Module 15 - Draw Me a Star

Module 15 – Draw Me a Star


*Image by: http://www.ericcarle.com

Draw Me a Star

By: Eric Carle

Carle, E. (1992). Draw Me a Star. New York: Scholastic INC.

Summary:

The book is about a child wanting things drawn for him by an artist. He first wants a star drawn, then he wants a sun. They were both good and warm. He goes on and asks for several other items to be drawn describing how good they are and big. Finally, he asks for a night sky and stars to be drawn and they are good. Eric Carle also tells as story about the time his grandmother draws a star for him. It is interesting to notice the change of the boy becoming the old man in the end and it is an interesting note of change.

Impressions of the book:

I really love Eric Carle’s work. I love his artistry and the colors he chooses for his paintings. I love the way he finger-paints his papers and then cuts out what he needs for his pictures; it is so creative and unique. I hadn’t read this book until I saw it in the module and I really liked it. I love that the artist connect with his work flying away with his star. I love that the star is all different colors possibly symbolizing that everyone is in that star.

Ways to use it in the Library:

Since Eric Carle said this book came from a dream and memories from his grandmother; I would teach the children how to draw a star and let them try. I would also talk to them about their memories of their grandparents whether they are alive or gone. I would talk about their dreams and if they had good ones or scary ones. There is so much to discuss with this story.

Reviews:

by: http://www.ericcarle.com

• “Draw Me A Star, written and illustrated by Eric Carle, the author of The Very Hungry Caterpillar, is another cyclical book, and a good one to read at bedtime. An artist is asked by an unseen friend to draw a star. The star then asks the artist to draw the sun. The sun asks for a tree, and before long an entire universe has sprung up. Night falls, the moon rises, the moon asks for a star, and the circle is complete. Mr. Carle’s media are paint and collage. The book is wholly satisfying.”

- by Cynthia Zarin, The New Yorker, November 18, 1992

• “A young boy is told (readers are not sure by whom) to “Draw me a star.” The star then requests that the boy draw it a sun; the sun asks for a “lovely tree,” and throughout his life the boy/man/artist continues to create images that fill the world with beauty. The moon bids the now-elderly artist to draw another star, and as the story ends, the artist travels “across the night sky” hand-in-hand with the star. This book will appeal to readers of all ages; its stunning illustrations, spare text, and simple story line make it a good choice for story hour, but older children will also find it uplifting and meaningful. Especially pleasing is a diagram within the story, accompanied by rhyming instructions on how to draw a star: “Down/over/left/and right/draw/a star/oh so/bright.” An inspired book in every sense of the word.”

- by Eve Larkin, School Library Journal, October, 1992

• “During his youth, this gifted author-artist explains in his newest book’s afterward, his German grandmother would often draw him a star while chanting a nonsense rhyme. Taking that symbol as his foundation, Carle here creates a world pulsating with life and color—a world that bursts forth from “a good star” sketched by a young artist. This kaleidoscopic pentagram requests a sun from the artist’s pen; the sun asks for a tree, and so on until a man and woman are living happily among Carle’s characteristic collages—flora and fauna of all shapes, sizes and vivid hues. Meanwhile the artist, now a bearded old man, continues to draw and create. This unusual, practically plotless work seems to embody a personal scenario close to the artist’s heart. His unadorned language, pulsing with a hypnotic rhythm, adroitly complements the familiar naive artwork. Though some may be disturbed by similarities between Carle’s evolving world and the biblical creation story (the unclothed male and female figures, for example), this tale of imagination and creativity pays homage to the artist within all of us—and may well fire youngsters’ imaginations. Ages 4-up.”

- Publishers Weekly, September 7, 1992

Module 14 - Comets, Stars, The Moon and Mars

Module 14 – Comets, Stars, the Moon, and Mars

*image by: http://www.harcourtbooks.com

Comets, Stars, the Moon, and Mars

By: Douglas Florian

Florian, D. (2007). Comets, Stars, the Moon and Mars. New York: Harcourt.

Summary:

This is a poetry book about the universe, the planets, the stars and all the other whimsical things in the solar system. The poems share delights and details about the planets, galaxies, and black holes. Some of the poems are in concrete form and others rhyme. The illustrations make the poetry come to life. Come read about the planet Saturn, the planet Neptune, so blue and cold.

Impressions:

I think this poetry book is a great book to read to all grades Kinder. – 5th grade. I loved how the poems described the planets as to their attributes and why they were named. At the end of the book there is information about each planet and other galactic objects. I also love the bibliography of other resources to read and learn from. This is a great book to accompany a solar system unit.


Ways to use in the Library:

This would be a great book to collaborate with the teacher as they teach a solar system unit. Also, it is a great book to use to introduce poetry to library patrons. I feel it is a great book to read to children and share the pictures.

Book Reviews:

*http://www.harcourtbooks.com

* “Nothing gladdens the heart of believers of good poetry for children more than a new collection by Florian. . . . This one literally sings the music of the spheres. . . . In both language and artwork, Florian strikes the perfect balance between grandeur and whimsy.” --School Library Journal 7/1/07 (starred)

School Library Journal ,7/1/2007

“The poet-painter’s latest book brings warm wit to the outermost reaches of cold, dark space. . . . Florian’s illustrations depict the marvels of space with luminous texture and detail.” --The New York Times Book Review

The New York Times Book Review,6/3/2007

Module 13 - Baby Mouse - The Musical

Module 13 – Baby Mouse: The Musical

*image from http://www.goodreads.com

Baby Mouse: The Musical

By: Jennifer L. Holm

Holm, J. L. (2009). Baby Mouse: The Musical. New York: Random House.

Summary:

This book is a story about a cute, a little clumsy mouse that wants to be a superstar in her own right. She meets the new student at school and he asks her if she is auditioning for the school musical. She does and makes it but she still tries to get herself out here all the while being clumsy and making a mess of everything.

Impressions:

I thought Baby Mouse was interesting, but it not my favorite book to read. Graphic novels are a draw for most children but I am not as interested as I thought I would be. Baby Mouse plays off the current TV shows/movies and that is one of the things that young children find appealing. If this type of graphic novel gets a child to read; then all the more power to the graphic novel!

Ways to use in the Library:

Let reluctant readers look over graphic novels like Baby Mouse and others so they will enjoy reading. Several of my readers that are fussy about what they read flock to the graphic novels. Also, I could use graphic novels to teach a cartooning book. That would be an interesting class to teach!

Reviews:
From Booklist

In her tenth misadventure, the irrepressible Babymouse tries out for the school musical, encouraged by new transfer student Henry Higgins, a British hedgehog. Of course, the popular girl, Felicia, wins the title role, and Babymouse has to settle for being her understudy with practically no hope of ever really being onstage. Yes, Babymouse does have a couple of major problems as an actress: she can’t keep the stage directions straight, and she trips over her own feet. As rehearsals go on, readers are treated to snippets of many great Broadway musicals (including My Fair Lady,Grease,The Phantom of the Opera,Annie, and more) as Babymouse daydreams during classes. Drawn with the usual black, white, and pink inks, this book will have readers laughing with, and wincing in sympathy for, Babymouse (particularly in PE, when she always gets hit during dodgeball). Another winning installment for the series’ fans. Grades 4-6. --Kat Kan

Review

“Nobody puts Babymouse in the corner.”—Horn Book, Starred

“Cute, smart, sassy Babymouse is fun and funny.”—Booklist

Module 12 - Rosa

Rosa

By: Nikki Giovanni

Illustrated By: Bryan Collier

Giovanni, N. (2005). Rosa. New York: Scholastic.

Summary:

This a vey poignant story about an African American heroine of civil rights. She stood up for what she believed in and did not give up her seat on the bus. The story begins as she leaves from work to go prepare an early supper for her family. She steps on the bus only to find the neutral seats available and trouble about to brew. She "sits" for her beliefs and is arrested. Many people boycot the bus lines to make the city hear their protest. Martin Luther King hears of the problem and comes to help. Through peaceful demonstrations, the law is changed and black and white people are equal.

Impressions:

I simply loved this book, the story of Rosa Parks is one of my favorites to listen to and read. I love the strength she has and composure she radiates while she is arrested. She never becomes irractic and shows everyone that she will "sit" for her rights as an American. I feel more children ned to hear stories about people such as Rosa Parks to help inspire them about what is important to them. She is a great lesson of American history.

Ways to Use in the Library:

This book is a great way to teach the autobiography and the Civil Rights Movement. Giovanni tells the story so vibrantly and Collier illustrates it beautifully. I feel as though I am in the city wanting to protest right alongside Rosa Parks. I feel this book would help students understand the Civil Rights movement. They would want to become to part of the history and learn more about what happened with Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King and others.

Review -
From School Library Journal
Grade 3-5–Rosa Parks's personal story moves quickly into a summary of the Civil Rights movement in this striking picture book. Parks is introduced in idealized terms. She cares for her ill mother and is married to one of the best barbers in the county. Sewing in an alterations department, Rosa Parks was the best seamstress. Her needle and thread flew through her hands like the gold spinning from Rumpelstiltskin's loom. Soon the story moves to her famous refusal to give up her seat on the bus, but readers lose sight of her as she waits to be arrested. Giovanni turns to explaining the response of the Women's Political Caucus, which led to the bus boycott in Montgomery. A few events of the movement are interjected–the Supreme Court decision in Brown v. Board of Education, the aftermath and reactions to the murder of Emmett Till, the role of Martin Luther King, Jr., as spokesperson. Collier's watercolor and collage scenes are deeply hued and luminous, incorporating abstract and surreal elements along with the realistic figures. Set on colored pages, these illustrations include an effective double foldout page with the crowd of successful walkers facing a courthouse representing the 1956 Supreme Court verdict against segregation on the buses. Many readers will wonder how it all went for Parks after her arrest, and there are no added notes. Purposeful in its telling, this is a handsome and thought-provoking introduction to these watershed acts of civil disobedience.–Margaret Bush, Simmons College, Boston
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
From Booklist
*Starred Review* Gr. 3-5. Far from the cliche of Rosa Parks as the tired little seamstress, this beautiful picture-book biography shows her as a strong woman, happy at home and at work, and politically aware ("not tired from work, but tired of . . . eating at separate lunch counters and learning at separate schools"). Her refusal to give up her seat on a bus inspires her friend Jo Ann Robinson, president of the Women's Political Council, and the 25 council members to make posters calling for the bus boycott, and they organize a mass meeting where the Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. speaks for them. Paired very effectively with Giovanni's passionate, direct words, Collier's large watercolor-and-collage illustrations depict Parks as an inspiring force that radiates golden light, and also as part of a dynamic activist community. In the unforgettable close-up that was used for the cover, Parks sits quietly waiting for the police as a white bus driver demands that she give up her seat. In contrast, the final picture opens out to four pages showing women, men, and children marching for equal rights at the bus boycott and in the years of struggle yet to come. The history comes clear in the astonishing combination of the personal and the political. Hazel Rochman
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
Review
"Paired very effectively with Giovanni's passionate, direct words, Collier's large watercolor-and-collage illustrations depict Parks as an inspiring force that radiates golden light." -- Booklist, Starred Review

"Purposeful in its telling, this is a handsome and thought-provoking introduction to these watershed acts of civil disobedience." -- School Library Journal

"Giovanni and Collier offer a moving interpretation of Rosa Park's momentous refusal to give up her bus seat. The author brings her heroine very much to life...a fresh take on a remarkable historic event." -- Publishers Weekly

"An essential volume for classrooms and libraries." -- Kirkus Reviews

Module 11 - An Egg is Quiet

An Egg is Quiet

by: Dianna Aston & Sylvia Long

Aston, D. (2006). An Egg is Quiet. San Francisco: Chronicle Books.

Summary:

This is a very informational book about all sorts and kinds of eggs. The inside covers show what the eggs look like and the opposite cover we see what the animal is after it is grown. The author tells readers about the size of eggs, shape of the eggs, where they are laid, the color/pattern of the egg, and event he texture of the egg. The illustrations are beautiful to see the different types of egg colors. They are all unique.

Impressions:

I loved just looking at this book. The pictures of the eggs and the colors/patterns are so detailed. I never thought eggs could look so unique. I loved the page where it showed the fossilized egg; I felt like I could touch it. I feel this is a great book to teach everything about eggs to young children. This book makes the eggs more real to the children and why they are the way they are. I like that it show how the eggs has built in protection such as shape, texture and color for camouflage.

Ideas for use in the Library:

I woulld love to use this book as an introduction to Spring with my younger children. My kindergarten teachers always do an egg unit so this would be a great book to begin the study. The children do hatch eggs some years, others not but this book would offer a great insight into what eggs look like and why they look a certain way.

Review -
From School Library Journal
Kindergarten-Grade 2–An exceptionally handsome book on eggs, from the delicate ova of the green lacewing to the rosy roe of the Atlantic salmon to the mammoth bulk of an ostrich egg. Aston's simple, readable text celebrates their marvelous diversity, commenting on size, shape, coloration, and where they might be found. The author occasionally attributes sensibilities to eggs (An egg is clever, for example). Still, her quiet descriptions of egg engineering and embryo development (no mention of mating) are on the mark, and are beautifully supported by Long's splendid watercolor depictions of a wide variety of eggs. (One teeny carp–Steller's jays are not spelled with an ar, though they are stellar performers when wheedling for your lunch at a campsite!) A beautiful guide to the unexpected panoply of the egg.–Patricia Manning, formerly at Eastchester Public Library, NY
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
From Booklist
PreS-Gr. 2. This beautifully illustrated introduction to eggs resembles pages drawn from a naturalist's diary. The text, scrolled out in elegant brown ink, works on two levels. Larger print makes simple observations that, read together, sound almost like poetry: "An egg is quiet. . . . An egg is colorful. An egg is shapely." On each spread, words in smaller print match up with illustrations to offer more facts about bird and fish eggs across the animal spectrum. The illustrations are too detailed for read-alouds, but there's a great deal here to engage children up close. The succinct text will draw young fact hounds, particularly fans of Steve Jenkins' Biggest, Strongest, Fastest (1995) and his similar titles. Long's illustrations are elegant and simple, and the gallery of eggs, as brilliantly colored and polished as gems, will inspire kids to marvel at animals' variety and beauty. A spread showing X-ray views of young embryos growing into animal young makes this a good choice for reinforcing concepts about life cycles. Gillian Engberg
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
Review
Like the subject matter it describes, this book packages with understated elegance the substantive matter found within it. "An egg is quiet. It sits there, under its mother's feathers . . . on top of its father's feet . . . buried beneath the sand," Aston (When You Were Born) begins, as spot illustrations zero in on a hummingbird, emperor penguin and sea turtle, respectively. The narrative then launches into a kind of survey about the characteristics of eggs, which follows a simple format. In most spreads, different adjectives (colorful, shapely, textured, etc.) complete the sentence, "An egg is . . . ." This repetitive rhythm contrasts with the visual variety of the illustrations. Long's (Sylvia Long's Mother Goose) skilled use of contrast and compositional balance prevent monotony. For example, a border that resembles a color test pattern runs down the outer edges of a spread of nearly 40 carefully placed "colorful" examples, set against a white background, which dazzle the eye. The main text appears in large, flowery cursive, while a smaller printed typeface serves as labels and brief factual captions. "An egg is clever," in fancy script, for instance, sits alongside examples of camouflage: "An egg might be speckled to resemble the rocks around it." The letters' dramatic curlicues mimic curvy grasses and vines dappled with tiny insect eggs. Long introduces breathtaking color into the final spreads, as a concluding scene "hatches from" this peacefulness, reminding readers of an egg's purpose. This attractive volume pleases on both an aesthetic and intellectual level. -Publishers Weekly, starred review
"Worthy successor to Ruth Heller's Chickens Aren't The Only Ones (1981), this engrossing album pairs images of dozens of precisely detailed eggs and their diverse wild parents to basic facts presented in neatly hand-lettered lines. Nearly all depicted actual size (and those that aren't, are consistently so labeled), Long's eggs look real enough to pick up, whether placed in natural settings or suspended on white pages. All, whether from birds, insects, reptiles, fish or amphibians, are not only identified, but Aston adds both topical phrases-"Eggs come in different sizes"-to each spread and, usually, memorably presented additional facts: "An ostrich egg can weigh as much as 8 pounds. It's so big and so round, it takes two hands to hold one egg." A delight for budding naturalists of all stripes, flecks, dots and textures." -Kirkus Reviews, starred review

Module 10 - Pink & Say

Pink and Say

By: Patricia Polacco

Polacco, P. (1994). Pink and Say. New York: Philomel Books.

Summary:

This is a story takes place during the Civil War period is it is about two boys that come together even in the most difficult of times. One young African American and a young Caucasian boy learn about each other and the acceptance they both seek. They are young, inexperienced at war and fearful of what will happen to them.

Impressions:

This is such an awesome book to read. I cry almost every time I read it. The illustrations make it so real to me. I feel so much for the boys; they are so young to be dealing with the issues and torment they face. Moe Moe Bay took such wonderful care of Say and the boys learned acceptance of each other and became close. I feel all children should read this book in conjunction with learning about the Civil War. The book brings such emotional attachment to this time period.

Ways to use in the Library:

This book is a great way to teach about the Civil War and the issues that black and white Americans had to face.

This would also be a great book to read during February, African American Heritage Month, to spotlight young African Americans. This book helps bring black history to life.

Review -
From School Library Journal
Grade 4 Up-This picture book set during the Civil War is a departure for Polacco in terms of content and audience. It is certainly the deepest and most serious book she has done. Sheldon Curtis, 15, a white boy, lies badly wounded in a field in Georgia when Pinkus Aylee, an African American Union soldier about Sheldon's age, finds him and carries him home to his mother, Moe Moe Bay. Sheldon, known as Say, is nursed back to health in her nurturing care. But then she is killed by marauders, and the boys return to their units. They are then are captured and taken to Andersonville, where Pink is hanged within hours of their capture. One of the most touching moments is when Pink reads aloud from the Bible to Moe Moe and Say. Say tells them that he can't read, but then he offers something he's very proud of: he once shook Abraham Lincoln's hand. This is a central image in the story, and is what ties the boys together for a final time, as Pink cries, "'Let me touch the hand that touched Mr. Lincoln, Say, just one last time.'" The picture of their clasped hands, with the hands of the soldiers wrenching them apart, is exceptionally moving. Polacco's artwork, in fact, has never been better. She uses dramatic perspectives, dynamic compositions, and faces full of emotion to carry her powerful tale. History comes to life in this remarkable book.
Lauralyn Persson, Wilmette Public Library, IL
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Booklist
Ages 5-9. Hands and gestures have always been important in Polacco's work. Here they are at the center of a picture book based on a true incident in the author's own family history. It's a story of interracial friendship during the Civil War between two 15-year-old Union soldiers. Say, who is white and poor, tells how he is rescued by Pinkus (Pink), who carries the wounded Say back to the Georgia home where Pink's black family were slaves. In a kind of idyllic interlude, Pink and his mother nurse Say back to health, and Pink teaches his friend to read; but before they can leave, marauders kill Pink's mother and drag the boys to Andersonville prison. Pink is hanged, but Say survives to tell the story and pass it on across generations. The figure of Pink's mother borders on the sentimental, but the boys' relationship is beautifully drawn. Throughout the story there are heartbreaking images of people torn from a loving embrace. Pictures on the title and copyright pages show the parallel partings as each boy leaves his family to go to war. At the end, when the friends are wrenched apart in prison, the widening space between their outstretched hands expresses all the sorrow of the war. Then, in a powerful double-page spread, they are able to clasp hands for a moment, and their union is like a rope. Say once shook Lincoln's hand, just as Say held Pink's hand, and Say tells his children, who tell theirs, that they have touched the hand that touched the hand . . . Hazel Rochman
From Kirkus Reviews
A white youth from Ohio, Sheldon Russell Curtis (Say), and a black youth from Georgia, Pinkus Aylee (Pink), meet as young soldiers with the Union army. Pink finds Say wounded in the leg after a battle and brings him home with him. Pink's mother, Moe Moe Bay, cares for the boys while Say recuperates, feeding and comforting them and banishing the war for a time. Whereas Pink is eager to go back and fight against ``the sickness'' that is slavery, Say is afraid to return to his unit. But when he sees Moe Moe Bay die at the hands of marauders, he understands the need to return. Pink and Say are captured by Confederate soldiers and brought to the notorious Andersonville prison camp. Say is released months later, ill and undernourished, but Pink is never released, and Polacco reports that he was hanged that very first day because he was black. Polacco (Babushka Baba Yaga, 1993, etc; My Rotten Redheaded Older Brother, above) tells this story, which was passed down for generations in her family (Say was her great-great-grandfather), carefully and without melodrama so that it speaks for itself. The stunning illustrations--reminiscent of the German expressionist Egon Shiele in their use of color and form--are completely heartbreaking. A spectacular achievement. (Nonfiction/Picture book. 4- 8) -- Copyright ©1994, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

Module 9 - Cam Jansen

Adler, D. (1980). Cam Jansen - The Mystery of the Stolen Diamonds. New York: Puffin Books.

Image from http://www.chinaberry.com/

Summary -

In David Adler's first adventure, Cam Jansen and The Case of the Stolen Diamonds, Cam and her friend Eric watch a possible robbery occur at the local jewerly store. Cam gets curious and follows the man that "looks" like the possble thief to help the police catch him. Cam gets herself into a sticky situation when the "thief" catches her but she gets away and the thief is apprehended.

Impressions:

This is a great book for budding chapter book readers. My girl's in 1st and 2nd grade love to read about Cam and there is just enough adventure that they really like the stories. Cam Jansen has a flair to her that is very interesting. She is very realistic to her readers and they can feel that she is one of their friends. I love the mystery/realistic fiction feel to Adler's books. I hope my daughter enjoys this series as much as I do.

Use in the Library Setting:

I try to gear my young chapter book readers to this series. They love the storyline and the mystery to them. It is a short read and it flows very well.

I also put put David Adler's books up on display on his birthday (April 10, 1947) to promote chapter books and female protagonists.

Review -
"What wrongdoer is any match for Cam Jansen, the girl with the amazing photographic memory?" ( Booklist) "An uncluttered plot, a clever heroine, clear language, and a dash of humor make for a zestful mystery."(School Library Journal)
Product Description
The Cam Jansen books are perfect for young readers who are making the transition to chapter books, and Cam is a spunky young heroine whom readers have loved for over two decades. Now the first ten books in the series have updated covers that bring new life to these perennial best-sellers. Old fans and new readers will love Cam's cool, modern look!