Our Eleanor: A Scrapbook Look at Eleanor Roosevelt's Remarkable Life by Candace Fleming

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Fleming, Candace. (2005). OUR ELEANOR: A SCRAPBOOK LOOK AT ELEANOR ROOSEVELT'S REMARKABLE LIFE. NY: Simon & Schuster.  ISBN 0689865449

PLOT SUMMARY

Arranged appealingly in a scrapbook fashion, Fleming candidly details the extraordinary life of Eleanor Roosevelt, who is perhaps America’s most famous First Lady.  To maintain reader interest, she fills the book from cover to cover with numerous personal photos, newspaper clippings, vintage pictures, and an abundance of Eleanor’s own correspondence.  By sharing her tragedies, insecurities, personal triumphs, and viewpoints on life, this intriguing book presents Eleanor as a living, breathing woman who was much more than just the President’s wife.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

As an acclaimed biographer, Fleming is known for her honesty and respectfulness.  Her award-winning biographies which include The Great and Only Barnum, Amelia Lost, The Lincolns , and Ben Franklin's Almanac demonstrate her great attention to factual detail.  The lengthy source notes found in Our Eleanor attest to the fact that this book is no exception.  Quotations from chapters are carefully documented so that readers can easily locate the information if necessary.  To truthfully portray the First Lady, Fleming examined Eleanor’s own personal papers housed at the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Library.  These included private letters, childhood diaries, and magazine articles. 

Although she was privy to a wealth of intimate information, Fleming’s point of view remains unbiased.  This is especially evident in the sidebar titled, “Was She or Wasn’t She?” in which she discusses speculation regarding Eleanor’s sexuality.  In addition, she is quite frank in sharing Eleanor’s personal views.  From one of Eleanor’s letters dated around 1920, she quotes Eleanor as saying, “I’d rather be hung than seen at a gathering that was mostly Jews.”  To show that this wasn’t just a passing statement, Fleming also reveals this statement from 1939, “there may be a need for curtailing the ascendancy of the Jewish people.”  Readers might be shocked to hear such words from Eleanor, but Fleming shares these statements to humanize Eleanor.  Although such views are now considered “racist,” they were widely accepted by many Americans during this particular era.   

The book is organized chronologically around particular themes such as Eleanor’s childhood in “Sad Little Nell,” her growing independence in “Self Discovery” and her life as the President’s wife in “A First Lady Like No Other.”  The Table of Contents allows readers to pick and choose particular themes by chapter.  Below each title is a brief, but enticing quote from Eleanor to give readers a preview of what to expect inside.  A reader interested in Eleanor’s activities after leaving the White House might only be interested in the chapter entitled “First Lady of the World,” whose quote is most inviting - “I had few definite plans, but I knew there were certain things I did not want to do.  I did not want to run an elaborate household again.  I did not want to cease being useful in some way.  I did not want to feel old.”  Readers will find the index particularly useful since Eleanor was a very public figure associated with many people and involved in numerous activities and organizations.   Other useful access features include a family tree, a timeline of Eleanor’s life, photographs, cartoons, and newspaper clippings.

It is extremely apparent that great care was taken in the design of this book.  Even the seemingly simple title of Our Eleanor urges readers to think of this legendary individual as “one of us.”  If that doesn’t work, then perhaps the faded color photograph on the front cover will.  Most people know Eleanor Roosevelt only through black and white photographs.  But Fleming presents this rare color photograph of a smiling Eleanor with sparkling blue eyes to immediately remind readers that she was indeed a “real” person.  Placing Eleanor’s story on light tan colored pages and adding framed titles, sidebars, and pictures creates a very dramatic scrapbook effect.  It actually feels as if one is flipping through an old photograph album.  In this unique biographical format, pictures and text complement each other beautifully through the precise selection and placement of photographs, sidebars, and other memorabilia.  

Fleming’s writing style can best be described as a smooth flowing narrative sprinkled with noteworthy quotes.   The unique scrapbook effect makes individual stories “just right” in length and quantity of information.  Although each page may contain more than one story, the concise text ensures that readers never have to flip the page to continue reading.  For example, the story about Franklin’s first inauguration day takes up merely one-third of a page, so that Fleming can include a vintage photograph of the actual swearing-in ceremony.  Fleming’s passion for her subject is evident in the extensive research and coverage of this famous American.  She skillfully collects interesting details which truly epitomize Eleanor as “one of us” – a woman struggling to find her own way of contributing to the world.  These expert touches clearly distinguish Fleming’s work from other biographers resulting in books that are entertaining, educational, and inspiring.

REVIEW EXCERPTS/AWARDS
ALA Notable Book
Best Book for Young Adults
Jefferson Cup winner,Virginia Library Association
Junior Library Guild Selection
New York Public Library 100 Titles for Reading and Sharing 2005
Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Medal Winner
Parent's Choice Gold Medal
Publisher's Weekly Best Book 2005
School Library Journal Best Book 2005

From Kirkus Reviews: (Ages 10-14) "An incredibly well-organized and thorough scrapbook...it will appeal to readers who only want to dip in and read what's interesting."

From School Library Journal: (Grades 4-8) "Fleming is honest, respectful, and astute throughout, addressing both successes and controversies with balance."

CONNECTIONS - Social Studies/American History

A MUST VIEW - in this short video clip, Candace discusses why she writes biographies: http://www.candacefleming.com/

Other book-related actitivies include:
1) Students may choose a particular topic from the book that they would like to learn more about.  Examples include: the Great Depression, Tuskeegee Airmen, the United Nations, the Bonus Marchers, Arthurdale, Japanese Internment Camps, Quadalcanal, etc...

Through a 5-10 minute presentation, students will share this new information with the class.  Encourage them to be creative in their presentations and allow a variety of formats such as slide shows, video, posters, etc...

2) Students may create a timeline of the major events in Eleanor's life.  Select a particular focus such as her personal life, her political life with FDR, or her public service. 

3) Students may select one of Eleanor's famous quotes to display on a small banner.  They will share with the class why they selected the quote and what it means to them.  Besides the quotes presented in the book, many more can be located at:
www.quotationspage.com/quotes/Eleanor_Roosevelt
www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/e/eleanor_roosevelt_3.html

BUTTON UP!: Wrinkled Rhymes by Alice Schertle

Bibliography
Schertle, Alice. (2009). BUTTON UP!: WRINKLED RHYMES. Ill. by Petra Mathers. NY: Harcourt Children's Books. ISBN 9780152050504

Plot Summary
In this offbeat collection of poetry, Schertle amusingly wonders, “If clothes could talk, what would they say?” She picks articles of clothing that young children can easily relate to - from jammies and galoshes to soccer jerseys and dress-up clothes.  Mathers adds an extra layer of playfulness to the lively text with her whimsical watercolor illustrations and adorable cast of critters. 

Critical Analysis
Using kid-friendly language and rhyme, the fifteen poems in this collection merge beautifully as a whole because Schertle’s topic is one that is familiar to both children and adults.  It’s easy to relate to a special hat, good-luck jersey, or favorite pair of jammies.  Each of these individual poems also maintains its own distinct personality.  This is due to the unique relationship between Schertle’s rhyming, kid-friendly language and Mathers’ animated watercolor illustrations.   In Bertie’s Shoelaces, the rhyme is simple and easy-going – “Good old Bertie/ he lets us hang around/ It doesn’t bother Bertie/ when we drag along the ground.”  Mathers enlivens the text by portraying the owner of the shoelaces as Bertie, an otter who is one cool dude complete with a Mohawk haircut, dark sunglasses, and pink tennis shoes.  With imaginative detail, Mathers also includes other fanciful characters such as alligators, pigs, and ostriches throughout the book.  Each one is hand-picked to best complement both the language and the mood of each individual poem.  

The collection also contains a variety of different rhythms.  There’s The Song of Harvey’s Galoshes whose musical beat fits perfectly to the tune of “If You’re Happy and You Know it.”  Kids will especially enjoy joining in on the chorus of “Squash-galosh, squash-galosh, through the slime/ Squash-galosh, squash-galosh, bet a nickel, bet a dime.”  In contrast, Bob’s Bicycle Helmet has a punchy staccato rhythm -“Bob’s on his bike/ and I’m on Bob/ I’m Bob’s helmet/ I’m on the job.”

In addition to rhythm and rhyme, Schertle also uses alliteration to make the poems even more appealing to readers.  Alliteration is present in the individual topics of poems such as Joshua’s Jammies, Jack’s Jersey, Tonya’s T-shirt and Bill’s Blue Jacket.  It can also be found within poems such as Clyde’s Costume which is “ghastly and ghoulish and ghostly.”  Although it is used sparingly, this alliteration also helps to pull the poems together into a cohesive collection.  

Schertle skillfully uses personification to bring each wrinkled article of clothing to life.  Through each verse, she conveys human feelings and emotions.  This is particularly evident in lines from Tanya’s Old T-Shirt – “I live in a bucket shoved under a stair/ They call me a dust rag!/ I don’t think it’s fair./ I’m still the same size as when I was new./ I didn’t shrink-/ it was Tanya who GREW."  The imagery and tone of this poem reminds one of a young child who feels left out because he can’t do the same things as the “big kids” do.  On the other hand, the sweatshirt in Hand-me-down Sweatshirt seems almost boastful when he proclaims, “I’m a hand-me-down sweatshirt/ with zipper and hood./ I’m everyone’s favorite/ and still looking good.”   

Button Up! is an engaging collection of poetry for readers of any age because almost everyone can relate to the types of clothing in the poems whether it is a favorite hat or a snuggly, warm jacket.   Youngsters might point to Harvey’s galoshes and say “Hey, I have some of those!” while the adult reading with them might reply, “I did too, when I was a kid.”  Simply put, this is a delightfully entertaining book that should not to be missed.  

Review Excerpts
Starred Review from Horn Book:  "From delicately comical to downright funny, the art perfectly reflects the contagiously rhythmic, playful verse. Made for sharing, and worth learning by heart, too."

Starred Review from Booklist: "The whimsical illustrations pair perfectly with the wittiness of the text, and the whole is a clever and original poetic treat."

Connections - Language Arts/Art (grades 2 -4)
Invite children to create their own "wrinkled rhymes" about articles of clothing or other items that are important to them (i.e. baseball glove, ballet slippers).  After the teacher/librarian has reviewed the concepts of rhyme, rhythm, personification, and onomotopeia, children can use this book as a guide in constructing their own poems.

To get started, the teacher/librarian should demonstrate how to select something that you care about - for example: baseball or dance.  Then ask, "What item do you like best or is the most important?" It may be a baseball glove, lucky jersey, jazz shoes or a pink tutu.   Show children how to brainstorm to  identify related actions, feelings, and thoughts (think about the Five Senses).  For a baseball glove:  smooth, worn feel of the leather, the smacking sound the ball makes when it's caught, the cheering crowd, etc... For a pink tutu:  twirling, standing on tip-toes, butterflies in stomach, etc...

To illustrate the poem, children might be interested in portraying themselves as animals like the owners of the clothing in Button Up!  More animal characters can be found in these books written and illustrated by Mathers:

LOTTIE'S NEW FRIEND.  ISBN 0689820143
A CAKE FOR HERBIE.  ISBN 0689830173
LOTTIE'S NEW BEACH TOWEL.  ISBN 068944417
HERBIE'S SECRET SANTA.  ISBN 0689835507

By other authors, but illustrated by Mathers:
Martin, Fran. SOPHIE AND LOU.  ISBN 0689844751
Prelutsky, Jack. IN AUNT GIRAFFE'S GREEN GARDEN.  ISBN 0066238684
Prelutsky, Jack. THE FROGS WORE RED SUSPENDERS.  ISBN 006073776X

what my mother doesn't know by Sonya Sones

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Sones, Sonya. (2001). WHAT MY MOTHER DOESN'T KNOW.  NY: Simon & Schuster for Young Readers.  ISBN 0689841140

PLOT SUMMARY
Written entirely in free verse, this novel poignantly describes the trials and tribulations of being a teenage girl.  With extraordinary realism, each of the individual poems authentically represents 14-year old Sophie's innermost thoughts, feelings, and experiences.  From best friends to boyfriends to relationships with parents, female readers will easily relate to Sophie's struggles. 

CRITICAL ANALYSIS
In her own distinctive writing style, Sones allows the main character of Sophie to narrate her teenage life experiences through individual poems.  One after another, the poetry unfolds as clearly as a motion picture.  This is because Sones masterfully describes these events using everyday conversational language and a smooth, almost carefree rhythm.  Beginning with Nicknames, Sophie humorously introduces the interesting collection of names given to her by family and friends.  Readers can almost hear the teasing voices of Zak and Danny who "...think it's cute/ to call me Couch/ as in:/ "How're your cushions today, Couch?"  This creates a playful, light-hearted mood that makes readers eager to turn the page.

The arrangement of the individual poems moves the story forward effortlessly and clever titles such as “Sixth Sense” and “How It Happened” tantalize readers to keep reading.  Other titles like “In the Girl’s Bathroom” and “My First Time Buying You-Know-Whats” vividly remind readers of their own teenage years.  As Sophie heads to the cash register with her purchase of feminine products, female readers can easily relate to her predicament of  “But I hadn’t counted on a guy/ being the cashier.”  By sparking curiosity and triggering memories, Sones creates an irresistable story that is difficult to put down.

     

The events in this book realistically portray teenage angst and many of the rollercoaster emotions that accompany it.  This is one aspect that young adult readers will find most appealing.  In Friday Night Fight, Sophie’s boyfriend, Dylan gets a buzz cut and soon everyone refers to him as “Dumbo.”  Besides the fact that she is now “Mrs. Dumbo,” Sophie misses his curly hair and tells Dylan that “maybe he could at least/warn me next time he’s/planning on getting scalped” to which he replies that she will “have to get used to it.”  In typical adolescent mode, Sophie impulsively retorts, “not if I don’t/ have to look at it anymore” and Dylan fires back, “you don’t!” as he angrily leaves the house.  

Sophie’s apprehension as she waits to see what happens is described in the next two poems.  In Long Weekend, the words may be simple, but the imagery is powerful: “Forty-eight hours alone./ Forty-eight hours/ is such a long time/ to sit/ and stare/ at the phone.”  Sophie’s anxiety intensifies during I Didn’t See Him at School Today - “Not in the hall./ Not in the cafeteria./ Not in the library./ Not anywhere./ Not even once.”  As desperately as Sophie wants to know what’s going to happen, so too does the reader.   In the next poem, I Yank Open the Door, Sophie discovers that “his I’m sorry kisses are so sweet/that for a second/ I find myself thinking/it was almost worth/ having the fight.”  

What makes this book an engaging read is that women of all ages will be able to see themselves in Sophie's thoughts, actions, and feelings.  Being a teenager has its emotional ups and downs, but the lessons learned, whether pleasing or painful, usually last a lifetime.  Although few people would actually want to "re-live" those years, it is oh-so-delightful to briefly re-visit those days through someone else's experiences and to view the events through "wiser" eyes.

REVIEW EXCERPTS

Starred Review from VOYA:  "The poems are snappy, and each one strikes a chord that fluidly moves the reader to the next episode."

Starred Review from Booklist:  (Grades 6-10) "The poetry is never pretentious...the very short, sometimes rhythmic lines make each page fly."

Starred Review from Publishers Weekly:   (Ages 12 and up)  "...Sophie's honest and earthy story feels destined to captivate a young female audience, avid and reluctant readers alike."

CONNECTIONS
English/Language Arts - the following two exceptional teaching ideas were found at: 
http://www.edb.utexas.edu/resources/booksR4teens/book_reviews/book_reviews.php?book_id=124

Through the Character's Eyes - After students have read the majority of the text, have them chose a character from the work. Instruct the students to think of ten adjectives that they can use to define the personality of that character. Students should write the ten adjectives down on paper without sharing their work with anyone else. After all students have completed their lists, have students display their work in the classroom where it is visible to all students. Students try to determine which characters are being described using only the list of adjectives provided. [Summarized from "Through the Character's Eyes" by John Forsyth in Classroom Notes Plus. Urbana, IL: National Council of Teachers of English. October 1992, page 2.]

Recording a Typical Family Meal - Students will chose a typical day of the week and take notes during a family meal at their house. Students will then write a narrative detailing the event. Prompt students by giving them several questions about the people in attendance, the setting, the food, the activities, and the conversation. Encourage students to closely observe the family meal and pay strict attention to details. This activity should help students learn to develop and use their own unique voices in their writings. [Summarized from "Recording a Typical Family Meal" by Robert H. Rempe in Classroom Notes Plus. Urbana, IL: National Council of Teachers of English. March 1992, page 4.]

Related websites:
http://www.netpoets.com/poems/teenlove/ contains love poems written from an adolescent's perspective.

http://www.gravityteen.com/poetry/pick.cfm more poetry from the teen perspective. Users may even submit their own poems.

Related books:
Janeczko, Paul B. (1991). Preposterous: Poems of Youth. New York. Orchard Books.
ISBN 0531059014
A poetry anthology that includes many of the themes presented in What My Mother Doesn't Know (i.e.  love, family problems, friendship, secrets, etc...).

Mackler, Carolyn. (2000). Love and Other Four-Letter Words. New York: Delcorte.
ISBN  044022831X
The story of a teenage girl who learns that one's character is strengthened through personal struggles.

bees, snails, and peacock tails: Patterns & Shapes...Naturally by Betsy Franco

Bibliography
Franco, Betsy. (2008). BEES, SNAILS, AND PEACOCK TAILS:  PATTERNS & SHAPES. . . NATURALLY.  Ill. by Steve Jenkins.  NY: Margaret K. McElderry Books.  ISBN 13978416903864

Plot Summary
In this fascinating collection of poetry, Franco draws the reader’s attention to a wide variety of shapes and patterns that occur in nature.  Gathering a diverse group of interesting creatures which includes bees, spiders, starfish, and snakes, she incorporates lively text to highlight the unique repetitions found in their physical appearance or the geometrical shapes they create.  The bold artwork created by Caldecott Honor Medalist Steve Jenkins adds extraordinary visual appeal.  

Critical Analysis
While the striking collage of a peacock spreading his glorious tail feathers on the cover of the book momentarily steals the show, readers soon discover that illustrations merge beautifully with text to create a memorable reading experience.  With vibrant colors and hand-made paper designs, Jenkins creates rich panoramic double-page spreads.  His distinctive cutwork produces a three-dimensional effect that highlights these creatures, their habits, and their habitats.  In the opening poem about “the mathematical genius of the bee,” readers are greeted with a larger-than-life honeycomb which shows the hexagonal shapes hidden inside.  To emphasize the distinctive symmetry of the moth’s wings, Jenkins covers both pages entirely in black.  Then he places one huge multicolored moth on one page, while its smaller friends flitter around a candle on the facing page.  The effect is truly spectacular. 

After a moment or two to enjoy such eye-catching illustrations, readers will begin to notice Franco’s unique poetic style.  She cleverly arranges each poem so that it blends perfectly into the picture which adds dramatic flair to the entire presentation.  In the poem about the ants, for example, the lines in each stanza are longer than in previous poems and are placed in pairs.  This imitates the lines that soldiers make when they are marching in columns.   In another instance, she encircles the puffer fish with text to highlight the spherical shape he makes when he is frightened.   

Franco skillfully combines word choice, rhyme, and rhythm to create an image that takes the reader beyond the illustration on the page and connects to personal experience.  When she writes that, “Some spiders weave/ delicate tapestries/ that shine in the sunlight/ and sway in the breeze” readers can easily recall the wonder in seeing such fragile designs on a tree or a fencepost.   Another inspiring vision is brought to mind when she writes, “Look up in the sky and seasonally/ you’ll notice it’s filled with graceful V’s” to describe the shape of geese as they fly south for the winter.   In each poem, Franco selects font colors to create vivid contrast to the background.  For the spider poem, she uses white font against the bright blue sky and for the geese poem, it is dark black against an orangey sunset.

Young readers will appreciate the lyrical language when this book is read aloud and will enjoy identifying the many different shapes and patterns in nature.   In some instances, however, Franco’s word choice may be too difficult for some readers to understand.  For example, she refers to the spider’s “knowledge of shape to be truly profound” and to the male peacock that “struts and preens.”  To ensure full enjoyment and understanding of the poems, a teacher or librarian can discuss difficult vocabulary words prior to reading or immediately afterwards.  

The theme of this book, patterns and shapes found in nature, is extremely interesting and can easily be connected across the curriculum (i.e. Language arts, Science, and Mathematics).  A reference included in the back of the book, "New Angles on the Animals," briefly provides additional facts sure to spark student interest.  This exquisite partnership between Franco and Jenkins educates, fascinates, and entertains.

Review Excerpts
Starred review from Booklist: (Age PreS - grade 2) "Jenkins’ masterful collage work, which renders everything from the transparency of dew drops on a spider web to the soft gray fur of a deer mouse, will have readers impulsively reaching out to feel the tactile appearance of the shaped and textured papers."

From Publishers Weekly: (Age 3-7) "This inviting book is bound to spark more careful observation of the shapes and colors in the reader's natural world."

Connections - Math, Reading, Art
This book would be an engaging introduction/addition to a unit on geometrical shapes and patterns for grades 3-5. The striking illustrations will help students remember the names of shapes (i.e. hexagons, spheres) and concepts such as symmetry.   Additional Geometry poems suitable for these grade levels can be located at: http://mathstory.com/Poems/mathpoemspage.html
* students select favorite poems to recite to a partner or the class
* students create an illustration for one of the poems

Even preschool age children will enjoy locating and identifying the wide variety of shapes and learning how they exist in nature. This website has a list of shape activities specifically for preschoolers: http://prekinders.com/pre-k-shapes/ Several of my favorite ideas from the list include:
*making a Shape Book (cutting out pictures of everyday items in familiar shapes such as a slice of pizza)
*exploring with Pattern Blocks to create Geometric Designs

Betsy Franco's other books that focus on mathematical concepts include:
ZERO IS THE LEAVES ON THE TREE.  ISBN 1582462496
MATHEMATICKLES!  ISBN 1416918612

Swamp Angel by Anne Isaacs

Bibliography
Isaacs, Anne. (1994). SWAMP ANGEL. Ill. by Paul O. Zelinsky.  New York, NY:  Puffin. 
ISBN 0140559086

Plot Summary
A female counterpart to Paul Bunyan, giantess Angelica Longrider, possesses courage and unnatural strength.  At twelve, she single-handedly pulls a wagon train of settlers out of a swamp and earns a  new name, Swamp Angel.  When news that an enormous black bear, Thundering Tarnation, is stealing everyone’s winter rations, a reward is offered. The men tease her because she is a woman, but Angel is determined to defeat the wily beast and claim the title of Champion Wildcat.  When Thundering Tarnation comes face-to-face with Swamp Angel, a rowdy fight begins.  After several days, the battle ends unexpectedly when Swamp Angel’s snoring causes a gigantic tree to fall directly onto the bear.  From far and wide, folks turn out to celebrate and feast on “beary” delicious food.  As for that huge bear’s glossy black pelt, Swamp Angel moves to Montana just to have room to spread it out.

Critical Analysis
Isaacs creates an unforgettable tall tale heroine in the character of Swamp Angel, an extraordinary girl with super abilities.  Her “can do” spirit closely parallels that of the pioneers who conquered the Tennessee wilderness in the 1800’s.   If a log cabin needs to be built, she can do it.  If someone’s house is one fire, she can put it out.  And if the men think they’re the only ones that can defeat that black bear, Swamp Angel’s going to prove them wrong.   

The folksy narrative provided by Isaacs makes the story feel like it is being told by someone with firsthand knowledge of the events.  She vividly captures the values of the times and uses authentic dialogue to portray events throughout the story.  The bear hunters call out, “Hey, Angel! Shouldn’t you be home, mending a quilt?”  Her response is, “Quiltin’ is men’s work!”  When they suggest that perhaps she should bake a pie, she says, “I aim to, a bear pie.”  From “Tennessee daredevils are as plentiful as dewdrops on corn” to the first hunter “got licked in more ways than one,” Isaacs uses figurative language (i.e. metaphors, similes, and idioms) to add dramatic flair to the story. 

The simple text by Isaacs places the setting in Tennessee, but it is the primitive folk art oil paintings by Zelinsky that truly brings this particular era in American history to life.  The muted colors and wood grain frames make the illustrations seem antique as if they were painted a very long time ago.  Authenticity abounds with log cabins, prairie schooners, coonskin caps, and fiddle-players.  The story would lose a great deal of its excitement and flavor if not for the thoughtful and beautiful artwork created by Zelinsky.

Isaacs skillfully weaves this story to fit the mold of traditional tall tales.  The main character of Swamp Angel is extremely exaggerated in size, strength, and personality.  The plot focuses on her infamous exploits and leads up to her biggest challenge, that of defeating Thundering Tarnation.  Of course, this bear is larger-than-life and the duel’s outcome is unpredictable.  One minute Tarnation has Angel pinned to the bottom of the lake, but in the next minute she drinks the lake dry saying, “That was mighty refreshing.”  In true tall tale fashion, the story suggests that their fighting caused the smoke over the Smoky Mountains, a pattern of stars in the shape of a bear, and that the Shortgrass Prairie got its name from the bear’s huge black pelt.  Since good must overcome evil and tall tales usually end with a twist, Tarnation’s unintentional demise causes Angel to express admiration for such a worthy opponent, “Confound it, varmit, if you warn’t the most wondrous heap of trouble I ever come to grips with.”  

Readers of any age will enjoy this story for its Caldecott-winning illustrations and for the lively and entertaining text that highlights the Tennessee mountain culture.  This unique creation by Isaacs and Zelinsky is sure to remain a classic example of the American Tall Tale.  

Review Excerpts
1994 Caldecott Honor Book
New York Times Best Illustrated Children's Book of the Year
1995 Boston Globe - Horn Book Honor Award
1994 ALA Notable Book
New York Public Library, 100 Books Every Child Should Read
New York Times Best Illustrated Books of 1994
Time Magazine's 8 Best Children's Books, 1994

A starred review from Booklist: (Ages 5 - 9)
"Isaacs tells her original story with the glorious exaggeration and uproarious farce of the traditional tall tale and with its typical laconic idiom--you just can't help reading it aloud."

From Kirkus Reviews:  (Ages 5 - 9)
"Matching the superb text stride for stride are Zelinsky's altered-state, American primitive paintings--gems that provide new pleasures, reading after reading. To say that you are entering Caldecott land doesn't begin to do this book justice."

Connections
Art
Learn more about the Early American Primitive Art form by:
- Researching the topic online and locating examples of this art style.  Look for biographical information about each artist.  Introduce students to renowned folk artist Grandma Moses at: http://www.squidoo.com/grandma-moses#module14299702
- Encourage students to discover additional examples of this art style (and their artists) from the school library, public library, or online.
- With the assistance of the school's Art teacher, have students create a project that depicts American Primitive Art.

Social Studies
Introduce Tennessee to the students:
-Students will identify its location on a U.S. map and name the neighboring states.  How near or far is away is Tennessee from where they live?  (Might connect this to Math by actually computing the mileage based on the map's key.)
-With a partner, students will research the state to learn about its history, famous people, natural resources, products, etc...  Each pair will select a fact or photo to share with the class.
-Guide a class discussion to compare and contrast Tennessee with their own home state.

Literature
Introduce other tall tales that feature heroic females:

Mora, Pat.  Doña Flor: A Tall Tale About a Giant Woman with a Great Big Heart.  ISBN 0375823379
Kellogg, Steven.  Sally Ann Thunder Whirlwind Crockett.  ISBN0688141024
Keehn, Sally M.  Magpie Gabbard and the Quest for the Buried Moon.  ISBN0399243402
Nolen, Jerdine. Thunder Rose.  ISBN 0152060065
San Souci, Robert D. Cut from the Same Cloth: American Women of Myth, Legend, and Tall Tale. ISBN 0698118111

Related Website
An Appalachian Literature website that provides book summaries, author information, lesson plans, links, and much more can be found at: http://www2.ferrum.edu/applit/

Visit Anne Isaac's website -  find out how she got the idea for this story.
http://anneisaacs.com/content/node/68

Compare and contrast the book to the movie or audio versions that are available at:
http://westonwoods.scholastic.com/products/westonwoods/catalog/product.asp?cid=567

The Three Little Gators by Helen Ketteman

Bibliography
Ketteman, Helen. (2009). THE THREE LITTLE GATORS. Ill. by Will Terry. Morton Grove, IL:  Albert Whitman & Company.  ISBN 978087578247
 
Plot Summmary

As three young gators set out on their own, Mama Gator warns them to build strong houses to keep out the Big-bottomed Boar.  The first gator spots some rocks and decides to use them to build his home, while his brothers choose sticks and sand, respectively.  "Snurf, Snurf! Snort, Snort!" The Big-bottomed Boar first demolishes the sand house sending its owner scurrying to his brother's stick house for refuge.  Soon afterwards, the Boar crushes the stick house and then both gators desperately race to the first gator's house of rock.  Although the Big-bottomed Boar bumpity-bumps his rump, he can't knock this house down.  As he squeezes down the chimney, the Boar has no idea that there is a fiery barbecue grill waiting for him at the bottom.  With sizzling stripes on his rump, the Big-bottomed Boar speeds out of the house never to return.

Critical Analysis
In this book, Ketteman and Terry combine their unique talents to create a riotous version of the classic story of The Three Little Pigs.  Like the original “good versus evil” tale, the plot remains basically the same - three innocent youngsters venture out into the world and encounter a malicious predator who wants to eat them.  The violent undertones of previous versions have been eliminated in that none of the pigs (I mean, gators) get eaten and the Big-bottomed Boar (barely) escapes becoming dinner himself.  Unlike the original with its justifiable, but abrupt ending, the comical twists in this version will have readers laughing long after the book is closed. 

With East Texas as the cultural setting, Ketteman highlights native animals by substituting the young pigs with gators and the big, bad wolf with the Big-bottomed Boar.  The alliteration in the villain’s name paired with caricature drawings showcasing the Boar's most prominent feature is extremely funny. Terry’s bold, full-page illustrations vibrantly capture the essence of swamp life.  The bright, sparkly green color used to depict the cartoon-like gators produces an eye-catching contrast to the earth tones used in the background scenes. Cultural details are plentiful and authentic with cypress trees, cattails, sandy banks, and a stilt cabin built over the water.  For that extra blast of fun, he's even added a bottle of Boar Sauce next to the barbecue grill!  

Ketteman’s distinct style is also apparent from Mama Gator’s advice to her “young ‘uns” to the catchy rhyme of “Little gator, let me come in. I smell tender gator skin.”  While the rhythm seems slightly off at first, it becomes downright hilarious when the Boar later says, “Chasing you has made me thinner.  I need two little gators for my dinner!”  As main characters, these gators have much more personality than their predecessors, the pigs.  Ketteman uses dialogue to express their thoughts and feelings as when the Third Gator says, “Ha! Big-bottomed boar won’t even know this is a house.”  Terry dramatically extends the text by depicting the gator standing smugly in front of his sand house with his arms folded quite like a human. With its clever text and artistic detail, this book is a rollicking good time for readers of any age.

Review Excerpts
From Booklist:  (Age 3-6)
"this would make a rip-roaring read-aloud."

From School Library Journal: (Age K- gr. 3)
"Ketteman's retelling, including a sassy Texas twang makes the story hilarious and bright."

Connections
Writing (Gr. 3-5)  Prior to reading this book to the students, gather other folktales from your school library.  To promote familiarity of the topic and to increase enthusiasm for the writing activity, be sure to create a mix of traditional tales, newer versions, and possibly even some fractured ones.  Here is sampling of books from which students may already be familiar:

Martin, Rafe. THE ROUGH-FACE GIRL.  ISBN 0698116267
Huck, Charlotte, S. PRINCESS FURBALL.  ISBN 0688078370
Schieszka, Jon. THE TRUE STORY OF THE THREE LITTLE PIGS.  ISBN
Young, Ed. LON PO PO: A RED RIDING HOOD STORY FROM CHINA.  ISBN 0698113829
Trivizas, Eugene.  THE THREE LITTLE WOLVES AND THE BIG BAD PIG.   ISBN 0689505698
Kellog, Steven. JACK AND THE BEANSTALK.   ISBN 0688152813
Hyman, Trina Schart. LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD.  ISBN 0823406539
Zelinsky, Paul. RUMPELSTILTSKIN.  ISBN 0140558640
Mayer, Marianne. THE TWELVE DANCING PRINCESSES.  ISBN 0688080510

1. Read The Three Little Gators aloud to the class. (Use storytelling techniques to bring the story to life and to accent the region from which the story originates.)
2. Introduce the additional books and give students plenty of time to read or re-read them.  You may also encourage them to browse the library for additional titles. (Don't rush this part! You want them to expose them to as many different titles as time will allow so that they can more fully understand this particular genre.)
3. Guide a discussion on common elements (e.g. main character, how the story begins, the ending, the role of magic).
4.Working with a partner, students will select one of the stories to use as an example for creating their own unique tale.
5. Create an illustrated book cover for the story.
6. Share with the class.

For Texas Public Schools Week, these additional titles by Helen Kettemen are sure to be a hit with students.
BUBBA, THE COWBOY PRINCE.  ISBN 0590255061
WAYNETTA AND THE CORNSTALK: A TEXAS FAIRY TALE. ISBN 0807586870
ARMADILLY CHILI. ISBN 0807504580

Anansi and the Magic Stick by Eric Kimmel

Bibliography
Kimmel, Eric. (2001). ANANSI AND THE MAGIC STICK. Ill. by Janet Stevens. NY:  Holiday House. ISBN 0823414434.

Plot Summary
One sunny day, all the animals are working in their gardens except for the sleeping spider, Anansi.  When he awakens to hear them saying that his house and yard are a mess because he is lazy, Anansi replies, "I am not lazy. I am thinking."  Searching for a quieter spot, Anansi passes by Hyena's beautiful house and neat yard.  He is baffled because no one has ever seen the Hyena at work.  He soon discovers that Hyena possesses a magic stick that does all the work for him.  As soon as Hyena turns his back, Anansi steals the stick and uses its magic to clean up his yard and repair his house.  Unfortunately, when Anansi recites the magic words to command the stick to water the garden, he forgets to end the magic spell.  The stick continues watering the garden, the vegetables grow bigger and bigger, and the water turns into a raging river.  Luckily for everyone, Hyena finds the stick floating in the river and puts and end to the flood.  Although Anansi loses the magic stick, he acquires a brand new home, perfect for napping (and thinking).

Critical Analysis
Kimmel’s writing style expertly captures the tone and rhythm of the African culture, especially as it relates to oral storytelling.  The repetition often found in African folktales is present at the beginning in “It was a fine bright day.  All the animals were working working working in their gardens.”  This pattern continues throughout the story as “The magic stick kept watering watering watering.” Likewise, the main character of Anansi the Spider also remains true to his African folklore reputation as a conniving trickster always on the lookout for number one.  For readers familiar with other Anansi tales, the plot follows a similar design in which the spider tries to get whatever he wants with very little effort.   Anansi chooses to steal the stick and use its magic to have a beautiful house and yard rather than do the work himself.  The motif of magic is especially important in this story because its misuse results in a raging river which floods the village and ruins the animals' homes.  One underlying theme seems to be that taking a shortcut may result in negative consequences not only for oneself, but for others as well.      

Although his misdeeds lead to temporary trouble, the ever-thinking spider ends up on top and the surprise ending of this story is sure to leave readers with a smile.  Whereas Kimmel masterfully develops the characters and plot, it is the vibrant illustrations from Stevens that emphasize the African village setting and playfully depict the chaos that results from Anansi’s escapades. 


Review Excerpts
From School Library Journal: (Ages PreS-grade 3)
"...the whole adds up to an enjoyable offering that is clever, funny, surprising, and traditional all at once."

From Kirkus Reviews: (Ages 4-8)
"Kimmel and Stevens make a good team, with the text fonts echoing the action of the story and the illustrations bringing Anansi and all his antics to life."

Connections

Increase students’ knowledge of the African culture through Music, Arts & Crafts, and Reading.

Music – this is an awesome powerpoint that explains the importance of music in the African culture: http://sk056.k12.sd.us/Take%20An%20African%20Safari.ppt   Share African drum music with students by asking the school music teacher for assistance or downloading free music clips such as this one from http://www.africandrummingcd.com/free-african-drumming-mp3.html  These would really set the mood when preparing to read additional African folktales or perform reader’s theater.

Arts & Crafts – this link provides a wide range of ideas suitable for many different age groups. http://www.wartgames.com/crafts/africa.html

Reading – using a map or globe, have a student volunteer locate Africa.  Activate children's background knowledge of Africa by inviting them to share what they know about Africa (many children are at least familiar with Disney’s The Lion King or have learned about Kwanzaa at school).  Display a collection of nonfiction books for additional opportunities to look at photographs and learn new information.  Here are a few that I was able to locate rather easily:

Jacobsen, Karen. KENYA.  ISBN 051601112X
Laure, Jason. ZIMBABWE. ISBN 0516027042
Fowler, Allan. AFRICA. ISBN 9780516259796
Kras, Sara Louise. BOTSWANA. 9780516248745

Read and discuss additional African Folktales - The stories on this link also include formats for Reader's Theater: http://www.phillipmartin.info/liberia/text_folktales_spider.htm

Of course, two of my all-time favorite African Folktales include: (both are Caldecott Winners!)
Haley, Gail E. A STORY, A STORY: AN AFRICAN TALE. ISBN 0689712014
Aardema, Verna. WHY MOSQUITOES BUZZ IN PEOPLE'S EARS: A WEST AFRICA TALE.
ISBN 0140549056

More Anansi tales from Kimmel and Stevens:
ANANSI AND THE TALKING MELON.  ISBN 0823411672
ANANSI AND THE MOSS-COVERED ROCK. ISBN 0823407985
ANANSI GOES FISHING. ISBN 0823410226