THE LION & THE MOUSE by Jerry Pinkney

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Pinkney, Jerry.  2009.  The Lion & The Mouse.  New York: Little, Brown & Company.  ISBN 9780316013567

2. PLOT SUMMARY

In this wordless adaptation of Aesop's famous fable, The Lion and the Mouse, Pinkney beautifully depicts the animals in the African Serengeti.  An unassuming mouse finds herself crawling atop a resting lion.  When the King of the Jungle mercifully releases her from his claws, she remembers his kindness when she sees him caught in a trap.  She courageously frees the lion from the hunters' net.  It proves that even the smallest of creatures are capable of greatness.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Pinkney fills the wide pages of The Lion & The Mouse with safari colors.  His use of golden yellows, browns, and green transport the reader to Africa.  The watercolor details of his work is magnificent.  At times, the variation of color hues are so detailed, the work appears pixelated.  This is evident in the ariel view of the lion just before he approaches the trap.  The illustration is an opening in a tree canopy which gives a bird's eye view of the lion walking through the riverine forrest.  The story requires no explanation, and the only sounds the book offers are onomatopoeias of animal noises: an owl's "who" or "screeeech," the lion's "Grrrrrr," and the "squeak, squeak" of baby mice.  Pinkney's illustrations zoom into the action of Aesop's fable.  There's even a play by play of the little mouse gnawing through the ropes of the net to release the king.  The lion falls onto a two-page spread, and the impact is felt throughout the Serengeti.  The grateful lion peers over the hard working mouse; they both gaze at each other as if smiling.  Each grateful for the kindness bestowed.  The tale ends with the mouse returning to her nest of baby mice, and she brings them a knot souvenir of her adventure.

4. AWARDS & REVIEW EXCERPTS

Boston Globe-Horn Book Award for Excellence in Children's Literature, 2010 Cuffies: Children's Booksellers Choose Their Favorite (and not-so-favorite) Books of the Year, 2009 Cuffies: Children's Booksellers Choose Their Favorite (and not-so-favorite) Books of the Year, 2009 Cybil Award, 2009 Indies Choice Book Award, 2010 National Parenting Publications Award, 2009 New York Times Best Illustrated Children's Books of the Year, 2009 Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Award, 2009 Parents' Choice Award, 2009 Prize for Design and Printing, 2010 Prize for Design and Printing, 2010 Randolph Caldecott Medal, 2010

Daniel Kraus (Booklist, Jul. 1, 2009 (Vol. 105, No. 21))

Pinkney's soft, multihued strokes make everything in the jungle seem alive, right down to the rocks, as he bleeds color to indicate movement, for instance, when the lion falls free from the net. His luxuriant use of close-ups humanizes his animal characters without idealizing them, and that's no mean feat. In a closing artist's note, Pinkney talks about his choice to forgo text.

5. CONNECTIONS

*Have children try to paint a lion or mouse using water colors.

*Visit Pinkney's webpage to see his other award winning artwork.

*Visit the Educator's guide and complete some of the activities with a group of students.  http://www.hachettebookgroup.com/_assets/guides/EG_9780316013567.pdf 

THE THREE SWINGIN' PIGS by Vicky Rubin

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Rubin, Vicky.  2007.  The Three Swingin' Pigs.  Ill by Rhode Montijo.  New York: Henry Holt and Company.  ISBN 0805073353

2. PLOT SUMMARY

In this musical version of the traditional tale of "Three Little Pigs," a romping trio of swinging pigs tries to get on Wolfie's good side with their musical talent.  They scat and dazzle him at their "Big Pig Gig" performance at the Smokehouse.  Just as Wolfie is imagining his pork feast on stage, Ella invites him to perform alongside the crew.  Wolfie's trumpet talent earns him a spot in the band, and they "scooby doo wah" into a blissful quartet.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

"Scat-scooby-dooby, skit-scat-skedoodle, shooo!"   In this hipster tale version of "The Three Little Pigs," Rubin fills the story line with musical notes and cool cat beats.  The jazzy trio of Satch, Mo, and Ella (niece and nephews of the original pigs) hit the road to perform at sold out concerts.  (If this were a movie, Brian Setzer would be on the soundtrack.)  The big baaaaad Wolfie is hot on their trail and hot tempered, too.  He's met by characters speaking hipster slang to calm him down, "Don't be a square, Daddy-O.  Don't be uptight.  When I get like that I take a deep breath and count to ten - that's right."  

The fully colored illustrations by Montijo only add to the boldness of the story.  Deep purples, yellows, and reds fill the entire pages of Hogland Woods.  The clean lines and soft mosaic backgrounds give a modern vibe.  The illustrator offers many more details than the story provides, so if you read to a group of kids, be sure to show off the images.  (Little Red Riding Hood, Mary's lamb, Rapunzel's hair, and the Gingerbread Man have cameo appearances.)  
The pigs and Wolfie are modernly dressed, and their beatnik slang make this storybook the cat's meow.

4. AWARDS & REVIEW EXCERPTS

Kirkus Book Review Starts, 2007

Jamaica Johnson Conner (Children's Literature)

This charming and playful spin on a classic tale will have children and adults howling with laughter. The tone of the text reveals an author with a passion for jazz music and the classics, as well as a delightful sense of humor. 

Kirkus (Kirkus Reviews, April 15, 2007 (Vol. 75, No. 8))

Montijo's red-hot pictures and Rubin's skit-scat-skedoodle words make this take-off a hand-clapping, foot-stomping romp. 

Publishers Weekly (Publishers Weekly)

Attempting to reverse the fortune of the three not-so-lucky little pigs of the classic fairytale, Rubin (Ralphie and the Swamp Baby\n) offers up an easygoing porcine trio, cast as cool jazz musicians with an enthusiastic following. The text is as smooth as the main characters, the token wolf dubbed the “baddest cat” and the pigs referred to as Satch, Mo and Ella (a nod to the great Armstrong and Fitzgerald). 

5. CONNECTIONS

*Read other stories about trios, such as:
   The Three Tamales by Eric Kimmel
   Joseph Jacobs' the Story of the Three Little Pigs by Lorinda Bryan Cauley

*Listen to jazz soundtracks like Armstrong and Fitzgerald.

*Read about other animals with an affection for jazzy music: Jazz Fly by Matthew Gollub.

LADY IN THE BLUE CLOAK by Eric Kimmel

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Kimmel, Eric A.  2006.  The Lady in the Blue Cloak.  Ill by Susan Guevara.  New York: Holiday House.  ISBN 0823417387

2. PLOT SUMMARY

Kimmel retells six stories of the Spanish Missions in San Antonio, Texas.  Each folktale describes the the friars' relationship with the indigenous people living in and around the missions.  There are mystical spirits and miracles happening at every turn.  In "The Lady in the Blue Cloak," apparitions from a blue-cloaked nun with the gift of bilocation prepares the indigenous people for the Spanish changes to come.  In "The Padre's Gift," a helpful friar performs miracles for those in need.  The humble friar produces an original deed for Senor Castro who was at risk of losing his land.  For two boys who fear their parents' scorn upon learning that they lost their cattle, the friar hands them bags to fill with stones and transforms their smooth stones into rare coins. 

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

The Lady in the Blue Cloak beautifully combines some of the history of the San Antonio missions with popular legends passed down from generation to generation.  Kimmel even provides an adequate introduction and a "Texas Missions Time Line" that dates between 1682 - 1845.  Guevara's colorful, oil illustrations at the start of each story reflect the miraculous events to come.  In "The Lady in the Blue Cloak," the painting is taken over by a woman draped by a blue shawl over her red and white habit.  Rays of the sun or a brilliant halo shine from the back of her head, and a flowing angel and white dove fly in the sky above her.  In her right arm, she embraces the mission of the Tejas people.  In "The Miracle at the Gate," the deep colors draw in the reader.  A booming image of a gentle woman hovers over the Mission of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception of Acuna.  She is wearing the colors of Our Lady of Guadalupe and her head bears a large gold crown.  Her arms are stretched over the mission to protect the Tejas people from the Comanche raiders' attack.  "It was too late to shut [the gate].  The padres and their flock kneeled to pray.  Only heaven could protect them now."  The image shows the Comanches trying to enter the gate, but are unable to get through.  The book provides an exciting retelling of good intentioned friars without the gruesome details involved in missionary life.  Each of the stories offers a holy and saintly standpoint of the San Antonio Missions.

4. AWARDS & REVIEW EXCERPTS

June Franklin Naylor Award, 2006

Gillian Engberg (Booklist, Oct. 1, 2006 (Vol. 103, No. 3))

There are very few collections of these stories available for the age group, and the mysticism, faith, and magic--captured in reverential oil paintings bordered with angels, saints, and other religious imagery--will resonate with some children, particularly Catholics and Texans, for whom the symbolism and history may be more familiar.

Ginjer L. Clarke (Children's Literature)

The six short stories in this collection retell legends from the late seventeenth and early eighteenth centuries, when Spanish missionaries established early Christian churches in Texas, over the objections and attacks of the indigenous people. 

Publishers Weekly (Publishers Weekly)

The entries here contain various elements, including saintly biographies and ghost stories that depict faithful obedience as well as the motivating power of romantic love. 

5. CONNECTIONS

*Read other stories on the Texas Missions, such as:
   The Spanish Missions of Texas by Megan Gendell
   The Art and Architecture of the Texas Missions by Jacinto Quirarte

*Visit Eric Kimmel's webpage to get a sense of his voice:  www.ericakimmel.co/hear-a-story/

DAVE THE POTTER by Laban Carrick Hill, Illustrated by Brayan Collie

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Hill, Laban Carrick. 2010. Dave the Potter: Artist, Poet, Slave. Ill. by Bryan Collier. New York: Little, Brown & Company. ISBN 031610731X

2. PLOT SUMMARY

An intimate view of Dave the Potter's day as he works the clay to make pots with his hands.  

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

This book is all about the illustrations.  The rich, earth-tone colors draw in the readers attention to the details of his skill.  The illustrations gorgeously demonstrate Dave's muscle strength, his hand movements over the clay, and beauty of his craft.  Each page is piece of art, telling a story of a skillful man who is also a slave.  
The background scenes provide details on the homes and workplaces of slaves in South Carolina, but the story of Dave does not focus on the injustices of slavery, but rather hones in on the talent and dexterity of Dave's hands as he picks up the clay and smooths it over the turning wheel.  We are even able to view images (like screenshots) of the progression of the pot.  Finally, the poet emerges at the end as he inscribes a poem onto his finished pot.

Kids will stare at the pages of this book and never tire.

4. AWARDS & REVIEW EXCERPTS

Carter G. Woodson Book Awards, 2011
Coretta Scott King Book Award, 2011
Orbis Pictus Award for Outstanding Nonfiction for Children, 2011
Randolph Caldecott Medal, 2011
SIBA Book Award, 2011 

Penny Gursky (Kutztown University Book Review, Spring 2011)
This book has a unique way of opening the line of communication of what it meant to be a slave while the pictures encapsulate the beauty and dignity of the people portrayed throughout the story. It is a must have for every family/classroom that wants to educate its young about history, slavery, and art.

Paula Day (The Lorgnette - Heart of Texas Reviews (Vol. 23, No. 4))
 The rich illustrations in the book are moving and powerful, and the text is inspiring lyrical poetry. This story is rich in history, hope, and long-lasting beauty. 

5. CONNECTIONS

*Lead a discussion by asking why Dave wrote the poem on the pot.

*Before reading, discuss what students think a typical day of a slave may be like.  Educator's Guide to Dave the Potter Poet, Artist, Slave

*Read related books on slavery.

THE PIGEON FINDS A HOTDOG! by Mo Willems

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Willems, Mo.  2004.  The Pigeon Finds a Hotdog!  New York: Hyperion Books for Children.  ISBN 0786818697

2. PLOT SUMMARY

A sassy pigeon with tons of attitude and great voice does not hide his joy when it finds a hotdog it can't wait to eat.  A small duckling asking questions and preventing him from devouring his savory hotdog annoys the pigeon to great length.  This hilarious event ends with Pigeon learning to share.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

The pastel colors and unpolished details in the illustrations may cause many to overlook "The Pigeon Finds a Hotdog."  The images are simple, basic, and childlike.  The background is absent of any scenery, mostly light colored pages and an oversized pigeon outlined by a thick charcoal line.  The illustrations are underwhelming, but the characters are packed with PUNCH!  

The main character is a sassy, sarcastic pigeon who reflects what many toddlers (and some adults) may feel when they are about to enjoy a treat until suddenly . . . someone, in this case a small chick, lurks alongside to steal the joy.  The dialog between the hot tempered pigeon and the inquiring little duck is entertaining indeed, and Willems display of emotion in the Pigeon's eye(s) is perfect.  Pigeon even delves into a monologue where the reader can hear pigeon's thoughts and unreserved feelings about the inquisitive duck.  

4. AWARDS & REVIEW EXCERPTS

Golden Archer Award, 2007 - 2008

SMART Book Award, 2009

Kirkus (Kirkus Reviews, April 1, 2004 (Vol. 72, No. 7))
The determined pigeon of the Caldecott Honor-winning Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! (2003) returns in a more subdued performance that will nevertheless appeal to fans of the first.

Publishers Weekly (Publishers Weekly)

Through voice bubbles, body language, and expressive sizes and shapes of type, Willems crafts a comical give-and-take between the characters. He sketches both iconic birds in decisive crayony lines and tints the pages with smooth pastel hues. Readers of all ages won't be able to resist miming the sly conversation in this satisfying sequel. 

5. CONNECTIONS

*Lead a discussion on the importance of sharing.

*Complete activities from: The Pigeon Teacher's Guide

*Read and compare other books written and illustrated by Mo Willems at www.pigeonpresents.com/grownup.aspx

MILLIONS OF CATS by Wanda Gág

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Ga’g, Wanda.  1928.  Millions of Cats.  New York: Puffin Books.  ISBN 9780142407080

2. PLOT SUMMARY

In this picture book, Wanda Ga’g writes a story of a very old couple that is lonely.  At his wife’s request, the husband sets out in search of “a sweet, little, fluffy cat” to fill their void.  As indicated by the title, the task turns out to be more difficult than expected, and he returns home with much more than one cat.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Ga’g captures the overwhelming difficulty in selecting the perfect pet.  "So it happened that every time the very old man looked up, he saw another cat which was so pretty he could not bear to leave it . . .” The author expresses humorously with hyperbole how quickly one might end up with “millions and billions and trillions of cats.”  This is the perfect book to read with a child who finds it difficult to make a decision or just for fun!

Wanda Ga’g’s black and white illustrations enhance the folk-tale appearance.  The absence of color allows the viewer to appreciate the detail of the images and her excellent use of shadows is evident.  Some of the landscape images continue across the open pages, creating a wide screen view of the story, and the reader can observe the unending parade of cats when the old man arrives at his front door, greeting by his wife.  Other pages are filled with images of hill country, continued throughout the old man's search for the perfect cat.  The hill's curves, the wavy paths, the curling tails, and arched cats keep the viewers eyes continually moving page after page.   

4. AWARDS & REVIEW EXCERPTS

Newbery Honor Award, 1929

Lewis Carroll Shelf Award

School Library Journal's "One Hundred Books that Shaped the Century"

This Newbery Honor winner is distinguished by innovative design and a strong storyteller's cadence.

The New York Times

A perennial favorite.

"Starred in School Library Journal

Not only was this a ground-breaking picture book, but it has one of the best refrains ever. – Faith Brautigam

5. CONNECTIONS

*Lead a discussion on the importance of making decisions.

*Introduce self-esteem in referring to the changes of the "thin and scraggly" kitten at the end of the story. (Lesson Plan provided by Scholastic)

*Read and compare other books written and illustrated by Wanda Gag:
Gag, Wanda.  Nothing At All.  ISBN 0816644187

Gag, Wanda.  The Funny Thing.  ISBN 0816642410 

Summer 2013

Let's dive into reading this summer.  Follow along and join in as we enjoy and review children's literature.