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.