The Book Thief

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Zusak, Markus. 2005. THE BOOK THEIF. New York, NY: Alfred A. Knopf. ISBN 978-0375842207

PLOT SUMMARY
Narrated by Death and set in Nazi Germany during WWII, this story details the life of the ten year-old girl Liesel Meminger who deals with the devastating and horrific events of WWII, the loss of her brother, the separation from her mother who has been labeled a “kommunist” and the confusion of being placed into a foster family. While with her foster family, Liesel learns how to read, becomes the book thief by learning how to steal books, and develops a love of literature which helps her cope with the atrocities of her world.

CRITCAL ANALYSIS
Markus Zusak's The Book Thief is a dark and powerful tale of death, love, and the beauty of humanity. At first the narrator of the story is unfeeling and full of apathy but as Death narrates the story it is drawn to the life and character of Liesel on three separate occasions on its journey throughout the world collecting lives, which causes the reader to wonder what makes Liesel so special? Even though we know the saddening outcomes of World War II, through Markus Zusak's masterful storytelling we are drawn to experience the lives of the The Book Thief's characters and Death's inevitable victims.

REVIEW EXCERPT

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL review: “Zusak not only creates a mesmerizing and original story but also writes with poetic syntax, causing readers to deliberate over phrases and lines, even as the action impels them forward. Death is not a sentimental storyteller, but he does attend to an array of satisfying details, giving Liesel's story all the nuances of chance, folly, and fulfilled expectation that it deserves. An extraordinary narrative”
VOICE OF YOUTH ADVOCATES review “Zusak brilliantly weaves together many strands of stories, creating a gripping and tragic narrative. The outcome of much of the story is no secret, thanks to Death's propensity to get ahead of himself and inform readers what happens, but it is nonetheless upsetting and affecting. Death admits to being haunted by humans; Zusak's exquisite tale will haunt readers long after its pages are over.”

CONNECTIONS
Readers that enjoyed Markus Zusak's The Book Thief will enjoy reading other stories by Zusak and other WWII period novels such as:

I AM THE MESSENGER. ISBN 978-0375842207

HOW I LIVE NOW. ISBN 978-0553376050

The Arrival

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Tan, Shaun. 2006. THE ARRIVAL. New York, NY: Arthur A. Levine. ISBN 978-0439895293

PLOT SUMMARY
Shaun Tan's graphic novel although wordless details the life a young man who leaves his family in search of a better life. The novel captures the young man's journey across an ocean, his challenges and frustrations at learning the language, finding a home, buying food, and procuring a job. In the end all his hard work pays off as he is able to send for his wife and daughter and they make a home for themselves in the new land.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Shaun Tan's graphic novel although wordless is full of emotion and depth. Younger readers may have trouble following the storyline and still more may not understand the depth and symbolism present in the novel such as the strange characters and unusual alphabet which most likely portrays the confusion that those traveling to a foreign land may feel. Although some readers may not grasp the more intricate details most will understand and empathize will the characters trials and frustrations. Tan's illustrations are artfully done in sepia tones that call to mind old family photographs. Also, the inventive and quirky illustrations set the stage to allow the reader and the main character to the experience the same emotions as they travel through this foreign land together.

REVIEW EXCERPT
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL review: “A wide variety of ethnicties represented in Tan's hyper-realistic style, and the sense of warmth and caring for others, regardless of race, age, or background, is present on nearly every page. Young readers will be fascinated by the strange new world the artist creates, complete with floating elevators and unusual creatures, but may not realize the depth of meaning or understand what the man's journey symbolizes. More sophisticated readers, however, will grasp the sense of strangeness and find themselves participating in the man's experiences. They will linger over the details in the beautiful sepia pictures and will likely pick up the book to pore over it again and again.”

CONNECTIONS
Readers who enjoy Shaun Tan's The Arrival will enjoy other titles by Tan such as:

TALES FROM OUTER SUBURBIA. ISBN 978-0545055871

CHARACTER SKETCHES. ISBN 978-0977562800

The Graveyard Book

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Gaiman, Neil. 2008. THE GRAVEYARD BOOK. New York, NY: HarperCollins Publishers. ISBN 9780060530945

PLOT SUMMARY
Reminiscent of the Harry Potter series, The Graveyard Book begins with the mysterious murder of a family in Britain by an assassin named Jack leaving behind a baby boy who escapes by toddling out the front door and ends up in nearby graveyard. In the graveyard, Bod also called Nobody Owens because he looks like nobody but himself is raised by the inhabitants of the graveyard and by a caretaker named Silas who can travel through the world of the living and the dead. While growing up in the graveyard Bod learns history, geography, and literature from the ghosts and experiences a number of adventures and challenges that prepare him for his reuniting with the man named Jack.

CRITCAL ANALYSIS
Written by Neil Gaiman, this sinister and captivating tale is full of dark humor and adventure while still featuring strong albeit unconventional yet meaningful relationships between Bod and the members of the graveyard. “For Scarlett the chamber was once more swallowed by the darkness. But in the darkness, she could hear the twining sound again, getting louder and louder, as if something were circling the round room. Something said, WE ARE THE SLEER.” Gaiman's writing is magic and instantly pulls the reader into the intriguing world of Bod that is full of challenges and fantasy.
Illustrations provided by Dave McKean are interspersed throughout the novel often after at the end or beginning of a new chapter and sometimes take up three to four pages. McKean's illustrations are done in ebony black, dark gray, and muted white and set the tone for Gaiman's Gothic story.

REVIEW EXCERPTS
Starred review in 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. Although marketed to the younger YA set, this is a rich story with broad appeal and is highly recommended for teens of all ages.”

BOOKMARKS MAGAZINE review “Neil Gaiman's fantasies have entranced both younger readers and adults; this Gothic fantasy, a coming-of-age story modeled after The Jungle Book and with slight nods to Harry Potter, will appeal to all ages. By juxtaposing the world of the dead with the world of the living, Gaiman creates a fantastical world where the thoughtful protagonist comes to understand the power of family as he experiences the fear, pains, confusions, and joys of growing up. Critics praised each illustrated chapter as its own little gem, with moments both tender and terrifying—and each equally exciting. The Graveyard Book is sure to become a book to last the ages.”

CONNECTIONS
Children intrigued by Gaiman's dark humor and sinister stories should try reading some of Neil Gaiman's other work.
Gaiman, Neil. NEVERWORLD: A NOVEL. ISBN 9780060557812
Gaiman, Neil. CORALINE. ISBN 0061649708

The Wednesday Wars

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Schmidt, Gary D. 2007.WEDNESDAY WARS. New York, NY: Clarion Books. ISBN 978-0547237602

PLOT SUMMARY
Set in 1967 in city of Long Island, America is involved in the Vietnam War and dealing with the death of Martin Luther King Jr. on the home front. During this state of unrest, a boy, Holling Hoodhood is beginning his seventh grad year at school as the only Presbyterian in a school full of students who are either Catholic or Jewish. Due to him being the only one with out a place to go on Wednesday afternoons, Holling is sentenced to spend the day with Mrs. Baker, who he believes hates him and assigns him to study Shakespeare. As the story progress, Mrs. Baker guides Holling through the difficulties and troubles of life and Holling realizes that Mrs Baker genuinely cares for him and isn't as bad as he first thought.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Schmidt's coming of age novel while set in a troubling time of war and racial tension is immensely funny and heart-warming. “To ask your sister to be your ally is like asking Nova Scotia to go into battle with you.” and “But toads, beetles, bats. If you can't figure that out for yourself, then a southwest blow on ye and blister you all o'er.” are some of the laugh out loud lines that Schmidt uses to create a compelling plot about a truly transforming year for Holling Hoodhood. Spending time with Mrs. Baker on Wednesday afternoons, Holling Hoodhood, while learning Shakespeare learns life lessons, how to be the person he wants to be and to eventually become the man he supposed to be.

REVIEW EXCERPT
2008 ALA NOTABlE BOOKS FOR CHILDREN AWARD

2007 PUBLISHERS WEEKLY BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR

Starred review by BOOKLIST “ However, Schmidt, whose Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy (2005) was named both a Printz and a Newberry Honor Book, makes the implausible believable and the everyday momentous. Seamlessly, he knits together the story's themes: the cultural uproar of the '60s, the internal uproar of early adolescence, and the timeless wisdom of Shakespeare's words. Holling's unwavering, distinctive voice offers a gentle, hopeful, moving story of a boy who, with the right help, learns to stretch beyond the limitations of his family, his violent times, and his fear, as he leaps into his future with his eyes and his heart wide open.”

CONNECTIONS
Those interested in the culture of America in the 1960s will be drawn to these novel.
Other novels by Gary D. Schmidt and similar to WEDNESDAY WARS:
Schmidt, Gary D. Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy. ISBN 978-0375841699 and
Holm, Jenny L. Penny from Heaven. ISBN 978-0375836893

The Storm in the Barn

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Phelan, Matt. 2009. THE STORM IN THE BARN. Somerville, MA. Candlewick Press. ISBN 9780763636180

PLOT SUMMARY
The story takes place in the sprawling plains of Kansas in 1937 during the Dust Bowl era due to the lack of rain the region and the nation's states of Depression. Jack Clark, a young shy boy on a farm and a human punching bag for a local gang of boys only wants to be helpful and please his father. One day, Jack wonders into a barn and meets a sinister figure who calls himself the Rain King. The Rain King is holding back the rain from the area so that the people will worship him. Jack, gathering courage, stands up to the Rain and in a showdown between the two characters the Rain looses to Jack and is sent back to the heavens. The story conclusion coincides with the end of the drought and Jack's father realizes his son's true potential.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Unlike most historical novels, The Storm in the Barn is a graphic novel that draws readers in with it's historical setting, thrilling tale, and very detailed art work. Reluctant readers will be drawn to the story due to the prevalence of more art than words, but even avid readers will be drawn to the fantasy-like story.
Matt Phelan illustrations are immensely telling, at times the depictions seem like a still of movie due to the carefully crafted facial expressions of the characters. Phelan uses muted gray and pastels colors to create the hard times of the 1930s and uses dark more vivid colors in the climax of the novel to heighten the mood. The Rain King's depiction is especially creepy, colored in dark blues and grays he is never seen without a cloak of rain about his figure and obscuring his face. Phelan's illustrations and words come together to create an impressive work of art that readers of any age will desire to read.

REVIEW EXCERPTS
PUBLISHER'S WEEKLY review: “The big novelty here is the Dust Bowl setting, and Phelan's art emphasizes the swirling, billowing clouds of fine grit that obscure even nearby objects. Older readers might have appreciated more text to make up for the lack of visual clarity, but kids will identify with Jack and appreciate his success.”
Starred review in SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURANL: “Children can read this as a work of historical fiction, a piece of folklore, a scary story, a graphic novel, or all four. Written with simple, direct language, it's an almost wordless book: the illustrations' shadowy grays and blurry lines eloquently depict the haze of the dust. A complex but accessible and fascinating book.”

CONNECTIONS
Those that enjoy reading about the Dust Bowl or Depression era will be draw to this novel as well non-readers that will enjoy the graphic novel format.
*Similar titles:Sandler, Martin W. The Dust Bowl Through the Lens: How Photography Revealed and Helped Remedy a National Disaster. ISBN 9780802795472
Stanley, Jerry. Children of the Dust Bowl: The True Story of the School at Weedpatch Camp. ISBN 9780517880944

Hiroshima

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Yep, Laurence. 1995. HIROSHIMA. New York, NY: Scholastic, Inc. ISBN 978-0780761186

PLOT SUMMARY
The story opens on the morning of August 6, 1945 on an otherwise ordinary day in Hiroshima. 12 year Sachi walks her sister to school and Sachi reports to her duty at the Hiroshima castle to assist the Japanese Army. All of a sudden a plan flies over the city of Hiroshima and panic ensues until it passes out of view. The citizens began to think the worst is over, but then the Enola Gay flies over and drops the first atomic bomb in history. The city of Hiroshima is destroyed and over 125,000 people lose their lives instantly. Sachi survives the initial attack and later on in life speaks to other about her experience. Along with Sachi's experience, information about WWII and facts regarding the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki are woven together in this historical novel.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Yep's novella about the bombing of Hiroshima is descriptive and sometimes lacks feeling due to the attention paid to detail instead of to character's emotions. Although lacking in character development the reader will be intrigued by the details regarding the aftermath of the bombing as well as Sachi's trip to America for surgery. Also, Yep's words to describe the pilot’s feelings after the bomb, “What have we done?” are moving and the pilot's words will remain with reader long afterward. Yep concludes the novella by adding additional information about the world's reaction to the bomb and the end of World War II. Readers will definitely be drawn to learn more about the Hiroshima and the devastating effects of the atomic bomb.

REVIEW EXCERPTS
PUBLISHER'S WEEKLY review: “Yep's account of the bombing of Hiroshima and its devastating aftermath is at once chilling and searing, hushed and thundering. Within a factual framework, the author sets the fictional story of a girl named Sachi, allegedly a composite of several young residents of the bombed city.”
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL review: “Yep ends with two chapters on the destructive potential of nuclear warfare and on some of the efforts being made toward disarmament. His words are powerful and compelling, and the facts he presents make readers realize the horrors of that day and its impact beyond. As a fictional character, Sachi never becomes much more than a name, but even so, readers will be moved by her tale.”

CONNECTIONS
Readers that are interested in WWII era will enjoy this novella.
*Similar titles regarding the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki and WWII include:
Takayuki, Ishii. ONE THOUSAND PAPER CRANES. ISBN 978-0440228431 and
Morimoto, June. MY HIROSHIMA. ISBN 978-0670831814

Dogs and Cats

BIBLIOGRAPY
Jenkins, Steve.2007. DOGS AND CATS. Boston, Massachusetts: Houghton Mifflin. ISBN 0618507671

PLOT SUMMARY
In this fun and inventive book, Steve Jenkins appeals to both dog and cat lovers at the same time. Readers can view one side and read about dogs and then flip the book over and read about cats. Jenkins book features information about different breeds of cats and dogs, interesting facts and details about their behavior, and historical information as well.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS
There are many books about dogs and cats, but Steve Jenkins work stands out in many ways. The reader can read about dogs and then flip the book over to read about cats. The cover of the book even changes for the preference of the reader by showing a cat on one side and a dog on the other. Another way this work stands out against others is the interactive nature of the book. Alongside the text, interesting facts and trivia jump out at the viewer enticing them on a journey to read the text in a non-linear way. Many non-readers, will be surprised, when finished with the book that they have indeed read a book!
Steve Jenkins, not only wrote this attention capturing book, but illustrated it as well. Jenkins illustration of puppies and kittens are adorable and so life-like that readers can't help but be drawn to their images. Also, the depictions of the different breeds serve as a helpful example of the different breeds of dogs and cats and give insight to the wonderful characteristics and intrinsic behaviors of dogs and cats.

REVIEW EXCERPTS
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL review: “This could have been just another book about pets, albeit with a clever gimmick (after reading about one of the species, youngsters can flip the volume over to learn about the other). However, Jenkins has created a book that reaches beyond the mundane and into the spectacular. The two halves of this whole are intertwined throughout. In the part about dogs, cat icons serve as teasers for the other section, and vice versa. The two halves meet in the center with a large illustration of a cat and dog lying together on a rug-a seamless transition from one subject to the other. The lively narrative provides a copious amount of information, examining each species in human history, describing evolution and domestication, highlighting physical characteristics and behaviors, and finishing up with amazing facts about each animal.”

CONNECTIONS
This book will certainly appeal to animal lover and especially to dog and cat lovers. Students can read the book and share interesting stories on their own animals as well as identify what breed of dog or cat they might have.
*Read other books about animals like,
Jenkins, Steve. LIVING COLOR. ISBN 0618708970 and other books by Steve Jenkins such as
LOOKING DOWN. ISBN 0618310983

Bodies from the Ice: Melting Glaciers and the Recovery of the Past

BIBLIOGRAPY
Deem, James M. BODIES FROM THE ICE: MELTING GLACIERS AND THE RECOVERY OF THE PAST. 2008. New York, NY: Houghton Mifflin. ISBN 9780618800452

PLOT SUMMARY
BODIES FROM THE ICE begins its tale in 1991 when husband and wife hikers discover a body under melting ice on the Niederjoch glacier. The couple took a picture of the body and returned to town to inform the authorities. This sparked a full-fledged archeology dig for the body and attracted attention from the media everywhere. Many thought the body was a few hundred years old, but the world was stunned when radiocarbon testing revealed, the body, nicknamed “Otzi” by the media, was 5,300 years old. Information about other bodies found in ice such as the Incan children purposefully buried as sacrifices in the Andes, are presented as well as in depth information about glaciers.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS
The book is broken up into seven sections detailed in the table of contents. Each section features information on bodies found in ice around different parts of the world as well explaining glacier formations and highlighting famous glaciers around the world. Throughout Deem's book, text is paired with helpful maps, images of articles found at dig sites, as well as crisp clear full page pictures of the frozen bodies, epic glaciers, and soaring mountains. Also found in the book, in the back of the text, are suggested websites, a list of glaciers to visit, and a helpful index to help the active and adventurous reader navigate through the text.

REVIEW EXCERPT
2009 AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION NOTABLE BOOKS FOR CHILDREN
BOOKLIST review: “There are books about melting glaciers and books about frozen bodies, but this attractive offering combines the topics in a way that will intrigue readers. It begins with a chance discovery by walkers in northern Italy who find a thawing corpse originally thought to be from the 1800s. Scientists later realized the body was more than 5,000 years old. As glaciers melt throughout the world, more frozen bodies are appearing, adding greatly to the knowledge researchers have about history and culture. Individual chapters cover types of glaciers and why they are fertile territory for housing bodies; the Chamonix glacier, which saw women climbers in the early 1800s; the mystery of George Mallory, who died trying to climb Mt. Everest.”

CONNECTIONS
James Deem's book will appeal to female and male adventurers everywhere.
Read other similar non-fiction books by Deem such as:
BODIES FROM THE BOG. ISBN 0618354026 and
BODIES FROM THE ASH: LIFE AND DEATH IN ANCIENT POMPEII. ISBN 0618473084

What to do with Alice?

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Kerley, Barbara. 2008. WHAT TO DO WITH ALICE? Ill. By Edwin Fotheringham. New York, NY: Scholastic Press. ISBN 0439922313

PLOT SUMMARY
In this colorful biography, we are offered a brief glimpse into the life and character of Alice Roosevelt, President Theodore Roosevelt's daughter. As Theodore Roosevelt begins his journey to the White House, his daughter Alice is begins to make her own mark on the world by becoming one of the most talked about women of her time. Her wild behavior such as having a pet snake named Emily Spinach, joining an all-boys club, and “eating up the world” made her a “running riot”to her father but caused the American people to love her all the more. As Alice grew up she became more involved in politics and became a wife of a congressman and even an adviser to her father while still holding on to her “unruly” and adventurous nature.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This lively biography is perfectly written for children of any age. Written by Barbara Kerley the details of Alice Roosevelt's life are presented in chronological manner from the time she was born, details her young adult life, and ends as she gets married and begins her adult life. Kerley writes Alice's short biography in way to not only inform the reader but to entertain them as well. Some biographies may beat the reader over the head with details and facts but Kerley manages to magically slip famous excerpts, headlines, and quotes into the story to provide factual evidence of Alice's crazy antics and voracious appetite for life.
Fotheringham illustrations complement Kerley's text in every way. To match Alice's wild and “unruly” nature the most vibrant and vivid colors are used to illustrate this short biography. Alice is often depicted in a bright red dress and is active in every page whether it be when she is riding on the handle bars of a bike, dancing until the wee hours of the morning, or even waving to friends during her father's inauguration. Fotheringham also complements Kerley's work by drawing attention to famous quotes and headlines by placing them in all caps and by bolding them in dark black or stark white text.

REVIEW EXCERT
2009 AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION NOTABLE BOOKS FOR CHILDREN

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURAL 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. Fotheringham's digitally rendered, retro-style illustrations are a superb match for the text. The energy in his pictures is palpable as when Alice is turned loose in her father's library and five Alices dart about followed by lines that trace her frenetic path as she reads eclectically and voraciously.”

CONNECTIONS
*Invite students to read biographies that interest them and then share suprising details they've learned.
Read other biographies by Barbara Kerley such as:
THE EXTRAORDINARY MARK TWAIN (ACCORDING TO SUSY). ISBN 0545125081
WALT WHITMAN: WORDS FOR AMERICA. ISBN 0439357913

Diamond Willow

BIBLIOGRAPY
Frost, Helen. 2008. DIAMOND WILLOW. New York. Frances Foster Books. ISBN 0374317763

PLOT SUMMARY
This unique story features a 12 year old girl, Diamond Willow, who is part Athabascan, a native tribe from Alaska which is where the story is located takes place. Diamond is normal young girl who feels frustration toward her parents for not recognizing she is growing up and frustration toward her best friend for spending more time with her instead of with a boy she likes. In an attempt to prove to her family that she has abilities and that she is growing up she takes her Dad's mush team out on her own to her grandparents she runs into trouble and learns more about her herself and discovers something startling about her family.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Helen Frost created an instant classic with story and character of Diamond Willow. Diamond is vulnerable, strong, normal, and special at the same time. This verse novel, with some prose, is written is an incredibly creative way where easch poem is shaped like a diamond that occurs on a branch of a Willow tree, for which Diamond is named after. Even more interesting is the special hidden messages in each diamond. The hidden message is centered in the middle of the diamond, bolded in black, and features the inner thoughts and insecurities of Diamond. Amazing jewels like, “I'm skinny and ordinary like a stick” and “Sometimes I feel like two people” demonstrates Diamond vulnerable character while other treasure like, “so what if We get grounded for This” and “I know I'm a little amazing” show Diamond true confidence and strength in herself. Helen Frost's Diamond Willow mixes drama and mystery to create a story that heralds themes of truth, love, and the importance of family.

REVIEW EXCERPTS
VOICE FOR YOUTH ADVOCATES review: “Each page of her narration is a poem in the shape of a diamond, with a few bolded words in the middle conveying a second message. The ancestors who watch over her in the form of forest animals speak in interspersed pages of prose. An engaging survival tale, it is also the story of a girl who finds within herself the grace to grow up.”

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL review: “Frost casts a subtle spell through innovative storytelling. Her poems offer pensive imagery and glimpses of character, and strong emotion. This complex and elegant novel will resonate with readers who savor powerful drama and multifaceted characters.”

CONNECTIONS
This story will appeal to young female readers as well as readers that enjoy action and survivalist stories.
Other stories similar to DIAMOND WILLOW
Law, Ingrid. 2008. SAVVY. New York: Penguin Group. ISBN 0-8037-3306-2
Frost, Helen. 2003. KEESHA'S HOUSE. New York: Farrar, Straus,& Giroux. ISBN 0374340641

Monster Muesum

BIBLIOGRAPY
Singer, Marilyn. 2001. MONSTER MUSEUM. Ill. By Gris Grimly. New York: Hyperion Books For Children. ISBN 078680520-X

PLOT SUMMARY
In this collection of poems a group of students on a field trip visit the Monster Museum. Inside the museum the children are introduced to many different types of monster including some famous creatures from literature such as Count Dracula, Frankenstein, and Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS
While featuring some of the creepiest monsters in literature, Singer's poems and illustrations by Gris Grimly transform these ghouls and goblins into quirky and playful creatures sure to capture the attention of young children. “My brother is a poltergeist,/My sister is a bogey./ My mother is a revenant,/My father's an old fogy.” In “Ghost” Singer's rhymes are not only informative but they just plain fun to say.

Grimly's illustrations of the monsters are much like the story itself, strange, bordering on crazed, and with just a hint of deviousness. In the depiction of the Poltergeist, Grimly has the ghost enclosed behind a display but his devilish and devious grin suggest he might just break through the barrier any second. Each page is full of characters, monsters, and objects flying around the room, the scene is so chaotic but will draw the attention of readers to notice every detail.

REVIEW EXCERPTS
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL review: “This fresh, witty book will be popular for not-so-scary storytimes, as well as independent reading. The humor and wordplay running rampant adds to the delight of the whole museum visit. Another howling success for this versatile author”

KIRKUS reviews: “The cleverly detailed watercolors by mysterious illustrator Gris Grimly (a pseudonym for Steven Soenksen) steal the show with hilarious humor and offer careful readers all sorts of visual jokes, with additional monsters peering out from unexpected locations. His monsters are charmingly spooky rather than grotesque, and the schoolchildren also have their own quirky personalities. Singer's poems are lively and humorous (if not great literature), and they impart quite a bit of information about various famous monsters.”

CONNECTIONS
These creepy yet friendly monster tale will make a great read for young children celebrating Halloween.
Other stories similar to MONSTER MUESUM
Singer, Marylin.2004 CREATURE CARNIVAL. Ill. by Gris Grimly. New York: Hyperion Books. ISBN 0786818778

Button Up!: Wrinkled Rhymes

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Schertle, Alice. 2009. BUTTON UP!:WRINKLED RHYMES. Ill. By Petra Mathers. New York: Harcourt Children's Books. ISBN 9780152050504

PLOT SUMMARY
In Button UP!: Wrinkled Rhymes, Alice Schertle brings to life various article of clothing. On each page the the reader is presented with a different types of garment such as “Violet's Hiking Hat” to “Emily's Undies” who have distinctive personalities just like the various animal characters that choose to wear them. Alice Schertle's poems not only describe the physical qualities of the garments, but allows the articles of clothing to narrate and detail their unique qualities, special history, and duties to the colorful characters to which they belong.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Alice Schertle's Button Up! are filled with humor and playfulness. For adults, each poem the reader delves into is a new experience full of meaning and nostalgia. In “Hand-me-down sweatshirt” lines such as, “I started out Wendell's,/was passed down to May,/she passed me to Karly,/I'm Andrew's Today. So zip up my zipper/and pull up my hood. I'm a friend of the family/ and still looking good.” Adult readers will remember their favorite old t-shirt handed down from an older brother or sister.In “Violet's Hiking Hat”, the hat says, “I'm taking a hike with Violet./Violet's showing me things./ “Hat,” says Violet, “there's a caboose./These are butterfly wings.” With these playful lines children will draw comparisons with Violet's hat and their own favorite tennis shoes, t-shirt, or that ratty old blanket they can't go anywhere without.
Petra Mathers' illustrations for Button Up! were done in bright and vivid watercolors. The main characters in the book are the articles of clothing, but Mathers brings special attention to the wearers of the clothing by choosing to make them not humans but beautiful and quirky animals. Mathers' illustrations complete Schertle's poems by evoking a sense of nostalgia. While Schertle's poems compel children and adults to remember their favorite toy or hand-me-down item, Mathers' illustrations evoke nostalgia by illustrating fantastical and beautiful animals similar to the classic child-hood favorite The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter.

REVIEW EXCERPTS
CHILDREN'S LITERATURE review: “Rollicking poems told in the "voices" of articles of clothing make up this fun collection. Rhymes are in couplets or quatrains, with some internal rhyming, and there is a well-defined rhythm that will appeal to children. The silliness of talking clothes adds to the overall appeal.”
KIRKUS REVIEWS “Mathers's whimsy-filled watercolors place each article of clothing on an animal, and not just cats and dogs. 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.”

CONNECTIONS
This would be a great read for children and parents together. Also, this would make an excellent project for an elementary class. After reading the story children could share with the class what their favorite garment was. Students could also write their own poems and illustrate their own favorite article of clothing for the class to see.
*Other books of poetry like Alice Schertle's Button Up!:
Schertle, Alice. VERY HAIRY BEAR Ill. by Mat Phelan. ISBN 0152165681
Mathers, Petra. LOTTIE'S NEW BEACH TOWEL. ISBN 0689844417

Noah's Ark

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Pinkey, Jerry. 2002. NOAH'S ARK. Ill. By Jerry Pinkney. San Francisco: Chronicle Books. ISBN 101587172011

PLOT SUMMARY
NOAH'S ARK is a retelling of the biblical story of Noah and his family and how they prepare for the great flood. The story opens with God unhappy with the people of the earth because they did not care for one another, but God sees Noah who loves his family and loves the Lord so God spares Noah and his family. God tells Noah to build an ark because he going to bring a flood that will wipe away every living thing and to collect two of every creature on the great ship. Noah and his family begin to build the ark while neighbors and people come to mock Noah for building a boat on dry land. Soon the animals began boarding the ship and the rains begin until the whole world is flooded. After 40 days and 40 nights the rains dissipate and Noah sends a out a dove to see if the water has receded. The dove comes back with an olive branch and the Noah, his family, and the animals walk out on a cleansed earth. The story ends when God sets a rainbow in the sky to represent a promise to Noah and all living things that He will never flood the world again.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS
NOAH'S ARK is beautiful tale full of lessons of love, courage, faith, and obedience. Although a children's book Pinkney writes so movingly that even adults can't helped but be touched by his words. “The did not care for one another. They did not care for the land that God had made. And they did not care for God. God's heart was filled with pain to see the wickedness of humankind.” Also little touches of genius are everywhere in this story when Pinkney writes, “It rose over their heads. It rose of over the treetops. The strong wooden beams embraced the clouds.” In this sentence, Pinkney demonstrates his almost lyrical style while fully illustrating the grand scale of the ark.
Pinkney's illustrations, done in colored pencils and watercolors, are fantastical and full of range and depth. For example, when the animals are boarding the ark the illustrations are packed into two pages showing the organized chaos that is occurring. When the rains recede Pinkney shows only the ark, in the middle of two pages, resting peacefully on a calm sea under clouds of cerulean blue. Pinkney's words and illustrations work together to appeal to audiences of all ages who will enjoy seeing this recognizable tale come to life.

REVIEW EXCERPTS
2003 CALEDCOTT HONOR BOOK
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY, review: “...The watercolor-and-pencil animal tableaux delicately hued, vigorously executed are stunning in their artistry. Realistically drawn creatures flap, leap, lumber and slither about under the watchful, hopeful eyes of a kind-faced, gray-bearded Noah and his family. These crowded but never chaotic scenes, as well as those depicting whales in implicit comparison with the ark, will help children grasp the magnitude of the story's message of faith, stewardship and obedience”
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL, review: “...Before Noah's story starts, Pinkney offers a seascape celebrating the goodness of creation. Many of the ocean dwellers reappear in a panorama in which they swim over drowned cities while the ark floats above. Such details add to the book's visual discoveries. The final view of Earth adorned with clouds and rainbows as it floats through space reinforces the unspoken message of the wonder and fragility of the natural world. Yes, another "Noah's Ark" book needs to be squeezed onto shelves, but this one won't sit there long.”

CONNECTIONS
Because of the very recognizable story many children will relate and enjoy being able to predict what occurs next. Also many children will enjoy having this famous story represented in a colorful and child-friendly format.
Other stories like NOAH'S ARK and other books by Jerry Pinkney.
Spier, Peter. NOAH'S ARK. ISBN 0440406935
Koralek, Jenny, THE MOSES BASKET. ISBN 0802852513
Pinkney, Jerry, THE LION AND THE MOUSE. ISBN 1587172011

The Three Pigs

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Wiesner, David. 2001. The Three Pigs. Ill. By David Wiesner. New York: Clarion Books. ISBN 0618007016.

PLOT SUMMARY
THE THREE PIGS is a classic tale that in David Wiesner's hands receives a twist. In this version the story begins the same as the classic tale with the wolf happening upon a pig in a house made of straw. He “huffed, and he puffed, and he blew the house in...and ate the pig up” except he didn't because the pig is no where to be found. The story takes an entirely new direction when the wolf walks up to the house made of bricks. Before the wolf can begin “huffing and puffing” the pigs escape to a new world, a literary world, full of recognizable characters such as the “the cat and the fiddle” and a dragon that is about to be slain. Eventually, the “cat and the fiddle” and the dragon accompany the three pigs back to the house made of bricks where he is frightened off. The story ends with the three pigs, the dragon, and the cat in the brick house enjoying a bowl of soup.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS
David Wiesner's The Three Pigs is a fun and whimsical tale told with the pigs in mind. In this story the wolf is a minor character and the pigs get free rein of the story showing that with imagination, possibilities are endless.
David Wiesner's illustrations are done in watercolor, gouache, colored inks, pencil and colored pencil. The illustrations are fun and whimsical much like the story itself. One of the most notable features of the story is the illustrations of the pigs. On one page the pigs interrupt the story and say, “Let's explore this place.” Wiesner's illlustrations turn from a colorful page to a stark white background with the pigs soaring on a paper plane made of the traditional story. Another amazing feature about the pigs is their ability to fit into any story. When the pigs meet the “cat and the fiddle” they transform into a colorful cartoon and when they meet the dragon they are drawn in only black in white. The pigs get free rein of the book and the story and can go anywhere they please. They are not bound by this story and can pop up in other notable folktales.

REVIEW EXCERPTS
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY, starred review: “Even the book's younger readers will understand the distinctive visual code. As the pigs enter the confines of a storybook page, they conform to that book's illustrative style, appearing as nursery-rhyme friezes or comic-book line drawings.”

KIRKUS REVIEWS, starred review: “With this inventive retelling, Caldecott medalist Wiesner plays with literary conventions. . . . On the last few pages, the final words of the text break apart, sending letters drifting down into the illustrations to show us that once we have ventured out into the wider world, our stories never stay the same.”

CONNECTIONS
This story would be an excellent for older readers who are familiar with the traditional folktale. The colorful illustrations would also be great for a story-time read.
Other stories like THE THREE PIGS:
Scieszka, Jon. THE TRUE STORY OF THE 3 LITTLE PIGS! ISBN 0140544518
Trivizas, Eugene. THE THREE LITTLE WOLVES AND THE BIG BAD PIG. ISBN 068981528X

"The False Knight on the Road"

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Yolen, Jane 2003. “THE FALSE KNIGHT ON THE ROAD” in MIGHTER THAN THE SWORD. Ill. by Raul Colon. Orlando, Fl: Silver Whistle. ISBN 0152163913

PLOT SUMMARY
THE FALSE KNIGHT ON THE ROAD is a retelling of an English folktale, but also has roots in Scottish and Irish history as well. Yolen's retelling of the story begins with a young boy named Jack on his way to school where he meets a knight in glistening armor. When Jack comes up to the knight, the knight asks him questions and then begins to engage in riddles. The first question the knight asks is about Jack's lunch but then tells Jack, “I wish you were strung up on the tree”. Jack, at first frightened, soon realizes it's a riddles so he responds with, “And a stout ladder under me”. The knight and Jack go back in forth with riddles and slowly Jack begins to discover that the knight isn't really a knight but a creature that has a tail and hooves. Finally, the true nature of the knight is revealed when the knight says to Jack, “I wish you in Hell” and Jack responds “ And you in Heaven with God and his angels!” The knight is revealed as the devil, is engulfed in flames, and returns to Hell. The story ends with Jack arriving to school ahead of all his classmates and saying his prayers on his way home.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This story, while being very short, makes very bold statements. There are many lessons that can be drawn from the short story. Jack outwits the devil with his intelligence by answering a series of riddles, riddles that he had mastered because he payed attention in school, which stresses the importance of being a good student. This is also a classic tale of the triumph of good over evil. This story also sends a message that even the unlikeliest of people can stand up to the devil, evil, or just to what is wrong. The story is great for children because it shows that with courage and intelligence they can stand up for what is right.
Raul Colon also offers a one page pen and ink illustration for the folktale. The illustration sets the tone for the story with the depiction of the knight in dark black armor. The knight's true nature is revealed in Colon's art with the knight hovering over the boy with his hand on his sword hilt showing his readiness to strike. The courage and goodness of Jack is beautifully represented with an open and honest face. Jack's stance is clearly a stance of one caught of guard, but the reader can easily see, Jack's expression is not fear, but a willingness to face the knight.

REVIEW EXCERPTS

PUBLISHER WEEKLY review: “ These heroes win with their wits and hearts, not with weapons.”

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL review: “Her versions of these stories are lively, expressively written, ready for reading aloud or telling, and illustrative of her point.”

CONNECTIONS
This story would be excellent for older readers maybe 8 years and older, but maybe too frightening for younger audiences. This story could also show children why it's important to stay away from strangers.
Other stories where featuring young boys as brave and intelligent are featured in Jane Yolen's collection of stories.
Yolen, Jane. MIGHTER THAN THE SWORD. ISBN 0152163913

Where The Wild Things Are

Bibliography-
Sendak, Maurice. 1963. WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE. Ill. By Maurice Sendak New York, NY: Harper Collins. ISBN 9780060254926

Plot Summary-
Max's journey begins when he dons a wolf suit, causes mischief, and is sent to bed without dinner. Max's room then transforms into the outside world and he travels to a distant land where he meets the Wild Things and they make him king. Max and the wild things make lots of mischief until one night Max sends the wild creatures to bed without their dinner. Max, then returns home to find his dinner waiting for him.

Critical Analysis-
Maurice Sendak's story is classic and unforgettable. Most everyone can recognize Sendak's dark and poetic lines. “...they roared their terrible roars and gnashed their terrible teeth and rolled their terrible eyes and showed their terrible claws..” At first, the story featuring a boy sent to bed without dinner seems simplistic and straightforward, but at second glance the story takes on new depth. Max, in his anger, wants to escape from his problems, so he imagines his room as the wide open world where he can roam free and do as he pleases. When he becomes king of the wild things, he escapes from the hassle of having to listen to his mother. In the end, Max returns home after coming to the realization that escaping from your worries and shutting out the world leaves you hungry and alone.

As well as writing, Maurice Sendak illustrated this beautiful and moving story as well. One thing to take note of is Sendak's illustrations of nature itself. Every feature in this the book suggests wildness: the Wild Things, Max and even nature. The forest takes over Max's room one page at a time till there is nothing left suggesting that nature is an active character inviting Max into the wild.
Perhaps the most recognizable feature of the story is the illustrations of the fantastical Wild Things. At first, they look frightening and terrible with their maniacal yellow eyes and sharp fierce claws, but by the time they're hanging from the trees and causing a “wild rumpus” they take on a more comical tone while still maintaining their wild nature. Sendak illustrations, like the story, can at first seem simple and straightforward, but on second glance take on dark, deep and meaningful tone.

While really young children may be frightened by the depictions of the wild things older children will relate to Max's frustration with his mother and wanting to escape their problems.

Review Excerpts
1964 Caldecott Medal Winner
1964 Lewis Carroll Shelf Award
1963, 1982 Fanfare Honor List (The Horn Book)
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL- "Each word has been carefully chosen and the simplicity of the language is quite deceptive."

Connections
This book would be a great story-time read and for a class discussion, older children could share similar experiences of how they resolved their anger.
Read the rest of the trilogy written and illustrated by Maurice Sendak. IN THE NIGHT KITCHEN ISBN 978-0060266684 and OUTSIDE OVER THERE ISBN 978-0064431859
Also read Viorst, Judith. ALEXAND AND THE TERRIBLE, HORRIBLE, NO GOOD VERY BAD DAY ISBN 978-1416985952. Also, deals with a child coping with anger and frustration.

So, What's It Like To Be A Cat?

Bibliography-
Kuskin, Karla. 2005. SO WHAT'S IT LIKE TO BE A CAT?. Ill. By Betsy Lewin. New York, NY: Atheneum Books for Young Readers. ISBN 0689847335

Plot Summary-
A boy sits down to interview a cat and asks questions such as where and how the cat sleeps, what are the cat's morning routines, and whether the cat likes living with people. As well discovering the answers to his questions the boy finds out about the nature and behavior of cats.

Critical Analysis-
Karla Kuskin's writing is playful and fun, capturing the very essence and nature of a cat: “Cats have moods/like many creatures:/mothers, fathers, tigers, teachers./ So when I feel the need to prance/ I run and whisk my tail/ and dance." So, What's It Like To Be A Cat? is a simple story featuring only two characters, the cat and a young boy as the interviewer. While a grand theme or lesson can not be drawn from this story it is a amusing tale that shares authors experiences with her own cat and reveals the nature and behaviors of felines in general.

Betsy Lewin's illustration join perfectly with Karla Kuskin's writing. The watercolor illustrations are vivid and bright. The eye-catching blues, red, purples, and yellows set against a brilliant white background leap off the page. The yellow wide open eyes of the cat suggest its curiosity and interest in everything from the food bowl to pouncing and running from unseen predators. Also, the haughty expressions of the cat imply a carefree and sometimes arrogant manner. Lewin's depiction of the cat slinking away from a toddler, curled up on a couch, or rubbing against the boy all serve to represent the very nature of a cat.

Everyone who has a cat or even those who don't like cats will relate to this story. The playful rhyme scheme and lyrical feel of the story will delight listeners. Also, the brilliantly vibrant colors will capture the attention of readers of all ages.

Review Excerpts-
Starred review in SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “Within strong black lines, the loosely composed watercolor cartoons perfectly capture the range of expressions, postures, and mischievous ways of cats. The illustrations are set against crisp white backgrounds and each page offers a diverse layout that enhances the cadence of the poem. This inextricable interplay of art and text works harmoniously to provide a delightful portrait of the capricious nature of felines”

Starred review in BOOKLIST: “Children will easily recognize the pet's wildly joyful leaps and bounds and his wary backward gaze as he slinks away from a grasping toddler.”

Connections-
This book is great to be read out loud or at a story-time event because of it's rhythmical nature and eye-catching illustrations.
Read other books by Karla Kuskin such as Roar and More and Moon, Have You Met My Mother?
Also, read books illustrated by Betsy Lewin such as the Caldecott Honor Book Click, Clack, Moo: Cows that Type and Cat Count.

Kitten's First Full Moon

Bibliography-
Henkes, Kevin. 2005. KITTEN'S FIRST FULL MOON. Ill. by Kevin Henkes. New York: Greenwillow Books, an imprint of Harper Collins Publishers. ISBN: 0060588284.

Plot Summary-
In Kitten's First Full Moon, Henkes introduces the reader to a curious and adventurous kitten who when she encounters her first full moon mistakes it for a bowl of milk instead. Henkes leads the reader on a journey with the kitten as she tries to reach the bowl of milk. Kitten chases the moon through fields, gardens and even up a tree until she spies the moon's reflection in a lake. After jumping in the lake, Kitten returns home to a bowl of milk waiting for on the porch.

Critical Analysis-
Kevin Henkes' story is full of humor and adventure. Kitten's first full moon's chronicles the story of a kitten on a journey to reach a bowl of milk while encountering struggles and setbacks along the way. Readers of any age can identify with Kitten's inquisitive and adventurous spirit as well relate to the daily struggles and frustrations of life. Children will especially enjoy the story because of it's interactive nature. Henke's line, “Still, there was the little bowl of milk, just waiting.” occurs repeatedly throughout the story which invites children to participate in the storytelling. The story ends with Kitten returning home to a bowl of milk waiting for her suggesting that with persistence, an unwavering spirit, and hard work eventually has its rewards.
Kevin Henke's not only wrote this story but illustrated it as well. Henkes' illustrations are done in watercolors and colored pencils using only black, white, and gray setting the scene for an evening adventure. The illustrations serve to strengthen the playful and adventurous nature of Kitten showing her crouching to attack the moon and clinging to life as she climbs up a tree. Henkes' also brings much humor to the story with the many expressions he gives Kitten. The wide-eyed look of Kitten after she accidentally eats a bug and finds her self stuck in a tree cause the reader to empathize with Kitten's plight. Also, the moon appears sometimes in plain sight, sometimes in the corner of the page just out of reach, and other times in the reflection of a lake. The presence of the moon on almost every page suggest that the moon is just as much a character in the story as Kitten. The moon could easily represent unattainable goals or the daily struggles life sometimes presents.

Review Excerpts-
2005 Caldecott Winner
School Library Journal: "The rhythmic text and delightful artwork ensure story-time success. Kids will surely applaud this cat's irrepressible spirit."
Publishers Weekly: “The narrative and visual pacing will keep children entranced, and the determined young heroine and her comical quest will win them over”

Connections-
1. Kitten's first full Moon would be an excellent for children of any age as well of adults. It simplistic yet classic story and illustrations are timeless and easily relatable. This story would be great for children who are having a difficult time learning a new task. Also, it would be a wonderful choice for story-time because it invites children to participate with the story because of the repetitive line and also encourages readers to predict whats going to occur next in the story.
2. Read other books written and illustrated by Kevin Henkes such as, A GOOD DAY. ISBN: 006114018X and OLD BEAR. ISBN: 0061552054.