Book Review: RUMPELSTILTSKIN

Book Review, Genre 2: RUMPELSTILTSKIN

Author: Paul O. Zelinsky
Title: Rumpelstiltskin
Illustrator: Paul O. Zelinsky
Publisher: Dutton Children’s Books
Publication Date: 1986
ISBN: 0-525-44265-0

Plot summary: A retelling of the traditional tale of the miller who boasts to the king about his beautiful daughter that can spin straw into gold. Of course, the miller’s beautiful daughter has no idea how to spin straw into gold – until she receives help from a strange little man. In exchange for helping the miller’s daughter, the little man demands her firstborn child. She agrees, but later negotiates a deal that if she can guess the little man’s name, she can keep her son. Fate is with her and she finds out his real name: Rumplestiltskin.

Critical analysis: Paul O. Zelinsky’s retelling of Rumplestiltskin was first brought to my attention when it aired as a featured book on Reading Rainbow. I was fascinated by Zelinsky’s illustrations because they reminded me of medieval oil paintings you would find in a museum. On my next trip to the public library, I sought out a printed copy of the book to pour over at my leisure.

Zelinsky pairs his illustrations well with the retelling of the German Brothers Grimm story. Readers can see the crunchiness of the straw that Rumplestiltskin spins into spool after spool of glistening gold thread. You can see the wariness of the miller’s daughter as she brokers deals with the strange little man day after day, doing what she needs to do to stay alive. A year goes by after her last deal with Rumplestiltskin and the miller’s daughter, now the Queen, wears fine clothing which Zelinsky has illustrated in rich fabrics and jewels. In my opinion, the best illustration of the Queen is when she says: “In that case, is your name Rumplestiltskin?” You just know she has beaten him!

Review excerpt:

• Randolph Caldecott Medal, 1987
• Parent’s Choice Award, 1986

• From Publisher’s Weekly: “Rumplestiltskin is a tour de force by an immensely talented artist. Zelinsky is that rare practitioner who can create sophisticated work that adults will marvel at, and that children will joyfully embrace.”

• From Cooperative Children’s Book Center Choices, 1986: “Richly textured, finely detailed oil paintings illustrate the familiar tale of the miller’s daughter who bargains with a tiny man to spin straw into gold.”

Connections:

• Pair this version of Rumplestiltskin with another great illustrated book by Zelinsky: Rapunzel ISBN: 9780142301937

• Let students visit Paul Zelinsky’s web site: www.paulozelinsky.com

• Other books by Paul O. Zelinsky:

-- The Maid and the Mouse and the Odd-Shaped House: A Story in Rhyme ISBN: 9780396079385
-- The Wheels on the Bus ISBN: 9780525446446
-- Knick-knack Paddywhack! ISBN: 9780525469087

Bibliography

Cover, Mount Juliet, Tennessee. Personal photograph by Amy Wilson. September 22, 2016.

Zelinsky, P. O. (1986). Rumpelstiltskin. New York: Dutton Children’s Books.

Book Review: THE THREE LITTLE PIGS

Book Review, Genre 2: THE THREE LITTLE PIGS

Author: Maggie Moore

Title: The Three Little Pigs
Illustrator: Rob Hefferan
Publisher: Picture Window Books
Publication Date: 2002
ISBN: 1-4048-0071-9

Plot summary: This easy reader format retells the classic story of The Three Little Pigs. Children will enjoy reading a familiar tale on their own. Children could even read this story aloud to expand their storytelling skills by practicing their Big Bad Wolf voice and the squeaky voices of the pigs.


Critical analysis: As far as an easy reader book goes, this is an excellent example that children will enjoy reading on their own. One could argue that there are more beautifully illustrated and retold copies of The Three Little Pigs available; however, this version works for the easy reader format and the child who is struggling with learning to read. 

The tale of the three pigs who set off to build their own houses and the wolf who wants to eat them will be familiar to early readers – and if they get stuck on a word, they can always look at the illustrations for inspiration. The painted illustrations show the fear the pigs have of the wolf, who is painted as a menacing figure with a red bow tie. And like any good folklore story, it ends with “And the three little pigs lived happily ever after in their house of bricks.” Everyone likes a happy ending!
Review excerpt:
From Children’s Literature: “The illustrations are far more engaging than the text.”

Connections:

• Book talk with other Read-It! Reader books on display. Suggested titles include:

--The Bossy Rooster ISBN: 1404800514
--The Sassy Monkey ISBN: 1404800581

• After reading this to students, then read the wolf’s version of events in The True Story of the Three Little Pigs ISBN: 9780140540567. Create a Venn Diagram of the similarities and differences.

• “Bad Guy” story time theme. Librarian could also read:

--Little Red Riding Hood ISBN: 9780823404704
--The Wolf’s Chicken Stew ISBN: 0399214003
--This is NOT a Good Idea! ISBN: 9780062203090

Bibliography

Cover, Mount Juliet, Tennessee. Personal photography by Amy Wilson, September 22, 2016.

Moore, Maggie, and Rob Hefferan. The Three Little Pigs. Minneapolis, MN: Picture Window Books, 2002.

Book Review: JUST A MINUTE: A TRICKSTER TALE AND COUNTING BOOK

Book Review, Genre 2: JUST A MINUTE: A TRICKSTER TALE AND COUNTING BOOK

Author: Yuyi Morales

Title: Just a Minute: A Trickster Tale and Counting Book

Illustrator: Sara Gillingham

Publisher: Chronicle Books LLC

Publication Date: 2003

ISBN: 0-8118-3758-0

Plot summary: Senor Calavera (death) shows up at Grandma Beetle’s house ready to take her away, but Grandma Beetle asks for just a minute to finish a few chores before she leaves. Readers can count from one to ten in English and in Spanish as the book progresses until they find out just who is the true trickster in this trickster tale and counting book!

Critical analysis: If you judged this book by its cover, you would think the skeleton (Senor Calavera) is the trickster in this trickster tale. However, you would be wrong. Senor Calavera, also known as death, attempts to take away Grandma Beetle. However, Grandma Beetle has chores to complete before she is ready to go. Senor Calavera is patient at first, then tries to hurry Grandma Beetle, and finally stays for the party that Grandma Beetle is preparing for: her own birthday party with her grandchildren. Senor Calavera is pleasantly surprised to be included in the festivities and leaves without Grandma Beetle but promises to return next year for another great party.

The illustrations are colorful, just as you would expect with a Hispanic traditional tale. Children will enjoy counting from one to ten in both English and Spanish. Be sure to point out the changing expressions on the face of Senor Calavera and how they contrast with the tranquil expressions of Grandma Beetle. There are many cultural references and opportunities to discuss the foods and party favors mentioned in the story. Children of all ages will enjoy the trickster tale – especially when they realize the true trickster of the story!

Review excerpt:

• Tomas Rivera Mexican American Children’s Book Award, 2004
• Pura Belprei Illustrator Award, 2004

From Booklist: “Like the text, the rich, lively artwork draws strongly upon Mexican culture.”

From CCBC: “Yuyi Morales’s original trickster tail highlights numerous Mexican cultural traditions.”

Connections:

• Try reading this to a high school Spanish class.
• Can be included in a story time theme of counting books, including:
• Falwell, Cathryn, Feast for 10 ISBN: 9780395620373
• Martin, Bill, Chicka Chicka 123 ISBN: 9780439731072
• Other books by Yuyi Morales:
• Just In Case: A Trickster Tale and Spanish Alphabet Book ISBN: 9781596433298
• Nino Wrestles the World ISBN: 9781596436046
• Viva Frida! ISBN: 9781596436039
• .pdf of 8-page Teacher’s Guide: http://www.chroniclebooks.com/landing-pages/pdfs/Just_A_min.pdf

Bibliography

Cover, Mount Juliet, Tennessee. Personal photograph by Amy Wilson. September 22, 2016.

Morales, Y. (2003). Just a minute: A trickster tale and counting book. San Francisco, CA: Chronicle Books LLC.

Book Review: MILLIONS OF CATS

Book Review, Genre 1: Millions of Cats

Author: Wanda Ga’g
Title: Millions of Cats
Illustrator: Wanda Ga’g
Publisher: Penguin Putnam Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: 1928
ISBN: 0-698-11363-2

Plot summary: Even though it was written in 1928, Millions of Cats by Wanda Ga’g still captures the attention of children today. A very old wife asks her very old husband to find them a cat to keep them company. The very old man sets off and discovers one beautiful cat after another and can NOT decide which cat is beautiful enough to bring home. The familiar refrain “hundreds and thousands and millions and billions and trillions of cats” flows through the book until millions of cats are at the front door of the couple’s house. The very old wife can NOT make up her mind which one she wants. The millions (and billions and trillions) of cats fight amongst themselves as to which one is the most beautiful until only one remains because he was able to keep silent and not quarrel.

Critical analysis: Millions of Cats was hand lettered, written and illustrated by Wanda Ga’g in 1928. While other children’s picture books have been forgotten to history, Ga’g’s book continues to delight children today with the strong black ink drawings on stark white paper. With millions (and billions and trillions) of cats to draw, the reader can tell Ga’g took pains to make each cat distinctive. By the end of the book, readers watch the progress of the homely kitten as it morphs in the drawings from a skinny, scraggly kitten into a well-loved, groomed and plump cat. The kitten obviously brings joy to the very old man and woman.

Review excerpt:

• Received a Newbery Honor award in 1929 – one of the few pictures books to receive this distinction.

• One of the oldest American picture books still in print today.

Writer and reviewer Anita Silvey explained: "She used both pages to move the story forward, putting them together with art that sweeps across the entire page spread: her favorite illustration fell in the center of the book - with the old man carrying cats against the rolling hills."

In 1001 Children's Books You Must Read Before You Grow Up, Kaylee Davis calls the book an "enchanting tale", and says "Gag's charming, folk-art style, simple black-and-white illustrations, lyrical language, and catchy refrain that children will happily repeat with each reading, make this a family favorite."

Connections: Readers can learn more about author and illustrator Wanda Ga’g by reading Wanda Gag from the Outstanding Personalities series by SamHar Press or Wanda Ga’g: The Girl Who Lived to Draw by Deborah Kogan Ray. Other books by Wanda Ga’g include The ABC Bunny, The Earth Gnome, and Nothing At All. A school librarian could read Millions of Cats as part of a cat-themed story time or could present Millions of Cats as a book talk while discussing Newbery Awards and Newbery Honor books.


Bibliography

Cover, Mount Juliet, Tennessee. Personal photograph by Amy Wilson. September 7, 2016.

Ga’g, Wanda. Millions of Cats. New York, NY: Putnam & Grosset Group, 1996.

“Millions of Cats.” Wikipedia. Accessed September 06, 2016. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Millions_of_Cats.

Book Review: NAKED MOLE RAT GETS DRESSED

Book Review, Genre 1

Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed

Author: Mo Willems

Title: Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed

Illustrator: Mo Willems

Publisher: Hyperion Books for Children

Publication Date: 2009

ISBN: 978-142311437-6

Plot summary: The name alone says it all: naked mole rats do not wear clothing because they are naked. However, a naked mole rat named Wilbur prefers clothing and gets dressed repeatedly in various outfits that make him feel good in Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed by Mo Willems. The other naked mole rats disapprove and tease Wilbur about his choice … until he asks them “Why not?” The naked mole rats take Wilbur’s question to Grand-pah, the wisest of all naked mole rats. Grand-pah agrees with Wilbur and declares that all naked mole rats should dress - or go naked - as they please.

Critical analysis: Author and illustrator Mo Willems captures humor in his drawings of naked mole rats and the clothing choices they make. I have personally watched children giggle, point and laugh, and share Willems’ books with their peers. Children get the sense of humor Willems conveys on the pages of his books. This would be a great book to grow a school library’s collection of Willems’ books because in addition to being funny, the book encourages readers to try new things and to surround themselves with things that make them happy.

Review excerpt:

Winner of the 2009 Parents’ Choice Gold Award; New York Times bestseller

KIRKUS REVIEW:

Willems tackles the old it’s-OK-to-be-different genre with his customary chutzpah and subversive charm. It is common knowledge that naked mole rats are just that: naked. Wilbur, however, is a strange fellow who enjoys a nice set of clothes. Suffice it to say the other mole rats are shocked and horrified by his behavior. They mock him, show him heroic portraits of naked heroes and finally complain to the great Grand-pah, who is both very wise and very nude. But after some consideration, Grand-pah surprises everyone by proclaiming (while wearing a rather natty outfit of his own) that while clothes “may not be for everyone” they certainly can be fun. Willems eschews a black-and-white encouragement to stand out from the crowd, offering instead a story that makes a case for different opinions to operate side by side. There are some similarities to the Pigeon format (including the trademark temper tantrum, for instance), but otherwise this is a story that stands firmly on its two bare feet. (Picture book. 4-8)

Connections: School libraries can lead students to author and illustrator Mo Willems’ web site: www.pigeonpresents.com to learn more about Willems and his works. Directly related to Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed is a game where users can dress Wilbur.

Bibliography

Cover, Mount Juliet, Tennessee. Personal photograph by Amy Wilson. September 6, 2016.

Willems, Mo. Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed. New York: Hyperion Books for Children, 2009.

Willems, Mo. “NAKED MOLE RAT GETS DRESSED by Mo Willems, Mo Willems|Kirkus Reviews.” Kirkus Reviews. Accessed September 6, 2016. https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/mo-willems/naked-mole-rat-gets-dressed/.

Book Review: THE INVENTION OF HUGO CABRET

Book Review, Genre 1: The Invention of Hugo Cabret

Author: Brian Selznick

Title: The Invention of Hugo Cabret

Illustrator: Brian Selznick

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Publication Date: 2007

ISBN: 978-0-439-81378-5

Plot summary: Set in 1931, orphan Hugo Cabret tends to the clocks of a Parisian train station while attempting to repair a mysterious automaton. Caught thieving, Hugo must pay off his debt to the station’s toy store owner. While working in the shop, Hugo discovers new friendships, learns to trust, and uncovers clues to the origin of the automaton. Once the automaton is repaired Part One ends and Part Two of the story continues with a new mystery: the discovery of the connection between the toy store owner, the automaton creator, and a long-forgotten movie pioneer. Winner of the 2008 Caldecott Award, The Invention of Hugo Cabret plays out like an original silent black and white film. Sit back with some popcorn and candy to enjoy this new classic!

Critical analysis: Author and illustrator Brian Selznick brings a book to life by turning his words and pencil art into a silent black and white film of the 1930s in The Invention of Hugo Cabret. Don’t let the thickness of this picture book scare you; it is an easy read that packs a big punch. Sometimes there are pages of text to read and there are times, like in a silent film, the reader must view the pictures to determine what is happening to move the story along. The book does not fit into the standard picture book format we are used to seeing in a Caldecott Award Book; however, once the cover is cracked, you feel like you just sat down in a cool, dark theater just as the main feature film is about to start. The book includes a bibliography at the end to continue the conversation – complete with a note from the author about the real Georges Melies.

Review excerpt:

Jennifer Mattson (Booklist, Jan. 1, 2007 (Vol. 103, No. 9)) 

Selznick's "novel in words and pictures," an intriguing mystery set in 1930s Paris about an orphan, a salvaged clockwork invention, and a celebrated filmmaker, resuscitates an anemic genre-the illustrated novel-and takes it to a whole new level. The result is somewhat similar to a graphic novel, but experiencing its mix of silvery pencil drawings and narrative interludes is ultimately more akin to watching a silent film. Indeed, movies and the wonder they inspire, "like seeing dreams in the middle of the day," are central to the story, and Selznick expresses an obvious passion for cinema in ways both visual (successive pictures, set against black frames as if projected on a darkened screen, mimic slow zooms and dramatic cuts) and thematic (the convoluted plot involves director Georges M li s, particularly his fanciful 1902 masterpiece, A Trip to the Moon.) This hybrid creation, which also includes movie stills and archival photographs, is surprising and often lovely, but the orphan's story is overshadowed by the book's artistic and historical concerns (the heady extent of which are revealed in concluding notes about Selznick's inspirations, from the Lumi re brothers to Fran ois Truffaut). Nonetheless, bookmaking this ambitious demands and deserves attention-which it will surely receive from children attracted by a novel in which a complex narrative is equally advanced by things both read and seen. Category: Books for Middle Readers--Fiction. 2007, Scholastic, $22.99.
(PUBLISHER: Scholastic Press (New York:), PUBLISHED: c2007.)

Notable awards:

Randolph Caldecott Medal, 2008 Winner United States
New York Times Best Illustrated Children's Books of the Yearr, 2007 Winner United States

Connections: Readers can continue to learn more about the author/illustrator, the book, the movie, and the real Georges Melies at www.theinventionofhugocabret.com. There are many interactive links, including details about the Oscar-winning movie based on the book (Brian Selznick even wrote the companion book to the movie!), and more information about the Caldecott Award. The site is very user-friendly and mimics the artwork and lettering found in the book.

Bibliography

Brian Selznick, The Invention of Hugo Cabret (New York: Scholastic Press, 2007).

Cover, Mount Juliet, Tennessee. Personal photograph by Amy Wilson. September 4, 2016.

Jennifer Mattson, “Booklist Review.” Booklist, January 1, 2007.

“The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick.” The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick. Accessed September 04, 2016. http://wwwtheinventionofhugocabret.com/index.htm.