative rhymes such as The Napping House by Audrey and Don Wood. Ask students to notice changes in the colors used in this book and also have them look for visual patterns and recurring motifs such as the flea.

Children could talk about their own houses and draw pictures of them.

Shining a flashlight on each page while reading to children with the lights dimmed would mimic the feeling of a getting ready for bed storytime while allowing children a new way to experience the contrast between light and dark.

Other books with cumulative rhyme patterns:
Winter,Jeannette.The House that Jack Built.ISBN978-0803728202
Galdone,Paul.The Gingerbread Boy.ISBN 9780899191638

Module 1 Picture Books-Book 1

1.BIB
LIOGRAPHY

Willems,Mo.2008.
The Pigeon Wants A Puppy.
New York,NY: Hyperion Books.
ISBN 9781423109600

2.Plot Summary
In this lively picture book,Mo Willems brings back the character of The Pigeon, a headstong and whimsical creature.The Pigeon starts with an introduction. Then, much like a petulant child,he continues to demand a puppy. From the beginning it is clear that he has confused puppy care with houseplant care. He gets his wish with hilarious results.

3. Critical Analysis
Willems's writing is whimsical and sharp-witted. The Pigeon draws the reader in by addressing him directly with escalating demands for a puppy. The pigeon declares in a gesture of self-importance, "I am a puppy-lovin' pigeon." The sheer absurdity of the statements build with a climactic flourish that will entrance children.

Willems uses bold,simple lines that create a sense of energy and movement. His witty, minimalist line drawings of the iconic pigeon and the uncluttered, clean composition of each page with its neutral or muted background , work with the rythym of the words to build momentum and anticipation. The sharp,strong typeface of the text adds to the artistry of the book by further complementing the spare drawings and emphasizing the silly emotional state of the bird with each change in font size. Much like Daffy Duck ,his better known but equally self-deluded avian counterpart,the pigeon is an unforgettable quirky character who will continue to delight children with his obviously ridiculous ways.

4.Review Excerpts
Starred review in Library School Journal : "Willems's hilariously expressive illustrations and engaging text are cinematic in their interplay. Maybe kids won't appreciate the genius behind it the way adults will, but that won't stop them from asking for this book again and again."

5.CONNECTIONS
Discuss why getting a puppy wouldn't be such a good idea. Why is pigeon's wish silly?

Gather other picture books about puppies such as the Bark,George by Jules Feiffer. Ask children to identify typical dog and other animal sounds.Feiffer's witty book about a puppy who does everything but bark will delight pre-schoolers who enjoy The Pigeon books.

Older"puppy-lovin' " readers of The Pigeon Wants a Puppy will enjoy The Perfect Puppy for Me by Jane O'Connor and Jessie Hart(illustrator).

Other books by Mo Willems:
Knuffle Bunny.ISBN-13: 978-0786818709
Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus.ISBN-13: 978-0786819881