Smoky Night
Bunting, E., Diaz, D. (1994). Smoky night. San Diego: Harcourt Brace.
Genre: picture book, fiction-realistic fiction
In this somber story, a young boy and his mother are living in a rough neighborhood. They hear loud noises coming from the streets, which the mother explains is the sound of people rioting. The young boy doesn't understand why the people are angry and why they are destroying the businesses and cars around their home. It is revealed during the riot that Daniel's mother does not get along with a neighbor in their building named Ms. Kim, The boy and his mother think the worst is over when they go to bed. However, the worst is just beginning. Their building is on fire! Daniel and his mother have to get out of the apartment, but he can't find his beloved cat, Jasmine. Everyone is rushing out of the building and head to a shelter to have somewhere to sleep. A neighbor tells Daniel he thinks he saw Jasmine get away. Suddenly, a firefighter shows up with Jasmine and another cat under his arms! Daniel is so excited to see that his cat his safe, and finds out the other cat belongs to Ms. Kim. Daniel and his mother find out that the cats kept each other safe in the fire, which sheds light on the neighbors' relationship. If their cats can get along, maybe they should be friends after all.
This is the third Eve Bunting book I've read recently ("The Wednesday Surprise" and "Train to Somewhere"). All three books are very realistic and relatable. The tone in all three books is very similar, however I see the most similarities between this story, "Smoky Night", and "Train to Somewhere". They both have a sad, somber tone and deal with realistic life events. Both stories also have an uplifting ending. It may not be exactly considered a "happy" ending, but both stories finish better than they could. For example, Daniel and his mother will still have to deal with the fire damage, but at least they made a new friend who was formerly an enemy. In "Train to Somewhere" Marianne is hoping to find her mother at one of the train stops. She never finds her mother, but she does get adopted by a nice couple.
The illustrations in "Smoky Night" were very different than the other two Bunting books, in fact they were very different than any other picture book I can think of. The illustrator, David Diaz, uses cool colors and dark tones throughout the story. The illustrations also have an abstract look to them. Although you can tell what the illustrations are, they are very far from being realistic. They have very hard, straight lines and shapes. Some pages look as if they are a collage of various materials that would be found in the story. It looks as if you were able to feel the illustrations they would include various textures.
I would use this story as a lesson on making connections with my students. Many students in my class can connect and empathize with Daniel and feeling scared at times in their own home. Also, this story teaches a good lesson in not "judging a book by it's cover". Daniel's mother did not want to befriend Ms. Kim because she was not their kind, but in the end they learned to get along.
Showing posts with label Picture Books. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Picture Books. Show all posts
Saturday, March 16, 2013
"The True Story of the Three Little Pigs! By A. Wolf" Reflection
The True Story of the Three Little Pigs! By A. Wolf
Scieszka, J., & Smith, L. (1989). The true story of the 3 little pigs. New York, N.Y., U.S.A: Viking Kestrel.
genre: picture book, fiction-fractured fairy tale
In this "true story" Mr. Alexander T. Wolf gives his side to the famous story of The Three Little Pigs. This entertaining story is told as if Mr. Wolf is being questioned by a reporter. Mr. Wolf swears he didn't mean any harm to these little pigs, he just had a terrible head cold! The cold was causing Mr. Wolf to sneeze, but he really needed some sugar for his dear old granny's birthday cake. That terrible cold caused him to have some terrible sneezes, two of which knocked down the pigs' homes! He's a wolf, so what could he do? There's a perfectly good pig laying there in the remnants of their home, he couldn't just let it go to waste. So of course, he ate the first two pigs. Then when he got to the third pig's home, it was made of brick. He knocked on the door because he still needed that cup of sugar! That mean old pig said to him "I hope your old granny sits on a pin". Well this did not sit well with Mr. Wolf, so he started trying to bang the door down. This is the site the police saw when they came up, and thus was born The Big Bad Wolf.
I absolutely loved this story! What a fun way to retell a traditional tale that has been told thousands of times. This would be a wonderful story to use when teaching the reading concepts point of view as well as comparing and contrasting. I know my students really struggle with understanding what point of view is and how to find out who's point of view the story is being told from. This is a great example to use that is very clear! You could also compare and contrast "The True Story of the Three Little Pigs" to the traditional storybook "The Three Little Pigs".
The illustrations in this book really add to the story. Mr. Wolf is depicted as smart, professional, and classy. Not the kind of character you would call big and bad! I would say the illustrations are expressionistic, meant to provoke emotion, not based on reality. They really make you understand how the wolf was feeling. The cool, neutral colors also add to the sort of sad tone of Mr. Wolf's narration.
Although Mr. Wolf was being quite serious, this book can't help but make you laugh. Who would've thought, maybe the wolf isn't so big and bad after all?
Scieszka, J., & Smith, L. (1989). The true story of the 3 little pigs. New York, N.Y., U.S.A: Viking Kestrel.
genre: picture book, fiction-fractured fairy tale
In this "true story" Mr. Alexander T. Wolf gives his side to the famous story of The Three Little Pigs. This entertaining story is told as if Mr. Wolf is being questioned by a reporter. Mr. Wolf swears he didn't mean any harm to these little pigs, he just had a terrible head cold! The cold was causing Mr. Wolf to sneeze, but he really needed some sugar for his dear old granny's birthday cake. That terrible cold caused him to have some terrible sneezes, two of which knocked down the pigs' homes! He's a wolf, so what could he do? There's a perfectly good pig laying there in the remnants of their home, he couldn't just let it go to waste. So of course, he ate the first two pigs. Then when he got to the third pig's home, it was made of brick. He knocked on the door because he still needed that cup of sugar! That mean old pig said to him "I hope your old granny sits on a pin". Well this did not sit well with Mr. Wolf, so he started trying to bang the door down. This is the site the police saw when they came up, and thus was born The Big Bad Wolf.
I absolutely loved this story! What a fun way to retell a traditional tale that has been told thousands of times. This would be a wonderful story to use when teaching the reading concepts point of view as well as comparing and contrasting. I know my students really struggle with understanding what point of view is and how to find out who's point of view the story is being told from. This is a great example to use that is very clear! You could also compare and contrast "The True Story of the Three Little Pigs" to the traditional storybook "The Three Little Pigs".
The illustrations in this book really add to the story. Mr. Wolf is depicted as smart, professional, and classy. Not the kind of character you would call big and bad! I would say the illustrations are expressionistic, meant to provoke emotion, not based on reality. They really make you understand how the wolf was feeling. The cool, neutral colors also add to the sort of sad tone of Mr. Wolf's narration.
Although Mr. Wolf was being quite serious, this book can't help but make you laugh. Who would've thought, maybe the wolf isn't so big and bad after all?
"So You Want to Be President?" Reflection
So You Want to Be President?
St, G. J., & Small, D. (2000). So you want to be president?. New York: Philomel Books.
Genre: picture book, non-fiction/informational- social science
"Sou You Want to Be President" is a Caldecott Award winning informational book that presents it's information in a different way. Although it is giving several facts about the first 42 presidents, it is written in a fun and light way. St. George and Fall give details about the presidents, Washington to Clinton. St. George gives various facts including presidential size, where they were born, their favorite hobbies, previous professions, even their level of education. The facts are presented in a more interesting way than your usual informational book, perfect for kids! Although this book is completely factual, the humor makes it a very fun read!
David Small's illustrations really make this book fun. He uses cartoon art, more specifically,caricatures, of the presidents to give the book a lighthearted feel. The broken lines give the pictures almost a silly feeling. I also enjoyed his use of color, the warm tones and bright colors add interest. The illustrations are also funny! You see multiple presidents climbing and helping each other in a tree on page 23 when learning about how many presidents have been related. You even see a very large illustration of Taft being lowered into a giant bathtub using a crane on page 17! This was to inform the reader that presidents come in all shapes and sizes. For every quirky, interesting fact written in the book, Small has an equally quirky and entertaining illustration to go along with it!
I think this book is a wonderful read-aloud for any elementary student, but especially K-3. What better way to learn about our presidents, than in a cute, funny picture book? Students would love to quirky and silly facts, as well as be able to make connections between the presidents and themselves! This book really shows the "human" side of our presidents and I think students would love that.
I will definitely be reading this book on President's Day from now on!
St, G. J., & Small, D. (2000). So you want to be president?. New York: Philomel Books.
Genre: picture book, non-fiction/informational- social science
"Sou You Want to Be President" is a Caldecott Award winning informational book that presents it's information in a different way. Although it is giving several facts about the first 42 presidents, it is written in a fun and light way. St. George and Fall give details about the presidents, Washington to Clinton. St. George gives various facts including presidential size, where they were born, their favorite hobbies, previous professions, even their level of education. The facts are presented in a more interesting way than your usual informational book, perfect for kids! Although this book is completely factual, the humor makes it a very fun read!
David Small's illustrations really make this book fun. He uses cartoon art, more specifically,caricatures, of the presidents to give the book a lighthearted feel. The broken lines give the pictures almost a silly feeling. I also enjoyed his use of color, the warm tones and bright colors add interest. The illustrations are also funny! You see multiple presidents climbing and helping each other in a tree on page 23 when learning about how many presidents have been related. You even see a very large illustration of Taft being lowered into a giant bathtub using a crane on page 17! This was to inform the reader that presidents come in all shapes and sizes. For every quirky, interesting fact written in the book, Small has an equally quirky and entertaining illustration to go along with it!
I think this book is a wonderful read-aloud for any elementary student, but especially K-3. What better way to learn about our presidents, than in a cute, funny picture book? Students would love to quirky and silly facts, as well as be able to make connections between the presidents and themselves! This book really shows the "human" side of our presidents and I think students would love that.
I will definitely be reading this book on President's Day from now on!
Sunday, March 10, 2013
"Officer Buckle and Gloria" Reflection
Officer Buckle and Gloria
Rathman, P. (1995). Officer Buckle and Gloria. New York, New York: Scholastic Inc.
Genre: picture book, fiction
In this lighthearted story book, Officer Buckle is a local police officer who goes around to schools sharing safety tips. Although his tips were important, very few students and teachers actually listened to his speeches. This was until he found his new police dog, Gloria. Gloria was a crowd favorite during Officer Buckle's speeches, doing jumps and flips during the speech. Suddenly, Officer Buckle was very popular! Every school, daycare through college, wanted Officer Buckle to come share his safety tips with them. Officer Buckle didn't realize why he go the sudden fame until he watched one of his speeches on the local news. He realize no one was really watching him, all they wanted to see was Gloria! When the two buddies tried to separate it didn't work out for either of them. In the end, Officer Buckle and Gloria continued working as a team and safety was restore to the town.
This story would be wonderful for anyone ages 4-10. All kids love a silly story, and this one even has the benefit of teaching some safety tips as well! It also has an underlying theme of teamwork. When Officer Buckle and Gloria worked as a team everyone was entertained AND they were safe! When the pair tried to go their separate ways, neither of them could get the job done alone. This also led to his final rule, "Safety Tip 101: Always Stick With Your Buddy" (pg. 30).
This story would be a great read aloud to use when teaching about theme, friendship, safety, or friendship (depending on the grade level). Here are some various reading response questions that could be used in different grades:
1. Why did Officer Buckle go around to different schools? (K-1)
2. What made the kids start listening to Officer Buckle's speeches once Gloria started coming along? (1-2)
3. Describe Gloria, what kind of dog was she? Use examples from the story to support your answer. (2-4)
4. What is the theme (lesson) that Officer Buckle and Gloria teaches? Use examples from the story to support your answer. (3-4)
Rathman, P. (1995). Officer Buckle and Gloria. New York, New York: Scholastic Inc.
Genre: picture book, fiction
In this lighthearted story book, Officer Buckle is a local police officer who goes around to schools sharing safety tips. Although his tips were important, very few students and teachers actually listened to his speeches. This was until he found his new police dog, Gloria. Gloria was a crowd favorite during Officer Buckle's speeches, doing jumps and flips during the speech. Suddenly, Officer Buckle was very popular! Every school, daycare through college, wanted Officer Buckle to come share his safety tips with them. Officer Buckle didn't realize why he go the sudden fame until he watched one of his speeches on the local news. He realize no one was really watching him, all they wanted to see was Gloria! When the two buddies tried to separate it didn't work out for either of them. In the end, Officer Buckle and Gloria continued working as a team and safety was restore to the town.
This story would be wonderful for anyone ages 4-10. All kids love a silly story, and this one even has the benefit of teaching some safety tips as well! It also has an underlying theme of teamwork. When Officer Buckle and Gloria worked as a team everyone was entertained AND they were safe! When the pair tried to go their separate ways, neither of them could get the job done alone. This also led to his final rule, "Safety Tip 101: Always Stick With Your Buddy" (pg. 30).
This story would be a great read aloud to use when teaching about theme, friendship, safety, or friendship (depending on the grade level). Here are some various reading response questions that could be used in different grades:
1. Why did Officer Buckle go around to different schools? (K-1)
2. What made the kids start listening to Officer Buckle's speeches once Gloria started coming along? (1-2)
3. Describe Gloria, what kind of dog was she? Use examples from the story to support your answer. (2-4)
4. What is the theme (lesson) that Officer Buckle and Gloria teaches? Use examples from the story to support your answer. (3-4)
"Train to Somewhere" Reflection
Train to Somewhere
Bunting, E. (1996). Train to Somewhere. New York: Clarion Books.
Genre: picture books, historical fiction
Train to Somewhere is a picture book unlike any other. This sad story begins with the main character Marianne and thirteen other orphan children boarding a train in hopes of finding a new family. Marianne is an older child who believes her mother will be waiting for her in one of the towns the train stops in. The chronological plot goes on as many of the younger, cuter, stronger, or funnier children get chosen by families looking to adopt. Bunting uses flashback to show the day when Marianne was dropped off at the orphanage by her mother. She tells her she is moving west to make a better life for them and that she will come back before Christmas. Marianne states that it has been many Christmases since that day, and her mother has never come back for her. She still has hope that she will be waiting for her at one of the train stops.
This is a very somber, touching story that reminds me how much adversity many children are put through, even today. However, this could be a wonderful learning experience and empathy lesson for children eight or older. Unfortunately, I have children in my class whom could relate to that feeling of having a parent leave and tell them they will come back soon, to never see them again, or see them very rarely. For those who cannot relate, this story would give them a chance to try and put themselves in someone else's shoes and think about what it would feel like to not have a home where you belong.
I believe this would be a good story for intermediate (3-6) grades, as it is too mature for primary. There are many discussion questions that could be formed from this story:
1. Describe how Marianne was feeling at the beginning of the story. How do you think she felt about herself? What was her self-image like?
2. Train to Somewhere takes places in the mid 1850s, what details from the story show you this?
3. Imagine you were riding on this train. What would you be thinking? How would you feel as other children were getting chosen by families and you were not?
Bunting, E. (1996). Train to Somewhere. New York: Clarion Books.
Genre: picture books, historical fiction
Train to Somewhere is a picture book unlike any other. This sad story begins with the main character Marianne and thirteen other orphan children boarding a train in hopes of finding a new family. Marianne is an older child who believes her mother will be waiting for her in one of the towns the train stops in. The chronological plot goes on as many of the younger, cuter, stronger, or funnier children get chosen by families looking to adopt. Bunting uses flashback to show the day when Marianne was dropped off at the orphanage by her mother. She tells her she is moving west to make a better life for them and that she will come back before Christmas. Marianne states that it has been many Christmases since that day, and her mother has never come back for her. She still has hope that she will be waiting for her at one of the train stops.
This is a very somber, touching story that reminds me how much adversity many children are put through, even today. However, this could be a wonderful learning experience and empathy lesson for children eight or older. Unfortunately, I have children in my class whom could relate to that feeling of having a parent leave and tell them they will come back soon, to never see them again, or see them very rarely. For those who cannot relate, this story would give them a chance to try and put themselves in someone else's shoes and think about what it would feel like to not have a home where you belong.
I believe this would be a good story for intermediate (3-6) grades, as it is too mature for primary. There are many discussion questions that could be formed from this story:
1. Describe how Marianne was feeling at the beginning of the story. How do you think she felt about herself? What was her self-image like?
2. Train to Somewhere takes places in the mid 1850s, what details from the story show you this?
3. Imagine you were riding on this train. What would you be thinking? How would you feel as other children were getting chosen by families and you were not?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)