Module 2 Book Reviews: Picture Books

I Ain't Gonna Paint No More! by Karen Beaumont

Bibliography
Beaumont, Karen. 2005. I Ain't Gonna Paint No More! Ill. by David Catrow. Orlando, FL: Harcourt , Inc. ISBN: 0-15-202488-3.

Plot Summary
A child who loves to paint just can't put down his paintbrush. He paints anything in his sight - the walls, ceilings, the tub, his dog, and himself - from head to toe, much to his mother's dismay, of course!

Critical Analysis
A small child gets carried away with the paints! After painting the ceilings and the walls a delightful blend of imagination and color, he tries to stop but just can't help himself! From within the musical rhythm of the word patterns (the tune "It Ain't Gonna Rain No More") a craftily written predictable story emerges - one that will have its readers shrieking with laughter! The ink and paint illustrations are top-notch, plastering the endpages and every page in between with any combination of comical characters, eye-catching color, and lots of squiggly lines and fun designs.

Review Excerpts
KIRKUS REVIEWS: "Here's one that kids will beg for again and again and again."
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: "With rhymes that invite audience participation and scenes that draw the eye, this is a strong storytime choice."

Connections
Enjoy more of David Catrow's illustrations.
Lovell, Patty. STAND TALL, MOLLY LOU MELON. ISBN 13: 9780399234163.
Beaumont, Karen. I LIKE MYSELF. ISBN 13: 9780152020132.

Module 2 Book Reviews: Picture Books

The Dirty Cowboy by Amy Timberlake

Bibliography
Timberlake, Amy. 2003. The Dirty Cowboy. Ill. by Adam Rex. New York, NY: Farrar Straus Giroux. ISBN: 0-374-31791-7.

Plot Summary
A dirty cowboy takes a bath in the river while his dog guards his clothes. When the squeaky clean cowboy steps out of the river, the dog doesn't recognize him. A scuffle ensues over the cowboy's clothes and the cowboy ends up just as dirty as he was in the beginning - and his duds are torn to shreds in the process.

Critical Analysis
A freshly-bathed cowboy wrestles his dog and ends up dirty and smelly all over again -destroying his clothes in the process. The author's plot is plausible and audience winning, however, the author's voice is inconsistent and bits of the story are disconnected, leaving gaps in the tale. The strongest asset of this picture book is the illustration work. Framed by deep red endsheets, the warm colored illustrations portray the humorous expressions of the grimy cowboy and his loyal dog. Small details on each page invite the reader to explore the artwork with great fervor. Filled with western slang and naked cowboy humor, elementary students won't pass up this book.

Review Excerpts
KIRKUS REVIEWS: "Inspired by an anecdote passed down in the author's family, this cautionary tale should please all young readers with an aversion to soap and water."
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY: "Transcending the cowboy-tale genre, this raucous romp should tickle bath-averse children everywhere."

Connections:
Oops - someone else is so dirty that they aren't recognizable!
Zion, Gene. HARRY THE DIRTY DOG. ISBN: 9780060842444.

Module 1 Book Reviews: An Introduction to Children and Their Literature

Elijah of Buxton by Christopher Paul Curtis
Winner of the 2008 Newbery Medal
Winner of the 2008 Coretta Scott King Author Award

Bibliography
Curtis, Christopher Paul. 2007. Elijah of Buxton. Ill. by Carlyn Beccia. New York, NY. Scholastic. ISBN-13: 978-0-439-02344-3.

Plot Summary
A young boy is raised in freedom by former slave parents in Buxton, Canada. In search of a man who stole money meant to free more slaves, he crosses over the American border and for the first time in his life encounters the human cost of slavery.

Critical Analysis
An impressionble and somewhat naive 11 year old boy named Elijah spends his days riding a mule named Flapjack, fishing with rocks, working in a stable, and going to school and church. His life of Canadian freedom is far different from the childhood of slavery that his parents knew in the US. Most of the residents of Buxton are former slaves and Elijah often hears talk of the inhumanities they suffered during those years, yet it's difficult for Elijah to appreciate the horrors and hardships his relatives and neighbors have overcome. It isn't until a crooked preacher known for his unusual shenanigans steals money meant to buy freedom for another man's family that Elijah begins his true educational journey. When he finds himself alone in the US in pursuit of the thief, he looks inside himself for the strength to help captured slaves by carrying the smallest one, a tiny infant, back to the freedoms of Buxton. Elijah captures the hearts of readers - through comical childhood pranks, sincerity of thought, and growing pains. But as bravery and a well-grounded sense of right and wrong determine his actions in a very scary situation, Elijah's triumphant rite of passage is the clincher that will keep readers coming back for years to come.

Review Excerpts
KIRKUS REVIEWS: "This is Curtis' best novel yet, and no doubt many readers, young and old, will finish and say, 'This is one of the best books I have ever read.'"
CHILDREN'S LITERATURE: "From the author of award winners, The Watsons go to Birmingham 1963 and Bud, not Buddy, comes another novel with heart and meaning wrapped in rollicking humor. "

Connections
Curtis has written several award winners:
Curtis, Christopher Paul. THE WATSONS GO TO BIRMINGHAM. ISBN-13: 9780440228004.
Curtis, Christopher Paul. BUD, NOT BUDDY. ISBN-13: 9780553494105.

Module 1 Book Reviews: An Introduction to Children and Their Literature

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.

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.

Module 6 Book Reviews: Fantasy

The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo
2004 Winner of the John Newbery Medal

1. Bibliography
DiCamillo, Kate. 2003. The Tale of Despereaux. Ill. by Timothy Basil Ering. Cambridge, MA: Candlewick Press. ISBN 0763617229.

2. Plot Summary
A little mouse named Despereaux falls in love with all the un-mousy things - reading, music, sunlight, and the princess, and for this he is banished to the dungeon. Gregory the jailor helps Despereaux escape the dungeon, and it is during this escape that he learns of the rat's plan to abduct the princess. Despereaux prepares for battle in order to save the princess and punish the evil rat, who, as it turns out, loves all the un-ratty things that Despereaux loves - things like sunlight and soup. The princess promises Despereaux and the rat all of their favorite things in exchange for her freedom and none of the three could be any happier.

3. Critical Analysis
Of the six basic fantasy motifs identified by Jacobs and Tunnell for modern fantasy, this story involves Magic, Heroism (the hero crosses the threshold into a place that is no longer safe and secure, the hero must survive various trials in the new environment, the hero is assisted by a protective figure, the hero matures - becoming "whole" person, and the hero returns home), and Good Versus Evil. Another motif typical of the traditional fantasy fairytale that is present in this story is the triumph of the youngest, smallest, and least powerful character (hope).

The magic motif consists of the animals talking with each other and with the human characters. The talking animals are mice and rats. The mouse, Despereaux, is also able to read and his mother, Antoinette, wears make-up. The Mouse Council convenes to condemn Despereaux to the dungeon for not following the strict code of conduct for mice. The dungeon and his escape to the castle (but not to the safety of his mouse-holes) serve as the dangerous places in which the little mouse survives various trials. In the dungeon Gregory the Jailor is the protective figure. "Here in this dungeon, you are in the treacherous dark heart of the world. And if Gregory was to release you, the twistings and turnings and dead ends and false doorways of the place would swallow you for all eternity." He survives the frightening enounter with total darkness, escapes sure death by rat, becomes coated with cooking oil and flour, then loses his tail to a chopping knife. As a result of his hardships, Despereaux becomes the "whole" person. He strives for "honor, courtesy, devotion, and bravery," the threadmaster's advice prior to his condemnation. "Despereaux stood before the Mouse Council, and he realized that he was a different mouse than he had been the last time he faced them. He had been to the dungeon and back up out of it. He knew things that they would never know; what they thought of him, he realized, did not matter, not at all." Despereaux is also able to forgive his father for placing him before the Mouse Council for condemnation. As for the battle of good and evil, Despereaux represents all that is good (light) and the greedy rats represent all that is evil (darkness.) Despereaux must face the evil rats in order to save the princess from depths of the dungeon. At the end of the story, Despereaux does not return home, per say, but does finally receive the approval of the mice. "And peeking out from behind a dusty velvet curtain, looking in amazement at the scene before them, are four other mice." "He lives. He lives! And he seems such the happy mouse," proclaims his mother, Antoinette.

As for the element of triumph of the weak in traditional fantasy fairytales - we have Despereaux. Despereaux, so named because of his mother's disapointment in him, is the youngest child of Antoinette and is born a very peculiar mouse - very small with large ears and open eyes, and sickly. As he grows up he strays from the ways of the mouse and adores light, music, and reading. Early on his father says, "There's something wrong with him. Leave him alone." Through the story Despereaux is ostracized by the entire mouse community. His own brother is one of the mice that kicks him into the dungeon. Having read a fairytale in the library (which is a guaranteed happy ending), Despereaux imagines himself as the knight in shining armor whose duty it is to save the princess. This gives the reader hope of a happy ending and gives Despereaux the confidence he needs to become the hero. And the ending is your typical, all's well that ends well fairytale, with Despereaux and the princess living happily ever after.

4. Review Excerpts
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: "With memorable characters, brief chapters, and inventive plot twists, this fast-paced romp is perfect for reading alone or sharing aloud."
CHILDREN'S LITERATURE: "This is a tale made for reading aloud and family enjoyment."

5. Connections
To learn more about the author and writing as an author, compare these websites:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/writers/writer.asp?z=y&cid=1137300 (includes audio)
http://www.katedicamillo.com/
http://www.kidsreads.com/authors/au-dicamillo-kate.asp
http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/article/CA6312766.html (includes video)
http://www.teenreads.com/authors/au-dicamillo-kate.asp

Module 6 Book Reviews: Fiction

The House of the Scorpion by Nancy Farmer
2003 Winner of the Michael L. Printz Honor
2003 Winner of the John Newbery Honor
2002 Winner of the National Book Award, Young People's Literature


1. Bibliography
Farmer, Nancy. 2002. The House of the Scorpion. New York, NY: Simon Pulse. ISBN 0689852223.

2. Plot Summary
A young boy named Matt finds out that he is the clone of El Patron, the 140 year old leader of a strip of poppy fields between the United States and Aztlan. Unbenownst to Matt, he was harvested and raised so that one day his heart could replace El Patron's. Through the combined efforts of his surrogate mother Celia and Tam Lin, the body guard, Matt is saved from this fate, but must escape to Aztlan. Eventually he reaches freedom, but must return to the poppy fields upon El Patron's death and the murders of El Patron's associates. Matt is reunited with Celia and begins to make plans for rebuilding his homeland and destroying all evil activities created by El Patron.

3. Critical Analysis
"Science fiction differs from fantasy not in subject matter but in aim, and its unique aim is to suggest real hypotheses about mankind's future or the nature of the universe" (Jacobs and Tunnel 92).
The House of the Scorpion is a fantastic extension of the current practice of cloning. This work raises many questions about cloning and its ethical implications for our future by presenting a scenario in which cloning has advanced past research and entered into the daily lives of the characters. The questions that this novel raises are: 1) What is our purpose for cloning - to produce brainless robots? To increase life spans by cultivating replacement body parts? ["Everyone brought gifts to El Patron, although there was nothing he didn't already own and not much he could enjoy at the age of 43."] 2) Which distinction should be given to clones - human? animal? neither? 3) If they are human, do they have souls? Can they be baptized? 4) If they are human do they have the ability to improve upon the nature of humankind? [Matt, a kind-hearted clone, makes an observation about a human. "There was something a little off about everything Tom did. He brought his mother drinks, but the glass didn't always seem clean. He opened the door for his grandfather, but he let it swing shut on the old man's heel. It wasn't quite enough to make him fall and it could have been an accident."] 5) If they are animal, or human but we call them animal, then they must not have human rights. Can we own them, control them, mass-produce them, and slaughter them? ["Property of Alacran" is tattooed on Matt's foot.] 6) Since we created them, are we more powerful than God? ["At the head was a huge crucifix and a picture of Our Lord Jesus with His heart pierced by five swords."] 7) Are clones worthy of God? ["This does not belong here!...This unbaptized limb of Satan has no right to make a mockery of the rite! Would you bring a dog to church?"] 8) If they are human and we own them, control them, mass-produce them, and slaughter them, are we no better than Hitler? ["For the first time he realized what a terrile thing it was to be an eejit. He hadn't known any of the others before their operation. They were simply there to do boring jobs. But Rosa had been a real, though cruel and violent, person. No, she was merely a shadow with the life sucked out of her."] 9) When should the government become involved in the decision to approve or disprove cloning? 10) At what cost can the government and/or the public be bribed into approving cloning? [El Patron told the doctors who performed his body part replacement surgeries, "...you'll be even more satisfied with these one-million-dollar checks," and later in the story another says, "Senator Mendoza isn't too proud to have his paw out when El Patron hands around money."] 11) Is money the only motivating factor in the regulation of cloning? 12) Is cloning immoral, or is it only a "science project?" ["Father decided implants were immoral...He's deeply religious. He thinks God put him on earth for a certain number of years and that he mustn't ask for more."] 13) What, really, is the difference between humans and animals? 14) Where does cloning fall into the "natural order?" 15) In the end, is cloning and all of its complexities worth it?

4. Review Excerpts
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY: "Farmer explores vital and soul-searching question about what it means to be human."
ALAN REVIEW: "High school students will connect with Matt as he grows from a frightened little boy to a young man who wrestles with difficult issues and decisions."
KIRKUS REVIEWS: "...Matt's story turns out to be an inspiring tale of friendship, survival, hope, and transcendence. A must-read for SF fans."

5. Connections
Other books by this author:
Farmer, Nancy: THE SEA OF TROLLS. ISBN: 0689867468.
Farmer, Nancy: GIRL NAMED DISASTER. ISBN 0140386351.
Farmer, Nancy: THE EYE, THE EAR, AND THE ARM. ISBN 0689867468.