Module 5: Llama Llama Red Pajama

Llama Llama Red Pajama written and illustrated by Anna Dewdney

published in 2005 by Viking (New York).

Summary

Llama llama red pajama is in bed, after Mama Llama reads him a story and kisses him goodnight she leaves!  Baby Llama gets scared and he cries out for her to come back.  When she doesn't come right away because she's busy, he gets even more nervous.  So he cries and stomps louder until she comes running upstairs.  Then Baby Llama learns a valuable lesson.

Impressions

Llama Llama Red Pajama is such a cute book.  The rhyming is wonderful and the pictures are colorful.  I also think it has a great message to kids--especially kids who have a hard time falling asleep by themselves.  Due to the colorful pictures and the short, rhyming sentences the book can capture the attention of younger kids (at least, that is what can capture my baby's attention).  I highly recommend this book as a great bedtime story!

Reviews

"With its sweet rendering of the trials of bedtime and separation anxiety, this book's familiar theme will be a hit with youngsters...This story has a simple rhyme scheme, using natural language that children will enjoy.  The large, boldly colored pictures have a grand and sweeping quality, extending out to the edges of the pages.  Baby Llama's facial expressions capture his fear and alarm wonderfully.  The contrast betweetn light and dark enhances the drama of the story.  This effective read-aloud will be a popular choice for storyhour and one-on-one sharing." --Corrina Austin. (2005). Library School Journal. Retrieved from Bowker's Books in Print Professional database.

"The simple rhymes call out for repeating, and the whimsical illustrations cleverly dramatize the increasing panic.  Key worry words, such as fret, are highlighted, and for extra humor, Baby Llama's toy llama mimics his every expression.  A real charmer that will leave preschoolers giggling and parents appreciating the familiar scenario." --Julie Cummins. (2005). Booklist. Retrieved from Bowker's Books in Print Professional database.

Uses

In the library, Llama Llama Red Pajama would be a great story to share in a storytime for younger kids.   It would be great to use during National Poetry Month (in April) to help introduce younger kids to poems and introduce the kids to the concept of rhyming.   

At home, Llama Llama Red Pajama would be a great bedtime story to help calm down kids who have trouble falling asleep without a parent nearby. 

Module 4 cont: The First Part Last

The First Part Last by Angela Johnson

Published in 2003 by Simon&Schuster Books for Young Readers (New York).

2004 Coretta Scott King Award Winner and 2004 Michael L. Printz Award Winner.

Summary

Bobby learns the harsh reality of being a teenage father as he tries to balance his responsibilities to his daughter, school, family, and friends.  Bobby's story is told switching between the past, when his girlfriend, Nia, was pregnant, to the present as he stays up with his daughter, Feather, in the night, and tries to go to school.  

Impressions
Johnson's book is a quick read, but very powerful.  Her writing brings to life the harsh realities of being a new parent--especially a teenage one.  Throughout the book I felt like Johnson accurately described some of the challenges (raising a nine month old hopefully gives me the credibility to say this).  Johnson also captures the great love Bobby has for his daughter, which is quite touching.  The writing style is simply beautiful yet feels true to Bobby's voice.  In other words, while the writing can sound poetic at times, as a reader, I didn't feel like Bobby was a poet: he came across as a fairly typical teen who enjoys his friends and video games.  I do warn that there is some language throughout the book and even one dropping of the "f bomb".  There is also a quick love scene.  Due to this content, I am wary to recommend it to everyone.

Reviews

"If you read the book aloud, it sounds less like prose than pure poetry.  Bobby is in love with his baby girl, and you feel it on every page.  While he considers giving her up for adoption, he ultimately decides to parent her himself. 'I'm supposed to suck it up and doll all the right things if I can, even if I screw it up and have to do it over.' True words for any father, 16 or 36." -- Library Journal. (2009). Reed Business Information. Retrieved from Bowker's Books in Print Professional database.

"Brief, poetic, and absolutely riveting, this gem of a novel tells the story of a young father struggling to raise an infant...any flaws in the plots are overshadowed by the beautiful writing.  Scenes in which Bobby expresses his love for his daughter are breathtaking." --Miranda Doyle, San Francisco Public Library Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information. School Library Journal. Retrieved from Bowker's Books in Print Professional database.

Uses
The First Part Last could be used in an adult book group, a young adult book group, or for a teen activity at the library.  For the activity it could be a theme of "teen issues" and include other books about gangs, drugs, peer pressure, and finding oneself.  Since this is a lot to cover in one activity, the group could split up the books and have them as brief book talks. In the home, this book could be used to teach about teen  pregnancy.  

Module 4: The Giver

The Giver by Lois Lowry

published in 1993 by Bantam Doubleday Dell Books for Young Readers (New York).

1994 John Newbery Medal winner.

Summary

Jonas lives in a world where there is no sickness, crime, war, and little pain.  Everyone is obedient and there is no other choice.  When he becomes a Twelve (12  years old), he is selected to be the new Receiver of Memories.  The old receiver, now the Giver, gives him the world's memories.  These memories are held for the community so they don't have to deal with them.  However, these memories contain true feelings like happiness, pain, and love.  Jonas has to decide if it is important to leave the community as it is or let it truly feel.

Impressions

Lowry gives a well-written novel that explores a world without choice.  Her writing is clear and even concise, and it helps the reader experience something, like the color red, as if for the very first time.  It would really provide a lot of material for the classroom and even the adult book club.  She does a great job creating the setting and also in developing Jonas' character.  The reader can feel like he or she is developing like Jonas, which is quite the feat.  Also, Lowry's story is one that leaves the reader thinking even after he or she is finished reading it.

Reviews
"Lowry's simple, powerful prose creates an anti-utopian world where the lack of hardship, war, and poverty only covers the citizens' deeper lack of freedom.  A Booklist Editors' Choice and Newbery Medal Winner." --Booklist. (1998). Retrieved from Bowker's Books in Print Professional database.

"In a complete departure from her other novels, Lowry has written an intriguing story...The author makes real abstract concepts, such as the meaning of life in which there are virtually no choices to be made and no experiences with deep feelings.  This tightly plotted story and its believable characters will stay with readers for a long time." --Amy Kellman. (1993). School Library Journal. Retrieved from Bowker's Books in Print Professional database.

Uses
 Because there is so much depth to this relatively short book, The Giver can be used in several ways at the library and at home.  In the library, it can be used at the adult book club for one month's book just among adults, or have a special month where the adults can bring their kids, nieces, nephews, or grandkids.  It would provide a great discussion that even the kids could follow.  To add to the experience, gray sugar cookies could be provided with the occasional red cookie to represent Jonas starting to recognize the existence of colors.   The Giver could also be a great book to read as a family as it is short and can help teach kids that to truly experience joy, they have to experience pain too.

  

Module 3 cont: Esperanza Rising

Esperanza Rising by Pam Munoz Ryan

published in 2000, by Scholastic (New York).

Winner of the 2002 Pura Bulpre Award.

Summary

Set in 1930, Esperanza is a wealthy teenager living in Mexico until her father is killed by bandits.  Esperanza and her mother are then forced to flee the influence of her corrupt uncles.  They flee to California with three former servants and live by picking produce for a farm.  Esperanza learns how to deal with the loss of her father and her previous luxurious life.  

Impressions

For the most part, I really enjoyed this book.  I feel like it helped increase my understanding of the Great Depression even though I am well aware of stories like The Grapes of Wrath and Out of the Dust.  I honestly didn't know that there were other ethnic groups struggling to work and survive in California--I thought it was just the "Okies".  I also didn't know that many Mexicans and Mexican Americans were deported to Mexico for "causing trouble" by striking for better living conditions and wages.  I feel that this is a great book to help learn some history.  However, I felt Esperanza did not act her age; she acted more like she was 9 instead of 13.  I also felt that Ryan got a tad bit preachy about the discrimination, which she didn't have to do because her writing and her story were effective enough without it. 

Reviews

"Ryan uses the experiences of her own Mexican grandmother as the basis for this compelling story of immigration and assimilation, not only to a new country but also into a different social class...Set against the multiethnic, labor-organizing era of the Depression, the story of Esperanza remaking herself is satisfyingly complete, including dire illness and a difficult romance. Except for the evil uncles, all of the characters are rounded, their motives genuine, with class issues honestly portrayed. Easy to booktalk, useful in classroom discussions, and accessible as pleasure reading, this well-written novel belongs in all collections."-Francisca Goldsmith (2000), Berkeley Public Library, CA, Cahners Business Information. Retrieved from Bowker's Books in Print Professional database.

"Set during the Great Depression, the story weaves cultural, economic, and political unrest into Esperanza's poignant tale of growing up: she witnesses strikes, government sweeps, and deep injustice while finding strength and love in her family and romance with a childhood friend. The symbolism is heavy-handed, as when Esperanza ominously pricks her finger on a rose thorn just before her father is killed. But Ryan writes movingly in clear, poetic language that children will sink into, and the books offers excellent opportunities for discussion and curriculum support. --Gillian Engberg. (2000). Booklist. Retrieved from Bowker's Books in Print Professional database.

Uses 

Not only would this book be great to use in a mother/daughter book group, but I would love to see this used paired with Grapes of Wrath for an adult book club.  It would be great to compare the two novels.  I will in no way say that Esperanza Rising is on the same level of Steinbeck's masterpiece, but I do believe that reading the two together and discussing them together can help make each novel more complete.  I think it would be great to discuss how the various people were treated by others, and why the people were treated this way.  Then end by serving peaches (for Esperanza Rising) and milk (for Grapes of Wrath).

 

Module 3: Bad News for Outlaws: The Remarkable life of Bass Reeves, Deputy U.S. Marshal

Bad News for Outlaws:  The Remarkable Life of Bass Reeves, Deputy U.S. Marshal

by Vaunda Micheaux Nelson and illustrated by R. Gregory Christie
published in 2009 by Carolrhoda Books (Minneapolis)
2010 Coretta Scott King Book Award Winner

Summary

Bad News for Outlaws is the true story of the amazing life of Bass Reeves.  Born a slave, he escaped to freedom in Indian Territory during the Civil War.  Later, he served as deputy U.S. marshal in Indian Territory for 32 years.  He arrested over 3,000 outlaws and only killed 14 men.  The book highlights several of his adventures and some of his arrests.  

Check this link out to hear Nelson read the first few pages! 

http://www.teachingbooks.net/book_reading.cgi?id=3966&a=1

Impressions

I'm really impressed with Bad News for Outlaws.  The writing style is really fun, and fits extremely well with the story, giving it a western feel.  The illustrations are a great supplement to the story as well.  Many of the pages are illustrated to look like it is on the famous Wanted pictures of the time, also adding to the western feel of the story.  It is very effective how Nelson focuses on how remarkable Bass Reeves was:  instead of focusing on the injustices Reeves faced, Nelson celebrates his strengths, his ability to be a defender of justice, and his commitment to being a good person.

Nelson's writing is clear, concise, and entertaining.  I believe children can really enjoy reading about Bass Reeves life, be entertained by the story and the pictures, and gain a hero that truly lived.

I highly recommend this book!

Reviews

"Reeves is an unsung hero of the American West whose honesty and sense of duty are an inspiration to all. In a frontier brimming with treachery and lawlessness, this African-American peace officer stood out as a fearless figure of unparalleled integrity, arresting more than 3,000 outlaws during his 32 years of service as a deputy U.S. marshal, all without suffering an injury. He was a former slave who became a successful farmer and family man before accepting the appointment to serve as a lawman in the Indian Territory in 1875. While Gary Paulsen's The Legend of Bass Reeves (Random, 2006) mixes fact and fiction to great effect, Nelson chooses to keep her telling as close to documented research as possible. Selected anecdotes ranging from a humorous encounter with a skunk to an intense gunfight with an outlaw provide a sense of the man's courage and character. The text is chock-full of colorful turns of phrase that will engage readers who don't "cotton to" nonfiction (a glossary of "Western Words" is included). Christie's memorable paintings convey Reeves's determination and caring, while rugged brushstrokes form the frontier terrain. Youngsters will find much to admire here."--Lisa Glasscock, Columbine Public Library, Littleton, CO Copyright 2009 Reed Business Information. Retrieved from Bowker's Books in Print Professional database.

"Nelson and Christie know the proper way to open a western with a showdown. Young readers first see outlaw Jim Webb bursting through a glass window; then lawman Bass Reeves' eye sighting down the barrel of his Winchester rifle. After that, kids will have no trouble loping into this picture-book biography. Born a slave, Reeves became one of the most feared and respected Deputy U.S. Marshals to tame the West. Nelson's anecdotal account gives this criminally overlooked frontier hero the same justice that Gary Paulsen did in his book for slightly older readers, The Legend of Bass Reeves (2006). The text, especially, gets into the tall-tale spirit of things ( Bass had a big job. And it suited him right down to the ground. Everything about him was big. ), while the dramatic scenes captured in Christie's stately artwork promise revisitations to the lawman's story. An exciting subject captured with narrative panache and visual swagger, Bass Reeves stands to finally gain his share of adulation from kids drawn to the rough-and-tumble Old West."--Chipman, Ian Copyright 2009 Booklist Retrieved from Bowker's Books in Print Profession database.

Uses

Bad News for Outlaws is a great book to remember for those biography school reports.  While, it's a picture book, there is a wealth of information in it.  

It would also be a great book to read in a storytime ages 7-10, that has a western theme.

Module 2 cont: Winnie-the-Pooh

Winnie-the-Pooh

by A. A. Milne, pictures illustrated by Ernest H. Shepard

Originally published in 1926.

This version was published in 2005, by Penguin Modern Classics (New York).

Summary

Winnie the Pooh and all his friends have a series of adventures, such as Pooh getting stuck in Rabbit's hole, Piglet meeting a Heffalump, Eeyore having a birthday, and everyone going on an expedition to the North Pole, led by Christopher Robin. (Tigger is not introduced in the first book.)  Most of these stories appear in Disney's Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, but there are some differences.

Impressions

Even though I have seen Disney's movie I don't know how many times, reading the actual stories was like hearing them for the first time.  The book has a magical, yet innocent tone about it.  Each chapter is a different story, and I imagine would be perfect to read a chapter to a child right before bed.  The characters are accessible to children as they experience many of the same feelings, such as jealousy.  The 'decorations' by Shepard are quite charming.  It's no wonder that Milne's stories have become classics as they open up a world of imagination to anyone willing to read.

Reviews

"Young children will be entranced, and like their parents and grandparents before them, they will fall in love with Pooh, Piglet, Eeyore and Christopher Robin." --Marilyn Courtot, Children's Literature Reviews. Retrieved from the Children's Literature Comprehensive Database.

"Pooh's status as a 'Bear of Very Little Brain' belies his profoundly eternal wisdom in the ways of the world.  To many, Winnie-the-Pooh, Piglet, Eeyore, and the others are as familiar and important as their own family members...A childhood is simply not complete without full participation in all of Pooh's adventures. --Emilie Coulter, Amazon.com Review. http://www.amazon.com/Complete-Tales-Winnie-Pooh/dp/0525457232/ref=sip_rech_dp_10

Uses

In a library setting, Winnie-the-Pooh, would be a great book to use for a mother/daughter or child/parent bookclub.   Copies would be checked out over the previous month, then the bookclubbers will come meet at the library to discuss the book, learn about A. A. Milne, do a craft or activity, and have treats--made from honey!

In the home, each chapter provides a great bedtime story.

 

Module 2: The Snowman

 

The Snowman by Raymond Briggs

published in 1978 by Random House (New York).

 

Summary

The Snowman is a story about a British boy, a snowman he creates, and one adventurous night!  The story is completely told using pictures.  The pictures reveal the boy creating the snowman, then that night he goes outside to find the snowman waiting for him.  The boy introduces him to his world and it is fun to see the snowman's reactions--especially to the dentures sitting on the dresser.  The snowman then introduces the boy to his magical world.  

Impressions

I found this book to be quite charming.  The pictures are fun to look at, and kids will enjoy the snowman's reactions to the boy's world.  It's also a great book to help young, discouraged readers discover that magic of opening up a book.  The lack of text can help these particular readers enjoy books.  It can also help children use their imaginations and make up the text as they go along.  It's a great book to help encourage imagination and reading.  

 

Reviews

"A wordless story.  The pictures have 'the hazy softness of air in snow.  A little boy rushes out into the wintry day to build a snowman, which comes alive in his dreams that night.  Th experience is one that neither he nor young 'readers' will ever regret or forget." --(starred) Booklist. Retrieved from BarnesandNoble.com

http://search.barnesandnoble.com/The-Snowman/Raymond-Briggs/e/9780394839738/?itm=5&USRI=the+snowman#TABS

"If a picture is worth a thousand words, then Briggs has given us quite a novel with the 175 illustrations that tell the detailed story of a snowman come to life and the little boy who shares a magical evening with him...This title is one of the best and most well-known  of the wordless stories and it continues to stand the test of time.  Part of its charm is in the simple smile of the snowman himself.  Children love to see how the boy shows the snowman around his house and the snowman's fascination with things that make light--the lamp goes on and off, the flashlight shines brightly, and he loves the glow of the refrigerator...All together a totally satisfying book to 'read' over and over again, whether or not you decide it was all just a dream or you believe, as many do, that it 'really happened." --Sheilah Egan, Children's Literature Reviews. Retrieved from Children's Literature Comprehensive Database.

 

Uses

In a library setting, The Snowman could be used to help kids participate in storytime.  One kid can come up and make up the words to go along with the pictures for a page, and then another kid could come up for the next page.

In the home this can be down with a child and parent throughout the whole book.  Offering more interaction between child and parent than a regular story.   

Module 1: Miss Brooks Loves Books! (and I don't)

Miss Brooks Loves Books! (and I don't)  

by Barbara Bottner and illustrated by Michael Emberley

published in 2010 by Alfred A. Knopf (New York).

Summary

Miss Brooks is an extravagant librarian that loves to get kids excited about books!  She is so excited about books and loves sharing them with the kids so much that she dresses up to match the book she is reading.  Everyone loves her and the books she shares except Missy.    Then the dreaded day comes when the whole class has to share their favorite books with each other.  Missy finally finds that even she can find a book to love.

Impressions

I thought this was a fun book for several reasons.  One, it mentions quite a few famous classic children's books.  And two, it has a great message about how there are books for everyone with all sorts of different tastes!  The illustrations are not amazing, but they are fun.  I do enjoy how they help illustrate Missey's "I'm too cool for you and for any book under the sun" attitude.  

Reviews

"Children will delight in Emberley's spirited watercolor and ink renderings of literary favorites from The Very Hungry Caterpillar to a Wild Thing. Bottner's deadpan humor and delicious prose combine with Emberley's droll caricatures to create a story sure to please those who celebrate books-and one that may give pause to those who don't (or who work with the latter)." -Wendy Lukehart

Lukehart, W. (2010).  School Library Journal. Retrieved from Bowker's Books in Print database.

"A scowling first-grader in spectacles, a knitted hat, and overalls cannot stand her bubbly librarian, who dresses up in costumes for reading circle, where she introduces books about dragons, Pilgrims, presidents, and Groundhogs, even For Book Week, everyone in class has to bring a favorite story, and the young girl has only grouchy comebacks for the other kids, who enthusiastically share books about trains (too clickety), fairies (too flowery), cowboys (too yuppity), and dogs (too furry). When the librarian sends the little rebel home with a bagful of books, she does not like any of them--until she finds a story about a stubborn, smelly, snorty ogre with warts, William Steig's Shrek, and that makes her grab more books about ogres, just like her. The cartoon-style illustrations extend the comedy in images of the expressive girl and her librarian, who dresses in wild miniskirts, boots, and flowers and is far from the usual stereotype. Lots of fun for avid and reluctant readers alike." - Hazel Rochman

Rochman, H. (2010). Booklist. Retrieved from Bowker's Books in Print database. 

Uses

Miss Brooks would be a great book for school librarians to use to start of the new school year; usually when the classes come in for the first time.  Or for public librarians to use at the beginning of the new reading program.  The book is a great way to introduce kids to the library, the librarian, and books in general as it can help teach kids that there is a book for everyone!