Module 15: And Tango Makes Three

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Book Summary:

This is the story of a family of penguins in the Central Park Zoo. It tells the true story of two male penguins who chose each other as companions instead of another female. These two penguins could not have a baby like the other penguins in the habitat, so the zoo keeper provided them with another couple penguin's egg to keep warm and parent. 

APA Reference of Book:

Richardson, J. & Parnell, P. (2005). And Tango makes three. New York, NY: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers.

Impressions:

My major impression of this book is that the writing seemed simplistic. I thought the story was quite interesting, especially since it was based on a real story; however, I thought the writing lacked some depth. It seemed almost choppy, almost like the entire thing was written in similarly structured sentences. 

I know this is a controversial text due to the content, however, I do see the value in a story such as this and I think the illustrations were incredibly detailed and helpful. The colors were not overpowering, but provided a clear picture of what was taking place. 

The plot worked and carried the reader through. There was very little character development, however the author perhaps didn't want to make the penguins seem human by offering personalities. 

Perhaps it was the dumbed down vocabulary that threw me. I think that although this text is obviously for a younger reader, some of the terminology simply seems forced. I feel like the author's note at the end was more well-written than the actual story. 

Professional Review:

cpg1252 PreS-Gr. 2. Roy and Silo were "a little bit different" from the other male penguins: instead of noticing females, they noticed each other. Thus penguin chick Tango, hatched from a fertilized egg given to the pining, bewildered pair, came to be "the only penguin in the Central Park Zoo with two daddies." As told by Richardson and Parnell (a psychiatrist and playwright), this true story remains firmly within the bounds of the zoo's polar environment, as do Cole's expressive but still realistic watercolors (a far cry from his effete caricatures in Harvey Fierstein's The Sissy Duckling0 , 2002). Emphasizing the penguins' naturally ridiculous physiques while gently acknowledging their situation, Cole's pictures complement the perfectly cadenced text--showing, for example, the bewildered pair craning their necks toward a nest that was "nice, but a little empty." Indeed, intrusions from the zookeeper, who remarks that the nuzzling males "must be in love," strike the narrative's only false note. Further facts about the episode conclude, but it's naive to expect this will be read only as a zoo anecdote. However, those who share this with children will find themselves returning to it again and again--not for the entree it might offer to matters of human sexuality, but for the two irresistible birds at its center and for the celebration of patient, loving fathers who "knew just what to do."

Reference: 

Book review of And Tango Makes Three, by J. Richardson & P. Parnell. (2005). Booklist, 101(18). Retrieved from www.titlewave.com 

Library Uses:

This text could be used during Banned Books Week as it is controversial and left out most of the time. It could also be used as a reference to how penguins prepare for a baby. 

Module 14: Fold Me A Poem

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Book Summary:

This is the story of a young boy captivated by folding origami animals. The story, written in short bursts of poetry, tells the tale of these animals coming to life when the boy finishes his folding. Each animal has something different to say or do once folded until they all rest together at the end of the day.

APA Reference of Book:

George, K.O. (2005). Fold me a poem. New York, NY: Harcourt, Inc.

Impressions:

My major impression of this book is that its form is an excellent introduction to poetry for young students. The short bursts of poetry provide easy to read and understand text for readers. It also captivates their imagination as most any young reader could relate to allowing shapes or toys to come alive in their imagination as they play. This boy is doing just that and students will be entertained and connected to that premise. 

All of the short poems have a title, which I think furthers the opportunity to identify and teach this format of text as poetry to young children. They will be able to see that words have power even if they are few in number.

The illustrations are colorful and vivid and provide life to the text. The fact that you can see each fold, the tape holding the animals together, the movements of the boys fingers all adds to the depth of the story as a whole. The readers are able to see that the young boy is passionate and committed to his origami. 

I feel this text would be useful in a younger school library in order to provide access to poetry in an interesting and captivating manner. 

Professional Review:

Gr. 1-3. From morning until night, a boy spends his day folding squares of colored paper into animals. The opening poem, "Origami,"follows the five-seven-five-syllable haiku form while defining the magic of the paper-folding art: "Square sheet of paper-- / folded, suddenly wakes up. / Good morning, Rooster."While many of the other poems have the terseness of haiku, they follow their own syllabic patterns. Each appears on a single page or a double-page spread along with a large-scale painting of the boy making his animals, playing with them, observing them, or, in one case, repairing them after a cat attack. In "Hungry"he comes to a realization: "All afternoon / the paper cows / have been eyeing / the green paper. Oh. / Grass!"Warm in colors and often large in scale, Stringer's acrylic paintings capture the world of the boy's imaginative play as well as the intricately folded paper figures that inspire and inhabit it. Unusual, handsome, and good for reading aloud.

Reference: 

Book review of Fold Me a Poem, by K.O. George. (2005). Booklist, 101(14). Retrieved from www.titlewave.com 

Library Uses:

This text could be used as an introductory to poetry month. Librarians could offer time for the young readers to craft their own animals and attempt as a class to come up with words to describe it in poetry form. 

Module 13: Knights of the Lunch Table

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Book Summary:

This is the story of a boy named Arthur (Artie) who is the new kid in school. He finds himself in some pretty precarious situations right off the bat with some bullies in school who find him to be a bit too brave for their liking. He ends up with a magical locker, a quirky teacher, and a few new friends on his side within the first few days of school. After mentioning his fake talents at dodgeball, he ends up being challenged to a game by the bullies. The stakes for this game are high and Artie works to find his way in this new school as things aren't always as they seem. There is a happy ending with Artie (deemed King Artie, a reference to King Arthur) coming out on top at the end of the game. 

APA Reference of Book:

Cammuso, F. (2008). Knights of the lunchtable: The dodgeball chronicles. New York, NY: Scholastic Inc.

Impressions:

My major impression of this book is that it is quite entertaining. Once I began the story, I could not put it down; not necessarily because it was so well written, but simply because I could see the appeal it held for students I teach. The story draws in situations every student can relate to, interesting conflicts, a dynamic format (graphic novel), and quirky characters. I enjoyed the quick pace of the story and how the reader could use the graphics to assist their understanding as they read. 

While the vocabulary was typically pretty simplistic, there were many references to other pieces of literature. This provides the reader with the opportunity to make connections with outside works throughout the text, which is a critical thinking skill. All in all, I would say the book holds value in its appeal to reluctant and low readers as well as in its humorous relation to the on-goings of school life. Students need to have resources such as this to provide escape and entertainment in their sometimes harsh and overwhelming worlds.  

Professional Review:

Grades 2-4. Artie King’s first day at his new middle school is terrible: his nasty older sister ensures he misses the bus; a couple of geeky kids are friendly, but the school bullies smell a new victim; and the principal is a horror who hands out detentions and dire warnings as she peers out from behind her horn-rimmed glasses. Artie has muddied the waters a bit himself by boasting that he’s a dodgeball pro—when he’s really not. Kids familiar with King Arthur legends will like the idea of a mysterious locker, seemingly rusted shut, that opens for Artie and the helpful stranger named Merlyn (who turns out to be Artie’s science teacher and guidance counselor). But kids unfamiliar with Arthur will still like this tongue-in-cheek take on the school rules and games that can dominate a kid’s life. Although the characters seem purposefully multiethnic, Cammuso’s text is witty and his cartoons energetic; his pictures speak as clearly as his words. A good start for the Knights of the Lunch Tale series.

Reference: 

Review of Knights of the Lunchtable: The Dodgeball Chronicles, by F. Cammuso(2008). Booklist, 104(14). Retrieved from www.titlewave.com 

Library Uses:

This text could be used in a "speed dating" book walk for reluctant readers. It would assist in introducing the genre of graphic novels and other books of similar content and reading level. The students would be able to walk around and "meet" different books that might appeal to them or fit their needs. 

Module 12: Just Being Audrey

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Book Summary:

This is the story of Audrey Hepburn. The picture book reads as a biography in the form of a picture book story. It tells of her childhood desires and work to be a ballerina. It mentions her life during World War II and how her and her family handled hard times. The story takes the reader through Audrey's attempt and commitment to acting once her ballerina dreams fell through. All in all, it relays the kind of person Audrey was and how she impacted the world through her persistence, hard work, and compassion for others. 

APA Reference of Book:

Cardillo, M. (2011). Just being Audrey. New York, NY: Balzer + Bray.

Impressions:

My major impression of this book is the writer does an excellent job of establishing Audrey's character throughout. There is never a doubt in the reader's mind that Audrey is a good person who represents an excellent example for people around the world. The theme of the book (perseverance and standing on morals no matter what) is not something that is beaten over the readers head, but instead is alluded to naturally through Audrey's story. 

While the language used in the book is not challenging, there are definite moments where a new word is introduced that the reader may not be familiar with. The writer is good about smoothly offering the definition to unfamiliar words within the text without causing a halt in the flow of the story. 

The events of Audrey's life presented in the book are captivating and push the reader forward, allowing them to relate what they are seeing to their own life. I feel that this text is strong and able to stand the test of time mainly due to person it is mirroring.

The illustration within the text are beautiful and subtle enough to not detract from the story, but simply display the beauty that is Audrey Hepburn. The hues chosen for the pictures remind the reader of her humility and compassionate personality. They are such a compliment to the story told in this book. 

Professional Review:

Grades 1-3. It’s hard to believe life for Audrey Hepburn was ever anything but smart clothes, quirky expressions, and wistful gazes into the eyes of Cary Grant, but Cardillo makes a strong case to the contrary. Growing up in WWII–era Europe, Audrey wanted only to be a dancer, but the other girls made fun of her physical hurdles: “She was too tall, her feet were too big, and her neck was too long,” and “her eyes seemed too big for her head.” Young readers will get the message: these were precisely the traits that made Audrey an iconic beauty as an adult. In short order, she was spotted by entertainment heavyweights for her je ne sais quoi and quickly catapulted to fame. Denos’ soft pastel illustrations cut just the right Audrey outline (complete with flapping neck scarf), and fans will especially enjoy picking out the movie roles depicted in a two-page spread of costumes. Her later humanitarian deeds are given their due, but it is Audrey’s simple kindness that is emphasized throughout.

Reference: 

Review of Just Being Audrey, by M. Cardillo. (2010). Booklist, 107(7). Retrieved from www.titlewave.com 

Library Uses:

This text could be used during character lessons in the library. Students would be exposed (through picture books) to prominent figures throughout history that display moral character. The students could then conduct research to find other models of character or conduct interviews with those they know that they believe are of great character.

Module 11: An Egg is Quiet

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Book Summary:

This is a non-fiction book about the mysteries of eggs. The books presents brief information regarding the different types of eggs, the kids of animals that lay them, where they are layed, how they grow, etc. This book takes the reader not only through the life stage of an egg, but also offers the reader further knowledge on the kinds of animals, reptiles, amphibians, etc. that are connected to them. 

APA Reference of Book:

Aston, D. (2006). An egg is quiet. San Fransisco, CA: Chronicle Books, LLC.

Impressions:

My major impression of this book is that the illustrations are extraordinary. They are incredibly beautiful and are the true focus of the book. Most of the text serve as captions to the illustrations. The text at times can be very scientific in nature, labeling names of creatures, kinds of eggs, measurements, etc. Where the text is longer it is typically still pretty brief and "blurb-like", offering quick facts and notes about what is displayed in the illustrations of that page. The illustrations truly carry the text. The book would feel incredibly incomplete without them.

This text seems fitting for very young learners who are interested in the world of animals and how they are born. This is a topic that young children would find interesting and could find sufficient answers within this book. Older learners would need much more than what this text could offer, despite the vivid illustrations. 

While the text is informational and at times scientific in nature, it is appropriate for the age with which this book is geared. It would even prove helpful to that audience to use this type of terminology to assist them in knowing what things are actually called. They probably wouldn't walk away with an understanding of all of the terms, but they would definitely walk away with more than they knew before and it would be accurate wordage instead of something dumbed down. 

Professional Review:

PreS-Gr. 2. This beautifully illustrated introduction to eggs resembles pages drawn from a naturalist's diary. The text, scrolled out in elegant brown ink, works on two levels. Larger print makes simple observations that, read together, sound almost like poetry: "An egg is quiet. . . . An egg is colorful. An egg is shapely."On each spread, words in smaller print match up with illustrations to offer more facts about bird and fish eggs across the animal spectrum. The illustrations are too detailed for read-alouds, but there's a great deal here to engage children up close. The succinct text will draw young fact hounds, particularly fans of Steve Jenkins'Biggest, Strongest, Fastest (1995) and his similar titles. Long's illustrations are elegant and simple, and the gallery of eggs, as brilliantly colored and polished as gems, will inspire kids to marvel at animals'variety and beauty. A spread showing X-ray views of young embryos growing into animal young makes this a good choice for reinforcing concepts about life cycles.

Reference: 

Book review of An Egg is Quiet, by D. Aston. (2006). Booklist, 102(16). Retrieved from www.titlewave.com 

Library Uses:

This text could be used as a part of a library lesson about captions and labels on illustrations as a part of non-fiction texts. The librarian would be able to direct students to pay close attention to the captions and labels and discuss with them how they accompany the illustrations. 

Module 9: Horton Halfpot

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Book Summary:

This is the story of a young boy who serves in the kitchen of the Smugwick Manor. He is disdained for his constant screw ups and is thought of as something of a nuisance. This young boy becomes key in the mystery that takes place within the manor, even a hero in the eyes of some. The story starts from the very beginning with the strangest tipping point: a corset, and journeys through the mystery of the stolen lump. Each part of the journey to find the thief is stange and quirky and leads the reader in a way that seems furthest from the answer. In the end, young Horton assists in the great save of the lump and the redemption of the manor itself. 

APA Reference of Book:

Angleberger, T. (2011). Horton Halfpott or the fiendish mystery of Smugwick Manor or the loosening of m'lady Luggertuck's corset. New York, NY: Abrams.

Impressions:

My major impression of this book is that premise is hysterical. The language used is interesting and fresh in its weirdness. Nothing is described in the usual sense and titles/names are absolutely strange. From the very beginning of the story, the reader is sure that this won't be the average tale. However, the character development is powerful as we see young Horton change and grow into something to be respected instead of belittled. The plot is thoughtful and engaging and accounts for the imagination of those who turn the pages. This text is one that will keep students guessing and wondering who it could have been and how it will all turn out: the true sign of a good mystery. This is an excellent resource for intermediate readers looking for a good mystery. 

Professional Review:

Grades 3-6. Horton Halfpott, the lowly (but likable) scullery boy at Smugwick Manor, falls in love with Celia Sylvan-Smythe, the young heiress, who has attracted the unwanted attention of his employers’ high-born (but despicable) son Luther Luggertuck. The plot thickens when the Luggertuck Lump (“possibly the world’s largest diamond and certainly the ugliest”) is stolen and a suspicious band of shipless pirates turns up in the area. Billed as a “Victorian spoof,” the amusing story is related by a narrator who occasionally stops the action and addresses readers directly (“Reader, do not panic”). Each chapter opens with an amusing drawing of one or more characters along with a heading, such as “In Which Miss Neversly Is Disobeyed and Dawdling Occurs . . . ,” and each unfolds with droll humor as well as action. From the author of The Strange Case of Origami Yoda (2010), here’s an amusing romp of a mystery that balances skulduggery with just rewards.

Reference: 

Book review of Horton Halfpott or the Fiendish Mystery of Smugwick Manor or the Loosening of M'lady Luggertuck's Corset, by T. Angleberger. (2011). Booklist, 107(17). Retrieved from www.titlewave.com 

Library Uses:

This text could be used during a mystery month. The librarian could adopt a sort of "murder" (thief) mystery to coordinate with the reading of the text. This would allow students to engage in the details provided by the story and play a part in solving it. 

Module 8: The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane

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Book Summary:

This is the story of a porcelain rabbit and his journey to experience and give love. Edward Tulane is the rabbit of a young girl who loves him dearly. She takes the best care of him and provides him with all he could ever want. However, he feels no love in return and simply finds himself annoyed by her attempts to hold him close. The story takes him on a journey from her care to finding his way back to her. He experiences many humbling events and returns a different rabbit to love on not only the now grown girl, but her daughter as well. This is a story of the power of love.

APA Reference of Book:

DiCamillo, K. (2006). The miraculous journey of Edward Tulane. Cambridge, MA: Candlewick Press.

Impressions:

My major impression of this book is that the theme is profound. It doesn't seem to forced, yet it is constantly there alongside the reader as they make their way through Edward's journey. The language is elevated for a children's book, however it is no so far above their heads that the story line is not simply captivating. While the beginning is a bit slow (purposefully so), once the journey begins the reader is left questioning how Edward, a character which seems so narcissistic and detached, will find his way through all that he comes into. The plot moves at an appropriate pace and the ending brings it all together. The illustrations are meaningful and help to put a picture of the emotion happening within the book. All in all, this is an excellent resource for both younger and advancing readers due to its content and language. 

Professional Review:

Gr. 2-4. As she did in her Newbery Medal Book, The Tale of Despereaux (2004), DiCamillo tucks important messages into this story and once more plumbs the mystery of the heart--or, in this case, the heartless. Edward Tulane is a china rabbit with an extensive wardrobe. He belongs to 10-year-old Abilene, who thinks almost as highly of Edward as Edward does of himself. Even young children will soon realize that Edward is riding for a fall. And fall he does, into the sea, after mean boys rip him from Abilene's hands during an ocean voyage. Thus begins Edward's journey from watery grave to the gentle embrace of a fisherman's wife, to the care of a hobo and his dog, and into the hands of a dying girl. Then, pure meanness breaks Edward apart, and love and sacrifice put him back together--until just the right child finds him. With every person who taouches him, Edward's heart grows a little bit softer and a little bit bigger. Bruised and battered, Edward is at his most beautiful, and beautifulis a fine word to describe the artwork. Ibatoulline outdoes himself; his precisely rendered sepia-tone drawings and color plates of high artistic merit are an integral part of this handsomely designed package. Yet even standing alone, the story soars because of DiCamillo's lyrical use of language and her understanding of universal yearnings. This will be a pleasure to read aloud.

Reference: 

Book review of The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane, by K. DiCamillo. (2006). Booklist, 102(9). Retrieved from www.titlewave.com 

Library Uses:

This text could be used as a read aloud for a character study where students have to listen and discuss how Edward's character changes and what we can learn through his experiences.