Book Reviews: Traditional Literature
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Kimmel, E. (2004). Cactus soup.
Ill. by Phil Huling. Las Vegas, NV: Amazon. ISBN 9780761458325
2. PLOT SUMMARY
Eric Kimmel’s
adaptation, Cactus Soup, is the retelling of a popular folktale. With
the impending arrival of Mexican troops, the mayor of San Miguel instructs the
townspeople to hide all of their food. Every citizen of the town participates
in the efforts to disguise themselves as poor and destitute. As the soldiers
appear, their captain requests provisions to help feed his men. Sadly, the
mayor explains that his town is unable to help because there are no supplies to
share. The captain suggests making some soup out of water and a cactus thorn.
After overselling the aroma of the boiling water, the captain makes some
requests for additional ingredients. The townspeople buy into his story and
supply the items one by one. Finally, once all the necessary ingredients have
been added to the pot, the troop of soldiers and the people of the town savor
the feast together. Listening to music and enjoying the fiesta.
The story
continues to build with strong rising action. The language Kimmel uses is clear
and easy to understand. By utilizing Spanish terms, he is able to create
dialogue, images, and action that feels respectful of the Mexican culture. The
illustrations created by Huling perfectly match the colors typically associated
with Spanish culture. For example, the colors used to illustrate the background
of the setting are similar to the colors found in adobe. The colors of the
Mexican flag are also used in multiple places. The characters are drawn with
physical characteristics that are consistent with the native people of that
area. The author’s note provided at the end of the book adds to the credibility
of the story. A Spanish-English glossary is also conveniently provided.
Winner of the
Patricia Gallagher Picture Book Award, 2011-2012
Review by Booklist:
“Kimmel's relaxed storytelling, accompanied by a glossary for those whose
Spanish vocabulary may not encompass camote (sweet potato) and alcalde (mayor),
is perfectly matched by the sunbaked watercolors by Huling, whose lanky
villagers dwarfed by looming sombreros, swaybacked horses, and bowlegged
vaqueros evoke both the exaggerated perspectives of Mexican muralists and the
tongue-in-cheek universe of Speedy Gonzales.”
Review by Kirkus:
A good choice for those seeking variants of Stone Soup, or books with Mexican
themes.”
This story would
be an excellent resource for teaching imagery and author’s craft. Presented as
a whole group read aloud, students could share their thoughts on conflict and character
motivation. Other versions of this folktale available include:
Stone Soup (European) – ISBN
978-0689711039
Nail Soup (Swedish) – ISBN 978-1847800299
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Scieszka, J.
(1989). The true story of the three little pigs. Ill. by Lane Smith. New
York, NY: Scholastic. ISBN 978-0140544510
2. PLOT SUMMARY
In this version of
the beast tale, The Three Little Pigs, Alexander T. Wolf apparently gets
a bad rap. He desperately wants to clear his name. Al is short a cup of sugar
to make his granny a birthday cake, so he innocently attempts to borrow some sugar
from the first Pig. However, his cold kicks in and he sneezes the Pig’s house
down. He sees the first Pig dead on the ground. Not wanting a good meal to go
to waste, he eats him. Still in need of sugar, Al walks to the next neighbor’s
house, the second Pig. He was shaving and refused to let Al in. So, he
accidentally sneezed again, and knocked down his house as well. Al eats him up,
too. With his empty measuring up in hand, Al walks to the third Pig’s house.
After he is told to get lost, Al tries to sneeze the third Pig’s house down. He
is unsuccessful though and is punished for his poor choices.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Through the casual
dialog used by Al, the Big Bad Wolf, readers feel invited to join the
conversation by the questions he poses. Like a friendly conversation shared
between friends over lunch. Al is sophisticatedly dressed, but he is still the
dark, devious character we know well. Presenting himself as a caring wolf, he
is hoping to fool the reader into trusting him. It is through the dark shades
used in the illustrations, that we see Al is still the antagonist from earlier
versions of this tale. Irony is not lost on the reader when it is disclosed
that a pig will oversee Al while he is in prison.
4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
Winner of the
Arizona Young Readers Award, 1993
Winner of the
Colorado Children’s Book Award, 1991
Winner of the
Kentucky Bluegrass Award, 1991
Review by Children’s
Literature: “Below Scieszka's patina of humor and playfulness, there is a
respect for kids that shapes his work. His books may appeal to adults, but they
primarily are created for, motivated by, and support the vision of kids.”
5. CONNECTIONS
This story is a
great resource for teaching cause and effect and internal character traits. It would
also be a strong resource for practicing inferencing skills using the
illustrations provided.
Other beast tales
available are:
Goldilocks and the
Three Bears
– ISBN 978-1680524475
Chicken Little – ISBN 978-0688070458
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Taback, S. (1999).
Joseph had a little overcoat. New York, NY: Puffin Books. ISBN 9780140563580
2. PLOT SUMMARY
This folk tale is
about a man named Joseph. Joseph had a long overcoat that he wore over and
over. Each time he wore it, it became smaller and older. Until one day he realized
that he no longer had any remnants of the coat left. Even though the coat was
now gone, Joseph wrote a beautifully illustrated book about his coat for others
to enjoy!
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Taback’s story
version of the Yiddish folk song “I Had a Little Overcoat” provides a unique
and creative reading experience for children. Through die-cut holes, readers
follow along as Joseph finds many ways to repurpose his old overcoat. The
simple, short sentences allow for easy reading, and the repetition encourages
memorization. The illustrations are colorful and quirky. The collage of
drawings and real photographs work perfectly together. Taback’s use of little
additions such as witty posters, silly news headlines, and creative book covers
adds to the charm of this book. The personal letter from Taback found at the
end of the book sheds light on the background for his ideas and the reasoning
for his distinctive style.
4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
Winner of the Randolph
Caldecott Award, 2000
Winner of the
Audie Award, 2002
Winner of the
National Jewish Book Award, 1999
Review by Booklist:
“Taback's mixed-media and collage illustrations are alive with warmth, humor,
and humanity.”
Review by CCBC: “Set
against the backdrop of an Eastern European village, the paintings are filled
with Yiddish cultural references that add depth and humor to the story overall.”
5. CONNECTION
This book is an
excellent resource for teaching the importance of story sequencing. This book
is also a wonderful example of how to use creativity when promoting author’s
craft.
Other books
available from Simms Taback include:
There Was an Old
Lady Who Swallowed a Fly – ISBN 9781591124092
This is the House
that Jack Built
– ISBN 9780399234880
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Zelinsky, P.
(1996). Rumpelstiltskin. New York, NY: Puffin Books. ISBN 9780140558647
2. PLOT SUMMARY
A beautiful
miller’s daughter is forced into difficult situations that require her to spin
straw into gold. Not able to complete these impossible tasks, a little man
named Rumpelstiltskin offers his assistance. Fortunately, he is able to help
her by completing the tasks. However, his help comes with a price. When the
miller’s daughter becomes queen, she is to forfeit her most prized possession:
her son. With the aid of her servant, the queen does receive her happy ending.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Zelinksy’s version
of this German fairy tale is a strong example of an easier to read retelling of
the original by the Brothers Grimm. The slight changes made by Zelinksy provide
a clear view of the story structure. The plot elements are not difficult to
separate which encourages reader comprehension. The struggle of good vs. evil
is evident in this tale. The oil paintings used for illustration, provided by
Zelinksy himself, contain calming tones and soft lines. This encourages a
soothing feeling and avoids the overstimulation that some harsher illustrations
can cause. The note provided by Zelinksy at the end of the book explains his
creative decisions and why he chose to weave in detail from all three versions
by Brothers Grimm. This information would be helpful to the reader should they
come across any of the previous editions of Rumpelstiltskin.
4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
Honor Book for the
Randolph Caldecott Medal, 1987
Winner of the
Parent’s Choice Award, 1986
Winner of the
Texas Bluebonnet Award, 1988
Review by Children’s
Literature: “Zelinsky's exquisitely detailed illustrations perfectly
capture the splendid beauty of the late medieval period, as well as the unique
qualities of each character.”
Reviewed by CCBC:
“Zelinsky's portrayal of Rumpelstiltskin as a proud, graceful elf with a
pointed nose and chin, long fingers and bulging eyes is unforgettable. His
notes on the sources he used and choices he made for this particular retelling
are exemplary.”
5. CONNECTIONS
This book is a
strong resource for teaching internal and external conflict. This book also
lends itself to lessons over character analysis, story structure, and plot
elements. The illustrations provided could promote class discussion as well.
Other books by
Paul O. Zelinksy include:
Rapunzel – ISBN
9780525456070
The Lion and the Stoat – ISBN
9780688025625
The Maid and the
Mouse and the Odd-shaped House: A Story in Rhyme – ISBN
9780140549461
No comments:
Post a Comment