Title: HOW CHIPMUNK GOT HIS STRIPES
Bibliography:
Bruchac, J., & Bruchac, J. (2001). How Chipmunk Got His Stripes. Penguin Young
Readers Group.
ISBN: 978-0142500217
Plot Summary:
In How Chipmunk Got His Stripes a bear brags that he can do anything since he is the biggest, loudest, and strongest of all animals. Brown Squirrel does not believe him and decides to challenge him. Brown Squirrel tells him that if he can really do anything, he can stop the sun from rising. Even though Bear had never done that before, he agrees. Bear and Brown Squirrel, along with other animals, gather to see if the sun will be rising. To everyone’s surprise, the sun does rise and Brown Squirrel decides to tease Bear about it. Bear gets upset and traps Brown Squirrel under his paw. Brown Squirrel begs to be released so that he may apologize for teasing him. Bear lifts up his paw and Brown Squirrel is able to escape but, as he tries to run to his home, Bear grabs him and scratches his back from the top of his head to the tip of his tail. From then on, he was no longer Brown Squirrel but became Chipmunk, the striped one. There are a couple of valuable lessons to be gleaned from this delightful folktale. The story not only teaches about being nice to others, but also illustrates the consequences of actions. How Chipmunk Got His Stripes engages readers from beginning to end.
Critical Analysis:
This Native American folktale shares how a chipmunk got his stripes. As with other folktales, How Chipmunk Got His Stripes conveys a lesson. It teaches us to be kind and respect each others’ feelings, and it also shows us the consequences of teasing. With its wonderful illustrations, the book portrays the emotions the animals feel throughout the story and reinforce the moral of the story. I truly enjoyed this book. I liked that both main characters in the story learn a lesson based on their actions. Moreover, I found the illustrations to be colorful and engaging. Undoubtedly, this story is appealing to young readers and teaches them important lessons.
Review excerpt(s):
Excerpts -
“How Chipmunk Got His Stripes” is a fun, e-text that helps students understand the
meanings behind folklores, and their importance. I would recommend this book, as
children would stay interested and excited while reading! –Goodreads
The Bruchacs translate the orality of the tale to written text beautifully, including
dialogue that invites audience participation. --Kirkus
Connections:
Instructional connections -
Reading:
This is a great book to teach theme and cause and effect. It is also an excellent
resource when teaching about folktales.
Other books by Joseph Bruchac and James Bruchac:
Rabbit’s Snow Dance
The Girl Who Helped Thunder and Other Native American Folktales (Folktales of the World)
Native American Games and Stories
Title: THE THREE PIGS
Bibliography:
Wiesner, D. (2001). The Three Pigs. Clarion Books.
ISBN: 978-0618007011
Plot Summary:
The Three Pigs begins just like the traditional story, until it takes a twist. The first pig decides to build a house out of straw. The wolf knocks at the door and asks to be let in, but when the pig refuses, the wolf huffs and puffs and blows the house down and thinks he eats the pig like in the original story, but the pig has actually escaped the page of the book. The wolf then proceeds to another house which the second pig has constructed out of sticks. Once again, the wolf asks to be let in, but the second pig opposes as well. The wolf then huffs and puffs and blows the second house down and again thinks he has eaten the pig, but in reality, has blown him out of the story as well. The third pig builds his house out of bricks and when the wolf arrives, the pig realizes that the other two pigs are out of the story and asks why they didn’t get eaten up. The pigs explain that they have gotten away from the wolf for good and decide to instead “explore the place”. The third pig agrees to go with them but folds up the page with the house he has built and takes it with him. All three pigs explore various stories and decide to rescue a cat and the fiddle and a dragon that is to be slayed. The third pig brings in the page where the story left off before they began to explore through the book. They all end up at the third pig’s home. The wolf once again tries to blow down the house but is not successful. Finally, they all live happily ever after.
Critical Analysis:
David Weisner’s version of the traditional story The Three Little Pigs, is full of twists and
surprises and is sure to delight readers of all ages. The amazing illustrations help the
reader follow along as the story does not follow its original and predictable storyline. In
this version, the author portrays the pigs in a more brave, adventurous, and heroic
manner as they take control of their own actions and decisions. The Three Pigs is
surely meant for an older audience but can still be enjoyed by groups of all ages. It is a
great way to start discussions and comparisons to the traditional tale.
Review excerpt(s):
Awards -
Caldecott Medal 2002
Irma Black Award (2002)
Excerpts -
With this inventive retelling, Caldecott Medalist Wiesner (Tuesday, 1991) plays with
literary conventions in a manner not seen since Scieszka’s The Stinky Cheese Man and
Other Fairly Stupid Tales (1993). –Kirkus
You will never look at “The Three Little Pigs”—or artwork—the same way again!
–Goodreads
Connections:
Instructional connections -
Reading:
This book could be used to teach and/or practice sequencing and cause and effect.
Science:
The book could be used to introduce cardinal directions, the position of the sun in the
sky, and how shadows are formed.
Other books by David Wiesner:
Tuesday
Art & Max
Sector 7
Title: JOSEPH HAD A LITTLE OVERCOAT
Bibliography:
Taback, S. (1999). Joseph had a little overcoat. New York: Viking.
ISBN: 978-0140563580
Plot Summary:
Joseph Had a Little Overcoat is a story based on a Yiddish folk song that the author, Simms Taback, loved as a child. The story begins by stating that Joseph has a little overcoat which gets old and worn, so he makes a jacket and goes to the fair. When he wears that out, he makes a tie, then a handkerchief, and finally a button. He loses the button so since he was left with nothing, he decides to write a book about it. Joseph Had a Little Overcoat is a delightful tale that teaches us about making something out of nothing. It includes fun illustrations that are a mixture of watercolor and little scraps of fabric and . They make the story enjoyable and engaging.
Critical Analysis:
I found this picture book really fun and engaging. I had never read this book before and to my surprise, I just wanted to keep turning the pages to see what was next. The use of repetition makes it fun and beneficial for young readers. It allows them to anticipate the words and eases their reading experience. The illustrations are incredible! They make the book so eye-catching and entertaining. In addition, the die-cut holes allow children to predict what Joseph will be making next out of his little overcoat.
Review excerpt(s):
Awards -
Caldecott Medal (2000)
Excerpts -
“…it's the bustling mixed-media artwork, highlighted by the strategically placed die-cuts,
that steals the show.” –Publishers Weekly
Connections:
Instructional connections -
Reading:
This is a great book to teach sequence and cause and effect.
Writing:
Students could write about what they would make and out of what.
Other books by Simms Taback:
There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly
This Is the House That Jack Built
Simms Taback's Safari Animals
Bibliography:
Bruchac, J., & Bruchac, J. (2001). How Chipmunk Got His Stripes. Penguin Young
Readers Group.
ISBN: 978-0142500217
Plot Summary:
In How Chipmunk Got His Stripes a bear brags that he can do anything since he is the biggest, loudest, and strongest of all animals. Brown Squirrel does not believe him and decides to challenge him. Brown Squirrel tells him that if he can really do anything, he can stop the sun from rising. Even though Bear had never done that before, he agrees. Bear and Brown Squirrel, along with other animals, gather to see if the sun will be rising. To everyone’s surprise, the sun does rise and Brown Squirrel decides to tease Bear about it. Bear gets upset and traps Brown Squirrel under his paw. Brown Squirrel begs to be released so that he may apologize for teasing him. Bear lifts up his paw and Brown Squirrel is able to escape but, as he tries to run to his home, Bear grabs him and scratches his back from the top of his head to the tip of his tail. From then on, he was no longer Brown Squirrel but became Chipmunk, the striped one. There are a couple of valuable lessons to be gleaned from this delightful folktale. The story not only teaches about being nice to others, but also illustrates the consequences of actions. How Chipmunk Got His Stripes engages readers from beginning to end.
Critical Analysis:
This Native American folktale shares how a chipmunk got his stripes. As with other folktales, How Chipmunk Got His Stripes conveys a lesson. It teaches us to be kind and respect each others’ feelings, and it also shows us the consequences of teasing. With its wonderful illustrations, the book portrays the emotions the animals feel throughout the story and reinforce the moral of the story. I truly enjoyed this book. I liked that both main characters in the story learn a lesson based on their actions. Moreover, I found the illustrations to be colorful and engaging. Undoubtedly, this story is appealing to young readers and teaches them important lessons.
Review excerpt(s):
Excerpts -
“How Chipmunk Got His Stripes” is a fun, e-text that helps students understand the
meanings behind folklores, and their importance. I would recommend this book, as
children would stay interested and excited while reading! –Goodreads
The Bruchacs translate the orality of the tale to written text beautifully, including
dialogue that invites audience participation. --Kirkus
Connections:
Instructional connections -
Reading:
This is a great book to teach theme and cause and effect. It is also an excellent
resource when teaching about folktales.
Other books by Joseph Bruchac and James Bruchac:
Rabbit’s Snow Dance
The Girl Who Helped Thunder and Other Native American Folktales (Folktales of the World)
Native American Games and Stories
Title: THE THREE PIGS
Bibliography:
Wiesner, D. (2001). The Three Pigs. Clarion Books.
ISBN: 978-0618007011
Plot Summary:
The Three Pigs begins just like the traditional story, until it takes a twist. The first pig decides to build a house out of straw. The wolf knocks at the door and asks to be let in, but when the pig refuses, the wolf huffs and puffs and blows the house down and thinks he eats the pig like in the original story, but the pig has actually escaped the page of the book. The wolf then proceeds to another house which the second pig has constructed out of sticks. Once again, the wolf asks to be let in, but the second pig opposes as well. The wolf then huffs and puffs and blows the second house down and again thinks he has eaten the pig, but in reality, has blown him out of the story as well. The third pig builds his house out of bricks and when the wolf arrives, the pig realizes that the other two pigs are out of the story and asks why they didn’t get eaten up. The pigs explain that they have gotten away from the wolf for good and decide to instead “explore the place”. The third pig agrees to go with them but folds up the page with the house he has built and takes it with him. All three pigs explore various stories and decide to rescue a cat and the fiddle and a dragon that is to be slayed. The third pig brings in the page where the story left off before they began to explore through the book. They all end up at the third pig’s home. The wolf once again tries to blow down the house but is not successful. Finally, they all live happily ever after.
Critical Analysis:
David Weisner’s version of the traditional story The Three Little Pigs, is full of twists and
surprises and is sure to delight readers of all ages. The amazing illustrations help the
reader follow along as the story does not follow its original and predictable storyline. In
this version, the author portrays the pigs in a more brave, adventurous, and heroic
manner as they take control of their own actions and decisions. The Three Pigs is
surely meant for an older audience but can still be enjoyed by groups of all ages. It is a
great way to start discussions and comparisons to the traditional tale.
Review excerpt(s):
Awards -
Caldecott Medal 2002
Irma Black Award (2002)
Excerpts -
With this inventive retelling, Caldecott Medalist Wiesner (Tuesday, 1991) plays with
literary conventions in a manner not seen since Scieszka’s The Stinky Cheese Man and
Other Fairly Stupid Tales (1993). –Kirkus
You will never look at “The Three Little Pigs”—or artwork—the same way again!
–Goodreads
Connections:
Instructional connections -
Reading:
This book could be used to teach and/or practice sequencing and cause and effect.
Science:
The book could be used to introduce cardinal directions, the position of the sun in the
sky, and how shadows are formed.
Other books by David Wiesner:
Tuesday
Art & Max
Sector 7
Title: JOSEPH HAD A LITTLE OVERCOAT
Bibliography:
Taback, S. (1999). Joseph had a little overcoat. New York: Viking.
ISBN: 978-0140563580
Plot Summary:
Joseph Had a Little Overcoat is a story based on a Yiddish folk song that the author, Simms Taback, loved as a child. The story begins by stating that Joseph has a little overcoat which gets old and worn, so he makes a jacket and goes to the fair. When he wears that out, he makes a tie, then a handkerchief, and finally a button. He loses the button so since he was left with nothing, he decides to write a book about it. Joseph Had a Little Overcoat is a delightful tale that teaches us about making something out of nothing. It includes fun illustrations that are a mixture of watercolor and little scraps of fabric and . They make the story enjoyable and engaging.
Critical Analysis:
I found this picture book really fun and engaging. I had never read this book before and to my surprise, I just wanted to keep turning the pages to see what was next. The use of repetition makes it fun and beneficial for young readers. It allows them to anticipate the words and eases their reading experience. The illustrations are incredible! They make the book so eye-catching and entertaining. In addition, the die-cut holes allow children to predict what Joseph will be making next out of his little overcoat.
Review excerpt(s):
Awards -
Caldecott Medal (2000)
Excerpts -
“…it's the bustling mixed-media artwork, highlighted by the strategically placed die-cuts,
that steals the show.” –Publishers Weekly
Connections:
Instructional connections -
Reading:
This is a great book to teach sequence and cause and effect.
Writing:
Students could write about what they would make and out of what.
Other books by Simms Taback:
There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly
This Is the House That Jack Built
Simms Taback's Safari Animals
Title: SWAMP ANGEL
Bibliography:
Isaacs, A. (1994). Swamp Angel. Ill by Paul Zelinsky. NewYork, NY: Dutton Children's Books.
ISBN: 978-0140559088
Plot Summary:
Swamp Angel, by Anne Isaacs, is a tall tale about Angelica Longwriter, who was the greatest woodswoman in Tennessee. Angelica was born in 1815, and when she was a newborn, she was taller than her mother. By the age two, Angelica built her first log cabin. Angelica continued to grow and accomplish great things. When she was twelve, Angelica was able to save a wagon train that got mired in Dejection Swamp. The settlers she saved called her “angel” and from then on Angelica Longwriter has been known as Swamp Angel. After that, a huge bear begins to eat all the food and clears out half the root cellars. The bear becomes known as Thundering Tarnation because that is what the settlers yell when they see him. He is leaving them without food, so the settlers become desperate to get rid of this bear and they announce a contest. The winner is to get Tarnation’s enormous pelt, a powerful reputation, and the title of Champion Wildcat. Swamp Angel enters the competition even after being told by some of the hunters that she is to be mending a quilt or baking a pie. Several hunters attempt to confront the bear but are not successful. One morning, Swamp Angel faces off with the bear and the fight begins. After battling for several days and nights, Swamp Angel is able to kill Thundering Tarnation. There is a great celebration. Swamp Angel takes the pelt to Montana and spreads it as a rug in front of her cabin. It is known as Shortgrass Prairie.
Critical Analysis:
Swamp Angel is a captivating tall tale that portrays a strong, fearless girl. She uses
her strength and size to her advantage and helps out when needed. Her determination
leads to great success. The story is filled with action and excitement as Swamp Angel
faces obstacles in a courageous and firm way. Swamp Angel is successful in her battle
and is happily ever after. The illustrations greatly contribute to the telling of the story.
They show Swamp Angel’s incredible size and strength as well as the emotions of all
characters.
This story is definitely enjoyable and inspirational. It is a motivational book that can
show girls that with hard work and determination, everything is possible.
Review excerpt(s):
Awards -
A Caldecott Honor Book
An ALA Notable Book
A Time magazine Best Book of the Year
A New York Times Best Illustrated Children's Book of the Year
Winner of the Boston Globe/Horn Book Award
A Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year
Excerpts -
This valiant heroine is certain to leave youngsters chuckling-and perhaps even keeping
a close watch on the night sky. –Publishers Weekly
To say that you are entering Caldecott land doesn't begin to do this book justice. –Kirkus
Reviews
Connections:
Instructional connections -
Reading:
This is a great book to use when teaching tall tales and theme.
Other books by Anne Isaacs:
Torn Thread
Meanwhile, Back at the Ranch
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