Module 14: Most Popular Authors-- Dan Gutman

Gutman, Dan. Homework Machine. New York: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2006.

Summary: Four fifth-graders form an unusual friendship when computer geek, Brenton, creates a homework machine capable of doing their homework for them. The other three members of the "D Squad" are Judy, a smart student that feels guilty about their cheating; Kelsey, who doesn't want to hang out with nerds, but enjoys getting better grades; and newcomer Sam, whose dad has gone to Iraq. As the children's grades improve, and their homework commitments lessen, others around them start to get suspicious. Mysteries abound when suspicious people start contacting them and trying to get information about the machine. The setting is in and around the Grand Canyon, and is well developed. The story is told through the police chief's notes of interrogation of each student. The students learn much about friendship, honesty, and loyalty when their plans unravel, and they help to support Sam after his dad is killed in Iraq. 

Impressions: This book has appeal to a wide audience. What child wouldn't want a machine to do their homework?! The book has two male and two female characters which makes the book something both boys and girls will like. There's something for everyone-- from sports, to nerds, to students wishing to fit in. The book has the perfect combination of adventure, mystery, and humor. While some students may have a little trouble following the format of telling the story through the police interrogations, most will enjoy this different method of delivery. 

Reviews:

School Library Journal: There are touches of humor in the way the four classmates talk about themselves and one another. Ominous hints about the legal trouble maintain tension throughout the story, but its exact nature isn't revealed until near the end. A dramatic and thought-provoking story with a strong message about honesty and friendship.

Booklist: This fast-paced, entertaining book has something for everyone: convincing characters deftly portrayed through their own words; points of discussion on ethics and student computer use; and every child's dream machine. Booktalkers will find this a natural, particularly for those hard-to-tempt readers whose preferred method of computer disposal involves a catapult and the Grand Canyon.

Module 13: Most Popular Authors-- Peg Kehret

Kehret, Peg. Escaping the Giant Wave. New York: Aladdin Paperbacks, 2003.

Summary: Thirteen-year-old Kyle and his family experience the worst vacation ever when they arrive on the Oregon coast. Never having flown before, Kyle is excited to spend a holiday far away when his father wins a realtor award. His parents have begun to give him more responsiblity and he is babysitting his younger sister, financial whiz BeeBee, when an earthquake and subsequent tsunami hits. His parents far away on a yacht for an awards ceremony, Kyle is forced to become an unlikely hero when their hotel catches on fire. Kyle, for years tormented by bully Daren, is forced to choose risking his own life to save Daren's from the fire. After finally standing up to Daren and making grown up decisions in the aftermath of the tsunami, Kyle experiences true growth, both as a character and as a man.

Impressions:

Peg Kehret's book reads like a true adventure. Fast paced, interesting and suspenseful. Interesting facts about earthquakes, tsunamis, and survival are interspersed and appendixed at the end of the story. Daren's flawed character is somewhat understood as the story unfolds, and while you may not feel sympathy for him, readers may begin to understand bullying a little better. This book would make a good study for readers learning about earthquakes, tsunamis, or bullying, and it should draw in even the most reluctant reader. BeeBee's character is fun and quirky, and adds another dimension to the story.

Reviews:
Horn Book Guide: Kyle's first-person narrative effectively sustains suspense in this fast-paced adventure.

School Library Journal: Kyle's self-image is transformed through his experience with the tsunami and the bully. While this is a satisfying read for victims of bullying, it is unremarkable in plot and style. One character does stand out, Kyle's sister, BeeBee, a financial whiz who follows the stock market and names her teddy bear after Bill Gates. A bibliography of books, Web sites, a video, and pamphlets about tsunamis is included.

Module 12: Graphic Novels (and a Few Graphic Picture Books) for Young Readers

Holm, Jennifer L., and Matthew Holm. Babymouse: Our Hero. New York: Random House, 2005.

Summary: In this installment of Babymouse, the mousy heroine is faced with nightmares many children can relate to. Told in graphic novel format, with plenty of humor thrown in, Babymouse faces much of the normal angst children of today face at school-- not wanting to wake up, missing the bus, bullying, the frustrations of a locker, and difficulties with schoolwork (in this case, fractions). When Babymouse realizes she is going to have to battle against her arch nemesis bully, Felicia Furrypaws, in Dodgeball, she panics. Wishing to avoid the entire situation, Babymouse finally summons the courage to stand up to Felicia, and manages to score the winning shot, instantly becoming a hero. 

Impressions: I can see why girls cannot wait to check out the Babymouse series. The characters are winsome, the pink, black and white illustrations are fun and cheeky, and the graphic novel format is easy to follow. The humor is fairly sophisticated, but not so much that readers won't grasp it. The storylines are familiar and easy to relate to, and real issues such as bullying are addressed in a safe and fun way. The fact that Jennifer and Matthew Holm are brother and sister will add to the enticement for any readers with brothers or sisters. 

Reviews:

Horn Book Guide: New readers will appreciate the familiar situations, humorous asides, and easy-to-digest plots; the graphic format is easy to follow.

Horn Book Magazine: The heroine of these two graphic novels for new readers is a sassy, smart mouse. New readers will appreciate the familiar situations, humorous asides, and easy-to-digest plots. The graphic format is easy to follow, especially since Babymouse's rich inner life is painted pink while the real world is depicted in a less flashy black-and-white. Babymouse is here to stay, and fans of Fashion Kitty and Captain Underpants will now add her to their collection of well-thumbed volumes to read over and over again.

Publisher's Weekly: ... eye-grabbing black-and-pink graphics, and a perceptible Spiegelman influence simmers in the energetic ink illustrations of the dot-eyed heroine. The Holms make humorous allusions to novels and movies, and interject sympathetic remarks from an offstage narrator. This personable, self-conscious mouse, with her penchant for pink hearts, resembles Kevin Henkes's Lilly, with some extra years of grade-school experience.

Booklist: The Holms spruce up some well-trod ground with breathless pacing and clever flights of Babymouse's imagination, and their manic, pink-toned illustrations of Babymouse and her cohorts vigorously reflect the internal life of any million-ideas-a-minute middle-school student.

Module 11: Series Books

McDonald, Megan. Stink and the Incredible Super-galactic Jawbreaker. Cambridge, Mass: Candlewick Press, 2006.

Summary: When Stink buys a jawbreaker that doesn't live up to its advertising (jawbreaking), he writes the company to complain. When the company sends Stink a ten-pound box of 21,280 jawbreakers for his trouble, he is encouraged to start a letter writing campaign to get more free stuff. When Stink becomes so absorbed with getting freebies, he inadvertently misses his best friend's birthday, causing his friend to become "madder than a wet hornet". Idioms woven into the story are illustrated by Stink and listed at the end of the book. 

Impressions: Fans of Judy Moody will flock to Stink. Boys who won't read Judy Moody will flock to stink. Reluctant readers will flock to Stink. You get the idea. Stink and his adventures are hilarious, and easy to read. The book is thick for those wishing a big chapter book, but aren't quite ready, as the print is large and the clever illustrations are plentiful. The plot is fun and may encourage kids to write letters or to use idioms. A thought-provoking discussion about truth in advertising would also be a great lesson. The fact that there are more Stink novels will make the series appealing to those kids that love to find a favorite author or series and read them all. 

Reviews:

School Library Journal: Gr 1-3-Judy Moody's seven-year-old brother is back with new super-galactic adventures. Stink buys the World's Biggest Jawbreaker and slurps, sloops, and shloops it all day until in one crunch, it is G-O-N-E. Disappointed that his jaw isn't broken, he decides to use his new letter-writing skills to complain to the company. He receives 21,280 jawbreakers, prompting him to write more letters in an attempt to get more free stuff. Candy, toys, and zoo passes arrive daily for Stink, who won't share any of his treasures with his "green with envy" older sister, Judy. He is so busy receiving the free goodies that he overlooks his super-best friend Webster's birthday party invitation, and he has to find a way to mend their friendship. He has also been learning about idioms in school and peppers them throughout the story along with his colorful Stink-isms. Black-and-white comic-book-style illustrations are clever and zany. This early chapter book is bound to be a hit with fans of Stink or Judy Moody, and it makes a hilarious read-aloud.-Michele Shaw, formerly at Yorkshire Academy, Houston, TX Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information. 

(I posted the entire review because I was the reviewer!)

Kirkus:  This story would be plenty for new readers, but McDonald adds a grammar lesson that runs thinner than pond ice in April-Mrs. D is teaching about idioms and Stink can't stop speaking in them, 37 idiomatic phrases altogether. Reynolds's familiar illustrations keep the mood light, even when Judy and Stink argue, which they do. Constantly.

Horn Book: The book is more focused than its predecessor, and the writing is just as quick-witted. Rating: 3: Recommended, satisfactory in style, content, and/or illustration.

Module 10: Big Winners-- Chapter Books

Weeks, Sarah. So Be It. New York: Scholastic Press, 2004.

Summary: Thirteen year old Heidi has no idea where she came from, and as she matures begins to wonder about her past. Living with her severely disabled mother, So B. It, who has a vocabulary of only 23 words, and taken care of by her agoraphobic neighbor, Bernadette, Heidi is no longer complacent about her lack of a past. She doesn't know how they came to live in Reno, or why they don't have to worry about rent or utilities. When Heidi finds an old camera, the pictures within bring about more questions than answers. She finds a picture of her pregnant mother at the Hilltop Home for the Disabled, in Liberty, New York. When no one at the home will answer her questions, Heidi sets off by herself to find the answers to her questions, including who Soof is; Soof is one of So B. It's 23 words which also make up the titles to each chapter. Heidi's miraculous luck enables her to find the money to make the journey, and the mysterious answers to her childhood are finally revealed once she arrives at the home. 

Impressions: This book contains elements of mystery, adventure, and an all around fascinating story with well developed characters. While the story itself may be far-fetched if you delve into it too deeply, the way Weeks tells it is still believable, and as the reader you find yourself rooting for Heidi to learn her past and not be hurt in the process. This would make a great choice for literature discussions as so many elements bear discussing such as Heidi's bravery, the question as to whether a mentally disabled mother can care for a child, and whether or not Mr. Hill was right or wrong in his actions. 

Reviews:

Voice of Youth Advocate: Weeks, author of the middle school Guy series, weaves a tale of refreshing, offbeat characters who by their eccentricities add a magical element to the story. Heidi, for example, has an unexplainable gift of luck. In the Memory game, she knows where the matches are. At the back of the Sudsy Duds Laundromat, she has a sweet way with the slot machines when the month's grocery money does not stretch. As the riddle of Heidi's life and Mama's word list, which is used to name each of the twenty-three chapters, slowly unfolds, readers will be genuinely touched and surprised.

Booklist:  Her fully dimensional characters are remarkable yet believable, and although readers may guess the truth about Heidi's family before she does, the foreshadowing builds to a beautifully satisfying ending. An especially nice device is the chapter titles: each is one of So B. It's 23 words. This is lovely writing--real, touching, and pared cleanly down to the essentials.

Horn Book Guide: Narrator Heidi's realistic voice lends authenticity to her unusual circumstances.

Module 9: Nonfiction

Jenkins, Steve, and Robin Page. What Do You Do With a Tail Like This? Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company, 2003.

Summary: Each double-page spread invites readers to explore the unique body parts of animals. The first question is, "What do you do with a nose like this?" and it is accompanied by varied and colorful animal noses, some that look easy to guess, and others that are more baffling. The next page reveals the animals whose noses were on the previous page, along with the unique uses each animal uses their nose for. The subsequent pages answer questions in the same format relating to animals' ears, tails, eyes, feet, and mouths. The back of the book has notes on each animal, with fascinating information about each species. With factual information such as where each animal is from, how big they are, what they eat, and lesser known facts, the book is packed with information. 

Impressions: Husband and wife team Steve Jenkins and Robin Page teamed together in this Caldecott Honor winning stunningly illustrated nonfiction gem. The illustrations pop off the page, with their dynamic cut-paper collage technique. Children will delight in guessing the animals whose body parts they see, and will enjoy speculating what the animals use the body parts for. Without knowing they are learning, children will eagerly grasp new knowledge about the various animal species. Classic Steve Jenkins, but one that is not to be missed!

Reviews:

Publisher's Weekly: Steve Jenkins contributes another artistically wrought, imaginatively conceived look at the natural world. 

School Library Journal: Jenkins, this time in collaboration with his wife, has created yet another eye-opening book.  a This is a great book for sharing one-on-one or with a group.

Booklist: Here's another exceptional cut-paper science book from Jenkins, this time put together with a partner, and like previous books, it's a stunner. An opening page, clearly explaining how to use the book, is followed by a double-page spread  Jenkins' handsome paper-cut collages are both lovely and anatomically informative, and their white background helps emphasize the particular feature, be it the bush baby's lustrous, liquid-brown eyes or the skunk's fuzzy tail. This is a striking, thoughtfully created book with intriguing facts made more memorable through dynamic art. 

Module 8: Dogs are Popular

Buehner, Caralyn. Superdog: the Heart of a Hero. New York: HarperCollins, 2004.

Summary: This husband and wife duo have created the story of Dex, an unlikely superhero. Dex the dachshund is tired of being overlooked by the other dogs, and picked on by tomcat Cleevis. He decides to become a superhero and studies superheroes, deciding he needs to develop muscles. His new found muscles and his spiffy hero suit, turn Dex into a superhero and he proceeds to come to the rescue of everyone in his neighborhood. When Cleevis gets stuck up in a tree, it is Dex that manages to save him. Cleevis is so appreciate of Dex that he wants to join Dex in the superhero world, and the two set off to lend their helping paws. 

Impressions: Underdogs everywhere will appreciate the story of unlikely hero Dex, and see that his hard work and perseverance pay off. Those faced with school bullies may recognize the battle between Dex and Cleevis and may be inspired to exercise and develop muscles. The humor in this book is perfect, and the book begs to be read aloud repeatedly. Yet another California Young Reader Medal winner, this book has remained very popular at my school. After reading the book, speculate with readers about Dex and Cleevis and their future adventures as a superhero duo. I have had students try to imagine what the title of the sequel will be, and what will happen to Dex and Cleevis.  I can only hope that the Buehner family has more in store for us. 

Reviews:

Horn Book Guide:  Only the hardest heart wouldn't cheer on Dex, and the humorous art capably depicts his determination.

Publisher's Weekly: Caralyn Buehner's feel-good tale has a triumphal, never-smug tone that will strike a chord with underdogs everywhere. Mark Buehner infuses his velvety oil paintings with characteristic humor and warmth. He adds a few dashes of comic-book-style text blocks and panel art to underscore the superhero theme. Scenes of Dex flexing his muscles, panting during his sidewalk runs or sporting his green-and-red superdog outfit are laugh-out-loud funny. Elsewhere, shady brownstone stoops and colorful city storefronts and streets add extra flair to this dynamic effort.

Library Journal: This dynamic combination of heart and humor should not be missed.

Module 7: Picture Books in Verse and Poetry

Siebert, Diane. Tour America: a Journey Through Poems and Art. San Francisco: Chronicle Books, 2006

Summary: An author's note at the beginning of the book tells of the author's journey with her husband throughout the country. Starting in 1971, Siebert and her husband sold all of their belongings, bought two motorcycles, and began a journey through towns large and small. Intending to spend just a summer sightseeing, they journeyed around the country for ten years. Siebert then created poems about some of the more interesting sights and landmarks they found. Most poems are on a double page spread, and some highlight famous landmarks such as The Golden Gate Bridge or The Washington Monument, while others are about lesser known but fascinating places such as Cadillac Ranch in Texas, and Lucy the Elephant in New Jersey. Facts about each location are included with the poetry and illustrations. Illustrator, Stephen T. Johnson uses a variety of mediums to complement the poetry including watercolors, photography, digital collage, gouache, and pastels. 

Impressions: This book should appeal to a very wide audience. Whether a student likes art, geography, poetry, or little known facts, this book will be liked by all. After reading this book, I found myself making a mental list of all of the places I now want to visit. You cannot help but catch the travel bug after reading this book. Extensions after reading abound; students can create their own poems and illustrations for places they have traveled to, or wish to in the future. There is a map in the front of the book showing where the poem's locations are-- this is ideal for studying U.S. Geography as well. 

Reviews: 

School Library Journal: This distinguished offering blends poetry, geography, art, and history.

Horn Book Guide: From the Cape Hatteras lighthouse on the East Coast to the Golden Gate bridge on the West Coast, these assured and thought-provoking poems celebrate some of America's scenic treasures. The poems vary in length, but most have a rhyme scheme and work well as read-alouds. Paintings created with media including pastel, watercolor, and oil provide a handsome visual counterpoint. 

Booklist: The accessible words, open design, and appealing geographic approach make the book ideal for classrooms. Johnson's impressively varied, sophisticated images of towns and landscapes may expand the book's audience to older art students. 

Module 6: History (Fictional Picture Books)

Hesse, Karen. Cats in Krasinski Square. New York: Scholastic Press, 2004.

Summary: Tells in free verse the story of a young Polish girl during World War II who tries to smuggle food into the ghetto to reach the starving Jews on the other side of the Wall. The local feral cats have shown her the cracks in the walls and she plans to fill the cracks with food for those inside. When the day arrives, they learn the Gestapo knows of their plan so they must alter it. They gather the cats into baskets, and when the police dogs go crazy over the cats, the smuggled food is bravely crossed over, under, and through the Wall. An author's note goes into the historical details behind this story, explaining the parts that are fact, and the parts that may be based in fact but aren't entirely known, such as whether or not the cats really outfoxed the Gestapo at the Warsaw train station. More details about the Warsaw Jews, the Holocaust, and the Wall are also described, as well as the bravery of those who helped during that time. 

Impressions: For younger children, this is a soft introduction to the atrocities of the Holocaust. The melodic verse allows younger readers to begin to comprehend the harsh conditions Jews and others experienced during World War II. The illustrations are rendered in sepia tones of watercolors, pencil, and ink. The illustrations and backgrounds give an older feel to the story, enabling readers to envision this time period. Older children with more knowledge of the Holocaust will appreciate the historical background in the back of the book. Regardless of the age of the reader, this book is a good introduction to a little known aspect of the Holocaust.

Reviews:

Horn Book Guide: Both author and artist achieve a fine balance of beauty and sadness. Simple, graceful words and pictures make this adventure story a taut and moving one. Copyright 2003 of The Horn Book, Inc. All rights reserved.

School Library Journal: The play of light and the naturalness of the cats' poses are almost a comfort in a story that adults sense as keenly distressing, and that beckons for adult interpretation or guidance. What is clear is the immediate poignancy of these cats and the author's evocative language in describing them: "They belonged once to someone. They slept on sofa cushions- they purred- nuzzling the chins of their beloveds." 

Booklist: In bold, black lines and washes of smoky gray and ochre, Watson's arresting images echo the pared-down language as well as the hope that shines like the glints of sunlight on Krasinski Square. An author's note references the true events and heartbreaking history that inspired this stirring, expertly crafted story.

Module 5: Picture Books for Older Readers (Grades 3+)

Asch, Frank. Mr. Maxwell's Mouse. New York: Kids Can Press, Ltd., 2004.

Summary: Mouse, Mr. Howard Maxwell enters the Paw and Claw restaurant and decides to treat himself to a live mouse for lunch to celebrate his big promotion. Mr. Maxwell's Mouse arrives on a silver platter and proceeds to try to wit himself out of being eaten. Mr. Maxwell, himself a little squeamish about killing the mouse, is persuaded by the mouse to put on a blindfold to enable him to kill the mouse. The mouse, having planned this all along, puts Mr. Maxwell's tail on the plate, and Mr. Maxwell cuts into his tail, while the mouse makes his escape, releasing all of the other captive mice, and causing havoc in the restaurant. 

Impressions: Father/son team Frank and Devon Asch have created a masterpiece, but it isn't for the feint of heart. The mostly black and white illustrations are beautifully created in Adobe Photoshop and Corel Painter. The illustrations are so lifelike that the mouse and cat look like they could get up and walk off the page. While the reader will catch on to the mouse's devious plan, the story unfolds with rich language, and dark humor. Another California Young Reader Medal winner that I thoroughly enjoyed reading; the kids loved it and squealed and gasped when the cat cut into his own tail!

Reviews:

School Library Journal: A clever game of cat and mouse is presented with delicious humor by this father/son team. Readers will relish the formal language as a tongue-in-cheek counterpoint to a very funny, if macabre, story. A truly scrumptious treat.

Horn Book Guide: Witty dialogue between the cat and the crafty, deferential mouse and refined, digitally rendered illustrations (primarily black and white) combine in this macabre but deliciously dark comedy. 

Publisher's Weekly: Father-son team Frank and Devin Asch (Like a Windy Day; Baby Duck's New Friend) here team up for a cat-and-mouse tale that showcases the younger Asch's lush digital artistic talents, alongside the elder's witty text.

Module 4: Folktales and Fairlytales Revisited

Wilcox, Leah. Falling for Rapunzel. New York, NY: G.P. Putnam's Sons, 2003.

Summary: In this spoof of the original fairy tale, Rapunzel has trouble hearing the prince and his requests. She mishears everything, and throws down underwear instead of her hair, and dirty socks instead of curly locks. In rhyme and bright vivid illustrations, this fractured fairy tale takes a twist when Rapunzel throws down her maid instead of her braid, and the maid and prince fall in love and ride off on his horse. To further add to the nonsense, Rapunzel hopes that next time they use the back door to the tower!

Impressions: Perfect for read-alouds with a great blend of kid-friendly humor including underwear and dirty socks, this one is sure to be laugh-out-loud funny! This is a perfect introduction to fractured fairy tales, and should be read after a traditional version of Rapunzel. Would also be great within a fractured fairy tale unit and could complement other fractured fairy tales such as David Wiesner's The Three Pigs. 

Reviews:

Horn Book: This irreverent spoof plays with words, rhyme, and fairy-tale conventions with obvious delight. The bright and lively mixed-media illustrations are equally imaginative and extend the text's infectious humor. 

School Library Journal:

K-Gr 4-The verses are clever and concise, and the rhyming pattern allows listeners to anticipate their endings and to giggle over the results. The rhythm is consistent and the stresses in each line flow naturally, inspiring would-be poets. Monks's delightful acrylic-and-collage illustrations add to the humor. Their bright, vivacious colors, bold patterns, fun background details (e.g., skyscrapers, airplanes, and a computer in Rapunzel's tower), and exaggerated facial expressions reinforce the silliness. 

Booklist:

 Acrylic paint, colored pencil, and collage mix together in slapstick pictures that match the text in cheeky appeal. Of course, the story is funnier if children know the original tale, but even if they don't, this version takes on a bouncy life of its own. 

Module 3: Picture Books for the Younger Set-- Pre-K-2nd Grade

Sierra, Judy. Secret Science Project That Almost Ate the School. New York: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2007.

Summary: When a young third grader doesn't know what to bring for her science project, she finds a science project on the internet guaranteed to win first prize. When the Super Slime arrives, she neglects to read the instructions carefully and the slime escapes, quickly devouring her cat, her sister, her teacher, and classmates! Once she remembers to feed the slime sugar, it bursts releasing all of its captives in a gooey mess. 

Impressions:

The perfect combination of Stephen Gammel's trademark and eccentric watercolors, colored pencils and pastels, and Judy Sierra's perfectly rhymed and flowing story. When the science project comes to life, the illustrations almost come off the page, and the expressions on everyone's faces are exaggerated to show the disaster unfolding. More than slightly gruesome, and 100% hilarious, this is a sure fire winner for all ages, especially those students who have been stumped when looking for the perfect science project. This book would make a great discussion starter for teachers introducing science fair projects, and for teachers trying to get the point across of the importance of following directions.

Reviews:

School Library Journal:

The watercolor, colored pencil, and pastel illustrations are typical Gammell–the girl bears a striking resemblance to the boy in Liz Rosenberg's Monster Mama (Philomel, 1993; o.p.), round glasses and all; she's just perfect for this slightly wild story. This book could be used as a jumping-off point for science projects–a little levity always helps during the science-experiment season.

Booklist:

The laughs and suspense are wonderfully magnified by Gammell's skew-angled, paint-splotched illustrations, which explode with fantasy and the familiar, messy details of a child's world. An energetic, darkly comic spin on the common story of a science project gone wrong. 

Module 2: Some Classic Picture Book Authors and Illustrators

Brown, Margaret Wise. The Runaway Bunny. New York: HarperTrophy, 2006.

Summary: When a little bunny wants to run away, the mother bunny tries to reassure the bunny that he is loved and she will follow him anywhere. No matter what bunny says he will do, the mother bunny never gives up on him. Eventually, the runaway bunny decides he will stay home with his mother.

Impressions: Since its publication in 1942, this beloved children's classic has never been out of print. Truly timeless, children of generations past, present, and future, feel comforted by the gentle reassurance of their mother's love. The combination of black and white illustrations, with full-color illustrations, enhance the repetitive story. Dreamlike qualities such as the mommy bunny looking like a tree or a sailboat, make this the perfect bed-time story to read over and over again. 

Reviews:

Amazon.com: 

For any small child who has toyed with the idea of running away or testing the strength of Mom's love, this old favorite will comfort and reassure.  

School Library Journal:

 Within a framework of mutual love a bunny tells his mother how he will run away and she answers his challenge by indicating how she will catch him. Warmth prevails. 

Library Journal:

 Rhythm and beauty of dialogue between Mother Bunny and her baby make authentic poetry of a little prose book that may well become a very small child's classic.

Module 1: The Big Winners-- Picture Books

Kasza, Keiko. My Lucky Day. New York: Puffin Books, 2003.

Summary:

When a piglet arrives on foxes doorstop, fox thinks it is his lucky day. He is ready to eat piglet, when piglet outfoxes fox by having fox give him a bath, a massage, and fix him dinner. When fox passes out exhausted, piglet makes his getaway, chuckling that it is his lucky day! At the end, piglet plans which animal will be the next victim on his list. 

Impressions: A true crowd pleaser, this book contains all of the elements to make it not only award-winning, but loved by all! Subtle and not so subtle humor is interspersed, with a great surprise ending. The illustrations are vivid and bright, with the animals having wonderful expressions on their faces. This book was nominated for (and won) the California Young Reader Medal in 2007. When I read it to all of the students at my school, it was far and away the favorite! Laugh out loud funny and enjoyable for even the youngest of listeners, and older ones alike.

Reviews:

School Library Journal:

 A good choice for storyhours as well as one-on-one readings.

Booklist:

 Reminiscent of her earlier Wolf's Chicken Stew (1987), this well-paced, delightful book plays on traditional story patterns, enhanced byasza's lively illustrations. Children will relate this tale to the humor of a child outwitting a grown-up. 

Publisher's Weekly:

Kasza's gouache art is as buoyant and comical as her narrative, and she skillfully uses multiple vignettes to convey the fox's arduous preparations. The animals' facial expressions alone could carry this tale. 

Horn Book Magazine:

The text, with its lively dialogue and effective repeating scheme, is pitched perfectly to preschoolers; the illustrations are some of the most expressive Kasza has ever done (and that's saying a lot), full of narrative propulsion and humorous detail. 

LS 5613 Advanced Literature for Children

MODULE 1: