This blog has been created as part of a course requirement for the SLIS MLS program.
J. Bianchi LS5603
Children and YA Adult Book Reviews: Picture Books
Picture Book Review #1
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Henkes, Kevin. 2004. KITTEN’S FIRST FULL MOON. HarperCollins/Greenwillow: Books: New York. ISBN 0060588284
2. PLOT SUMMARY
This simple and delightful children’s story is set on a full moon evening with a determined little kitten as the star of the story. As the curious young cat explores this new environment she finds out that things are not always what they appear to be. Her journey begins as her natural instincts of hunger are triggered by a bright glowing moon in the sky. Her curiosity leads her on an adventure trying to reach the moon or what she thinks is a yummy bowl of milk. Despite her brave efforts she is still unsuccessful. Focused and determined she perseveres by jumping, chasing, climbing, and racing towards the glowing moon. Alas the kitten gives up and returns home feeling unlucky. To her delight she finally fines what she has been hoping to get all along, a great big bowl of milk.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Kevin Henkes, Kitten’s Fist Full Moon would be categorized as a picture storybook with text and illustrations occurring in equal frequency. The illustrations and writing style is appropriate in complexity for ages 3 and up. The use of illustrations complements the story by using warm neutral shades of gray ink on an off white paper decreasing the intensity of the simple line drawings. The degree of contrast is reduced by shading. Each illustration has minimal distractions as lines are mostly smooth in nature; even the straight lines are hand drawn bringing a sense of humanness to the drawing. Page breaks seem to coincide well with reading the story and viewing the large illustrations; both are important goals in allowing children to follow during a shared read aloud experience. The illustrations in the book contribute to the plot of the story eliminating the use of detailed written language. The main character of the story is a young kitten, eager and curious to explore their new world as is a young child. The basic plot of the story is simple and based on a young cat’s determination to fulfill its natural instinct of curiosity and hunger. The story is set outside during the evening when a full moon is in sight. This setting is also familiar to children. The overall theme of the story can be related to young children asking questions, exploring their environment, making comparisons based on their past experiences and learning along the way. As children learn they find out that things are not always what they seem; in the case of the storybook the young kitten relating a large white circle in the dark sky to a bowl of milk. The story also depicts the concept of perseverance in going for something that you want despite obstacles that may get in your way.
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
BULLETIN OF THE CENTER FOR CHILDREN’S BOOKS Review: “ … tight focus and neatly expressive text give the simple and appealing kitty adventures their full due.”
THE NEW YORK TIMES BOOK REVIEW: “… the story is succinctly told … the pictures fit the works perfectly, with equal amounts of simplicity and charm.”
PUBLISHER’S WEEKLY review: “The narrative and visual pacing will keep children entranced, and the determined young heroine her comical quest will win them over.”
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL Review: “… an irresistible offering …the rhythmic text and delightful artwork ensure storytime success.”
5. CONNECTIONS
Read Also: Antoinette Portis. 2006. NOT A BOX. HarperCollins: New York. ISBN 0061123226
Building Visual Literacy Lesson with this age group. Students could reflect on other objects that may look similar but are different: identify the object, name the object; discuss the function and where you might find/see it. (Example: Round yellow objects-tennis ball, lemon, yellow street light, etc…).
Picture Book Review #2
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Willems, Mo. 2004. KNUFFLE BUNNY: A CAUTIONARY TALE. New York: Hyperion. ISBN 0786818700
2. PLOT SUMMARY
KNUFFLE BUNNY, a picture storybook is set in Brooklyn, New York. One day dad decided to take his toddler daughter Trixie, to the Laundromat a short walk away from their home. Alongside Trixie was her favorite companion in tow, Knuffle Bunny; a pale green stuffed toy rabbit. Trixie was excited about this new experience helping her daddy with the laundry. On the way home Trixie realized that Knuffle Bunny was missing. Unable to express herself with words at least that her dad could understand she became increasingly frustrated as her unhappiness with her dad escalated. When Trixie and her dad arrived back home her mom new exactly what was wrong. The family went back to the Laundromat to locate Knuffle Bunny.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This story has a happy ending after a frustrating experience that is fairly common in childhood. While verbal skills are developing children go through a period of trying to get their parents to understand them, Trixie, has this experience with her dad. Children may relate to Trixies’ emotional upset as she becomes separated from a favorite toy. The setting of the story takes place in Brooklyn, New York. The illustrations in KNUFFLE BUNNY are a combination of real (sepia tone) photos of the streets of Brooklyn and subdued pastel colors used for cartoon illustrations that overlay the photos. The background is attractive but does not over take the liveliness of the drawings. The amount of text on each page is simple and coincides well with the illustration making the story easy to follow. The four main characters of the story are Trixie and her side companion Knuffle Bunny (a toy rabbit), her mom and dad. The plot of this story shows a conflict between Trixie and her dad. This is demonstrated by Trixie’s overall frustration and her inability to verbalize that Knuffle Bunny was left at the Laundromat. The story ends on a happy note when Trixie returns to find Knuffle Bunny and speaks her first words, “Knuffle Bunny,” as in real life the family and young child are elated. The theme of the story is directed at both parents and children and the frustration of the early preverbal years of toddlers as both try to communicate to each other. Lastly, the colored illustrations add to the appreciation of a diverse city environment. The author/illustrator uses variations in background people with respect to age and skin color. These figures do not play a big role in the telling of the story but add to the overall atmosphere of a cityscape.
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
THE HORN BOOK Review: “… simple, satisfying story … This everyday drama will immediately register with even pre-verbal listeners.”
PUBLISHER’S WEEKLY Review: “The accompanying pictures comically corroborate the omniscient narrator’s claim. Willems once again demonstrates his keen insight with a story both witty and wise”
5. CONNECTIONS
Read the sequel Willems, Mo. 2007. KNUFFLE BUNNY TOO.
Also available in Spanish language addition.
Use in conjunction with other Caldecott Medal winners.
Talk about feelings and expressing your emotions when something goes wrong. How does that make you feel when someone does not understand what you are trying to tell them? How can we help others express themselves in a positive way?
Picture Book Review #3
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Marcus, Leonard S. 1998. A CALDECOTT CELEBRATION: SIX ARTISTS AND THEIR PATHS TO THE CALDECOT MEDAL. New York: Walker. ISBN 0802786561
2. PLOT SUMMARY
Leonard S. Marcus selects six authors to represent each of the decades that a Caldecott Medal winner was awarded. A list of Caldecott Medal Winners from 1938-1998 is included in the back of the book. A glossary of terms relating to the field of art and an Index of Proper Nouns is also included in this publication. Marcus starts out with an introduction giving the background on how and why the Caldecott Medal and Honor were founded. The six artist/illustrators are as follows: Robert McCloskey, Make Way for Ducklings (1942); Marcia Brown, Cinderella; or, The Little Glass Slipper (1955); Maurice Sendak, Where the Wild Things Are (1964); William Steig, Sylvestor and the Magic Pebble (1970); Chris Van Allsburg, Jumanjii(1982); and David Wiesner, Tuesday (1992). The author/illustrators and a brief history of their lives growing up and finding their way to this career and the writing of these Caldecott Medal books is summarized and complemented by photos and illustrations of original work.
2. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This inspirational nonfiction children’s book is stylized to capture the interest of the young reader by providing a brief background of each author/illustrator and allowing the reader to become acquainted with how a children’s book is created (the stories behind the stories and artwork) and all the hard work that is involved. The book is divided into author/illustrator sections of approximately 5-8 pages in length and includes photographs, copies of original illustrations, book cover art, preliminary sketches, color studies, and a model, mural or sculpture by the artist or representation of some kind. The use of text and visuals complement and allow the reader to have a general understanding of each author/illustrator. The text is written for a middle reader. This book was a delight to read as someone who appreciates art. Reading about the challenges, the studies of the subjects, and the dedication that these authors/illustrators demonstrated was all inspiring to me.
3. REVIEW EXCERPTS
BOOK REPORT Review: “The artist’s own words add a sense of humanity and help readers gain respect for their humility, hard work, and the inventive vision in telling significant stories succinctly and with profound and esthetic power. The book is visually appealing in jacket and layout design … this” celebration “supplies valuable background material for teachers and librarians and an informative and inspirational resource for student… “
THE HORN BOOK Review: “A concise introduction provides historical background for the award, the rationale for its name, the selection process, and the influence of the honor on the lives of the recipients. The text is remarkable for the smooth integration of explanatory material with overall commentary, and selective detail creates a sense of intimacy and understanding.”
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL Review: “Choosing a winner for each decade, Marcus has assembled and impressive lineup of talent-Robert McCloskey, Marcia Brown, Maurice Sendak, William Steig, Chris van Allsburg, and David Wiesner. The large, attractive pages invite readers to savor the multitude of illustrations.”
5. CONNECTIONS
Reading this book to middle school children and making a connection to careers in art or writing. Research a children’s author/illustrator that you like, read 2 or more books that they have written. Analyze the color, line, detail, and mood of the illustrations used in the picture books. Tell what you like about the illustrators style. Follow up with trying to use that style in a short story that you wrote by adding an illustration.
Read Also: (Taken from Dr. Vardell's Genre 1 List)
ARTIST TO ARTIST: 23 MAJOR ILLUSTRATORS TALK TO CHILDREN ABOUT THEIR ART (2007) by Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book
TALKING WITH ARTISTS (any of the volumes) by Pat Cummings
PICTURE THIS: HOW PICTURES WORK (2000) by Molly Bang
PASS IT DOWN: FIVE PICTURE BOOK FAMILIES MAKE THEIR MARK (2006) by Leonard S. Marcus
SIDE BY SIDE: FIVE FAVORITE PICTURE BOOK TEAMS GO TO WORK (2006) by Leonard Marcus
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Henkes, Kevin. 2004. KITTEN’S FIRST FULL MOON. HarperCollins/Greenwillow: Books: New York. ISBN 0060588284
2. PLOT SUMMARY
This simple and delightful children’s story is set on a full moon evening with a determined little kitten as the star of the story. As the curious young cat explores this new environment she finds out that things are not always what they appear to be. Her journey begins as her natural instincts of hunger are triggered by a bright glowing moon in the sky. Her curiosity leads her on an adventure trying to reach the moon or what she thinks is a yummy bowl of milk. Despite her brave efforts she is still unsuccessful. Focused and determined she perseveres by jumping, chasing, climbing, and racing towards the glowing moon. Alas the kitten gives up and returns home feeling unlucky. To her delight she finally fines what she has been hoping to get all along, a great big bowl of milk.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Kevin Henkes, Kitten’s Fist Full Moon would be categorized as a picture storybook with text and illustrations occurring in equal frequency. The illustrations and writing style is appropriate in complexity for ages 3 and up. The use of illustrations complements the story by using warm neutral shades of gray ink on an off white paper decreasing the intensity of the simple line drawings. The degree of contrast is reduced by shading. Each illustration has minimal distractions as lines are mostly smooth in nature; even the straight lines are hand drawn bringing a sense of humanness to the drawing. Page breaks seem to coincide well with reading the story and viewing the large illustrations; both are important goals in allowing children to follow during a shared read aloud experience. The illustrations in the book contribute to the plot of the story eliminating the use of detailed written language. The main character of the story is a young kitten, eager and curious to explore their new world as is a young child. The basic plot of the story is simple and based on a young cat’s determination to fulfill its natural instinct of curiosity and hunger. The story is set outside during the evening when a full moon is in sight. This setting is also familiar to children. The overall theme of the story can be related to young children asking questions, exploring their environment, making comparisons based on their past experiences and learning along the way. As children learn they find out that things are not always what they seem; in the case of the storybook the young kitten relating a large white circle in the dark sky to a bowl of milk. The story also depicts the concept of perseverance in going for something that you want despite obstacles that may get in your way.
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
BULLETIN OF THE CENTER FOR CHILDREN’S BOOKS Review: “ … tight focus and neatly expressive text give the simple and appealing kitty adventures their full due.”
THE NEW YORK TIMES BOOK REVIEW: “… the story is succinctly told … the pictures fit the works perfectly, with equal amounts of simplicity and charm.”
PUBLISHER’S WEEKLY review: “The narrative and visual pacing will keep children entranced, and the determined young heroine her comical quest will win them over.”
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL Review: “… an irresistible offering …the rhythmic text and delightful artwork ensure storytime success.”
5. CONNECTIONS
Read Also: Antoinette Portis. 2006. NOT A BOX. HarperCollins: New York. ISBN 0061123226
Building Visual Literacy Lesson with this age group. Students could reflect on other objects that may look similar but are different: identify the object, name the object; discuss the function and where you might find/see it. (Example: Round yellow objects-tennis ball, lemon, yellow street light, etc…).
Picture Book Review #2
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Willems, Mo. 2004. KNUFFLE BUNNY: A CAUTIONARY TALE. New York: Hyperion. ISBN 0786818700
2. PLOT SUMMARY
KNUFFLE BUNNY, a picture storybook is set in Brooklyn, New York. One day dad decided to take his toddler daughter Trixie, to the Laundromat a short walk away from their home. Alongside Trixie was her favorite companion in tow, Knuffle Bunny; a pale green stuffed toy rabbit. Trixie was excited about this new experience helping her daddy with the laundry. On the way home Trixie realized that Knuffle Bunny was missing. Unable to express herself with words at least that her dad could understand she became increasingly frustrated as her unhappiness with her dad escalated. When Trixie and her dad arrived back home her mom new exactly what was wrong. The family went back to the Laundromat to locate Knuffle Bunny.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This story has a happy ending after a frustrating experience that is fairly common in childhood. While verbal skills are developing children go through a period of trying to get their parents to understand them, Trixie, has this experience with her dad. Children may relate to Trixies’ emotional upset as she becomes separated from a favorite toy. The setting of the story takes place in Brooklyn, New York. The illustrations in KNUFFLE BUNNY are a combination of real (sepia tone) photos of the streets of Brooklyn and subdued pastel colors used for cartoon illustrations that overlay the photos. The background is attractive but does not over take the liveliness of the drawings. The amount of text on each page is simple and coincides well with the illustration making the story easy to follow. The four main characters of the story are Trixie and her side companion Knuffle Bunny (a toy rabbit), her mom and dad. The plot of this story shows a conflict between Trixie and her dad. This is demonstrated by Trixie’s overall frustration and her inability to verbalize that Knuffle Bunny was left at the Laundromat. The story ends on a happy note when Trixie returns to find Knuffle Bunny and speaks her first words, “Knuffle Bunny,” as in real life the family and young child are elated. The theme of the story is directed at both parents and children and the frustration of the early preverbal years of toddlers as both try to communicate to each other. Lastly, the colored illustrations add to the appreciation of a diverse city environment. The author/illustrator uses variations in background people with respect to age and skin color. These figures do not play a big role in the telling of the story but add to the overall atmosphere of a cityscape.
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
THE HORN BOOK Review: “… simple, satisfying story … This everyday drama will immediately register with even pre-verbal listeners.”
PUBLISHER’S WEEKLY Review: “The accompanying pictures comically corroborate the omniscient narrator’s claim. Willems once again demonstrates his keen insight with a story both witty and wise”
5. CONNECTIONS
Read the sequel Willems, Mo. 2007. KNUFFLE BUNNY TOO.
Also available in Spanish language addition.
Use in conjunction with other Caldecott Medal winners.
Talk about feelings and expressing your emotions when something goes wrong. How does that make you feel when someone does not understand what you are trying to tell them? How can we help others express themselves in a positive way?
Picture Book Review #3
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Marcus, Leonard S. 1998. A CALDECOTT CELEBRATION: SIX ARTISTS AND THEIR PATHS TO THE CALDECOT MEDAL. New York: Walker. ISBN 0802786561
2. PLOT SUMMARY
Leonard S. Marcus selects six authors to represent each of the decades that a Caldecott Medal winner was awarded. A list of Caldecott Medal Winners from 1938-1998 is included in the back of the book. A glossary of terms relating to the field of art and an Index of Proper Nouns is also included in this publication. Marcus starts out with an introduction giving the background on how and why the Caldecott Medal and Honor were founded. The six artist/illustrators are as follows: Robert McCloskey, Make Way for Ducklings (1942); Marcia Brown, Cinderella; or, The Little Glass Slipper (1955); Maurice Sendak, Where the Wild Things Are (1964); William Steig, Sylvestor and the Magic Pebble (1970); Chris Van Allsburg, Jumanjii(1982); and David Wiesner, Tuesday (1992). The author/illustrators and a brief history of their lives growing up and finding their way to this career and the writing of these Caldecott Medal books is summarized and complemented by photos and illustrations of original work.
2. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This inspirational nonfiction children’s book is stylized to capture the interest of the young reader by providing a brief background of each author/illustrator and allowing the reader to become acquainted with how a children’s book is created (the stories behind the stories and artwork) and all the hard work that is involved. The book is divided into author/illustrator sections of approximately 5-8 pages in length and includes photographs, copies of original illustrations, book cover art, preliminary sketches, color studies, and a model, mural or sculpture by the artist or representation of some kind. The use of text and visuals complement and allow the reader to have a general understanding of each author/illustrator. The text is written for a middle reader. This book was a delight to read as someone who appreciates art. Reading about the challenges, the studies of the subjects, and the dedication that these authors/illustrators demonstrated was all inspiring to me.
3. REVIEW EXCERPTS
BOOK REPORT Review: “The artist’s own words add a sense of humanity and help readers gain respect for their humility, hard work, and the inventive vision in telling significant stories succinctly and with profound and esthetic power. The book is visually appealing in jacket and layout design … this” celebration “supplies valuable background material for teachers and librarians and an informative and inspirational resource for student… “
THE HORN BOOK Review: “A concise introduction provides historical background for the award, the rationale for its name, the selection process, and the influence of the honor on the lives of the recipients. The text is remarkable for the smooth integration of explanatory material with overall commentary, and selective detail creates a sense of intimacy and understanding.”
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL Review: “Choosing a winner for each decade, Marcus has assembled and impressive lineup of talent-Robert McCloskey, Marcia Brown, Maurice Sendak, William Steig, Chris van Allsburg, and David Wiesner. The large, attractive pages invite readers to savor the multitude of illustrations.”
5. CONNECTIONS
Reading this book to middle school children and making a connection to careers in art or writing. Research a children’s author/illustrator that you like, read 2 or more books that they have written. Analyze the color, line, detail, and mood of the illustrations used in the picture books. Tell what you like about the illustrators style. Follow up with trying to use that style in a short story that you wrote by adding an illustration.
Read Also: (Taken from Dr. Vardell's Genre 1 List)
ARTIST TO ARTIST: 23 MAJOR ILLUSTRATORS TALK TO CHILDREN ABOUT THEIR ART (2007) by Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book
TALKING WITH ARTISTS (any of the volumes) by Pat Cummings
PICTURE THIS: HOW PICTURES WORK (2000) by Molly Bang
PASS IT DOWN: FIVE PICTURE BOOK FAMILIES MAKE THEIR MARK (2006) by Leonard S. Marcus
SIDE BY SIDE: FIVE FAVORITE PICTURE BOOK TEAMS GO TO WORK (2006) by Leonard Marcus
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