Review: Mother Goose's Little Treasures

By Iona Opie; Illustrated by Rosemary Wells

Candlewick Press; 2007; 56 pages

Picture Book; Mother Goose

Ages: 2-6

ISBN: 978-0-7636-3655-5

A collection of lesser known Mother Goose nursery rhymes paired with Rosemary Wells' signature illustrations.

My Thoughts:

Nursery Rhyme books, specifically Mother Goose, tend to all be the same. Shorter collections always default to the same handful of rhymes. In this book, however, Opie has chosen several rhymes that I had never seen before, and several that are lesser known. (Although, it should be pointed out, that for at least a few of them there might be good reasons for them being lesser known!) It was exciting to read this book, because you couldn't predict what the next page would bring. For parents, more interested in the history of nursery rhymes, there is an introductory letter from the author.

This is also a great read aloud book for younger audiences. The ratio of illustration to text is perfect. There are full page color illustrations that are usually paired with only a few lines of text. Some rhymes take 4 to 5 pages to play out. This makes it suitable for much shorter attention spans. Also, the illustrations themselves are charming. Children who are already familiar with Wells' bunnies will love to see them dancing along with children, cats, dogs, and poultry.

The Thoughts of Others:

School Library Journal's 2007 review did praise the work, but pointed out that since the rhymes are lesser known, the book is a non-essential addition to library and personal collections. They suggested only acquiring it after the previous two in Opie and Wells' series.

Lauralynn Persson also reviewed the book for Publisher's Weekly. She felt that the book was better suited to those who love nursery rhymes, rather than introducing new children to the genre. Also, while she appreciated the illustrations, she felt that they ended up being washed out in production.

Review: Gregor the Overlander

By: Suzanne Collins

Scholastic Books; 2003; 320 Pages

Juvenile Fiction; Fantasy

Grades: 3-6

ISBN: 9-780-4394-3536-9

The story of Gregor and his two year old sister, Boots, who fall through a grate in their laundry room. The pair become wrapped up in a war and a quest in the Underland, a world populated by giant bats, rats, spiders, and a race of humans.

My Thoughts:
I thought that Collins did a great job of creating realistic and believable characters, especially since they were thrust into such extraordinary and fantastic situations and settings. The main characters: Gregor, Boots, and Luxa all have their own skills that make them valuable, but they are all flawed in some way. I think that children will be able to identify with the fact that they do their best and try, even though they are not perfect. I also appreciated how Collins was able to take things that are far from appealing, and make them endearing. I cried when (spoiler alert) one of the cockroaches sacrificed himself for the good of the group. (Not that I am going to stop killing the little boogers when they invade my home...)

The book will especially appeal to boys. It has a male protagonist, is populated by creepy crawlies, and has action and violence. It is very fast paced, with chapters that are on the short side. It also doesn't pussy foot around violence and the consequences of war. People and things get hurt, and sometimes die. Sometimes the deaths/injuries are shown as being just and deserved, other times they are honorable and for the greater good, and sometimes they are pointless and sad. On the surface it has "boy book" written all over it. At the same time, Gregor is a caring and warm individual. The love and concern he shows for his little sister is a great example for growing kids. It proves you can be brave, and tough, and adventurous while still being loving, kind, and gentle. The balance of virtue and strength is great!

The Thoughts of Others:

Publisher's Weekly's 2003 review of the book admired Collins' technique and skill. They said that "Collins does a grand job of world-building, with a fine economy of words-no unnecessary details bog down either the setting or the invigorating story." They felt that the relationships were real, the pacing appropriate, and the characters believable.

Steven Engelfried reviewed the novel in 2003 for School Library Journal. He thought that it was a good book to introduce new readers to the fantasy genre. He also noted that the "Plot threads unwind smoothly [with] exciting scenes and cliff-hanger chapters ...balanced by decisions and interactions that drive the action."

Review: Tale of Despereaux

By: Kate DiCamillo

Candlewick Press; 2003; 267 Pages

Juvenile Fiction; Newbery Award Winner

Grades: 3-6

ISBN: 9780763617226

The story of a very little mouse with enormous ears. When Despereaux falls in love with a human princess, the castle culture is rocked to the core. Despereaux is forced into many exciting and dangerous adventures as he rushes to save the girl he loves.

My Thoughts:

I enjoyed this book immensely. I thought that the style was great, reminiscent of early novels from the 1800's, with the narrator often addressing comments directly to the Dear Reader. At the same time the plot moved along at a rapid pace, there were twists and turns through out, and the language was not mired in prohibitive vocabulary. (Although, the young reader will quickly learn the meaning of "perfidy.") I also thought that the plot itself was highly original. Although there have been other stories of princesses, mice, rats, and dungeons, DiCamillo somehow manages to avoid being derivative.

There are several aspects that I truly liked. The first is that soup is central to the storyline. I like soup. The second is that Despereaux is an underdog, and I think that kids will be able to identify with him. No one seems to expect much out of him, and they are easily frustrated when he doesn't fit into thier mold. By maintaining his integrity, he is actually able to do what those who are larger and better qualified cannot. I also loved that the story is not set in a specific era. Though it takes place in a castle, the king is depicted as singing the sixties hit "Deep Purple." Also, no one seems surprised that the animals can talk and interact with the people. Finally, I appreciated that the story teaches certain morals,but is never preachy. It teaches the importance of forgiveness, acceptance, and hope. It also teaches that love, though ridiculous, is powerful.

The Thoughts of Others:

Miriam Lang Budin wrote a review for School Library Journal in which she likened DiCamillo's writing to both Henry Fielding and George Orwell. She summed the work up as "entertaining, heartening, and, above all, great fun."

Booklist's Ilene Cooper appreciated the hidden lessons, writing that, "as with the best stories, there are important messages tucked in here and there, so subtly that children who are carried away by the words won't realize they have been uplifted until much later." She also appreciated the way that DiCamillo seamlessly wove four storylines together.

Review: Animalia

By: Graeme Base

Harry N. Abrams; 1987 (2004 reprint); 32 pages

Picture Book; Alphabet Book

Grades: Kindergarten thru Adult

ISBN: 0-8109-1939-7

A menagerie of animals romp through the alphabet doing all sorts of alliterative activities.

My Thoughts:

This is one of the most beautifully illustrated alphabet books I have ever clapped eyes on. It goes far beyond the "A is for Apple, B is for Ball" format of this genre's majority. Each letter is represented by a different animal doing something odd and interesting in an alliterative format. (For example: Diabolical dragons daintily devouring delicious delicacies.)

Honestly, the vocabulary is such that younger children will most likely be unable to read it independently. So, as far as its use as a typical alphabet book, it would be less than desirable. Yet, while the text may be over their heads, the beauty and intricacy of the illustrations will keep them enraptured! It also is a delightful read aloud book. The vocabulary can be made sense of through context and depiction. (I have never agreed with talking down to children. This book is a fun way to expose kids to words like: basking, impromptu, jovial, and upending.) Furthermore, the book can be used to teach older elementary students about the literary technique of alliteration.

The Thoughts of Others:

Aussie Reviews had some very insightful comments about this classic in a review by Tash Williams. Tash described the animals images as "bizarre and interesting." Tash also noted the broad based appeal, citing that various age groups are "looking at the levels that are appropriate [to them]...unaware of shared levels within."

Publisher's Weekly also reviewed the book when it was originally released in the 80's. While the overall review was positive, they did point out a few of its shortcomings. These included that "it lacks a clear conceptual coherence or unity of action or meaning on every page."

Review: Opposites

By: Sandra Boynton

Little Simon; 1984; unpaged

Board Book

Ages: 6 mos- 2 years

ISBN: 0-671-44903-6

Sandra Boynton's signature and classic animal drawings depict a variety of elementary opposite pairs such as whisper and shout; fast and slow; day and night; and hot and cold.

My Thoughts:

This is a good board book. The pictures accurately portray contrasting word pairs in simple and often humorous ways. The line drawings are enticing and graphic, while the colors, though pastel, are used in bold chunks. The text itself is very simple and formulaic, consisting of merely of the two opposite phrases. The font-type often reinforces the concept as well. "Heavy" is bold, while "light" is fine, for example. As far as textual interaction goes, babies can point to which part of the illustration is which. It is very appropriate to the board book format and the age group.

However, its appropriateness aside, this is not my favorite of Boynton's books. It is missing the joy of Moo, Baa, La La La or the endearing nature of But Not the Hippopotamus. As far as its purpose as a concept book goes, it teaches the opposites, but goes no further. There is nothing surprising or special. I wouldn't rush out to buy it for a friend, or go out of my way to acquire it for a library. There are other opposite books that do the same thing, only better. (Rainbow Fish Opposites, or Yummy Yucky.)Still, if you are wanting to complete a Boynton collection or merely looking for an additional concept book, it will meet your needs.

The Thoughts of Others:

Perhaps since the book has been around for a while, or perhaps because it is a board book, I was unable to find any editorial/critical reviews. However, I found a lot of reader reviews on Amazon and other sites..some negative, and some positive:

"I found this book to be one of the most confusing and complex series of illustrations for opposites--to date. I've got a very sharp little 16 mo. old and he was completely lost, which is not typical for him. "

"The major downside in this book is the words. They still flow nicely and rhyme without strain, but they lack some little charm that almost all of the other Boynton books have."

"A cute and happy book for toddlers and preschoolers, to help introduce simple concepts of up and down, heavy and light, day and night etc. Boynton's simple, clear and cheerful drawings always appeal to little people. Good for toddlers to kindergarten age." Please note that this reviewer recommends it for a non-board book age group!

The Mitten

Today was the first "Storytime with Megan" at my work. I told my adaptation of Jan Brett's adaptation of The Mitten. The basic transcript is posted to the left. I followed her storyline, but the repetitive refrains that each animal uses are original to me.

I was very excited...I had knit two different sized mittens and cut all of the animals out of felt. It was a lot of prep work for an 8 minute story, but now I have the tools should I ever tell the tale again. (Although my sister, who just got her elementary ed degree seems to think she needs them...)

The work was worth it, because my coworkers were truly delighted. (And I like to think it was my storytelling, not the juice boxes and animal crackers that they loved.) They said that they had not expected me to do voices, and you can hear them chuckling in the background of the video. Afterwards several asked to look at the book, they wanted to get copies for their kids/grandkids.

Things I learned: Up-angles are not flattering! Grape is the most popular juice flavor! Wear a belt when telling this story, so that you have someplace to tuck the mittens!

Also, I need to thank Bill who filmed it for me. He was worried it would be shaky, but used a chair to prop the camera...maybe tomorrow I will take a tripod...

The video of the story is posted to the left!

Flannel and Franklin

One of my co-workers has an adorable little boy named Franklin. He and I are buddies. He will tell you so. I have hung out with him a couple of times at Chuck E. Cheese, and read him stories and entertained him during company baseball games and Christmas parties. Franklin goes to daycare at a little school right behind our office, and even now his mother is trying to arrange for me to do a storytelling session there on one of my lunch breaks! Yay!

I am working on stories for the session...on the assumption that is going to happen!

One that I definitely want to do is a retelling of The Mitten by Jan Brett. It is a cute story, and I think I have figured out a really cool hook. I am going to make the animal characters out of felt, or find small figurines. Then I will get a mitten and show the animals crawling in one by one. I was concerned about the animals sizes until I remembered that in Jenine's Old Woman who Swallowed a Fly the animals weren't to scale.

More bulletins as ideas hit me...