the true story of the 3 little pigs! written by jon scieszka & illustrated by lane smith

Scieszka, Jon. The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs!, Illustrated by Lane Smith. New York: Viking, 1989. ISBN: 0670827592

Plot Summary:
     A. Wolf is a wolf who decides to bake his grandmother a cake for her birthday but runs out of sugar in the process. During this time, A. Wolf comes down with a cold but insists on finishing his grandmother's cake. In order to do so, he proceeds to walk down the street to ask his neighbor if he has some sugar to spare; however, due to Mr. Wolf's cold, a horrible sneezing attack takes place that leaves his neighbor's house and his neighbor in a deathly circumstance. After three instances of the same misfortune, A. Wolf is approached by policemen whose observations of the incidents do not end up in A. Wolf's favor.

Critical Analysis:
     The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs is attributed as a fractured fairy tale where the author, Jon Scieszka, has parodied and altered the well known traditional tale known as The Three Little Pigs. Scieszka alters this story by providing readers with the perspective from the wolf by suggesting that it was the media who defamed the character of the wolf. Within this fractured fairy tale, the author also utilizes the usage of the following refrain: "I huffed. And I snuffed. And I sneezed a great sneeze."By incorporating this refrain within the story, the author indirectly leads readers to an increased sense of engagement. Along with Scieszka's ability to provide readers with a differing perspective of a well known traditional tale, he collaborated with Lane Smith for illustrations.
     Lane Smith encompasses the context of the story through his vivid and humorous illustrations. These illustrations incorporate great detail that convey the emotion of each character within the story. From the inclusion of the hairs on the pigs' 'chinny chin chins' to the inclusion of a detailed newspaper clipping reporting the news of the Big Bad Wolf, the author and the illustrator effectively collaborate to provide users with an entertaining fractured fairy tale as told by A. Wolf.
   
Awards Won:
Black-Eyed Susan Book Award (Maryland) (1991), Flicker Tale Children’s Book Award (North Dakota) (1991)

Review Excerpts:

"In this gaily newfangled version of a classic tale, Scieszka and Smith ( Flying Jake ) argue in favor of the villain, transforming the story of the three little pigs into a playfully suspicious, rather arch account of innocence beleaguered. Quoth the wolf: ``I don't know how this whole Big Bad Wolf thing got started, but it's all wrong.'' According to his first-person testimony, the wolf went visiting the pigs in search of a neighborly cup of sugar; he implies that had the first two happened to build more durable homes and the third kept a civil tongue in his head, the wolf's helpless sneezes wouldn't have toppled them. As for his casual consumption of the pigs, the wolf defends it breezily (``It seemed like a shame to leave a perfectly good ham dinner lying there in the straw'') and claims cops and reporters ``framed'' him. Smith's highly imaginative watercolors eschew realism, further updating the tale, though some may find their urbane stylization and intentionally static quality mystifying adult. Designed with uncommon flair, this alternative fable is both fetching and glib." - Publishers Weekly

"In this humorous story, Alexander T. Wolf tells his own outlandish version of what really happens during his encounter with the three pigs…. Smith's simplistic and wacky illustrations add to the effectiveness of this fractured fairy tale." - Children's Literature

"Older kids (and adults) will find very funny." - School Library Journal

Connections:
Customers who purchased this title also bought The Three Little Wolves and the Big Bad Pig; Goldilocks Returns; and The Frog Prince, Continued, also written by Jon Scieszka.

Interactivity:

• Allow children to participate in reciting the refrain, "And I huffed. And I snuffed. And I sneezed a great sneeze."
• Have children make miniature houses out of various material, and then ask them to try to blow them down. 
• Ask children what type of materials they would build a house out of that could withstand a blow.

rumpelstiltskin retold & illustrated by paul o. zelinsky

Zelinsky, Paul O. Rumpelstiltskin. New York: Dutton Children's Books, 1986. ISBN: 0590056999

Plot Summary:
     Rumpelstiltskin is the story of a miller's daughter who is put in the dilemma of having to spin straw into gold. During a visit into town by the king, a miller who craves to impress the king, volunteers that his daughter can spin straw into gold. The miller's daughter is brought into the king's castle and given three chances to spin straw into gold or face the punishment of death. During each chance she is given, she is visited by a little man who bargains and trades his ability to spin straw into gold for three of her possessions. After the last bargain, the miller's daughter is faced with death by the king or to give the little man her first born child unless she can guess the little man's name; however, little does the miller's daughter know, the name of this little man is not a common name whatsoever.
 
Critical Analysis:
     Rumpelstiltskin is a traditional tale that incorporates the characteristics of a trickster tale. Rumpelstiltskin portrays the role as the trickster with his bargains, witty ways, and the proposed name guessing game. This traditional tale was retold and illustrated by Paul O. Zelinsky who encompassed the key attribute of what a folktale entails; deriving from the oral tradition. The story of Rumpelstiltskin is a folktale that has been dated back to the 18th century from where a plethora of retold versions have been composed.
     In this particular retold tale, Paul O. Zelinsky uses detailed watercolor illustrations to complement and bring life to the context of the tale. Through these illustrations, Zelinsky has provided readers with specific elements that suggest a medieval time period. The details of the clothing to the details of a the king's castle, within the kingdom, are some of the elements used to convey and to further depict the story of Rumpelstiltskin.
   
Awards Won:
Caldecott Honor Book Award (1998), Redbook Award (1986), Parents' Choice Award (1986 & 2003)

Review Excerpts:

"This new rendition of the Grimm classic comes up short when compared to Paul Zelinsky's Caldecott Honor version. The retelling, in an odd mix of formal and familiar tones, downplays the story's essential magic, mystery and suspense. Spirin's Once There Was a Tree ; The Fool and the Fish artistic interpretation is not quite up to his usual level of excellence here--many of the book's pages feature surprisingly bare scenes of characters standing about talking to one another. Even the climactic scene in which Rumpelstiltskin unwittingly reveals his name is related entirely through Sage's exposition rather than Spirin's art Zelinsky's interpretation of this same scene is an eerie, full-page masterpiece. Rumpelstiltskin himself, as portrayed here, is not a frightening or even odd creature; he is merely a very short, well-dressed man. Though Spirin's paintings of costumes and courtly splendor are, as always, elegant, Rumpelstiltskin is a tale that demands drama and flair." - Publisher's Weekly

"Zelinsky's smooth retelling and glowing pictures cast the story in a new and beautiful light." - School Library Journal

"In thiis enchanting tale, a king asks the daughter of a poor miller to spin straw into gold. Not knowing how to do this impossible task, the saddened girl loses hope until she receives a visit from a strange little man. This tiny imp decides to spin all of the king's straw into gold, but only under one condition--he gets the girl's first-born child when she marries the king and becomes queen. Agreeing to this proposition, the girl soon becomes queen and has a child one year later. When the little man shows up to collect the child, he offers another proposal to the queen. In this new agreement, he asks her to guess his name before the end of three days. Distraught over this predicament, the queen seeks the help of a faithful servant and together they outsmart the crafty Rumpelstiltskin. Zelinsky's exquisitely detailed illustrations perfectly capture the splendid beauty of the late medieval period, as well as the unique qualities of each character." - Children's Literature

"Children...love the story for its mystery, and its familiarity. Adults will find that, like most classic fairy tales, this one rewards periodic rethinking." - New York Times Review

Connections:
Customers who bought this book also purchased Hansel and Gretel and Rapunzel, which were also retold by Paul O. Zelinsky;.Little Red Riding Hood; Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs; and Goldilocks and the Three Bears.

Interactivity:

• Pass out yellow yarn to children symbolizing golden straw. 
• Read the story without stating the title of the folktale so that when it comes time for the miller's daughter to guess the name of Rumpelstiltskin, children can guess his name.
• Play a segment of ABC's Once Upon a Time to show how Rumpelstiltskin is depicted.

the story of lightning & thunder written & illustrated ashley bryan

Bryan, Ashley. The Story of Lightning & Thunder. New York: Atheneum Publishing, 1993. ISBN: 0689318367

Plot Summary:
     Ma Sheep Thunder and her energetic son, Son Ram Lightning, live in a village in Africa and also have a close relationship with their friend, Rain. Together, Ma Sheep Thunder and Son Ram Lightning are able to call on Rain to bring great harvests to their African villages' crop. Throughout the story, Ma Sheep Thunder teaches her son valuable lessons pertaining to methods of conquering obstacles throughout life. Son Ram Lightening retains the advice given by his mother, but interprets the advice literally. Because Son Ram Lightning perceives his mother's advice from a differing perspective, the village King banishes the mother and son duo into the sky; however, every once and a while, Son Ram Lightning pays a visit back to Earth.

Critical Analysis:
     The Story of Lightning & Thunder is a Nigerian folktale that shares the characteristics of beast tales and pour quoi tales. The author, Ashley Bryan, utilizes these subtypes of folktales to "embody a simple truth about life (Vardell. 2013)." Ma Sheep Thunder and Son Ram Lightning are depicted to symbolize characteristics of the weather elements, lightening and thunder. This symbolic approach demonstrates how these weather elements correlate with one another in a manner that provides children with a simple understanding and basis for weather and harvest.
     Not only does Ashley Bryan use a context as if the story was written by a child, but he also incorporates bright and vibrant illustrations that consist of many geometric shapes. The shapes included in these illustrations are shapes and designs that are native to African heritage. Bryan does an amazing job depicting and providing children with a glimpse of African culture through the usage of his version of this folktale and through his vivid illustrations.

Awards Won: 
Laura Ingalls Wilder Medal (2009), Coretta Scott King Award for Illustrators (2008 & 2004)

Review Excerpts:

"The Story of Lightning & Thunder is one that any child between the ages of 4 to 8 will enjoy. Ashley Bryan creates loveable characters in this heartwarming story. Lightning manifests itself as a very rambunctious young ram and Thunder, his mother, is characterized as a mother sheep who struggles happily to keep her son in line. Children will enjoy this book because of its fluid writing style, colorful illu-strations, and satisfying conclusion." - Black Issue Book Review

 "Joyful in both word and palette," said PW, "this African story tells why lightning and thunder reside in the sky and not on earth, as they once did." - Publisher's Weekly

" Artist/author Ashley Bryan illustrates and tells this story as Southern Nigerian youngsters have heard it told for generations. Since it comes from an oral tradition, the story works particularly well as a read-aloud and Bryan's pictures filled with energy will also intrigue listeners." - Children's Literature

Connections:
Other titles written by Ashley Bryan that have been recognized for various awards such as the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award and the Coretta Scott King Award include: Can't Scare Me!; Who Built the Stable?; All Night, All Day; and Beautiful Blackbird.

Interactivity:

• Have children make the noise of thunder and lightning. (Incorporate the usage of onomatopoeia and depict lightening as *flash*)
• Ask children what sound a sheep makes.
• Show children where Africa is on a map.
• Explain to children the climate in Africa.

knuffle bunny too: a case of mistaken identity written & illustrated by mo willems

Willems, Mo. Knuffle Bunny Too: A Case of Mistaken Identity. New York: Disney-Hyperion, 2007. ISBN: 1423102991

Plot Summary:
     Trixie is a kindergarten girl who endures her first day of school with her "one-of-a-kind Knuffle Bunny." Not only was Trixie excited to show her companion to her teacher, but she was excited to show her new classmates as well. During the introduction of her Knuffle Bunny to her classmates, Trixie realizes that her Knuffle Bunny wasn't one-of-a-kind when she meets Sonya, her classmate with a very similar bunny. Trixie proceeds through her first day of kindergarten, but it's at bedtime when she realizes something just isn't right. In the middle of the night, Trixie awakens her parents who in the ending provides resolution and Trixie not only finds the solution to the problem, but also gains a new best friend.

Critical Analysis:
     Knuffle Bunny Too: A Case of Mistaken Identity provides readers with a captivating and entertaining story-line depicted by the illustrator's inclusion of, both, black and white photographs and colored drawn cartoon figures of the characters. Mo Willems' technique of incorporating colored cartoon drawings on top of the black and white photographs results in a contrasting affect that brings attention to the characters. Willems also tells the Case of Mistaken Identity through narration, which is written outside of the photograph and includes character dialog in colored speech balloons alongside of the characters, especially the dialog from Trixie.
     Trixie is a kindergarten girl, between the ages of five to six, who displays characteristics of attachment to her stuffed bunny. Like any other beginning elementary school student, comfort is exuded through her stuffed animal attachment. Trixie is an outspoken, friendly girl who demonstrates the same personality traits that a majority of five year olds display; happiness, excitement, curiosity, and innocence. Mo Willems uses Trixie's character to appeal to children who are transitioning to the life of school-hood. Not only does Willems create a character that children can relate to, but he also continues Trixie's experiences through two other picture storybooks.

Awards Won:
Caldecott Medal (2008), Book Sense Book of the Year Award: Children's Illustrated (2008)

Review Excerpts:

"...Willems revisits his black-and-white Brooklyn, his now-signature cartoon characters superimposed on the photographs. This technique here yields some spectacular results: The middle-of-the-night hostage exchange features a glorious image of the Manhattan skyline, the teeny figures of Trixie and her daddy and Sonja and her daddy approaching from opposite sides of Grand Army Plaza. His mastery of pacing is evident in every panel and page turn, the understated text punctuating the illustrations perfectly, and his use of the conventions of cartooning add to the hilarity. Too often, sequels come off as obviously calculated attempts to cash in on success; this offering, with its technical brilliance and its total and sympathetic understanding of the psychology of the preschooler, stands as magnificent in its own right." - Kirkus Reviews

"Willems has a brilliant knack for exposing early childhood's developmental pivot points, and for lampooning the best efforts of today's hip but hapless parents to do the right thing. In the artist's computer-manipulated graphics, manically wired and warmhearted cartoon characters rendered in color play out their workaday dramas against a backdrop of black-and-white photographs of neighborhood streets and interiors. Beyond the novelty of the special effect lies the stirring truth that the city that never sleeps is a self-regenerating, nonstop theater of becoming, a place where on any given day, amid huge skyscrapers and venerable brownstone blocks, two new friends may decide to draw their own favorite bunnies on the nearest sidewalk for all the world to see." - The New York Times

Connections: 
Customers who bought this book also purchased Mo Willems' Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale and Knuffle Bunny Free: An Unexpected Diversion. Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale is Mo Willems' first book included within this three book series; whereas, Knuffle Bunny: An Unexpected Diversion concludes the series.

Interactivity:

• Ask children if they have a favorite stuffed animal or object (like a blanket) that provides a sense of comfort. 
• Allow a 'show-and-tell' day where children can bring their favorite stuffed animal to show to the class and have during story-time.
• Ask children how they met their 'first best friend.'

alexander and the terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day written by judith viorst & illustrated by ray cruz

Viorst, Judith. Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day, Illustrated by Ray Cruz. New York: Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 1972. ISBN: 0689711735

Plot Summary:
     Alexander is an elementary school boy who wakes up to a day full of disappointments and mishaps that result in a 'terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day.' Throughout the day, Alexander is faced with circumstances that begin from waking up with gum stuck in his hair to the ending of his day with his cat not sleeping with him. Alexander's solution to each negative circumstance is exclaiming that he's going to just move to Australia; however, at the conclusion of the story, his mother informs him of some disheartening news regarding his solution.

Critical Analysis:
     Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day is a picture book that shares the characteristics of a picture storybook and a predictable book. The incorporation of the refrain, "...terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day," allows children to engage and participate in the reading of the book despite their inability or less fluency as a reader.
     Ray Cruz, the illustrator of this book, captivates the audience of the story with his usage of one dimensional, flat, cross-hatch, and black and white illustrations. Cruz's usage of black and white figures and backgrounds brings attention to the one colored figure of the page, Alexander. Alexander is the only character illustrated with color; red hair, peachy skin, green sweater, brown belt, blue jeans, and red sneakers. Not only does this style of illustration provide readers with the opportunity of visualization, but it illuminates the main character and focus of this story.
     Alexander is a grade-school boy who displays the characteristics and personality of a 5-7 year old. He is portrayed as a temperamental boy who outwardly displays his reactions based on the negative circumstances he encounters throughout his day. The author, Judith Viorst, details Alexander's day from beginning to end; from waking up in his bedroom, to breakfast at the kitchen table, to the carpool ride to school, to a day at school, to the dentist visit, to dinner time, to bath time, and ending with bedtime. Each described entry entails a description of the incidents that contribute to Alexander's 'terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day.'

Awards Won:
George C. Stone Center for Children's Books Recognition of Merit Award (1988), Indies Choice Book Award for Picture Book Hall of Fame (2010)

Review Excerpts:

"Objecting loudly to his family's plans to relocate, the hero of Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day makes a gratifying return." - Publisher's Weekly

"Great illustrations, fun story, a classic!" - LibraryThing 

Connections:
Customers who bought this book also purchased Judith Viorst's Alexander, Who's Trying His Best to Be the Best Boy Ever; Alexander, Who's Not (Do You Hear Me? I Mean It!) Going to Move; and Alexander, Who Used to Be Rich Last Sunday.

*Upcoming movie production by Walt Disney opening in theaters October 10, 2014.

Interactivity:

• Have children join in after every excerpt and say, "terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day."
• Ask children to describe a day where everything went wrong. 
• Ask children where they would want to move to avoid their 'terrible, horrible, no good, very bad days.'
• Play Daniel Powter's song, Bad Day for children to listen to. 

grandpa green written & illustrated by lane smith

Smith, Lane. Grandpa Green. New York: Roaring Brook Press, 2011. ISBN: 9781596436077

Plot Summary:
     Grandpa Green is the story of a man's life told by his 'great-grandkid.' The life of Grandpa Green is told and depicted through the images of his garden. Each image encompasses a significant period in Grandpa's life that is recreated and shared through the mind of his 'great-grandkid.'

Critical Analysis:
          Grandpa Green is a picture storybook attributed by its ability to capture and engage all readers outside of the suggested reading level ranging from kindergarten to fourth grade. The concept of this story was developed around the life of the great grandfather, Grandpa Green. Grandpa Green's story began from his birth, to his dreams and aspirations, to being deployed to fight in a world war, to finding love, to having children, to having grandchildren, and to having a great-grandchild who was able to share his story. Smith implements the vocabulary and sentence structure that would be utilized by someone's great grandchild, at the age of six, offering children with the feel of understanding and relation within the context. Not only does Smith find a way to develop a story that children can enjoy and relate to, but he provides a beautiful usage of illustrations to capture each moment depicted by written entry.
      Lane Smith, the author and illustrator, conceptualizes the story of the life of the great grandfather by his usage of line drawings and sponge-like illustrations. The color element used by Smith is primarily comprised of greens which convey a sense of warmness and correlate with the nature theme of the story. The color red is minimally incorporated and found in some illustrations that contrast against the warm theme, thus bringing attention towards the red berries, red bow, and red leaves. Not only does the author capture a story with his illustrations, but he uses symbolism and unique visualizations through the shapes of topiary trees and bushes.

Awards Won:
Caldecott Medal (2012), Publisher's Weekly Best Children's Picture Books (2011), Capitol Choices Noteworthy Titles for Children and Teens (2011), Vermont Red Clover Children's Choice Award Master List (2012), American Library Association Notable Children's Books (2012), GA Picture Storybook Award ML (2013), Nautilus Book Award - Silver (2012)

Review Excepts:

"In this affecting picture book, a boy recounts the life of his beloved great-grandfather…The author’s illustrations, a blend of line drawings and sponge painting, have a classic feel, and make clever use of the topiary theme, rewarding close examination and repeated reading" - The New Yorker

 "Great-grandpa’s memory may be going, but the past remains vibrantly alive in the playful topiaries that decorate his brilliantly green yard. Lush and magical.” - People

 “It's a rare glimpse into Smith's softer side--as skillful as his more sly offerings, but crafted with honesty and heart.” - School Library Journal Starred Review

 “Opening this book is like opening a gate to a secret garden, filled with the treasures of a life well lived. In his portrait of a boy who adores and honors his forgetful great-grandfather, Smith shows us that the things that are meaningful to the ones we love become part of our garden, too.” - Shelf Awareness

 “Sketched with a finely lined fairy-tale wispiness and dominated by verdant green, the illustrations are not just creative but poignant.” - Booklist

Connections:
Customers who bought this book also purchased Oliver Jeffers' Stuck, John Rocco's Blackout, and Patrick McDonnell's Me...Jane.

Interactivity:

• Have children discuss a hobby that they enjoy with their grandparents or great-grandparents.
• Have children draw and cut shapes of animals, figures of people, and hearts from green paper and tape them around the wall to symbolize a classroom topiary garden. 
• Define the biggest word in the book (horticulture), and plant lima beans in a cup for each child to take home to grow a tiny plant.