tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59450336732073743272024-02-20T07:57:31.302-08:00Lindsay Foster's Book ReviewsReviewing quality children's literature of all genres.
Course requirement for Texas Woman's University LS5613 Spring 2008Lindsay Fosterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04830072455623266596noreply@blogger.comBlogger50125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5945033673207374327.post-25254556284544195032008-05-02T07:56:00.000-07:002008-05-02T08:10:18.528-07:00SEARCH FOR THE GOLDEN MOON BEAR (Genre: Informational / module 8)<img src="http://images.barnesandnoble.com/images/21240000/21244050.JPG" /><br />Bibliographic Information<br />Title: <em>Search for the Golden Moon Bear</em><br />Author: Sy Montgomery<br />Illustrator: Nic Bishop<br />Publisher: Simon & Schuster Adult Publishing Group<br />Publication Date: October 2002<br />ISBN: <a class="isbn-a">9780743205849</a><br /><br />This is the story of the search for a new bear species that takes place in Southeast Asia. Written in Montgomery's entertaining narrative style. However this book differs in that it is written from a first person point of view, unlike like her observational third person style of books like <em>The Tarantula Scientist</em> and <em>The Snake Scientist</em>. Montgomery participates not only in the writing process but also in the scientific one, including taking hair samples from existing captured bears to perform DNA analysis. Tantalizing the bears with marshmallows and sweetened condensed milk is just one of the adventures that Montgomery experiences in this experience of discovery and observation.Lindsay Fosterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04830072455623266596noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5945033673207374327.post-31617382671652509362008-04-25T08:23:00.000-07:002008-04-25T08:45:29.316-07:00ZOOBOOKS! Lions (Genre: Informational/module 8)<img src="http://www.zoobooks.com/upload/cover-images/lions_md.jpg" /><br />Bibliographic Information<br />Title: <em>Zoobooks: Lions<br /></em>Author: John Bonnett Wexo<br />Illustrator: Richard Orr (paintings)<br />Publisher: Zoobooks/Wildlife Education, Ltd.<br />Publication Date: March 2008<br />ISSN: 0737-9005<br /><br />Full of color photographs, paintings, and other graphic illustrations, this periodical walks the reader through the life and habitats of lions. Part of the popular Zoobooks! series that features various animals inspired by the author's trips to local zoological gardens, this issue highlights many access features including illustrations, photographs with captions, diagrams (cutaways and cross-sections), sidebars and inserts, author and illustrator notes, and photo credits. Each periodical includes an activities insert that focuses on vocabulary development, aristic and creative activities, parental involvement activities, facts, and questions. These periodicals also include teacher lesson guides and activities available at their <a href="http://www.zoobooks.com/store/category.aspx?SID=1&Category_ID=3&">thematic curriculum</a> link.Lindsay Fosterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04830072455623266596noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5945033673207374327.post-52219042458183079802008-04-25T08:15:00.001-07:002008-04-25T08:47:00.345-07:00GIVE ME LIBERTY!: THE STORY OF THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE (Genre: Informational/module 8)<img src= "http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51R4XBHKZSL._SL500_AA240_.jpg"><br />Bibliographic Information<br />Title: <em>Give Me Liberty!: The Story of the Declaration of Independence</em><br />Author: Russell Freedman<br />Illustrator: Russell Freedman<br />Publisher: Holiday House, Inc.<br />Publication Date: November 2001<br />ISBN: 0823417530<br /><br />In this 96 page recounting of the creation of the Declaration of Independence, Freedman relates the various challenges and issues that arose within the birth of the American nation. Freedman uses quotations, contextual situations, and actions to define and describe the forefathers including Franklin, Jefferson, Adams, and Washington. Additionally the book includes the full text of the Declaration, facsimiles of the first and final drafts, and a list of all its signers. This book is a sure winner for any teacher or student studying the origins of the United States.Lindsay Fosterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04830072455623266596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5945033673207374327.post-35785062138417925042008-04-25T08:08:00.001-07:002008-05-02T08:20:39.379-07:00THE REASON FOR A FLOWER (Genre: Informational/module 8)<img src="http://www.neatsolutions.com/images/Books/reason_for_flower.jpg" /><br />Bibliographic Information<br />Title: <em>The Reason For a Flower </em><br />Author: Ruth Heller<br />Illustrator: Ruth Heller<br />Publisher: Penguin Young Readers Group<br />Publication Date: February 1999 (reissued)<br />ISBN: <a class="isbn-a">9780698115590</a><br /><br />Heller is known for informational books written in rhyme and this book is no different. Labeling the parts of a flower as well as its purpose in the ecosystem, Heller walks the reader through the botany and ecology in a simple story with an entertaining rhythm. The illustrations are beautifully done and include some flowers that don't appear to be flowers but really are. This is part of Ruth Heller's "World of Nature" series.Lindsay Fosterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04830072455623266596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5945033673207374327.post-22383425476443344452008-04-25T08:00:00.000-07:002008-05-02T08:20:18.104-07:00GALAXIES, GALAXIES (Genre: Informational/module 8)<img src="http://www.gailgibbons.com/images/galaxies_galaxies.jpg" /><br /><br /><br />Bibliographic Information<br />Title: <em>Galaxies, Galaxies</em><br />Author: Gail Gibbons<br />Illustrator: Gail Gibbons<br />Publisher: Holiday House, Inc.<br />Publication Date: September 2006<br />ISBN: 978-0-8234-2002-5<br /><br />Take a bite out of the Milky Way and explore our universe in this delightful book about our solar system (albeit now outdated due to recent astronomical redefinitions) and the galaxy in which we live. Learning about astronomy the science, the astronomers who make this science their livelihood, telescopes, and the types of galaxies that are classified makes this a great resource for a basic astronomy information in the classroom, with caveats regarding distortion of size and redefinition of planets.Lindsay Fosterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04830072455623266596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5945033673207374327.post-77046189181613308352008-04-19T17:16:00.000-07:002008-04-25T08:11:56.601-07:00Alison Dare: Little Miss Adventures, Vol. 1 (Genre: Fantasy/module 7)<img src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51AZ3PXWCVL._SL500_AA240_.jpg" /><br />Bibliographic Information:<br />Title: Alison Dare: Little Miss Adventures, Vol. 1<br />Author: J. Torres<br />Illustrator: J. Bone<br />Publisher: Onipress<br />Publication Date:<br />ISBN: 978-1-929998-20-3<br /><br />Alison Dare is not your typical 12-year-old. The daughter of an archeologist/adventurer and the masked hero known as the Blue Scarab (and the niece of an international super-spy), Alison's life has always been different from other girls her age. A craving for danger is in her blood. Sent by her parents to the prestigious St. Joan of Arc Academy for Girls, hoping that this would lead to a more "normal" life for their daughter, Alison and her cohorts, Wendy and Dot, seem to have the adventures find them. Genies, bank robbers with super powers, and members of the peerage bent on world domination all cross Alison's path. A modern day, preteen combo of Lara Croft and Indiana Jones, these graphic novels are sure to be a hit with youngsters of both sexes.Lindsay Fosterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04830072455623266596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5945033673207374327.post-90631873651185265712008-04-19T16:00:00.000-07:002008-04-19T16:56:37.338-07:00THE RIVER OF WIND - Guardians of Ga'Hoole Series #13 (Genre: Fantasy/Module #7)<img src="http://images.barnesandnoble.com/images/13700000/13704117.JPG" /><br /><br />Bibliographic Information:<br />Title: The River of Wind (Guardians of Ga'Hoole Series #13)<br />Author: Kathryn Lasky<br />Publisher: Scholastic, Inc.<br />Publication Date: July 2007<br />ISBN-13: <a class="isbn-a">9780439888073</a><br /><br />The owls are seeking out a sixth kingdom in this thirteenth book of the series. Following the religious incident with the ember worship which nearly destroyed the colony, Coryn and the Chaw of Chaws have returned order. However the band must seek out the new kingdom when Bess, from the Palace of Mists, discovers the unknown sixth kingdom across the Unnamed Sea. The owls set out on a quest to discover the new land and also to rescue one of the triplets who has wandered astray and been sucked into the River of Wind, unbeknownst to the band. They discover a new group of monastic owls who differ than any others from the Five Kingdoms but the challenge comes from the race against the Purists and their desire to restore the ember. This low fantasy novel features talking owls and other creatures as well as foreign settings and is indicated to appeal to nine to twelve year olds. The owl language can be difficult to follow at times and this doesn't seem to be a good series to start at a midpoint as the previous story lines tie into the current one.Lindsay Fosterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04830072455623266596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5945033673207374327.post-23287501363704685622008-04-17T13:21:00.000-07:002008-04-17T13:35:31.260-07:00ARTEMIS FOWL: THE ARTIC INCIDENT (Genre: Fantasy/module 7)<img src="http://images.barnesandnoble.com/images/13710000/13710682.JPG" /><br /><p></p><p>Bibliographic Information<br />Title: Artemis Fowl : The Arctic Incident<br />Author: Eoin Colfer<br />Publisher: Hyperion/Miramax Kid<br />Pub. Date: May 2003<br />ISBN-13: 9780786817085<br /></p><p>Artemis Fowl, the thirteen year old criminal genius and mastermind returns in this book to rescue his father from the clutches of the Russian Mafiya. However, Fowl's plans run afoul of the LEPrecon forces that seek him out based on curious goings-on in the Underworld. Forced to ally himself with Captain Holly Short and the other magical creatures of the LEPrecon regime, Fowl may not be able to ransom his father in time. This fantasy book transports the reader through the center of the earth and to the Artic Circle. Following traditional fantasy celebrating imagination and intellect this series engages readers both young and old.</p>Lindsay Fosterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04830072455623266596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5945033673207374327.post-9180827802386604912008-04-13T07:14:00.001-07:002008-04-13T07:23:50.005-07:00WIZARD OF OZ (Genre: Fantasy/module 7)<img src="http://images.barnesandnoble.com/images/19790000/19792154.JPG" /><br />Bibliographic Information<br />Title: The Wizard of Oz<br />Author: L. Frank Baum<br />Publisher: Penguin Young Readers Group<br />Pub. Date: March 1995 (reprint)<br />ISBN-13: <a class="isbn-a">9780140366938</a><br /><br />The first, in a subsequent series of fourteen fantasy novels, takes Dorothy Gale from Kansas to the emerald land of Oz as a result of a cyclone. This novel has been noted for its political overtones and themes which were revelant to social issues of the day, such as the gold and silver standards, however the novel itself has withstood the test of time. Dealing with various children's fears regarding a lack of dedication (heart), lack of intelligence (brain), and childhood nightmares and worries (courage), the book takes a turn into each child's imagination and teaches them that their concerns can be overcome. This book makes an excellent read aloud and the <a href="http://imdb.com/title/tt0032138/">film version</a> starring Judy Garland, while not to be missed, is and inaccurate retelling of Baum's bedtime tale.Lindsay Fosterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04830072455623266596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5945033673207374327.post-89920369457380876182008-04-13T07:14:00.000-07:002008-04-17T14:34:33.985-07:00CHRONICLES of PRYDAIN: THE BLACK CAULDRON (Genre: Fantasy/module 7)<img src="http://images.barnesandnoble.com/images/13740000/13742948.JPG" /><br />Bibliographic Information<br />Title: The Black Cauldron (Chronicles of Prydain Series #2)<br />Author: Lloyd Alexander<br />Publisher: Henry Holt & Company, Incorporated<br />Pub. Date: May 2006<br />ISBN-13: <a class="isbn-a">9780805080490</a><br /><br />In this third book of the Chronicles of Prydain series, Taran, the assistant pig keeper, goes in search of one of his charges Hen Wen who appears to have gone insane. Taran discovers that Hen Wen is in fact magical and possesses powers of premonition. Through Hen Wen's visions, Taran and guardian Dallben discover that the Horned King seeks the Black Cauldron, a vessel which contains the imprisoned soul of an evil king and that the Horned King plans to utilize Hen Wen for that purpose. Taran encounters Gurgi, a creature who wishes to befriend Taran, while traveling through the forest but must follow the dragon like creatures that capture Hen Wen and take her to the Horned King. Taran saves Hen Wen by pitching her into the moat but himself is captured and placed in the dungeon where he encounters <a title="Princess Eilonwy" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Princess_Eilonwy">Princess Eilonwy</a> who is dismayed to discover that Taran is not a hero but instead an assistant pig keeper. Taran and Eilonwy encounter Fflewddur and it is at that point that Taran discovers his sword and its magical abilities. Later in the woods, the witches, now in the form of clouds, inform the heroes that the Black Cauldron can never be destroyed, but only its evil power can be stopped. A living being must climb into the cauldron of his own free will, however the good person shall never climb out alive. This novel is based loosely on Welsh mythologies however it deviates from Welsh lore and the geography and history are not Welsh in nature. This book follows the traditional hero tale as well as including elements of high fantasy: unusual creatures, quests and magic.Lindsay Fosterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04830072455623266596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5945033673207374327.post-8226489525491061592008-04-02T06:15:00.000-07:002008-04-02T06:27:46.085-07:00ISLAND OF THE BLUE DOLPHINS (Genre: Historical fiction/module 6)<img src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51NNZXQGYFL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-dp-500-arrow,TopRight,45,-64_OU01_AA240_SH20_.jpg" /><br /><br />Bibliographic Information:<br />Title: Island of the Blue Dolphins<br />Author: Scott O'Dell<br />Publisher:<br />Publication Date:<br />ISBN:<br /><br />This is the 1960 Newbery Award winning tale of Karana, based on the real life individual Juana Maria a member of the Nicoleno tribe who was stranded on San Nicholas Island. Karana's small village of Ghalas-at is visited by Aleuts who wish to hunt sea otters on their island. The Aleuts attempt to leave before paying the villagers. A war breaks out and many of Karana's tribe are killed. When a village elder attempts to get a ship to take the remaining tribe to safety a storm breaks out and Karana jumps ship when she realizes her brother has been left on the island. Karana's brother is subsequently killed by the village dogs which have become feral and she takes on duties and responsibilities previously reserved only for the men in the tribe in order to assure her own survival. Avowing revenge on the dogs, Karana kills many of the feral pack but injures the leader whom she later befriends. The Aleuts return, this time with a young woman who eventually befriends Karana. Later a ship appears to rescue Karana. She dresses in her finest clothing, a skirt made of cormorant feathers and a sea otter pelt top. Her rescuers determine that Karana is unprepared for civilization, dress her appropriately, and take her to a mission in Santa Barbara. This book remains a popular choice because it discusses gender roles and responsibilities, offers an opportunity for youth to debate whether they would be able to step up as Karana did, and offers an opportunity to discuss various environmental concerns. Young adult readers may identify with Karana for her courage and nobility as well as her personal dedication.Lindsay Fosterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04830072455623266596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5945033673207374327.post-64090149162902684782008-03-30T19:12:00.000-07:002008-03-30T19:24:35.003-07:00THE SIGN OF THE BEAVER (Genre: Historical Fiction/module 6)<img src="http://images.barnesandnoble.com/images/14530000/14539849.JPG" /><br />Bibliographic Information:<br />Title: The Sign of the Beaver<br />Author: Elizabeth George Speare/ read by Greg Schaffert<br />Publisher: Random House Children's Books<br />Publication Date: July 1984<br />ISBN: <a class="isbn-a">9780440479000</a><br />Format: Audio Book CD 3 hours 10 mins (3 CDs)<br /><br />This book about a twelve year old boy, Matt, is set in the wilderness of Maine during the late 1780s. Matt and his father establish a homestead for the family, including Matt's mother and siblings, however Matt's father must return to fetch the remainder of the family. Left to face the wilds alone with an heirloom family timepiece and a shot gun, Matt faces many challenges. Losing the gun to a drifter, the crops to local wildlife, and his rations to a bear, Matt takes opts to raid a bee hive in order to add honey to his diet. His failed attempt results only in multiple bee stings and during the attack, Matt sprains his ankle while diving into the river, only to be saved by the local savages, some Native Americans who offer him assistance. In return Matt offers his only book, Robinson Crusoe, but Attean, the young Penobscot native, does not know how to read English. In exchange for food, Matt offers to to teach Attean how to read. The two establish an unlikely friendship, which lasts several months. Forced to choose between his new found friends or waiting for his family, Matt must decide between guaranteed survival and his family. The book offers a very realistic view of the expectations for a young man in the late eighteenth century as well as an historically accurate portrayal of individuals in that part of the country at that time. The audio recording is entertaining; the reader truly puts enthusisasm into the book and encourages listening.Lindsay Fosterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04830072455623266596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5945033673207374327.post-53505748086450583472008-03-26T20:06:00.001-07:002008-03-26T20:13:42.673-07:00BUD, NOT BUDDY (Genre: Historical Fiction/module 6)<img src="http://a1055.g.akamai.net/f/1055/1401/5h/images.barnesandnoble.com/images/13820000/13822071.JPG" /><br />Bibliographic Information<br />Title: Bud, Not Buddy<br />Author: Christopher Paul Curtis<br />Illustrator:<br />Publisher: First Dell Laurel Leaf<br />Publication Date: September 2004<br />ISBN: 9780553494105<br /><br />Bud is a foster child living in Depression era Flint, Michigan. His mother has passed away and Bud quickly discovers that the foster care system in which he has been placed is less than desirabel. Meeting up with a fellow foster child, Bud hops a train in search of the father that he has never known except through a newsprint advertisement. Bud narrates the story through life lessons or rules that he has learned, ways in which he copes with the uncertainty of his environment. Young adult readers will identify with the struggles that Bud faces daily, particularly those from lower income families or those from foster care situations. Additionally, Bud's insights into human and adult behavior offer a unique perspective of a youngster's mature view of the world and the way that it works. Young readers will identify with Bud's insights into the ignorance and general stupidity of the adult world and its workings.Lindsay Fosterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04830072455623266596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5945033673207374327.post-80403022235927757992008-03-23T17:23:00.000-07:002008-03-25T13:44:03.139-07:00THE WRIGHT 3 (Genre: Contemporary Realistic Fiction/module 5)<p>This is a sequel to <em>Chasing Vermeer</em> and features characters Calder and Petra and the addition of Calder's friend Tommy, who moved away a year before, and who is jealous of Calder and Petra as they received recognition for saving the Vermeer. Tommy feels that he deserves something, as he is the "expert finder." On Tommy's first day of class, their teacher announces that the world-famous Robie House, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright is scheduled for demolition. The class takes a field trip to the house, and both Calder and Petra discover that there are many secrets concerning the building that they were not aware of. The trio, who call themselves the Wright 3, work to save the house.. Tommy finds a fish talisman in the Robie House garden and realizes it was worth a lot of money. Finally, after saving their own lives, they manage to save that of the house. As in <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Chasing Vermeer</span>, the illustrations in this book help to give young readers something to look for, in this case a fish. As with much contemporary realistic fiction, this book deals with peer situations that will appeal to young adult readers and who can connect with characters of Calder, Petra, and Tommy who are social outcasts.</p>Lindsay Fosterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04830072455623266596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5945033673207374327.post-79764789975301530602008-03-20T07:54:00.000-07:002008-03-20T08:03:21.981-07:00CHASING VERMEER (Genre: Contemporary Realistic Fiction/module 5)<img src="http://images.barnesandnoble.com/images/14600000/14600414.JPG" /><div>Bibliographic Information</div><div>Title: Chasing Vermeer</div><div>Author: Blue Balliett</div><div>Illustrator: Brett Helquist</div><div>Publisher: Scholastic, Inc.</div><div>Publication Date: June 2004</div><div>ISBN:<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px; "><a class="isbn-a" style="text-decoration: none; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">9780439372947</span></a></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Petra Andalee and Calder Pillay sit in the same class but they would never associate with one another until a series of unusual events brings the two into a search for various pieces of art created by Peter Vermeer. However, nothing is as it seems and no one seems to be forthcoming with the truth. Instead the two young sleuths must solve an international art crime using nothing but what they are learning in school, their own skill of logic, and a bit of intuition. This book includes puzzles and various key elements in the illustrations which make it an ideal book for the child who has lost a bit of interest in reading and needs to be inspired to read between the lines - literally. The story is simply engaging and it brings to mind a young, gen X Tommy and Tuppence. Additionally this book offers information and insight into the world of classical art without being overly preachy or educational. </span></span></div>Lindsay Fosterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04830072455623266596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5945033673207374327.post-41792872122837902722008-03-20T07:37:00.000-07:002008-03-20T07:47:57.019-07:00JUNIE B., FIRST GRADER AT LAST! #18 (Genre: Contemporary Realistic Fiction/module 5)<img src="http://images.barnesandnoble.com/images/26000000/26001384.JPG" /><br />Bibiliographic Information:<div>Title: Junie B., First Grader At Last!</div><div>Author: Barbara Park</div><div>Illustrator: Denise Brunkus</div><div>Publisher: Random House Children's Books</div><div>Publication Date: August 2002</div><div>ISBN: 978375815164</div><div><br /></div><div>The unsinkable Molly Brown of the twenty-first century, Junie B. Jones has passed on to first grade. Junie anticipates this event with excitement and trepidation, however she struggles with her new teacher and with the challenges of first grade life. When Junie is asked to copy words from the blackboard, a new challenge arises - poor eyesight! Junie's desire to fit in and yet to be unique reflects the everyday experiences of youngsters today. This book is the eighteenth installation in the Junie B. series. Young readers who are just beginning to tackle chapter books will enjoy the simple text and contemporary themes of peer pressure, friendship, and surviving every school day without embarrassment. These books are also ideal for read alouds as they have short chapters. The illustrations occur often enough to engage readers who are moving out of picture books into more abstract literature and Brunkus' drawings reflect a cartoonish yet realistic character who is larger than life.</div>Lindsay Fosterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04830072455623266596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5945033673207374327.post-14309891531750612522008-03-06T08:33:00.000-08:002008-03-06T08:46:11.228-08:00THIS LITTLE PIGGY WITH CD: LAP SONGS, FINGER PLAYS, CLAPPING GAMES, AND PANTOMIME RHYMES (Genre: Poetry/module 4)<img src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51MC9TBNSZL._AA240_.jpg" /><br /><br /><br /><br />Bibliographic Information:<br /><br />Title: <em>This Little Piggy with CD: Lap Songs, Finger Plays, Clapping Games and Pantomime Rhymes</em><br /><br />Author: Jane Yolen (editor)<br /><br />Illustrator: Will Hillenbrand<br /><br />Publisher: Candlewick<br /><br />Publication Date: February 2006<br /><br />ISBN: 978-0763613488<br /><br /><br /><br />Colorful and engaging illustrations accompanied by lyrics and sheet music set this anthology of sixty rhymes, finger plays, and songs for toddlers and their care givers apart. Familiar games and chants are accompanied by the not-so-familiar and the compact disc features thirteen of the various rhymes and finger plays in the anthology. Children will hop, dance, sing, and chant along with the bouncy rhythms and fun accompaniament of the CD. Yolen had previously featured some of these poems and rhymes in her collection <em>Lap Time Song and Play</em> published in 1989 but this collection is more comprehensive and cohesive, and the CD adds additional support for the preemergent reader. Parents will appreciate the small type instructions and children will enjoy the wonderfully entertaining illustrations.Lindsay Fosterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04830072455623266596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5945033673207374327.post-24544270338146624072008-03-01T11:27:00.000-08:002008-03-01T11:36:43.497-08:00HONEY, I LOVE AND OTHER POEMS (Genre: Poetry/module 4)<img src="http://images.barnesandnoble.com/images/13940000/13946948.JPG" /><br /><br />Biographical Information<br />Title: <em>Honey, I Love and Other Poems<br /></em>Author: Eloise Greenfield<br />Illustrations: Diane and Leo Dillon<br />Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers<br />Publication Date: May 1986<br />ISBN: <a class="isbn-a">9780064430975</a><br /><br />This collection of poems written from the point of view of a child discuss the "loves" in her life and the daily activities. From her observations at school "Miss Allen smiled/and blinked her eyes/and plinked the piano/and pushed the pedal/And the pdeal said/SQUEEEEEEEAK!/and we laughed/But Miss Allen didn't" to her expressions of enjoyment at the manner of speech of her cousin from the south "'Cause every wod he says just kind of slides out his mouth." The illustrations of childlike chalk or pencil drawings interspersed with the beautiful charcoals of the young narrator add to the realistic and fantastical elements of the poems. These poems will touch the heart of any child.Lindsay Fosterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04830072455623266596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5945033673207374327.post-22955757342614538212008-03-01T10:41:00.001-08:002008-03-01T11:24:32.631-08:00THE BEAUTY OF THE BEAST: POEMS FROM THE ANIMAL KINGDOM (Genre: Poetry/module 4)<img src="http://images.barnesandnoble.com/images/14920000/14925247.JPG" /><br /><br />Bibliographic Information<br />Title: <em>The Beauty of the Beast: Poems from the Animal Kingdom</em><br />Author: Jack Prelutsky (selected by)<br />Illustrator: Meilo So<br />Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf<br />Publication Date: March 2006<br />ISBN: <a class="isbn-a">9780679870586</a><br /><br />An anthology of various animal poems accompanied by beautiful watercolor illustrations discuss everything from insects to reptiles to fish to birds to mammals. Poems are written by a variety of authors including Margaret Wise Brown and Robert Frost as well as Marianne Moore and Jack Kerouac. The end pages are wonderful watercolors that evoke feathers and fur and the cover illustration predates the collection. Ideal for explanation as well as enjoyment, this collection is sure to grab the reader's attention for creatures great and small.Lindsay Fosterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04830072455623266596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5945033673207374327.post-74647702305552557832008-03-01T10:40:00.000-08:002008-03-01T11:26:06.876-08:00!PIO PEEP! RIMAS TRADICIONALES EN ESPAGNOL/TRADITIONAL SPANISH NURSERY RHYMES (Genre: Poetry/module 4)<img src="http://a1055.g.akamai.net/f/1055/1401/5h/images.barnesandnoble.com/images/14780000/14783077.JPG" /><br /><div>Bibliographic Information:</div><div>Title: <em>!Pio Peep! Rimas Tradicionales en Espagnol/Traditional Spanish Nursery Rhymes</em></div><div>Author: Alma Flor and F. Isabel Campoy (selected by); Alice Schertle (English adaptations)</div><div>Ilustrator: Vivi Escriva</div><div>Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers </div><div>Publication Date: February 2003</div><div><br class="webkit-block-placeholder"></div><div>Even a non-native speaker of Spanish could enjoy this lovely collection of traditional Spanish nursery rhymes. Paired with the Spanish, the English "poetic recreations" offer a unique perspective on the native oral traditions of the Hispanic culture. The soft illustrations are enticing to young and old eyes. When read aloud, the Spanish poems are gently soothing and pleasing to the ear. The twenty-nine different selections express a variety of childhood activities from finger play type games to star-gazing to animal observations. </div><div><br class="webkit-block-placeholder"></div>Lindsay Fosterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04830072455623266596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5945033673207374327.post-17543291038885188142008-02-20T10:00:00.000-08:002008-02-20T10:11:27.179-08:00BEAUTIFUL BLACKBIRD (Genre: Traditional Literature/module 3)<img src="http://a1055.g.akamai.net/f/1055/1401/5h/images.barnesandnoble.com/images/14610000/14619589.JPG"><br /><strong>Bibliographic Information</strong><br />Title: <em>Beautiful Blackbird</em><br />Author: Ashley Bryan<br />Illustrator: Ashley Bryan<br />Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing<br />Publication Date: December 2002<br />ISBN: <a class="isbn-a">9780689847318</a><br /><br />The illustrations in this fascinating "why" book explaining how birds were colored with black are mesmerizing. The author/illustrator, who used scissors to create the beautiful collages, creates images that assist with the telling of this rhythmic Zambian tale. Children will surely want to chant along with the rebus of the book "Black is beautiful, uh-huh." Blackbird, unlike other children's literature characters such as the Rainbow Fish, willingly shares as much of his black coloration with other birds as possible, however his focus remains on the beauty within each bird. This book's focus on one's inner beauty makes it a unique tale and a tale that stands out among folk literature. The ending is a bit abrupt and my leave younger readers wondering, but the overall effect of the book makes it a must read. Appropriate and engaging for readers of all ages, <em>Blackbird </em>reminds everyone that one cannot judge a bird by his feathers.Lindsay Fosterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04830072455623266596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5945033673207374327.post-427842371723783252008-02-20T09:59:00.000-08:002008-02-20T10:00:03.964-08:00ON NOAH'S ARK (Genre: Traditional Literature/module 3)<div><img src="http://a1055.g.akamai.net/f/1055/1401/5h/images.barnesandnoble.com/images/14590000/14598299.JPG" /></div><br /><div><strong>Bibliographic Information:</strong></div><br /><div>Title: <em>On Noah's Ark</em></div><br /><div>Author: Jan Brett</div><br /><div>Illustrator: Jan Brett</div><br /><div>Publisher: G. P. Putnam's Sons</div><br /><div>Publication Date: September 2003</div><br /><div>ISBN: <a class="isbn-a">9780399240287</a><a class="isbn-a" _extended="true"></a></div><br /><div> </div><br /><div>Noah's granddaughter narrates this story of the days leading up to and the days spent on the ark. She describes the challenges getting all of the animals aboard, where they all fit on the boat, and the ensuing chaos. Noah's granddaughter calms the animals and helps them to fall asleep until forty days later when her dove goes out to bring back a green leaf. This is an interesting perspective of the Noah's ark tale. First, the story is told from the point of view of the granddaughter, in first person. This brings the tale a realistic touch for children because they can associate with a the young girl. Second, as always Jan Brett includes illustrations in the margins as well as with the main body of the text. Brett uses various shapes (my daughter said they looked like cookie cutters) to include additional information about the story in the sidebar illustrations. Each page includes a minimal amount of text, telling the Noah's ark story in a simplistic yet easy to read fashion. Finally this book has beautiful illustrations that truly do help to tell the story. Brett and her husband travelled to Africa to help her recreate the mammals and birds that appear in the text. The papyrus paper that appears on the borders of the book was inspired by Brett's trip in which she saw the large amounts of papyrus plants growing along the Okavango Delta. It's obvious in this work, that the African trip influenced Brett's work in this publication because Brett describes the experience as "primal" in the jacket notes and the simplicity of the illustrations belies a native, natural feel. This book is appropriate for all audiences as it doesn't have the moralistic feel of a traditionally Biblical Noah's ark tale. Brett omits the references to God or punishment that are often associated with this story and instead includes the essential elements of the paired animals, the forty days and nights of rain, and the dove bearing the greenery to signify the end of the storm and the receeding waters.</div>Lindsay Fosterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04830072455623266596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5945033673207374327.post-71296537216830136172008-02-20T09:58:00.000-08:002008-02-20T09:59:07.418-08:00THE GOLDEN MARE, THE FIREBIRD, AND THE MAGIC RING (Genre Traditional Literature/module 3)<img src="http://a1055.g.akamai.net/f/1055/1401/5h/images.barnesandnoble.com/images/18500000/18509372.JPG" /><br /><strong>Bibliographic Information:</strong><br><br />Title: <em>The Golden Mare, the Firebird, and the Magic Ring<br /></em><br>Author: Ruth Sanderson<br><br />Illustrator: Ruth Sanderson<br><br />Publisher: Little Brown & Co<br><br />Publication Date: April 2001<br><br />ISBN: 9780316769068<br><br /><br />A young man, Alexi, wishes to serve as a huntsman for a tsar of Russia. Upon entering the woods, Alexei encounters a golden mare whose life he spares. In return for sparing the animal's life, Alexei is offered the opportunity to gain his goal. The tsar wishes to keep the mare for himself, but the horse only allows Alexei to be her rider and so the tsar settles for Alexei's service to him as a huntsman. Because jealousy clouds his emotions the tsar sends Alexei on formidable tasks including capturing the Firebird and procuring Yelena the Fair, a beautiful young maiden. Despite these Herculean type tasks, Alexei succeeds with the assistance of the golden mare, and eventually tricks the tsar and becomes tsar himself.<br /><br />The oil illustrations in this story are gorgeous. They assist in telling the tale which is appropriate for older elementary aged children and middle schoolers. Rich in color and detail, the illustrations truly bring a sense of wealth and age to the book.<br /><br />The story of a Russian folk tale, similar to the northern European tale of <em>Puss in Boots</em>, offers an enchanting story in which a commoner achieves greatness with the assistance of a magical helpmate animal. The golden mare serves as Puss in Boots and Alexei is the miller's youngest son. Following the instructions of the mare, Alexei achieves reknown and struggles with his feelings regarding his insincerity toward Yelena the Fair.<br /><br />This book is a bit too complicated and the story too intricate to interest younger readers/listeners. Older children will be enchanted by the rich color, double page spread illustrations and the story's intracacies, but younger children may lose interest. The text is longer and the story would certainly be appropriately broken into segments for a wonderful bedtime story reading.<br /><br />This is another of Sanderson's attempts and <em>The Crystal Mountain</em> was critically acclaimed as a success.Lindsay Fosterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04830072455623266596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5945033673207374327.post-62969944392414125652008-02-20T09:46:00.001-08:002008-02-20T09:58:12.689-08:00HORSE HOOVES AND CHICKEN FEET: MEXICAN FOLKTALES (Genre: Traditional Literature/module 3)<img src="http://a1055.g.akamai.net/f/1055/1401/5h/images.barnesandnoble.com/images/16620000/16621779.JPG"><br />Bibliographic Information<br />Title: Horse Hooves and Chicken Feet: Mexican Folktales<br />Author: Neil Philip (selected by)<br />Illustrator: Jacqueline Mair<br />Publisher: Clarion Books<br />Publication Date: September 2003<br />ISBN: 9780618194636<br /><br />This colorful Aesop award winning book contains folktales from the Mexican and Mexican American cultures. Filled with vibrant colors and authentic illustrations, the book offers insight into the religious and daily lives of the individuals who passed this one through oral tradition. Tales such as <em>The Two Marias</em> are reminiscent of the classic fairy tale <em>Cinderella </em>while <em>The Story of the Sun and the Moon</em> combines elements from <em>Puss in Boo</em>ts and <em>Jack and the Beanstalk</em>. Other tales seem to be more locally flavored such as <em>Pedro the Trickster</em>, a story of man who cheats Death itself. Religious icons and themes are prevalent in this collection with appearances by Jesus Christ, the Virgin Mary, God, the devil, and Death personified, however this is keeping with the strong Catholic ties that lie within the Hispanic culture and should be viewed in that manner. Stories like <em>The Mule Drivers Who Lost Their Feet</em> surely will make children laugh will glee at the lack of common sense that adults sometimes display. The end notes assist in locating original sources for the tales and the end papers, respendent with chilis, give the book its truly southwestern feel.Lindsay Fosterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04830072455623266596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5945033673207374327.post-80792868233740345672008-02-09T07:44:00.000-08:002008-02-09T08:01:13.321-08:00DIM SUM FOR EVERYONE! (Genre: Picture books/module 2)<img src= "http://a1055.g.akamai.net/f/1055/1401/5h/images.barnesandnoble.com/images/14900000/14907532.JPG"><br><br /><strong>Bibliographic Information:</strong><br><br />Title: <em>Dim Sum For Everyone!</em><br><br />Author: Grace Lin<br><br />Illustrator: Grace Lin<br><br />Publisher: Bantam Doubleday Dell Books for Young Readers<br><br />Publication Date: January 2003<br><br />ISBN:9780440417705<br><br /><br />In this charming story, a young girl and her family go to a local restaurant to sample the dim sum. <em>Dim sum</em> literally translated to English means "little heart" or a "touches the heart" but in this playful romp through the various dishes, it means tasty meal for a little girl and her family. Each member of the family has a different favorite dish and the reader is introduced to each character and his or her palate, culminating in the family feast to be shared by all. The illustrations and simple text make this book a wonderful read aloud. Lin's use of color as well as her nod to her native culture interest even the youngest of readers. The end of the book carries notes regarding the history of <em>dim sum</em> and traditions within Asian eating, but the endpapers are truly a masterpiece. Each set of endpapers includes illustrations and labels for the various <em>dim sum</em> dishes. And like most Chinese meals, this book once read will leave you satisfied but wanting to read it again in another hour!Lindsay Fosterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04830072455623266596noreply@blogger.com0