A Bittersweet Miracle Novel
Posted by: kdigan2340 on: May 7, 2009
1996 Newbery Honor Award
Coman, C. (1997). What Jamie saw. Arden, North Carolina: Front Street.
Genre: Fiction (novel)
Grades: Grades 4- 6
Jamie’s life is turned upside down when his stepfather, Van, manages to throw Jamie’s baby sister across the room. While the baby is luckily caught by her mother and is left unharmed, Jamie is stripped of his familiar home surroundings and is left no choice but to escape the abuse at home and flee to the unknown with his mother and sister. Jamie is forced to live in a shabby trailer, hidden away from society and the outer world at large. He faces the hardships of reinventing his life without the pleasing commodities he was once accustomed to. This book presents an interesting account of abusive scenarios and manages to deliver its message through the eyes of a young, unbiased character. The text is eloquent in nature and effectively delivers the emotional impact the abusive situation has played on Jamie as well as his mother. Readers are invited into the mind of Jamie as he experiences the distress, insecurity, and ultimate peace that comes with his experience. What Jamie Saw is impressive and will delight readers everywhere.
Author: Carolyn Coman
Carolyn Coman worked as a hand bookbinder before writing children’s books. An interesting fact of her life is that she was a member of the very first graduating class of Hampshire College in Amherst, Massachusetts. Coman was the recipient for the 1995 Newbery Honor Award as the National Book Award finalist for What Jamie Saw.
“When I write my stories, I come to love my characters and deeply appreciate how hard life is for them sometimes, and how they make their way through it anyway. I hope the kids who read my books see it that way, too, and maybe experience a little bit of that same respect for themselves and what they might be going through. It’s amazing how tough life can be for kids, sometimes, through no fault of their own at all. I write my books in honor of those kids – the ones in the stories, and the ones who read them.“
- Carolyn Coman
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The Graveyard Book … You’ll Love It ’till Death!
Posted by: kdigan2340 on: May 7, 2009
2009 Newbery Award Winner
“The boundaries are always there – between the graveyard and the world beyond, between life and death, and the crossing of them.“
- Neil Gaiman
Gaiman, N. (2008). The graveyard book. New York: HarperCollins Publishers.
Genre: Fiction/Horror/Gothic Fantasy novel
Ages: 10 years old and up
This is the grim story of a young toddler, Nobody Owens aka “Bod”, who elaborately escapes the scene of his family’s murder and just by luck, avoids his own death from a crafty killer. He is accepted in the unlikely setting of a graveyard where the ghosts assemble as one to protect Bod and raise him in the vicinity of the graveyard’s barriers. “Whenever the boy strays from his usual play among the headstones, he finds new dangers, learns his limitations and strengths, and acquires the skills he needs to survive within the confines of the graveyard and in the wider world beyond” (amazon.com). The Graveyard Book combines Gothic fantasy with magical horror to create an unparalleled plot that is suitable for readers of all ages. Both children and adults will enjoy the range of entertaining characters, exciting story sequence, and the endless adventures of Bod himself. The impending revelation of the book’s mysteries will surely keep the readers on edge. As for the illustrations, the eerie, dark-toned pictures coincide with the story’s Gothic theme and offer compelling visuals in-between the already imaginative text. This book deserves a standing ovation.
Author: Neil Gaiman
Neil Gaiman, born and raise in England, was once discouraged as a young boy for constantly “making things up.” Today, however, he is notoriously famous for writing fiction stories including the New York Times bestselling Coraline, M is for Magic, The Wolves in the Walls, and Blueberry Girl. “The Dictionary of Literary Biography calls Neil Gaiman one of the top ten living postmodern writers, and his lengthy canon of fine fiction and drama leaves no room for argument” (thegraveyardbook.com).
Illustrator: Dave McKean
Dave McKean is an illustrator, photographer, comic book artist, graphic designer, filmmaker, and musician. During an unsuccessful trip to New York city in his aspirations of becoming a comic book artist in 1986, he met Neil Gaiman and they collaborated to create the Newbery Award winner novel The Graveyard Book. McKean has since been focusing on making films.
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An Unexpected Summer Surprise
Posted by: kdigan2340 on: May 7, 2009
Lamarche, J. (200). The raft. New York: HarperCollins Publishers.
Genre: Fiction
Ages: 4- 9 years old
The Raft is a pleasant story about a young boy Nicky’s summer spent with his grandmother – the “river rat.” What initially appears to be an uneventful summer spent with her turns into an endless adventure spent exploring wildlife and animals on a drifting, abandoned raft in the riverbanks. Unexpectedly, the raft becomes more than just an aquatic activity for Nicky. He comes to appreciate the unique elements of nature while building a bond with his grandmother he never dreamed of. The raft sparks his curiosity for the unknown and ignites his natural talent as an artist. This story offers passive illustrations of surreal summer days with friendly animals, tranquil waters, and alluring panoramas. The illustrations capture the warm sundry shades of summertime while engaging the reader with detailed background images and varied landscapes. The text offers insight into life in the outdoors and encourages children to be avid explorers of their own surroundings. Overall, kids will love the adventurous personality of Nicky and will relate to his imaginative spirit. This story will surely become a favorite among young readers seeking a quality adventure tale with a fascinating plot.
Author/Illustrator: Jim LaMarche
Jim LaMarche wrote the story of The Raft based on his real experiences as a young boy spending summers with his grandmother in her lakeside cabin. He credits his inspiration for drawing to her as she encouraged and explained to him “that the value in drawing is in gaining an intimate knowledge of objects.” The Raft is one of his best-selling books and has earned him the Irma S. and James H. Black Award for Excellence in Picture Books. He is a fan of the fantasy world and often writes books based on magical elements.
“I’ve always like to mix the ‘magical’ world with what we see everyday. I think magic – a certain kind of magic – can happen anyplace, anytime. If fantastic events are only set in fantastical worlds, [it] just doesn’t seem like much. But if it happens in the real, regular world, to a real boy, in a real place like your own … “
- Jim LaMarche
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“Queen” Delilah’s Day at the Library
Posted by: kdigan2340 on: May 7, 2009
Willis, J. (2007). Delilah D. at the library. New York: Clarion Books.
Genre: Fiction/Female Gender Appeal
Grades: Kindergarten – Grade 2
Delilah D. at the Library is a whimsical account of a young girl, Delilah, who is convinced that she is the queen of “a land far, far away.” As she encounters a traditional library setting, she soon learns that things like cupcakes, running, singing, and trapeze swinging are entirely unacceptable behaviors in a library. But in her Faraway land, “Cupcakes! Blankets! [and] Toys!” are nothing out of the ordinary. It is up to Library Anne to teach Delilah the correct way to conduct oneself in the library. Children will love this imaginative book as it creates colorful scenes outside the realm of reality. Delilah’s eagerness to read and enthusiasm for the fantasy world are qualities all kids can relate to. The brightly colored illustrations offer pleasing visuals that provoke humor and keep the readers engaged from page to page. There’s even a center fold-out photo illustrating the map of Delilah’s Faraway land. Delilah D. at the Library is a must-read for young readers looking for chromatic illustrations combined with an entertaining plot and easy-to-read text.
Author: Jeanne Willis
Jeanne Willis, the author of over eighty titles, was once a reptile’s vet assistant before writing children’s literature. Her favorite book is E.B. White’s Charlotte’s Web. She credits her inspiration for writing to her dreams, past conversations, and interesting facts about the world.
List of other books by Jeanne Willis!
Illustrator: Rosie Reeve
Rosie Reeve’s favorite movies include The Incredibles and The Iron Gate while her favorite book is C. S. Lewis’s The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe. Her three children are her most prized possessions. She is best known for combining electric hues with large images to create amusing illustrations for various children’s book.
List of books illustrated by Rosie Reeve!
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Pirates Don’t Change Diapers … Or Do They?
Posted by: kdigan2340 on: May 7, 2009
Long, M. (2007). Pirates don’t change diapers. Orlando, Florida: Hartcourt, Inc.
Genre: Fiction/(Male) Gender Appeal/Humor
Grades: Pre-School – Grade 3
When young pirate Jeremy Jacob is forced to babysit his little sister Anne for the day, he sure wasn’t expecting Captain Braid Beard and his wacky pirate crew to stop by. But they came in search of their buried treasure in Jeremy Jacob’s very backyard. What initially starts as a treasure hunt turns into a humorous day of babysitting and baby-searching. Baby Anne sets the stage for entertaining scenes with the crew-mates trying to change diapers, feed baby spinach, and unconditionally entertain the “wee mutineer.” The story concludes with a surprising twist as Baby Anne becomes the unlikely heroine of the day, the pirates find their lucky treasure, and Jeremy Jacob even manages to find his mom a birthday present. Overall, this book’s “artwork is a vibrant concoction of rowdy colors; Magoo-eyed, snaggle-toothed characters” and outstanding illustrations that exude humor and energy. The silly expressions of the characters and minute details of the background scenery will surely keep readers wanting more. The text is written in simple format with hilarious pirate vocabulary and unmistakable babysitting bloopers. Readers will love the adventurous elements to the story and will be hypnotized by the graphic, vivid pictures. Pirates Don’t Change Diapers will surely be a bookshelf favorite for young adults and parents alike!
Author: Melinda Long
Melinda Long developed her passion for pirates since her insistence on burying treasure in her backyard as a little girl. Since then, she has combined her love for pirates and children’s literature into a career as both an educator and children’s book author. She supports the development of imaginary adventures for young readers because they “help us to grow in so many ways. They stretch our brains, broaden our personalities, and give us the frame work we need to be problem-solving adults.”
Illustrator: David Shannon
David Shannon has had the honor of illustrating such notable books including Duck on a Bike, A Bad Case of Stripes, and his most famous – the No, David! series which has received him a Caldecott Honor Book, an ALA Notable Children’s Book, and a New York Times Best Illustrated Book of the Year. His drawings have also appeared in The New York Times and Rolling Stones. He is a huge fan of baseball and often enjoys playing softball aside from drawing/writing unparallel children’s books.
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Death of a Friend, Life of Grief: A Compelling and Valuable Story
Posted by: kdigan2340 on: May 7, 2009
1987 Newbery Honor Award
Bauer, M.D. (1987). On my honor. New York: Clarion Books, Ticknor & Fields, a Houghton Mifflin Company
Genre: Realistic “dramatic” Fiction novel
Grades: Grades 4-6
This tragic novel describes the story of two young teenage boys, Joel and Tony, whose originally innocent bike trip to a local park turns into a fatal catastrophe. Midway through their trip, Tony proposes swimming in the impure, unsafe waters of the Vermillion River. Much to Joel’s dismay, he is pressured into swimming with his friend. A friendly competition to the water’s sandbar soon highlights Tony’s inadequate swimming skills and ends in his very drowning. The story progresses as Joel is faced with the hardships of admitting he failed to keep his honor to his father and learning to deal with the grief and acceptance of his beloved friend’s death. On My Honor capitalizes on universal themes of honesty, friendship, and trust – essential qualities of life that all young readers can relate to. The cycle of life is ingeniously displayed through the lens of a young child who hasn’t quite learned the unsettling truths of life. The text is simple to read yet contains lively descriptions and emotional content. This book will solemnly introduce readers to the harsh yet realistic elements of life’s hardships.
Author: Marion Dane Bauer
Marion Dane Bauer’s first piece of literature was a poem dedicated to her teddy bear written when she was a little girl. Bauer was an English school teacher prior to writing children’s books. On My Honor was her best-selling novel among the other notable books she has written. Aside from her career as an author, Bauer enjoys the company of cats and dogs and loves any activity in the outdoors from walking and camping to biking.
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Baseball Boldness!
Posted by: kdigan2340 on: April 20, 2009
Mochizuki, K. (1993). Baseball saved us. New York, NY: Lee & Low Books Inc.
Genre: Historical Fiction
Grades: Grades 1-4
Ken Mochizuki’s first children’s book, Baseball Saved Us, tells the story of a young boy – Shorty – and his life in a Japanese internment camp during WWII. The beginning of the story is introduced as Shorty and his family are forced to relocate to an internment camp after the Pearl Harbor attacks on America. This was no ordinary camp however. It was guarded by barbed wire fences, constant surveillance, and beastly men adorned with guns and machinery. Having no where to go and looking for a little entertainment, Shorty and his father create a baseball field in the desert ridden area of their camp. Baseball becomes more than just a sport to Shorty though. He learns from playing baseball that he can overcome not only the opposing team, but also the racism and disrespect surrounding his very heritage. Baseball Saved Us is a compelling story that offers a powerful message about overcoming the difficult obstacles we encounter in life. Kids will be able to relate to the story as it is told through the eyes of a young child and more importantly, an underdog character. The illustrations depict vivid emotions and effectively portray the given mood of the scene through the illustrator’s color choice and attention to detail. Overall, this book has a relatable message of accepting others regardless of our differences and educates children about a not-so-popular historical period of America.
Author: Ken Mochizuki
Prior to writing children’s books, Ken Mochizuki was both an actor and a journalist. Mochizuki is of Japanese descent and therefore knows firsthand the prejudice and racism experienced against his culture. He holds sincere pride and dedication in educating young readers about the Asian heritage and how it too is a part of America.
Illustrator: Dom Lee
Similar to Ken Mochizuki, Baseball Saved Us was also Dom Lee’s first illustrated children’s book. Originating from South Korea, Lee has always been an avid baseball fan. For this reason, Baseball Saved Us holds significant importance to him. Lee is often known for collaborating with his wife, also an artist. They combine the use of watercolors, oil paints, and colored pencils to create outstanding illustrations.
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JAWs-DROPPING BOOK
Posted by: kdigan2340 on: April 20, 2009
Cerullo, M. M. (2000). The truth about great white sharks. San Francisco, California: Chronicle Books.
Genre: Informational
Grades: Grades 3-6
This informational account of great white sharks offers interesting facts, photos, and faux pas regarding the behavior, senses, physical framework, and characteristics of a widely feared aquatic predator. The eye-catching, realistic photographs and childish drawings in the background give the book an enticing quality for kids. Bright colors, interesting chapter titles, and page composition are other likable details. The study of great white sharks is an appealing topic for most kids as this species remains one of the most studied animals on the planet. The educational aspect is great as there is a glossary of terms, list of other shark books to read, and helpful tips to protect sharks and their underwater environment. The text may be a little complex for the younger readers, but the authenticity of facts and photos help to awaken the reader into a subject matter outside the norm.
Author: Mary M. Cerullo
(Mary M. Cerullo is on the left side)
While Mary M. Cerullo had once dreamed of being an oceanographer, she soon changed her career aspirations to that of an author of the ocean. In order to find the right information to write this story, Cerullo studied 10 Caribbean reef sharks with photographer and fellow illustrator Jeffery L. Rotman. Today, she is Associate Director of Friends of Casco Bay, an environmental group located in Maine.
Illustrator: Jeffery L. Rotman
Jeffrey L. Rotman is considered to be one of the greatest underwater photographers. He has traveled “from Japan to the Galapagos Islands, from Borneo to Australia, from the Mediterranean to the Caribbean, from Mexico to British Columbia, from the Atlantic coast of the United States to the Red Sea” (jeffrottman.com). His photos are known for their unique and unparalleled quality.
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Dr. Seuss’ Peculiar Pool
Posted by: kdigan2340 on: April 20, 2009
Seuss, Dr. (1947). McElligot’s pool. New York, NY: Random House, Inc.
Genre: Poetry
Grades: Ages 4-8
McElligot’s Pool tells the story of a seemingly empty puddle that catches the attention of a young boy. While he is told that the pool consists of nothing other than people’s junk, he remains hopeful that perhaps there is more to this puddle than meets the eye. The story proceeds to bring the mind of the reader to an unimaginable underwater world where anything is possible. “I might catch a fish/ With a terrible grouch …/ Or an Australian fish/ With a kangaroo pouch!” (Seuss 28-29). Characteristic of nearly every Dr. Seuss book, McElligot’s Pool has easy rhyme schemes and compatible pictures that create hilarious images of colorful and bizarre fish. The story encourages its audience to use our imagination and hopefulness to develop creativity and enthusiasm for the unknown. Dr. Seuss perfects the art of children’s literature and illustrations with his candid flavor and ability to spark the fantasy world.
Author/Illustrator: Dr. Seuss
Theodor “Ted” Seuss Geisel, aka Dr. Seuss, was not actually a professional doctor but “his prescription for fun has delighted readers for more than 60 years” (Seussville.com). His first and most popular children’s book, The Cat in the Hat, triggered his career and helped distinguish himself as a supreme author illustrator of children’s literature. He received the Lifetime of Contribution to Children’s Literature award from the Pulitzer Prize Committee in 1984. “As permanent reminder to the reading public, the final line in his book (Oh, The Place You’ll Go!) issues the following charge: ‘You’re off to great places! Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting. So … get on your way!’” (Seussville.com). Dr. Seuss died on September 24, 1991 at the age of 87 shortly after writing this book. His commitment to children’s literature revolutionized modern writing style and his legacy has left an unprecedented effect on the readers of his books.
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DR. SEUSS DOCUMENTARY!
Not Your Average Minnie-Mouse
Posted by: kdigan2340 on: April 20, 2009
Holm, J. L., & Holm, M. (2005). Babymouse our hero. New York, NY: Random House, Inc.
Genre: Graphic Novel/Gender Appeal
Grades: Ages 9 – 12
BabyMouse Our Hero is a whimsical account of a sassy young mouse who gets through her days imagining a dazzling fantasy world where she reigns as queen. In real life, however, BabyMouse begins her day on the wrong foot as she misses the bus and subsequently has to walk to school. As the day progresses, she encounters various obstacles that put her insecurities to the test. Whether it’s making it through a long day of classes, avoiding chores, or even challenging the infamous Felicia Furrypaws in dodge ball, BabyMouse learns to face every dilemma with spunk and pizazz. Her personality, humorous and easy to relate to, makes her a friend to the reader rather than some distant character. The comic-strip style writing and prevalent use of pink color attracts a variety of young female readers. Overall, this book generates a positive theme of having the confidence to succeed in any situation. BabyMouse Our Hero is definitely a must-read!
Author/Illustrator: Jennifer L. Holm & Matthew Holm
This ultimate brother-sister dream team collaborates their talents of drawing and writing to create the memorable BabyMouse book series. Jennifer Holm, the writer, used to rake leaves as a child while reading a book in hand! She obviously had a knack for writing considering her very first published novel (OUR ONLY MAY AMELIA) won a Newbery Honor. Her brother, Matthew, has been a fan of comic books since he was twelve and made that love into a career as an adult. Matthew is also fond of the supernatural and prior to writing actually went on a cross country road trip to visit famous UFO sites. This duo is unstoppable when it comes to producing worthy children’s books.
Interview with Matthew Holm about BabyMouse book!
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