Traditional Literature: Rapunzel by Paul O. Zelinsky

Zelinsky, Paul O. 1997. Rapunzel. New York: Dutton Children's Books. ISBN 0525456074

Summary

This classic fairy tale begins with a man and his wife who are expecting a child. The wife overlooks a sorceress' garden that was forbidden to everyone. The wife longs for a bed of rapunzel vines, to the point of uncontrollable cravings making her ill. The husband repeatedly sneaks the rapunzel back to his wife, but is eventually caught by the sorceress. He is forced to give their new baby in exchange for his wife's good health. The sorceress names the baby Rapunzel and places her into a tall tower, where she grows to be a beauty with exquisite long hair, which is used by the sorceress to climb into the tower. Years later, a prince hears her beautiful voice and goes to the top of the tower by way of her hair. They fall in love and marry in the tower, unbeknownst to the sorceress. She later finds Rapunzel to be with child, cuts her hair off, and sends her into the wild. In the discovery of his lost wife, the prince suffers a fall that renders him blind. Rapunzel and the prince finally find each other, he regains his sight, and they make their way to his kingdom where they live "a long life, happy and content."

Analysis

This fairy tale does not stray from the classic story that has been retold for ages. The style of writing follows the typical format, sharing the good vs. evil. What really makes the story are the illustrations. The characters are beautifully depicted through Zelinsky's breathtaking oil paintings. Their emotions are vividly drawn, helping the reader understand the feelings of love, fright, desperation, and anger. His illustrations give the setting a Tuscan feel. Each picture is very detailed, down to the leaves on the trees and each hair on Rapunzel's head. In this story, the combination of true love and good does triumph over evil, following the classic fairy tale patterns.

Personal Response

It was difficult for me to focus on the quality of the writing because of the amazing illustrations. Zelinsky's work in all of his stories are breathtaking. I had the privilege of witnessing his illustrating live at the 2012 Texas Book Festival, as he drew illustrations while author Emily Jenkins read from her story, Toys Come Home. His talent is indescribable. I was amazed at the fascinating artwork he was able to create in a matter of minutes.

Reviews and Awards

A 1998 Caldecott Medal Book

 "A breathtaking interpretation gives the fairy tale new art-historical roots, with illustrations that daringly-and effectively-mimic the masters of Italian Renaissance painting." - Publisher's Weekly

"It takes a scholar's mind and an artist's insight to endow the familiar with unexpected nuances--which Zelinsky does with passion and dazzling technique. His choice of a Renaissance setting is inspired, allowing for many artistic and architectural allusions. The book demonstrates respect for the traditions of painting and the fairy tale while at the same time adhering to a singular, wholly original, artistic vision." -Horn Book


Connections

Students can do an author/illustrator study, learning the works of Paul O. Zelinsky. Other classics he has authored and/or illustrated include Rumpelstiltskin and Hansel and Gretel.

Student can compare variations of the story of Rapunzel, including other retellings and fractured fairy tales.

With appropriate permissions, students can compare the story of Rapunzel to the Disney film, Tangled. 

Traditional Literature: The Lady in the Blue Cloak: Legends from the Texas Missions by Eric Kimmel

Kimmel, Eric. 2006. The Lady In The Blue Cloak: Legends from the Texas Missions. Ill. by Susan Guevara. USA: Holiday House. ISBN 0823417387

Summary

The Lady in the Blue Cloak: Legends from the Texas Missions shares six stories of heartfelt deeds of the people who lived during this time in history.

"The Lady in the Blue Cloak" is a tale of Tejas Indians learning the word of God through a mysterious lady wearing a blue cloak. The Indians learn new information from Padres who are unaware of the mystery woman. The lady turns out to be a holy nun who was known to have visions of traveling to far off places, but never actually left her home.

 "Rosa's Window" is a tale of love lost. Pedro is called to do God's work in the New World, but is hesitant to leave his fiance Rosa. After being persuaded by Rosa to go, Pedro heads to Texas to decorate the church with his carvings. He later learns of Rosa's death and carves a masterpiece in her honor.

 "The Bell" also shares a story of love. Dona Teresa and her groom Don Angel are separated as he goes to the mission with his padre cousin. Before he left, Don Angel gives his bride a ring and cross on a chain as a symbol of their love and devotion. Unfortunately, Don Angel dies before he can share the new world with Dona Teresa. A bell is created for the mission in which Don Angel did his work. While the bronze is being poured into the mold, Dona Teresa throws the ring and chain into the mold, so she can be with her loved one forever. Others who were there did the same with their rings and crosses. Dona Teresa takes her last breath as the bell rings for the first time.

"The Miracle at the Gate" demonstrates the power of prayer during a Comanche attack. A padre on watch misses the signs of attack, not allowing enough time for the workers in the field to safely run into the mission. The gates remained open as the padres pray for protection. All the workers make it safely into the mission and the Comanches are unable to get through.

"The Christmas Vine" is a tale precious gifts. A small child wants to bring the Holy Family a gift, but is unable to produce anything he deems worthy. The padre shares with him "the most precious gifts are the ones that cannot be seen with our eyes." The boy and the padre search for a gift, finding a vine that isn't very beautiful. The vine transforms into a beautiful sight, making the boy feel very proud. Today, the vine is known as the "Margil Vine."

"The Padre's Gift" teaches the reader about kindness and how it pays off. Two stories share what happens when people find bad luck, but are kind to strangers (who happen to be padres). These tales are still passed along today, as people in San Antonio tell their children to "always be polite and kind to strangers, especially if they wear brown robes and walk with sandals on their feet."

Analysis

The characters throughout the legends are both padres and civilians who are doing their part for the new world. Kimmel retells the stories in a beautiful light, sharing the feelings of love, loss, and struggle with the reader. Each story shares the location of the mission, and what has become of them. The reader learns of missions that have been lost, and others that are now famous landmarks, such as The Alamo.

Each story brings a different theme. The stories do not always end happily, but provide messages of strong love and religious devotion. The author keeps each story culturally specific, stating names and locations of each character and mission. The stories help the reader gain insight into the development of Texas and shares the lessons that are still imparted on families in the area today.

Susan Guevara does a wonderful job with her full page, detailed oil paintings. Each story is introduced with Guevara's artwork, something that stays true to the genre and to the time in which the stories take place. The paintings grasp the important aspects of each story.

Personal Response

I found this book to be very interesting. The heartwarming stories helped me understand more about the Texas Missions, something I was uneducated about.

Reviews and Awards

"Kimmel delves into a lesser-known topic the lore of the beginnings of Spanish missions in Texas with this unusual and compelling collection. Guevera provides an opener to each legend with her elegant full-page oil paintings evocative of the symbols and themes of the era." -Publisher's Weekly

"This is a lovely book that will probably prove most useful in Texas and possibly in other areas with a history of Spanish missions." -School Library Journal

Connections

Teachers can combine their language arts lessons on legends with social studies research on the actual missions. These two books can aid in the research aspect:

Gendell, Megan. 2010.  The Spanish Missions of Texas. New York: Children's Press. ISBN 0531212432

Levy, Janey. 2010. The Missions of Texas. New York: Rosen Classroom. ISBN 1615324569

Traditional Literature: The Three Horrid Little Pigs

Pichon, Liz. 2008. The Three Horrid Little Pigs. Great Britain: Little Tiger Press. ISBN 9781589250772

Summary

In this fractured fairy tale, the three little pigs are different from those in the classic tale...they are troublemakers! Their mother sends them out of the house after "having enough of the pesky pigs." Each pig sets off to find his own land and build a home. A friendly wolf sees the mess that each pig makes while lazily building their homes. The wolf offers to help build a more secure home. Each pig rudely responds and says the statement "I'll huff and I'll puff and I'll kick you out!" After being rejected by each pig, the wolf returns home. Finally, after each house is somehow destroyed, the pigs discover the warm, comfortable house owned by the wolf, sneak through the chimney, and are welcomed in by the wolf. The pigs drop their horrid behaviors and learn to build a sturdy home.

Analysis

The characters in The Three Horrid Little Pigs are very enjoyable. The pigs take on a dynamic character role, being "horrid" through the majority of the book, then changing into friendly, helpful pigs in the end.  The wolf remains static, friendly and helpful throughout the story, even at the end when the pigs had treated him so poorly.

The plot and setting is very similar to the classic story. Each pig faces his own dilemma with the structure of his home, beginning with the least sturdy material (hay) and moving up to a more secure material (the already made chicken coop). A wolf visits each house, but does not destroy them in this case. Similar materials are used to construct the homes as in the classic story, and each illustration shows their homes being built in a pasture or on a farm.

Typically, a rendition of "The Three Little Pigs" is a cautionary tale. This doesn't seem as evident in The Three Horrid Little Pigs. The writing gives off more of a "love thy neighbor" message. The author's style is repetitive, much like the classic version. Each encounter with a pig is similar...difficulties with creating a home, a kind gesture from a friendly wolf, followed by an angry response from the pigs.

The colorful cartoon illustrations provide the reader with wonderful images of the mischievous pigs. There are captions included throughout the illustrations that show us what the characters are thinking. Another significant factor is the font size, which often changes based on the language. The more intense moments are depicted in a larger, bolder font.

Personal Response

As a big fan of fractured fairy tales, I thoroughly enjoyed The Three Horrid Little Pigs. I think it is a hilarious spin on the classic tale, placing the wolf in a kind light. This book would pair well with Jon Scieszka's The True Story of the Three Little Pigs.

Reviews

"The lively narrative, printed in playfully arranged text of varying size, is well suited for spirited read-alouds, as are the colorful illustrations that add to the hilarity with expressive characters. Children will enjoy the clever twist on a familiar story." -Booklist

"This picture book serves as another fine example of a fairytale twist that will be enjoyed by young readers." -Library Media Connections

Connections

After reading The Three Horrid Little Pigs and also reviewing the original tale, students can be challenged to write their own version of the classic story.

There are several versions of The Three Little Pigs available to readers. A whole grade level can take a rendition of the classic tale and turn it into a play or a reader's theater. Titles that can be used include, but are not limited to,  The Three Horrid Little Pigs, The Three Little Javelinas by Susan Lowell, and The True Story of the Three Little Pigs by Jon Scieszka. This would make for a fun performance night for parents!

Picture Books: Eloise by Kay Thompson

Thompson, Kay. 1955. Eloise. Ill. by Hilary Knight. New York: Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers. ISBN 067122350X


Summary

Eloise  is a classic tale of six year old girl who lives at The Plaza Hotel. The reader is taken through her everyday life, from learning about her pets and dolls, to living through her antics with her Nanny, tutor, and other hotel employees. Eloise shows all the different places she travels through the hotel, and all the mischief that is made. The story demonstrates what life is like for a wealthy child being raised by a nanny and hotel staff.

Analysis

Eloise follows no standard plot line. It is an account of Eloise's daily life, mostly in chronological order, but does not include any sort of problem and solution. The reader quickly realizes that there are no periods to end sentences. The lack of punctuation creates confusion as thoughts change throughout the story.

Language plays an important role. First, the author wrote words like bawth, cawn't, and rawther, along with French dialect to help the reader grasp the accents. Also, Eloise mentions that her Nanny "always says everything three times." Throughout the story, references to the Nanny usually include words repeated three times.

Eloise's behavior is crucial in the story line. The adults use words like "nuisance" and are described as being "ready to go home" after spending time with her. The reader is able to sense her inability to sit still as she jumps from place to place...riding the elevator through several floors, running around the caterers, bouncing between banquet rooms and ballrooms, playing in the men's room.

Eloise's mother is never physically with her. The story alludes to a boyfriend, mom's lawyer with whom she spends lots of time with in Virginia. The mother knows many important people in Eloise's eyes. She says that her nanny is her companion. There is no mention of a father.

Finally, Hilary Knight's illustrations really bring to life the shenanigans that Eloise participates in daily. Hand drawn works of art are published in black and white with varying hues of pink on each image. The details in the facial expressions on the characters help the reader understand how Eloise, the Nanny, the tutor, and all other hotel employees and guests truly feel as she goes about her day. Illustrations include content that would not be often found in picture books today, including images of adult beverages and smoking paraphernalia.

Personal Response

Eloise will not be going on my "favorite picture books" list. I found the lack of periods very confusing. Some of the content was inappropriate for children, including mentions of a "rendezvous room," fight nights, cigarettes, martinis, and beer. I think that her, spoiled, out of control behaviors set a bad example for children. I would not recommend the book for any kind of lesson.

Reviews 

"My first happy response to Eloise was entirely due to the brilliant, iconic images. That brazen, loose-limbed, deliciosly little girl monster is Hilary Knight at his best." — Maurice Sendak (artist and author)

Connections

Kann, Victoria and Elizabeth Kann. 2004. Pinkalicious. New York: Harper Collins. ISBN 0060776390

O'Connor, Jane. 2005. Fancy Nancy. Ill. by Robin Preiss Glasser. New York: Harper Collins. ISBN 0060542098

Picture Books: Knuffle Bunny by Mo Willems

Willems, Mo. 2004. Knuffle Bunny. New York: Hyperion Books for Children. ISBN0786818700

Summary 

Knuffle Bunny is a humorous tale that depicts the trauma a child suffers when a special stuffed animal is lost. Trixie, her father, and her beloved Knuffle Bunny, take a trip to the local laundromat. While helping her dad with the laundry, Trixie accidentally puts Knuffle Bunny in the basket, tossing him in with the dirty clothes. They leave before she realizes her bunny is gone. She expresses her concern to her father, only it’s gibberish, due to the fact that Trixie has not yet learned her words.  Unbeknownst to him, Trixie’s father continues to walk home. Her gibberish then turns to mayhem, causing her father to feel annoyed. As soon as they get home, the mother notices Knuffle Bunny is gone, and the whole family rushes to the laundromat to find him. Once found, Trixie speaks her first words, “Knuffle Bunny.”

Analysis

Not only does the plot take us on a journey that we can all relate too, but also, the pictures give us a realistic understanding of the setting. Willems' illustrations are a combination of hand drawn ink sketches and digital photography. The photos are black and white images of an actual front door, a neighborhood block, a park, a school, and, finally, the interior and exterior of the laundromat. The colorful illustrations of Trixie, Knuffle Bunny, and her parents stand out over the black and white photographs. The unique artistry of Willems' illustrations really brings the story to life.

Knuffle Bunny is told through an omniscient point of view and follows a true plot line. The story begins with the rising action of the trip to the laundromat and the unawareness of Knuffle Bunny's disappearance. The climactic moment of the story is a combination of events---Trixie's fits when she can't communicate her despair, paired with her mother's discovery of the missing bunny. The treasured toy reappears in the denouement, when the family finds him at the laundromat, and Trixie says her first words. The author's tone is very realistic, accurately portraying the feelings that children and their parents experience during moments of excitement, sadness, frustration, and relief.

Personal Response

I thoroughly enjoyed each aspect of Knuffle Bunny, from the text itself to the illustrations. I found it easy to relate to for anyone who has felt helpless after losing a stuffed animal, baby blanket, or anything special to them.

Reviews and Awards

"Even children who can already talk a blue streak will come away satisfied that their own strong emotions have been mirrored and legitimized, and readers of all ages will recognize the agonizing frustration of a little girl who knows far more than she can articulate."— Jennifer Mattson, Booklist

"These perfect pictures of New York City complement the family tale of Daddy who is wrong, wrong, wrong, and Trixie, who is totally right, but can’t yet say words to tell him. Heartwarming and hilarious." – Diantha McBride, School Library Journal

A 2005 Caldecott Honor Book

Connections

Mo Willems is an author that children would love to learn more about. His hilarious stories are widely appreciated by kids of all ages. Favorites include the Knuffle Bunny Series, the Pigeon Series (Don't Let The Pigeon Drive The Bus), The Elephant and Piggie Series (I Love My New Toy), and the Naked Mole Rat Series (Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed). Students can study the author and present what they learn. They could also do book reports on their favorite Mo Willems books.

A cartoon version of the story can be found on Bookflix, a website created by Scholastic where children can listen and watch stories. Each story is paired with a non-fiction text. The site requires a log-in, which may be accessible through a school's library.

Picture Books: Grandpa Green by Lane Smith

Smith, Lane. 2011. Grandpa Green. New York: Roaring Book Press. ISBN 9781596436077

Summary

Grandpa Green is a touching tale of a boy who learns stories of his great-grandfather's life through the beauty of topiary landscaping. The enchanting tale takes the reader through major milestones in the great-grandfather's life: his childhood experiences while living on a farm, interests in fantasy books, girls, and horticulture, life as a soldier, love, marriage, children, and the forgetfulness that comes with old age. These memories are preserved in the garden in which the story is set.

Analysis

Smith's illustrations take us on a journey through the garden, with mainly white backgrounds filled with various shades of green, emphasizing the appeal of the topiary trees. Splashes of color come into play at significant moments, particularly in the mention of chicken pox. Images of the boy show him collecting and transporting gardening tools while appreciating and reenacting special moments through the details of the topiary trees. Smith illustrates through the magic of collage, a combination of various mediums.

Grandpa Green teaches the reader the importance of family and preservation of memories. The illustrations play an integral role in teaching these themes, as the text itself is a very low word count. After reading the story a second time and evaluating the illustrations with a keener eye, the reader notices that the tools collected by the boy are those that the great-grandfather leaves behind due to his forgetfulness. Character development is minor, but the boy has an understanding that, while his great-grandfather may forget the small things, such as his gardening tools, the "important stuff, the garden remembers for him."

Personal Response

Grandpa Green is beautifully written and illustrated. I found myself reading the story multiple times, studying the illustrations and noticing more details with each reread. The closeness and emotion portrayed through the pictures is remarkable. I found myself thinking of my special connections to the places, objects, and memories I cherish with my late grandparents.

Reviews and Awards

"From a jacket image of the entranced child watching Grandpa shape an elephant to a last view of that child fashioning a topiary Grandpa, a thoughtful, eloquent, and elegantly illustrated book to explore, consider, and read again."-Joanna Rudge Long, The Horn Book Magazine

"A clever premise, brilliant pacing, and whimsical illustrations offer a distinctive look at the life and artistic vision of one great-grandfather." -School Library Journal

"It's a rare glimpse into Smith's softer side—as skillful as his more sly offerings, but crafted with honesty and heart." -Publishers Weekly

2012 Caldecott Honor Book

Connections

Children may feel a special connection to Grandpa Green depending on the relationships they have with their own grandparents. A great selection that could be paired with this story is The Hello Goodbye Window by Norton Juster, a story that combines the close relationship of a grandchild and their grandparents with a special place in the grandparents home. After reading these stories, children can be inspired to write a personal narrative about special places they share with their grandparents. This lesson can be adapted to write about other family members as well.

The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein is another great example of close relationships and how people change over time. Both books can be used in a compare/contrast lesson. The students can discuss the similarities in the relationships between characters, while also discussing the differences, like the personification of the tree versus the realness of the great-grandfather.