Genre 4: Orbis Pictus Award Winning Books

Bibliography

Bolden, Tonya. 2007. M.L.K.: Journey of a King. Book design by Celina Carvalno. ISBN 978-0-8109-5476-2

Plot Summary

Tonya Bolden's book, M.L.K.: Journey of a King, is a story about the life of well known civil right's activist, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Bolden writes about the journey of the Nobel Peace Prize winner starting from his infancy and ending with his assassination. She details how "M.L.," as he was affectionately called, was inspired to do great things even when he was frowned upon just for being Black. At an early age, the reader learns how M.L. became aware of the injustices that the Black race faced not only by witnessing their unconstitutional treatment, but by also experiencing this blatant hate for Blacks that often times turned brutal and violent. Not to be thwarted by the continued prejudices against the Black race, Dr. King dedicated his life to fighting for not only the equal rights of Blacks, but for equality among the entire human race. During his activism, this son, brother, husband, preacher, orator,writer, and friend walked many miles while being supported by his loving wife, Coretta Scott King and their four children Yolanda, Bernice, Dexter, and Martin Luther, III. While on his many journeys to fight for justice, Dr. King stopped and made speeches to 1000's of listeners. His best known speech, "I Have a Dream," was given in 1963 from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial In this riveting, historical speech, Dr. King speaks of the need for racial equality among Blacks and Whites and how they should be able to live in a world peacefully without the need for segregation. Also in this book, Bolden describes the friendships that Dr. King formed with many prominent Blacks we know today. The aliances he had with such people as Rosa Parks, who sparked the Bus Boycotts in the 60's, Rev Jesse Jackson, Andrew Young, Rev. Albernathy and many others activists during the Civil Right's Movement, helped to make M.L's vision for racial equality more attainable. However, this vision was cut short when he was killed by James Earl Ray on April 4, 1968.

Critical Analysis

Bolden takes the reader on an emotional journey through out the course of this book. She constructs the book in a way that's heartfelt and makes the reader wish for the "agape" love Dr. King constantly spoke of. Dr. King said this is the kind of love he had for people who persecuted him and his people. He said he had a "higher, harder love for them. A love that has nothing to do with liking a person, a love worthy of people who do you no good and even do you wrong. Agape says to see past a person's sins to the soul God loves." The chronologicl order of this touching story gives the reader a good understanding of the leader's life and the time line in the back of the book shares "selected moments from the context of M.L.'s life." It also provides many other occurrences that have contributed to people's adoration of this historical figure. Bolden is able to uplift the reader as they are learning about the agonies of Dr. King by including connotations of prayer. For example, M.L. says we should pray in times such as when Time Magazine named him "Man of the Year" and even be prayerful when "he was jailed for three days for a participating in a restaurant sit-in." The author's way of reminding us of Dr. King's spiritual connection with God and his non-violent approach to fighting for justice also helped to lift our spirits as she graciously retold the story of Dr. Kings short, legendary life.

From just the jacket of the book, we know that Bolden will reacqaint the reader with the powerful leader, Dr. M.L.K, Jr. His hand is stretched high as if he is embracing the world as he speaks about equal rights for everyone. The black and white pictures in the book speak volumes. Many of them are of the smiling, handsome face of M.L. with his family and they exude such warmth that in many instances, the reader may become emotional.

This is an excellent book to share with readers not only during periods such as Black History Month, but anytime examples of great leaders are needed.

Review Excerpts

Starred review in Voice of Youthh Advocates: "Bolden offers a captivating, exceptionally well researched portrait of Martin Luther king, Jr. giving readers a tantalizing glimpse of the ordinary, flawed human behind the often worshipped public persona."
Starred review in School Library Journal: "This portrait, rich in personal feeling and well endowed with direct, sometimes extended quotes, will leave readers with a strong, and perhaps inspiring sense of the passion and depth of Dr. King..."

Connections

*Gather other books about noted African Americans written by Tonya Bolden:
The Champ: The Story of Muhammad Ali. ISBN 0440417821
Rock of Ages: A Tribute to the Black Church. ISBN 0679894853
*Gather books written by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.:
A Testament of Hope: The Essential Writings and Speeches of Martin Luther King, Jr.
ISBN 0060646918
Strength to Love. ISBN 0800614410

Genre 4: Biographies

Bibliography

Freedman, Russell. 1999. Babe Didrikson Zaharias: The Making of a Champion. ISBN 0-395-63367-2

Plot Summary

In this book, Russell Freedman tells the story of the life of Babe Didrikson Zaharias. He gives an up close look at what made "Babe" the athlete she is known as today. Babe was born Mildred Didriksen in a Southeast Texas town called Beaumont. She was one of several children who were reared by hardworking parent who did their best to raise a family on their meager earnings. As a young child, when most girls were playing with dolls, Babe was climbing trees and hopping freight cars with the neighborhood boys. Because her strength and abilities matched that of the boys she often roughed it with, many people called Babe a tomboy. This teasing didn't bother her, but only seemed to fuel her desire to be the best at every sport imaginable. She played baseball, basketball, tennis, ran track, was an excellent swimmer, and skater. She was also a golfer, a sport she wasn't initially good at but eventually excelled in because of her perserverance. Because Babe was a woman and often told that she was participating in what should be only male dominated sports, she was more determined to break records and beat the odds. Her will to be the best won her Olympic medals and countless first place rankings in every sport she played. Even though she loved the attention she was getting from sport's enthusiasts, Babe never forgot about her family back in Texas. She often sent them most of the money she earned while playing professional sports and while she worked as a secretary. Over the years she also found love with George Zaharias, a popular wrestler who she had been paired with in hopes of learning to improve her golfing game. They later married and remained married although their union became rocky over the years because of his insecurities about Babe receiving more attention from the media than he did. During her years of continuing to put female athletes on the map, she also became friends with many celebrities such as Babe Ruth, her namesake, Bob Hope, and President and Mrs. Dwight D. Eisenhower. Moreover, just as others had helped to shape Babe's career, she was there to do the same for Betty Dodd. Betty was an up and coming athlete who reminded Babe a lot of herself at that age. These two formulated a close relationship and whenever the star sport's woman needed Betty, she was there. The bond they shared really helped Babe to fight the illnesses that untimately caused her death. Betty along with Babe's husband George, who took her sickness (cancer of the colon and lymph nodes) very hard, was there every step of the way. Even in her darkest hour, Babe was determined to fight to the very end. Babe's neverending fight to prove herself just as capable as any man when it comes to sport's is how most people remember her.

Critical Analysis

Freedman's book about the life of Babe Didrikson Zaharias was easygoing and light hearted. He allowed us to enjoy the successes of Babe as we read about her many achievements. Freedman's description of this energetic star athlete kept us wondering about what record Babe would break next. In this biography, the author gave the reader not just a glimpse but an in depth look into the many sides of Babe. We learned about her humble beginnings, her school career, where she was an excellent athlete, but just did average in her school work, and her overzealousness to tackle every sport invented, many played simutaneously. We even got to learn about the plain girl who hated frills and "was more interested in being cheered than in cheering others. Besides, she never wore jewelry, hated makep, and didn't care about fussy clothing." The reader also was able to enjoy the comedic side of Babe. She was once asked if there was any sport she didn't play and her quick witted response was "I don't play dolls."

How can one not fall for the smile that graced many of the black and white pictures of this book? There was a picture of Babe playing almost every sport she played and we can almost see how very much she enjoyed what she was doing. Babe tried her hand at acting and had small parts on Broadway, but only sports brought out the best in the medalist. Freedman's ability to show us the "hometown" girl at heart reminded us that it's always good to remember one's roots because it's often what helps keeps us grounded and focused on our goals and aspirations. Moreover, it is obvious that biographer Russell Freedman took great care in his research for the book because we were allowed a personal view of this historical sport's champion, Babe Didrikson Zaharias. On the other hand, it may be agreed that there was a closed ending to this story. The reader learned that she had a close friendship with Betty Dodd. When the relationship was described it was only said that they had a "close intimate friendship." This may cause some to wonder if there was more to the relationship between Babe and Betty than what was said.

Review Excerpts

School Library Journal Best Books of the Year 1999
American Library Association notable Books for Children 2000
NCTE Orbis Pictus Award (Nominated in 2000)

Starred Review in School Library Journal: "Animated writing and action photographs capture the energy and indomitable spirit of a true champion."
Starred Review in Publisher's Weekly: "This celebratory work gives readers a chance to cheer Zaharias' legendary life."

Connections

This book will help encourage young girls to follow through with their aspirations, even if they are discouraged to do it merely because of their gender.

*Gather other biographies by Russell Freedman:
Eleanor Roosevelt: A Life of Discovery. ISBN 0395845203
The Voice That Challenged a Nation: Marian Anderson and the Struggle for Equal Rights
ISBN 0618159762
*Gather other books about female athletes:
Peiroth, Doris H. Their Day in the Sun: Women of the 1932 Olympics. ISBN 0295975547
Kahn, Liz. The LPGA: The Unauthorized Version-The History of the Ladies Professional Golf Association. ISBN 0749514302

Genre 3: Verse Novels

Bibliography

Sones, Sonya. 2004. One of Those Hideous Books Where the Mother Dies. ISBN 0-689-85820-5

Plot Summary

One of Those Hideous books Where the Mother Dies, a book by author Sonya Sones, we learn about the ups and downs in the life of Ruby. In this Young Adult work of fiction, Ruby's beloved mother dies and she has no other choice but to move with her estranged father Whip Logan. Whip is an actor who is use to the high profile life that come with super stardom. However, Ruby hates that she will have to make a new life in Los Angeles and wishes that she could be back home with her Aunt Duffy, best pal Lizzie, and her gorgeous boyfriend Ray. While aboard the plane that will take her to her new life, Ruby tries to convince us that she's not depressed. But who wouldn't be depressed, not to mention upset, after having to leave the only life we've ever known to be with a father who left our mother before she even gave birth? After a long, eventful flight, Ruby finally meets her dad for the first time. He's happy to meet Ruby, but she is not in the forgetting or forgiving mood. Actually it's a long, bumpy road ahead for Ruby and Whip. This daughter, a product of a humble upbringing, isn't impressed with her new mansion of a house, and she is even less excited about her fancy new school. The only thing that's keeping Ruby from cracking up is her emails and sometimes infrequent phone calls to and from her family and friends back home. Furthermore, these things along with the emails she sends to her deceased mother, helps Ruby to adapt to her new life in L.A. She also finds a friend named Collette at her new school and an acquaintance named Max, who is Whip's assistant. Of all of her father's famous business associates and friends, Max is the only person that Ruby befriends because he is the only one who truly makes her feel welcome in her new surroundings. What's also frustrating to Ruby is her elective class "Dream Interpretations." In this class, students sit in a circle while holding hands and share the dreams they have experienced while in slumber. Ruby isn't too thrilled about the class expectations, but is relieved when she's not forced to share with the class. While trying to cope with a new school and trying to get use to her dad's sudden interest in her, Ruby is not feeling the love from back home. She has a reason to be feeling this void because she hasn't heard from Lizzie and Ray because they are now an item. Ruby is shocked, hurt, and feels once again that she has not lost only her mother, but two of the closest people to her. Nevertheless, this disappointment was a major breakthrough for Ruby. After she stopped feeling sorry for herself, she begin to listen to her father and she started to pay closer attention to her dreams. One particular dream that Ruby was able to remember was of her dead mother insistently telling her to get out of the house. Ruby heeded this advice and it saved her from being injured by a tree crashing through her bedroom window, which was caused by an earthquake. Ruby not only realizes that remembering dreams are sometimes important, not to mention lifesaving, but she also found out that her dad did want to play an active role in her life. Unfortunately, Ruby's mother didn't want Whip to be in his daughter's life and he didn't force the issue. Now to Ruby, everything makes sense. She was now able to move on with her new life with her father and with Max, who she finds out is her father's partner. Ruby accepts life as it is and is now ready to move forward in Los Angeles. She not only forgives her father, but she also finds it in her heart to forgive her friend Lizzie.

Critical Analysis

Sonya Sones definitely knows how to keep the attention of the Young Adult reader in this book. At times, the reader may find themselves laughing hysterically, becoming wide-eyed, or even cying. The author's ability ot play on the reader's emotions prove why this book is a true work of unforgettable verse. Sones' tone throughout the book is sympathetic to Ruby's plight and the light heartedness of the story kept the reader enthralled and wanting to keep turning the pages. From being taken down by the sad lines of Ruby saying "I didn't have mom's hand to hold, my heart flung itself up into my throat," to the funny nicknames of Ruby Dooby, Raymeo, and Lizanthamum that were used in communications, the reader is quickly brought right back up! Ruby describes her new bedroom by saying, "He stops in front of an oak door and whips it open to reveal--my bedroom." The "intended pun" of "whips" in the lines above keep this story interesting. Usually in the genre Poetry, the reader expects a continuous use of rhyme. This didn't occur in this story and surprisingly rhyme wasn't missed because the author was able to keep the reader's attention without it. The language used by Ruby and her friends almost reached the top at times, but when one thinks about it, like most teenagers, they probably say even worse. "What the ______?!" Many readers can probably fill in the blank with their own colorful term that they've used once or twice in their lifetime. This book will no doubt be enjoyed by Young Adult audiences and the only thing that could possibly be wrong with it is that it ended far too soon. Moreover, the book is almost 300 pages and can be easily read within a couple of hours!

Review Excerpts

Starred review in Kirkis Reviews: "Ruby's eventual adjustment and her rapprochement with her father...will come as no surprise to readers, but, hey--this is hollywooed after all, and sometimes a happy ending is exactly waht we need."

Starred Review in School Library Journal: "Ruby's story is gripping, enjoyable, and memorable."

Connections

*Teenagers most often have concerns about what they are experiences in life. This is a good book to suggest to them because it shows them that they are not alone in the world, but are like many other teenagers.

*Gather other books of verse associated with Sonya Sones: Sixteen: Stories About That Sweet and Bitter Birthday. ISBN 1-4000-5270-X and Love and Sex: Ten Stories of Truth. ISBN 0-689-83203-6

*Gather other books of poetry about the life of adolescents: Grandits, John. Blue Lipstick: Concrete Poems. ISBN 9780618851324

Frost, Helen. Diamond Willow. ISBN 9780374317768

*Another book that deals with the many emotions of a teenage: November, Deeana and Rosenberg, Liz. I Just Hope It's Lethal: Poems of Sadness, Madness, and Joy. ISBN 978061856452

Genre 3: Books of Poetry Continued

Bibliography

Grimes, Nikki. 1999. My Man Blue. Ill. by Jerome Lagarrigue. ISBN 0-8037-2326-1

Plot Summary

In Nikki Grimes book of poems, My Man Blue, the reader is introduced to Damon an initially cautious young boy and Blue, a man who is no stranger to tough times. They become acquainted in the neighborhood where Damon and his mother are now residing. Damon is immediately distrustful of Blue because he feels that he is a threat to the relationship he has with his mother. Damon is use to being the man of the house and having this dark, hard faced man interfere in their lives does not set well with the young boy. Damon "cirlcle, look him up and down and let Him know his grin's not winning points with me." But Damon changes his opinion of Blue when his mother assures him that "her old friend" will not present a problem in their lives. From this point on, Damon's trust in Blue grows and they take on an almost father-son relationship. Because Blue has already lost his son Zeke to the mean streets, he is determined to save Damon from the same fate by being his protector and mentor. Whether it's Blue guiding him up a tree while insisting that he won't let the boy fall or if it's a one-on-one game of basketball, Damon knows that he will always be able to count on his new friend. Blue's words of wisdom such as "Fears useless otherwise," and "Anger is a waste," makes Damon believe that he can conquer the world. From the time that he spends with Blue and the lessons he has learned about life and the streets, Damon says that he will be "Like Blue," the "one who says he cares and shows it."

Critical Analysis

Grime's ability to write and have the reader feel her emotions is evident in the poetic pieces of My Man Blue. The character's Damon and Blue are real and Damon's use of first- person point of view throughout the book evoke feelings of closeness from the reader. When Damon says "I grab her wrists til she calms down," the reader can't help but applaud and want nothing but the best for the young boy. His refusal to retaliate against the young girl who is provoking him on the playground is an excellent example of how Damon is learning to make good decisions. These collections of individually titled poems doesn't show much rhyme, but examples of alliteration are present in many lines of the poem. Blue's hands show that he has experienced much in his lifetime and the lines, "thumbs tipped with work-proud callouses," tell us just how much hard work Blue has endured. Moreover, Grimes' use of imagination to create this story in order to express some of her personal feelings is canny and proves that this is a true work of poetry.

The illustrations in the book by Jerome Lagarrigue are dark, yet true to life. The intricate details of Blue's strong face and muscular stature allow us to see the strong willed man that Damon wishes to be like. The neighborhood pictures and even more so, the clearness and vividness of the shots for "Class Bully," may bring some readers back to their days growing up. A very touching part of the poems occurs when Damon isn't taken by the taunts of the nieghborhood kids. He shows that he's a "man" by responding "if I take care of my mom so what? She takes care of me." Damon's rejoinder to being called a "Mama's boy" would make any hard working mother proud.

This is an excellent book to share with children, particularly young boys who are faced with many adversities in life. This book shows that in spite of, we don't have to be victims of our surroundings, especially when we have someone who geniunely cares in our corner.

Review Excerpts

A Booklist Editor's Choice

Marion Vannett Ridgway Award

Society of School Librarians International Honor Book

Starred review in Publisher's Weekly: "Though each of these accomplished poems could easily stand alone, together they form an enticing story."

Starred review in Booklist: "Lagarrigues strong realitic acrylic paintings show the poignant connection between the needy child and the gentle, heavily built man in the dangerous neighborhood..."

Connections

*Another book of poetry for children about hope and beating the odds is: Heard, Georgia. This Place I Know: Poems of Comfort. ISBN 0763619248

*Gather other books illustrated by Jerome Lagarrigue, winner of the Coretta Scott King Award. Look at how he bring to life another African American family in: Going North. ISBN 978-0-374-32681-4

Genre 3: Book of Poetry

Bibliography


Prelutsky, Jack. 1995. For Laughing Out Louder: More Poems to Tickle Your Funnybone. Ill. by Marjorie Priceman. ISBN 0-679-87063-6


Plot Summary


Jack Prelutsky's book, For Laughing Out Louder: More Poems to Tickle Your Funnybone, is a collection of many funny poems. This second installment to, For Laughing Out Loud: Poems to Tickle Your Funnybone, includes poetry from well known writers from Prelutsky himself to Eve Merriam and even anonymous writers. There are enough poems under this title to keep listerners involved and eager to hear more. Moreover, these silly rhymes will do just what the title says: "tickle your funnybone!"


Critical Analysis


Prelutsky's simple verses make this book easily understood by it's readers. Some of the verses talk about "smelly feet," but no matter what the sometimes crass details are, these rhyming lines will have something to offer the many tastes of children and perhaps even older readers. "Hairless hippopotamus" is an example of the many instances of alliteration throughout the poems. The continuous flow of words never disappoints because from the beginning, the reader knows that there will be a rhyming delight that's sure to please. Although the poems are plentiful in this book, their ability to keep the reader's attention makes it possible to read every single line over and over again.



Marjorie Priceman's illustrations are very fitting for the verses they describe. The pictures are very colorful and can elicit a laugh without the reader ever reading the poem that accompanies it. There are many hilarious pictures to enjoy, but Priceman's depiction of "Big Bert" as he sits on a cushion has to be the best. "I'm much too fat," moaned he. "Who else could be so miserable?" The cushion answered, "me." To see Big Bert sitting on a frowning, obviously uncomfortable cushion, makes Priceman's illustration "priceless"....yes pun intended! Every hue imaginable is used to paint the illustrations, which allows the reader to enjoy even more of the colorful lines and color pictures that highlight every page.


Review Excerpts


*Starred review in Booklist: "There's plenty of silliness in wordplay and situation to show kids that language can be fun."
*Starred review in School Library Journal: "Priceman's elongated watercolor cartoons decorate the pages and reinforce the humor."


Connections


*If there is an audience of children who do not mind sometimes gross humor, this book is a good choice.
*Gather other books of poetry by Jack Prelutsky: The Frogs Wore Red Suspenders.
ISBN 978-0-688-16719-6 and It's Raining Pigs and Noodles ISBN 978-0-06-029194-5
*Gather another book illustrated by Marjore Priceman: Things That Sometimes Happen: Very Short Stories for Little Listeners. ISBN 0-689-83524-8

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