Genre 2: Traditional Literature

Bibliography


Ketteman, Helen. 1997. Bubba the Cowboy Prince: A Fractured Texas Tale. Ill by. James Warhola. New York, NY: Scholastic Press. ISBN 0-590-25506-1.

Plot Summary

This "Fractured Texas Tale" is a variation of the Cinderella story we have read and enjoyed over the years. For a change, we are introduced to Bubba who is treated like the often cliched "stepchild." He lives on a ranch with his evil stepfather and lazy, mean stepbrothers Milton and Dwayne. Bubba is often taunted by his stepfamily because he is always dirty and smelly. He is always in this disheveled condition because he works from sun up to sun down on three ranches with no help from the others. He is the dutiful son who never complains about being misused and the only thing he gets from the three men is criticism. But Bubba's life on the ranch changed one day. There was talk of a ball in honor of pretty Texan Miz Lurleen who is in search of a rancher to wed. Invitations are sent out to the ranchers, so of course Bubba's stepfather and stepbrothers will anxiously attend. Bubba helped them to prepare for the ball and sadly watched them leave. He told them that he wished to go as well, but they told him that he wasn't worth going to the ball because he was just a filthy, foul smelling ranch hand. Sadly he rode off and was soon thrown off of his horse by a bolt of lightening. Then appeared who became Bubba's "fairy god cow." With the help of his fairy, Bubba became attired in the best of of cowboy's clothes and he was also given a beautiful horse to ride on to the ball. Even after his transformation, things still would not be so easy for Bubba. Before he departed, the fairy god cow told him that he must leave the ball before midnight because he would be changed back into the old rancher that everyone knew. Bubba made it to the ball and finally got his chance to dance with Miz Lurleen. No one recognized this handsome guy at first but right when Bubba was having the time of his life, the clock struck midnight. In the blinking of an eye, the old Bubba was back. He quickly left the ball, but not before he lost one of his new shiny boots. Miz Lurleen was so taken with this rancher in spite of his appearance, that she went all around town in search of the one who lost his boot. Noone could fit the boot and Miz Lurleen had just about given up until Bubba rides up with only one boot on his foot. Miz Lurleen not only finds her prince, but she finds true happiness.

Critcical Analysis

The dialect used by Ketteman is humorous and reminiscent of true Texas style. When Miz Lurleen says, "I aim to find myself a feller," and after his makeover Bubba says, "Why I look downright purty," we are reminded of that infamous Texas drawl that many Southerners can't seem to rid themselves of. But is this a bad thing? It absolutely is not! Furthermore, the sentiment for Bubba is felt throughout the book. We can't help but feel for Bubba when his brother Dwayne told him "Why, you're sorrier than a steer in a stockyard." The other brother Milton didn't help matters when he said, "Can you imagine Miz Lurleen dancing with the likes of you?" The word Miz used instead of Miss is another example of the dialect many Texans are guilty of using.

With traditional literature, we learn a lesson from the characters. Ketteman didn't disappoint in this fractured tale. The character's Bubba and Miz Lurleen further convinces us that no matter who we are, there will be someone in the world who will geniunely appreciate through and through. Readers are sympathetic to Bubba's plight and the author's heartfelt storytelling allows us to remain hopeful for Bubba's sake. Nevertheless, Bubba shows us not only unlikely ladies can be transformed into beautiful princesses, but "dirty ranch hands" can be changed into handsome princes too!

Before readers can open the book, their eyes are riveted to the beautiful, sparkling horse that carries a striking young man. The blue cover accentuates the rainbow colors surrounding the horse and this is only the beginning of the detailed pictures we see throughout the book. The author's depiction of the bucktook stepbrother Dwayne and the other potbellied brother Milton are really funny. What's even better is Miz Lurleen's blonde hair which is truly "as big as Texas!" But the best illustration is the one of Bubba and Miz Lurleen riding off into that beautiful Texas sized sun set to live their lives happily ever after!

Review Excerpts

Nebraska Golden Sower Award 2001
Readers Choice Award's list in 8 states
Starred review in Publisher's Weekly: "Rustler lingo and illustrations chockablock with Texas kitsch make this ranch-spun Cinder-fella a knee slappin' tale."
Starred review in Booklist: "With a male in the starring role, this charming and funny retelling may hold more appeal for young boys than the traditional version may."

Connections

This book can be used to help children pessimists believe that sometimes happily ever after does exist.
*Gather other books illustrated by James Warhola:
The Cave Time. ISBN 0-553-12790-X
The Mona Lisa is Missing. ISBN 0-553-27004-4
*A great classic that helps chidren see the happy ever after ending is the classic:
Hayes, Sarah. Hansel and Gretel. ISBN 0517615495
*Gather other picture books by Helen Ketteman:
Not Yet Yvette. ISBN 087557722
Armadilly Chili. ISBN 087504572

Genre 2: Retold Folktale

Bibliography

Kimmel, Eric A. 1991. The Greatest of All: A Japanese Folktale. Ill. by Giora Carmi. New York: Holiday House. ISBN 0-8234-0885-X.

Plot Summary

This Eric A. Kimmel's retold Japanese folktale is a story of how even mice look for the very best in life. We are introduced to Father Mouse, his wife, and his daughter Chuko, all of whom live outside perched high on the corner of an Emperor's palace. Father Mouse wears the best of clothes and thinks very highly of himself and exudes pride when his daughter Chuko mentions that she wants to marry one of their kind. But Father Mouse doesn't think of his daughter's choice, Ko Nezumi as one of them, but refers to him as a lowly "field mouse." To prove to Chuko that she could find a better husband, the elder mouse sets out to find his daughter's perfect match. He first goes to his Emperor who surprisingly tells Father Mouse, "I cannot marry Chuko. There is one who is greater than I." He tells him the one that is even greater than him is the Sun. Father Mouse finds the Sun and tells it of his wish for his daughter. The Sun tells him the same thing as Emperor Osama-san told him. Father Mouse meets this same fate with the Clouds, the Wind, and the Wall until he finally reaches Ko Nezumi, the "humble field mouse" and Chuko's first choice. It is then agreed that Chuko and Ko Nezumi are married with her father, mother, the elements, and the wall present to see.

Critical Analysis

From the beginning of the story until the end, the author's use of anthropomorphism is evident. Readers can see this on the fifth page when Chuko refers to her suitor by saying "a handsome field mouse came by today. His name is Ko Nezumi. He wishes to marry me, but he is too shy to ask your permission. Please say yes..." How many times have we read about or better yet, witnessed this scenario with our family and friends? That would be countless times! Moreover, we didn't hear much from Ko Nezumi and although he was a static character, he played a very important role in the story. When Father Mouse finally reached he door of the Wall, in surprise Ko Nezumi only said,"Father Mouse!" This further confirms that the description of Ko Nezumi as a "humble field mouse," is truly apt.

Kimmel keeps the reader interested by having them to wonder who could possibly be the "best" for Chuko. The language is easily understood and the elements and the wall personified, added to the realness of the story told. As these things attended Chuko's wedding to Ko Nezumi, they uttered what many say people say at weddings, "they make a handsome couple." Finally, even though there is a happy ending for Chuko and Ko Nezumi, the reader may still be left to ask themselves if Father Mouse was humbled in any way by his journeys and most importantly through is acqaintance with his "humble" son in law, Ko Nezumi.

Kimmel also manages to beautifully dress a gray mouse. Father mouse wears colorful "silk from the emperor's wardrobe" and wears clogs on his feet too. The readers also see Chuko wearing a very pretty Asian robe. The elements, which are the Sun, the Clouds, and the Wind, are presented in a grand, brightly painted fashion. Lets not forget the Wall because it is bricked in pretty colors as well. We first see the Emperor's beautiful robe on the jacket of the book and the pictures get even prettier inside. It's almost like the illustrator has a liking for things with an orange tone.

Review Excerpts

Starred Review in Booklist: "Carmi's earthly elements are ferocious, yet friendly, and Kimmel's Father Mouse is comical rather than tragic."
Starred Review in Horn Book Magazine: Simply told, with a charming haiku from the emperor for a wedding present."

Connections

This is a great book that reminds us of the importance of humility.

*Gather other books illustrated by Giora Carmi:
The Rooster Prince. ISBN 09343706459
A Journey to Paradise and Other Jewish Tales. ISBN 0943706165

*Other books relating to the story in The Greatest Of All: A Japanese Folktale and by which this tale is based is: Uchida, Yochiko. The Dancing Kettle. ISBN 0887390145

*Another variation of Kimmel's retold Japanese folktale is: McDermott, Gerald. Stonecutter. ISBN 0140502890

Genre 2: Folk Literature Collections

Bibliography

Schwartz, Alvin. 1992. And the Green Grass Grew All Around: Folk Poetry From Everyone. Ill. by Sue Truesdell. Harper Collins Publishers. ISBN 0060227575

Plot Summary

And the Green Grass Grew All Around:Folk Poetry From Everyone is a book of folk literature collections from many different people, from many walks of life. It includes selections of poetic songs, rhymes and riddles. There are 15 selections that will remain apart of the reader's memory for a time to come. These selections can also make any classroom become alive with enthusiasm and will definitely have children eager to sing "what's next?"

Critical Analysis

The language used by Schwartz is understandable, cheerful, and comical. Readers and listeners can easily follow along with the flowing storylines of poetry. To read the lines, "When God gave out noses, I thought he said "roses," So I asked for a big red one. When He handed out legs, I thought he said "kegs," So I asked for two big round ones." To see the picture along with this rhyming riddle will surely get a laugh. The sure to come rhymes in this book helps us to "celebrate the vitality and originality of everyday language."

When one thinks of picture books, they usually think about colorful, sometimes elaborate illustrations. But in this book, the illustrator, Sue Truesdell, gives us wonderful pictures in black and white. The pictures aren't colorful in hues but they are colorful in expression. The people, animals, and objects displayed often give humorous expressions, which helps to add even more delight to the message. The collections of funny pictures and lines like on page 101, which said "Stella, Stella, dressed in black, Sat down on a carpet tack, Jumped right up and hollered, "Hell!" How many times did Stella yell? 1, 2, 3...," is apart of a book that is a true classic. It is a classic because the more than 200 enjoyable poems included will be read and reread by many for years to come.

*Since this book is a collection of folk poetry, I have chosen one selection out of the book to briefly review: Riddles

Plot Summary

Riddles is the tenth installation in the book, And the Green Grass Grew All Around: Folk Poetry From Everyone. It includes 15 cleverly worded folk rhymes that require the reader to "think on your feet." This cliche lives up to it's saying because the riddles aren't very easy to solve. Furthermore, these riddles have been shared from many sources and varied in content.

Critical Analysis

The riddles are fun and truly get the reader involved. Some of the riddles are short, like "many eyes, never cries," some are long like the fourteenth one. Some of the rhyming riddles are simple, yet thought provoking. Once we read them and reread them to try and get the answer without peeking, we finally realize that, "In the beginning I seem mysterious, But in the end I am nothing serious." The answer is simply: a "riddle"!

There were quirky illustrations to go along with the riddles. They didn't offer many clues, but they added to the humor of the riddles. The illustrations were simple and appropriate. Take for instance the picture and lines on page 8: "Jerry Hall Is so small, A mouse could eat him Hat and all." The picture of small Jerry suspended in the air by the big mouse was very fitting.

Review Excerpts

Notable Childrens Books of 1993 (ALA)

Children's Books of 1992 (Library of Congress)

Starred review in Horn Book Magazine: "Full of vigorous, swinging rhythms and funny...sentiments, the pages are filled with well known rhymes as well as new discoveries."

Starred review in School Library Journal: "A marvelous book that is sure to become a classic if children have any say in the matter."

Connections

This is a wonderful book of folk rhymes that allows people to relate to one another because noone is excluded from these amusing rhymes.

*Gather other books illustrated by Sue Truesdell:

Addie's Bad Day. ISBN 0064441830

How to Talk to Your Dog. ISBN 0060270934

*Another book written by Alvin Schwartz that can be enjoyed is:

Busy Buzzing Bumblebees and Other Tongue Twisters. ISBN 0060252693

*Another book with black and white illustrations by Alvin Schwartz:

Gold and Silver, Silver and Gold: Tales of Hidden Treasure. ISBN 0374326908

Genre 1: Caldecott Award Winning Picture Books

Bibliography

Juster, Norton. The Hello, Goodbye Window. Ill. by Chris Raschka. ISBN 0-7868-0914-0

Plot Summary

The story in book, The Hello, Goodbye Window, speaks of the wonderful bond between grandparents and grandchildren. We follow a young child while she is visiting her grandparent's home. At "Nanna's and Poppy's house," what she affectionately calls them, there is a "hello and a goodbye window" that bonds the family. So many things are shared through this window and many of the child's life's joy comes by simply seeing Grandma smile or watching the stars at night through this wonderful window. Either coming or going, the child knows that there will be a great experience never to be forgotten viewed out of this the kitchen window. The only sad feeling the child feels is when she has to leave to go home.

Critical Analysis

Norton Juster helps to convince the reader what most of us already know: that family ties are important in children's lives. In this book, happiness is spread all over the pages. Be it through hugs, shaing breakfast, or listening to Grandpa play the Harmonica, we can feel the love this family shares radiating through the pages. The book brings the reader back in time to when they were eager to visit their grandparents home because there would definitely be a treat, a hug, and a warm, smiling face awaiting them.

The illustrations make the reader almost feel as if they were apart of this caring family. A sense of true contentment between them is realized by the always cheerful faces of the characters. Juster's use of imagery helps make this story of family bonding unforgettable.

Review Excerpts

Caldecott Award 2006

Boston Globe-Horn Book Honor award

Starred review in School Library Journal: "Perfect for lapsharing, this book will find favor with children and adults alike."

Starred Review in Publishers Weekly: "Juster crafts a cozy portrait of a grandchild and her grandparents in this endearing book, illustrated in paintbox colors..."

Connections

*This book will be enjoyed by children because it will remind them of the exciting times spent at their grandparent's home.

*Another book that speaks of a grandparent's love:

Grandmother and I. Helen E. Buckley and Jan Ormerod. ISBN 068812531x

* Gather other books by Norton Juster:

The Pantom and Tollbooth. ISBN 0394820371

The Dot and the Line. ISBN 1587170663

Genre 1: Picture Book Illustrations

Bibliography

Willems, Mo. 2004. Knuffle Bunny. Ill. by Mo Willems. New York: Hyperion Books for Children. ISBN 078681870-0

Plot Summary

Mo Willem's picture book, Knuffle Bunny, is a story of a family of 3, really 4 if we add Knuffle Bunny. There is Mom, Dad, and Trixie. Trixie and her dad leave mom behind to go to the laundromat. They walk through the busy neighborhood and finally reach their destination. Once there, they place the laundry in the washer, even though everything isn't intended to be washed. It is only after Dad and Trixie leave that Trixie realizes that her beloved companion is missing. She tries to explain to Dad what has happened, but he ignores her until she becomes very dramatic in trying to explain the mysterious disappearance of her bunny. Amidst much misunderstanding, they reach home and before anyone can say anything, Mom sees that Trixie is not holding her bunny. They hurry back to the laundromat and after much "spinning" and looking, dad produces what Trixie had begun to miss within only a few minutes. It is then when Trixie's babble is finally recognized and a name is given to the lost family member: Knuffle Bunny. Even though mom is a flat character in the book, she plays an important role in the book and shows us that mom can always make things better!

Critical Analysis

Knuffle Bunny was a delightful story of the normal, sometimes chaotic occurrences we experience in our homes. What was supposed to be an uneventful trip to the laundromat by Dad and daughter, turned into a dramatic episode of a father not understanding his child. Because of this, the child acted out and didn't stop until she got what she wanted. How many times have we seen this type of scene in a grocery store alone? It reminds us of how very important it is for not only mothers, but fathers to listen to their children. Very often, children are trying to convey a message and it is necessary for parents to always listen.

The actual pictures in the book added even more "realness" to the message of the story. The pictures jumped out at the reader and allowed them to become deeply engrossed in the book. The story ended far too soon!

Review Excerpts

Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Children's Video

Caldecott Honor 2005

ALA Notable Book 2005

School Library Journal Book of the Year

Kirkus Reviews Editors Choice 2004

Starred Review in the Horn Book Guide: "The playful retro-style illustrations, in which cartoon characters are digitally incorporated into sepia-toned photos, complement the simple, satisfying story."

Starred Review in Publishers Weekly: "Willems once again demonstrates his keen insight with a story both witty and wise."

Connections

*The book can be used as an example of the importance of parents listening to their children and how children should be patient when explaining a problem to their parents.

*Other books abou children and family:

Kagan, Richard. Real Life Heros: A Life Storybook for Children. ISBN 07890-2164-1

Feiffer, Jules. The Daddy Mountain. ISBN 0786809124

*Gather other books by Mo Willems:

I Love My New Toy. ISBN 1423109619

I Will Surprise My Friend. ISBN 1423109627

Genre 1: Picture Book Creations

Bibliography

Cummings, Pat. 1992. Talking With Artists. New York: Bradbury Press. ISBN 0-02-724245-5

Plot Summary

"Talking With Artists" is a compilation of personal experiences shared through conversation by children's book illustrators. These illustrators share with readers some of what inspires them to do what they love: paint pictures that tell a story. Although we learn only briefly about their childhoods, we an conclude that many of the illustrations were influenced in some way or other by someone or something in their young lives. It is evident that these illustrators are doing what moves them in life.

Critical Analysis

Pat Cummings depiction of the illustrators is almost as if they were sitting at my dining room table talking with me personally. The conversations seem to come from the heard and their sincerity is quite evident. Knowing soem of the aspects of their personal lives helps the reader to better understand the pictures that they paint and the stories these pictures so colorfully tell. It was interesting to see some of the illustrations, no matter how simple or elaboate, told a story. Without even looking at the description of the picture, the reader can create their own interpretation of the illustrations. Furthermore, Cummings interviews brought out the true sentiments of these wonderful illustrators.

Review Excerpts

Boston Globe-Horn Book Award
Starred review in Horn Book Guide: "An inspired concept, executed with class."
Starred review in Booklist: "The sunny dust jacket invites kids to sample the book's friendly, forthright conversations while the full-color reproduction will carry them right on through."

Connections

* This book is an excellent example of how children should be encouraged to do what they love and enjoy.
* One picture book for children that encourages children to make their wishes come true is:
Greenfield, Eloise. Daydreamers. ISBN 0803701675
* One book that encourages a child's creativity:
Gibson, Ray. What Shall I Draw. ISBN 0746020244
* Gather other books written and illustrated by Pat Cummings:
Angel Baby. ISBN 0688148220
Clean Your Room, Harvey Moon! ISBN 002725515