Title: LAST STOP ON MARKET STREET
Bibliography:
De la Peña, M. (2015). Last Stop on Market Street (C. Robinson, Illus). Penguin Group.
ISBN: 9781489871732
Plot Summary:
CJ, an observant and inquisitive boy, goes through the city with his nana to get to the
soup kitchen, where they volunteer. He wants to know why his ways are not like others,
and even wishes some things were. Through all his questions, his nana tries to show
him how it’s the little things that matter and how he would miss out on all these things
if they were not there at that moment. She shows him the purpose in all things around
him. Once they arrive at the soup kitchen, CJ understands what his nana is trying to tell
him and he is appreciative of it.
Critical Analysis:
Last Stop on Market Street shares a story that raises awareness, and even questions,
on diversity, inequity, and it highlights how we should perceive things and appreciate
more. Even though the target audience is young readers, this book attracts both young
and old. Its story captures real life issues in a subtle way that warms your heart. The
illustrations contribute greatly to this and paint a beautiful picture of “reality.”
Review excerpt(s):
Awards -
John Newbery Medal, 2016
Caldecott Honor, 2016
Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor Book
Excerpts -
The celebratory warmth is irresistible, offering a picture of community that
resonates with harmony and diversity.— Booklist (February 1, 2015)
Through de la Peña’s brilliant text, readers can hear, feel and taste the city: its grit and
beauty, its quiet moments of connectedness. Robinson’s exceptional artwork works with
it to ensure that readers will fully understand CJ’s journey toward appreciation of the
vibrant, fascinating fabric of the city. Loosely defined patterns and gestures offer an
immediate and raw quality to the Sasek-like illustrations. Painted in a warm palette, this
diverse urban neighborhood is imbued with interest and possibility. –Kirkus Reviews
(Oct. 21, 2014)
Connections:
Instructional connections -
Reading - Students can complete a story map and sequence chart. This book could
also be used to teach theme.
Other books by Matt de la Pena -
Carmela Full of Wishes
Milo Imagines the World
Patchwork
Title: CLICK, CLACK MOO; COWS THAT TYPE
Bibliography:
Cronin, D. (2016). Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type (B. Lewin, Illus). Simon Spotlight.
ISBN: 978-1481465403
Plot Summary:
Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type, is a humorous story about a group of cows that like to type using a typewriter they found in the barn. The cows are cold at night and they demand electric blankets and when not given to them, the cows decide to go on strike. The farmer is shocked at their acts. The cows make demands involving other farm animals as well. Farmer Brown is furious about this but decides to send them a note telling them that there will be no electric blankets or any other items and requests milk and eggs. The cows then make a deal with him and ask they be given electric blankets in exchange for the typewriter. Farmer Brown agrees but when the ducks get a hold of the typewriter, they too make demands.
Critical Analysis:
This hilarious story is sure to engage readers of all ages. It includes simple words and sentences and repetition, which can make it appropriate for young readers. It does include some words, such as ultimatum, which are a little more advanced. The scenario presented in the story can also be relatable to some and may allow for connections to be made. The illustrations add the extra touch. They are colorful and vivid, and they make the story come to life. They depict the characters and their emotions in a particular way. Without a doubt, this is a story that leaves you wondering what will happen next.
Review excerpt(s):
Awards -
Caldecott Medal, 2001
International Reading Assoc. Children's Choice Award Winner
Excerpts -
Kids and underdogs everywhere will cheer for the clever critters that calmly and politely stand up for their rights, while their human caretaker becomes more and more unglued. –Publishers Weekly
Connections:
Instructional connections -
Reading - story map, sequence chart, character analysis, and cause and effect chart
Writing - Students can write in their journals on
Other books by Doreen Cronin and Illustrated by Betsy Lewin -
Click, Clack, Quack to School!
Click, Clack, Surprise!
Thump, Quack, Moo: A Whacky Adventure
Title: MILLIONS OF CATS
Bibliography:
Gág, W. (2020). Millions of Cats (W. Gág, Illus). Katha.
ISBN: 978-9388284882
Plot Summary:
Millions of Cats is a story about an old man and an old woman who feel lonely. The old
woman decides a cat would be a good companion and so the old man decides to go out
and look for one. To his surprise, he finds hundreds, and thousands, and millions, and
billions, and trillions of cats. Since he cannot decide which cat to take home, he takes
them all. Once home, the cats get thirsty and hungry and since they cannot feed them
all, they must only keep one. They allow the cats to decide which one can stay by
asking which one is the prettiest. The cats quarrel and no cat is left outside of the old
man’s and old woman’s home. As they walk outside, they see a thin, scraggly kitten
scared and hidden in a bunch of high grass. The old man and old woman decide to
take it inside and care for it, and at the end, it is the prettiest cat they’ve ever seen.
Critical Analysis:
This fiction picture book shares a warm story of an old couple who feel lonely and
decide to get a cat. Its simple illustrations portray what is happening in the story and
bring it to life. The use of repetition makes it a kid favorite and emphasizes the amount
of cats the old man found. This is definitely a classic which will continue to delight
young and old with its simplicity and charm.
Review excerpt(s)
Awards -
John Newbery Medal, 1929
Excerpts -
"Her body of children’s books is not large, but each title is a treasure, done in her
instantly recognizable style."--Horn Book Magazine
"Gág was among the first to create what we now call an artist-concept book--written,
designed, and illustrated by one person. Her stories always have a funny twist that
appeals to children. Her simplicity appeals in this complex world."--St. Paul Pioneer
Press
Connections:
Instructional Connections:
Reading - Text to self connection, “Has anything similar happened to you?”, vocabulary
activity using words such as scraggly, and sequence activity.
Art/Writing - Draw a cat that you think is the prettiest. Write about it. Describe what it
looks like, what you would feed it, how you would take care of it.
Other books by Wanda Gag:
The ABC Bunny
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
The Funny Thing
Title: SYLVESTER AND THE MAGIC PEBBLE
Bibliography:
Steig, W. (2012). Sylvester and the Magic Pebble (W. Steig, Illus). Little Simon.
ISBN: 978-1442435605
Plot Summary:
This story begins with Sylvester, a donkey, who likes to collect unusual pebbles. One
day he comes across one that ends up being magical and grants whatever he wishes
for when he is holding it. When confronted by a lion, he wishes that he becomes a rock.
Since he can no longer hold the magic pebble and cannot wish himself back into a
donkey, he stays as a rock. After a long time of looking for their son, Sylvester’s father
and mother decide to go on a picnic for some distraction since they have been very sad
since the disappearance of their son. They end up having a picnic on Sylvester. Father
notices a rare stone and thinks of his son and after placing it on the rock, Sylvester is
able to wish himself back to a donkey. The family is reunited and they are happy once
again.
Critical Analysis:
The story sends a clear message about being careful what you wish for. It also highlights the theme of family and how important they are. The characters in the story pull us into the events and the feelings shared by these characters. We can somehow make connections to what Sylvester may be thinking and feeling when he can no longer turn himself back to a donkey. The different feelings portrayed in this story are what keep us wanting to continue reading, even though we can predict how the story will end. The illustrations add to these feelings and events. We can see the sadness and desperation of Sylvester’s parents as they search for him with no luck. The soft tones used capture the essence of the story and human-like features on the animals compliment it. The messages, the emotions, and the connections that we can make to the events, make this an enjoyable story that is sure to please readers of all ages.
Review excerpt(s):
Awards:
Caldecott Medal, 1970
Excerpts:
A remarkable atmosphere of childlike innocence pervades the book; beautiful pictures in
full, natural color show daily and seasonal changes in the lush countryside and greatly
extend the kindly humor and the warm, unself-conscious tenderness. --Book Horn
Magazine (June 1969)
Connections:
Instructional Connections -
Reading - May be used to teach theme and character traits.
Science - Students can describe a variety of rocks and pebbles.
Other books by William Steig -
Shrek!
Brave Irene
Doctor De Soto
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