Floca, B. (2013). Locomotive. Atheneum Books for Young Readers.
Overview
The book provides details of what the first passengers experienced as they traveled West on the transcontinental railroad in the summer of 1869.
Evaluation
The text is engaging and has beautiful illustrations that come alive. The book is packed with information about the locomotives, railroad workers, and passengers. Great book for sparking interests and inspiring learning in all ages. Locomotive is a great book to use to emphasize the importance of teaching students to integrate information from written text and illustrations as well as how words appeal to the senses and detailed illustrations work together as sources of information. With this text, students can identify the main idea of the story and explain the key details that support it.
Horn Book Magazine (September/October, 2013)Talk about a youth librarian's dream come true: a big new book about those ever-popular trains from a bona fide picture-book-nonfiction all-star. Striking cinematic endpapers lay the groundwork, describing the creation of the Transcontinental Railroad in the 1860s. Then, in a sort of historical-fiction-meets-travelogue narrative, Floca zeroes in on one family's journey from Omaha to San Francisco. Floca excels at juxtaposing sweeping panoramas with intimate, slice-of-life moments: here a widescreen shot of the train chugging across the Great Plains; later a vignette at a "dollar for dinner" hash house ("If the chicken tastes like prairie dog, don't ask why," cautions the narrator). Varied font sizes and styles on the large pages beautifully capture the onomatopoeia ("Hisssssssss"; "huff huff huff"; "chug-chug chug-chug chug-chug") of the train and the feel of the Old West. One spread finds the train precariously crossing a trestle ("The train is so heavy, the bridge is so narrow, and rickety rickety rickety!"); the concluding ricketys are displayed in an appropriately jarring shadowed font alongside a picture of passengers shaking -- and praying -- in their seats. Luckily, our family makes it safely to its destination: "the country's far corners have been pulled together. . .thanks to the locomotive." An author's note and thorough discussion of the sources used are included, and don't miss the back endpapers -- the steam power diagram would make David Macaulay proud. sam bloom
Kirkus Reviews starred (April 15, 2013)
Floca took readers to the moon with the Apollo 11 mission in Moonshot (2009); now he takes them across the country on an equally historic journey of 100 years earlier. In a collegial direct address, he invites readers to join a family--mother, daughter and son--on one of the first passenger trips from Omaha to Sacramento after the meeting of the Union Pacific and the Central Pacific in May 1869. With encyclopedic enthusiasm, Floca visually documents the trip, vignettes illustrating the train's equipment as well as such must-know details as toilet and sleeping conditions. Full- and double-page spreads take advantage of the book's unusually large trim for breathtaking long shots of the American landscape and thrilling perspectives of the muscular engine itself. The nameless girl and boy provide touchstones for readers throughout, dubiously eyeing an unidentifiable dinner, juddering across a trestle, staring out with wide-eyed wonder. Unjustly undersung as a writer, Floca soars with his free-verse narrative, exploiting alliteration, assonance and internal rhyme to reinforce the rhythms of the journey. Frequent variations in font and type ("HUFF HUFF HUFF!" is spelled out in ornate, antique letters) further boost the excitement. Front endpapers provide detail on the building of the transcontinental railroad; back endpapers show the steam engine in cross section, explaining exactly how coal and water made it go. Nothing short of spectacular, just like the journey it describes. (Informational picture book. 4-10)
Other Books Written by Brian Floca
Moonshot: The Flight of Apollo 11
Moonshot: The Flight of Apollo 11
Racecar Alphabet
Keeping the City Going
Henkes, K. (1993). Owen. Greenwillow Books.
Overview
Owen's parents try to get him to give up his favorite fuzzy, yellow blanket before he starts school, but when their efforts fail, they come up with a solution that makes everyone happy.
Evaluation
This story provides a practical solution for any kid to give up their security blanket. The illustrations are amazing and colorful. This story is heart warming, sweet, and wonderfully written. There are many skills that can be taught using this text such as, asking questions, author's point of view, cause and effect, making connections, drawing conclusions, sequencing, and story elements.
Publishers Weekly (September 20, 1993)A worthy addition to Henkes's ( Chester's Way ; Julius, the Baby of the World ) impressive, engaging oeuvre, this animated tale takes up the case of a wee mouse's devotion to a no-longer-fuzzy blanket named Fuzzy. Imbued with Henkes's characteristically understated humor, spry text and brightly hued watercolor-and-ink pictures chronicle how Owen's next-door neighbor, Mrs. Tweezers, suggests to Owen's parents a series of ploys to separate their son--who is soon to start school--from Fuzzy. The ingenious mouse foils each attempt, until his resourceful mother stumbles upon ``an absolutely wonderful, positively perfect, especially terrific idea.'' With some snipping and sewing, she transforms the beloved blanket into a batch of very portable handkerchiefs, a stratagem that not only keeps Owen happy but manages to silence the meddling Mrs. Tweezers. Even youngsters unattached to a Fuzzy-like object will feel a kinship with the winningly wily Owen--and parents of the attached may find a useful solution to an age-old dilemma. Ages 3-up. (Sept.)
Kirkus Reviews starred (1993)
Owen loves his blanket "with all his heart." "Fuzzy" goes where he goes and likes what he likes--"grape juice, chocolate milk..." Leaning over the back fence, nosy Mrs. Tweezers "fills his parents in" on various cures for Owen's affection--the "Blanket Fairy" (Fuzzy survives safely inside Owen's pajama pants); the "vinegar trick" (Owen finds a new favorite corner to cuddle). Meanwhile, he continues to share every experience, real or fanciful, with his beloved rag until, when it's time to begin school, his understanding mother transforms Fuzzy into handkerchiefs that Owen can carry--and hang onto or politely touch to his nose--wherever he goes. Once again, Henkes's engaging characters are mice, depicted with wonderfully warm humor and subtlety; their gentle negotiations and perfectly tuned dialogue are entirely human. A delectably amusing look at a true first love.
Other Books Written by Kevin Henkes
Chrysanthemum
Chester's Way
Waiting
Klassen, J. (2012). This is not my hat. Candlewick Press.
OverviewThe tiny fish wearing a blue hat hopes not to wake up the trouble that might be following close behind.
A guilty-looking little fish has taken a tiny bowler from the head of a large sleeping fish. He explains why he won't be caught (the fish is asleep, he won't wake up or notice the missing hat, etc.), but every claim he makes is belied by the pictures. Telling almost the whole story through subtle movements, Klassen lets readers in on this darkly hilarious joke.
Evaluation
The author makes subtle changes to the illustrations that create a dramatic as well as humorous impact. The last few pages of the book allow the reader to create their own ending to the story. This book could be used to introduce and explain the concept of stealing and making predictions.
Horn Book Guide starred (Spring 2013)A guilty-looking little fish has taken a tiny bowler from the head of a large sleeping fish. He explains why he won't be caught (the fish is asleep, he won't wake up or notice the missing hat, etc.), but every claim he makes is belied by the pictures. Telling almost the whole story through subtle movements, Klassen lets readers in on this darkly hilarious joke.
Library Media Connection (January/February 2013)
A tiny fish steals a blue hat from a big fish. It's a bold move, and he shows no remorse for what he has done. As he is describing his thoughts about getting away with the theft, the illustrations show he is disillusioned in his apparent success. A crab saw where the little fish escaped to, and the crab points the way to the tiny fish's hiding place. The reader is left to interpret the result of their interaction through the final wordless pages. The narrative parallels the illustrations as the reader deduces the facts of the actual theft. This story, similar to Klassen's previous tale, I Want My Hat Back (Candlewick Press, 2011), is told from the perspective of the thief. This would make a remarkable read-aloud for students to interpret the ending in various ways. Lisa Wright, Media Coordinator, West Yadkin Elementary, Hamptonville, North Carolina. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Other Books Written by Jon Klassen
A tiny fish steals a blue hat from a big fish. It's a bold move, and he shows no remorse for what he has done. As he is describing his thoughts about getting away with the theft, the illustrations show he is disillusioned in his apparent success. A crab saw where the little fish escaped to, and the crab points the way to the tiny fish's hiding place. The reader is left to interpret the result of their interaction through the final wordless pages. The narrative parallels the illustrations as the reader deduces the facts of the actual theft. This story, similar to Klassen's previous tale, I Want My Hat Back (Candlewick Press, 2011), is told from the perspective of the thief. This would make a remarkable read-aloud for students to interpret the ending in various ways. Lisa Wright, Media Coordinator, West Yadkin Elementary, Hamptonville, North Carolina. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Other Books Written by Jon Klassen
I Want My Hat Back
We Found a Hat
Levine, E. (2007). Henry's freedom box: a true story from the underground railroad. Scholastic
Press.
Overview
A fictionalized account of how in 1849 a Virginia slave, Henry "Box" Brown, escapes to freedom by shipping himself in a wooden crate from Richmond to Philadelphia.
Evaluation
Well illustrated book which transports the reader into the pages. From the illustrations, you can feel the emotion. The story can be misleading by stating that the master was good to Henry and his family. The author provides a note at the end of the book explaining what the underground railroad was. The reading skills that can be used with this text are cause and effect, visualization, comparing then and now, and plot.
Nelson's powerful portraits add a majestic element to Levine's history-based tale of Henry "Box" Brown, a slave who escaped by having himself mailed to freedom in a crate. Depicted as a solemn boy with an arresting gaze on the cover, Henry displays riveting presence in every successive scene, as he grows from child to adult, marries and is impelled to make his escape after seeing his beloved wife and children sold to slaveowners. Related in measured, sonorous prose that makes a perfect match for the art, this is a story of pride and ingenuity that will leave readers profoundly moved, especially those who may have been tantalized by the entry on Brown in Virginia Hamilton's Many Thousand Gone: African Americans from Slavery to Freedom (1993). (afterword, reading list) (Picture book. 8-10)
School Library Journal (March 1, 2007)
Gr 2-5-Inspired by an actual 1830s lithograph, this beautifully crafted picture book briefly relates the story of Henry "Box" Brown's daring escape from slavery. Torn from his mother as a child, and then forcibly separated from his wife and children as an adult, a heartsick and desperate Brown conspired with abolitionists and successfully traveled north to Philadelphia in a packing crate. His journey took just over one full day, during which he was often sideways or upside down in a wooden crate large enough to hold him, but small enough not to betray its contents. The story ends with a reimagining of the lithograph that inspired it, in which Henry Brown emerges from his unhappy confinement-in every sense of the word-and smiles upon his arrival in a comfortable Pennsylvania parlor. Particularly considering the broad scope of Levine's otherwise well-written story, some of the ancillary "facts" related in her text are unnecessarily dubious; reports vary, for instance, as to whether the man who sealed Henry into the crate was a doctor or a cobbler. And, while the text places Henry's arrival on March 30, other sources claim March 24 or 25. Nelson's illustrations, always powerful and nuanced, depict the evolution of a self-possessed child into a determined and fearless young man. While some of the specifics are unfortunately questionable, this book solidly conveys the generalities of Henry Brown's story.-Catherine Threadgill, Charleston County Public Library, SC Copyright 2007 Reed Business Information.
Other Books Written by Ellen Levine
Seababy: A Little Otter Returns Home
The Tree That Would Not Die
In Trouble
McCully, E. (1992). Mirette on the high wire. The Putnam & Grosset Group.
Overview
Mirette learns tightrope walking from Monsieur Bellini, a guest in her mother's boarding house, not knowing that he is a celebrated tightrope artist who has withdrawn from performing because of fear.
Evaluation
The story depicts a positive female role model who is hard working, responsible, helpful, and pursues their dreams. Great book to introduce diverse occupations that are not popular for their time. The illustrations have a blurred effect which give it a painting resemblance. Themes that can be covered with this book is passion, dedication, and bravery.
Horn Book Guide starred (March, 1993)
An independent female protagonist stars in a wonderfully exuberant picture book set in late ninteenth-century Paris. When a fearful, retired high-wire walker asks for a room at the boarding house run by Mirette's mother, Mirette stubbornly proceeds to teach herself the art despite Bellini's refusal to become her mentor. McCully achieves remarkable effects in creating interior and characters with the watercolor medium. A bravura performance.
Publishers Weekly (October 26, 1992)
In this picture book set in 19th-century Paris, a child helps a daredevil who has lost his edge to regain his confidence. Many traveling performers stay at Madame Gateaux's boarding house, but Mme.'s daughter Mirette is particularly taken with one guest--the quiet gentleman who can walk along the clothesline without falling off. Mirette implores the boarder to teach her his craft, not knowing that her instructor is the ``Great Bellini'' of high wire fame. After much practice the girl joins Bellini on the wire as he conquers his fear and demonstrates to all of Paris that he is still the best. McCully's story has an exciting premise and starting point, but unfortunately ends up as a missed opportunity. Bellini's anxiety may be a bit sophisticated for the intended audience and, surprisingly, the scenes featuring Mirette and Bellini on the high wire lack drama and intensity. McCully's rich palette and skillful renderings of shadow and light sources make this an inviting postcard from the Old World. Ages 4-8. (Oct.)
Other Books Written by Emily Arnold McCully
Marvelous MattieWonder Horse
Caroline's Comets: A True Story
Evaluation
Booklist starred (March 15, 2019 (Vol. 115, No. 14))
Preschool-Kindergarten. A big brown bear doesn’t know what a river can do—until he falls in. As the water rushes on and he floats away on a log, Bear inadvertently finds a number of new friends. A frog hops on his head, turtles climb aboard, a beaver and raccoons drop in, and the whole gang crashes into a flock of ducks. All the while, the river is twisting and turning and heading for a deep-drop waterfall. The two-page spread in which the animals observe their fate is priceless, varying between uncertainty and shock. But the fall turns out to be much more delightful than anticipated, with even more new friends appearing. Anyone who fondly remembers the similarly themed Little Golden Book Big Brown Bear (and everyone else!) will have warm feelings toward this river-riding fellow who isn’t expecting what he finds but embraces the experience and happily accepts the friendships that come along with it. Pham’s artwork here is delightful as she paints between the lines of sensational and silly. Her vivid colorings and imaginative design command attention, as does her focus on the blue water, which swirls and whirls with both fun and purpose. Most important, she uses her watercolor, ink, and gouache artwork to build the simple story to (mixing metaphors here) a breath-holding cliff-hanger. Perfect for listeners in story hours or on laps.
Horn Book Magazine (May/June, 2019)
This boisterous adventure is a story about discovery, the twists and turns a day can take, and the ways in which friendships can be forged when least expected—all in the form of a wild log-ride down a river. Morris kicks things off: “Once there was a river,” giving the story a timeless feel right from the start. The river “didn’t know it was a river” until…Bear shows up. Bear doesn’t know he’s on an adventure until…a frog leaps onto his head. Froggy isn’t aware how many friends she has until…some turtles show up. And so it goes until…Bear, Froggy, the Turtles, Beaver, the Raccoons, and Duck all plummet over a waterfall in an exhilarating vertically oriented spread. Morris’s pacing is spot-on, many page-turns propelled by the enticing use of “until…” Pham’s illustrations, rendered via watercolors, ink, and gouache, have a somewhat retro feel (think 1980s cartoons) yet remain fresh. A cool teal dominates the palette, and the characters have particularly expressive eyes. Occasionally, the action is divided into panels, enhancing the story’s already dramatic pacing. Playful perspectives abound, especially a gasp-inducing one just as the creatures reach the waterfall and descend. Morris brings the text full-circle with mention of the river: the animals—exhausted but ecstatic at the base of the waterfall—were “living their separate lives, but they didn’t know they were in it together…until…the river came along.” This high-spirited tale is a metaphor for life itself, and “Oh, what a ride” it is! julie Danielson
Pilkey, D. (1996). The paperboy. Orchard Books.
Overview
Horn Book Guide starred (Spring 2017)
This Caldecott Honor book is "newly remastered." A lyrical combination of text and pictures describes the predawn routine of a paperboy and his dog as they force themselves from bed, make their rounds, and return at daybreak for a well-deserved nap and a chance to dream. Rich and inviting in palette, the art emphasizes balance and geometric form. A meditative evocation of the extraordinary aspects of ordinary living.
School Library Journal (March 1996)
Gr 1-3--A quiet mood piece that depicts the bond between a paperboy and his dog. Human and canine both struggle to rouse themselves, eat breakfast from bowls, and have an intimate knowledge of their route. Pilkey paints their shared experiences with a graceful economy of language. Morning is the third character in the story--"...this is the time when they are the happiest." Deep, sumptuous acrylics portray the initial darkness, the gradual lightening, and the riotous magenta and orange sunrise. The artist has cleverly designed parallel, yet contrasting, opening and closing scenes of the African American child in bed, feet covered by his dog, room framed by a sloping roof. In the first spread, the still starry morning surrounds the house and "enters" it through the uncurtained window. When the duo return and crawl back into bed, the shade is pulled against the brilliance, the room darkened--a scene clinching their camaraderie. A totally satisfying story for small groups or individuals.--Wendy Lukehart, Dauphin County Library, Harrisburg, PA
Other Books Written by Dav Pilkey
Stein, D. (2010). Interrupting Chicken. Candlewick Press.
Booklist (September 15, 2010 (Vol. 107, No. 2))
Preschool-Grade 3. At bedtime, Papa prepares to read an old favorite to the little red chicken, but before beginning, he reminds her not to interrupt the story. Reassured, he begins “Hansel and Gretel,” but just as the two children approach the witch’s house, up pops the little red chicken, exclaiming “‘DON’T GO IN! SHE’S A WITCH!’ . . . THE END!” Two more attempted bedtime stories end abruptly with the little red chicken saving Little Red Riding Hood and Chicken Little. The childlike humor of this wonderfully illustrated picture book will bring belly laughs from kids, particularly those who know the original stories. Stein uses page turns dramatically to build tension, which is released each time the chicken interrupts and amends a fairy tale. Differences in medium and style differentiate between scenes taking place in the folktales and in the main story. Created with watercolor, water-soluble crayon, and pen and ink, the illustrations are vivid and dramatic. Great fun for reading aloud.
Horn Book Guide starred (September, 1995)
Hare and Bear's partnership goes awry when Hare grows rich as he repeatedly tricks Bear out of the best of their crop. No source is given for this oft-retold tale of the ebullient trickster who triumphs by being quick-witted. Bold illustrations cover every inch of each vertically oriented page. The story's sly humor and reassuring predictability make it perfect for sharing aloud.
Horn Book Guide starred (Fall 2003)
Story-hour listeners (and beginning readers) will be hooked by this silly title. As soon as the bus driver walks away, leaving his bus unattended, the brazen pigeon gets right to the point: "Hey, can I drive the bus?" Clean, sparely designed pages focus attention on the simply drawn but wildly expressive (and emotive) pigeon. This well-paced story encourages audience interaction; in fact, like the wide-eyed pigeon, the book demands it.
Library Media Connection (August/September 2003)
This book tells the story of an immature, whining pigeon that wants to drive a bus while the driver is away. The text is written in comic-book style but some of the vocabulary is too hard for very young students. The text emphasizes negative instead of positive behavior. Not Recommended. Madeline L. Buchanan, Educational Reviewer, Birmingham, Alabama
Morris, R. T. (2019). Bear Came Along. Little, Brown Books for Young Readers.
Overview
An assortment of animals living separate lives discover they need each other when they have a chance to encounter on a river.
This picture book depicts a heartfelt message about the importance of friendship and working together as a community. The author provides notes in the back of the book about the story's meaning. The illustrations allow the reader to imagine themselves walking through the woods alongside the river and sweeps the reader from one incident to the next with its excitement from page to page. The reading skills that can be covered using this text is theme and making predictions. This will also be a great book to use as an introduction to a unit on community.
Preschool-Kindergarten. A big brown bear doesn’t know what a river can do—until he falls in. As the water rushes on and he floats away on a log, Bear inadvertently finds a number of new friends. A frog hops on his head, turtles climb aboard, a beaver and raccoons drop in, and the whole gang crashes into a flock of ducks. All the while, the river is twisting and turning and heading for a deep-drop waterfall. The two-page spread in which the animals observe their fate is priceless, varying between uncertainty and shock. But the fall turns out to be much more delightful than anticipated, with even more new friends appearing. Anyone who fondly remembers the similarly themed Little Golden Book Big Brown Bear (and everyone else!) will have warm feelings toward this river-riding fellow who isn’t expecting what he finds but embraces the experience and happily accepts the friendships that come along with it. Pham’s artwork here is delightful as she paints between the lines of sensational and silly. Her vivid colorings and imaginative design command attention, as does her focus on the blue water, which swirls and whirls with both fun and purpose. Most important, she uses her watercolor, ink, and gouache artwork to build the simple story to (mixing metaphors here) a breath-holding cliff-hanger. Perfect for listeners in story hours or on laps.
Horn Book Magazine (May/June, 2019)
This boisterous adventure is a story about discovery, the twists and turns a day can take, and the ways in which friendships can be forged when least expected—all in the form of a wild log-ride down a river. Morris kicks things off: “Once there was a river,” giving the story a timeless feel right from the start. The river “didn’t know it was a river” until…Bear shows up. Bear doesn’t know he’s on an adventure until…a frog leaps onto his head. Froggy isn’t aware how many friends she has until…some turtles show up. And so it goes until…Bear, Froggy, the Turtles, Beaver, the Raccoons, and Duck all plummet over a waterfall in an exhilarating vertically oriented spread. Morris’s pacing is spot-on, many page-turns propelled by the enticing use of “until…” Pham’s illustrations, rendered via watercolors, ink, and gouache, have a somewhat retro feel (think 1980s cartoons) yet remain fresh. A cool teal dominates the palette, and the characters have particularly expressive eyes. Occasionally, the action is divided into panels, enhancing the story’s already dramatic pacing. Playful perspectives abound, especially a gasp-inducing one just as the creatures reach the waterfall and descend. Morris brings the text full-circle with mention of the river: the animals—exhausted but ecstatic at the base of the waterfall—were “living their separate lives, but they didn’t know they were in it together…until…the river came along.” This high-spirited tale is a metaphor for life itself, and “Oh, what a ride” it is! julie Danielson
Other Books Written by Richard T. Morris
This is a Moose
Sheep 101
Two Brothers, One Tail
Pilkey, D. (1996). The paperboy. Orchard Books.
Overview
A paperboy and his dog enjoy the quiet of the early morning as they go about their rounds delivering newspapers.
Evaluation
Written by the same author as Dogman and Captain Underpants. Simple story that is true to life about a time when newspapers were being delivered by kids. A great book to use for introducing community helpers and the value of becoming a model citizen. The illustrations are bright and attractive with large font to make reading easier. The illustrations cover a two page layout with out important pieces being hidden in the gutter. The book depicts several themes such as responsibility, dedication, and companionship. With this text, students can analyze the setting, determine point of view, describe the main character, and sequencing.
This Caldecott Honor book is "newly remastered." A lyrical combination of text and pictures describes the predawn routine of a paperboy and his dog as they force themselves from bed, make their rounds, and return at daybreak for a well-deserved nap and a chance to dream. Rich and inviting in palette, the art emphasizes balance and geometric form. A meditative evocation of the extraordinary aspects of ordinary living.
School Library Journal (March 1996)
Gr 1-3--A quiet mood piece that depicts the bond between a paperboy and his dog. Human and canine both struggle to rouse themselves, eat breakfast from bowls, and have an intimate knowledge of their route. Pilkey paints their shared experiences with a graceful economy of language. Morning is the third character in the story--"...this is the time when they are the happiest." Deep, sumptuous acrylics portray the initial darkness, the gradual lightening, and the riotous magenta and orange sunrise. The artist has cleverly designed parallel, yet contrasting, opening and closing scenes of the African American child in bed, feet covered by his dog, room framed by a sloping roof. In the first spread, the still starry morning surrounds the house and "enters" it through the uncurtained window. When the duo return and crawl back into bed, the shade is pulled against the brilliance, the room darkened--a scene clinching their camaraderie. A totally satisfying story for small groups or individuals.--Wendy Lukehart, Dauphin County Library, Harrisburg, PA
Other Books Written by Dav Pilkey
Dog Breath: The Horrible Trouble with Hally Tosis
Captain Underpants
Dog Man
Stein, D. (2010). Interrupting Chicken. Candlewick Press.
Overview
Little red chicken wants Papa to read her a bedtime story, but interrupts him almost as soon as he begins each tale.
Evaluation
Great book to use in the classroom to teach a lesson on the importance of not interrupting someone who is talking and how it can be annoying. The facial expressions of the chickens are hilarious as well as the wording. The illustrations are exceptional with colorful page layouts. The author uses his own creativity in his illustrations to depict the fairy tales in the book. Chicken adds his own twist to an original story that he share with his dad. With this text, students can practice making connections and character analysis.
Preschool-Grade 3. At bedtime, Papa prepares to read an old favorite to the little red chicken, but before beginning, he reminds her not to interrupt the story. Reassured, he begins “Hansel and Gretel,” but just as the two children approach the witch’s house, up pops the little red chicken, exclaiming “‘DON’T GO IN! SHE’S A WITCH!’ . . . THE END!” Two more attempted bedtime stories end abruptly with the little red chicken saving Little Red Riding Hood and Chicken Little. The childlike humor of this wonderfully illustrated picture book will bring belly laughs from kids, particularly those who know the original stories. Stein uses page turns dramatically to build tension, which is released each time the chicken interrupts and amends a fairy tale. Differences in medium and style differentiate between scenes taking place in the folktales and in the main story. Created with watercolor, water-soluble crayon, and pen and ink, the illustrations are vivid and dramatic. Great fun for reading aloud.
Horn Book Guide (Spring 2011)
A "little red chicken" keeps interrupting Papa's bedtime stories in order to save the day (e.g., telling Chicken Little, "It was just an acorn!"). With a reversal of roles, the little chicken discovers exactly how it feels to be interrupted. Humorously repetitive text draws readers in with just enough variation, while the lush mixed-media illustrations exude warmth and love.
Stevens, J. (1995). Tops & bottoms. Harcourt Brace & Company.
Booklist starred (Vol. 91, No. 14 (March 15, 1995))
Ages 4-7. Large, dynamic double-page-spread paintings are only part of the charm of this very funny picture book. Easily recognizable as a trickster tale (Stevens' source note roots the story in European folktales and slave stories of the American South), this features appealing, contemporary cousins of Brer Rabbit and Brer Bear. Here, Bear and Hare are involved in a gardening partnership, with industrious, clever Hare reaping all the vegetable profits. As usual, Stevens' animal characters, bold and colorful, are delightful. Hare, decked out in a lively gardening shirt and surrounded by mischievous offspring, is the image of determination. It's Bear, however, who wins the personality prize: he snoozes away each planting season squashed in his favorite chair, changing positions with each flip of the page. It's all wonderful fun, and the book opens, fittingly, from top to bottom instead of from side to side, making it perfect for story-time sharing.
A "little red chicken" keeps interrupting Papa's bedtime stories in order to save the day (e.g., telling Chicken Little, "It was just an acorn!"). With a reversal of roles, the little chicken discovers exactly how it feels to be interrupted. Humorously repetitive text draws readers in with just enough variation, while the lush mixed-media illustrations exude warmth and love.
Other Books Written by David Ezra Stein
Icy Boy
Leaves
I'm My Own Dog
Stevens, J. (1995). Tops & bottoms. Harcourt Brace & Company.
Overview
Hare turns his bad luck around by striking a clever deal with the rich and lazy bear down the road.
Evaluation
Humorous story with how Hare solves his family's problems by tricking the lazy bear into giving up half his crops. The illustrations offer a double-page spread vertically oriented format with pages are turning from top to bottom. The book provides information about how veggies are grown underground, above ground, and in between as well as what parts are edible. The story teaches a valuable lesson that you need to work hard for what you want and how it pays off. With this text, students can practice making predictions, retelling the story, character traits, making inferences, and forming opinions.
Ages 4-7. Large, dynamic double-page-spread paintings are only part of the charm of this very funny picture book. Easily recognizable as a trickster tale (Stevens' source note roots the story in European folktales and slave stories of the American South), this features appealing, contemporary cousins of Brer Rabbit and Brer Bear. Here, Bear and Hare are involved in a gardening partnership, with industrious, clever Hare reaping all the vegetable profits. As usual, Stevens' animal characters, bold and colorful, are delightful. Hare, decked out in a lively gardening shirt and surrounded by mischievous offspring, is the image of determination. It's Bear, however, who wins the personality prize: he snoozes away each planting season squashed in his favorite chair, changing positions with each flip of the page. It's all wonderful fun, and the book opens, fittingly, from top to bottom instead of from side to side, making it perfect for story-time sharing.
Horn Book Guide starred (September, 1995)
Hare and Bear's partnership goes awry when Hare grows rich as he repeatedly tricks Bear out of the best of their crop. No source is given for this oft-retold tale of the ebullient trickster who triumphs by being quick-witted. Bold illustrations cover every inch of each vertically oriented page. The story's sly humor and reassuring predictability make it perfect for sharing aloud.
Other Books Written by Janet Stevens
The Great Fuzz Frenzy
The Donkey Egg
The Little Red Pen
Willems, M. (2003). Don't let the pigeon drive the bus! Hyperion Books for Children.
Overview
A pigeon that longs to drive a bus sees a chance to make its dream come true when the bus driver takes a short break.
Evaluation
The title page provides an important message from the bus driver and sets the tone of the story. Mo Willems uses speech bubbles throughout the story and in his other books. The illustrations are simple, but hilarious. The book conveys that reading is fun and can be interactive without overwhelming the reader. With this text, students can analyze how the author used persuasion and the use of speech bubbles.
Story-hour listeners (and beginning readers) will be hooked by this silly title. As soon as the bus driver walks away, leaving his bus unattended, the brazen pigeon gets right to the point: "Hey, can I drive the bus?" Clean, sparely designed pages focus attention on the simply drawn but wildly expressive (and emotive) pigeon. This well-paced story encourages audience interaction; in fact, like the wide-eyed pigeon, the book demands it.
Library Media Connection (August/September 2003)
This book tells the story of an immature, whining pigeon that wants to drive a bus while the driver is away. The text is written in comic-book style but some of the vocabulary is too hard for very young students. The text emphasizes negative instead of positive behavior. Not Recommended. Madeline L. Buchanan, Educational Reviewer, Birmingham, Alabama
Other Books Written by Mo Willems
Knuffle Bunny
Leonardo the Terrible Monster
Because
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