The Stone Lamp - Eight Stories of Hanukkah Through History by Karen Hesse
1. Bibliography
Hesse, Karen. 2003. THE STONE LAMP - EIGHT STORIES OF HANUKKAH THROUGH HISTORY. Ill. by Brian Pinkney. New York, NY: Hyperion Books for Children. ISBN 0786806192.
2. Plot Summary
Eight major events in Jewish history are detailed and a free verse poem corresponding to each relates the emotions, reactions, and resoluteness of a personally involved child character.
3. Critical Analysis
Multiple viewpoints serve to connect the tribulations of Jews from around the world- to emphasize that these destructions were not isolated events, but world events. Contrasts between the stark accounts of historical events and the softer, more melancholy deliverance of the characters' everyday accounts, fashion reading material with considerable depth.
The stone Hanukkah lamp lighted by each family signifies the tenacity of the Jewish people, and the passing down of the lamp through the ages is symbolic of the determination of a people. The poem Third Night, Third Light reveals these thoughts, "The stone lamp is not our most beautiful. But it is our oldest and dearest..." The lamp's story of survival trumps its appearance, and keeps Jewish history alive in the heart of a young girl - declaring the Jewish people irrepressible.
Although the tone of the book is heavy and the history is grim, the illustrations counter these disheartening stories with bright, clear paintings. Each illustration is warmed by either the light from the lamp itself or an allusion to the lamplight seen in the yellow skullcaps of the characters, carrying through the book the hope of a better life. Eighth Night, Eighth Light says of the stone lamp, "It is homely beside the menorahs of my friends. But I am proud to join my hand with the many who lighted it." This poem helps close the book with a reiteration of stoic pride and belief that an exceptional future awaits, sentiments warranted by centuries of a people prevailing over persecution.
4. Review Excerpts
THE WASHINGTON POST: "The children's voices ring immediate and true."
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: "the personal perspective of each young narrator adds special resonance to the meaning of Hanukkah."
CHILDREN'S LITERATURE (Judy Chernak): " It's a gripping combination, compelling in its personalization of each sad chapter in Jewish history."
5. Connections
History, tragedy and triumph, becomes overwhelmingly personal and relevant to readers as these books delve into the individual's struggles against the world.
Auerbacher, Inge. I AM A STAR: CHILD OF THE HOLOCAUST. ISBN 0140364013.
Patz, Nancy. WHO WAS THE WOMAN WHO WORE THE HAT? ISBN 0525469990.
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Module 3 Book Reviews: Poetry
Beast Feast by Douglas Florian
1. Bilbiography
Florian, Douglas. 1994. BEAST FEAST. Singapore: Harcourt Brace & Company. ISBN 0152951784.
2. Plot Summary
Characteristics of various animals and insects are set to rhyme in a very beautifully illustrated collection with some silly twists!
3. Critical Analysis
This book is a clever collection of partly factual, partly silly, and 100% entertaining poetry. Poems range from very short, simple poems to longer, more thoughtful poems. Each illustration involves a visual dessert - that "something sweet to top it off." From the grouchy walrus' armchair, the lobster's reading material -"Mobster Motel," the chameleon's paintbrush and palet, and the armadillo's sleeping bag, Florian has embedded witty intepretations of the creatures' interests. Poems are set on a plain white background opposite full page color illustrations, making the poetry easily accessible to young eyes and ensures that the illustrations are well studied.
4. Review Excerpts
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: "an uncluttered, short presentation by an author/illustrator who knows what children will find funny-add to that the bonus of factual information tucked into each poem, and the result is a winner."
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY: "a feast--for the eyes and the ears--"
CHILDREN'S LITERATURE: "a delightful way to introduce kids to poetry."
5. Connections
For a range of animal poetry from quaint to lively add these books to your collection:
Chernaik, Judith (Editor). CARNIVAL OF THE ANIMALS - POEMS INSPIRED BY SAINT-SAENS' MUSIC. (Includes CD) ISBN 076362960x.
Heard, Georgia. CREATURES OF EARTH, SEA, AND SKY: POEMS. ISBN 1563976358.
1. Bilbiography
Florian, Douglas. 1994. BEAST FEAST. Singapore: Harcourt Brace & Company. ISBN 0152951784.
2. Plot Summary
Characteristics of various animals and insects are set to rhyme in a very beautifully illustrated collection with some silly twists!
3. Critical Analysis
This book is a clever collection of partly factual, partly silly, and 100% entertaining poetry. Poems range from very short, simple poems to longer, more thoughtful poems. Each illustration involves a visual dessert - that "something sweet to top it off." From the grouchy walrus' armchair, the lobster's reading material -"Mobster Motel," the chameleon's paintbrush and palet, and the armadillo's sleeping bag, Florian has embedded witty intepretations of the creatures' interests. Poems are set on a plain white background opposite full page color illustrations, making the poetry easily accessible to young eyes and ensures that the illustrations are well studied.
4. Review Excerpts
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: "an uncluttered, short presentation by an author/illustrator who knows what children will find funny-add to that the bonus of factual information tucked into each poem, and the result is a winner."
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY: "a feast--for the eyes and the ears--"
CHILDREN'S LITERATURE: "a delightful way to introduce kids to poetry."
5. Connections
For a range of animal poetry from quaint to lively add these books to your collection:
Chernaik, Judith (Editor). CARNIVAL OF THE ANIMALS - POEMS INSPIRED BY SAINT-SAENS' MUSIC. (Includes CD) ISBN 076362960x.
Heard, Georgia. CREATURES OF EARTH, SEA, AND SKY: POEMS. ISBN 1563976358.
Module 3 Book Reviews: Poetry
Fold Me A Poem by Kristine O'Connell George
1. Bibliography
George, Kristine O'Connell. 2005. FOLD ME A POEM. Ill. by Lauren Stringer. Singapore, Harcourt, Inc. ISBN 0152025014.
2. Plot Summary
A child's clever imagination is revealed through his creation of brightly colored Origami animals and excitement is in the air as the playful animals seem to come to life. A list of Origami resources is included.
3. Critical Analysis
The first poem sets the tone for the book with the lines, "Square sheet of paper -folded, suddenly wakes up." As rigid paper comes to life with the touch of his fingers, the young boy's imagination comes to life, and the story comes to life. Through the progression of the poems, more creatures liven and the narration shifts from the boy's point of view -poems about the animals, to the animals' points of view - poems by the animals, then flows into a conversational type rhetoric with poems that speak to the animals - answering their questions and admonishing their unruly behavior.
A side story carried through the illustrations is the mischieviousness of the boy's cat- drinking milk from the cereal bowl, lying in wait for the peacocks, pouncing on the rabbit, and injuring the ostrich. This added character confirms the animation of the creatures. He is an avid participant on each page -whether observing with a twitching tail or jumping in on the action. He also serves to reinforce the idea that Origami can be appealing to any audience.
Children will identify with the main character even though the Origami animals seem to be perfect at first glance, which is difficult for most children and probably most beginners. Children can relate to the poem concerning the camel, who is missing a leg as a result of a mishap in direction following. Instead of giving up and trashing the camel, the boy opts to re-read the directions. What a simple form of encouragement! Other minor setbacks do not prevent the boy from forging ahead. When the glue spills on the floor, the wind blows the animals and the snowflakes into a flurry, and the ostrich requires first aid, he calmly continues working.
The liveliness of the book slowly fades as the boy prepares for bed with the line, "Night unfolds softly." However, this line refers only to the boy. The animals, on the contrary, under the ever-watchful eye of the cat, quietly make their way to the dance floor in a poem entitled, "Mystery."
4. Review Excerpts
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY: "This unusual poetry volume is a dazzling celebration of imagination."
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: "The vividly colored acrylics depict the boy actively engaged in play with his creations, and the details that Stringer provides infuse the verses with both energy and humor."
5. Connections
To lift poetry up off of the page and breathe life into it as O'Connell has, try the following multiple intelligences poetry books:
Fleischman, Paul. BIG TALK: POEMS FOR FOUR VOICES. ISBN 0763606367.
Holbrook, Sara. WHAM! IT'S A POETRY JAM - DISCOVERING PERFORMANCE POETRY. ISBN 1590780116.
1. Bibliography
George, Kristine O'Connell. 2005. FOLD ME A POEM. Ill. by Lauren Stringer. Singapore, Harcourt, Inc. ISBN 0152025014.
2. Plot Summary
A child's clever imagination is revealed through his creation of brightly colored Origami animals and excitement is in the air as the playful animals seem to come to life. A list of Origami resources is included.
3. Critical Analysis
The first poem sets the tone for the book with the lines, "Square sheet of paper -folded, suddenly wakes up." As rigid paper comes to life with the touch of his fingers, the young boy's imagination comes to life, and the story comes to life. Through the progression of the poems, more creatures liven and the narration shifts from the boy's point of view -poems about the animals, to the animals' points of view - poems by the animals, then flows into a conversational type rhetoric with poems that speak to the animals - answering their questions and admonishing their unruly behavior.
A side story carried through the illustrations is the mischieviousness of the boy's cat- drinking milk from the cereal bowl, lying in wait for the peacocks, pouncing on the rabbit, and injuring the ostrich. This added character confirms the animation of the creatures. He is an avid participant on each page -whether observing with a twitching tail or jumping in on the action. He also serves to reinforce the idea that Origami can be appealing to any audience.
Children will identify with the main character even though the Origami animals seem to be perfect at first glance, which is difficult for most children and probably most beginners. Children can relate to the poem concerning the camel, who is missing a leg as a result of a mishap in direction following. Instead of giving up and trashing the camel, the boy opts to re-read the directions. What a simple form of encouragement! Other minor setbacks do not prevent the boy from forging ahead. When the glue spills on the floor, the wind blows the animals and the snowflakes into a flurry, and the ostrich requires first aid, he calmly continues working.
The liveliness of the book slowly fades as the boy prepares for bed with the line, "Night unfolds softly." However, this line refers only to the boy. The animals, on the contrary, under the ever-watchful eye of the cat, quietly make their way to the dance floor in a poem entitled, "Mystery."
4. Review Excerpts
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY: "This unusual poetry volume is a dazzling celebration of imagination."
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: "The vividly colored acrylics depict the boy actively engaged in play with his creations, and the details that Stringer provides infuse the verses with both energy and humor."
5. Connections
To lift poetry up off of the page and breathe life into it as O'Connell has, try the following multiple intelligences poetry books:
Fleischman, Paul. BIG TALK: POEMS FOR FOUR VOICES. ISBN 0763606367.
Holbrook, Sara. WHAM! IT'S A POETRY JAM - DISCOVERING PERFORMANCE POETRY. ISBN 1590780116.
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