THE THREE PIGS

1.  BIBLIOGRAPHY

Wiesner, David. THE THREE PIGS. New York, NY: Scholastic Incorporated, 2001. ISBN 0-439-44517-5

2.  PLOT SUMMARY

Although David Wiesner’s version of THE THREE PIGS begins as the traditional tale, it takes a clever modern twist as the pigs enjoy an out-of-page experience that includes flying on a paper airplane made of one of the book pages from which the pigs escaped. The pigs’ adventure takes them down an unusual literary road, making friends with characters from other classic tales. This adventure eventually leads them, along with their new friends, back to their happy ending in the original story, yet with another unexpected turn of events.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

THE THREE PIGS begins with “once upon a time” and ends with “they all lived happily ever after,” but that is where the traditional aspects of the story virtually end. Wiesner creates a unique twist on the original story, along with illustrations that juxtapose fine realistic artistry with simple, more one-dimensional paintings, and colorless sketches. On various pages, the negative space accentuates the out-of-page experience of the characters. Once blown out of the original tale, the pigs’ conversation with each other reflects the author’s whimsical and informal style. Often, the pigs possess mischievous smirks, while the wolf looks understandably shocked and confused. Younger readers or listeners will undoubtedly enjoy the illustrations yet may be confused by the changes in setting, particularly if they are not familiar with other classic traditional tales. With some guidance and explanation, this version promises to be a favorite for many. Readers with untamed imaginations will certainly appreciate this visionary account of the age-old story, yet those who love the traditional tale with its repetition may be disappointed. The unique art captures everyone, including this reviewer.

4. AWARDS & REVIEW EXCERPTS

Caldecott Medal/Honor, January 2002

Horn Book starred, May 2001

Notable/Best Books (A.L.A.), January 2002

HORN BOOK, Fall 2001: “In this postmodern interpretation, the style of the artwork shifts back ad forth a few times, as Wiesner explores different realities within a book’s pages.”

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL, April 2001: “Witty dialogue and physical comedy abound in this inspired retelling of a familiar favorite.”

5. CONNECTIONS

* Have students perform a readers’ theater of the tale. Student-created pig snouts, could be warn by those taking turns as the pigs.

*Re-read the text, stopping before the ending; have students work in groups of four to create new endings. The students share or re-enact their original endings.

* Read aloud other stories featuring pigs:

DiCamillo, Kate. MERCY WATSON: PRINCESS IN DISGUISE. ISBN-13: 978-0763652326

Numeroff, Laura. IF YOU GIVE A PIG A PANCAKE. ISBN-13: 978-0060266868

Sendak, Maurice. BUMBLE-ARDY. ISBN-13: 978-0062051981

THE TRUE STORY OF THE 3 LITTLE PIGS!

1.  BIBLIOGRAPHY

Scieszka, Jon. THE TRUE STOR OF THE 3 LITTLE PIGS!. Ill. by Lane Smith. New York, NY: Viking Penguin, 1989.  ISBN 0-670-82759-2

2.  PLOT SUMMARY

After Alexander T. Wolf introduces himself and indicates his intent to straighten out the reader’s misperceptions about the new of the three little pigs, he first explains that he is not responsibly that wolves like to eat cute bunnies. The wolf proceeds to claim that the real story of the three pigs is about a cup of sugar and a couple of sneezes. The wolf then begins his tale, claiming that while making his granny a birthday cake, he runs out of sugar and begins a quest for the ingredient. Alexander T. Wolf claims that in his quest for sugar, he merely sneezes in the proximity of the pigs’ homes, knocking the houses down. Not wanting to be wasteful, he decides to eat the deceased pigs . . . one by one. Finally, because his “sneeze” has no effect on one pig’s brick house, the wolf loses his temper when the pig supposedly insults the wolf’s grandmother, and the police haul him off to jail, thereby “unjustly” destroying his stellar reputation.

3.  CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Scieszka’s variant of the classic tale of the three little pigs presents the story from the wolf’s point of view, though throughout the story, this reader definitely has a sense that the wolf is lying through his sharp teeth. In spite of the fact that the wolf claims that he is the victim, a symbol of good . . . his character is suspect from the beginning as he claims that it is not his fault that wolves like to eat cute bunnies and sheep. In spite of his claims of innocence, the wolf still reflects wickedness for the mere fact that he attempts to hide and justify his evil acts. In spite of the wolf’s twisted thinking, a strong moral message comes through that good will triumph over evil.

Lane Smith’s illustrations grab and hold the attention of the reader, creating a dark tone through color choice.  The wolf’s beady little yellow eyes peer from behind his spectacles, and even within “dear old granny’s” cake-mixing bowl, the ears of a cute bunny stick out from beneath the heap of cake ingredients. The illustrations hold a surreal quality, including slightly distorted perspectives. In the midst of the darkness, humor shines through in the pages that include the pink fanny of a deceased pig sticking out from beneath the earth, the curled tail reminiscent of a birthday candle. This delightful variant is indeed humorous, yet this reader disagrees with the book jacket that the text is appropriate for ages three to eight. It is too dark for a pre-school child, particularly since pre-school children could not fully appreciate the humor or contrasts to the original tale. Intermediate students through adults may enjoy this tale most.

4.  AWARDS & REVIEW EXCERPTS

Book Links (A.L.A.), March 2007

Elementary School Library Collection, June 2000

Wilson’s Children, October 2010

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL, October 1989:  “The bespectacled wolf moves with a rather sinister bonelessness, and his juicy sneezes tear like thunderbolts through a dim, grainy world. It's the type of book that older kids (and adults) will find very funny.”

PUBLISHERS WEEKLY, March 1996: “Designed with uncommon flair, gaily newfangled version of the classic tale takes sides with the villain.”

5.  CONNECTIONS

* For upper elementary through middle school classes, read aloud this variant tale to introduce and illustrate the concepts of hyperbole and tone and perspective. Define terms and allow groups to find examples throughout the book, from both the text and the illustrations.

* For upper elementary students, have the students re-write the tale in their own words yet with an alternate ending.

* Have students in upper elementary grades work in cooperative groups to re-create the variant tale in verse form. 

THE GINGERBREAD MAN

1.  BIBLIOGRAPHY

Kimmel, Eric A. THE GINGERBREAD MAN.  Ill. by Megan Lloyd.  New York, NY:  Holiday House, 1993.   ISBN 0-8234-0824-8

2. PLOT SUMMARY

In this classic retelling of the tale of the GINGERBREAD MAN, the carefully and lovingly baked and decorated cookie leaps off the kitchen table and out the door, ignoring the pleas of the old man and woman who baked him. The gingerbread man escapes being eaten by the man and woman, a pig, a dog, and several cows before meeting his cunning match in a sly fox at the river crossing. This meeting leads to the inevitable demise of the gingerbread cookie, though the author provides a glimmer of hope of an everlasting gingerbread man through the wonder of the baking sheet.

3.  CRITICAL ANALYSIS

This beloved story contains the classic structure of folktales including strong repetition and rhythm in the language as the feisty Gingerbread Man repeatedly escapes while exclaiming, “I’ll run and run as fast as I can. You can’t catch me. I’m the gingerbread man!” The action moves swiftly as this cookie-man darts from country scene to country scene, running his way to the water’s edge. Lloyd’s eye-catching illustrations complement the story through the natural, yet colorful paintings of the comfortable rural setting. It is as though every creature would be otherwise taking a Sunday nap, were not for the gingerbread man running swiftly across the scenes to heckle and tease them out of their rest. I found this retelling to be such a delightful one that I will most definitely add it to my list of favorite books to read to students of all ages. In fact, I am purchasing it for my personal collection.

4.  AWARDS & REVIEW EXCERPTS

Booklinks (A.L.A.), November 1998

School Library Journal starred, June 1993

Wilson’s Children, October 2010

BOOKLIST, March 1993: “This familiar tales gets a life in this sprightly edition . . . A compact text and suitably large pictures make this just right for groups.”

SCHOOL LIBARAY JOURNAL,  June 1993: “Kimmel brings humor and warmth to the retelling of this spicy classic. . . A book that’s sure to hold every reader and story-hour audience through to a most satisfyingly delicious ending.”

5. CONNECTIONS

Create and decorate gingerbread cookies as part of a measurement math lesson. While the students enjoy eating their cookies, read several different versions of the Gingerbread Man folktale. Allow the students to choose the class’s favorite alternate text. Create a Venn diagram to compare and contrast Kimmel’s version to the other class favorite.

GINGERBREAD MAN versions to read:

Enderle, Dotti. THE LIBRARY GINGERBREAD MAN.  ISBN 13: 978-1602130487

Ernst, Lisa Cambell.  THE GINGERREAD GIRL.  ISBN 13: 978-0525476672

Kladstrup, Kristin. THE GINGERBREAD PIRATES.  ISBN 13: 978-0763632236

Squires Janet. THE GINGERBREAD COWBOY.  ISBN 13: 978-0060778637

Book Review: KNUFFLE BUNNY

1.  BIBLIOGRAPHY

Willems, Mo. KNUFFLE BUNNY. New York, NY: Scholastic Incorporated, 2005.

 ISBN 0-439-80249-0

2.  PLOT SUMMARY

An urban father and his very young toddler, Trixie, stroll through the neighborhood to the Laundromat, throw the laundry into the washer, and begin to stroll home. On the way home, Trixie throws a colossal tantrum, much to dad’s frustration. Upon arrival home, Trixie’s mom notices that Trixie is missing her favorite stuffed animal, Knuffle Bunny, after which the family hurries back to the laundry mat to find the beloved toy. With joy at the sight of the Knuffle Bunny, Trixie speaks her first words when she calls out the stuffed animal’s name with delight.

3.  CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Anyone who has parented an infant who could not yet talk will relate to the humor, frustration, and credibility of Trixie and her father. Trixie’s behavior in the loss of her beloved Knuffle Bunny is consistent with a child of that age who is desperate to communicate but cannot articulate a problem. I found the universality of a child going “boneless” delightfully funny. KNUFFLE BUNNY reflects a simple story with a believable conflict and resolution. Though the story is entertaining, it is by no means really a cautionary tale to children. Rather, it seems that parents may be the real target audience. Quite possibly, the author is attempting to please both audiences at once.

This Caldecott Honor Book reflects a modern era of art as each page juxtaposes sepia photos of old city brownstones, schools, shops, parks, and Laundromats with an overlay of cartoon-like, simplistic, and colorful drawings of the characters. The contrast creates a fresh, modern look at an old familiar setting. Frankly, it is the illustrations, rather than the text, that carry the story. Trixie’s oversized eyes boldly express each emotion with precise clarity. The father’s exasperated expressions, as well as the onlookers’ disapproving glances, aptly express the reality of an exasperating situation, even in the simplicity of the art. Finally, the pictorial representations of the story’s resolution mirror any family’s joy in both finding a treasured object, and in hearing a child’s first words.

4.  AWARDS & REVIEW EXCERPTS

Caldecott Medal/Honor, 01/01/05

Notable/Best Books (A.L.A.), 01/01/05

PUBLISHER’S WEEKLY (2004): “Willems once again demonstrates his keen insight with a story both witty and wise.”

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL (2004): “the concise, deftly told narrative becomes the perfect springboard for the pictures.”

5.  CONNECTIONS

* Gather a collection of Mo Willems’ books, read them aloud the first time without showing the illustrations so that the students listen and imagine the characters and setting in their minds to develop referential representation; read them aloud a second time and show the photos

*Create a learning center including various Willems’ texts, audio books, and reflection activities

Other Mo Willems books:

DON’T LET THE PIGEON DRIVE THE BUS.  ISBN 978-0786819881

THE PIGEON HAS FEELINGS, TOO!   ISBN 978-0786836505

MY FRIEND IS SAD.   ISBN 9781423102977

SHOULD I SHARE MY ICE CREAM?   ISBN 978-1423143437

Book Review: MAKE WAY FOR DUCKLINGS

1.  BIBLIOGRAPHY

McCloskey, Robert. MAKE WAY FOR DUCKLINGS. New York, NY: Viking Press, 1941.  ISBN 0140564349

2.  PLOT SUMMARY

Two mallard ducks named Mr. and Mrs. Mallard set out on a quest to find a safe place to build a nest, lay and hatch eggs, and raise their ducklings. After overcoming a couple of obstacles on their search, they choose Boston’s Public Garden and become a part of Boston’s community with the special protection of Michael, a Boston policeman.

3.  CRITICAL ANALYSIS

In this nostalgia-producing tale, the reader joins Mr. and Mrs. Mallard’s quest to find a new home where they can safely raise their future ducklings. In the process of the quest, the reader enjoys a guided tour of historic Boston, Massachusetts, from a pre-stoplight era. The reader also gets a mini biology lesson on ducks: “... now they were beginning to molt. All their old wing feathers started to drop out...” The author cleverly names each of the ducklings a name that rhymes with “quack”. Though the story depicts a universal theme of parents’ quest to find a safe home and raise a healthy family, it also reflects a stereotype of the middle class culture of the 1940’s.

MAKE WAY FOR DUCKLINGS is deservedly a past Caldecott Medal winner for the outstanding artwork drawings depicting both Boston and nature. Each page contains a detailed work of art. Though the drawings are devoid of color, shy of the light brown sketching, the reader does not miss it. The simplicity of color only serves to draw attention to the fine detail of the sketches and the exquisite perspective drawings of the city of Boston.

Those who grew up loving the classic BLUEBERRIES FOR SAL and HOMER PRICE will smile at MAKE WAY FOR DUCKLINGS and want to read it repeatedly to the next generation of children. Though this book does not reflect the true diversity of a large American city, the story is never the less worthy of praise. Finally, the more formal sentence structure and vocabulary are reflective of the era Robert McCloskey composed the story. People for generations to come will continue to enjoy this sweet tale.

4.  REVIEW EXCERPTS

Caldecott Medal Honor, 1942

Barnes & Noble (bn.com):  “This delightful picture book captures the humor and beauty of one special duckling family.”

HORN BOOK MAGAZINE (1942): “Robert McCloskey’s unusual and stunning pictures will long be a delight for their fun as well as their spirit of peace.”

5.  CONNECTIONS

* Use this text to introduce a science unit about birds/ducks; create a class Venn diagram comparing and contrasting traits of Mallard ducks from the story with traits of Mallard ducks found in an encyclopedia

* Use this text as an introduction for a history/geography unit on Boston, Massachusetts

Additional children’s texts about Boston, Massachusetts:

Zschlock, Martha. JOURNEY AROUND BOSTON FROM A TO Z.  ISBN 9781889833194

Gamble, Adam. GOODNIGHT BOSTON. ISBN 9780975850244

Book Review: A SICK DAY FOR AMOS MCGEE

1.   BIBLIOGRAPHY

Stead, Philip. A SICK DAY FOR AMOS MCGEE. Ill. by Erin E. Stead. New York, NY:  Roaring Brook Press, 2010.  ISBN 9781596434028

2.  PLOT SUMMARY

In this heartwarming story, zookeeper Amos McGee lovingly and faithfully cares for each of his “friends” at the zoo each day. As part of his daily routine, he meets the needs of the specific personalities of the various animals. Amos is so kind and faithful that when gets ill, his animal friends travel together to Amos’ home where they show the same gentle care to him that he regularly gives to them.

3.  CRITICAL ANALYSIS

This delightful story embodies a universal principle of friendship, that self-sacrifice and kindness promote loyal friendships. Though the story is set primarily in city village and a city zoo with animals, the story transcends the urban setting. The author employs anthropomorphism, to the delight of the reader, displayed as the elephant, turtle, penguin, rhinoceros, and owl each display distinct human traits including compassion for and loyalty to Amos. With rarely more than a couple of sentences per page, this story moves quickly while engaging the reader completely for each of the thirty-two pages.

Like a warm cup of cocoa on a chilly winter day, Erin E. Stead’s illustrations warm the heart of the reader. Stead’s simple but graceful drawings include gentle touches of color that enhance, rather than overwhelm, the effect. The illustrator includes delightful little details such as Amos’ bunny slippers and teddy bear. On some pages, the pencil drawings are juxtaposed with what appears to be touches of watercolor that emphasize objects the author does not want to go unnoticed. Finally, the illustrator’s somewhat old-fashioned style complements the simple, yet heartwarming tale.

4.  REVIEW EXCERPTS

Caldecott Medal Winner,  2011

BOOKLIST, May, 2010:   “The extension of the familiar pet-bonding theme will have great appeal, especially in the final images of the wild creatures snuggled up with Amos in his cozy home.”

HORN BOOK starred, Fall, 2010:   “. . . illustrations reveal character and enhance the cozy mood of the gentle text.”

KIRKUS REVIEW starred review, April, 2010:  “This gentle, ultimately warm story acknowledges the care and reciprocity behind all good friendships.”

5.  CONNECTIONS

* Brainstorm characteristics of a true friend and make a class concept map of it on chart paper

* Read aloud other books about friendships and add to class concept map

* Other books for children about friendship:

Bloom, Suzanne. A SPLENDID FRIEND, INDEED. ISBN 9781590784884

Charles, Faustin. THE SELFISH CROCODILE. ISBN 9780747541936

Woodson, Jacqueline. THE OTHER SIDE. ISBN 9780399231162