Peter & Ernesto: A Tale of Two Sloths (Graham Annable)

Title:  Peter & Ernesto: A Tale of Two Sloths

Author:  Graham Annable

Illustrator:  Graham Annable

Target Ages:  5-10

Genre:  Early Reader Graphic Novel

Publisher Summary:

Peter and Ernesto are sloths.

Peter and Ernesto are friends.

But Peter and Ernesto are nothing alike.

Peter loves their tree and never wants to leave while Ernesto loves the sky and wants to see it from every place on earth. So Ernesto leaves to have a grand adventure and Peter stays behind and frets.

Evaluation: 

This first book in a new series by cartoonist Graham Annable is an flawless early reading experience. 

Adorable characters. Who doesn’t love sloths? Both have loveable character qualities.  Peter is set in his ways, but a devoted friend.  Ernesto is wide open, longing for adventure.  Their friendship is endearing. 

Universal conflicts.  All ages experience friendships, differences, and fears.  The overarching message is the importance of honoring and appreciating those differences.  When Ernesto returns, he brings new information and experiences to his time together with Peter.  For instance, he shares his knowledge of constellations and other animals. A secondary message is learning to overcome fears and to experience adventure (even small ones). 

Both characters grow.  Peter tackles his fears as he searches for his friend.  Ernesto comes to have a greater appreciation for his home and Peter.

Subtle humor.  For instance, Fox says, “What an odd duck.” Raccoon corrects him, “Sloth.” Also, after Peter crosses the river, he says, “And I didn’t need swim trunks!”  The encounter with the monkeys is hysterical. 

Appealing story.  The illustrations and well-chosen simple vocabulary work to create an engaging narrative.  Annable illustrates, for readers and writers alike, that you do not have to use complicate words to write a page-turning story.

When I was done, I thought:  I am ready for the next book.  Unfortunately, Peter and Ernest: The Lost Sloths does not come out until April 2019! 

I highly recommend Peter & Ernesto: A Tale of Two Sloths.  It is sure to appeal to early and reluctant readers alike. 

Where the Mountain Meets the Moon (Grace Lin)

Title:  Where the Mountain Meets the Moon

Author: Grace Lin

Target Ages:  8-12

Genre:  Fantasy, Folklore

Awards:  Newbery Honor

Publisher Summary:  In the valley of Fruitless Mountain, a young girl named Minli spends her days working hard in the fields and her nights listening to her father spin fantastic tales of the Jade Dragon and the Old Man on the Moon. Minli’s mother tired of their poor life, chides him for filling her head with nonsense.  But Minli believes these enchanting stores and embarks on an extraordinary journey to find the Old Man of the Moon and ask him how her family can change their fortune.  She encounters an assorted cast of characters and magical creatures along the way, including a dragon who accompanies her on her quest for the ultimate answer.

First Lines: Far away from here, following the Jade River, there was once a black mountain that cut into the sky like a jagged piece of rough metal.  The villagers called it Fruitless Mountain because nothing grew on it and the birds and animals did not rest there.

Notable Quote:  I should have known we could not fight the Green Tiger with more anger.  We just add to his power that way.  His anger is his strength, but it can also be his weakness.  His anger can blind him, and that is when he is vulnerable.  

Evaluation: 

The hardest part of this review is not sharing all my favorite parts!  To do so would ruin the story for potential readers!  Here is just a bit...

Where the Mountain Meets the Moon has short chapters and clearly marked sections. Each chapter begins with a small muted picture. Also, vibrant full-page traditional Chinese illustrations are interspersed. Both add to the charm and atmosphere.  

The narrative has many intertwined layers. First, it is a young heroine’s physical quest and personal journey.  On this quest the girl, Minli, meets a wide array of benevolent characters—a dragon, an orphan, a king, and twins—as well as malevolent ones—monkeys and a green tiger.  Through both charitable and wicked events, she learns the meaning of friendship and the secret of happiness (one of my favorite parts!).

A second layer is the power of stories. Nearly every character has a story to add to the fabric of the narrative. The stories inspire, guide, explain, and heal.  Like the red thread of fate, they are all interrelated to produce a thrilling adventure and to illustrate the power of the theme.   

While Minli’s quest is the main event, occasionally there is a switch to her parents.  An unexpected layer is the character development of her mother, which is not only satisfying but expertly woven into the overall theme.

Minli is a strong heroine. Her courage, sacrifice, and love for others are sure to inspire middle grade readers. I highly recommend Where the Mountain Meets the Moon for it's beautiful interwoven narrative, memorable characterization, and inspiring theme. 

Activities and Extension Ideas:

• Geography: Identify China on a map.  Read a book about the country to learn some foundational information about the terrain and people.
• Comparison: Discuss story parallels.  For instance, the beginning reminded me of "Jack and the Beanstalk" when she “foolishly” bought a goldfish with the only money in the home.  Then, she went on an otherworldly adventure to improve the fortune of her family.  Others have compared the story to The Wizard of Oz.  For older children, parallel Minli’s adventure to the quest motif in literature.
• Figurative Language: There are examples of personification and imagery.  The most common type of figurative language is similes. Nearly every chapter has multiple comparisons. Have a simile scavenger hunt!  See how many the students can find in the chapter. Then, practice writing similes.  Using the surrounding details in the story, rewrite some of them using fresh and unique images.  
• Symbolism:  To introduce the idea of symbolism, discuss the significance of some of the key images like animals—goldfish, dragons, tigers, monkeys, lions, and rabbits—and other literary archetypes like the red thread and moon, from Chinese culture and literature.
• Story Map:  Map out how the various stories within the narrative connect to the main story line.
• Literature: Check out a book of Chinese folklore at the library.  Read some additional stories. 
• Writing:  As a group, with a partner, or individually, write an origin story.  Challenge students to incorporate similes and to be creative.
• Art:  Plan one or more Chinese inspired art projects. Try Activity Village or Pinterest.

Internet Unit Plans:

• Publisher Book Guide
• 4^th Grade Lit Unit
• Novel Study

For other Marvelous Middle Grade Monday recommendations, check out Always in the Middle.

Robinson (Peter Sis)

Title:  Robinson

Author:  Peter Sis

Illustrator:  Peter Sis

Target Ages:  4-8

Genre:  Magic Realism

Publisher Summary:

A boy who love adventure.

A mysterious ocean journey.

A remote island wilderness.

Discover what surprises await…

First Lines:

My friends and I love adventure.

We play pirates all the time.   Together, we rule the high seas!

Evaluation: 

The narrative begins with a collage of small, but lively pictures of a group of boys on imaginative pirate adventures.  From the start a bit of fantasy mingles in with the reality.  In some illustrations, the reality is shown (boys dressed as pirates in the tub) while in others their fantasies begin to take over (they are sailing down a river in their own pirate “ship” with their city in the backdrop).  

The illustrations shift to full pages as the main event is announced:  a school costume party.  Peter and his friends are excited to attend dressed as pirates.  However, the party does not last long for Peter.  He flees home to the solace of his room after being teased by his friends. 

The pictures become grand two-page spreads as Peter is carried away into a feverish dreamland—a mingling of his favorite novel (Robinson Crusoe) with his real experience.  In his dream world, he is surviving alone on a remote island.   Through the literary and imaginative occurrence, he transforms into a more competent and courage person in reality.  Sis illustrates the role that literature has on how children see themselves as they read and the vital role books have on character development. 

With only minimal words on each page, the primary narrative is discovered through the lush watercolor illustrations.  As Peter learns to survive on his own, exotic animals and foliage as well as his busy activities illustrate the sights and sounds of his fantasy world. A combination of aerial views and close-up snapshots transport the readers into his grand and intimate journey.  

His dream world slowly morphs back into reality as pirates (his friends) invade his island adventure (his bedroom).  The illustrations reflect this change by shifting back to one page, smaller views of the world.  There is a satisfying ending as his friends apologize for teasing him and ask to learn more about his favorite adventurer (Robinson Crusoe). 

An added charm of the story comes from the author’s note sharing the incident from his childhood that inspired the book. 

Children will empathize with Peter’s experiences playing imaginatively and dealing with teasing.  The fantastic elements elevate the story to a brilliant and engaging read.

Ideas for Extension Activities at Home or Lesson Plans for Teachers:

• Literature:  Read a children’s version of Robinson Crusoe and/or other adventure stories.
• Character Development:  Discuss the importance of accepting individual differences, building strong friendships, and dealing with teasing.
• Art:  Have students create their own fantasy island with a diorama or draw their island on poster board.
• Science:  Discuss animals and plants commonly found on tropical islands. 
• Social Studies:  Learn about basic survival techniques from books, such as The Dangerous Book for Boys or Survivor Kid: A Practical Guide to Wilderness Survival. 

Literary Connections:
Robinson Crusoe and other adventure stories

For more perfect picturebook recommendations, visit Suzanne Leonard Hill's blog.  

It's Monday, What Are You Reading? 06/27/16

I am working on a list of favorite books on animal habitats and one on undesirable behaviors common in early childhood.  Not sure what to call that last list.  It is on areas like temper tantrums and feeling grumpy.  Any creative ideas on a title for the list?

I need to start some new chapter books this week. Here are a few I am considering…

Somewhere Among

A Tangle of Knots

The Great Hunt

Fish in a Tree

Love That Dog

Visit This Week’s Posts…

10 Picture Books That Will Make You Smile (and Laugh)

Author Spotlight: Chris Gall

Poetry Friday:  Firefly July

Chicken Lily

The Wrong Side of the Bed

Fairy Tale Spotlight: Far Out Fairy Tale Graphic Novel Series

A Few of My Favorite Picture Books From My Weekly Library Run…

Dear Yeti by James Kwan

Two young hikers search for Yeti.  When they cannot find him, they begin to leave him letters.  Even though Yeti is shy, he communicates back—in his own way.  The hikers run into mean grizzly bear.  However, Yeti reveals himself  in time to help out his new friends.  Dear Yeti is a sweet book about friendship and adventure.    

I Don’t Like Snakes by Nicola Davies and Luciano Lozana

A young girl lives in a household of snake lovers. She is not too keen on them though because they are slithery and scaly.  Besides, who wouldn’t be creeped out by their flicking tongues and unblinking eyes?  Her family asks questions about her fears and teaches her several fascinating facts about snakes, such as types of slithers, why they flick their tongues, and how they catch their prey. Will the facts change her mind about these creeping creatures?

My Pen by Christopher Myers

The author takes the idea of the power of the pen to new levels. He illustrates just some of the ways a pen through art or words can make a differences. This book is sure to help young people feel empowered to action. It ends with this quote, “There are millions of pens in the world and each one has a million worlds inside it.  So if you have a pen, see what you can do—Let those worlds inside your pen out.” 

Ollie’s Class Trip by Stephanie Calmenson & Abby Carter

This humorous call-and-response text teaches social skills and positive classroom behavior.  It is ideal for teachers preparing young children for a class field trip.

Among a Thousand Fireflies by Helen Frost and Rick Lieder

Frost’s beautiful free verse poem gives readers insight into the life of fireflies (lightening bugs). The stunning photographs by Lieder perfectly compliment the poem.  You will never look at fireflies the same way again. 

For more reading inspiration, visit Unleashing Readers for It’s Monday, What Are Your Reading?

Fairest of All (Sarah Mlynowski)

Title:  Whatever After: Fairest of All (book #1 in Whatever After series)

Author:  Sarah Mlynowski

Publisher Summary:

Mirror, mirror, on the basement wall . . .

Once upon a time a mirror slurped up me and my brother, and magically transported us inside Snow White's fairy tale.

Then we stopped Snow White from eating the poisoned apple. Hooray! Or not. If Snow White doesn't die, she won't get to meet her prince or get her happy ending. Oops.

Now it's up to us to fix Snow White's story. And then, fingers crossed, find our way home.

Evaluation:

I love fairy tales, so I have been eyeing this series for a while. The cover art and titles are highly appealing for readers, especially middle grade girls. I finally listened to the book on Hoopla (great site for all things audio visual). 

The Good

Fairest of All is a creative retelling of the Snow White fairy tale. I enjoyed all the twists and turns the characters went through to set things right after “ruining” the traditional narrative.

There is a strong middle grade voice in Abby, the main character. She is determined, smart, and fiercely loyal.  Her dreams for her future are big. At times, she can be a bit inflexible and judgmental.  However, she matures some in these areas. For instance, she learns that there is more than one way to have a happy ending. 

Her sweet little brother Jonah is her co-star.  He is often able to see a situation in a unique way, which is helpful to Abby and the other characters. He is incredibly optimistic!  In many ways, he is a foil to his older sister.

The fairy tale characters are developed beyond the traditional tale. The author provides a fresh take on the dwarfs and the wicked step-mother (Evil Evelyn). In the beginning, Snow is depicted similar to the Disney version—submissive and helpless—but she develops a stronger sense of self and empowerment.  The fairy tale ending is rewritten in a way that reflects those changes.  

Family is a core motif. There is the typical sibling banter, but overall Abby and Jonah get along well. Abby grows to appreciate her brother more during their adventure.  Both children are closely connected to their parents.  Abby is concerned about getting back before their parents realize they are gone because she does not want them to worry.  Snow adopts the dwarfs as her family.  She invites them all to live with her in the castle.  

The narrative is a blend of fantasy, magic, and realism.  Of course, fairy tales fall under the fantasy genre and magic sends them to the alternate universe.  Most of what goes on both in the real and fantasy worlds is rooted in realism. For instance, Evil Evelyn does not use magic. She uses poison and disguises. The only magical element is in the mirrors—the one that sends them to the fairy tale world and the one in Evil Evelyn’s room.

The story is humorous at times and thrilling at others. The characters have to work together to problem solve and to help one another which are great character qualities to highlight for middle grade readers. 

The Bad

The mirror commands the children not to tell their parents about their adventure or it will put them in danger. I realize it is a fantasy story. In the real world, though, it is a red flag if an adult tells a child not to tell their parents about something.  I just mention it because some parents may want to have a discussion about the issue. 

Occasionally, the language is a bit silly. There is some slang. A few references to modern day life may become outdated with time. The target audience will not mind these issues at all.  These observations are from the English teacher in me. 

The Verdict

Overall, Fairest of All depicts strong females and takes young readers on an exciting ride.  I recommend it for middle grade readers (especially girls) who enjoy fantasy and fairy tales (I mean, who doesn’t?). 

Visit Ramblings of a Wanna Be Scribe for more Middle Grade recommendations.