Module 5: Diary of a Spider

Module 5: (September 20-26)

Cronin, D. (2005). Diary of a Spider. New York, NY: Joanna Cotler Books.

Summary: This picture book follows Spider as she goes about her days, from school and home, to hanging out with her best friend (Fly). We get a spider’s perspective on things, such as the danger of vacuums, and that you shouldn’t take a nap in a human’s shoe. Children can also learn how spiders eat, fly on the wind, and that “butterflies taste better with a little barbecue sauce.”

My Impressions: I had read Cronin’s Diary of a Fly before this book, and I loved them both! Personally, I was always terrified of bugs us a kid (and still am a bit today), but I feel like these books might have made them a little less scary and mysterious. These illustrations are adorable, and so funny, with multiple “levels” for kids and adults. I will definitely recommend this to parents looking for “funny” picture books, especially for boys.

Reviews: “Children who enjoyed Diary of a Worm (HarperCollins, 2003) will be enchanted by this artistic team's latest collaboration. This time, Spider is the star. Through his humorous diary entries, readers learn about typical events in the life of a young spider. When Spider's mom tells him he's getting too big for his skin, he molts. Fly's feelings are hurt by a thoughtless comment from Daddy Longlegs, and Spider tries to help. He is concerned that he will have to eat leaves and rotten tomatoes when he has a sleepover with Worm…The amusing pen-and-ink and watercolor cartoons, complete with funny asides in dialogue balloons, expand the sublime silliness of some of the scenarios.–Beverly Combs, Webb Middle School, Garland, TX. School Library Journal. http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/article/CA6435010.html

“Bliss endows his garden-dwellers with faces and the odd hat or other accessory, and creates cozy webs or burrows colorfully decorated with corks, scraps, plastic toys and other human detritus. Spider closes with the notion that we could all get along, “just like me and Fly,” if we but got to know one another. Once again, brilliantly hilarious.” Kirkus Book Reviews. http://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/childrens-books/doreen-cronin/diary-of-a-spider/

Library Use: This book would be great for so many things! You could use it for a story time about bugs, and could have the kids make their own spider during a craft. You could also have a program where kids write their own “diary” for a bug or other animal, encouraging them to learn about the creature by using library resources, practice writing, and use their imagination.

Image retrieved from: http://www.amazon.com/Diary-Spider-Doreen-Cronin/dp/0060001534/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1290836664&sr=1-1

Module 4: The Hero and the Crown

Module 4: (September 13-19)

McKinley, R. (1984).The Hero and the Crown. New York, NY: Greenwillow Books.

Summary: Princess Aerin has always been a bit of an outcast despite her royal blood. Many of the people in the kingdom think her mother (a supposed witch) enchanted the king into marrying her, and that Aerin is no different. Out of boredom and a need to prove herself, Aerin secretly decides to start training herself to slay the many dragons plaguing the kingdom. And prove herself she does! Aerin slowly shows the kingdom they were wrong about her all along, and eventually sets off on a quest to fight the fearsome Black Dragon and find the Hero’s Crown that will mean safety for her kingdom. Can one young woman save the day?

My Impressions: I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this book! I haven’t read too many fantasy novels where the main character is a girl, but I am definitely a fan! I loved the combination of magic, adventure, and daring of the story, and Aerin is definitely not your average character. That scene where she slays the Black Dragon by stabbing him through the eye until her entire arm was in its brain? Crazy! She’s the kind of heroine that will entertain male and female readers alike!

Reviews: “Reading this fantasy is immensely rewarding. Reversing the gender stereotypes from "Dungeons & Dragons" type tales, Aerin, an awkward but brave young woman becomes the hero. Students—both male and female—will enjoy as well as relate to the growing pains of childhood and young adulthood. With McKinley's engrossing narrative and fascinating descriptions, any reader will have an opportunity to allow his or her imagination to run wild. Although a fantasy, students will be able to sympathize and empathize with various situations in Aerin's coming-of-age adventure.”—BooksR4Teens http://www.edb.utexas.edu/resources/booksR4teens/book_reviews/book_reviews.php?book_id=44

“Vibrant, witty, compelling, the story is the stuff of which true dreams are made.”—The Horn Book.*

"Splendid high fantasy...filled with tender moments, good characters, satisfying action and sparkling dialogue....Superb!"—School Library Journal*

*(Both reviews from this site). http://www.powells.com/biblio/9780141309811

--Winner of the Newbery Medal, 1985

Library Use: One of the great things about fantasy novels is that the author creates such an elaborate, imaginative world for their characters to inhabit. I think if some teens were so inclined, it might be really cool to have an ongoing program where they could create/write about a fantasy world of their own. As inspiration they might read books like this, the Eragon series, the Chronicles of Narnia series, and of course The Lord of the Rings series. As an alternative to the writing idea, they might just be able to create a discussion group to talk about all these as well.

Image retrieved from: http://www.amazon.com/The-Hero-and-the-Crown/dp/B00118X5JI/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1290836531&sr=1-3

Module 4: The Witch of Blackbird Pond

Module 4: (September 13-19)

Speare, E.G. (1958). The Witch of Blackbird Pond. Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin Company.

Summary: Kit Tyler lives a priviledged life in her Barbados home until her beloved grandfather dies and she must go to live with her aunt in America—Puritan America. The culture shock besides, Kit’s early attempt at kindness to a stranger makes people suspicious that she might be a witch. Things only get worse when the townspeople discover she has befriended the town outcast. Will she be able to prove her innocence, or will the town’s Puritan paranoia prove her downfall?

My Impressions: I have always loved historical fiction, especially when it is set during the colonial times for some reason, and this book was no exception! What I wasn’t expecting were the threads of romance in the story, which were so convoluted at times this book reminded me of a Jane Austen novel! I loved this book, and got our Assistant Children’s Librarian to read it (she hadn’t read it before either), and she loved it too!

Reviews: “When young Kit Tyler comes from her Barbados home to colonial Connecticut, she is unprepared for the austerity of her uncle's home…. Kit, a staunch royalist, accustomed to the easy life of a slave-manned plantation, and her fanatic Puritan uncle are instinctive antagonists. But despite her tastes for finery, Kit is possessed with courage and conviction….Kit's vindication, her gradual integration into the community and the positive effect she has on those about her, combine here in a well documented novel to rival the author's first work, Calico Captive, which received wide acclaim as a work of “‘superior historical fiction.’”—Kirkus Book Reviews. http://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/fiction/elizabeth-george-speare/the-witch-of-blackbird-pond-2/

"A thoroughly exciting and rewarding Newbery Medal winner and ALA Notable Children's Book, Elizabeth George Speare's The Witch of Blackbird Pond brings this frightening period of witch hysteria to life. Readers will wonder at the power of the mob mentality, and the need for communities in desperate times – even current times—to find a scapegoat."—Amazon.com Review*

"Strong plot, fully realized characters, and convincing atmosphere distinguish this historical narrative."—Booklist.*

*(Both reviews from this site). http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/product-description/1561375349/ref=dp_proddesc_0?ie=UTF8&n=283155&s=books

--Winner of the Newbery Medal, 1959

Library Use: We periodically have kids come in that must read several Newbery winners for school, and I will absolutely recommend this if they enjoy historical fiction or love stories! I read a lot of great historical fiction this week actually, and it might be cool to create a bibliography of historical fiction grouped together by different time periods. That would also make a good book talk now that I think about it as well.

Image retrieved from: http://www.amazon.com/Witch-Blackbird-Elizabeth-George-Speare/dp/B001BFTUXG/ref=sr_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1290836445&sr=1-4

Module 3: So You Want to be President?

Module 3: (September 6-12)

St. George, J. (2000). So You Want to be President?. New York, NY: Philomel Books.

Summary: This book mixes well-known facts about the president, with many other lesser-known anecdotes and facts, from the number of presidents born in log cabins (eight), to the fact that Theodore Roosevelt’s children once took a Shetland pony upstairs in the White House via elevator to cheer up a sick sibling, to the fact that Howard Taft was so large (over 300 pounds), he had a customized bathtub built in the White House.

My Impressions: I learned so much from this book! I knew a couple of the presidential “oddities,” but I loved reading about the eccentricities and foibles of our many presidents. The text is funny in its understatements, and the quotes chosen from various presidents are often hilarious. There are numerous amusing asides in the illustrations as well, such as Mary Todd Lincoln’s terrified face when old Abe (who was apparently a terrible dancer) asks her to dance, or Warren Harding dressed as royalty as the winner of the “Presidential Beauty Contest.”

Reviews: “Curious tidbits of personal information and national history combine with humorously drawn caricatures to give this tongue-in-cheek picture book a quirky appeal. "There are good things about being President and there are bad things about being President." So begins a walk through a brief history of facts, successes, oddities, and mishaps…While the text exposes the human side of the individuals, the office of the presidency is ultimately treated with respect and dignity. A list of presidents with terms of office, birthplace, date of birth and death, and a one-sentence summary of their accomplishments is provided. This title will add spark to any study of this popular subject.”—Alicia Eames, New York City Public Schools. School Library Journal.*

“Thoughtful composition and layout both contribute to the lively visual presentation of this most original look at the presidency. The light tone of the book makes it possible for readers to absorb a great deal of information, some of it silly, but underlying the treatment is a sense of the significance and dignity of the office and the faith that children still aspire to be president.”—Carolyn Phelan. Booklist.*

*(Both reviews from this site.) http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/product-description/B000CQKXR2/sr=1-1/qid=1290919132/ref=dp_proddesc_0?ie=UTF8&n=283155&s=books&qid=1290919132&sr=1-1

—Winner of the Caldecott Medal, 2001.

Library Use: This book would not only be useful to “jazz up” a report on a president, but would also be a great way to introduce history to children, in a fun, interesting way. Off the top of my head, Lane Smith’s Madame President and John, Paul, George, & Ben would go great with this book. These could be put in a temporary display for president’s day, or could be made into a bibliography.

Image retrieved from: http://www.amazon.com/Want-President-WANT-PRESIDENT-Hardcover/dp/B002VKYU7G/ref=sr_1_19?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1290836349&sr=1-19

Module 3: St. George and the Dragon

Module 3: (September 6-12)

Hodges, M. (1984). St. George and the Dragon. New York, NY: Little, Brown, and Company.

Summary: This is an adaptation of Edmund Spenser’s epic poem The Faerie Queene. In the story, the Red Cross Knight has agreed to take on a quest given him by Princess Una to slay the dragon that has been plaguing and destroying her kingdom. Through a combination of luck, skill, and magic, the Red Cross Knight defeats the dragon, saves the kingdom, and gets the girl.

My Impressions: I LOVE this book! The illustrations by Trina Schart Hyman are breathtaking in their detail and emotion. I hadn’t realized it before reading this book, but we have numerous books illustrated by Hyman at our library, and I have always loved looking at them without realizing they were done by the same person. I also love this story which is part poetry, part myth/legend, and part fairy tale. I told probably half of my co-workers about this book, and I am definitely asking for several of Hyman’s books for Christmas!

Reviews: “A balance of carefully adapted narrative and powerfully composed, detailed art unfolds the story of St. George's battle with the dragon, as conceived by Spenser in The Faerie Queen. A Caldecott Medal winner, 1985.”—Booklist.*

“Hyman's meticulously researched illustrations bring Hodges' retelling of Edmund Spenser's sixteenth-century poem to full realization. The glowing paintings and borders recall the religious art of Spenser's time while details in the pictures evoke the earliest origins of the St. George legend.”—Booklist.*

*(Both reviews from this site). http://libproxy.library.unt.edu:2548/merge_shared/details/RecordDetails.asp?item_uid=73181727&viewItemIndex=0&navPage=1&FullText=&BipAlertQueryString=&BipAlertDisplayQText=

Library Use: This book’s illustrations make it a good possible choice for a story time. If working in a school library, I might recommend this to a teacher doing a unit on poetry (especially if they were going to read anything by Edmund Spenser).

Image retrieved from: http://www.amazon.com/Saint-George-Dragon-GEORGE-DRAGON/dp/B002HM04OG/ref=sr_1_11?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1290836393&sr=1-11

Module 2: The Secret Garden

Module 2: (August 30-September 5)

Burnett, F.H. (1911). The Secret Garden. New York, NY: Penguin Books.

Summary: When spoiled Mary Lennox is orphaned by a cholera outbreak in India in the early 1900s, she must move to the moors of Yorkshire, England to live with her mysterious uncle. Once there, she sulks, alone and friendless, until she stumbles on a door to a “secret garden.” She slowly grows to love her new home, and befriends a poor neighbor boy and an equally spoiled, invalid cousin. The three discover the key to the secret garden and as they tend the garden discover the true meanings of life, friendship, and love.

My Impressions: I somehow got through my childhood without reading this book, and honestly I’m not sure many children today would still love this story as they might have in the past. I think we all like the idea of finding a secret door to a magical land, but the secret garden is no Narnia. The story is still sweet though, and I have always loved books with that “gothic” flair to them. Girls that like to read the Little House on the Prairie series, or the Anne of Green Gables books would probably love this book and its complicated heroine as well.

Reviews: “Few children's classics can match the charm and originality of Frances Hodgson Burnett's The Secret Garden, the unforgettable story of sullen, sulky Mary Lennox, ‘the most disagreeable-looking child ever seen.’ When a cholera epidemic leaves her as an orphan, Mary is sent to England to live with her reclusive uncle, Archibald Craven, at Misselthwaite Manor. Unloved and unloving, Mary wanders the desolate moors until one day she chances upon the door of a secret garden. What follows is one of the most beautiful tales of transformation in children's literature… A unique blend of realism and magic, The Secret Garden remains a moving expression of every child's need to nurture and be nurtured, a story that has captured for all time the rare and enchanted world of childhood.”—Bowker’s Books in Print. http://libproxy.library.unt.edu:2548/merge_shared/details/RecordDetails.asp?item_uid=81597972&viewItemIndex=0&navPage=1&FullText=&BipAlertQueryString=&BipAlertDisplayQText=

Library Use: As I mentioned above, this book might be paired well with the Little House on the Prairie series or the Anne of Green Gables books, as well as Burnett’s A Little Princess into a display of historical fiction books with strong female characters. This would also be a good book for those parents that come into the library and ask specifically for some “wholesome” books for their daughters to read.

Image retrieved from: http://www.amazon.com/Secret-Garden-Frances-Hodgson-Burnett/dp/0763647322/ref=sr_1_5?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1290836015&sr=1-5

Module 2: Eloise

Module 2: (August 30-September 5)

Thompson, K. (1955). Eloise. New York, NY: Simon & Schuster.

Summary: Eloise is a six-year-old girl that lives in The Plaza Hotel in New York City, who spends her days talking to the hotel staff and guests, riding up and down in the elevators, and generally using her imagination to entertain herself in often unconventional ways.

My Impressions: The first thing I noticed about this book was that it didn’t have any periods, and I’ve got to admit, it was difficult to read until I got used to it! I had never read any Eloise books before this one, but I can absolutely tell why they are classics. Eloise is both annoying, yet incredibly adorable at the same time. I can’t imagine doing most of the things she does in the book, but I love how seriously she takes her “duties” as she sees them each day.

Reviews: “Eloise is one of the most recognizable characters in children's literature.”—The New York Times. http://www.eloisewebsite.com/books/book_essential_eloise.htm

“Here's the thing: Whether you are just about to fall in love with Eloise or have already baked her a cake you ought to have this book.”—Bowker’s Books in Print. (In Reference to the 50^th anniversary edition of the book). http://libproxy.library.unt.edu:2548/merge_shared/Details/RecordDetails.asp?navPage=1&item_uid=60357684

“My first happy response to Eloise was entirely due to the brilliant, iconic images. That brazen, loose-limbed, delicious little girl monster is Hilary Knight at his best.”—Maurice Sendak. http://www.eloisewebsite.com/books/book_essential_eloise.htm

Library Use: One idea might be to do a series of programs (perhaps during the summer reading club), where they read some classic picture books aloud, and then show a movie version of the book (with permission, of course). One week they could do Eloise, the next Madeline, Curious George, etc. Some kids will only know the book, some only the movie, but this way they get both!

Image retrieved from: http://www.amazon.com/Eloise-Absolutely-Essential-50th-Anniversary/dp/1416908234/ref=sr_1_5?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1290836145&sr=1-5