elefantina's dream written by x.j. kennedy and illustrated by graham percy

Kennedy, X.J. Elefantina's Dream, Illustrated by Graham Percy. New York: Penguin Young Readers Group, 2002. ISBN: 9780399234286

Critical Analysis:

     In the book Elefantina's Dream, the author conveys the story of Elefantina by collaborating poetic and literary elements such as personification, rhyme, structure, and theme. The author, X.J. Kennedy incorporates personification by attributing human characteristics to an elephant. The protagonist, Elfantina, is an elephant who dreams of being a professional figurine skater. The theme is enhanced by the descriptions of what Elefantina endures as she proceeds to become an ice skater. Throughout this book, Kennedy utilizes stanzas as well as a rhyme scheme. In the spotlight excerpt below, Kennedy's utilization of stanzas and rhyme scheme can be seen. Kennedy incorporates an AABCBC rhyme scheme within each stanza. By the usage of a rhyme scheme, Kennedy provides his audience with a friendly upbeat rhythm. Another supporting element is the collaboration between author and illustrator. Kennedy pairs with Graham Percy who provides the book with illustrations. The illustrations created for this title include vibrant colored pencil drawings that coincide with the written context. In the spotlight excerpt, provided below, Percy illustrates a modern day living room with a television screen that displays an elephant who is ice skating. By incorporating these illustrations, the illustrator and author leave no question on the story that is being portrayed. 

Spotlight Excerpt:

Watching ice-skaters skim

round the jumpy and dim

tiny screen of her old TV,

Elefantina sighs

and with stars in her eyes

cries, "If only that could be ME!

"Oh, how happy I'd feel

wearing blades of steel

on a glimmery, glittery rink!

In my silvery suit

I could execute

double cartwheels in a wink!

                                       - X.J. Kennedy

Connections:

• Assign children to certain excerpts within the book and have them point out which lines rhyme. By pointing out these words, the lesson of end rhymes and rhyme scheme can be taught.
• Ask children what their dreams are and have them create a story web on how to obtain their goals.
• In collaboration with the story webs, have children illustrate their ending outcome just like Elefantina.

tap dancing on the roof written by linda sue park and illustrated by istvan banyai

Park, Linda Sue. Tap Dancing on the Roof, Illustrated by Istvan Banyai. New York: Clarion Books, 2007. ISBN: 9780547394121

Critical Analysis:
     Linda Sue Park is an Asian-American recipient of the Lion and the Unicorn Award for Excellence in North American Poetry. This award nationally recognizes excellent poetry written for children and young adults. Tap Dancing on the Roof is one of her many poetry works and is a compilation of poetry based on a traditional Korean verse form known as sijo. This verse form utilizes the emphasis of stressed syllables within each line and concludes in an ironic twist of humor. In the spotlight poem below, the first line contains fifteen syllabus which demonstrates the criteria of a sijo by containing fourteen to sixteen syllables. Another element of a sijo is the format that of which it's written. As seen below, the poem utilizes a three line format; sijos are formatted in either three or six lines. Outside of the typical sijo verse form, the author incorporates figurative language. The words warm, soft, and delicious are examples of figurative language that directly enhances visual appeal.
     Along with the figurative language used to enhance the content, Park collaborates with Istavan Banyai for illustrations. Banyai utilizes an unique but simplistic approach within his illustrations; however, each illustration successfully captures the essence of each sijo. Throughout this compilation, a majority of each illustration includes light blue. By using this specific shade of blue, Banyai conveys peace and serenity. The collaboration between Banyai and Park positively contributes to conveying the essence of sijo.

Spotlight Poem:

"Breakfast"

For this meal, people like what they like, the same every morning.
Toast and coffee. Bagel and juice. Cornflakes and milk in a white bowl.

Or -- warm, soft, and delicious -- a few extra minutes in bed.
         
                                                                                        - Linda Sue Park
Connections:

• In order to teach children about syllables, have children clap out each syllable.
• Teach children about imagery by having them describe a simple object such as a desk. 
• Ask children how they feel when they see specific colors throughout the books. After they share what they think, educate children on how different shades of blue convey differing emotions.