Rapunzel's Revenge by Shannon and Dean Hale. (Genre: Graphic Novel and Fantasy)

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Hale, Shannon and Hale, Dean (authors) and Hale, Nathan (illustrator). RAPUNZEL’S REVENGE. 2008. New York: Bloomsbury USA Children's Books. ISBN: 9781599900704.

PLOT SUMMARY
This is a modern presentation of the story of Rapunzel which is full of action and humor. Rapunzel lived with her mother Gothel in a luxurious villa surrounded by a giant wall. When she turns twelve, she spies over it and discovers the truth about her family through her real mother who lived as a slave on the other side of the wall. She also discovers Gothel’s true identity and how her family had suffered because of her.
This angers mother Gothel and she locks up Rapunzel on the top of a tall magical tree. While she stayed captive at the top of the tree, her hair grew longer which she used as a rope to escape. It was now time for Rapunzel to rescue her real mother from Gothel. She meets Jack and his pet goose who help her beat the villains, wild beasts and kidnappers. She finally saves her mother and they both discover their love for each other.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Author Shannon and Dean Hale have reimaged Rapunzel from a fairy tale character to an action hero. The story starts as the original story but is packed with action and wit. This modern retelling of the story is set in the American west. When Rapunzel comes to know about Gothel’s wickedness and that she was not her mother, she was banished to live on a tree. Rapunzel finds Jack who she made friends with and later falls in love. The story portrays good over evil and at the end Rapunzel saves her mother from the evil Gothel. The dialogs in the story are full of sarcasm. Readers of age group 9 and above will enjoy the modern version of Rapunzel.
Illustrator Nathan Hale has cleverly captured the emotions and feelings of the characters in the story. The illustrations flow with the story and make it even wittier. This modernized and inventive story of Rapunzel where she is described as a tough and brave girl will be enjoyed by both boys and girls.
I did enjoy reading the book but the setting of the book did not seem so appropriate to me. The story is set in the west and the cow boy feel to the story took me a little while to connect the real story with the modernized story.

AWARDS/ REVIEW EXCERPTS
ALA 2009 Notable Children's Book
YALSA 2009 Great Graphic Novel for Teens
Cybil Award Winner
"The dialogue is witty, the story is an enticing departure from the original, and the illustrations are magically fun and expressive." -School Library Journal

"This graphic novel retelling of the fairy-tale classic, set in a swashbuckling Wile West, puts action first and features some serious girl power in its spunky and strong heroine...Hale's art matches the story well, yielding expressinve characters and lending a wonderful sense of place to the fantasy landscape. Rich with humor and excitement, this is an alternate version of a classic that will become a fast favorite of young readers." -Booklist

CONNECTIONS
• Discuss the similarities and differences in the character of Rapunzel in Paul O. Zelinsky's Caldecott winning Rapunzel and Rapunzel’s Revenge.
• Related books
- Zelinsky, Paul O. (adapter, illustrator) and Brothers Grimm (author). RAPUNZEL. 1997. New York: Dutton Juvenile. ISBN: 9780525456070. (Caldecott Medal Book)
-Wilcox, Leah (author) and Monks, Lydia (illustrator) FALLING FOR RAPUNZEL. 2003. New York: Penguin Group (USA). ISBN: 9780399237942.
- Storace, Patricia (author) and Colon, Raul (illustrator). SUGAR CANE: A CARIBBEAN RAPUNZEL. 2007. New York: Hyperion Books for Children. ISBN: 9780786807918.
• Readers interested in reading about the author and her books can checkout this link:
http://www.squeetus.com/stage/main.html

A Step from Heaven by An Na (Genre: Realistic Fiction)

BIBLIOGRAPHY
An Na. 2002. A STEP FROM HEAVEN. Penguin. ISBN 0142500275.

SUMMARY
Step From Heaven is a story of a little girl Young Ju who immigrates with her family from Korea to “Mi Gook”, America. She moved to America with a belief that she was going to heaven. She was disappointed to learn that America is not heaven. Life in America was not easy for the family. Soon the family had a new member and Young Ju became a big sister. She started felling that she was ignored and her father gave her little brother more attention because he was his boy. Her parents had to work multiple jobs to support the family and Young Ju was adjusting to the new school, a baby brother, a new place and the accent of the people.
Young Ju’s mother, who she also addressed as Uhmma, was a hard working and caring woman. On the other hand, she father was an alcoholic who abused his wife and children when he was frustrated. As Young Ju was growing up, she started doing very well in school and desired to become more like her American friends whose parents spoke fluent English and were not poor like her. Her life was not perfect because of the abusive father and his lifestyle.
The abuse continued until one day Young Ju decided to call the police to save her mother’s life. Her father was arrested and after being released, returned to Korea leaving the family behind. Young Ju grows up into a mature and confident young woman and prepares to leave for college while her mother and brother move into their own small house.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS
The author tells a story of a young Korean immigrant who moved to America at the age of 4 and passes through different stages in her life finally maturing as a confident young woman. A lot of Korean terms are woven into the story to give it a realistic touch. This story will be enjoyed by readers 12 and above who will easy connect with Young Ju, the main character of the story.
The novel deals with issues like poverty, male dominance, alcoholism and abuse. It realistically reveals the problems faced by immigrants and the changes in life that they witness. The author describes in details the problems faced by new immigrants.
Young Ju, is described as a very intelligent and confident character. She was the witness to the unfair treatment by her father who only valued his son. On being frustrated, he consumed alcohol and abused the entire family. She saw this unfair treatment of her mother and felt the emotional pain that he was causing everyone. Her final decision changes the life of her family and gives everyone the freedom to live their lives respectably.
The author has written this novel with simple language that the readers would easily be able to connect to. The entire story depicts poverty, helplessness and abuse but the story ends in a very positive note. This is a richly described encouraging story that the readers will enjoy.

AWARDS/ REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
ALA Best Books for Young Adults
ALA Notable Children’s Books
Michael L. Printz Award
Starred review in Booklist: “As in the best writing, the particulars make the story universal.”
Starred review in Publishers Weekly: “Equally bright are the prospects of this author; readers will eagerly await her next step.”
Starred review in School Library Journal: “A beautifully written, affecting work.”
Review in Horn Book: “Each of these vignettes displays an astonishing and memorable force.”
Review in VOYA: “This beautifully written book, a tale of both tragedy and eventual triumph, is likely to bring tears to the eyes of any reader.”

CONNECTIONS
• A discussion could be started with young adults regarding immigration and the problems immigrants face.
• Young adults could discuss about different cultures and words that people use.
• Related books
-Lee, Marie G. FINDING MY VOICE. ISBN 9780395621349
-Sheth, Kashmira. 2004. BLUE JASMINE. Hyperion. ISBN 0786818557.
-Alvarez, Julia. 2010. RETURN TO SENDER. Yearling. ISBN 0375851232.

The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman Audio Book Review (Genre: Fantasy)

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Gaiman, Neil. 2008. THE GRAVEYARD BOOK. Read by the author. New York: Harper Collins Audio. Audiobook (Unabridged), 7 compact discs; 7.5 hours. ISBN 0061551895.


SUMMARY
The Graveyard Book written by Neil Gaiman is a tale of Nobody Owens who is a human child adopted by a pair of husband and wife ghosts, Mr. and Mrs. Owens. He was the sole survivor after the murder of his family by a man named Jack. Bod was raised and sheltered by the inhabitants of the graveyard and also taught him the talents of haunting and fading so that he could live in the graveyard without the fear of being found by Jack. Silas was the only human at the graveyard. He offered his services as a guardian to Bod who would go out of the graveyard to gathered food for his survival.
While growing from being a toddler to a young adult, Bod learnt a lot of skills that ordinary humans do not possess. At 5 he even made friends with a human girl named Scarlet who soon moved to Scotland. Even though he had been kept protected in the graveyard, he still longed for the company of living beings. He wanted to attend school like every out child so Silas enrolls him in a nearby school. Soon he found that he did not fit into the place and was drawing too much attention, so he came back to the graveyard.
When Bod turned 15, Jack reappeared but Bod smartly uses all that he had learnt and picked up to defeat Jack. He now felt that the world was a safe place for him again. Silas gave him some money to start a new life outside the graveyard. Bod starts losing his ghostly abilities after he starts living his new life as a normal human being.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Gaiman has read this book on his own and has given a different and appropriate voice and emotions to the characters of the story. He had given a lot of attention to the characters while giving them a voice. The details of his work could be noticed well throughout the story. One of the very interesting details that he took care was Scarlet’s accent after she comes back from Scotland 10 years later.
In the beginning, it appeared that the graveyard would be a scary place. Listeners would be worried about the fate of Nobody Owens. But as the story progressed, the graveyard appeared more like a fun place where exciting things were happening.
The readers/listeners will love the character of an innocent boy Bod and children will easily relate to him. The author tells an emotional story of a toddler who was orphaned at a young age and lived in a graveyard with dead companions. As he grew up, he longed for human friends and a life like every normal human lives.
This is a touching story which has been told in a way that it becomes exciting and keeps the listeners engaged till the end. Readers/ listeners aged 10 and above will enjoy reading or listening to the story.

AWARDS/ REVIEW EXCERPTS

Audiobook:

Audiobook of the Year, Audie Award (2009)
Audiofile Magazine: “Gaiman gives each specter a different—and wholly appropriate—voice, but he doesn't stop there. He even goes so far as to change a character's accent ever so slightly after she comes back from years and years abroad. Best of all, Gaiman performs a shift of character voice that is an absolute showstopper when he reveals the villain.”
Books for Ears (Audio Book Reviews): “Neil Gaiman reads his Newbery Medal winning book beautifully. His nod to Kipling’s The Jungle Book is just scary enough, intriguing, inventive, well-written, enchanting . . . it’s downright wonderful.”

Novel:

Locus Award, Best YA Novel (2008)
Hugo Award (2009)
Newbery Award (2009)
Novel winner of the 2010 Carnegie Medal
The New York Times: “The Graveyard Book, by turns exciting and witty, sinister and tender, shows Gaiman at the top of his form…The story's language and humor are sophisticated, but Gaiman respects his readers and trusts them to understand…In this novel of wonder, Neil Gaiman follows in the footsteps of long-ago storytellers, weaving a tale of unforgettable enchantment.”
The Washington Post: “The book's power lies in Gaiman's ability to bring to quirky life (pun intended) the graveyard's many denizens, including a protective vampire and a feisty medieval witch. Like a bite of dark Halloween chocolate, this novel proves rich, bittersweet and very satisfying.”
Publishers Weekly: “The author riffs on the Jungle Book, folklore, nursery rhymes and history; he tosses in werewolves and hints at vampires-and he makes these figures seem like metaphors for transitions in childhood and youth.”
Booklist: “This is an utterly captivating tale that is cleverly told through an entertaining cast of ghostly characters. There is plenty of darkness, but the novel’s ultimate message is strong and life affirming….this is a rich story with broad appeal. ”
Kirkus Reviews: “Childhood fears take solid shape in the nursery-rhyme-inspired villains, while heroism is its own, often bitter, reward.”
New York Times Book Review: “THE GRAVEYARD BOOK, by turns exciting and witty, sinister and tender, shows Gaiman at the top of his form. In this novel of wonder, Neil Gaiman follows in the footsteps of long-ago storytellers, weaving a tale of unforgettable enchantment.”

CONNECTIONS
*Before reading the story, encourage a discussion about graveyard and how students would feel living in a graveyard.
*For art, students could paint a picture of any character or part of the story that they liked.
*Related books:
Gaiman, Neil. 2008. CORALINE. Harper Festival. ISBN 0061649691.
Hahn, Mary Downing. 2007. THE DOLL IN THE GARDEN: A GHOST STORY. Clarion Books. ISBN 9780618873159.
Dahl, Roald.1984.ROALD DAHL’S BOOK OF GHOST STORIES. Farrar, Straus and Giroux. ISBN 9780374518684.

Hattie Big Sky by Kirby Larson (Genre: Historical Fiction)

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Larson, Kirby. 2006. Hattie Big Sky. New York, NY: Delacorte Press. ISBN 9780385733137

PLOT SUMMARY
Hattie Inez Brooks was a sixteen year orphan who did not have a permanent home. She lost her parents at the age of five and there after lived with one or the other distant relatives. One day unexpectedly, she inherits a homestead in Montana from an uncle she had never known. She finds this an opportunity to find herself a home which she would call her own. Soon she finds that to prove her claim she would need to put a fence down, plant and harvest flax and wheat and survive the harsh winter. Hattie was a young woman with strong determination.
She made friends with her neighbors, The Muellers who later became her very close to her.They helped her settle in her new house and take care of the horses and the cows.
In1917, anti German sentiments grew strong in Montana. Her neighbor, Karl Mueller who was German born was attacked. Hattie stood by them and also supported them during this tough time. It is an enjoyable story full of adventure, heartbreak and joy.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS
The author creates a very believable plot of Hattie’s life and World War I through this remarkable story. The story portrays the challenges faced by a young orphan girl through which she learns the values of life, friendship, hardships and joy of being self sufficient. The story is written in a narrative way which helps the readers connected to the story.

The story is inspired by the author’s great-grandmother who lived in a homestead all by herself in eastern Montana. The story portrays with detail, the life of a young girl on a homestead during WWI and also the anti German sentiments that every one had during the war against the Germans.
This book will be enjoyed by the teenagers who will see the young girl struggling to survive and helping her friends. There are some interesting recipes at the end of the book that the readers may like trying.

AWARDS/ REVIEW EXCERPTS
ALA Notable Children's Books - Older Readers Category: 2007
Booklist Editors' Choice - Books for Youth - Older Readers Category: 2006
Montana Book Award
School Library Journal Best Books: 2006
YALSA Best Books for Young Adults: 2007

School Library Journal: “Larson creates a masterful picture of the homesteading experience and the people who persevered.”

Booklist: “Writing in figurative language that draws on nature and domestic detail to infuse her story with the sounds, smells, and sights of the prairie, she creates a richly textured novel full of memorable characters.

Horn Book : “Set in Montana during World War I, Larson's novel tells a gripping story of frontier life through the eyes of an unlikely homesteader--a sixteen-year-old orphan girl. Pressures to be a "loyal" American complicate her situation after she befriends a German couple. Evocative yet straightforward language ably depicts Hattie's joys and struggles.”

CONNECTIONS
-Open a discussion with students asking them how they handle hardships.
-Discuss the character of Hattie with students.
-Related books
Giff, Patricia Reilly. 1999. LILY'S CROSSING. Bantam Doubleday Dell. ISBN 9780440414537.
Holm, Jennifer L. 2007. PENNY FROM HEAVEN. Yearling. ISBN 0375836896.

The Midwife's Apprentice by Karen Cushman (Genre: Historical Fiction)

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Cushman, Karen. 1995. THE MIDWIFE’S APPRENTICE. New York, NY: Harper Trophy. ISBN 9780064406307.

PLOT SUMMARY
This is a story of a homeless girl who has no family and no one to care for her. She does not know her age and has no name other than Brat. On a frosty evening, Brat found shelter and warmth in a farmer’s dung heap. Jane, an ill-tempered village midwife finds her and takes her as an apprentice. She called her Beetle and started teaching her some of the skills. Beetle was now forgetting her past. She tamed a cat and befriends a homeless village boy and helps a cow give birth twin calves. She also finds herself a real name- Alyce.
One day Jane leaves a woman in labor in Alice’s care to attend to a richer woman. She successfully delivered the baby and was paid for her services which made Jane angry. Alyce tried to work as a midwife on her own but was unsuccessful. Her failure discouraged her and she finds a job at the inn instead. She met a scholar at the inn and started to learning from him. She delivers a baby successfully at the inn for a guest and decides to go back to the village to pursue her career.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This is an interesting novel by Karen Cushman about a girl who is in search for a name and an identity for herself. The story is beautifully set in Medieval England and also describes the culture and fascinating details of. Medieval England.
The story portrays a nameless and homeless girl who with her hard work, courage and determination achieves a name and identity for herself. In the same way, the author has a message attached for the readers. The book encourages the readers to try hard and achieve what they want. The book also encourages the readers not to give up when they feel discouraged.
The readers will enjoy the journey of Brat from being a scared girl to Beetle where she learns and forgets her past to finally becoming Alyce who is confident and courageous. The story will be enjoyed by readers 12 and above. In my opinion, girls will enjoy reading it more than boys. Some content in the story is not appropriate for young readers.

AWARDS/ REVIEW EXCERPTS
ALA Notable Children's Books: 1996
Booklist Editors' Choice - Books for Youth - Older Readers Category: 1995
Newbery Medal
Parents' Choice Awards - Story Books: 1995
School Library Journal Best Books: 1995
YALSA 100 Best Books (1950-2000)
YALSA Best Books for Young Adults: 1996

Kirkus Reviews: “How Brat comes to terms with her failure and returns to Jane's home as a true apprentice is a gripping story about a time, place, and society that 20th-century readers can hardly fathom. Fortunately, Cushman does the fathoming for them, rendering in Brat a character as fully fleshed and real.... in language that is simple, poetic, and funny”.

Publishers Weekly: “The force of the ambience produces more than enough momentum to propel the reader from start to finish in a single happy sitting.”

School Library Journal: “Characters are sketched briefly but with telling, witty detail, and the very scents and sounds of the land and people's occupations fill each page as Alyce comes of age and heart. Earthy humor, the foibles of humans both high and low, and a fascinating mix of superstition and genuinely helpful herbal remedies attached to childbirth make this a truly delightful introduction to a world seldom seen in children's literature.”

CONNECTIONS
* Discuss with readers how they handle failure.
* Discuss the message attached with the story.
* Have the readers paint a picture of the Medieval era as told in the story.
* Related books:
-Cushman, Karen. 1995. CATHERINE CALLED BIRDY. HarperCollins. ISBN 9780064405843.
-Avi. 2004. THE CRISPIN: CROSS OF LEAD. Hyperion Book CH. ISBN 9780786816583.

THE Game Of Silence by Louise Erdrich (Genre: Historical Fiction)

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Erdrich, Louise. 2005. THE GAME OF SILENCE. Unabridged ed. New York, NY: Harper Children’s Audio. ISBN 0060758392.

PLOT SUMMARY
This book is a sequel to the National Book Award nominee The Birchbark House by Louise Erdrich. This is a story of a 9 yr old girl named Omakayas that means Little Frog because her first step was a hop. She was a part of the Ojibwa tribe who lived on an island in Lake Superior in 1850. Omakayas had learnt a lot of different things from her tribe and was now aware of the fact that she could retell the future through her dreams.

The Ojibwas were now living peacefully on the island. They lived in houses made of birch bark in summer, went to the ricing camps in fall where they would harvest and feast and finally move to their cozy log cabins at LaPointe before the first snow. This serenity was interrupted by a group of white men or chimookomanag who wanted Omakayas and her people to leave their island and move to the west. The children were made to play the game of silence and the adults tried to find a course of action. The story focuses on the threat of losing their home and the adjustments that the tribal people had to make.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Author Louise Erdrich tells this heart touching story through the eyes of 9 year old girl, Omakayas. Even though Omkayas lived in 1850 with a different lifestyle but the readers will easily relate to this story of a typical child of this age. Like every child, she enjoyed snowball fights, fishing and avoided doing her daily chores.
The author uses native terms and phrases throughout the story to help readers connect to the culture, myths and traditions of the Ojibwa tribe. The pencil illustrations by Louise Erdrich complement the story. They provide the readers with an insight into the lives, culture, natural surrounding and crafts of the Native Americans. The book is written in simple words which would be easily understood by the readers.
This sequel to the The Birchbark House will be enjoyed by readers aged 9-14 years. This book will give them a better way of understanding life, the joy of having a place to live, the fear of losing it and the other uncertainties of life.

AWARDS/ REVIEW EXCERPTS:
Scott O'Dell Award for Historical Fiction
Kirkus Editor’s Choice
Horn Book Fanfare
ALA Notable Children’s Book
ALA Booklist Editors’ Choice
New York Times Notable

"This meticulously researched novel offers an even balence of joyful and sorrowful moments while conveying a perspective of America’s past that is rarely found in history books." PUBLISHERS WEEKLY

"Erdrich’s captivating tale of four seasons portrays a deep appreciation of our environment, our history, and our Native American sisters and brothers." SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL

CONNECTIONS
* Discuss the Native American culture including their surrounding and their lifestyle with the students.
* Discuss with the students how they feel about change in their lifestyle or place of residence that may affect their life.
* Encourage students to draw a pencil illustration of any part or character of the story that they like.
*Related Books:
Erdrich, Louise. 2010. THE PORCUPINE YEAR. New York, NY. HarperCollins. ISBN 0064410307.
Bruchac, Joseph.2002. NAVAJO LONG WALK : TRAGIC STORY OF A PROUD PEOPLES FORCED MARCH FROM HOMELAND. National Geographic Children's Books. ISBN 0792270584.

What To Do About Alice? How Alice Roosevelt Broke The Rules, Charmed The World And Drove Her Father Teddy Crazy! by Barbara Kerley (Genre: Biography)

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Kerley, Barbara.What To Do About Alice? How Alice Roosevelt Broke the Rules, Charmed the World, and Drove Her Father Teddy Crazy! . Ill. by Edwin Fotheringham. New York, Scholastic. ISBN 0545123259

PLOT SUMMARY
This book gives an interesting look into the life of Alice Roosevelt who was born in 1884 and was the eldest daughter of President Theodore Roosevelt. She was an independent and happy child who was hard to contain. For pets, she had a snake and a monkey that she showed to everyone visiting. She named her snake, Emily spinach because of its color and its resemblance to her thin aunt. She refused to go to boarding school and instead stayed at home and educated herself by reading at her father’s library. She was an adventurous little girl who roamed on the streets of Washington and taught her younger siblings to slide down the stairways on trays. President Roosevelt famously said about his daughter, "I can be president of the United States or I can control Alice. I cannot possibly do both." The author focuses on the childhood, youth, teenage and finally the marriage of Alice to a congressman. The large, colorful and hilarious illustrations by Edwin Fotheringham complement the biography of this fun loving little girl.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS
WHAT TO DO ABOUT ALICE ? is a good picture book biography to read aloud. Author Barbara Kerley brings to light the life of Alice Roosevelt and the troubles she created for her father. Young children will enjoy hearing about the early years of her life. The book describes the tough childhood and teenage years, but at the end the author also talks about her life as a mature individual who joined politics and proved to be an asset to her father.
The text used is simple and will keep young children engaged. Quotation marks have been used throughout the book.
The illustrations are colorful and vibrant. The large illustrations capture the facial expressions of the characters perfectly. Blue and red colors are used on every page to depict the full of life personality of Alice.
This is a light hearted and colorful biography of Alice Roosevelt that will be enjoyed by young children and will keep them engaged with her funny and hilarious life style.

AWARDS/ REVIEW EXCERPTS

Sibert Honor Book

Boston Globe-Horn Book Honor Book

Irma Black Award Honor Book

Parents Choice Award

Washington State Scandiuzzi Children's Book Award

California Collections

A Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year

A School Library Journal Best Book of the Year

A Kirkus Reviews Best Book of the Year

An ALA Notable Book

Capitol Choices

New York Public Library 100 Titles for Reading and Sharing

Nominated for Young Reader awards in Texas, Illinois, Utah and Tennessee

Booklist, starred review: "Irrepressible Alice Roosevelt gets a treatment every bit as attractive and exuberant as she was.... Kerley's text has the same rambunctious spirit as its subject, grabbing readers from the first line.... The large format gives Fotheringham, in his debut, plenty of room for spectacular art."

School Library Review, starred review: "Kerley's text gallops along with a vitality to match her subject's antics, as the girl greets White House visitors accompanied by her pet snake, refuses to let leg braces cramp her style, dives fully clothed into a ship's swimming pool, and also earns her place in history as one of her father's trusted advisers.... Fascinating."

Publishers Weekly, starred review: “It's hard to imagine a picture book biography that could better suit its subject than this high-energy volume serves young Alice Roosevelt."

CONNECTIONS
*There is lot of information about teacher’s guide on this book on the author’s own website http://www.barbarakerley.com/TRAlice.html
*For art, children could be asked to draw a picture of Alice with her pets.
*Related books:
-Kimmelman, Leslie.2009. MIND YOUR MANNERS, ALICE ROOSEVELT! Peachtree Publishers. ISBN 1561454923
-Felsenthal, Carol.2003. PRINCESS ALICE: THE LIFE AND TIMES OF ALICE ROOSEVELT LONGWORTH. St. Martin's Griffin.ISBN 0312302223

Almost Gone : The World's Rarest Animals by Steve Jenkins (Genre: Non Fiction)

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Jenkins, Steve. 2006. Almost Gone: The World's Rarest Animals. New York: HarperCollins. ISBN 9780060535988.

PLOT SUMMARY
The book starts with the introduction of a simple example of chickadees and goes on to explain the ecological cycle and ecological balance to children with the use of very simple language. The author talks about Grand Cayman blue iguanas, hairy nosed wombat, California condor and other species that are on the verge of extinction. This non fiction picture book has 28 different species listed from around the world that are rare. These include mammals, insects, reptiles and birds that are grouped in categories. There is one page for each species with a picture, animal description, basic facts, human activities that have contributed to their low numbers, the number of remaining animals and what steps the conservationists are taking to protect them. There is a world map at the back of the book that gives the locations where each animal is found.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Almost Gone: The World's Rarest Animals belongs to the Lets –Read-and –Find –Out –Science series. The author has taken a simple example of a bird in the beginning of the book to explain the young readers about ecosystem and ecological balance. The author also talks about the effect of the loss of one species on the other and the entire ecosystem.
There is information about one animal on every page. There is a small paragraph about the facts, location, number of animals surviving and what has contributed to their low number. The illustrations are very colorful and eye catching. The cut paper artwork has been done in such a creative way that the animal pictures get a realistic look to them.
The book’s categories are very well organized. The “almost gone” category talks about the animals that are rare and could disappear from the face of the earth. The “gone forever” category describes those species that are extinct now and the “coming back” category gives readers the confidence that these animals could be protected from extinction.
Almost Gone is a book with colorful and artistic illustrations that will be enjoyed not only by young children but will also keep readers of any age engaged with the wonderful facts and information about different species.

REVIEW EXCERPTS
Booklist:“Caldecott Honor Book illustrator Jenkins applies his considerable talents to the cause of conservation in this book in the long-running Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science series. Using his signature cut-and torn-paper collages, he shows 21 endangered species, accompanying each image with a few sentences about the animal's habitat, a particular characteristic, and, sometimes, the reason for its endangered status.”
School Library Journal:“This engaging title is informative as well as visually stunning. Jenkins captures the essence of his subjects with appropriately colored, cut-paper collage illustrations on stark white backgrounds.”
Horn Book:“Jenkins first discusses the interdependence of living things, then portrays twenty-eight endangered and extinct animals. Each profile includes a striking cut-paper rendering of an animal along with a paragraph about the animal's habits and habitat and why its population has dwindled.”

CONNECTIONS
*Open a discussion with children about the earth, effects of pollution and how they can help keep the earth clean and save the planet.
*The world map could be used to teach the children about the location of animals and their habitat.
* Children could be encouraged to paint a picture of one endangered animal.
*Children could paint animal face masks as an art project.
Related book:
Jenkins, Steve. 2003.WHAT DO YOU DO WITH A TAIL LIKE THIS? Houghton Mifflin Books for Children .ISBN 9780618256280.

Claudette Colvin: Twice Toward Justice by Philip Hoose (Genre: Biography)

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Hoose, Phillip. 2009. CLAUDETTE COLVIN: TWICE TOWARD JUSTICE. New York, N.Y.: Farrar Straus Giroux. ISBN 0374313227

SUMMARY
Rosa Parks is a familiar name in the Civil Rights Movement who took a stand against racial segregation and injustice. Author Philip Hoose brings to light a lesser known teenager, Claudette Colvin, who refused to give her seat to a white person and thereby played a significant role in the Civil Rights Movement.
Back in 1955, Claudette Colvin lived in Montgomery, Alabama where people were divided on the basis of their color, white and black. White and black people had separate schools, bathrooms, restaurants, buses seats and movie theaters. This law of segregation or separation was also called Jim Crow law. On March 2nd 1955, Claudette Colvin was travelling in a segregated bus, where the front four rows were reserved for white passengers only. Black passengers had to give up their seats to white passengers if there were additional white passengers. She had occupied the seats behind the reserved seats but when additional white passengers boarded the bus, a white woman expected her to vacate her seat for her. Her friends gave up their seats but Claudette refused. She was arrested on the charges of violating segregation laws. After being released on bail she was treated more like an outcast and an unfit role model by her own classmates instead of being celebrated as a Civil Rights hero. Later she made a significant contribution towards the Civil Rights movement by becoming one of the four plaintiffs in the case Browder vs. Gayle.
This is an inspiring biography of a young girl with wonderful accounts of her courage that helped change the course of history and has been presented in a very interesting and a heart touching way by author Philip Hoose.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS
The book has been written by author Philip Hoose in simple words so that it is easy to understand by the younger audience. The book is divided into two parts. The first part has eight chapters that depict the condition of Montgomery in 1955, the segregation laws and the injustice that was done because of the Jim Crow law. The second part of the book has two chapters that describe the Browder vs. Gayle case and the rage and outcry in Montgomery.
There is an author’s note and an index at the end of the book.There are several photographs in the book that show segregation of whites and blacks in restaurants, waiting rooms and movie theaters. The photographs play an important role in keeping the readers connected to the book by giving them actual account of the events that happened along with the interesting text that complemented them. The note at the end of the book shows that the author had consulted a number of books, websites and articles to write about Claudette. He had also conducted 14 interviews with her between Jan –Sept 2007 before writing the book.
This book gives young readers the inspiration and the message to make a difference in society by standing against injustice. The author has brought an unsung Civil Right Movement hero in light through his hard work and extensive research in the form of this wonderful book.

AWARDS/ REVIEW EXCERPT (S)

2009 National Book Award Winner, Young People’s Literature

Jane Addams Honor Book Award

Booklist, Starred Review: “Hoose draws from numerous personal interviews with Colvin in this exceptional title that is part historical account, part memoir. Hoose’s lucid explanations of background figures and events alternate with lengthy passages in Colvin’s own words, and the mix of voices creates a comprehensive view of the Montgomery bus boycott and the landmark court case, Browder v. Gayle, that grew from it.”

School Library Journal: “The text is supplemented with black-and-white photos, reproductions of period newspapers and documents, and sidebars. While virtually all students know Rosa Parks's story, this well-written and engaging book will introduce them to a teen who also fought for racial justice and give them a new perspective on the era, making it an outstanding choice for most collections.”

CONNECTIONS
* Each student could do a research project on one Civil Rights Movement hero
and present it to the class.

*As a group, students could do a timeline on major events in Black History and describe them too.
* Discussion could be held on topics like segregation laws and discrimination and how they affected people and society.
*Related books:
-Morrison, Tony. 2004. REMEMBER: THE JOURNEY TO SCHOOL INTEGRATION. Houghton Mifflin. ISBN 9780618397402

-Bridges, Ruby. 1999. THROUGH MY EYES. Scholastic Press. ISBN 9780545108553

-Moore, Johnny Ray.2002. THE STORY OF MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. Ideals Publications. ISBN 0824941446

What My Mother Doesn't Know by Sonya Sones (Genre: Poetry)

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Sones, Sonya. 2001. WHAT MY MOTHER DOESN'T KNOW. New York: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers. ISBN 0689841140

PLOT SUMMARY
This is a story of a 15 yr old girl named Sophie who is a typical teenager looking for true love. She does not get along with her family but loves her best friends, Grace and Rachel. First it was Lou. Then she falls in love with Dylan, who was Rachel's big sister’s best friend’s younger brother. After being together for some time, she meets Chaz online. This made her loose interest in Dyaln and she decides to break up with him. And after Chaz, she secretly harbors a crush for Murphy, the class Geek. For the Halloween dance, Sophie changes her ugly rose covered dress and wears a cool black dress. She finds herself longing for Dylan but when she danced with a mysterious masked man, she felt that she had found her soul mate and wanted to dance with him all night. During her winter break she spends some time with Murphy and finally finds out that the mystery masked man with whom she had danced on the Halloween party was none other than Murphy.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This book is a light hearted verse novel by Sonya Sones that expresses the feelings of a teenage girl. Each poem has a different title and describes one moment in Sophie’s life. The story keeps moving in sequence to keep the readers connected to the main character. The book is not set as a rhyming poetry but is more like reading a journal in which Sophie describes all her love for her friends, her relationship with her family and her search for love.
My favorite poem in the book was “The Mocking Bird”. Like the mocking bird, Sophie was also trying to use different voices to attract a boy bird so that he could come and dance with her.
This book will be enjoyed by teenagers and adults who could easily connect with the story and discover little pieces of themselves in Sophie. The shape of the poem and the use of fonts compliment the story perfectly.

AWARDS/ REVIEW EXCERPTS
ALA Top Ten Most Challenged Books (2004-2005)

ALA Best Book for Young Adults (2002)

International Reading Association Young Adults' Choice (2003)

VOYA Top Shelf for Middle School Readers (2003)

BOOKLIST Editor's Choice (2001)

Texas Lone Star State Reading List Choice (2003-2004)

Starred review in PUBLISHER'S WEEKLY: "...Sones poignantly captures the tingle and heartache of being young and boy-crazy..."

Starred review in KIRKUS REVIEWS: "Sones has crafted a verse experience that will leave teenage readers sighing with recognition and satisfaction.

Starred review in BOOKLIST: "The poetry is never pretentious or difficult; on the contrary, the very short, sometimes rhythmic lines make each page fly."

Starred review in VOYA: "The poems are snappy, and each one strikes a chord that fluidly moves the reader to the next episode."

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: "Sones's poems are glimpses through a peephold many teens may be peering through for the first time..."

PAGES MAGAZINE: "...WHAT MY MOTHER DOESN'T KNOW captures the sweet confusion of being a teen girl in love for the first time."

CONNECTIONS
• Students could be asked to write a poem in verse form.
• Students could be encouraged to discuss about Sophie and her relationship with her friends.
• A discussion on the safety of internet chats/dating could be initiated.
• Related books
-Tan, Amy. 1989. THE JOY LUCK CLUB. ISBN 0143038095
-Sones, Sonya.2007.WHAT MY GIRLFRIEND DOESN'T KNOW. ISBN 0689876025
-Janeczko, Paul B. 1991. PREPOSTEROUS: POEMS OF YOUTH. ISBN 0531059014

Mirror Mirror by Marilyn Singer (Genre: Poetry)

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Singer, Marilyn. 2010. MIRROR MIRROR. Ill. by Josée Masse. New York, N.Y.: Dutton’s Children’s Books. ISBN 0525479017


PLOT SUMMARY
This is a book of verse or reversible poems which is written in such a way that it could be read from top to bottom as one poem and from bottom to top as another poem. The book is a collection of 14 reverso poems of popular fairy tales like Cinderella, The Sleeping Beauty, Rapunzel, Little Red Riding Hood, Ugly Ducking, Rumplestiltskin, Snow White , Jack and the Beanstalk, Goldilocks and the Three Bears, Hansel and Gretel, Princess and the Frog and Beauty and the Beast.
The two poems are written in such a way that the readers will get two completely different points of view from the same fairy tale. For example, in the poem about Cinderella, the first poem is about her situation where she is doing all the chores and is unable to go to the ball, but in the reverse poem, the view point of the step sisters is told.


CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Author Marilyn Singer has created a unique and creative way of retelling popular fairy tales through verse, reverso or reversible poems.
The poems can be read from top to bottom as well as from bottom to top using the same exact words. By using the same exact words and making some changes in the capitalization and punctuation, the author completely changed the perspective of the reverse poem. This gives the readers, two different view points of the same tale. I felt that the author has created an amazing outcome from this unique experiment.
The colorful and textured illustrations by Josée Masse compliment the poems. Each poem has its own set of illustrations. One half of the poem depicts one view point and the other half depicts another view point. The illustrator has done justice to the book by providing illustrations that reinforce the theme of reverse poems. The pictures play with the readers mind in the same way as the poems do.
It is a beautiful book of poems that will keep the readers engaged. Readers who enjoy reading fairy tales will find a new way to look at fairy tales through this innovative poem book. It will be appreciated by all readers but it will be hard by young readers to understand the two view points of the same poem.


AWARDS/ REVIEW EXCERPTS
Booklist: “Matching the cleverness of the text, Masse’s deep-hued paintings create split images that reflect the twisted meaning of the irreverently witty poems and brilliantly employ artistic elements of form and shape—Cinderella’s clock on one side morphs to the moon on the other.”

BookPage: “Clever and delightful—those are the best words to describe Mirror Mirror, a new collection by noted poet Marilyn Singer.”

Kirkus Reviews: “A collection of masterful fairy-tale–inspired reversos—a poetic form invented by the author, in which each poem is presented forward and backward.”

School Library Journal: “This is a remarkably clever and versatile book that would work in any poetry or fairy-tale unit. A must-have for any library.”


CONNECTIONS
• Children could be encouraged to write a short reverso poem using simple words.
• As an art project, children could be encouraged to draw a mirror image of any picture.
• Children could be asked to talk about their favorite fairy tale.
• Related Books:
-Maclachlan, Patricia.2010. WORD AFTER WORD AFTER WORD. New York.N.Y..:Katherine Tegen Books. ISBN 0060279710.

Button Up! Wrinkled Ryhmes by Alice Schertle (Genre: Poetry)

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Schertle, Alice. 2009. BUTTON UP! WRINKLED RHYMES. Ill. by Petra Mathers. New York, N.Y.: Harcourt Children’s Books. ISBN 0152050504

SUMMARY
This is a collection of 15 poems for children in which clothes of all kinds (shoes, shoelaces, hat, helmet, jammies and even undies) share their own personal story. Each item of clothing has its own point of view which is expressed in the form of a humorous poem. The children will enjoy seeing the mouse wearing an under wear, a dog wearing a jersey, an alligator wearing a pajama and a pig wearing galoshes. Each item of clothing has a special relationship with its owner which is described through the poem as well as the illustrations. The young readers will enjoy the simple and colorful illustrations by Petra Mathers.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Alice Schertle is an award winning poet who has given voice to clothing through this wonderful collection of poems. The poems are playful and rhyming with colorful illustrations of cute cartoon animals. The illustrations by Petra Mathers compliment the poems and bring the characters to life. Children will easily relate to the poems and the colorful and funny illustrations. Some illustrations show children how to dress up. For example in the poem “Bill’s Blue Jacket”, the illustration shows how to put a jacket on.
The poems have been written in simple language that the young children would easily relate too. The characters have simple names and are very expressive. Although the children would enjoy listening to each poem, I felt that some poems are more appealing than the others. The poems will be enjoyed by readers of all age gbut young children will easily connect with the poems and the funny colorful characters.

AWARDS/ REVIEW EXCERPTS
Lee Bennett Hopkins Poetry Award, 2010

Best Childrens Book of the Year, 2010

Booklist Starred Review: "With varied rhymes and rhythms occasionally disrupted for emphasis, Schertle's poetry is reminiscent of A. A. Milne and begs to be read aloud."

Kirkus Reviews: “There are otters and pigs, alligators and rabbits, emus and moles. And these creatures have personality, exuberance and high style that perfectly match the verses. Loads of fun.”

School Library Journal: “Playful spreads and spot art suit the small, snappy verses beautifully. This whimsical little volume will make a delightful addition to poetry collections.

CONNECTIONS
• Children could be asked to describe their favorite piece of clothing after reading this book to them.
• Children could be encouraged to write their own poem about their favorite piece of clothing.
• As an art project, children could draw a picture of their favorite clothes.
• Related books:
-Janeczko, Paul B. 2001.DIRTY LAUNDRY PILE: POEMS IN DIFFERENT VOICES. Harper Collins.ISBN 0688162517.

-Polisar,Barry L.1999. BUG SOUP: BUG POEMS. Rainbow Morning Music. ISBN 0938663224.

Rapunzel by Paul O. Zelinsky (Genre: Traditional Literature)

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Zelinsky, Paul O. 1997. RAPUNZEL. NewYork, N.Y.: Dutton Children’s Books. ISBN 0525456074

PLOT SUMMARY
After longing for a baby for a very long time, a couple comes to know that they are expecting a child. The wife craves for the rapunzel herb that grows in the garden of the sorceress next door. The husband goes to steal the herb but is caught by the sorceress who demands the newborn child in return. The sorceress takes the baby when she is born and names her Rapunzel. She raises her and when she turned twelve, the sorceress locks her up in a tall tower in the woods with no door and just one window.
Rapunzel’s long and beautiful hair was the only way to go into the tower. She lived in the tower all by herself and the sorceress was the only visitor. One day, a young prince happens to pass by the tower and is mesmerized by Rapunzel’s melodious voice. The prince sees the sorceress enter the tower so he mimics her and says "Rapunzel, Rapunzel, let down your hair!". Rapunzel lets her hair down and the prince climbs up the tower. They fall in love and get married secretly in the tower. When the sorceress discovers that she has been deceived, she cuts Rupunzel’s hair in anger and uses it to trap the prince. The prince is finally saved by Rapunzel’s voice and they are reunited. They go to their kingdom and lived happily ever after.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Paul O Zelinsky has won the Caldecott Medal for the book Rapunzel. He has retold the fairy tale of Rapunzel in a beautifully illustrated picture book. The detailed pictures that depict the characters and the background are beautifully painted in oil. The pictures complement the story giving it an impression of the Renaissance era. The architecture, the landscapes, the tower, the birds, the peacock and the background marble wall help readers connect to the Renaissance times.
The sorceress in this story has not been portrayed as an evil character. She had kept Rapunzel in the tower to protect her from the realities of the world. But, Rapunzel meets the prince in the tower and they get married. The convex mirror on the table reinforces the pregnancy of Rapunzel. There is some content in the story that may raise questions from young children. Though it will be enjoyed by all age groups of readers but this story may not be appropriate for very young children.
This is a well written retelling of the age old fairy tale of Rapunzel. Like all fairy tales, this story has a beautiful ending with Rapunzel going back to the kingdom with the prince and the twins and living happily ever after.

AWARDS/ REVIEW EXCERPTS
Caldecott Medal Book, 1998

Carl Sandburg Award

Publishers Weekly: "A breathtaking interpretation gives the fairy tale new art-historical roots, with illustrations that daringly-and effectively-mimic the masters of Italian Renaissance painting."

Kirkus Reviews: “grandly evocative, composed and executed with superb technical and emotional command.”

Horn Book: “Simply put, this is a gorgeous book; it demonstrates respect for the traditions of painting and the fairy tale while at the same time adhering to a singular, wholly original, artistic vision.”


CONNECTIONS
• A discussion on Renaissance period and the artwork could be held with children.
• Children could be encouraged to paint a picture in oil paints.
• Related books:
-Roberts, Lynn & Roberts, David. 2003. RAPUNZEL: A GROOVY FAIRY TALE. ISBN 0810942429
-Mccafferty, Catherine. 2002. RAPUNZEL. Brighter Child. ISBN 157768379X

The Three Horrid Little Pigs by Liz Pichon (Genre: Traditional Literature)

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Pichon, Liz.2008. THE THREE HORRID LITTLE PIGS. Wilton, Conn.: Tiger Tales. ISBN 158925077X

PLOT SUMMARY
This is a story of three little horrid pigs who were so mean and rude that their mother drives them away. The first little pig builds a house by stealing straw from the cows. The second little pig builds his house by stealing twigs from the birds and drives the wolf away when he offered to help. The third little pig was so lazy that he did not build a house and instead he moved into a chicken coop. The cows eat up the first pig’s house and the birds pull apart the second pig’s house. A rooster drives the third pig out of his house. The wolf invites the pigs to his house because they had nowhere to go. The pigs finally learnt their lesson. They stopped being lazy and mean and also learnt how to make a house out of brick for themselves in which they lived happily forever.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This funny picture book is a variant of the classic “The Three Pigs”. The story has a funny start and a twist at the end that will keep readers engaged throughout the story. The reversal of the roles of the pigs and the wolf are very interesting. The wolf who is traditionally the villain of the story is actually very helpful and friendly in this story.

The illustrations are very funny and the illustrator has managed to capture the facial expressions of the pigs very carefully. The illustrations are very colorful and I really liked the pink colored pigs with mean looking eyes which made them look grumpy and bad. The text was written in such a way that it appeared to flow from one page to another. The author did an excellent job with the wonderful story complimenting the colorful and captivating illustrations.

Liz Pichon has created a simple, funny and engaging story for young children that will make them laugh and teach them a message.

AWARDS / REVIEW EXCERPT
The Three Horrid Little Pigs was shortlisted for both The Red House Book Award and The Stockport Book Awards.


CONNECTIONS
• This book could be used to talk about good manners with children.
• This story could be performed as a play.
• Another version of ‘The Three Pigs’ could be read to children to compare the character of the wolf.
• Simple craft work for children could include making a house with straw and paper.
• Related books:
Marshall, James. 1989. THE THREE LITTLE PIGS. New York: Dial Books for Young Readers. ISBN 0-7587-3804-8

Rubin, Vicky. 2007. THE THREE SWINGIN’ PIGS. Ill. by Rhode Montijo. New York, N.Y.: Henry Holt and Company, LLC. ISBN 0805073353

The First Strawberries, A Cherokee Story by Joseph Bruchac (Genre : Traditional Literature)

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Bruchac, Joseph. 1993. THE FIRST STRAWBERRIES, A CHEROKEE STORY. Ill. by Anna Vojtech. New York, NY: Dial Books for Young Readers. ISBN 0803713312

PLOT SUMMARY
Renowned Native American author Joseph Bruchac is retelling a Cherokee pour quoi tale which is also a legend of how strawberries came into the world. The Creator made man and woman who lived happily together. One day the man comes home from hunting and finds his wife picking flowers instead of cooking. The wife feels hurt at his harsh words and walks away in anger. The husband feels sorry for being so harsh but is unable to catch up to his wife. The sun takes pity on the man and shines itself on various berries to stop his wife but she was too angry to see them. So, the sun makes strawberries on the ground to unite the couple. The wife sees the strawberries and stops to pick them up so that she could share them with her husband. The husband catch’s up to her and they lived happily forever.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This is a beautifully illustrated lyrical book which tells a simple pour quoi tale. The story starts with a couple who are happily married until they get into an argument. The wife leaves when she gets hurt by the husband’s harsh words. The sun has been shown to unite them by sending love in the form of strawberries to earth. The story teaches the children about the nature and also has a message about respect and forgiveness.
Anna Vojtech’s watercolor illustrations capture the beauty of the landscape. The grass looks beautiful with the yellow flowers and the red berries. The children can see the close connection between Native Americans and the nature through the illustrations.
The story ends on a happy note. The couple gets reunited and they lived happily ever after.

AWARDS WON/ REVIEW EXCERPT
Publishers Weekly: "Spare text, an uncomplicated story line and gentle illustrations keep this quiet but resonant tale accessible to even the youngest child.”

CONNECTIONS
*Children could be encouraged to talk about anger and forgiveness and how to deal with feelings.
*Children could learn about similarities and differences in cultures by discussing about different cultures.
*A discussion could be initiated with children to find out what they learnt from the story.
*Children could make Cherokee crafts such as a dream-catcher , a necklace or a headdress.
*Related Book : Oughton, Jerrie .1996. HOW THE STARS FELL INTO THE SKY: A NAVAJO LEGEND .Ill. by Lisa Desimini. ISBN 9780395779385

Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day by Judith Viorst (Genre: Picture Book)

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Viorst, Judith. 1972. ALEXANDER AND THE TERRIBLE, HORRIBLE, NO GOOD, VERY BAD DAY. Ill. by Ray Cruz. New York, NY: Atheneum. ISBN 0689300727

PLOT SUMMARY
The story is about a young boy Alexander who was having a very bad day where nothing went right. From the beginning of the day and until the night, everything was going wrong. The day gets worse and worse and he wished he could run away to Australia. The story shows how young kids get upset, feel hurt and disappointed at small things that happen to them. Children can easily relate to this story where everything goes wrong and things become annoying for them.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS
We all have had a day when nothing went right and that’s why we can relate to this book. Humorously written, this story helps children to experience those days that are not so perfect. Alexander had a bad start to his day. Small stressors throughout the day made him very upset and he wanted to run away to Australia.
The illustrations were detailed and the expressions on the face of the characters were carefully captured by the illustrator. The illustrations clearly showed when Alexander was grumpy, upset, hurt or annoyed.
I wish the story could have ended on a positive note and something could have been done towards the end of the story that had the ability to turn the day around.

AWARDS WON
ALA Notable Book
George G. Stone Center Recognition of Merit
Georgia Children’s Book Award
Reading Rainbow Book

CONNECTIONS
* A discussion could be opened with children to discuss about their feeling when they are angry.
*Children could also be encouraged to think about the solution to the things that make them angry and disappointed.
* This book could be used to teach children to put their anger in words.
*Related books
• Bang. Molly. 1999. WHEN SOPHIE GETS ANGRY, REALLY, REALLY ANGRY. ISBN 0439233267
• Everitt, Betsy. 1995. MEAN SOUP. ISBN 0152002278
• Metzger. Steve. 1998. DINOFOURS: I' M HAVING A BAD DAY. ISBN 9780590035514
*Children could be asked to illustrate a kind of facial expression like anger, happiness, grumpiness, and annoyance.

Knuffle Bunny Too: A Case of Mistaken Identity by Mo Willems (Genre: Picture Book)

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Willems, Mo. 2008. Knuffle Bunny Too: A Case of Mistaken Identity. Walkers Books. ISBN: 9781423102991

PLOT SUMMARY
This is a story of two girls named Trixie and Sonja. Trixie is excited to takes her one-of –a- kind Knuffle bunny to school where she finds out that Sonja has the same bunny. The girls argue over the bunnies until the teacher takes them away. She returns them at the end of the day. Trixie realizes in the middle of the night that the bunny she has been snuggled up with is not hers. Their dads meet and the bunnies are swapped in the middle of the night.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This is an enjoyable story with very expressive illustrations. The story of two girls and their look alike bunnies is illustrated very skillfully. The book has actual photographs set as background and illustrated characters are used very effectively with them. The combination of the photographs and the cartoon characters are very appealing and will be loved by pre-schoolers and kindergarteners.
The illustrations are brightly colored. Willems has carefully depicted the expressions and the wide range of emotions on the faces of the characters in the illustrations.
I think that the book has a good story to start with but the solution to the problem that arises in the story is not correctly responded to. The bunnies had been exchanged but the swapping of bunnies in the middle of the night was not the appropriate action that should have been taken. I feel that this book should be used to encourage children to think about better solutions when such situations occur.

AWARDS WON
ALA Notable Book
Caldecott Honor Book
Kirkus Review Best Book of the Year
Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year
School Library Journal Best Book of the Year
School Library Journal Starred Review: "This manners lesson is a lively romp, from Rabbit’s ’Doo Dee Doo’ song and a catchy banjo tune to the fun puns and wordplays…Keller’s colorful illustrations have been animated, bringing each animal to life...A witty and wonderful book has been made into an even more engaging film."
Booklist: "This appealing story of friendship will attract a wide audience...Another sterling adaptation of a beloved tale."

CONNECTIONS
*This is a good book to read to pre-school and kindergarten kids.
*This story could be used to encourage children to think about a different ending to the story.
*This book could also be used to enhance the creativity of young kids by helping them combine photos and illustrations to create artwork.
*A show and tell story time could be organized with the kids where they could bring an item that they are/had been attached to.

Kitten's First Full Moon by Kevin Henkes (Genre: Picture Book)

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Henkes, Kevin. 2004. KITTEN'S FIRST FULL MOON. Greenwillow Books. ISBN 0060588284

PLOT SUMMARY
A hungry young kitten thinks that a full moon in the sky is a bowl of milk. She chases the bowl, tumbles down the stairs and even climbs up the tree and gets all wet when she jumps into the reflection of the moon in water. She gets discouraged but finally gets a bowl of milk waiting for her at the porch.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This is a very cute story of a kitten that has a message attached to it. The kitten who tumbles, chases, climbs and jumps teaches a child to explore, imagine and discover his surrounding. The book is lyrical and simple with a very happy ending to it but I did feel that the kitten appeared to be very helpless in the entire story and suffered a lot to get a bowl of milk for her.
Henkes’s illustrations are beautiful. The black, white and gray are the only colors used which help the reader to focus on the kitten and the moon only. I did feel that some illustrations were meant for older children
This is a wonderful story with large and bold illustrations that children can connect with. It also sparks the imagination of young children.

AWARDS WON
ALA Notable Children’s Book
Bulletin Blue Ribbon (The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books)
Caldecott Award
Charlotte Zolotow Award
Starred Review in School Library Journal : “An irresistible offering from the multifaceted Henkes.”

CONNECTIONS
*This book could be read by parents, caregivers, teachers and librarians to young children. It contains a very cute and simple story with beautiful illustrations.
*Related Books
Henkes, Kevin. 2007.A GOOD DAY. Greenwillow Books. ISBN 9780061140181
Rohmann, Eric. 2002. MY FRIEND RABBIT. Roaring Brook Press. ISBN 1596436638
*This book could be read aloud and the children could be encouraged to think what they feel would happen next. They could also be asked to share their experience about their efforts to achieve something.
*Children could also be encouraged to draw a colorful picture of any part of the story to illustrate how they felt about the story.