Book Trailer

Me...Jane 
by Patrick McDonnell

I created this book trailer using Animoto for my Literature for Children and Young Adults class at Texas Woman's University. This is wonderful book, so I encourage you all to go out and pick it up!

Poetry

Artwork by Steve Jenkins

Image from www.betsyfranco.com

Birdsongs 
by Betsy Franco
Illustrated by Steve Jenkins

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Franco, Betsy. 2007. BIRDSONGS. Ill. by Steve Jenkins. New York: Margaret K. McElderry Books. ISBN 9780689877773

PLOT SUMMARY

Betsy Franco’s Birdsongs, is a backward counting picture book that begins with the rising sun and ends with the quiet sky… until the mockingbird sings all the songs she has heard throughout the day. It has been a noisy day, indeed, beginning with the woodpecker’s 10 “taps” while he looks for breakfast bugs, followed by the 9 “coos” of the mourning doves trying to eat from a birdfeeder, and so on throughout the day. At the end of the day, a hummingbird makes the last, solitary sound – a tiny “tzik” as she sucks a treat from a honeysuckle. But as the sun sets, the quiet is interrupted by the mimicking mockingbird.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Written in free-verse, Fancos’s lyrical language leads readers through a book of the sights and sounds of nature. Without question, sound is a prominent character, as Franco uses onomatopoeia repeatedly throughout the book. The ducks and their five quacks provide the perfect example.

A short rain shower. Dressed in shiny green suits,

mallards in the creek discuss the weather.

“The gull was right,” they say,

quacking 5 times in agreement.

qua  qua   qua   qua   qua

Very young readers may not be able to read Franco’s descriptive text, but will certainly enjoy the imagery that she creates, and of course, vocalizing each bird call.

Steve Jenkin’s collage illustrations add vivid, realistic depictions of each bird species over two-page spreads. The intricacies of the paper and materials he uses bring the birds to life with soft, layered feathers, sharp talons, and strong, vocal beaks. Each seemingly textured page is sure to keep a young reader engaged.

Included at the end of the book is a fun list of “feathery facts” about each of the birds featured. Birdsongs is recommended for ages 3-7.

REVIEW EXCERPTS and AWARDS

“The generous typography used for the birds' sounds is certain to inspire plenty of audience participation, as youngsters attempt to "eeyah" like a gull, "'dee dee" like a chickadee and "caw" like a crow.” Publishers Weekly (Dec. 2006)

“… young listeners may be more engaged by the game of counting the birdsongs: ten tats, nine coos, eight chips and so on, ending with the mockingbird’s lovely nighttime rendition of all she has heard during the day.” Kirkus (Jan 2007)

“The writing is lyrical and engaging, and quick "feathery facts" about the creatures are appended. This book, … will engender a love for birds and an awareness of their unique music.” School Library Journal (Jan. 2007)

“Franco spins a nature lesson in lucid language and throws in a counting exercise, too. … Charming.” Booklist (Jan. 2007)

♦ 2008 Chicago Public Library Best of the Best Books

CONNECTIONS

Use this book in a lesson on counting backwards.

Use this book as an introduction to the mockingbird, the state bird of Texas.

Use this book, particularly the illustrations, on a lesson of bird or animal habitats.

Invite a local bird watching club member to come in and discuss the songbirds found in the local area.

Students can choose one of the birds featured and do an extended research project.

Read the book in a chorus where the children make the sounds of the birds, making sure they only count the number corresponding to each bird.

Divide the children in ten groups and assign a bird call to each group. As you read the book out loud, have the appropriate “group of birds” call out their song.

Other books by Betsy Franco:
-- Summer Beat

-- Mathematickles!

-- Counting Our Way to the 100th Day!

-- A Curious Collection of Cats

--A Dazzling Display of Dogs

--Messing Around on the Monkey Bars: and Other School Poems for Two Voices

Other books of poetry about nature:

-- Buttercup's Lovely Day by Carolyn Beck

-- Bees, Snails, & Peacock Tails by Betsy Franco

-- Zero is the Leaves on the Tree by Betsy Franco

-- A Chill in the Air: Nature Poems for Fall and Winter by John Frank 

-- Earth Verses and Water Rhymes J. Patrick Lewis

-- Least Things: Poems About Small Natures by Jane Yolen

Visit the Betsy Franco’s website or follow on her Facebook. 

Visit the illustrator’s website: Steve Jenkins.

Poetry

Artwork by Cathie Bleck

Image from us.macmillan.com

Hurricane Dancers: 

The First Caribbean Pirate Shipwreck

by Margarita Engle

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Engle, Margarita. 2011. HURRICANE DANCERS: THE FIRST CARIBBEAN PIRATE SHIPWRECK. New York: Henry Holt and Company. ISBN 9780805092400

PLOT SUMMARY

This fictional story of Quebrado, or “the broken one” is set among real-life historical figures.  As a young slave-boy who speaks both Spanish from his father and the language of his mother’s people, the Taíno indians, Quebrado becomes the translator for his captor, Bernardino de Talavera. As a previous land-owner, Talavera literally worked his slaves to death, but to avoid debtor’s prison, he steals a ship and becomes the first Caribbean pirate. During an expedition to South America, he also kidnaps Alonso de Ojeda, a brutal but wounded governor of Venezuela who believes Talavera will take him to safety.

When a hurricane sinks Talavera’s ship, the three characters wash up on the island of present-day Cuba. Quebrado finds his freedom and some new friends in the young lovers Naridó and Caucubú. Naridó, a simple fisherman, and Caucubú, the daughter of a Ciboney chieftain, are forbidden to marry, so they run away and hide in the island’s caves. When Talavera and Ojeda arrive in the village of the naturales, or natives, Quebrado warns the tribe of the men’s cruel past. The tribal leaders decide to put the fate of the Spaniards in the hands of Quebrado.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

In Hurricane Dancers, Engle beautifully develops the story of Quebrado and the people he encounters on his path to freedom through a series of free-verse poems. Each poem is narrated by one of the five main characters and gives readers their detailed perspective of the unfolding story. The novel is filled with vivid language including metaphors and powerful imagery. Its steady pace keeps the reader engaged and on an emotional roller-coaster with every character’s account of their interactions with one another. The final poem, “Yacuyo” concludes the story of Quebrado as a slave, and begins his life as a free, whole person named Yacuyo, “Far Light.” Overall, it is a very readable novel, and a great piece of historical fiction.

The book begins with a list or cast of characters with a brief introduction of each, so the reader can begin the book with a bit of background information. The back of the book also includes historical notes on the real-life characters and events, the culture and language, and on the literature. The book concludes with bibliographical references to encourage further research. Hurricane Dancers is recommended for readers age 12 and up.

REVIEW EXCERPTS and AWARDS

“Engle distills the emotion in each episode with potent rhythms, sounds, and original, unforgettable imagery.” Booklist, Starred Review (Jan. 2011)  

“Taken individually the stories are slight, but they work together elegantly; the notes and back matter make this a great choice for classroom use.” Kirkus (Jan. 2011)

“Newbery Honor—winner Engle (The Surrender Tree) continues to find narrative treasure in Cuban history.” Publishers Weekly (Jan. 2011)

“Unique and inventive, this is highly readable historical fiction that provides plenty of fodder for discussion.” School Library Journal (Mar. 2011)

“The figurative language is captivating as multiple voices spin a tale of the first Caribbean pirate shipwreck, slavery, banishment, betrayal, and love.”  Library Media Connection (May/June 2011).

♦ 2012 Pura Belpré Author Honor

♦ ALSC 2012 Notable Children's Book for older readers

♦ ALA Best Books for Young Adults nominee

♦ Poetry for Children Blog's Top 20 Most Distinctive Books of Poetry 2011

♦ 2012 White Ravens List

CONNECTIONS

Since each poem is written from the point of view of the characters, this book can easily be performed informally with students taking on the different characters of the novel.

Student can research one of the historical figures featured in the novel, or research the Cuban indigenous natives, or the Spanish conquest of the Caribbean islands.

Compare this version of the love story of Caucubú and Naridó to other versions, or to other love stories such as Romeo and Juliet.

Other historical fiction books about this time period:

-- Morning Girl by Michael Dorris

-- Encounter by Jane Yolen

Other novels in verse for young readers:

-- Under the Mesquite by Guadalupe Garcia McCall

-- Planet Middle School by Nikki Grimes

-- Diamond Willow by Helen Frost

Other books in verse by Margarita Engle:

-- The Poet Slave of Cuba: A Biography of Juan Francisco Manzano

-- The Surrender Tree

-- Tropical Secrets: Holocaust Refugees in Cuba

-- The Firefly Letters; A Suffragette's Journey to Cuba

View a series of interviews of Margarita Engle with Colorín Colorado, a free web-based service that provides information, activities and advice for educators and Spanish-speaking families of English language learners (ELLs).

Visit Margarita Engle’s website.

Poetry

Artwork by Yayo

Image from www.holidayhouse.com

I Am The Book 

by Lee Bennett Hopkins

Illustrated by Yayo 

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Hopkins, Lee Bennett. 2011. I AM THE BOOK. Ill. by Diego “Yayo” Herrera. New York: Holiday House. ISBN 9780823421190

PLOT SUMMARY

“A book is a wonderful magical treat.” In this 2011 compilation, Lee Bennett Hopkins gathers thirteen poems by both new and well-known authors about the wonders and power of books, and the joy that reading can bring. Each poem is wonderfully illustrated by Yayo on a two-page spread. Themes run from the anticipation of diving into books, as in Beverly McLoughland’s “When I Read,” to the adventures that reading takes us on, as in Jill Corcoran’s “Pirates.”

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

This anthology contains a wonderful collection of poems connected by a common theme near and dear to a librarian’s heart – reading. The language of each poem is certainly appropriate for the recommended age group, but the themes may be understood and appreciated by older, life-long readers as well. The book contains a good variety of both rhyme and free-verse, current poems, and the overall length is suitable for 2nd graders and up. Each poet draws a reader in with a variety of styles of writing. Some of the poems hook us in with imagery as Kristine O’Connell George’s “Don’t’ Need a Window Seat.”

Riding home from the library,

don’t need a window seat.

Got a great new book to read,

eleven more beneath my feet.

Others use sound, like “Poetry Time” by Lee Bennett Hopkins.

It’s poem o’clock

Time for a rhyme—

            tick-tock

            ding-dong

            bing-bong

            or

            chime.

Still others personify books, as in the title poem, “I Am the Book,” by Tom Robert Shields, while some even suggest the idea that a good book can be our friend, as in “This Book” by Avis Harley.

Books are such mind-thrilling

Spine-tingling friends.

The illustrations by Yayo, composed of acrylic on canvas, beautifully convey the descriptions and images created by the poems. The soft brush strokes add whimsy, as does the use of books to represent and replace some key poem characters - a window, the sea, a pillow, etc. The book also contains a convenient table of contents with the title and author of each poem, and a brief biography of each of the contributors in section at the back of the book titled, “About the Poets.” I Am the Book is recommended for grades 2 to 5, but read aloud, can be enjoyed by anyone!

REVIEW EXCERPTS and AWARDS

"Lest we forget the magic of the printed page, this collection of poems by contemporary writers celebrates the joys of reading." Publishers Weekly (Feb. 2011)

"Fun for sharing with preschoolers, this will also spark discussion in grade-school writing and art classes." Booklist (Mar. 2011)

"The attractive and fanciful acrylic paintings feature exaggerated shapes and perspectives that go nicely with the flights of imagination depicted in the poems." School Library Journal (Apr. 2011)

"Lee Bennett Hopkins’ compilation of poetry about the love of reading and books would be a great addition to any elementary media center. … The illustrations have a whimsical and carefree feeling that all readers will enjoy." Library Media Collection (Aug./Sept. 2011)

♦ California Reading Association’s Eureka! Nonfiction Picture Book Award, Silver Honor Book

♦ 2012 Chicago Public Library Best of the Best Books

CONNECTIONS

Use this book as an introductory lesson to the library. Discuss all the different kinds of books there are available, and how books can make you feel and “take you places.”

Student can read aloud a poem during a family reading night, or as a part Poetry Month activities.

Students can choose one of the authors of the collection from the brief biographies in the back of the book and research more of their poetry.

Invite the students to “spot the book” on each spread. Discuss why the illustrator chose to use a book to represent that object, or discuss how the illustrations are representative of the poems.

Other books of poetry about books:

--Good Books! Good Times! by Lee Bennett Hopkins

--Wonderful Words by Lee Bennett Hopkins
--Please Bury Me in the Library by J. Patrick Lewis
--BookSpeak!: Poems About Books by Laura Purdie Salas

Other collections of poetry from Lee Bennett Hopkins:

--Alphathoughts: Alphabet Poems
--Days to Celebrate
--Give Me Wings!
--Sharing the Seasons: A Book of Poems

Visit Lee Bennett Hopkin’s website, or follow him on Facebook.