Navigating Early (by Clare Vanderpool)

Summary of Navigating Early (by Clare Vanderpool):

Jack Baker is suddenly uprooted from his Kansas home after his mother dies.  He transfers to a Maine boarding school while his father, a military officer, finishes serving at the close of World War II.  Early Auden, the strangest of boys, is also an outsider who has faced great loss.  The two boys forge a friendship that takes them on a quest in search of the Great Appalachian Bear.   Along the way, Early tells Jack of the fictional story of Pi which parallels their own physical and, often, personal journeys toward facing the loss and pain in their lives.  A colorful cast of characters help make their quest memorable and poignant. 

Evaluation:

I read Vanderpool’s debut (and Newbery winning) novel, Moon Over Manifest, so when I saw this new book on a couple other blogs, I knew I had to read it.  Vanderpool has a gift for creating unforgettable characters and parallel multi-layered story lines.  Navigating Early showcases both of these features.

Jack is a sort of “every boy.”  He struggles with fitting in and finding his place in school, in his family, and in life.  Early, on the other hand, is rare and unforgettable.   Jack commonly calls him “the strangest of boys” because Early’s behaviors were not understood in that era.  Though Early is highly intelligent and functional, he appears to be on the autism spectrum.   His mannerisms and personality are endearing and, at time, humorous.  I could not help loving him. 

The main story line is Jack and Early’s quest.  Early creates a story to parallel the numbers in the mathematical pi.  Pi, like Jack and Early, must go on a quest to earn his name.  As Pi learns what it means to be a man and deal with loss and hardship so do Jack and Early—each in a different way.  Even the minor characters they encounter have their own intertwined and satisfying stories. 

Middle grade readers will be drawn to the boys’ journey to find the Great Appalachian Bear.  They will relate to Jack’s and Early’s characters as well as enjoy the fascinating other characters.  I highly recommend Navigating Early for ages 8 and up. 

Check out other excellent Middle Grade Fictions at Shannon Messenger's blog. 

Fairy Tale Friday: Cinderella (Multicultural)

Reading Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters a few weeks ago, I was prompted to think about Cinderella stories.  It seems that nearly every culture has at least one such tale.  Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters is not at all like the Western fairy tales I have read.  There is no evil step-mother.  The protagonist does not sit around and wait for fate. Instead, she goes on quest to meet the prince.  Along the way she completes different "tests."  Her snake companion (rather than birds and mice) is the prince in disguise!   I began reading similar fairy tales to examine:  What makes a narrative a Cinderella story?

In most contemporary Cinderella tales or retellings, a step-mother and sister(s) are the cause of hardship and oppression.  However, in The Egyptian Cinderella (by Shirley Climo) the protagonist (Rhodopis) is a slave, a Greek girl stolen as a child from her parents.   Three other slave girls in the house are envious of Rhodopis because of her blond hair, fair skin, and great beauty.  Like many of the tales, there is a benevolent father-figure.  In this case, it is the slave master.  He is oblivious of the ill-treatment the girl receives from the others.   Interestingly, in some early Cinderella tales, though, the father is the cause of the girl difficulties.   These tales have been modified or fallen out of use.   According to the Author’s Note, the tale of Rhodopis is one of the world’s oldest Cinderella stories, recorded in the first century B.C.   It is believed to be based on some truth because there was a Greek slave girl by the same name that married Pharaoh Amasis and became Queen of Egypt. 

The Korean Cinderella (by Shirley Climo) follows many of the familiar plot elements, beginning with the step-mother and step-sister being the nefarious task masters.   In this version, the protagonist is named Pear Blossom.  Most of the Cinderella protagonists are connected with nature, often through the friendship of animals.  Pear Blossom is connected by her name and through her only friends, the crickets.   She must complete several tasks in order to earn the right to attend the ball.  Each one is impossible but for the help of an animal (frog, sparrows, ox).  She eventually attends the party and marries a nobleman, rather than a king, who locates her using her lost sandal.

Adelita (Tomie dePaola) is a Mexican Cinderella story.  There are no animal helpers or direct connections to nature.   Instead, she receives help from a former servant who was her nurse maid when she was growing up.  There is no magic either. The beloved old woman reveals the location of her mother’s chest that holds what she needs to prepare for the party at the wealthy rancher’s home.  With one other exception, the other tales all use some sort of slipper or shoe.  Adelita is distinguished by her reboza (a type of shawl).  She hangs it outside her window after the party which allows the rancher’s son to identify her after the party. 

One Indonesian version is The Gift of the Crocodile (by Judy Sierra).  In this region, Cinderella tales are characterized by a heroine losing something in the river and finding a magical helper.  In this narrative, a crocodile befriends the protagonist, Damura.   Grandmother Crocodile helps the kind-hearted girl by not only retrieving her sarong but replacing it with a far lovelier one.  When the feast for the prince occurs, Grandmother Crocodile provides all that Damura needs to attend.  She successfully wins over the prince, but the step-mother and step-sister are eaten up with jealousy.  They feign kindness and reconciliation to lure her on a boat ride. The duo pushes Damura into the river where she is eaten by a crocodile.  Grandmother Crocodile rescues her.  The step-mother and step-sister flee.  From then on, Damura and her children safely splash in the river, talk to the animals, and play in the shade of the trees (again that connection to nature). 

My favorite multicultural version is Sootface (by Robert D. San Souci), an Ojibwa Cinderella Story.  Sootface overcomes horrible bullying not only from her jealous sisters but from the rest of the village.  Because she works hard all day, her hair is singed, her face is dirty, and her clothes worn out.  She does not rely on magic or a helper to transform her.  Instead, her resourcefulness and diligence provide her with the necessary items.  Another unique plot element is the “prince.”  He is a famed hunter with the ability to become invisible.   One day, he tells his sister to announce that he will marry the woman who can see him, which means the woman is kind and honest.  To verify the maiden can in fact see him, she must describe his bow.  Of course, all the women try but fail.  Sootface is the only one who is able to truly see him.  The hunter changes her name to Dawn-Light, and they marry.  Every one is pleased, except her sisters who now have to do all the cooking and cleaning. 

From all these tales, it is clear there are many variations.  As a result, defining what makes a Cinderella tale a Cinderella tale is a challenge.  I realize, also, that I just reviewed a sampling.  From it, I can conclude that in all the tales a protagonist must overcome great hardship (usually as a result of family/step-family members) to become successful (which usually means finding a husband).  In all the mainstream tales, Cinderella is humble, obedient, and diligent.  Though in some tales (especially earlier ones), she had other character qualities, such as being clever, resourceful, and, even, vengeful.  The modern world’s fascination with Cinderella tales has always amazed me.  I cannot speak for all cultures, but it seems to me that what appeals most to us as Americans is that Cinderella is the quintessential icon of pulling one’s self up by his/her boot straps to be a success.  Isn’t that what the American dream is all about?

Fairy Tale Friday: The Twelve Dancing Princesses

It is Fairy Tale Friday. All bloggers are welcome to link up their fairy tale themed posts.  

The Twelve Dancing Princesses has been a beloved fairy tale for centuries.    There are a few things in common in most versions.  First, there is a male protagonist who is a commoner.  He may be a soldier coming back from war, a shepherd, or other laborer.  Generally, this man has shown himself to be worthy by being come combination of these character qualities—hard working, generous, brave, cunning, and patient.   Surely, it gives hope to the masses that they can ascend their current humble stations with the right qualities and some luck.  Luck usually comes in the form of a wise woman who has some magical powers.  She offers clever advice and a magical item (flower or cloak, for instance).  The mystery of the daughters' nightly activities is likely rooted in the universal parental experience of letting go and lacking control over what your children are doing.   It also reflects a fascination with the underworld or otherworld.  This underworld is often cursed but ironically is a source of beauty and riches.   Making a quest into the underworld goes back to ancient times when heroes like Gilgamesh and Odysseus journeyed there.   Fairy tales capture our imagination because of their ability to appeal to the collective hopes, dreams, and fears of humanity. 

The Twelve Dancing Princesses (by Marianna Mayer):

This picture book version is my favorite!  The first thing that drew me to it is the stunning paintings by K.Y. Craft that grace each page.  The text is framed with a nearly full page illustration on one side and a small window picture on the other.  A border beautifully connects everything together.   This version is the more detailed, developing the male protagonist (a former shepherd and eventual castle gardener) well and providing time for the love to grow between him and one of the princesses.  He does not reveal the secret to the king.  Instead, he willing attempts to consume the drink that will attach him to the underworld kingdom forever because he thinks it will please his favored princess. Her act of stopping him (which is an act of true love) breaks the spell.  The only part I don’t like is the addition of the fortunate teller.   Ruth Sanderson’s version is a condensed version of Mayer’s.  It is also beautifully illustrated.   

The Twelve Dancing Princesses (by Jane Ray):

The pictures in this version are also amazing, but the style is very different from Craft’s depiction.   The colors are vivid, and the details are delicate.  This version is based on the Grimm’s fairy tale.  A soldier comes upon the castle hoping to solve the mystery.  Using a cloak provided by a wise woman, the soldier solves the mystery and tells the king.  The free spirited daughters’ admit it is true.  They had been outwitted. The girls are defying their father to have fun after hours.  The narrative ends with the eldest daughter (now queen) decreeing that she and her sisters should go dancing as often and late as they wish.  There is the sense that the girls felt too confined by their father’s rules, so they were rebelling (rather than being cursed).  John Cech version is very similar.  The pictures are nicely done in more muted colors.  Background information on this fairy tale is provided on the final page.    

The Twelve Dancing Princesses (by Rachel Isadora):

This version relates the story in its simplest form, making it ideal for the youngest readers.  The text is straightforward and concise.  The African setting causes it to stand out from the others which have more of a traditional western European appeal.   The characters dress in traditional African garb.  The energetic illustrations are done with paint and collage paper, offering a distinctive look and feel.  

Fairy Tale Friday is a weekly link-up co-hosted by Literary Transgressions and Books4Learning.  Join in by clicking on the linky below.  

Ancient World History (Greece): Alexander the Great (Demi)

It is Nonfiction Monday.  This week History with a Twist is the host.  Click HERE to check out other non-fiction book highlights. 

Summary of Alexander the Great: 

Alexander the Great was born in 356 B.C. in Macedonia.  As a boy, he trained for battle and for leadership.   He learned to scale mountains, to throw a javelin, and to fight lions.  Showing bravery and cleverness, he tamed a wild and spirited horse that no one else could ride.  At thirteen, the great philosopher and teacher Aristotle tutored him in literature, medicine, science, and philosophy.  Aristotle also taught him the importance of compassion.  From his father, he learned about the wars and fighting amongst the Macedonians, Greeks, and Persians.  At a time when most modern students are still in high school, Alexander was leading a cavalry into battle and conquering cities.  When his father was assassinated, Alexander, then 20 years old, was prepared to be king.  He, also, had the military skills to become the greatest general who ever lived. 

During his remaining 12 years, he conquered the Greeks, the Persians, and most of the known world of ancient Greece.  The major battles and highlights are covered in Demi’s narrative biography of this mighty general.  A few personal stories are also included, such as the relationship with his dearest friend Hephaestion, his encounter with a wise sage, and his final analysis of his life. Alexander the Great brought the Greek culture to Asia and the Asian traditions to Greece.   He, also, laid the ground work for another great power:  Rome. 

Evaluation:

I am a huge fan of Demi’s fiction and non-fiction works.  She has a unique artistic approach in her many multi-cultural books which is reminiscent of Asian and traditional styles.  The illustrations contrast a few bright colors with lighter neutrals and shiny gold accents.   Demi covers the highlights of a historical figure with a rich, active life.  As a result, the material is denser and longer than most picture books.   Younger readers will likely need to move through it in a couple of sittings.  Demi does a brilliant job interspersing the personal vignettes with Alexander’s many military and political victories.  She conveys well his importance in world history and his personal feelings of emptiness despite all the victories.  These ideas induce the reader to consider what makes a life well-lived and fulfilling.  I recommend Demi’s Alexander the Great for ages 8 and up. 

Picture Books: Ladybugs (Fiction)

Everyone is familiar with the Eric Carle classic The Grouchy Ladybug. There are two other memorable fictional ladybug picture books worthy of checking out.  (For the best in non-fiction picture books on ladybugs, click HERE.)  The Very Lazy Ladybug and What the Ladybug Heard are ideal to accompany a study of ladybugs or to provide amusement during reading time.    

The Very Lazy Ladybug (ages 4-8) by Isobel Finn 

The very lazy ladybug loves to sleep all day and all night.  One day, she decides she wants to sleep somewhere else, but she is so lazy she never learned to fly.  As a kangaroo bounces by, the lazy ladybug hops in his pouch.  Unable to rest with all the jumping around, she hops unto the back of a tiger who she realizes is too noisy for a good restful snooze!  The cause-effect narrative follows a similar framework as this sample encounter: 

So when a bear ambled by… (turn page)  she hopped onto his ear. 

But the bear liked to scratch!
“I can’t sleep here,” said the lazy ladybug.

“He'll never sit still."

The lazy beetle tries out several different animals until, finally, she lands on an elephant’s trunk.  The elephant sneezes and knocks her into the air…causing her to finally fly!   The eye-catching illustrations are rich in color and full of action.  Several adorable animals are highlighted on the ladybug’s journey into her first flight. 

This book has many teachable moments—animal identification, animal habits, onomatopoeia, action verbs, alliteration, and cause-effect.  My favorite activity though for this story is practicing predicting skills.  As the ladybug encounters each new animal, children can guess what might happen or why the ladybug won’t want to stay.  The Very Lazy Ladybug (by Tiger Tales Publishing) is an exuberant classroom or family read aloud. 

What the Ladybug Heard (ages 3-6) by Julia Donaldson 

Once upon a time on a farm…

The cow said, “Moo!”

and the hen said “Cluck!”

“Hiss!” said the goose

and “Quack!” said the duck.

“Neigh! Said the horse.

“Oink!” said the hog.

“Baa!” said the sheep.

“Woof!” said the dog.

And one cat meowed while the other one purred…

and the ladybug never said a word. 

                                

This playful rhyming poetic sequence is repeated two more times, inviting listener participation and learning of animals sounds.  The silent ladybug saves the day, though, as two thieves come up with a seemingly cunning plot to steal a prize winning cow from the farm.  Seeing and hearing their plan, she rushes away and yells her first word:  “Help!”  She alerts the farm animals of the thieves’ intended path to snatch the cow and comes up with a shrewd strategy of her own which she whispers to each animal.  As the thieves make their way through the dark night, they rely on their ears and the animals' sounds to guide them.  The animals outsmart them though by trading noises, leading the thieves into the duck pond (instead of the prize winning cows’ barn) where they are caught by the farmer (and eventually the police). 

As previously mentioned, the story teaches animal sounds in a fun rhythmic manner.  Youngster can also practice identifying farm animals and poetic devices (rhyme and alliteration).  Readers will enjoy What the Ladybug Heard for its clever humor, rhythmic text, and cheerful illustrations.

LadyBug Activities and Lesson Plans

Across the Curriculum Activities and Lesson from First School

Crafts, Games, and Other Activities from Danielle's Place

Multiple Links to Ladybug Activities

Lesson Plans for K-6 from Lost Ladybug

Ladybug Strawberry Craft or Treat

Awesome Ladybug Cookie Recipe and Other Activities from Almost Unschoolers

Activities and Poem from The Adventures of Bear Blog

Learning Ideas from Storytime and More

Life Cycle Sequencing Cards

Saturday Spotlight: Nancy Carlson (A Favorite Author)

My favorite librarian introduced me to Nancy Carlson’s books several months ago.   Not only did my son (and I) enjoy them the first time we read all the available ones in the local library, but again and again, he checks out one or more on our weekly library trips.  Some of her books are narrative while others are instructional.  Ms. Carlson uses memorable characters (both animal and children) to depict life lessons and to teach social skills. 

The stories are ideal for early readers and young listeners.  There are only 1-2 lines on a page using basic vocabulary, allowing for students to feel prompt success.  The plot lines and characters are entertaining and relatable which will prompt children to go back to them over and over.  The target audience for these picture books is ages 4-9. 

Loudmouth George Earns His Allowance, Henry’s Amazing Imagination, and Think Big are examples of her narratives.

Loudmouth George Earns His Allowance 
Loudmouth George spends the weeks relaxing and hanging out.  When his best friend calls to invite him to the movies, George learns he has to do a week's worth of chores to earn the money to go. Still trying to get out of his duties, he enlists his siblings to do them.  Unfortunately, they causes a bigger mess and more work for him.  He learns the hard way that taking short cuts often leads to bigger problems.

Henry’s Amazing Imagination  
Henry loves using his imagination!  During  show and tell, he shares about his experiences with big fish, green aliens, and colossal snowmen until he is called a big fibber by one of his classmates.  His teacher encourages him to write his imaginative stories down, which he enthusiastically does.  Now, show and tell is boring without Henry's tall, exhilarating tales.  Then, he gets an idea on how to make show and tell exciting again without being a fibber. 

Think Big! 
Because Vinney is short, he is often the object of ridicule and jokes at school.   His mother encourages him to "Think big."  The next morning, he begins to turn things around, showing his quick wit and cleverness.  Soon he is using  his small stature and his unique talents to make a positive name for himself amongst his peers.  Vinney learns he can be "big" even if he isn't very tall.   

How to Lose All Your Friends, Think Happy, and Get Up and Go are samples of her instructional books. 

How to Lose All Your Friends 

Children will see first-hand how pushing in line, grabbing all the toys, and whining for treats will quickly alienate everyone in their paths!  Using ironic and lighthearted humor and active illustrations the consequences of bullying, tattle-telling, and selfishness are depicted.  The book provides an excellent opportunity for discussing how these behaviors affect others as well as how to be a good friend.

Think Happy 

Feeling sad is a common emotion.  Staying sad isn’t necessary though.  This selection offers lots of exuberant pictures and advice on how to make your own happiness.  Suggestions vary from asking for help to throwing a party to being friendly.  Happy thoughts and kind actions can turn any frown up-side down!

Get Up and Go 

People come in different shapes and sizes—which is normal.  Everyone needs to take care of his body though.  The benefits of exercise are given in a accessible manner.  Children exercise helps them become better sports, make new friends, see amazing places, and keep the body healthy.  Numerous energetic pictures show animal characters skating, batting, biking, hiking, boating, and more.   Readers will want to get up and go! 

Nancy Carlson has written nearly 50 children’s books!  Visit her website to see a complete list of her titles. 

Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

Summary of Catching Fire:  

From the Barnes and Noble website

Against all odds, Katniss Everdeen has won the annual Hunger Games with fellow district tribute Peeta Mellark.  But it was a victory won by defiance of the capital and their harsh rules.  Katniss and Peeta should be happy.  After all, they just won for themselves and their families a life of safety and plenty.  But there are rumors of rebellions among the subjects, and Katniss and Peeta, to their horror are the faces of that rebellion.  The Capital is angry.  The Capital wants revenge. 

Evaluation: 

As soon as I finished The Hunger Games, I was anxious to begin Catching Fire, the sequel.  Suzanne Collins is a master storyteller.  She brings her dystopian world to life in a dynamic way.  The narrative is highly creative and engrossing.  Throughout the book, I was on the edge of my seat wondering—what is going to happen to Katniss, Peeta, and Gale, and most importantly, who is Katniss going to end up with. 

The Hunger Games prompted me to think, and I enjoyed the character dimensions that are explored.  Collins’ characterization is consistent and credible between the novels.  Unfortunately, she does not genuinely delve into the characters any deeper in Catching Fire.  I would have liked to see more facets to them.

The book continues the motifs of self-absorption and excess in the Capital while the districts suffer from want and hunger.  This discrepancy, along with Katniss’ visible rebellion, prompts the districts and others to begin the surge of defiance that has been lying dormant, waiting for an opportunity.  Collins carries the motifs over from The Hunger Games.   She does not introduce new ones or significantly expand the previous ones.  I felt there is less literary “meat” to Catching Fire. 

Despite library and school recommendations to the contrary, I suggest the Hunger Games series for ages 13 and up.  The content is too heavy for younger readers.  Another aspect to consider is that while the books temper the desciptiveness of the violence and it ultimately is meant to be a lesson in totalitarianism, soon there will be movies depicting all of it.  Reading something and seeing it are very different experiences.  If you allow younger children to read the books in this series, they are going to want to see the movies.  I have no doubt the films will be as graphic as possible while still being within a PG-13 realm.  Today, PG-13 violence can be pretty intense.  Aside from the movie aspect, I strongly caution parents to read the books themselves and carefully consider the appropriateness for children under 13. 

Like The Hunger Games, Catching Fire is a action-packed page turner you will not want to miss!  I have already excitedly started the final book in the series--Mockingjay. 

Picture Book: Thunder Rose by Jerdine Nolen

Summary of Thunder Rose:  

On a summer night during a fierce thunder storm, a lively baby is born.  Rather than cry out while taking her first breath of life, she sits up and takes hold of the lightning and thunder.  Then, she tells her parents she is partial to the name Rose, so they call her Thunder Rose.  Full of spunk, determination, and confidence, Thunder Rose accomplishes everything she sets out to do.  She amazes her parents by drinking her milk while holding up a cow, creating objects with scrap metal, staking a fence without assistance, and building a sky scraper—all before the age of ten!  At the age of 12, she single-handedly takes down the leader of a pack of 2700 wild cattle with her quick wit and song, making them a part of her family’s herd on their Old West ranch.  Later that year, as she drives those cattle to market in Abilene, she utilizes some spare metals rods she always carries to lasso a gang of desperadoes and deliver them to a local jail.  During the long journey, the air is so dry and sour that she lassos a cloud in an attempt to squeeze some rain out of it.  The cloud fights back and develops into a vicious double tornado which Thunder Rose successfully placates  with a sweet melody.  Finally, “a soft, drenching-and-soaking rain” falls as she journeys on to Abilene.  Rose realizes the power of the music of her heart.  Stories of her amazing abilities spreads like wildfire throughout the West.

Evaluation:

Jerdine Nolen’s Thunder Rose is a feisty protagonist.  She knows nothing of fear or failure.  She is determined and creative in her problem solving and daily activities.  The plot is full of action and playful exaggeration. The picturesque watercolor illustrations (by Kadir Nelson) capture the beauty of the landscape and the daring spirit of Thunder Rose.  This tall tale inspires and amuses. 

Teaching Opportunities:
Use this Guide for your activities and lesson plans.  It includes links, figurative language, vocabulary, and across the curriculum ideas.  Also, click on these resources Tall Tale Chart  and Figurative Language Worksheet.