Review: Howl's Moving Castle

Directed by: Hayao Miyazaki

Walt Disney Video; 2006 (English Language Version)

2 disc Widescreen DVD; Animated Film

Ages: Kindergarten through Adult

This animated Japanese adaptation of Diana Wynne Jones' novel follows the adventures of a cursed girl and a wizard who has lost his heart as they struggle to break their separate curses and save their nation in the face of war.

My Thoughts:

To begin with, if I were reviewing this film on its merits as a film, I would give it a good review. It was a fine motion picture. Artistically, it was beautiful. Technically, the dubbing was flawless. The actors did an amazing job. I love Christian Bale, and I love Emily Mortimer. Casting them for the English Language version was genius. They truly invested their characters with honesty and feeling. The film was nominated for an academy award, and won countless other honors. This included the 2006 Family Film-Animated at the Young Artists Awards. Still, I am not here to do a film review for a film review's sake, but rather a review of the work in reference to children. And, sadly, as a kid's movie, "Howl's Moving Castle" left a lot to be desired...Young Artists Award notwithstanding.

I originally chose to review this film based on the recommendations of friends (who are in film school), family (who are film buffs), and Sarah (our esteemed course instructor who raved about Miyazaki). The problem was that, Sarah aside, the recommendations had not been made with kid friendliness in mind, but rather to me as an adult. (To be fair to Sarah, she recommended the studio, not the particular film.) I had not seen any Miyazaki, but had heard a lot of buzz surrounding "Kiki's Delivery Service," "Spirited Away," and "Howl's Moving Castle." This one happened to be the first available at my library, and the fact that two of my favorite actors were voices was a surprise bonus.

I was a little surprised, upon checking it out, to discover that it was rated PG. However, several fine animated films are PG, so I wasn't initially concerned. After watching it rating is most likely due to the prevalence of bombing and violence that comes with setting a film in the midst of war. This is also one of the things that makes the film inappropriate for smaller children, although it is nothing that upper elementary couldn't handle. (To clarify, I am not at all squeamish about exposing children to movies with guns and explosions...I grew up with Looney Tunes and superhero shows. Therefore, if the amount of bombing surpised me, you know there was a lot.) Also, the story line was fairly convoluted and would be hard for a younger child to follow. I am not sure whether this is a result of bad translation, poor adaptation, or the quality of the source material. Artistic touches, like how the main character phases from old to young depending on her mood, are never explained in the film and would be confusing to a child. They were confusing to me at first, and I am 25.

In short, this is a good movie. I liked this movie. I would recommend it to some of my friends and older cousins (high school/junior high) who like anime and Manga. I would not show this movie to a child under 10, not because there is anything truly bad about it, but because I don't think they would enjoy or understand it. Also, depending on how young they were, or their parents' views on guns and violence, I would actually recommend that some children NOT see it.

The Thoughts of Others:

Roger Ebert had a mixed reaction to this film. He admitted that it was good, but called it a disappointment in comparison to other Miyazaki works. While admiring the beauty of the animation, and the technical scope, he felt that the "underlying plot grows murky and [viewers will] grow impatient at spectacle without meaning." He does not address its suitablility for kids, but since he doesn't recommend the movie to anyone, it is a moot point.

The Rolling Stone review for praised the voice talents, and assured readers that the dubbing was top notch. They rhapsodized about Miyazaki's art work They summed the film up in one word...bliss. However, it should be noted, that children are not the primary readership of Rolling Stone, and therefore not the reviewer's main concern. The article does not address its suitability to the age group.

Review: Different Like Coco

By: Elizabeth Matthews

Candlewick Press; 2007; 40 pages

Picture Book; Non-Fiction; Biography

Age: Kindergarten - 3rd Grade

ISBN: 978-0-7636-2548-1

An illustrated biography of Coco Chanel which traces her life from her impoverished childhood through to her role as the Queen of Couture in Paris, while emphasizing her unique traits and individuality.

My Thoughts:

Disclaimer: I love picture book biographies. This is a great example of a biography for younger readers who will be interested to find out that the fun and spunky main character is a real person. Well executed, with engaging illustrations, the story admittedly varnishes over a few of the "earthier" details of Chanel's life. It only makes mention of one of her many gentleman friends, and gives a logical and positive reason for why the two of them do not live happily ever after. Chanel's historic and famous snobbery and elitism are explained, again with a positive spin. For children interested in all things fashion, the book does a great job of showing how revolutionary Chanel's designs were.

I appreciated that the text did not talk down to readers. Although the content was adjusted to match the age level of the readers, it was not cutesy or fake. The illustrations were friendly, inviting, and true to life. Chanel actually looks like Chanel, and her clothes are depicted in a historically accurate manner. I appreciated the timeline of Chanel's life which is included at the back of the book, but would have liked to see at least one photograph of Chanel, her designs, or even her boutique. I feel that this would have made it more apparent to young readers that the story is based on the life of a real person.

The Thoughts of Others:

The Publisher's Weekly Review raved about the illustrations and the storyline. They also point out how the book can function as an introduction to the historic time period, saying that it "offers a snapshot of European history through one extraordinary woman's life." Via Chanel, readers will learn about early feminism, fashion, war, and social class systems.

The School Library Journal review recommended the book for older readers than I did (grades 2-6). However, they made connections that I had not to other books. They felt that the book would appeal to the Fancy Nancy readership. Once they mentioned it, I began to see the connections between the young Coco that is depicted and the eponymous Nancy.

Review: Scaredy Squirrel

By: Melanie Watt

Kids Can Press; 2006; 40 pages

Picture Book;

Award Winner: ALA’s Notable Children’s Book; Cybil; Schwartz Children's Book Award for Children’s Picture Book; Amelia Frances Howard-Gibbon Illustrator's Award; Blue Spruce Award

Ages: Preschool to 2nd Grade

ISBN: 978-1-55337-959-1

Scaredy Squirrel is afraid of absolutely everything, including green martians. He develops an emergency kit, an exit plan, and never leaves his tree. When Scaredy Squirrel is forced out into the world, he learns that "new" and "different" do not always mean "bad" and "scary." He finds his courage, and begins to embrace adventure.

My Thoughts:

This book should be dedicated to neurotics everywhere. As someone who has control issues, I was able to identify with the main character in strange and unusual ways. Scaredy Squirrel has an escape plan and an emergency kit which addresses every possible eventuality. (As a kid, I had a plan for what to do if my house was invaded by raptors from the Jurassic Park films.) What is great about this book, is that it doesn't minimize Scaredy Squirrel's fears. It doesn't ever diminish him as a squirrel for having them. Rather it shows how, by facing his fears, he is able to lead a richer and more fulfilling life. That is a concept that is important for kids. They need to know that it is ok to be afraid, but that they can face those fears. At the end of the book, Scaredy Squirrel is still nervous...he isn't "fixed" as one would suppose. The resolution comes from the fact that he is now willing to step away from his tree and try new things.

The text in this book is at a fairly simple level. It is engaging enough to make it a good read aloud book, but easy enough that insecure or early readers can try it on their own. The pictures are also incredibly engaging. They are extremely bold in their lines, and the colors (while limited) make a statement. Many books about fear depict the "scary" things in a dark and menacing way, that can actually CAUSE children to be more afraid. This book, however, shows them in a light and humorous way, that is very non-threatening. Children can empathize with Scaredy Squirrel without joining in his paranoia.

The Thoughts of Others:

Publisher's Weekly had a very positive 2006 review of Watt's book. They noted that she "largely dispenses with conventional visual storytelling," using instead "goofy charts and diagrams" which "spoof all the sincerely inane worksheets that are the staple of elementary school homework." (This was something I had not actively picked up on, but is useful in teaching literacy skills. Children need to learn to interpret diagrams and charts in addition to reading traditional text.)

School Library Journal also picked up on the plethora of diagrams versus standard text. They felt, in their 2006 review, that the main character was endearing, and that the humor would appeal to children.

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: I love My New Toy

By: Mo Willems

Hyperion Books; 2008; 57 pages

Picture Book. Easy Reader

Grades: Kindergarten- 2nd

ISBN: 978-142310962-4

Piggie and Elephant's friendship is put to the test when Elephant accidentally breaks Piggie's new toy. Luckily, their relationship is not broken forever, and neither is the toy! (It turns out it was supposed to break. Go figure!)

My Thoughts:
I stand in awe of Mo Willems yet again. How he is able to depict such a range of emotions with such minimal artwork and text is beyond me. His use of text balloons makes learning to read more fun. (Reminiscent of comic strips, reading dialog in balloons is less arduous and more straight forward for readers.) Also, rather than using adverbs to express emotions, Willems employs the more direct means of emphasizing text through font size and typeface. (Anger is expressed in large, bold, capital letters. Sadness is small and fine.)

In short, this is a great easy reader book. It has limited vocabulary usage, making it easier for children to practice basic words when they are trying to read. Also, most children were raised on Willem's other work (Pigeon, Knuffle Bunny, Leonardo, etc.) and will feel at home with this book. It is comfortable because it is familiar.


The Thoughts of Others:

Hornbook's review from July 2008 agrees with me that the book's limited vocabulary is ideal for young readers. The reviewer states that "the simple speech-balloon text uses a fair amount of repetition to encourage new readers." They also appreciated how "Willems skillfully conveys mood and tone through type size and his characters’ expressive body language."

Ilene Cooper at Booklist also reviewed this book in July 2008. She appreciated expressive nature of the simple illustrations, as well as that the book"offers plenty of opportunity
for new readers to learn useful words."
See, EVERYONE loves Mo Willems! (As well they should!)

Review: Here Comes Silent E!

By: Anna Jane Hayes

Random House; 2004; 32 pages

Easy Reader; Phonics

Ages: Pre-school - 1st Grade

ISBN: 0-375-91233-9

Silent E introduces children to how vowels change with his presence as he interacts with his friends and changes their bits to bites, pins to pines, and tubs to tubes.

My Thoughts:
The Step into Reading series is one of the most popular in my library system. Kids appreciate that they can easily find books at their level, and parents appreciate that they can find books that will help their children improve their literacy. This addition to the series is...adequate. It does what it sets out to do, but doesn't go above or beyond. In fact, Hays has to push the envelope in order to make her point on a few of her word pairs. (For example, she has Silent E turn an angry cub into a melting cube.) However, if one is to take this book as what it purports to be...a book that will teach children about silent e's, and a title in a complete phonetic series, one can't complain. (I mean, there had to be a silent e book, so it might as well be this one.) If you are looking for a Caldecott or Newbery caliber title to teach your child phonics, you will be disappointed. But if you just want to get the concept across in an entertaining manner, this book will meet your needs.

Thoughts of Others:

There was literally only 1 review that I could find anywhere...and that one was from a mom on Amazon. She thought it was a cute story. URGH! Series books are SOOOOO hard to find reviews on. I couldn't even find any reviews of the series as a whole, since it is more a system of learning than a series of books.

Review: Sticky Burr

By: John Lechner
Candlewick Press, 2007; unpaged

Graphic Novel; Hardcover

Ages: 6-10

ISBN:978-0-7636-3054-6

Sticky Burr lives in Burrwood Forest, with all the other burrs. However, he does not like doing very burr-ish things. He loves to paint, fly with his dragonfly friend, and play his ukulele rather than annoy, argue, and stick to things. The other burrs decide that Sticky Burr has got to go...that is, until his friendly attitude and willingness to help others saves the day!

My Thoughts:

I thought that this was a delightful book. Thematically, it encourages children not only to be helpful, but to be themselves. The plot was not overworked, but at the same time it was not very involved. It is easy to follow, and would hold the interest of an early elementary school student, but may bore older students. Still, it is a great introduction into the graphic novel genre, and I believe would serve as an enticement to a reluctant reader.(See...who said that graphic novels couldn't be teaching tools!)
The artwork, while simple stylistically, is well-done and engaging. I really liked the definition and journal pages that are superimposed over a hand-made paper background. Also, the text is clear and full of interesting tidbits. There is even a song at the end, complete with music. Internet-savvy kids can also go to the official web page and explore. (The book started out as an online comic...so the page is very well done.)

The Thoughts of Others:

Booklist's Gillian Engberg reviewed the book, and was enchanted by it. Her only criticism was that "the messages about triumphing over bullies are overt."

It was also reviewed by School Library Journal, which in addition to praising the art, lauded "the lively and sometimes punny dialogue."