Meaghan,
The picture book, Dear Fish, by Chris Gall was fun to read and I think is a great introduction to the summer season! I don’t know about you but I was ready to head to the beach when I was finished reading it!
I feel this book has multiple story elements that fit into the modern fantasy genre. The whole story line is about fish coming out of the ocean and appearing in different areas around a community. There are fish everywhere; in the school, in trees, at baseball games, in homes, bathtubs and in the kitchen (to name a few). This component to the story violates natural and physical laws in our world. Fish cannot survive on dry land and most certainly cannot swim on over to a house!
While these fish are not talking characters, they are taking the place of other objects. For example, when Sally is getting ready for her birthday party, she is blowing up blow fish instead of balloons! At the baseball game, the hot dogs have been replaced with silver fish resting inside the buns.
This story has two parallel worlds: our world that we live as human beings and the world of fish. The drawings show these two words merged together. The art work is interesting because it looks like two separate scenes were drawn; the human world and then fish swimming in the ocean. It’s like these two scenes were merged together and the water was taken away if that makes any sense. While the fish are invading the human world, they appear as if they are still just swimming in the ocean.
The gateway into connecting these two worlds happened when the little boy wrote a letter to the fish asking them to visit his world. He put the note in a bottle and put it in the ocean. The fish took him up on it and invaded!
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Sunday, April 27, 2008
The Invention of Hugo Cabret
Meaghan,
I am about 12 chapters into this book and I am drawn to the illustrations. I love how the author, Brian Selznick wanted to give you the feeling of watching a movie. This was evident with the first few pictures of the moon rising over the city. It was like an introduction to a movie where the camera slowly lets the viewer get a clearer picture of the setting. The smooth straight pencil sketches at times make the picture have a 3-D aspect to it and some of the objects pop out at you. I also think the extreme close ups ad to the intensity of the moment in the story and again, mirror what one would observe watching a movie.
At this point in the story, the natural and physical laws of our world have not yet been compromised by magical creatures or places. My prediction is that the mechanical man will be the key to the magical element of the story. I kind of feel that the train station is a magical place in itself. The way the author describes the goings on as a reader, I get the impression that it seems like a world of its own; although it is in reality a train station in Paris.
The characters are believable and the events in their lives explore issues of human condition. How horrible for Hugo to lose his father at such a young age and then to have his only living family member basically disappear on him? I think it is amazing that he has the stamina and will power to continue to do his uncles job. I just hope that one day he figures out how to cash all of those checks! The old man and Isabelle are interesting characters. The old man is slowly becoming a father figure for Hugo using the tough love approach. I think Isabelle wants to be his friend but is putting up her defenses as much as Hugo is. That combination of keeping up walls can lead to some awkward encounters. I also get the sense that Hugo is extremely quiet and there are times throughout the tale that Isabelle would have to provide Hugo with social cues so he could respond appropriately.
I can’t wait to find out when the magical element of this modern fantasy tale will begin! I hope Hugo can fix the mechanical man!
I am about 12 chapters into this book and I am drawn to the illustrations. I love how the author, Brian Selznick wanted to give you the feeling of watching a movie. This was evident with the first few pictures of the moon rising over the city. It was like an introduction to a movie where the camera slowly lets the viewer get a clearer picture of the setting. The smooth straight pencil sketches at times make the picture have a 3-D aspect to it and some of the objects pop out at you. I also think the extreme close ups ad to the intensity of the moment in the story and again, mirror what one would observe watching a movie.
At this point in the story, the natural and physical laws of our world have not yet been compromised by magical creatures or places. My prediction is that the mechanical man will be the key to the magical element of the story. I kind of feel that the train station is a magical place in itself. The way the author describes the goings on as a reader, I get the impression that it seems like a world of its own; although it is in reality a train station in Paris.
The characters are believable and the events in their lives explore issues of human condition. How horrible for Hugo to lose his father at such a young age and then to have his only living family member basically disappear on him? I think it is amazing that he has the stamina and will power to continue to do his uncles job. I just hope that one day he figures out how to cash all of those checks! The old man and Isabelle are interesting characters. The old man is slowly becoming a father figure for Hugo using the tough love approach. I think Isabelle wants to be his friend but is putting up her defenses as much as Hugo is. That combination of keeping up walls can lead to some awkward encounters. I also get the sense that Hugo is extremely quiet and there are times throughout the tale that Isabelle would have to provide Hugo with social cues so he could respond appropriately.
I can’t wait to find out when the magical element of this modern fantasy tale will begin! I hope Hugo can fix the mechanical man!
Saturday, April 12, 2008
The Boy in the Striped Pajamas
Amy,
I have just finished the first five chapters of The Boy in the Striped Pajamas. This book is written in such a simple manner, the words coming from the innocent mentality of a nine year old boy. A reader who has no knowledge of the Nazis and concentration camps era, might not find anything too disturbing, besides the oddity of the fenced in area behind the house where the men and boys are all wearing identical soil stained striped suits. For someone who does have some background knowledge of this time period, you are constantly putting little details together as you read.
At this point in the story Bruno has moved from his beautiful house in Berlin to a rundown home in a place they call "Out-With". The sudden move seemed to have occured after Bruno's father met with a person they refer to as the "Fury" (Could the Fury be Hitler?). Bruno's father is a very important man, who wears a uniform decorated with many metals. Bruno has heard that the Fury has big things in mind for his father. That is what confuses Bruno. If his father is an important man, why is he send to the horrible place Out-With. Was he being punished for something? When he finds the courage to confront his father and ask, his father tells him the move is what is best for a greater cause.
I think that John Boyne did a good job at setting up the scene of what a household in that day and time would reflect. Bruno is very aware of following the rules and showing polite behavior, even in the midst of all the confusion and change. There are soilders coming in and out of the house, coming to see Bruno's father. Bruno has been taught to salute his father and the soilders with the "Heil Hitler" salute. He describes it from the nine-year old perspective as "another way of saying, 'Well goodbye for now, have a pleasant afternoon'."
There were some other disturbing references to that time as well. The most significant is what Bruno finds behind his house. At the outskirts of their new home's property, and within view from Bruno's bedroom window, there is a tall fence topped with barbed wire. On the other side of the fence Bruno describes boys, fathers, uncles and grandfathers walking back and fourth, from one hut to another. They are among soilders who Bruno observes shouting at the children. Bruno's sister, Gretel, is repulsed by their appearance, it seems that they have never taken a bath. Bruno is more curious about the fact that they are all wearing the same striped clothing. When Bruno gathers the courage the ask his father who the people behind the fence are, his father responds, "they're not people at all...well at least not as we understand the term...you have nothing in common with them."
I find it interesting that they call their new home "Out-With", to me it sounds very similiar to "Auschwitz". Auschwitz was one of the extermination camps built in Poland. In the book Bruno describes going on a very long train ride to get to their new home. He also says that he thought it was odd that there were two train tracks going in the same direction. He was on train with lots of space and comfortable seats, and he was confused as of why some of the other people in the other train did not get on his train where there was more room. It is obvious that the other train was for people who were captured and sent to concentration camps, very likely the one neighboring Bruno's house.
I have just finished the first five chapters of The Boy in the Striped Pajamas. This book is written in such a simple manner, the words coming from the innocent mentality of a nine year old boy. A reader who has no knowledge of the Nazis and concentration camps era, might not find anything too disturbing, besides the oddity of the fenced in area behind the house where the men and boys are all wearing identical soil stained striped suits. For someone who does have some background knowledge of this time period, you are constantly putting little details together as you read.
At this point in the story Bruno has moved from his beautiful house in Berlin to a rundown home in a place they call "Out-With". The sudden move seemed to have occured after Bruno's father met with a person they refer to as the "Fury" (Could the Fury be Hitler?). Bruno's father is a very important man, who wears a uniform decorated with many metals. Bruno has heard that the Fury has big things in mind for his father. That is what confuses Bruno. If his father is an important man, why is he send to the horrible place Out-With. Was he being punished for something? When he finds the courage to confront his father and ask, his father tells him the move is what is best for a greater cause.
I think that John Boyne did a good job at setting up the scene of what a household in that day and time would reflect. Bruno is very aware of following the rules and showing polite behavior, even in the midst of all the confusion and change. There are soilders coming in and out of the house, coming to see Bruno's father. Bruno has been taught to salute his father and the soilders with the "Heil Hitler" salute. He describes it from the nine-year old perspective as "another way of saying, 'Well goodbye for now, have a pleasant afternoon'."
There were some other disturbing references to that time as well. The most significant is what Bruno finds behind his house. At the outskirts of their new home's property, and within view from Bruno's bedroom window, there is a tall fence topped with barbed wire. On the other side of the fence Bruno describes boys, fathers, uncles and grandfathers walking back and fourth, from one hut to another. They are among soilders who Bruno observes shouting at the children. Bruno's sister, Gretel, is repulsed by their appearance, it seems that they have never taken a bath. Bruno is more curious about the fact that they are all wearing the same striped clothing. When Bruno gathers the courage the ask his father who the people behind the fence are, his father responds, "they're not people at all...well at least not as we understand the term...you have nothing in common with them."
I find it interesting that they call their new home "Out-With", to me it sounds very similiar to "Auschwitz". Auschwitz was one of the extermination camps built in Poland. In the book Bruno describes going on a very long train ride to get to their new home. He also says that he thought it was odd that there were two train tracks going in the same direction. He was on train with lots of space and comfortable seats, and he was confused as of why some of the other people in the other train did not get on his train where there was more room. It is obvious that the other train was for people who were captured and sent to concentration camps, very likely the one neighboring Bruno's house.
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Ballerina Dreams
Amy,
I don't think that I have ever read a non-fiction book that has brought tears to my eyes. This is such a beautiul story, told through the experiences of these five young girls. The words tell the story, give the backgound and share with the reader information about the girls' disabilities. However, the photographs tell the story about who these girls are and show how their dreams have come alive. In each photograph you can see how the personality of each child shines from their faces.
I love the photos of Shekinah on stage. She is a prima ballerina in the making! You can tell that she loves the stage and the attention of the audience. When she is bending over to accept her rose, the smile on her face and her outstretched arms show that she is in her glory. I also loved the photo of Monica when she is getting ready to surprise her father on stage; this is the first time her father will ever see her stand with just the aide of her cane. Monica has a look of calm pride and poise on her face. Her expression is unlike what I've seen on an average five year old's face. She looks like a young woman. If you look at the helper's face behind Monica, you can see that she is holding the tears back as she lets Monica suprise her father with her special finale. I am sure that there was not a dry eye in that audience on that night.
The author wrote this story to help others learn about cerebral palsy and the accomplishments of these young dancers, but the story also helps readers to see this disability as something other than a text book condition. I think this would be a great book to share with children of any age. It would help to expand a child's knowledge and personal understanding about those affected by physical disabilities. I am sure that there are many children that could connect to the feelings of accomplishment gained from dancing and performing on stage. This book would show them that all children, regardless of their physical differences, can have similar interests and share similar dreams.
I don't think that I have ever read a non-fiction book that has brought tears to my eyes. This is such a beautiul story, told through the experiences of these five young girls. The words tell the story, give the backgound and share with the reader information about the girls' disabilities. However, the photographs tell the story about who these girls are and show how their dreams have come alive. In each photograph you can see how the personality of each child shines from their faces.
I love the photos of Shekinah on stage. She is a prima ballerina in the making! You can tell that she loves the stage and the attention of the audience. When she is bending over to accept her rose, the smile on her face and her outstretched arms show that she is in her glory. I also loved the photo of Monica when she is getting ready to surprise her father on stage; this is the first time her father will ever see her stand with just the aide of her cane. Monica has a look of calm pride and poise on her face. Her expression is unlike what I've seen on an average five year old's face. She looks like a young woman. If you look at the helper's face behind Monica, you can see that she is holding the tears back as she lets Monica suprise her father with her special finale. I am sure that there was not a dry eye in that audience on that night.
The author wrote this story to help others learn about cerebral palsy and the accomplishments of these young dancers, but the story also helps readers to see this disability as something other than a text book condition. I think this would be a great book to share with children of any age. It would help to expand a child's knowledge and personal understanding about those affected by physical disabilities. I am sure that there are many children that could connect to the feelings of accomplishment gained from dancing and performing on stage. This book would show them that all children, regardless of their physical differences, can have similar interests and share similar dreams.
Monday, March 10, 2008
Read a Rhyme, Write a Rhyme
This illustrator,Meilo So, seems to be very in tune with his audience. As soon as you open the front cover you are staring at what looks to be a kids wall, bulletin board, or locker. The two pages are covered with lists, stories, posters, reminders, rhyming words, poem starters and more. This is a perfect picture to use when brainstorming with students, "reasons why we write". I think these pages would draw a reader in, helping them to become motivated to read the book and to write their own material.
Jack Prelutsky, the author, writes a letter to his readers in the first few pages of his book. This letter came across as kid-centered and kid-intended. He writes, " I have lots of fun playing with words and ideas and 'solving' the poem...Maybe you'll even be inspired to write some poems from scratch. I surely hope so." He makes writing seem fun, creative and something to be shared. In this letter he explains why he wrote this book. A few years ago, he created a website for teachers and children. This website was designed to help students write poetry and share it publicaly. He based this poetry writing on "poemstarts", where he would start a poem off with a few lines and then the student would finish the poem. He shares goofy examples to show children that poetry can be fun and lighthearted. He then turned this website idea into a book, "Read a Rhyme, Write a Rhyme."
What a great idea for reluctant writers, or writers that just need a little push to get started. Poetry writing is broken down into "do-able" steps and there are ample examples from child writers throughout the book. There are also great illustrations and brainstorming prompts to help get the imaginations going. Another touch that the author added, which I loved, is this big stop sign in the beginning of the book asking readers not to write in the book. He writes, "I have something important to ask you - PLEASE DON'T WRITE IN THIS BOOK. It is beautifully printed on very fine paper, and it would be a shame to scribble in it. Also, if you write in it, you're likely to ruin things for someone else..." Was this guy ever a teacher? It sure sounds like it! I thought this one comment showed his love of books and the importance of taking care of these gifts.
Jack Prelutsky, the author, writes a letter to his readers in the first few pages of his book. This letter came across as kid-centered and kid-intended. He writes, " I have lots of fun playing with words and ideas and 'solving' the poem...Maybe you'll even be inspired to write some poems from scratch. I surely hope so." He makes writing seem fun, creative and something to be shared. In this letter he explains why he wrote this book. A few years ago, he created a website for teachers and children. This website was designed to help students write poetry and share it publicaly. He based this poetry writing on "poemstarts", where he would start a poem off with a few lines and then the student would finish the poem. He shares goofy examples to show children that poetry can be fun and lighthearted. He then turned this website idea into a book, "Read a Rhyme, Write a Rhyme."
What a great idea for reluctant writers, or writers that just need a little push to get started. Poetry writing is broken down into "do-able" steps and there are ample examples from child writers throughout the book. There are also great illustrations and brainstorming prompts to help get the imaginations going. Another touch that the author added, which I loved, is this big stop sign in the beginning of the book asking readers not to write in the book. He writes, "I have something important to ask you - PLEASE DON'T WRITE IN THIS BOOK. It is beautifully printed on very fine paper, and it would be a shame to scribble in it. Also, if you write in it, you're likely to ruin things for someone else..." Was this guy ever a teacher? It sure sounds like it! I thought this one comment showed his love of books and the importance of taking care of these gifts.
Sunday, March 2, 2008
Rosa
Amy,
After just taking a picture walk and reading the author's and illustrator's note, I am intrigued about what this book has to offer. In the pages before the title page there is a black and white picture of some men and women on a bus. One man is holding a newspaper with a headline reading, "The Life of Emmett Till". I couldn't remember the story of Emmett Till, but the name sounded familiar, so (as always) I googled it. I found out that Till was a fourteen year old boy brutally murdered by two white men as punishment for whistling at a white married woman. The men were acquitted, but later admitted their guilt. This case was reopened in 2004, the same year Rosa was published.
On the following page there is a note from the author and illustrator. The author, Giovanni, writes, " Rosa Parks is a cooling breeze on a sweltering day, a sun-dried quilt in fall, the enchantment of snowflakes extending from the horizon, the promise of renewal at spring." The illustrator, Collier, explains how he used a darkish yellow hue in many of his paintings so that the reader could feel the heat of Alabama, and also the heat of an uneasy quiet before the storm. Through their words it's obvious that both Giovanni and Collier are invested in this character and her acts of bravery and honor.
As I took a picture walk through this book I noticed the yellow hue that Collier wrote about. The yellow clouds in the sky give you that feeling of a calm, humid, slow Southern day. They also create a haunting, almost eerie feeling in the air. I also noticed the glow that seems to come from Rosa's face; this point was also discussed in the illustrator's note. She has a calm, gentle look on her face throughout the beginning of the story. I love how the illustrator drew the faces of the characters so that it looked like you were standing only inches away from them. It helps the reader to feel involved and part of the story itself. You can see the determination of a glare or the clenching of hands around a piece of cloth. I also loved the use of collage throughout the illustrations. It looks like Collier cut out pieces of photos (perhaps from that time period) and placed them throughout the paintings in the book. This gives the pages a sense of real life texture, which I also think helps the reader to feel closer to the story and setting.
I have not even begun to read this book yet, but I already feel invested in the characters and message of the story.
After just taking a picture walk and reading the author's and illustrator's note, I am intrigued about what this book has to offer. In the pages before the title page there is a black and white picture of some men and women on a bus. One man is holding a newspaper with a headline reading, "The Life of Emmett Till". I couldn't remember the story of Emmett Till, but the name sounded familiar, so (as always) I googled it. I found out that Till was a fourteen year old boy brutally murdered by two white men as punishment for whistling at a white married woman. The men were acquitted, but later admitted their guilt. This case was reopened in 2004, the same year Rosa was published.
On the following page there is a note from the author and illustrator. The author, Giovanni, writes, " Rosa Parks is a cooling breeze on a sweltering day, a sun-dried quilt in fall, the enchantment of snowflakes extending from the horizon, the promise of renewal at spring." The illustrator, Collier, explains how he used a darkish yellow hue in many of his paintings so that the reader could feel the heat of Alabama, and also the heat of an uneasy quiet before the storm. Through their words it's obvious that both Giovanni and Collier are invested in this character and her acts of bravery and honor.
As I took a picture walk through this book I noticed the yellow hue that Collier wrote about. The yellow clouds in the sky give you that feeling of a calm, humid, slow Southern day. They also create a haunting, almost eerie feeling in the air. I also noticed the glow that seems to come from Rosa's face; this point was also discussed in the illustrator's note. She has a calm, gentle look on her face throughout the beginning of the story. I love how the illustrator drew the faces of the characters so that it looked like you were standing only inches away from them. It helps the reader to feel involved and part of the story itself. You can see the determination of a glare or the clenching of hands around a piece of cloth. I also loved the use of collage throughout the illustrations. It looks like Collier cut out pieces of photos (perhaps from that time period) and placed them throughout the paintings in the book. This gives the pages a sense of real life texture, which I also think helps the reader to feel closer to the story and setting.
I have not even begun to read this book yet, but I already feel invested in the characters and message of the story.
Sunday, February 24, 2008
The Hello, Goodbye Window
Meaghan,
Well, I must say the first thing I noticed about this book was the wonderful illustrations. They just stand out I forced myself to do a picture walk of the illustrations before I read the story. I love how the images really depict how a young child would draw the objects and places shown. Without the text, the pictures show a happy family going about their daily routines. I also love the detail of each picture. The mixture of curvy and straight lines along with the bright colors suggests that this is a fun happy story!
After reading the story, it turns out my predictions were correct! This is a story about a granddaughter spending some time at her grandparents. I love how the author made the little girl the narrator and the way she described the things they did together. For example: when the little girl is describing the kitchen at the beginning of the story, I love how she included; “but you can’t touch anything under the sink. You could get very sick.” While this is a simple statement, I feel that kids would be able to connect to the reality of it. It is a very believable story.
Finally, I loved how this was a multicultural book without it being stated in the text. I think the illustrations do a beautiful job of showing that this is a mixed-race family. I truly feel that showing something without talking about it or addressing it completely sends out the message that it isn’t out of the ordinary. For example, I have some kids in my classroom who are shocked when they discover another student has parents from different races. I think reading a book like this to a diverse class will simply reinforce the point that there are many different kids of families out there; not all families are like yours. I think I am going to do some further research on this books Caldecott Medal Award!
Well, I must say the first thing I noticed about this book was the wonderful illustrations. They just stand out I forced myself to do a picture walk of the illustrations before I read the story. I love how the images really depict how a young child would draw the objects and places shown. Without the text, the pictures show a happy family going about their daily routines. I also love the detail of each picture. The mixture of curvy and straight lines along with the bright colors suggests that this is a fun happy story!
After reading the story, it turns out my predictions were correct! This is a story about a granddaughter spending some time at her grandparents. I love how the author made the little girl the narrator and the way she described the things they did together. For example: when the little girl is describing the kitchen at the beginning of the story, I love how she included; “but you can’t touch anything under the sink. You could get very sick.” While this is a simple statement, I feel that kids would be able to connect to the reality of it. It is a very believable story.
Finally, I loved how this was a multicultural book without it being stated in the text. I think the illustrations do a beautiful job of showing that this is a mixed-race family. I truly feel that showing something without talking about it or addressing it completely sends out the message that it isn’t out of the ordinary. For example, I have some kids in my classroom who are shocked when they discover another student has parents from different races. I think reading a book like this to a diverse class will simply reinforce the point that there are many different kids of families out there; not all families are like yours. I think I am going to do some further research on this books Caldecott Medal Award!
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