Lincoln Tells a Joke: How Laughter Saved the President (and the Country)

BIBLIOGRAPHY

            Krull, Kathleen and Paul Brewer. 2010. Lincoln Tells a Joke: How Laughter Saved the President (And the Country). Ill. by Stacy Innerst. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. ISBN 9780152066390

PLOT SUMMARY

Kathleen Krull and Paul Brewer’s Lincoln Tells a Joke: How Laughter Saved the President (And the Country) is a unique take on the life and career of Abraham Lincoln. The opening of the book starts with the phrase “Poor Abraham Lincoln” and proceeds to list all of the things that made President Lincoln’s life difficult: his harsh childhood, family troubles, and the Civil War. Nevertheless, President Lincoln was always able to find the humor in any situation, as illustrated by the numerous quotes and sayings used throughout the story. Krull and Brewer’s entertaining and engaging book chronicles Lincoln’s lifetime love of laughter, from his childhood on the harsh frontier up until his death at Ford’s Theater.  Lincoln Tells a Joke: How Laughter Saved the President (And the Country) provides a gentle introduction to history and many opportunities for discussion about Abraham Lincoln.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Lincoln Tells a Joke: How Laughter Saved the President (And the Country) is a delightful read--rich in history and humor. Krull and Brewer provide enough facts to make the book educational, but they keep the content light by flawlessly integrating some of Lincoln’s funniest and most famous quotes.The layout of the book is logical and presents a clear sequence of events, which makes it easy for children to see how Lincoln's life changes over time.

Children will be hooked on Lincoln Tells a Joke: How Laughter Saved the President (And the Country) from the first page. They will be eager to learn how Abraham Lincoln overcame adversity by using his sense of humor. Quotes like “I’d rather read, tell stories, crack jokes, talk, laugh,” humanize Abraham Lincoln and make it easier for children to relate to him and recognize him as a real person. 

The illustrations by Stacy Innerst add to the overall appeal of the book. The big, exaggerated, acrylic illustrations provide a fun depiction of Lincoln, his life, and his presidency. Innerst often depicts Lincoln as a larger-than-life character, much too big to be captured on one page. Although Innerst’s illustrations are whimsical they also brilliantly capture the likeness of Abraham Lincoln, the White House, and the Lincoln Memorial, thus lending credibility to the book's contents. 

Kathleen Krull is a seasoned writer of non-fiction, which is apparent from her attention to detail and the inclusion of supporting sources at the end of the book. The story is fun and interesting and provides a great deal of historical information without being dry or overly wordy. The exaggerated illustrations and humorous quotes make the story an engaging and entertaining read. Moreover, the book lends itself to further discussion about Abraham Lincoln and the Civil War. 

REVIEW EXCERPTS

KIRKUS REVIEW: “It’s a quirkily specific biography, but, as with Deborah Chandra and Madeleine Comora’s wonderful George Washington’s Teeth, illustrated by Brock Cole (2003), it reveals the human side of an American icon in an unusual, lively and thought-provoking way”

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL STARRED BOOK REVIEW, 2003: “Krull is an expert at teasing out the fun, quirky sides of her subjects and sharing them in a way that is both genuine and engaging. This take on Lincoln is no exception.”

BOOKLIST: “Innerst’s acrylic artwork feels homey and humorous, very much in the style of his previous work with Krull, M is for Music (2003), and while not every word or picture is necessarily a hoot and a holler, they do present a positive portrait that humanizes the lionized man for whom it was ‘a love of laughter that kept him going’.”

AWARDS

*Smithsonian Notable Book for Children, 2010

CONNECTIONS

*Share other picture books about Abraham Lincoln, including:

• Abe Lincoln: The Boy Who Loved Books by Kay Winters
• Abe Lincoln’s Hat by Martha Brenner
• Abraham Lincoln by Ingri and Edgar Parin D’Aulaire

*Create a stove pipe hat (like one found here: http://crafts.kaboose.com/paper-plate-abe-lincoln-hat.html) and ask children to perform a choral reading of The Gettysburg Address. 

*In order to reinforce the information in the book, ask children to create a visual timeline of Abraham Lincoln’s life.

Dark Emperor and Other Poems of the Night

BIBLIOGRAPHY

            Sidman, Joyce. 2010. Dark Emperor and Other Poems of the Night. Ill. by Rick Allen. New York: Houghton Mifflin Books for Children. ISBN 978547152288

PLOT SUMMARY

In Dark Emperor and Other Poems of the Night, Joyce Sidman has written a collection of poems that describe the wonder and mystery of nighttime. The book contains a collection of 12 beautifully written poems, which inspire readers to learn more about the creatures of the night. The poems are accompanied by factual information, which provides more details about the creatures in the poems. This book is not only entertaining, but also full of educational information.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Dark Emperor and Other Poems of the Night is a collection of poems about the majesty of nighttime. The book opens with the poem “Welcome to the Night,” thus welcoming readers to the splendors of evening. After readers explore the various sites and sounds of nighttime, the book closes with “Moon’s Lament,” begging the question “Where has it all gone--.” 

Sidman’s poems are lyrical and have an ethereal quality. She uses a variety of rhythms and rhyme throughout the various poems, which add to the diversity of the collection. Some poems, like “Welcome to the Night,” have a discernible rhyme pattern while others like “Love Poem of the Primrose Moth” do not contain any rhyme. Her use of sound makes the poems easy to read and add to the imagery and overall effect of the poems. 

Sidman’s careful use of descriptive language makes the poems exciting and rich with details. She creates strong visuals images with the use of similes, like “where the moss grows like candy” and with unique word combinations, like “hooked face and hungry eye.” This book of poetry is well balanced, providing variations in content and style, thus keeping the reader’s interest. Each poem also includes a small lesson on the topic of the poem. For example the poem “Cricket Speaks” is accompanied by factual information about crickets.

Rick Allen’s gouache illustrations are the perfect complement to Sidman’s poems. The block-prints combined with dark colors create a shadowy effect. The details of the illustration complement the actions in the poems, but alone are still interesting and provide the opportunity for discussion.

Sidman and Allen capture the magic of night beautifully in this illustrated collection of poems. The reader experiences the sights, sounds, and smells of nighttime through Sidman’s detailed poems and Allen’s intricate pictures. This book of poetry will appeal to both young and old alike.

Dark Emperor and Other Poems of the Night provides an excellent opportunity to discuss nocturnal animals as well as fears about the dark. The factual information provided in the book is useful for helping make connections between poetry and real life.

REVIEW EXCERPTS

BOOKLIST STARRED REVIEW, 2010: “This picture book combines lyrical poetry and compelling are with science concepts.”

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “It invites lingering enjoyment for nature and poetry fans...”

COOPERATIVE CHILDREN’S BOOK CENTER CHOICES, 2011: “Rick Allen’s detailed, colored linoleum print illustrations lend additional beauty to this gratifying nocturnal experience.”

AWARDS

John Newbery Medal: Honor Book, 2011

Horn Book Award: Honor Book, 2011

CONNECTIONS

*Discuss nocturnal animals. Show pictures and read facts about various animals.

*Create owl masks and ask children to read “Dark Emperor” aloud. Good instructions for creating a mask are located here: http://www.sproutonline.com/crafts-and-recipes/crafts/owl-mask

*Turn off the lights and listen to a disc of night sounds. Ask children to discuss all of the things they hear.

Flamingos on the Roof

 

BIBLIOGRAPHY

            Brown, Calef. 2006. Flamingos on the Roof. Ill. by Calef Brown. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company. ISBN 9780618562985

PLOT SUMMARY

In Calef Brown's wacky collection of poems, Flamingos on the Roof, anything goes. From a diner that serves weather to a soppy circus, readers experience all of the silliness in Brown's zany world. The absurd rhymes and colorful illustrations are sure to make this collection of poems a favorite with children.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

The poems in Flamingos on the Roof are written in meter and all include a rhyming element, which is sure to be popular with young children. The poems in the collection are silly and nonsensical, so the rhythm fits harmoniously with the content. Some of the poems are much better than others. “Weatherbee's Diner” is an excellent example of Brown's effortless poetry; however, the poem “Bob” is more forced and does not roll of the tongue quite as easily. Brown uses a variety of sound devices throughout his poems, which gives them a sing-song effect. The poem “Peas,” includes lines like “peas peek out of the pod, which illustrates Brown's brilliant use of alliteration. While poems like “Combo Tango,” illustrate his whimsical use of assonance.

Flamingos on the Roof does not appear to be arranged in any discernible order, which fits with the overall whimsy of the collection. Brown's poems are preposterous and full of surprises, which add to their charm and appeal. His brilliant use of personification, like in the poem “Bug Show” allows him to use a host of characters and create unique and exciting images. In the poem “Barnacle Built for Two,” Brown paints a vivid image of two barnacles on the side of a ship, with lines like “Stuck on the hull of a sailing ship / with powerful barnacle glue.”

Brown's full-page, acrylic illustrations are child-like and flawlessly capture the sentiments of each poem. The font used for the text adds to the fun and charm of the collection. This poetry book is an excellent read-aloud for school-age children. Children will delight at both the humorous poetry and the big, bold illustrations.

REVIEW EXCERPTS

KIRKUS REVIEW, 2006: “Composed with a fine ear for consistent rhythms and silly wordplay, these verses will tempt readers into repeat visits, or as the poet puts it: ‘Swivel on your kneecap. / Wobble like a mud flap. / Take a little catnap. / Do it all again!’”

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL BOOK REVIEW, 2007: “Packed with amusing details, the paintings consistently expand upon the text. Read aloud, these poems are sure to delight listeners.”

LIBRARY MEDIA CONNECTION, 2007: “This book would be a great addition to any school library to encourage the love of poetry.”

AWARDS

Myra Cohn Livingston Award for Poetry: Winner, 2007

CONNECTIONS

*Split children up into two groups and have each group read one section of “The Appleton Twins.” Students should be encouraged to use inflection and sound effects to emphasize the differences in the twin voices.

*Read one the longer poems like “Soggy Circus” or “A Camping Tale” and then ask children to create an image to illustrate the poem. Show the illustration in the book after the children have completed their interpretations.

*Discuss Haiku poetry and encourage children to write a Haiku poem after reading “Ten-cent Haiku.”

*Read other whimsical poetry collections and have a discussion about favorite poems and poets. Some possible collections include:

·         Runny Babbit: A Billy Sook by Shel Silverstein

·         It's Raining Pigs and Noodles by Jack Prelutsky

·         Dirt on My Shirt by Jeff Foxworthy and Steve Bjorkman

One of Those Hideous Books Where the Mother Dies

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Sones Sonya. 2004. One of Those Hideous Books Where the Mother Dies. New York: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers. ISBN 9780689858208

PLOT SUMMARY

In Sonya Sones verse novel One of Those Hideous Books Where the Mother Dies, we meet 15-year-old Ruby Milliken. Ruby is devastated by the death of her mother and to make matters worse she must say goodbye to her best friend and amazing boyfriend. She is forced to move across the country to live with her movie star dad, whom she's never met. Ruby is furious that her mother's dead and now she must go live with the man that abandoned her before she was ever born. However, Ruby soon learns that things are not always as they seem and that everyone deserves a second chance.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

In One of Those Hideous Books Where the Mother Dies, Sonya Sones flawlessly captures the voice of 15-year-old Ruby Milliken. Sones' novel is written in blank verse poetry, so the length and complexity of each poem varies throughout the novel. However, Sones use of imagery weaves around 200 separate poems into an emotional and well-crafted novel. Although the novel is meant to be read in its entirety, the rhythm of the poems lend themselves to being read aloud, individually.

Separately, the poems are emotional, but combined the poems are compelling. The whole collection must be read in order to fully appreciate the emotional impact of the poems. The poem “We flip to the next page,” details a profound moment in which Ruby finds out that her absentee father has always longed for a relationship with her. The poem is full of  revelations; however, the impact of the poem is reduced when it is not read in the context of the novel.

This book will appeal to young adults because the poems are written from the perspective of a 15-year-old girl. The references to current movie stars and fashion trends along with the use of slang terms provides a modern appeal. The language Sones uses in the poems resonates with the target, young adult, audience. In the verse “I don't know why they call it Lakewood,” Sones illustrates what it's like being at a new school and trying to fit in. Lines like “I can feel a huge zit / blooming on the tip of my nose. / It's flashing on and off like a neon sign,” brilliantly capture the insecurities of adolescent youth.

One of Those Hideous Books Where the Mother Dies creates a good opportunity to discuss grief and the life changes that young adults experience. The book also provides an excellent opportunity to discuss various types of poetry.

REVIEW EXCERPTS

BOOKLIST STARRED REVIEW, 2004: “A satisfying, moving novel that will be a winner for both eager and reluctant readers.”

KLIATT REVIEW, 2004: “Exceptional book, recommended for junior and senior high school students.”

THE ALAN REVIEW, 2005: “Young readers will be drawn to the journalistic feel, poetic set-up, and page-long chapters.”

AWARDS

• Society of School Librarians International Book Awards: Honor Book, 2004
• YALSA Best Books for Young Adults: 2005
• John and Patricia Beatty Award: Finalist, 2005

CONNECTIONS

• Ask students to select their favorite poem and read it aloud. Then, discuss how this type of novel differs from a traditional novel.

• Discuss dream interpretation and share some books about Freudian and Gestalt theory.

• Ask students to share their experiences with other verse novels. Share a list of other novels in verse, including:
• What My Mother Doesn't Know by Sonya Sones
• Make Lemonade by Virginia Euwer Wolff
• God Went to Beauty School by Cynthia Rylant
• Street Love by Walter Dean Meyers

Boots and His Brothers: A Norwegian Tale

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Kimmel, Eric. 1992. Boots and His Brothers: A Norwegian Tale Retold. Ill. by Kimberly Bulcken Root. New York: Holiday House. ISBN 0823408868

PLOT SUMMARY

In Boots and His Brothers, three brothers, Peter, Paul, and Boots, set out on a journey to make their fortune. When they meet an old beggar woman, she tells the brothers of a kingdom “three days’ journey away,” where they can make their fortune. Peter and Paul are rude an ungrateful for the information and refuse the woman’s request for money. Boots is kind to the woman and in turn she gives him some valuable advice. Boots uses the advice to capture the fortune, while his brothers are met with grave consequences.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Boots and His Brothers maintains the integrity of early retellings, yet is in Kimmel’s unique voice. The story is lengthy, so it is best suited to older children. However, the story’s elements of suspense and magic will keep children interested until the very end. Although the book is based on a Norwegian folktale, Kimmel’s retelling does not include specific elements that are indicative of the Norwegian culture.

The global message of the story, good triumphs over evil, is obvious. The disrespectful brothers are punished for their bad behavior, while the kind and moral Boots is rewarded for his obedience. Children will be captivated by the beggar woman’s mysterious advice and the story’s magic motif.

Although Boots and His Brothers is an entertaining story, Bulcken Root’s illustrations do not complement Kimmel’s text. The illustrations are too dark and the details are obscured, so in many instances it is unclear what is being depicted. Therefore, children are not able to interpret the story simply by looking at the pictures. The overall style of the illustrations fits with the story, but the dark colors and lack of details make the images unappealing. Also, the size and layout of the illustrations interrupt the flow of the story. Full-page illustrations with more detail would make the story more compelling and appealing. Basically, the illustrations do not provide the necessary details to adequately represent the story.

The overall theme of Boots and His Brothers is that kindness is rewarded. This story shows children that it is beneficial to listen and follow directions.

MY THOUGHTS

Boots and His Brothers is an entertaining story with a positive message, but the unappealing illustrations do not make this an engaging read aloud. The illustrations detract from the story because it is hard to tell what is being depicted.

This is definitely not one of my favorite picture books. By definition, a picture book should have good pictures, which help tell the story. Boots and His Brothers suffers from poor illustrations, thus the overall appeal is affected.

REVIEW EXCERPTS

KIRKUS STARRED REVIEW, 1992: “Well crafted by all concerned, a fine addition.”

BOOKLIST REVIEW, 1994: “With a combination of plainness and magic, the story is well paced and dramatic, told in simple rhythmic prose.”

PUBLISHERS WEEKLY, 1992: “It is this idiosyncratic artwork that will most engage the reader.”

AWARDS

N/A

CONNECTIONS

• Have a discussion about helping those in need. Ask children if they have ever done anything to help someone in need?
• Read other Norwegian tales and discuss their similarities. Some stories include:
• The Three Billy Goats Gruff by Paul Galdone
• Seven Fathers by Ashley Ramsolen
• Town Mouse, Country Mouse by Jan Brett
• Trouble with Trolls by Jan Brett
• Discuss the Norwegian culture and show children a map of Norwegian countries.

Swamp Angel

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Isaacs, Anne. 1994. Swamp Angel. Ill. by Paul O. Zelinsky. New York: Dutton Children’s Books. ISBN 0525452710

PLOT SUMMARY

Angelica Longrider was an unusual child from the day she was born, “the newborn was scarcely taller than her mother and couldn’t climb a tree without help.” She built her first log cabin when she was two years old and “by the time she was full grown, she was second to none in buckskin bravery.” So, begins the story of Swamp Angel, the larger than life character that helps those in need and isn’t afraid of anything. When the huge, black bear Thundering Tarnation begins to wreak havoc across Tennessee, Swamp Angel signs up for a hunting competition, sure that she will be the one to capture Tarnation’s hide. Despite the jeers of the male hunters, Swamp Angel sets out to hunt down Tarnation and claim the prize.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

In Swamp Angel, Anne Isaacs captures reader’s attention with her fantastical story of a giant, pioneer woman on a quest to capture a giant bear. Isaacs has created a well-developed character in Swamp Angel. She is a confident and likeable character, so readers immediately cheer for her when she sets out to capture Tarnation. Although the story moves quickly from beginning to end, Isaacs still manages to provide a detailed and authentic representation of southern, pioneer life. She references cabins, root cellars, and wagons, which set the scene of the story. The dialog of the characters is also representative of the story's southern style, as Swamp Angel says things like “Varmint…I’m much obliged for that pelt you’re carryin.’”

The story's quick pacing creates an overall feeling of excitement and suspense as readers are eager to find out if Swamp Angel will capture Tarnation. Overall, Isaacs’ unique blend of fantasy and history make for an entertaining read aloud.

Zelinsky’s illustrations beautifully compliment Isaacs’ story. His use of folk art paintings on wood veneers creates a rustic feeling and fits with the overall style of the story. The illustrations are vibrant, detailed, and perfectly capture the expressions of Swamp Angel. Zelinsky creates a stark contrast between Swamp Angel and her surroundings, her size dominates the page. Throughout the story Zelinsky alternates between full-page illustrations and smaller vignettes; however, Swamp Angel is always the central focus and her presence on the page is commanding.

The overall theme of Swamp Angel is that if we use our talents we can fulfill our dreams. This story inspires children to be proud of who they are and to embrace their differences.

My Thoughts:

I enjoyed this story immensely, as did my children. This was the first “giant” story with a female protagonist that I have ever read, so my interest was piqued from the beginning. I appreciated Swamp Angel’s confidence and I thought the sentiment of the story was positive, especially for young girls. I was captivated by Zelinsky’s illustrations; they were unique and complimented the story well. I also liked how Isaacs wrote the story in a southern dialect; this added to the humor and authenticity of the story. Overall, this story is a great read aloud with a positive message.

REVIEW EXCERPTS

KIRKUS STARRED REVIEW, 1994: “It is impossible to convey the sheer pleasure, the exaggerated loopiness, of newcomer Isaac’s wonderful story.”

BOOKLIST STARRED REVIEW, 1994: “Forget those images of angelic maidens, ethereal and demure. Angelica Longrider is the greatest woodswoman in Tennessee.”

COOPERATIVE CHILDREN’S BOOK CENTER CHOICES, 1994: “[Zelinsky’s] wry, larger-than-life depictions of the Swamp Angel and her ‘most wondrous heap of trouble’ provide the perfect complement to Anne Isaac’s delightful story.”

AWARDS

Randolph Caldecott Medal: 1995, Honor Book

New York Times Best Illustrated Children’s Book of the Year: 1994, Winner

ABC Children’s Booksellers Choice Award: 1995, Winner

CONNECTIONS

·         Read Paul Bunyan and discuss the similarities and differences between Paul Bunyan and Swamp Angel.

·         Show children images of the star constellations Ursa Major, “Larger Bear.” Pass out a connect-the-dots constellation worksheet, so children can see the shape of the constellation.

·         Ask children to continue Swamp Angel’s story by writing about her journey to Montana.

·         Talk about pioneers and show children pictures of pioneers and objects commonly used in pioneer days.

The Three Little Pigs

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Kellogg, Steven. 1997. The Three Little Pigs. Ill. by Steven Kellogg. New York: Morrow Junior Books. ISBN 0688087329

PLOT SUMMARY

When Serafina Sow decides to retire from her successful waffle-making business, the “Wheeled Wafflery,” she turns the business over to her three hard-working piglets. The three pigs build homes and continue taking the wafflery from “hamlet to hamlet, delighting passersby with their delicious waffles.” When the wolf, Tempesto, shows up he is not interested in waffles, but instead wants to gobble up the three pigs. Luckily, the pigs outwit Tempesto with a deliciously clever trap.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Kellogg’s unique retelling of The Three Little Pigs makes for a sticky sweet story that children of all ages are sure to enjoy.  In this version, Kellogg provides a well-crafted back story for his characters. The simplicity and humor of Kellogg's story make it easy and fun to read. Children will delight at the story's element of suspense and unique take on a classic tale.

Kellogg’s retelling modernizes the traditional three pigs tale. His personification of the pigs is representative of many American families, so American children, in particular, will identify with the Sow family. Kellogg's story of how a single mother creates a successful business and raises three children will resonate with not only children, but also their parents.  Even the big bad wolf is modernized in this version. He is no longer just a one-dimensional wolf, but rather a fast-talking street thug.

Not only does the modernization of the story set Kellogg’s retelling apart from other version, but the fact that the pigs are not selfish and all work together is unique to Kellogg’s story. In this retelling, there is a stark contrast between good and evil. The pigs are all good and lack any character flaws, while the wolf, is inherently evil. The contrast of characters encourages children to cheer for the pigs and recognize that good triumphs over evil.

Kellogg uses bright, watercolor illustrations to tell the story of The Three Little Pigs. The colorful illustrations are captivating and set a bright and cheery scene. The illustrations alternate in size, but include many details. The attention to detail adds to the story's appeal and allows children who cannot read to still understand the story, simply by examining the pictures. Kellogg's illustrations clearly depict the events of the story from beginning to end.  Children are sure to notice something new every time they read the book.

Children will relate to the modern elements in this retelling of The Three Little Pigs. The pig's lives are similar to those of typical families and the modern take on the wolf character adds a humorous touch. The way that the pigs outwit the wolf is new and adds a nice surprise to the story. This story helps children understand the importance of family and working together.

MY THOUGHTS

I enjoyed Kellogg’s retelling of The Three Little Pigs. The pig's waffle business and Kellogg’s bright illustrations make this story fun and engaging. I like how the illustrations tell the story, it makes the book appealing to children of all ages. This books is a refreshing twist on the traditional three pigs tale.

REVIEW EXCERPTS

KIRKUS REVIEW, 1997: “A talent-strewn retelling that only enhances the original.”

BOOKLIST STARRED REVIEW, 1997: “Pure pleasure for Kellogg fans.”

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL “Kellogg’s usual busy, highly defined illustrations complement the humorous, clever text.”

AWARDS

Arkansas Diamond Primary Book Award: Winner, 2000

CONNECTIONS

• Create paper pig and wolf ears and snouts and encourage children to act out the story.

• Read other versions of The Three Little Pigs and discuss their similarities and differences. Some titles include:
• The Three Little Pigs by James Marshall
• The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs by Jon Scieszka
• The 3 Little Dassies by Jan Brett
• The Three Little Wolves and the Big Bad Pig by Eugene Trivizas

• Ask children to write their own version of the three pigs.

• Have a waffle tasting party and allow children to place various toppings on their waffles or allow children to create a “recipe” for their own specialty waffle.