The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter
1. Bibliography
Potter, Beatrix. 2001. THE TALE OF PETER RABBIT. Ill. by Michael Hague. New York, NY: SeaStar Books. ISBN: 1587170531.
2. Plot Summary
A naughty little bunny named Peter disobeys his mother and sneaks into Mr. McGregor’s garden. Peter bungles his escape, loses his second new jacket and shoes, and ends up sick in bed while his heedful sisters enjoy a delicious dinner.
3. Critical Analysis
Beatrix Potter’s frank delivery of the tale allows for the many actions of Peter’s challenging day to be conveyed quickly and efficiently to a young reader. The no-nonsense style reflects old Mrs. Rabbit’s uncomplicated, straightforward manner in raising a difficult bunny like Peter as well as his obedient sisters. The clear message of this fantasy is that obedient children are rewarded – the sisters enjoy a dinner of bread, milk, and blackberries, while disobedience is punished – Peter becomes sick, loses his clothes, and instead of dinner must endure a dose of chamomile tea. Children love this story because of Peter’s exciting exertion of independence, the thrill of multiple narrow escapes, and a tidy ending – which finds Peter safe at home, in bed asleep, with mother at his side.
4. Review Excerpts
CHILDREN’S LITERATURE: “…generations have continued to enjoy this lively tale of naughtiness.”
5. Connections
Beatrix Potter wrote 23 Tales and each has reprinted over 100 times.
Some tales with Potter’s own illustrations are:
Potter, Beatrix. THE TALE OF FLOPSY BUNNIES. ISBN-13: 9780723247777.
Potter, Beatrix. THE TALE OF SQUIRREL NUTKIN. ISBN-13: 9780723247715.
Potter, Beatrix. THE TALE OF TOM KITTEN. ISBN-13: 9780723247791.
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Friday, January 25, 2008
Module 1 Book Reviews: An Introduction to Children and Their Literature
Library Lion by Michelle Knudsen
1. Bibliography
Knudsen, Michelle. 2006. LIBRARY LION. Ill. by Kevin Hawkes. Cambridge, MA: Candlewick Press. ISBN 0763622621.
2. Plot summary
A lion finds acceptance in the library as long as he follows the rules. After breaking one rule the lion feels he is no longer allowed to visit the library and everyone is saddened by this - except for one “by the book” library employee. Happiness returns to the library when the lion is welcomed back.
3. Critical Analysis
This story is not only a great lesson in legitimate reasons for breaking the rules, it also lends itself to a discussion for the purpose of a library – to provide enjoyment for ALL – that libraries are public entities and no one can be denied library privileges because of the way they look or because someone doesn’t like them! The rules are not meant to exclude anyone from the library. The acrylic and colored pencil illustrations do much to convey the feelings of the lion and of the librarian, which are only simply described. The pastel colors and the soft edged circular patterns throughout the book serve to intensify the reader’s compassion for the lion and the reader’s awareness of the librarian’s and the children’s feelings of compassion for the helpful lion. This book leaves the reader feeling very warm and fuzzy inside – much like the outside of a lion – and much like the way we should feel after a visit to the library!
4. Review Excerpts
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL 2006: “This winsome pairing of text and illustration is a natural for storytime and a first purchase for every collection.”
CHILDREN’S LITERATURE: “Their expressive faces and the lion’s regal yet friendly stance will draw in readers who hopefully, like lion, will want to explore the many treasures to be found in the library.”
5. Connections
For another encounter with a lion and his mighty feelings, check out:
Watson, Jane Werner. THE LION’S PAW. ISBN-13: 9780307960085.
Peet, Bill. ELI. ISBN-13: 9780395366110.
1. Bibliography
Knudsen, Michelle. 2006. LIBRARY LION. Ill. by Kevin Hawkes. Cambridge, MA: Candlewick Press. ISBN 0763622621.
2. Plot summary
A lion finds acceptance in the library as long as he follows the rules. After breaking one rule the lion feels he is no longer allowed to visit the library and everyone is saddened by this - except for one “by the book” library employee. Happiness returns to the library when the lion is welcomed back.
3. Critical Analysis
This story is not only a great lesson in legitimate reasons for breaking the rules, it also lends itself to a discussion for the purpose of a library – to provide enjoyment for ALL – that libraries are public entities and no one can be denied library privileges because of the way they look or because someone doesn’t like them! The rules are not meant to exclude anyone from the library. The acrylic and colored pencil illustrations do much to convey the feelings of the lion and of the librarian, which are only simply described. The pastel colors and the soft edged circular patterns throughout the book serve to intensify the reader’s compassion for the lion and the reader’s awareness of the librarian’s and the children’s feelings of compassion for the helpful lion. This book leaves the reader feeling very warm and fuzzy inside – much like the outside of a lion – and much like the way we should feel after a visit to the library!
4. Review Excerpts
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL 2006: “This winsome pairing of text and illustration is a natural for storytime and a first purchase for every collection.”
CHILDREN’S LITERATURE: “Their expressive faces and the lion’s regal yet friendly stance will draw in readers who hopefully, like lion, will want to explore the many treasures to be found in the library.”
5. Connections
For another encounter with a lion and his mighty feelings, check out:
Watson, Jane Werner. THE LION’S PAW. ISBN-13: 9780307960085.
Peet, Bill. ELI. ISBN-13: 9780395366110.
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