Tammy Privette February 5, 2010 FREC 7232 Reading Log 1

Book1: Paul Bunyan Swings His Axe; December 1990 Author and Illustrator: Dell J. McCormick Genre: Folktales Format: Chapter book Awards: Pacific Northwest Library Association Young Reader's Choice (1940) Reflection: The stories of Paul Bunyan would be classified as a North American Folktale and are filled with boisterous, boastful (McCormick,.236) events. These tales help children understand some of the challenges of northeastern rural life in early America. Many essential story elements are easily recognized in each of these stories. Although short and simple, in each story the setting is apparent, the plot quickly develops the conflict, and then resolves it. Although conflicts of good and evil are often found in folktales, this is not true of Paul Bunyan. Most of the conflicts involve person against nature. The characters are simple and easy to recognize. The stories continuously use descriptive language to engage the reader, creating a mental image of what is taking place throughout. Although racial diversity is not mentioned in these tales, Paul Bunyan is

extremely large and has enormous strength. Peoples sizes can be considered a type of diversity. The universal truth reflected throughout these tales is one of strength overcoming nature. Through Pauls superhuman strength, the land was cleared, making the way for civilization, an important social concern of early America. These stories provide not only entertainment, but an insight to early America. The artwork in this book is very sparse. Many of the stories are not accompanied by illustrations and those that are, have only one. The illustrations are drawn in a nonrealistic style. The characters have very few facial features and very little background. They do not help develop the story or engage the reader.

Book 2: Title: White Stag; 1937 Author & Illustrator: Kate Seredy Genre: Legend Format: Chapter Book Awards: Newberry Award 1938 Reflection: The great legends in traditional literature are closely related to mythology (Norton, 247). White Stag , a Hungarian legend, has many parallels to biblical stories. Not only are there parallels, such as looking for the promised land, the legend references the biblical event of the Tower of Babel. Thus, connecting with stories passed down from other cultures. This is a common thread throughout folktales, myths, and

legends. It is easy to become engrossed in the epic of these people, following their chosen leader as he follows their God. Much insight is gained about the culture and history of the Huns. In fact, one could actually sympathize with Attila the Hun and his crusade. Mixed with the historical sequence of events are magical, mystical beings that allow the people as much freedom as Moses crossing the Red Sea. Although the timeline is off, I am intrigued with the similarities between Moses of the Bible and the story of the Huns. By using the criteria outlined in Chapter 3 of our text, this story fits many of the criteria of being an excellent Young Adult book. Needing a basic knowledge of world history to truly understand the story, I would not recommend it for younger children, however. The story captivates the reader in a plot that quickly comes to the first of several climatic moments. The characters grow and develop throughout the span of their lives, emerging from children to leaders and kings. Showing the characters weaknesses makes them seem much more real than history books ever allow. One example of this is when Attila feels defeat and turns to his father. Another example is the tenderness shown to Attila by his father in the cold winter of the mountains. This creates a bond between the characters and the reader. The setting of the cold mountains of Asia and Europe felt very authentic, as well as the beautiful valleys and plains of this region. One could easily become transformed to these locations and ride among the tribal members in their quest for the promised land. Illustration in this book were few, but well done sketches. They allowed the reader a visual glance into the world of the Huns. Although the illustrations themselves did not tell the story, they enhanced the experience appropriately.

Book 3: Title: Where the Buffaloes Begin; 1981 Author: Olaf Baker Genre: Folktale Format: Picture book Awards: Boston GlobeHorn Book Award - Picture Books 1980-1989 Caldecott Honor Book 1982 Reflection: Where the Buffaloes Begin is more of a message story than a pleasure story (Babbitt, 1997). There is most definitely insight into the tradition and culture of Native Americans. Once can see great reverence for the elders; independence, determination, and strength in the young boy; faith in and respect for animals (especially buffalo); and an appreciation for nature. The origins of the tale begin in an unknown time passed down through generations. Not only is this an element of folktales, it is also a tradition of Native Americans. Another apparent folktale element is that of magic and supernatural events. The buffaloes emerge from the water (the place of their creation), perceive needs that even the boy is unaware of, and then rescue his people from the enemy tribe. The boy receives undue credit, however. He mistakes the enemy tribe for antelope and is merely riding with the herd, returning to his home. His part in the rescue is coincidental. Thus, the honor he receives is difficult to believe. The artwork throughout this publication includes beautiful sketches portraying realistic interpretation of Native Americans. They add to the mystical, dream-like feeling Illustrator: Stephen Gamell

created by the storyteller. Although there is no color, the sketches make the story more believable and help to transform the reader to another time and place.

Book 4 Title: The Korean Cinderalla; 1993 Author: Shirley Climo Genre: Folktale Format: Picture book Awards: Notable Children's Trade Book in the Field of Social Studies Reflection: What a delightful, refreshing version of a timeless tale! Climo captivates her audience with descriptive language that both has the familiarity of Cinderella and the newness of Korean culture. Throughout the story, the reader is pleasantly introduces to the Korean culture and environment. Korean language, food, horticulture, dress geography, and myth are woven seamlessly into this story. Common folktale motifs such as good verses evil, assistance from enchanted, or magical, creatures, and rescuing the damsel in distress are all present within The Korean Cinderella. In addition to the folktale elements referenced above, this story also meets many of the criteria for enjoyable quality childrens literature. Although not realistic due to magical events, what child doesnt with, or want to believe, in being rescued from an unpleasant, perceivably helpless situation, by a magical being? The characters remained simple and easy to understand throughout the story. Yet they engaged the reader as they followed a familiar plot. The reader is able to identify with both the conflict and Illustrator: Ruth Heller

resolution of the story and the way in which they are portrayed by the characters. The setting, as referenced in the authors note, is very realistic. Because of the authenticity and details of the setting, the story is that much more believable. Line plays an important role in the illustrations throughout this book. Each page uses a combination of vibrant color and a variety of different types and colors of lines to create a mood. Emphasis on certain characters, text, and scenes are directed through the artists interpretation of the story. The moods and attitudes of the characters are accurately portrayed through the artwork, as are cultural differences. There is a very good match between the styles of both the author and the illustrator.

Book 5 Title: Squids will be Squids; 1998 Author: Jon Scieszka Genre: Fable Award: IRA Book Award Format: Picture book Reflection: Squids will be Squids is a humorous collection of fables that speak for themselves. The language and situations of each can be easily understood by todays youth. They are entertaining while moral lessons that most children should be well acquainted with. Jon Scieszka, a proponent of pleasure reading over message reading (Scieszka,2010), skillfully combines both of these attributes in each fable. While very Illustrator: Lane Smith

short in length, each message is straight to the point with very few characters. Thus, he is following the schema of fables. There is very little character, setting, or plot development. Nonetheless, the reader is left with a strong impression of the authors purpose. Each character is fictitious, as all are mammals. However, one could easily substitute a human character to create a very real, very believable short story. One in fact, readers can easily identify with and imagine themselves or people they know as the actual characters. Another tool used by the author is the text. Different fonts and sizes are used to create and reduce the emphasis that is placed on each line. Color and shape play important roles in the illustrations for each of these fables. While the colors are generally muted, a rich contrast in color attracts the attention of the readers and creates focus on the important events and/or characters of each fable. In some fables, such as Straw and Matches, sharp edges are used to portray the moods of edginess and irritability. In others however, like Hand, Foot, and Tongue, the shapes are large and over exaggerated to attract attention and the edges are curves. These curved edges denote a less serious mood that is an accurate portrayal of the story. Many artistic elements are used that create balance between the illustrator and the author.

Book 6 Title: The Little Match Girl: 1999 Author: Hans Christian Anderson Genre: Fantasy Awards: Utahs Top Childrens Book Award (2008) Illustrator: Jerry Pinkney

Colorado Children's Book Award Master List Indian Paintbrush Book Award Master List (WY) Lambda Literary Award Finalist Format: Picture book Reflection: The authors ability to make readers suspend disbelief and to accept the possibility that the story could have happened is one of the greatest requirements for modern fantasy (Norton, 273). The Little Match Girl draws in the reader, allowing the reader to see, hear, smell, and feel as the child in the story. The wintery cold that eventually causes the childs death, the fear of returning home, the loneliness of the streets and empty alley, the smell of fresh baked breads, the heat of the matches, the visions of warmth, and finally of her Grandmother become reality for a short time. Set in a realistic period of history, it is easy to believe that a child peddler could have frozen to death in a crowded city, too busy to take notice. The story is filled with details. These details add reality to an already believable story. There is no magic, no unbelievable rescue from her pitiful condition. The only rescue is death. Although tragic, the uncharacteristically sad ending of this childrens work, further ensures the believability thereof. The fantasy element is the fantasy of the child. Her visions, though obvious to the reader as such, are reality for the character. She believes, that through the lit match, comfort, warmth, food, and love surround her. This fantasy becomes her reality as her deceased Grandmother carries her into the heavens. The story then returns to reality as her cold, frozen body is discovered in the empty alley.

In addition to a powerfully written story, Jerry Pinkney, a talented artist, uses many elements of art such as line, color, shape, and texture to tell the story. One could almost tell the story, even without the text. This has long been a goal of Pinkneys. The color red is especially useful in identifying the main character. In the crowded market, her red headscarf cheeks stand out against the drab colors of the surrounding town folk. Soft, curved edges on almost every page give the story an imaginative quality. Lines are used to draw the readers eye toward a point of interest. Texture is used to convey the harshness of her world. The rough textures used in the illustration of her family add to the feeling of extreme poverty. However, the smoothness of her elegant imaginations seem to add to the richness of her dreams, providing a contrast between wealth and poverty. Finally, the color yellow creates a feeling of warmth as her Grandmother comes to her and carries her away. Pinkney does an excellent job of telling the story, creating the feelings of The Little Match Girl.

Book 7: Title: Fablehaven: Grip of the Shadow Plague; 2009 Author: Brandon Mull Genre: Modern Fantasy Format: Chapter book Awards: Cybillis Award Nominee (2009) Utah's Top Children's Choice Book Award (2009) Reflection: Illustrator: Brandon Dorman

Welcome to a wonderful secret world full of good and evil, magical creatures, rules that cannot be broken without severe consequences, and every other element of fantasy. The constant battle of between good and evil, faith and perseverance in the face of obstacles, personal and social responsibility, love, and friendship are important themes (Norton,275) throughout this fabulous childrens book. These very real characters of children grow and develop in their sense of moral responsibility, love for one another, cynicism towards those who cannot be trusted, and problem solving abilities. They also make many mistakes that reveal the very human tendencies that all people face. Seths tenacity for finding trouble and Kendras fear of not following the rules create characters with which children can identify Kendra and Seth find themselves in many situations involving magical creatures that could not possibly be true. However, due to the skillful writing of Mull, the groundwork is laid and one finds it completely possible that this other world might actually exist. It is only through drinking the milk that ones eyes can be opened to the magical creatures that inhabit this, and other, magical preserve(s). There is detail to the setting that includes geographically correct landforms, vegetation, and climate that makes the story seem entirely plausible. There are many intricacies leading up to the final climax. The story keeps the reader spellbound and wanting more. Illustrations in this work are very few. Symmetry, lines, size, and contrast of black and white are the most prominent techniques used. The symmetry draws the readers eye into the picture. Lines create various focal points of important objects. In one illustration, Kendra, the main character, is much smaller that the surrounding objects. The artist portrays the helplessness she feels at this time of the story. As good and evil is

a continuous motif throughout the story, contrasting black and white makes the reader more award of the light associated with good and the darkness associated with evil. Both lightness and darkness play important roles in Fablehaven.

Book 8: Title: The Wizard of Oz; 1982 Author: L. Frank Baum Genre: Modern Fantasy Format: Chapter Book Awards: none Reflection: Although intended as a pleasurable fantasy for children, this book was less than captivating. It has a strong story line, an easy to follow plot, and continual conflict and resolution throughout the story. However, the phrasing and language with which the story is told if somewhat flat. Hollywood has done a great job of bringing this story to life, making it a childrens favorite. The author follows the elements of fantasy. Dorothy is caught up in a cyclone, flies for a very long time (long enough for her to grow bored and go to sleep), and awakens in a different world where magic is a part of everyday life. There are several universal themes that are important throughout; the desire to become better (more intelligent, more courageous and more loving), the ideal that there is no place like home, perseverance, and friendship An underlying lesson of this story is that wanting to improve oneself is the key to making it happen. The scarecrow wants a brain. In numerous instances, it his concentrated problem-solving skills that enable the rest of Illustrator: Michael Hague

the party to emerge unharmed from a variety of scenarios. The lion wants courage. It is only through his bravery that the party escapes from danger and overcomes obstacles. The tin man wants a heart. Repeatedly, he makes every effort to be courteous and kind, while stating that he must be careful in his treatment of others until he obtains a heart. Fables teach lessons. As fantasy is a derivative of fables, these lessons are evident throughout the entire story. The artwork in this publication is lacing in authenticity. In one particular photo, the imaginary animal described looks more like it was photo shopped than actually drawn. They do offer color to the story and assist the author with adding physical details to the story. Overall, the writing and illustrations of this book were not impressive.

Book 9 Title: The Nightingale; 2002 Author: Hans Christian Anderson Genre: Fantasy Awards: none Reflection: This is a story that requires multiple readings to gain a comprehensive understanding of the authors purpose. The plot is simple, with little embellishment. However, the higher level vocabulary and use of language make the reader take this story at a slower pace than is typical for high interest books. It does not contain much action and very little conflict. It does use symbolism to convey several truths of human nature. The servant girl is symbolic of the working class. Through circumstance, she is Illustrator: Jerry Pinkney

acknowledged and rewarded by the King. His character is symbolic of nobility, or even government, who does not understand the needs of the people. He learns, through illness and vulnerability, to become humble. The Nightingale is symbolic of nature, and how its beauty, though delicate, can affect us all. This story, though not especially captivating, carries a beautiful message. Jerry Pinkney, once again, does a beautiful job of bringing to life the characters of the story. Through vivid colors, multiple textures, and ethnically diverse illustrations, the reader is able to picture the events as they unfold.

Book 10: Title: Mr. Poppers Penguins Author: Atwater, Richard & Florence Genre: Modern Fantasy Format: Chapter book Awards: Newberry Honor 1939 Reflection: Mr. Poppers Penguins is a wonderful story about a man whose penguins become stars. There is nothing magical or inherently unbelievable. The birds do not possess human qualities, but are simply well-trained performance birds. That is precisely what makes this fantasy to realistic. Most children have seen performances where the animals are trained to perform. Why is it so unrealistic for penguins to take the stage, travel the country, and engage in the mischief that occurs throughout this story? The author creates so many detailed scenarios that could easily become part of a reality TV show, if it were Illustrator: Lawson, Robert

true. This ability to create a realistic, believable story of the penguins and their adventures with Mr. Popper more than meet the requirements for the plot of a fantasy story. Mr. Popper, himself, though an adult, has many childlike characteristics. He does not come across as a responsible adult, but one full of curiosity and exploration often having to be reigned in by Mrs. Popper, his wife. Throughout the story, Mr. Popper grows to love the penguins and make responsible choices in their behalf, even turning down monetary rewards. In the end, his responsibility to the penguins outweighs all other obligations. The illustrations throughout the story are few and are merely sketches. The artist used the contrast of black and white, various spacing and shading techniques, and lines to create his illustrations. However, as the author does such a terrific job of explaining the details of the settings and characters, they add little to the story.

Book 11: Title: My Black Me Author: Arnold Adoff: 1974 Genre: Poetry Format: book Awards: none Reflection: My Black Me contains poems of various lengths and topics. There are several poets represented in this anthology of poems dedicated to encouraging thought about the oppression of black Americans. There are poems of encouragement, poems of

understanding, poems of anger, and poems of acknowledgement for contributions to Black America. These poems were not written for the purpose of entertainment, but to convey a message. The theme throughout is one of pride in embracing oneself and in achieving ones potential. They stir the feelings and emotions of the reader, causing one to ponder and reflect on the plight of the African American. Although the themes in this anthology are powerful and thought provoking, a child, with little understanding of civil rights, would have a difficult time relating to the messages therein. If read with an adult, these poems contain wonderful messages that could possibly help them explore feelings that may already be developing. However, children would not be likely to choose this as a book for the purpose of enjoyment. Also, the issues dealt within these poems are not likely to be enjoyable. Oppression, breaking free, and lack of opportunity do not conjure favorable images.

Book 12: Title: Twas the Night Before Christmas Author: Clement C. Moore Genre: Poetry Format: picture book Awards: National Endowment for the Arts Playwriting Award Reflection: This is a favorite, widely know poem of children everywhere. Why? For many reasons, it is well-loved. This poem is filled with excitement, action, cheerful comparisons, and rhymes, making it an easy read. It is a poem that children and adults Illustrator: Bruce Whatley

can enjoy reading over and over again. Through the entirety of the poem, the same rhythm is followed, with every two lines rhyming, otherwise known as an AABB pattern. Moore uses descriptive language continuously to paint pictures in the mind of the reader. What beautiful imagery! Children everywhere can relate to the excitement of Christmas Eve. Thus, the theme of the poem is personal for most children. In every way, this poem brings joy to children whenever it is heard. The illustrations in this publication are beautiful, and each page offers a different perspective to the images shown. It begins as though the reader is spying on the scene below. Gradually, the point of view changes as the illustrations draw you into the story. Spacing of objects, enlargement of characters, and vivid colors also serve to captivate the audience. One can easily become as entranced by the illustrations as with the story itself. What an enjoyable work of art this publication is!

Book 13: Title: Where the Sidewalk Ends; 1974 Author & Illustrator: Shel Silverstein Genre: Poetry Format: anthology book Awards: none Reflection: Where the Sidewalk Ends is packed full of exciting poetry that children enjoy both reading and listening to. When its time to choose a poem for recitation, poems from this book are often chosen. Why do children love these poems so? Shel Silverstein

makes poetry fun. The sounds of the poems are pleasant due to the rhyming nature and rhythm of the words. They tell simple stories that are often silly; therefore, easy for children to relate to. When a child can make a connection with what they are reading, it becomes important to them. The text goes from something that has to be done, to something they are excited about doing. Silverstein accomplishes this repeatedly with the topics in his poetry. He uses such topics as watching T.V., children being bought by creatures, magical erasers, and many others. Fantasy is a common theme throughout. Through poetry, he is able to transport the reader to an imaginary world where anything can happen, including being eaten by a boa constrictor. He uses contrasts in phrasing, imagery, and rhymes, all elements that make poetry enjoyable. Shel Silverstein does his own illustrations. They are silly sketches that go perfectly with his poems. As all are done in black and white, he uses contrast to focus the viewers eye on certain aspects of the illustration. He also uses shape. Some objects are hugely over exaggerated, while others are somewhat small (as in the boy hiding under the covers in the poem Sick.) The illustrations bring even more humor and enjoyment to an already delightful book.

Book 14: Title: The Random House Book of Poetry for Children;1983 Selected by: Jack Prelutsky Genre: Poetry Format: anthology book Awards: Illustrator: Arnold Lobel

Reflection: At the time this book was first published, over twenty years ago, the intent was to create an anthology of poems that young children would enjoy. Inspirational and narrative poems that are so often included in other anthologiesno longer seem relevant to todays children, morally uplifting though they may have been to earlier generations (Prelutsky, 19). Children enjoy listening to rhymes. They enjoy silliness. They enjoy the way the words make them feel. They enjoy visual imagery. The artist who can capturethese qualities captures the attention of a child. These are the qualities Prelutsky was searching for as he compiled this collection. Today, more than two decades later, children are still finding enjoyment in his efforts. As children have different likes and interests, the poems are organized into many different categories. An attribute that may appeal to reluctant readers is the length of these poems. Almost all of them are short. It takes hardly any effort to find a poem that is short, easy to read, and fun. Arnold Lobel, the illustrator, has won many awards for his artistic talent. This book has given him ample opportunity to ignite the imaginations of children. The sketches include a variety of animal, human, and nonsense drawings. Just looking at the pictures in this book encourages one to stop and read the poem. Prelutsky uses both black and white sketches and some with color. The splashes of color relieve the monotony of black ink. Throughout the many illustrations, he incorporates many elements of art such as spacing, contrast, shape, and line to create a feeling in the viewer, even before he starts to read.

Book 15

Title: The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere; 2001 Author: Henry Wadsworth Longfellow Genre: Poetry Format: picture book Awards: NAACP Image Award Silbert Award (2002) Reflection: This poem is an astonishing tribute to a remarkable event in history. It is a wellknown narrative poem intended to teach children of the memorable occasion. Beneath in the churchyard, lay the dead, In their night-encampment on the hill, Wrapped in silence so deep and still That he could hear, like a sentinels tread, The watchful night-wind, as it went Creeping along from tent to tent, Imagery is used expertly, allowing the reader to feel the silence and night-wind. This is just one example of the great skill in this poem. Rhythm and rhyme are also used to capture and hold the readers interest. Embedded within the cadence of the poem is much information. For the history buff (or 4th grade teacher) this book is a delight. However, would the average child truly find this book enjoyable? Does it appeal to children? Is it relevant to their lives? To these questions, the answer is no. The story is not one of simplicity, but rather one of great importance to our nation. Is it a good poem? Most certainly, but probably not one that would be well-liked by children. The illustrations in contained in this book are simply magnificent. It would be easy to imagine a child enthralled by the maps and pictures. It might be enough to even make them want to read the entire poem; especially if they had an interest in history or Illustrator: Christopher Bing

war. The artist uses vivid colors to draw in the viewer and darker colors to create a more serious mood. Lines and various perspectives are frequently used to create the sense of motion. Just as the poem is not light-hearted, neither are the paintings. They convey the mood of the author. Most importantly, they help to tell the story.

Bibliography Norton, Donna E. (2007) Through the Eyes of a Child. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall. Scieszka, Jon. (2010) In Britannica Book of the Year, 2009. Retrieved January 21, 2010 from Encyclopedia Britannica Online School edition: http://school.eb.com/eb/article-9443391