Outside the Box (Karma Wilson)

Title:  Outside the Box

Author:  Karma Wilson         

Illustrator:  Diane Goode

Target Ages:  7 and up

Genre:  Poetry Collection

Publisher Summary:

When you think outside the box…poems about Pigasus appear!  Not to mention Horaceopotamus, Gargantuans, and all sorts of monkey business. You can snack on Greekwiches, build a pet robot, then dance with the Boogie Man.  Fly the largest kite, sleigh down the steepest hill, and find all those aliens under your bed!  Anything can happen outside the box.  Now, won’t you join us for a read! 

Appealing to kids and parents alike, Dive in to Karma Wilson’s latest collection of more than 100 poems—some humorous, some poignant, and all of them Outside the Box.

Sample Poems:

“Ick…Gross…Ew…”

All my friends are jealous.

Oh, how they envy me.

I lived through something terrible,

and all-out tragedy!

It happened on the playground.

I was playing all alone,

and then it came and cornered me

and chilled me to the bone!

I tried to run away and hide

but found no way to flee.

I backed into the playground fence

with it pursuing me.

And then the worst thing happened,

an act so dark and bleak.

Mary Ellen Burkenshire

kissed me on the cheek!

EEEEEK!

Somehow I survived it,

and my friends are having fits.

(But I won’t tell a soul,

I like it…just a bit.)

“Spider Trap”

Don’t kill helpless spiders if you see ‘em.

It’s absolutely better if you free ‘em.

So never, ever kill those spiders dead.

Set them loose (but in your sister’s bed.)

"I (heart) Salad!"
I can't wait to eat that salad you're making'
with crunchy croutons, loads of bacon,
creamy ranch, and bits of cheese.
A side of crusty French bread, please.
I love salad, without a doubt.
(But could you leave the veggies out?)

Evaluation:

This entertaining collection of poems reminds me a lot of Shel Silverstein’s Where the Sidewalk Ends—lots of childhood fun and unexpected turns. The black and white sketches by Caldecott winner Diane Goode provide additional energy and imagination.

There are a wide variety of types of poems, such as concrete, shape, narrative, holiday, and occasional. Each deals profoundly and humorously with childhood experiences and fears. Wilson does an apt job taking a fear—the dark, aliens, vampires, and such—and making it funny or even empowering! For instance, the alien under the bed is really just a sandwich that has become moldy.  Also, in "Sheet!" a child is afraid of the dark.  However, he just needs to use the "force field" of his "impenetrable, magical sheet" to keep all the frightening creatures away.  

Irony, hyperbole, and fun word play are abundant.  In "The Tattler" the speaker ironically pleas with the the teacher to punish Dale for tattling.  A roller coaster experience is described with vivid imagery and hyperbole in "The Great Gargantuan."  Several poems play with word meaning, such as "Greenwich" and "Definition of  a Unicorn." For more teaching ideas, click HERE.

The unexpected turns is one of my favorite parts of the collection.  An elaborate discussion of missing candy in "Thieves" is implied to really be the parents rather than an outside thief.  "Wishy Washy" illustrates the fickleness of crushes and birthday wishes. The "Gamer" who brags all the time and hogs the controls is not who you would expect. Many of the poems take similar turns.

The theme of Outside the Box is thinking and seeing the world in a fresh and unexpected way. The collection succeeds at depicting new perspectives as well as illustrating elaborate imagination and infusing lots of humor.  People of all ages will enjoy these poems.

               Visit A Year of Reading for the full Poetry Friday round up!

Tantrums, Hurt Feelings, and Selfishness: Helping Children Deal With Their Emotions

Books are ideal springboards for discussing a wide array of emotional responses.  With picture books, parents and educators can help children identify their feelings and deal with them in an healthy manner. The following 10 picture books focus on some of the most common emotional issues in early childhood.

When Sophie’s Feelings Are Really, Really Hurt
Molly Bang

Hurt Feelings, Dealing with Criticism

Sophie paints a picture in a creative rather than realistic manner. A classmate criticizes her, causing her to feel hurt and sad.  A thoughtful teacher helps them deal with the conflict.

Duck, Duck, Dinosaur

Kallie George/Oriol Vidal

Jealousy, Self-Centeredness, Sibling Rivalry, Competitiveness

Feather, Flap, and Spike are siblings who each want to stand out and get their mother’s attention.  They compete over who is the biggest, sweetest, and funniest.  However, the trio realize it is better to play and to cuddle together than to argue over who is the “best.”

Elephantantrum!

Gillian Shields/Cally Johnson-Isaacs

Tantrum, Self-Centeredness, Manners

Ellie has everything, but she wants more.  She refuses to get out of bed until her father buys her an elephant.  When it arrives, he takes over her toys, her room, and even her place at school.  He demands she do everything for him.  If she doesn’t, he throws a huge Elephantantrum!  This role-reversing experience teaches Ellie the importance of manners, sharing, and relationships.

Horrible Bear!

Ame Dyckman/Zachariah OHora

Tantrum, Rudeness, Mean Words

A girl peaks into a bear’s cave while he sleeps.  Rolling over, he accidently breaks her kite.  Even though she is the one invading HIS space, she calls him a “horrible bear” and stomps off.  Now, the bear is angry!  Together, they learn that acting out in an angry and selfish manner is not the solution.

How Do Dinosaurs Say I’m Mad?

Jane Yolen/Mark Teague

Tantrum, Angry, Selfishness

Sometimes, dinosaurs get mad like when they don’t get their way, when they are told “no,” or when they have to take a nap.  Sometimes they have dinosaur-sized tantrums.  Other times they count to ten, take a time out, breathe calmly, and obey.   Most importantly, they hug and apologize.

Crankenstein

Samantha Berger/Dan Santat

Grumpy

Beware of Crankenstein!  He’s an ordinary kid who transforms into a monster of grumpiness!  Using a little humor and hyperbole, children will see what a crabby person looks and acts like (so hopefully they won’t want to be one).

Betty Goes Bananas

Steve Anthony

Frustration, Tantrum

Betty loves bananas.  She just cannot seem to get it open, so she throws a huge frustrated tantrum!  Her friend toucan helps her.  Then, she gets mad because she wanted to do it by herself.  Can Betty learn how to control her frustration?

Clark the Shark

Bruce Hale/Guy Francis

Boisterous Behavior

Clark is rowdy.  He is enthusiastic about life—sometimes just a bit much for his friends and teacher.  With a little guidance and some self-control, he learns:  “There’s a time and place for everything” and “Sometimes you stay cool.

Mine!

Sue Heap

Selfishness, Siblings

Amy loves her blankie and toys.  When her siblings want to join in the fun, she responses selfishly with, “Mine!”  After seeing how sad her behavior makes her brothers, she decides to share.

Grumpy Pants

Claire Messer
Grumpy
Penguin is in a bad mood.  No matter what he does, he just can’t seem to shake it!  He learns some healthy ways to help him change his perspective.

It's Monday, What Are You Reading? 07/04/16

This Week’s Posts

But It’s Not My Fault (Julia Cook)

Poem-Mobiles: Crazy Car Poems (J. Patrick Lewis and Douglas Florian)

Freedom to Read Giveaway Hop: Little Tree (Giveaway Still Open)

Sisters (Raina Telgemeier)

Some Other Books I Read

Love That Dog

Short novel in verse about a young boy finding his voice as he responses to poetry with his own poems. 

Big Friends

Two best friends love to imagine and to play outside together.  When a new person asks to join them, it changes everything. This story is a  perfect blend of friendship and big imagination. 

Hector and Hummingbird

What do you do when your best friend has an annoying habit?  This story is a great springboard for discussion on friendship, accepting other’s flaws, and respecting each other’s needs.  

Sam and Jump

Sam and Jump (a toy) do everything together.  When they meet a new friend, Thomas, they play all day together at the beach.  At home Sam realizes he forgot something important:  Jump! 

Oh My, Oh No!
A sweet story of a little girl who tries to imitate her mommy, but not always with ideal results (from the mother’s perspective). 

Visit Unleashing Readers for more It's Monday, What Are You Reading? posts from around the web. 

Sisters (Raina Telgemeier)

Title: Sisters

Author/Illustrator:  Raina Telgemeier

Target Ages:  8 and up

Genre:  Graphic Novel Autobiography

Awards: Eisner Award (for graphic novels)

Publisher Summary:

“Raina can't wait to be a big sister. But once Amara is born, things aren't quite how she expected them to be. Amara is cute, but she's also a cranky, grouchy baby, and mostly prefers to play by herself. Their relationship doesn't improve much over the years. But when a baby brother enters the picture, and later, when something doesn't seem right between their parents, they realize they must figure out how to get along. They are sisters, after all.”

Evaluation:

Recently, I saw Sisters on a list of top 10 books for middle grade readers, so I put it on hold at the library. I did not realize it was a graphic novel nor do I have much experience with the genre.  After reading this book though, I am more likely to give a graphic novel a second look.

The story is genuine and realistic. The family is far from perfect. For instance, Raina and Amara have a typical sibling relationship. They irritate each other.  They torment each other.  They argue with each other.  Most importantly, they love each other despite everything—though it is often difficult to see.  Their family experiences job loss, new sibling arrivals, and separation (hinting at possible divorce). 

Characterization is multi-faceted. Raina’s hopes, fears, and insecurities are depicted, making her relatable to the target audience. She wants her own space and independence while also longing for acceptance from her peers and family. For instance, at the family reunion she tries to figure out where she belongs. The younger kids are rambunctious. The adults are all arguing.  However, her slightly older peers make her feel small and insignificant. Raina puts on make-up (which is not in her normal characterization) and tries to connect with them, but they pretty much ignore her. 

The complex plot is non-linear. The main structure revolves around a road trip to a family reunion taking place 4 states away. However, there are numerous flashbacks beginning with when Raina is in preschool longing for a baby sister.  Other flashbacks help round out her characterization and relationship with her family, particularly with Amara. 

Young readers will gain experience deciphering visual literacy clues.  While the text is significant, the pictures are vital to understanding the plot and characterization. Readers have the added practice of determining when the flashback sequences are starting and ending.  For instance, they tend to be in more muted, dream-like tones and the characters are younger (most of the time). In addition, there is always a full-page signal that the story is moving back to the present. 

Other key elements of plot are appealing. Foreshadowing piques readers’ interest. Early in the story, readers learn about an unspecified (but apparently dreadful) “incident.” The author craftily sets it up by depicting past related experiences as well as returns to it later to reveal and to wrap up that plot point. Suspense is also incorporated. When the family van breaks down in the middle of the desert, Amara and Raina are left alone for 4 hours in the vehicle while their mother and younger brother go get help. (I was pretty stressed out!  Glad it is a children’s book.)  Finally, a healthy dose of humor is sprinkled throughout.  From waking up in front of everyone at the family reunion cuddling with a teddy bear to listening to her mother sing “Kum-ba-yah” around the campfire to the “blackberry” incident, middle grade readers will laugh—though probably with a bit of embarrassment hoping no one catches them in one of those moments.

The story is autobiographical.  It includes some photos of the real Raina and Amara as children.  Currently, two additional books are in the series Smile and Drama, which I am anxiously awaiting my turn in the library queue to read.

Overall, the story is engaging, heart-warming, and funny.  It is ideal for middle grade and reluctant readers. 

For other Marvelous Middle Grade Monday recommendations, visit Shannon Messenger's weekly round up.  

Little Tree (Loren Long)

Title:  Little Tree

Author/Illustrator:  Loren Long

Goodreads Summary:

“In the middle of a little forest, there lives a Little Tree who loves his life and the splendid leaves that keep him cool in the heat of long summer days. Life is perfect just the way it is.

Autumn arrives, and with it the cool winds that ruffle Little Tree's leaves. One by one the other trees drop their leaves, facing the cold of winter head on. But not Little Tree—he hugs his leaves as tightly as he can. Year after year Little Tree remains unchanged, despite words of encouragement from a squirrel, a fawn, and a fox, his leaves having long since turned brown and withered. As Little Tree sits in the shadow of the other trees, now grown sturdy and tall as though to touch the sun, he remembers when they were all the same size. And he knows he has an important decision to make.”

Why I Loved It:

I was recently reminded of a paradoxical idea—All life is born out of darkness (Ann Voskamp, 1000 Gifts).   When you stop and think about it, there is so much truth in those words. 

Little Tree illustrates a closely related idea—You often have to let go to experience the fullness of life. This principle reminds me of the story of the young girl who cherished her cheap plastic pearl necklace too much.  Little did she know what was in store for her when she was willing to let go of it.  Read the full story here.

Isn’t that they way we often are?  Holding on for dear life to something. Letting go can seem overwhelming and impossible, just as the dark times in life often seem like a burden.  The other side of the dark though can be…life and blessing.

Little tree holds on to his browned leaves and refuses to go bare through the darkness and cold of the winter.  For many seasons and years, he holds on tight to his dry, dead leaves, resulting in him remaining stagnant.  When he finally looks around at the other trees, he realizes the cost of holding on. 

I do not buy many picture books because I can check them out whenever I want at the library.  However, this book is one I purchased for my personal library because of its profound and beautiful message.

First, I plan to use it with my writing classes.  One of the biggest barriers I have each new year is the students coming in with preconceived notions of writing and themselves as a writer. These are usually built on false premises. They must be willing to let go of some things to grow in their writing skills. 

Second, I plan to use it with my children.  Being that they are teens, I know there are going to be moments of difficulty letting go.  I want to have this book handy.

Finally, it is a reminder to myself.   When I begin holding tight to things in life, I have to let go and to let God. 

Like many other beloved picture books, such as  The Giving Tree and Oh! The Places You Will Go, Little Tree has a message relevant for all ages.  It is one we all need to be reminded of at times—we often must let go in order to move on or grow.  This idea can be applied to many moments in life—graduations, losses, changing schools, learning new concepts, getting hurt by others, and many other life stages.  

What moment do you see yourself using this book for?

Poem-Mobiles: Crazy Car Poems (J. Patrick Lewis and Douglas Florian)

Title:  Poem-Mobiles:  Crazy Car Poems

Author: J. Patrick Lewis and Douglas Florian

Illustrator: Jeremy Holmes

Target Ages: 3 and up

Genre: Poetry

Sample Poems:

“Hot Dog Car”

My hot dog car is lots of fun

And comes with relish on a bun.

It runs on tons of sauerkraut

Or mustard when you’ve just run out.

Enjoy its fine and fragrant smell.

Its color has no parallel.

My hot dog car—

You just can’t beat it.

And when you’re done

You simply eat it.

“Rubber-Band Car”

Bouncing, bounding down the road

Like a leaping, beeping toad.

Made from giant rubber bands

(Very pliant in your hands).

It jumps over traffic jams,

And obstructions gently rams.

It can float just like a barge,

Takes three spots in a garage.

Needs no shocks and needs no springs.

And to fly it, just add wings.

Outperforms all other cars—

One bounced all the way to Mars.

Amazon Summary:

The U.S. Children's Poet Laureate and an award-winning children's poet join their prolific forces in this picture book of poems about cars. But they're not just any cars: there's the "Sloppy-Floppy-Nonstop-Jalopy" ("So unique there is no copy"); the Bathtub Limosine ("With hot water heating / And porcelain seating"); and the "High Heel Car." Each of the thirteen quirky, inventive poems will speak directly to the imaginations of children, as will Holmes's high-concept, detail-filled illustrations. 

Evaluation:

Poem-Mobiles: Crazy Car Poems is a fantastic collection of poems.  Children will journey under the sea (“Fish Car” and “Eel-ectric Car”) to the land before time (“Jurassic Park(ing)” and The “Dragonwagon”) to the future (“Supersonic Ionic Car” and “23^rd Century Motors”) and to nature (“Caterpillar Cab”). Many foods are also imagined into vehicles like the “Egg Car” and the “Banana Split Car.” The poems use lots of rhyme, alliteration, and puns. The authors creatively play with language. For instance, in “High-Heel Car,” the driver “wins every footrace” and “honks her shoehorn.”  In “Grass Taxi,” the owners must “mow the glass” and “check underneath [the] lawn.” The poems are quirky and entertaining.

The illustrations are intricate and amazing. Holmes takes the imaginative vision of the poets to new artistic levels. Not only are the cars otherworldly, his settings are too. In “23^rd-Century Motors,” he imagines a world that is part outer space and part agrarian. A rocket is next to farmhouse.  A cow pulls a station wagon trailer. The people are wearing space helmets while the animals are not. He adds humor.  For example, the Egg Car is at a filling station getting gas from a ketchup bottle. The mechanic asks the driver what he hit (the eggs are broken). The response, “a fork in the road.”  Each 2-page spread has so much to see and to talk about. 

Poem-Mobiles: Crazy Car Poems is one of my favorite children’s collections because it is out of this world with imagination and wonder. 

Activities and Extension Ideas for Lesson Plans:

• Art: Write one of the poems on the board or copy on a piece of blank paper.  Allow the children to draw their own version of the “car.”  Compare pictures with others' drawing and the book.  Discuss similarities and differences.
• Building: Collect several household items and build a creative car. 
• Writing: Pick an item (something in nature, the world, a food).  Write a poem about a car as that item. Activity can be done as a whole group, small groups, or independently.
• Journaling: After reading one or more poems, have the children journal a response.
• Sound Devices: Point out and discuss the various sound devices and how they make the poem more vivid.

For more great poetic posts, visit The Opposite of Indifference for the full Poetry Friday round up.