International Literature #3: Lizette's Green Sock



Solving problems. That was the first teaching concepts that I thought of when reading this book. Lizette's Green Sock was one of the only books I could not find at my public library. I look a trip to Barnes and Noble to review the book.



Lizette's Green Sock
by Catharina Valckx
Originally published in France



This is a wonderful book about Lizette's finding a green sock on day while taking a walk. When two of her friends start to make fun of her because she only has one green sock, she begins on a journey looking for the other sock. After searching high and low at a pond and a tall tree, she heads towards home to wash the green sock because she could not find the other one. After her mom makes her a matching sock, she has one for a hat and the other sock now serves as a fish sleeping bag!

Lizette never gives up throughout the whole book. She is determined, caring and creative. These are qualities that children should read about in children's literature. Lizette came to a bump in the road but that did not stop her. She did not have to rely on anyone other than herself. She was motivated to find the missing sock.

I went to my public library and in the suggestion box I listed Lizette's Green Sock as a book to be added to the children's book section. Hopefully, in the near future I will see this title sitting on the shelf at the library.

International Literature #2: Delicious! A Pumpkin Soup Story

Delicious!  A Pumpkin Soup Story
written and illustrated by Helen Cooper
Originally published in England

In an old white cabin lives a cat, a squirrel and a picky duck. When the pumpkin patch leaves the three without a ripe pumpkin for lunchtime, they had to make something else. All they had ever eaten was pumpkin soup. They pulled out the recipes book and look for a nutritious and delicious soup. The duck is hard to please, and each time a new soup is made, he will not eat! He would not eat the fish soup, the mushroom soup or the beet soup.

After a terrible fight, the cat decides to trick the duck. He uses carrots, tomatoes, zucchini and corn to make a soup that looked like pumpkin soup. The cat tastes the soup..."This is not pumpkin soup!" yelled the duck, but he loved the soup!!

This is a wonderful book that could be used to discuss nutrition and compromising. The illustrations are wonderfully detailed. On the sides of the pages there are little bugs talking to one another. I had to go back through the book after I read it to look at all the illustrations. Even though the duck is certainly fussing throughout the book, the illustrators draws him adorably that I could not help but love him!

International Literature #1: "Let's Get a Pup!" Said Kate

"Let's Get a Pup!" said Kate
written and illustrated by Bob Graham
Orignially published in Australia

I am a dog saver, a dog lover and a dog book reader! This book was very endearing and follows Kate and her family while they are looking for the perfect dog. What I like most about this book was that the family went to an animal shelter to find the perfect dog. After searching through all the dogs, they come across Dave. Dave is everything they are looking for in a dog. As they are leaving the animal shelter, they see Rosie, an old, gray dog. They want to take Rosie too, if they could.

Dave cried all through his first night with Kate's family. The family could hardly sleep because they were thinking about Rosie. The next morning, without eating breakfast, they return to the animal shelter to get Rosie! Finally they are all together. Not only does Kate get a pup, but she gets two pups!

The characters are different in the sense that the mom has a tattoo and a nose ring, and the dad has his ears pierced. The book portrays another image of a family that makes up many children's families.

Children's Literature Awards Given in Other Countries

                      The Carnegie Medal (United Kingdom)

The Carnegie Medal is awarded annually to the writer of an outstanding book for children in the United Kingdom. It was established by in 1936, in memory of the great Scottish-born philanthropist, Andrew Carnegie. The medal is awarded by CILIP: the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals. First awarded to Arthur Ransome for ‘Pigeon Post’, the winner receives a golden medal and £500 worth of books to donate to a library of their choice.

Examples of books awarded the Carnegie Medal:

     

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The Crichton Award for New Illustrators (Australia)

The Crichton Award aims to recognise and encourage new talent in the field of Australian children's book illustration. It is administered by the Victorian Branch of the CBCA and the judging panel of three is nominated and elected by the executive of the Victorian Branch. The Children's Book Council of Australia is a national organisation with a branch in every state and territory. Its aim is to engage the community with literature for young Australians and foster in childrens' enjoyment of books.This award is given annually and is announced during Australia's Children's Book Week. The winners are given a presentation certificate and $1,500.00.

Examples of books awarded the Crichton Award:


  

Book to Movie #3: The Mouse and the Motorcycle

The Mouse and The Motorcycle
written by Beverly Cleary

I have always been a fan of Beverly Cleary's books, and this book was no exception. I ordered the movie from Scholastic Storybook Treasures, which is a wonderful collection of movies based on children's literature. Many of the boys and girls in my class have read The Mouse and The Motorcycle, but I have never made time to sit down and read the book. I was hooked from the very beginning of the book, and I was excited to watch the movie.

The movie originally aired on ABC as a weekend special in 1991. Scholastic took this same version and made a wonderful DVD full of extras. I was amazed at the movie! Even though it is an older movie, it stays true to the book. Out of the three books I read that have been made into movies, The Mouse and The Motorcycle was the most accurate. It was refreshing to not be disappointed at the end of the movie. Of course, there were a few small modifications, but each event in the book was portrayed in the movie.

My favorite part was when Ralph (the mouse) had to find Keith (the young boy) medicine for his fever. Since Ralph had lost the motorcycle during a vacuum cleaner incident, he used Keith's toy ambulance to retrieve  a fever reducing medicine. This event was the climax in the book and also in the movie. I am happy I purchased this DVD so that I can use it in my classroom. I am now thinking about using this title as a read aloud activity with my class. Following the completion of the book, we can watch the movie and do comparisons and contrasts.

Scholastic Storybook Treasures also provides a DVD for the book Ralph S. Mouse, which is a sequel to The Mouse and The Motorcycle. I will certainly be reading that title and watching the movie!

Book to Movie #2: Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs

Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs
written by Jodi Barrett
illustrated by Ron Barrett

I have never been so disappointed in a portrayal of a book. I was amazed at the difference between the book and the movie. I understand that some events needed to be added or changed for a theatrical experience. I was sad that the movie did not start with a grandfather telling a bedtime story to his grandchildren. That was always my favorite part of the book! I can see how a scientist was needed for the movie, and the character had his funny moments.

As I sat and stared at my computer screen at the end of the movie, I began thinking about the differences in the movie. For example, in the book the ending had the towns people building boats out of food (which was also in the movie); however, in the movie the towns people were able to return to the town and in the book they did not return to the town. This is one of those movies I wish had an "alternate ending" selection.

I am very critical because this was one of my favorite books as a child. I could almost recite it word for word! I was so excited when the movie came out and then astonished by the end. Since it was a picture book and not a chapter book, I agree that the story needed more "meat". I intend to continue loving the BOOK and I am so glad I did not purchase this movie!

Book to Movie #1: Ramona and Beezus

Ramona and Beezus
written by Beverly Cleary

I found it humorous that on the front of the book Romona and Beezus, it has a spot saying "Read it before you see it". The movie is more of a compilation of several of the Romana and Beezus books. When I watched it, I was happy to see many of the same situations portrayed in the chapter books to be accurate throughout the movie. Although, the movie is true to several Romona and Bezzus books, if someone only had read the book Ramona and Beezus, they would have been confused during the movie, I believe.

 

Differences that I found:

• Bezzus' birthday was not in the movie.
• The room addition to the house is a different Romona title.
• All characters are portrayed older in the movie than in the book.
• Aunt B. does not have a love interest in the book, nor is she getting married and moving to Alaska.
• Ramona was not beginning her first day of school in the movie.
• Henry's dog was not locked in the bathroom during the movie.
• The family does not yet have another child.

Overall, I would suggest that a reader read several of the Ramona titles if they wanted a true picture of where all the ideas for the movie came from. Also, reading all the titles will be very enjoyable. I enjoyed both the movie and the original Ramona and Beezus title. If the movie producers would have stayed true to the original title, I think there would be chances for sequels following the other titles including, Ramona Quimbly Age 8, Ramona and Her Mother, etc.

Jerry Pickney: Back Home

Back Home (1992)
written by Gloria Jean Pickney
illustrated by Jerry Pickney

In this beautifully written and illustrated picture book, Ernestine is an eight-year-old girl visiting her relatives in North Carolina where she was born. The county smells and sights are much different from the city where she lives with her mom and dad. Her greatest challenge during this summer vacation trip is trying to get her cousin Jack Avery to like her. After several failed attempts, Ernestine and Jack Avery make amends before Ernestine leaves for home.

I was excited to find that Jerry Pickney's wife, Gloria Jean Pickney, wrote this picture book. She used many of her own expereinces for inspiration while writing the book. Yet again, Jerry Pickney provides the reader with fascinating illustrations like the ones in his Caldecott Award and Coretta Scott King Award winning titles. Soft colors fill the pages creating beautiful scenes. Flowers fill many of the pages in the summer story, and the colors blend well in the illustrations. More wonderful work provided by Jerry Pickney for generations to enjoy!

Other titles illustrated by Jerry Pickney:

• The Talking Eggs
• The Patchwork Quilt
• More Tales of Uncle Remus
• The Moon Over Star
• New Shoes for Silvia
• The Man Who Kept His Heart in a Bucket

Also, his website is amazing! http://www.jerrypinkneystudio.com/frameset.html

Laurence Yep: Bravo Mia!

Bravo Mia! (2008)
written by Laurence Yep

I was surprised to see this American Girl collection book written by Laurence Yep. Many of the other titles I wanted to read revolved around Chinese culture. When I went to my public library to check out a book by Laurence Yep, I was shocked to see all his books were checked out except for this one!

This title was an easy read, but it was not my favorite title I have read during this project. It was somewhat predictable, and did not have as many surprises or twists-and-turns as some of the other chapter books I have read for this blog. I do believe that many students would enjoy this title, and Yep does a wonderful job of showing how family troubles effect all the members of the family.

Mia is a competitive ice skater whose family is experiencing financial problems. They cannot afford new skates (hers are too small) or a new outfit (hers is to small) for her routine. One of her older brothers has a tournament to compete in, so they have to choose who gets the extra money. After a coin toss, Mia's brother wins and  receives the money to go to his tournament. Mia is devastated. Community members hear that Mia will not be able to compete at the ice skating tournament, and they rally together to provide a new uniform and new skates.

Although she does not win at the tournament, she does place 4th. She meets new people and begins to understand why her rival is so mean.

I want to read other title by Laurence Yep because I think I did not get a complete view of his writing style. Below are more titles by Yep I want to read:

• The Dragon's Child (the original title I wanted to read)
• Lady of Ch'iao Kuo: Warrior of the South, Southern China, A.D. 531
• When the Circus Came to Town
•  The Dragon's Child: A Story of Angel Island
• The Man Who Tricked a Ghost

Newbery #2 Olive's Ocean

Olive's Ocean (2003)
written by Kevin Henkes
Newbery Honor Book 2004

Based on a few comments on Amazon.com and BarnesandNoble.com, I decided this would be a book NOT suitable for younger students. I did feel that it would be a title that would probably keep my attention, and that it did! I read the entire book in one day! The book is suggested for ages 10 and up, but I would prefer at least 12 and up due to some adult references.

I was intrigued when discovering the book focused on Martha Boyle, the main character, receiving a page of Olive Bastrow's journal. Olive had been killed in a car accident a few weeks before summer vacation. Olive's mother brought Martha a page of Olive's journal. This journal entry discussed all the things Olive wanted to do in the future including going to the ocean and being friends with Martha.

As Martha's family heads to Cape Cod to visit their grandmother for summer vacation, Martha is battling with the information in the journal entry and problems with her family. Quality time with her grandmother, Godbe, puts several things into perspective for Martha. After a bet made between boys causes heartbreak, Martha almost drowns in the ocean. This is when she decided  her life isn't that bad. She collects some water from the ocean to take back to Olive's mother. To Martha, the water symbolized Olive getting her trip to the ocean.

When she returns home, she is surprised to find that Olive's mother has moved out of town. Martha then finds a creative way to honor Olive's memory using the water from the ocean. I will not spoil the ending for you!!

This would be a book I would want my own daughter, someday, to read when she is about 12 or 13 years old. It addresses many issues that girls face when at this age. I would have liked to have read this book when I was in middle school because I probably would have not taken certain situations to heart as much as I did. As I said before, this is not a book for younger students, even if they read at a high level. A since of maturity is needed when reading this book. This would be a great mother-daughter book club title.

This was the first chapter book I have read by Kevin Henkes. I own just about every picture book he has had published. He did a wonderful job of writing this book, which surprised me due to his picture book background. I will certainly place this book on a shelve for the future!

Newbery #1 Pictures of Hollis Woods

Pictures of Hollis Woods (2002)
written by Patricia Reilly Giff
Newbery Honor Book 2003

This was actually the first book I read for the reading blog assignment. I knew that this book had been made into a Hallmark movie a couple of years ago. I had never read the book, nor had I seen the movie. I am so glad that I chose this book to be one of my Newbery Award books because part of me could relate to the book in several ways.

Hollis is a twelve-year-old foster child running from a terrible accident that occurred in her last foster home. Upon being placed with Josie, her new foster parent, Hollis begins to understand what is means to have a family. Even though Josie is slowly beginning to forget important information such as phone numbers, school times and names, Hollis feels it is her job to protect Josie. When social services discovers Josie's memory loss, Hollis and Josie leave there home to find safety at the Regan's summer home.

The Regans were Hollis' last foster family, and after an accident leaving the son injured, Hollis felt she had caused the accident. She ran away from a family that wanted to adopt her and give her the family she always wanted.

As their supplies begin to diminish, Hollis head towards town to call Beatrice, Josie's sister. Little did Hollis know she would be reunited with Steven Regan, her foster brother. The end of the book finds Hollis back with the Regans, and Josie back with Beatrice. Hollis and Josie are still close enough to visit each other often.

My dad was adopted at 18 months old along with his two older brothers. Luckily, they were all adopted by the same family. While my dad was still very young, his older brothers remember being in foster homes. While reading this book, I felt a connection with Hollis after hearing all the stories from my dad and uncles. They always discuss a yearning to belong somewhere, and this is exactly how Hollis felt.

I ordered the Hallmark movie from Amazon.com and it was a wonderful as the book! If I ever teach an older grade, perhaps 5th grade, I would certainly share this book with my class. I read the book aloud to my mom, and she enjoyed it as much as I did. It is a must-read!

I would also like to read these titles by Patricia Reilly Giff:

• Lily's Crossing
• Maggie's Door
• All the Way Home
• The Legacy of Gloria Russell

Newbery vs. Caldecott

The Newbery Medal and Caldecott Medal are both awarded by the Association for Library Service to Children, a division of the American Library Association. The Newbery Medal, named after English bookseller John Newbery, is awarded each year "to the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children published in English in the United States during the preceding year."




The Caldecott Medal, named after English illustrator Randolph Caldecott, is awarded each year "to the artist of the most distinguished American picture book for children published in English in the United States during the preceding year."

The Caldecott Medal was designed in 1937 while the Newbery Medal was designed in 1921. The first Caldecott Medal was given in 1938, and the first Newbery Medal was given in 1922. Each of these medals, gives honor book awards each year.
Basically the difference in the two awards is that one is for illustrations (Caldecott), while the other is for literature (Newbery). These awards, given annually, are much sought after. They are the most prestigious children’s book award.

Coretta Scott King Award: Ellington Was Not A Street

Ellington Was Not A Street (2004)
written by Ntozake Shange
illustrated by Kadir Nelson
Coretta Scott King Award for Illustration 2005

Without many words on each page, this book does an excellent job of getting the point across through words and illustrations! With the reoccurring words, "it was not always this way", the author Ntozake Shange makes the reader want to know what else was not always that way. Shange intertwined famous African Americans who changed the world throughout this moving picture book. If a reader is unsure who the person is all they have to do is turn to the back of the book for information about the famous African American, such as The Clovers, one of the earliest African American vocal groups. During a time when people were being solely judged by the color of their skin, the young girl in the story recounts the men who visited her home to help make changes to America and demonstrate the importance African American culture and history.

This book was awarded a Coretta Scott King award for its illustrations in 2005. The illustrations are life-like in a way were the reader feels as if they are looking through a window into the home. The facial expressions of the characters makes the reader feel as if they were in the room with The Clovers listening to them perform. The little girl is pictured on all pages, except for one page, and the readers eyes are drawn to her spirit as a character in the book.

I was drawn to this book will visiting the public library last week. On the cover is a delicate young African American girl who reminded me of a student I had last year. As I flipped through the pages, I became captivated by the illustrations and writing style. This is now a another title that will be added to my personal library. In a simplistic writing style, Shange is able to relay a powerful message that needs to be heard by not only students, but every individual. When I think I have it too hard, I think back to those numbing times and picture the little girl on the front cover wearing a blue dress, and my troubles do not seem so bad. How it must have felt for an individauls skin color to dictate their lives?

Diveristy Chapter Book: Deaf Child Crossing

Deaf Child Crossing (2002)
written by Marlee Matlin

Sign language has intrigued me since I took American Sign Language as my foreign language class during my undergraduate time at WKU. Spending an entire summer session with a professor who was deaf was a humbling and enchanting experience. Since then (summer of 2007), I have been continuing my sign language journey, and even incorporate it into my classroom. When I ran across the book, Deaf Child Crossing written by Marlee Matlin, I knew I had it was a must read! Some may know Marlee Matlin as an Academy Award Winner who is deaf. This book is written with pieces of her own childhood woven throughout.

The book stars around Megan and Cindy, two nine-year-old girls who are B.F.F.'s (best friends forever). Megan is deaf, but uses hearing aids that allow her to hear some very high pitched sounds. She is an extreme extrovert who never meets a stranger. Purple is the color of just about every item in her bedroom and closet. To top it all of, she has a dog named Apples who she taught to understand sign language. On the other hand, Cindy is quiet and reserved, a regular introvert. Shy and soft-spoken, the clutter and disorganization of Megan overwhelms her throughout the book. As any tow B.F.F.'s, Megan and Cindy have their ups and downs throughout the book. Both are able to learn from each other very valuable lessons and skills. Megan teaches Cindy how to sign and speak up for herself, while Cindy teaches Megan it's okay to ask for help and she is not always right. There are tears, laughter, and suspense felt by not only the characters, but also the reader!

I would suggest this is a must read for everyone in the education community. Many times I tend to think of diversity as culturally. This vibrant book reminds all of us that the deaf community does not see being deaf as a handicap, but does require extra patients, understanding and respect from hearing individuals. I have not had the pleasure of having a deaf student in my classroom. If the opportunity presents itself, I feel I will be more aware after reading this book from the view of a nine-year-old child. I intend for this to be one of the first books I share with my class next school year.

Marlee Matlin has written more books about deaf children, and I cannot wait to read them!

Diveisty Picture Book: The Other Side

The Other Side (2001)
Written by Jacqueline Woodson
Illustrated by E.B. Lewis

The book The Other Side tells the story of two young girls, one white and one black, who live out in the country. Between their houses is on old, wooden fence. Each of the girls' mothers tell them not to go on the other side of the fence. The story is told from the point of view of Clover, the young black girl, who wonders why Annie sits on the fence everyday. Annie just sits there and watches Clover play with other young black girls. One day Clover goes up to the fence, and Annie says "Hello". They both discuss how each of their mothers will not let them cross the fence. The decide that they could sit on the fence since their mothers never said they could not. For the entire summer, Clover and Annie sat on the fence. One day Clover's friends ask if they wanted to jump rope. Both of the girls hopped of the fence, and Annie and Clover jumped rope. I am reminded of my very best friend when I was six years old. Her name was Erica and we played everyday, rain or shine. We played outside, at my house, or at her house. Never once did our parents oppose to the friendship. I can only imagine how lonely and sad my childhood would have been without Erica. I am fortunate that a "fence" did not separate our beautiful friendship. This is a wonderful book describing how life was like in the 50's. Based on the illustrations and clothes worn by the characters, I inferred this was the time period of the book.  It amazes me that even to this day, 60 years since then, that situations are still faced by children like Clover and Annie. Perhaps if we incorporate more books of this caliber, we can help children to see past labels and skin color. This is a book that shows diversity in a way that can be understood by a young reader. Instead of waiting for Black History Month, teachers and LMS need to use these books regurally in the curriculum.

Caldecott #5 Moses: When Harriett Tubman Led Her People to Freedom

Moses:  When Harriet Tubam Led Her People To Freedom (2006)
Written by Carole Boston Weatherford
Illustrated by Kadir Nelson
Caldecott Honor 2007

I have read many books about Harriet Tubman throughout the years; however, this was the first time I had the privilege to read such an inspiring book. Illustrator, Kadir Nelson, has a way of making the reader feel as if they were right with Harriet in the book. All the illustrators used at the beginning of the book seem very dark, until Harriet reaches freedom in Philadelphia. It was amazing to me that she walked ninety miles from Maryland to Pennsylvania with only her will and the help of God. I had known Harriet was a spiritual woman, and the books I had previously read discussed this issue; however, this book is written in such a way, using bolded font for the voice of God, that I found myself flipping the pages as fast as I could. She then returned to help other slaves escape to freedom not just once, but nineteen times! Never once did she loose a passenger on the Underground Railroad. Not only was this book awarded a Caldecott Honor, but it also received a Coretta Scott King Award. I have always looked past skin color to see the real person, and I believe that is why I was drawn to this book. Even today, after slavery has ended, there is still so much racism that exists in the world for many cultures. This book shows the reader, especially me, that if Harriet Tubman can walk ninety miles for freedom, that my trials and tribulations no not seem so bad. I am not beaten on a daily basis, nor am I told to marry a man I do not love. Harriett Tubman is a wonderful example of perseverance and powerful role model.

Caldecott #4 Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale

Knuffle Bunny:  A Cautionary Tale (2005)
Written and Illustrated by Mo Willems
Caldecott Honor (2006)

I think just about anyone could relate to this children's book. I know that I sure can! I have a yellow, worn out blanket that I have had since the day I was born. "Woobie" as I call it, went everywhere with me, much like Knuffle Bunny went with Trixie. My brother had a stuffed dog pillow that went everywhere with him. As children, the majority of us have had a security blanket or stuffed animal we hated to let go. The way in which the book was illustrated was amazing. The use of actual pictures for the setting made the cartoon characters jump of the page. I loved how Knuffle Bunny and Trixie both had huge, wide eyes throughout the book, and Trixie's parents had little black dots for eyes. This is most certainly one of the most creatively illustrated children's books I have seen. It is crystal clear why it was named a Caldecott Honor winner. I would not have thought that the real-life pictures would have mixed so well with cartoon illustrations. My favorite part of the book is when the entire family is running back to the laundry mat to find the lost Knuffle Bunny. The man's expression on the stoop of the building is priceless; along with the mother's tongue sticking out. The cartoons are drawn in a way where the expressions of the characters are true to real life. I enjoyed Mo Willems' book Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!, so I was pleased to find that he has also had written and illustrated this book as well. I had seen this book in the school library before, but I never checked it out for my students. I will now be on the look out for other Knuffle Bunny tales.

Caldecott #3 The Hello, Goodbye Window

The Hello, Goodbye Window (2005)
Written by Norton Juster and Illustrated by Chris Raschka
Cadelcott Medal Winner 2006

As I read this book, I could picture my parents house in the country. With the large windows that go from the ceiling to the floor, and the wide wrap-around porch. My parents cannot wait to be grandparents! The Hello, Goodbye Window create grandparents that I believe will resemble my parents one day. The illustrator, Chris Raschka, created the illustrations in a way that makes the reader feel like a child again visiting their own grandparents. The bright, colorful illustrations immediately put a smile on my face from the very first page. Each page is filled with illustrations that look like a kindergartners finger painting artwork hanging on the refrigerator. It was some what intriguing that the facial features of the characters seemed distorted (for the lack of a better word). It allows the reader to imagine what they character may look like in their own minds, which allows the reader to personally connect to the story. One of the aspects of the story I truly enjoyed was the way in which the story was written. It is written from the perspective of a small child. In my mind, I imagined a five or six year old boy. The story never says whether the child is a boy or a girl, so I think boys and girls alike would enjoy the story. Even if a reader does not have a set of grandparents with a hello, goodbye window, I believe they can connect to the strong bonds that the author, Norton Juster, has created. I enjoyed this book so much, I shared it with my parents. They too could imagine the same scenarios in their minds as I had. I did not have grandparents with a hello, goodbye window, nor the bond between grandparent and grandchild. This book did allow me to picture the wonderful advantage that my children will have with my parents in the future. This book will certainly be purchased for classroom and personal use!

Caldecott #2 The Lion and the Mouse



The Lion and the Mouse (2009)
Written and Illustrated by Jerry Pickney
Caldecott Medal Winner 2010

 This was the first book I have read by Jerry Pickney...or looked at since their were hardly any words! I enjoyed how Pickney used illustrations that looked like sketches on some pages, and how he incorporated the use of water colors. I read on the last page that when illustrating the book he staged the book in the African Serengeti of Tanzania and Kenya. I believe that can be seen through the illustrations, or at least the reader can tell it is set in a jungle. The page of the book before the lion is captured by the rope trap, I liked the change of direction of the picture. The reader feels as if they are sitting high up in a tree watching the lion walk toward the trap. Not only does the story teach a priceless moral lesson to the reader, but also Pickney provides breath-taking illustrations to enhance one of Aesop's Fables. Teaching primary students, I am always looking for books that teach lessons and also allow them to interpret the illustrations. I can see myself using this book in a whole group or small group setting of students to teach many reading strategies. As I flipped through the pages, I began to realize how important books with no words can be in the classroom. As I said before, this is the first book by Pickney I have read. I am very interested in finding other titles for other parts of this blog. I am almost mesmerized when looking at the illustrations, and I understand why it was awarded a Caldecott Medal. This story reminds me of the farm where my parents live. When I was younger I would 'explore' through acres of woods and play in the creek. There were never any lions, of course; but I can remember beginning to appreciate the wonders of nature. Watching hawks soar through the air, listening to birds sing, and backing slowly away from a garden snake by the creek. As I read this book, it took me back to those days. Now, I want to put on my 'farm clothes' and hiking boots an explore the way I did as a child.

Caldecott #1 A Sick Day for Amos McGee

A Sick Day for Amos McGee (2010)
written by Philip C. Stead
illustrated by Erin C. Stead
Caldecott Medal 2011



 A Sick Day for Amos McGee is a heartwarming tale of a zoo keeper and his certain animal friends at the zoo. I can certainly see why this book was awarded the 2011 Caldecott Award. The illustrations are simple, but you can't help but smile when you look at the pages (the elephant is especially wonderful!). The colors used by the illustrator, Erin E. Stead, are beautifully used in an understated manner. I believe this is what makes the illustrations pop off the page. Some picture books stories require the use of bright, vibrant colors to set the tone for the book. The colors used in this book made me feel relaxed and comforted. Since the book was about Amos McGee, the zoo keeper, becoming sick, I thought the colors used were very appropriate for the stories content. I had not previously read this book and I am glad that I have now. It has been added to my list of "Books to Buy" for my classroom library. I teach 2nd grade and this is a book they would snatch off the shelf. Amos's animal friends, the elephant, the tortoise, the penguin, the owl, and the rhinoceros are illustrated with such detail that I felt that would jump of the page! This is one of the reasons I know my students will enjoy the book. Not only is it grade level appropriate, but also the students can enjoy the illustrations. This story reminded me of when I was in the third grade and my best friend had the chicken pox. She was not at school for several days, and I felt lost without her. I asked my mom everyday when she would be back at school, and she tried to comfort me. She suggested that I send her pictures and letters in the mail because I could not go to her house because I had not yet had the chicken pox. I felt the same way the animals did when Amos McGee got the sniffles and could not come to work. I am interested in finding other titles illustrated by Erin E. Stead so that I can see if she uses the same technique in all her children's book illustrations.