Module 10 - Draw Me a Star

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Book Summary

A young artist is asked to draw a star, so he does. Then the artist is asked by the star to draw a sun. The sun asks for a tree. This pattern continues with each new picture asking for another until a beautiful garden scene is put together, complete with a rainbow. The rainbow asks for a dark night, which eventually leads to a beautiul star in the sky.

Written by Eric Carle

APA Reference of Book

Carle, E. (1992). Draw me a star. New York, NY: Philomel Books.

Impressions

Just like Eric Carle's other works, the images are the first thing that readers notice. The tissue paper collage images are hypnotic. The simple shapes are a sharp contrast to the depth and complexity of the tones and patterns. Like the simple shapes, the word choices are also simple. This combines with the sentence structures make this a very readable book for emerging readers. The predictability of the text also adds to the readability. Other than one page, this is a sweet simple story. Those that challenge this book focus on one page of this children's picture book. When the tree asks the artist to draw him a man and a woman, he draws them with no clothes and fairly anatomically correct. As a parent this can be viewed as a problem if the book was not previewed before reading it to your children or if they read it away from you. 

Professional Review

K-Gr 4-- A young boy is told (readers are not sure by whom) to ``Draw me a star.'' The star then requests that the boy draw it a sun; the sun asks for a ``lovely tree,'' and throughout his life the boy/man/artist continues to create images that fill the world with beauty. The moon bids the now-elderly artist to draw another star, and as the story ends, the artist travels ``across the night sky'' hand-in-hand with the star. This book will appeal to readers of all ages; its stunning illustrations, spare text, and simple story line make it a good choice for story hour; but older children will also find it uplifting and meaningful. Especially pleasing is a diagram within the story, accompanied by rhyming instructions on how to draw a star: ``Down/ over/ left/ and right/ draw/ a star/ oh so/ bright.'' An inspired book in every sense of the word.

Larkin, E. (1992). Draw me a star. School Library Journal, 38(10), 80.

Library Uses

In this book Eric Carle draws beautiful stars. He also breaks down the process into eight easy steps to follow. This could be used as a springboard to talk about how complex things, such as the research process, can be broken down into smaller steps to make it manageable. 

Module 10 - Heather has Two Mommies

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Book Summary

Heather is a young girl with two arms, two legs, two hands and two mamas. She is excited to start her new school and meet all her new friends. When asked what her daddy does, it occurs to Heather that she may be the only one there without a daddy. Her teacher changes the focus by having everyone draw their families. Then she tells that all that matters is that the people in their family love each other.

Written by Newman, Lesléa
Original Illustrated by Diana Souza

APA Reference of Book

Newman, L. (1989). Heather has two mommies. Boston, MA.: Alyson Wonderland,

Impressions

This is a sweet book about the importance of love in a family. Newman delicately approaches the often taboo subject, especially in 1989 when the book was published. She maintains a loving tone throughout the book. The watercolor pictures add to the soft gentle message that is presented. The book does not go in depth into the emotions surrounding same sex families, but it touches on the insecurities that children may have in Heather's situation. Although this book is often thought to be controversial, it shares only positive messages. 

Professional Review

PreS-Gr 2— This is a new edition of the now classic picture book, first published in 1989. The story opens with descriptions of Heather playing with toys in the tall grass behind her house. The child has two of many things including arms, legs, feet, and elbows. “Heather has two pets: a ginger-colored cat named Gingersnap and a big black dog named Midnight. Heather also has two mommies: Mama Jane and Mama Kate.” As Heather enters school for the first time she observes that many of the students in her classroom have unique families. To illustrate, Ms. Molly asks the children to draw pictures of their families. Each drawing displays the differences found within each household, yet as Heather’s teacher comments, “The most important thing about a family is that all the people in it love each other.” The author’s text is simple yet powerful in its ability to move readers of all ages. Cornell’s fluid watercolor and gouache illustrations breathe life into this delightful story. Each page is artfully and distinctly rendered to be a visual depiction of the beauty and joy of diversity. VERDICT Readers will be warmed by this glimpse into Heather’s family, whether revisiting the text or experiencing it for the first time.

Moore, C. (2015). Heather has two mommies. School Library Journal, 61(2), 74.

Library Uses

This could be used as part of a banned books display. Other books that would go with this are And Tango Makes Three. It can also be used as a resource for any children with non traditional households. 

Module 9 - Take Me Out of the Bathtub

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Book Summary

Take Me Out of the Bathtub and Other Silly Dilly Songs puts a new spin on classic children's songs. "I've Been Cleaning Up My Bedroom" parodies "I've Been Working on the Railroad." Fourteen children's song are given a zany rewrite from Katz and Catrow.

Written by Alan Katz
Illustrated by David Catrow

APA Reference of Book

Katz, A. (2001). Take me out of the bathtub and other silly dilly songs. New York, NY: Scholastic.

Impressions

This is an enjoyable book for preschool through elementary school. Young students will enjoy reading poetry to the tune of songs that they know well. Parents may struggle with some of the songs if they are not very familiar with the original tunes. The word choices are creative and will make readers laugh. The hilarious and ultra colorful pictures add to the silliness of the poems. The watercolor, colored pencil and ink illustrations fill each double page spread with varying depth and complexity. Overall a great book. The version containing the audio CD will help many enjoy the book to its fullest.  

Professional Review

Gr 3-5 --This hilarious collection goes straight to the heart of playground humor. What made "On Top of Spaghetti" such an integral part of popular culture is what makes these selections so equally successful. Well-known songs like "Take Me Out to the Ballgame," "My Bonnie Lies Over the Ocean," and "I've Been Working on the Railroad" become-with a wink, a poke, and nod--"Take Me Out of the Bathtub," "The Yogurt Flies Straight from My Brother," and "I've Been Cleaning Up My Bedroom." Some of these transformations are so clever that kids will want to burst into song immediately. Imagine your next patron singing, "Oh give me a break/'Cause I made a mistake/And my library book's overdue" to the tune of "Home on the Range." The watercolor illustrations are equally entertaining, with exaggerated features and situations giving them a cartoon look. "Go Go Go to Bed" depicts an exhausted mom slumped in a chair with toys and a child literally bouncing off the ceiling above her. There's something here to tickle most funny bones.

Marino, J. (2001). Take me out of the bathtub and other silly dilly songs. School Library Journal, 47(4), 132.

Library Uses

It could be used with older students to create their own silly dilly versions of the songs or a song that they like. Students love watching song parodies on YouTube and they will enjoy creating some of their own. 

Module 9 - Fold Me a Poem

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Book Summary

Fold Me a Poem narrates the story of the characters created by the young boy in the illustrations. Many animals are created using origami. Some of the animals interact with each other. Some get injured. Most kids play with their stuffed animals, but this young boy plays with the origami animals that he created.

Written by Kristine O'Connell George.
Illustrated by Lauren Stringer

APA Reference of Book

George, K. O. (2005). Fold me a poem. Orlando, FL: Harcourt.

Impressions

The short poems colorfully enhance the illustrations. The beautiful illustrations start with the endpapers that were created to resemble origami paper. The shading and texture of each picture makes it seem as if each one were really made with paper. Each poem helps identify each animal or their actions. This is a very easy introduction to poetry for young readers. I wish that there were instructions at the end of the book so that the reader would be able to create their own origami animal after reading the book. 

Professional Review

K-Gr 2-- George's 32 brief poems focus on a boy as he folds a series of origami animals and imagines their thoughts and possible activities. Some of the selections exhibit a creative spark, while others tend to take their meaning from the illustrations, which are the real strength of the presentation. The vividly colored acrylics depict the boy actively engaged in play with his creations, and the details that Stringer provides infuse the verses with both energy and humor. Her illustrator's note offers insight into her own efforts to master the art of origami. No patterns or instructions are included, although a useful bibliography is appended to guide those wishing to learn the craft themselves.

Oliff, G. (2005, Mar.). Fold me a poem. School Library Journal, 51(3), 193.

Library Uses

This book could be used to introduce an origami makerspace. After reading the book, the group of students could be led through the creation of an origami figure. Then the supplies could be out for students to use them later at the maker station. 

Module 8 - Magic Tree House Dinosaurs Before Dark

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Book Summary

Jack and Annie happen upon a tree house. not just any tree house, but a magic tree house. While in the tree house looking at one of the many books, Jack wishes to see a pteranodon. All of a sudden Jack and Annie  are transported to the Cretaaceous period where dinosaurs roamed the Earth. The brother and sister duo encounter a friendly pteranodon and some not so friendly dinosaurs.

Written by Mary Pope Osborne
Illustrated by Sal Murdocca

APA Reference of Book

Osborne, M. P. (1992). Dinosaurs before dark. New York, NY: Scholastic.

Impressions

Dinosaurs Before Dark is  a very short beginning chapter book well suited for young children. Even though the plot is very straightforward, the adventures and explorations will appeal to adventurous readers. The book will appeal to boys since the leading character is a boy. Each chapter has a couple of pictures, which makes this a good transition between picture books and larger chapter books. The pictures, although monotone, using shading to create quality images. The book talks about different dinosaur facts, which will appeal to many young readers. A companion nonfiction book is available that builds on the facts presented in this work of fiction. 

Professional Review

Gr 1-3-- This enjoyable time-travel fantasy is a successful beginning chapter book. Jack and his younger sister find a tree house filled with books. When he wishes he could really see the Pteranodon pictured in one of them, it appears at the window. The children have been transported back to the Cretaceous period. They begin to explore and are soon threatened by a Tyrannosaurus. The Pteranodon comes to their rescue, and they figure out enough about the magic that carried them back in time to be able to use it to return home. There is plenty of suspense and magic here, and enough dinosaur information to please science buffs. Characterization is sketchy and older children will find the plot predictable, but readers just past the easy-to-read stage will find it satisfying. It should attract those who devour Ruth Chew's books.

Sherman, L. L. (1992). Dinosaurs before dark. School Library Journal, 38(9), 209.

Library Uses

You can link this book to an informational book on dinosaurs. Students could create pteranodon sculpture using card stock, paint, and clothes pins. Students can then use the informational book to list facts about the pteranodon. 

Module 8 -

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Book Summary

Cam Jansen has a photographic memory. When Cam and her friend Eric help their teacher out with the school carnival, she spots some things that just don't look right. So Cam clicked her mental camera, for which she was given the nickname Cam, so that she could look back on the details later. How could these two keep winning at the dime toss? It was supposed to be nearly impossible to win. Cam uses her mental pictures to help solve the mystery.

Written by David Adler
Illustrated by Susanna Natti

APA Reference of Book

Adler, D. A. (1984). The mystery of the carnival prize. New York, NY: Penguin Publishing.

Impressions

This is a cute beginning chapter book with pictures on every couple of pages. The pictures will help young readers connect to the book, but they are not the strongest pictures. Even though most readers do not have a photographic memory like Cam, they will still be able to relate to her character. The plot provides a good amount of suspense, so readers will be interested in seeing how the mystery is solved. I have to admit that I was curious myself.  As is true with many of the books in the Cam Jansen series, the book ends with a good lesson for readers. 

Professional Review

Gr 2-4 -- Cam Jansen and the Mystery of the Carnival Prize finds the girl with the photographic memory and her friend Eric Chelton solving a mystery at a school carnival. Cam finds it strange that no one can win a prize at the dime toss booth except for a boy and a girl who keep winning again and again, and she shows how the two are using foil-covered slugs and a magnet to cheat. The two are captured as they try to sell the stuffed animals they have won. As always, Adler presents dependable characters within a sturdy format for the younger mystery crowd. 

Natti, S. (1984). Cam Jansen and the Mystery of the Carnival Prize. School Library Journal, 31(4), 98.

Library Uses

This book could be used as a mentor text for students learning to use quotation marks appropriately. Much of this book involves conversations between Cam and Eric, which provides several examples for students. 

Module 7- Baseball Saved Us

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Book Summary

In 1942, "Shorty" and his family were sent to live in an internment camp in the desert. It was hot in the day and cold at night. The man in the tower was always watching behind his dark sunglasses. This just added to the tension that everyone felt while living in these barracks. One day his dad started building a baseball field. Everyone pitched in. For the first time in his life, "Shorty" was not the shortest one on the team. He was able to hit the ball. Things were still hard, but baseball made it easier.

Written by Ken Mochizuki.
Illustrated by Dom Lee.

APA Reference of Book

Mochizuki, K. (1993). Baseball saved us. New York, NY: Lee & Low.

Impressions

This is a historical fiction story that not only conveys facts of the World War II era, but also shows the emotions involved for the Japanese-Americans. Mochizuki's descriptions show the reader that it was awful to move out of their homes and into the barracks. He shows how much it was changing them through the interactions between Shorty's dad and brother. The stories credibility is strong, especially when the describes Shorty sitting alone at a lunch table after returning back home. The illustrations in the book remind readers of the barbed-wire fence and dessert atmosphere. They beautifully capture the shading and tones of both the desert and the characters skin tones. 

Professional Review

Gr 2-4-- After briefly describing the way his family was removed from their home and sent to an internment camp for Japanese Americans during World War II, the narrator, ``Shorty,'' tells how baseball was used as a diversion from the dire situation in which the camp's inhabitants found themselves. After improvising a baseball diamond, uniforms, and equipment, they played games. In one of these contests, the usually weak-hitting Shorty catches a glimpse of one of the ever-present guards and channels his anger toward the man into his swing, resulting in a winning home run. After the war and his return home, he continues to play ball while at the same time being subjected to racial taunts, again refocusing his anger to produce positive results on the diamond. The sport plays a secondary role to the blatant racism depicted in this somber book. The paintings, scratchboard overlaid with oils, effectively reflect the tone of the story. Pair this powerful title with Hamanaka's The Journey (Orchard, 1990). 

Hurlburt, T. S. (1993). Baseball saved us. School Library Journal, 39(6), 84.

Library Uses

This book could be used in the high school library to begin a discussion of how the United States treated the Japanese after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. This could compared to the way that the United States used the Patriot Act to protect us after the tragedies of 9/11.