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After countless hours of reading, watching films, and blogging, my reading blog is now complete. I hope you enjoy reading each of my entries! This assignment gave me the opportunity to broaden my horizons and learn more about children's literature. Happy reading! :)

The Lorax: by Dr. Seuss

Interestingly, tomorrow is Earth Day- a day in which people all around the globe take time to focus on environment issues and take proper actions, such as planting trees, recycling and picking up trash, in an effort to protect our environment and keep it clean. What a wonderful book to read and enjoy as a reminder of our duty to keep our environment healthy for everyone! While this book was published in 1971, ecological issues are still a major focus today. For example, there is currently an big initiative to "Go Green" to make the Earth a better place to live. For example, Western Kentucky University is taking part in this "green" action by changing hard copy tuition bills normally sent by mail to students' bills being sent via the Internet.
In The Lorax, Dr. Seuss clearly sends a serious didactic message to readers of the important responsibility of taking care of the environment, while also cleverly remaining true to his powerful rhyming schemes and vivid imagination. He does a fascinating job showing the progression of a beautiful and lively environment to an unattractive, desolate, and unhealthy atmosphere as the Once-ler arrives and destroys the peaceful and healthy environment. This book has a brilliant storyline with very interesting characters. Furthermore, Dr. Seuss's colorful description of how chopping down trees and polluting the air and water can cause a chain reaction of harmful affects at all levels of nature. At the end of the story, after many years, the Once-ler has a complete change of heart and sends the child in the story a message that it is up to people like him to make the world a better place to live. The Once-ler then gives the boy the last Truffula seed to plant and offers him specific instructions to care for it by providing it water, fresh air, and protection from axes.
I do believe there are didactic stories that are published today. There are countless children's books on topics such as environmental issues, challenges of family life, having new experiences, and growing up and dealing with emotions and bullying, that can lend themselves to have themes behind the stories and subtly teach children important lessons through entertainment and even humor.

Books that show tension as in The Cat in the Hat

Dr. Seuss is one of the most imaginative and brilliant children's authors of all time. He definitely had a way of making his books come to life. The Cat in the Hat is one of his most popular books. In this story, two bored young children are home alone with nothing to do, that is, until the Cat in the Hat arrives at their house. The Cat in the Hat turns the children's boredom into fascination as the Cat performs outrageous tricks. In the story, the children's pet fish is the voice of reason, making bold statements such as, "He should not be here when your mother is out!" and the children allowing the character of the cat do what he wants represents the tension between anarchy and maintaining order.
One contemporary book that I feel also depicts the tension presented in The Cat in the Hat is a book entitled I Ain't Gonna Paint No More! (2005) by Karen Beaumont and illustrated by David Catrow. In this story, a rebellious little boy finds a paint set. Naturally he desires to paint anything he can get his hands on. He paints the floor, the curtains, the walls, and even the ceiling. When his mother discovers what he is up to, she scolds him by telling him that he will not paint anymore. She then puts him in the tub to soak. When the mother hides the paint in the top of a closet, her son saw exactly where she placed the paint. So, when the mom wasn't looking, he went straight and maneuvered his way to the top of the closet where she placed the paint. Once he had the paint in his hands again, he decided that this time he would paint himself! I feel this story displays kid-friendly anarchy. The mischievous little boy tests his small freedoms with his mother.
I feel this book would appeal to children for various reasons. The use of vibrant colors utilized throughout the book would catch the attention of young children. Also, this book features simple rhyme, which allows the text to flow smoothly. This book can be sung to the tune "It Ain't Gonna Rain No More" which can make it exciting for children. Additionally, the author writes the story in a way that leaves children guessing which body part the little boy will paint next. Finally, I believe children will find this story humorous and some will be even be able to relate to similar experiences.
Another contemporary book that displays tension is Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus (2004)by Mo Willems. I read and responded to this book for one of my Caldecott Honor choices earlier in my blog. In this story, the pigeon desperately wants to drive a bus while the bus driver is away. However, the bus driver gives the reader specific instructions to not allow him to drive the bus. The pigeon pleads to try and persuade the reader to allow him the freedom to drive the vehicle. He even imagines himself at the end of the story driving a big truck. In this story, the bus driver is the character who does not quite condone anarchy.
I believe this book would appeal to children because the story is highly interactive. Willems allows the reader to play an important part in the story from the very beginning. Simple text and illustrations are ideal for this children's book.

Feathers by Jacqueline Woodson (chapter book that addresses diversity)

Jacqueline Woodson won a Newbery Honor in 2008 for her outstanding work, Feathers. I feel this book should be in every elementary and middle school library media center. There are numerous components embedded throughout the story that cleverly address diversity. This book allows the reader to step inside the 1970s to take a closer look at many themes such as racial tension, cultural language, Christian religion and faith, inside the world of a young boy who is deaf, and even adoption. The book also metaphorically weaves a part in one of Emily Dickinson's poems "Hope is the thing with feathers."
Frannie, the narrator and main character in the story, is a sixth grader who attends an all black middle school; that is until a white young boy joins her classroom one winter day. For a girl Frannie's age, she has had many things to cope with her older brother's deafness and her mother losing a young child. So, when the calm white boy shows up in Frannie's classroom, she is able to "see" him differently than most of her other classmates. The class calls him "Jesus Boy." While there is no more segregation in this time period, the reader gains a sense of the racial tension that was still present. For example, throughout the book Trevor, the class bully, constantly harasses Jesus Boy and Frannie also mentions life on "both sides of the highway." However, toward the end of the story, there is a warm sense of hope that leaves the reader feeling appreciative.
The book is an excellent choice because there are many dimensions that allow the reader to make connections and also to gain a better perspective inside the different lives of other people. I feel if this book were used as a literature unit, there would be many wonderful and deep discussions on diversity and the idea of feeling different. The story also allows the reader to come to the important realization that even though we are all different, we all have things in common as well, i.e hope, and I believe that is one of the best features of this story!

Chato and the Party Animals by Gary Soto (Picture book that addresses diversity)

The Latino population is growing rapidly in the United States. In fact, the U.S. Census Bureau reported that the Latino population was an estimated 13% of the total in 2000. As a result, I feel that every library should be equipped with literature that allows students to gain more insight into this culture. Chato and the Party Animals, written by Gary Soto, is a cleverly written and beautifully illustrated story. Because this story contains Spanish language, this book features a glossary as a important reference for readers.
Chato is a "cool" cat who loves to have fun! While having a blast at Chorizo's birthday party, he notices that his good friend Novio Boy seems unhappy. When Chato asks him what's wrong, Chato learns that Novio Boy is indeed sad. Novio Boy does not know much about his past. For example, he doesn't know who his mother is and he doesn't even know when his birthday is. In addition, Novio Boy has never experienced his own birthday party. So, being the kind of friend Chato is, he decides to throw Novio Boy a birthday party. Chato prepares for the festivity by ordering a cake, booking a DJ, creating a catfish pinata, making party food, and inviting friends. When the arrangements and preparations are finalized, Chato and his buddies set out to find his friend. After searching the neighborhood, the trees, and under cars, they begin to think the worst and then decide to head back to Chato's home. Novio Boy finally arrives at his friend's house after going dumpster hopping. They surprise the birthday boy and all enjoy the party until the sun goes down. Novio Boy appreciates what his friend does for him.
I would recommend this book in any school library media center collection. The reader is able to get a better insight into the language and customs of the Latino culture. The authentic illustrations help depict the customs of the Latino experiences. For example, the character's costumes and the rich, vibrant colors resemble the Latino culture. The story's illustrator, Susan Guevara, won the Pura Belpre Award, in 2002 for excellent cultural illustrations. This award
honors Latino authors and illustrators for outstanding work representing Spanish culture. I also enjoyed the theme of friendship that was embedded in the story. This is an excellent multicultural story that I believe children would enjoy reading.

Resource:

http://www.census.gov/

The Two Foolish Cats: by Yoshiko Uchida (a critique)

The Two Foolish Cats, based on a Japanese folktale, is a story about two silly cats who live in the forests of Japan. Field mice and birds are frightened by the cats because they love to hunt these small animals for food. One spring morning the two cats, Big Daizo and Little Suki, could not find the mice and were not quick enough to catch fish in the stream. After arguing, the two animals finally discovered two rice cakes nearby. However, there was a slight problem- the rice cakes were not of equal size. While the animals continued to argue and scuffle over who should get the bigger cake, the field mice and the birds cheered them on and called them greedy and stubborn, hoping they would eat each other. Finally, a badger came out from the forest and advised them to have the wise old monkey settle their dispute. Big Daizo and Little Suki agreed and ventured through the forest to locate him. When they finally found the old monkey sitting in a tree, they told him their dilemma. The wise old monkey said he knew how to solve their problem and went inside his house. He brought out a small scale and quickly found that the rice cakes were not of equal weight. So, the monkey began to take a bites of both rice cakes to make them equal, but instead had soon eaten both rice cakes. The old monkey informed the cats that he had stopped their arguing because the food was equally gone. The cats felt foolish and the blue jays relayed the story to the other animals in the forest. After the animals snickered at the two silly cats, Big Daizo and Little Suki went back into the forest and never squabbled again.
I enjoyed reading the humorous Japanese story. The story was simplistic, but entertaining. I was quickly drawn in the story because I wanted to find out what would become of the two foolish cats. I feel Uchida cleverly got her point across about the consequences of being greedy. I did, however, find it puzzling that the field mice were terrified of the cats, but yet was around them quite often throughout the book. I thought this aspect of the book was contradicting. This is the first book I have read by this author.
Yoshiko Uchida, a Japanese-American author, has written several books. These include The Best Bad Thing, The Birthday Visitor, The Bracelet, The Happiest Ending, The Invisible Thread, A Jar of Dreams, Journey Home, The Magic Purse, Picture Bride, Samurai of Gold Hill, Rooster Who Understood Japanese, The Dancing Kettle and Other Japanese Folk Tales, Sea of Gold, The Wise Old Woman, and The Terrible Leak. Yoshiko Uchida died in 1992.

Resource:

http://www.biblio.com/author_biographies/2107284/Yoshiko_Uchida.html

Noah's Ark: by Jerry Pinkney (a critique)

Jerry Pinkney, author and illustrator, received a Caldecott Honor Award in 2003 for his work, Noah's Ark. This book retells the biblical story found in the book of Genesis. In this story God told Noah that He would bring a flood upon the earth because He was not pleased with the evilness of humankind. Noah was a faithful servant to the Lord and obeyed His commands. God gave Noah instructions that included building a large ark made of cypress wood and filling it with two creatures of every kind, bringing enough food for the animals and Noah and his family. God made Noah a promise that he would keep his family and those animals safe. While Noah built the ark, the people questioned Noah. After Noah, his family, and the animals were safe on the ark, the rain came for forty days and forty nights and flooded the earth. After the rain ended and the water levels dropped, Noah sent a dove to find out if the land was dry. The dove returned with an olive branch and Noah knew there was dry land. Noah and his family praised God and cared for the earth. God assured that He would never flood the earth again and sent a rainbow as His promise.
The illustrations in this story are absolutely exquisite and very unique. His illustrations proved to be distinguished because he received a Caldecott Honor Award for his work. Pinkney used a combination of watercolors, colored pencils, and pencils to create his pictures. I admire Pinkney's attention to detail in his illustrations. In addition, the contrasting bright and subtle color combinations that were used throughout the book were phenomenal . The method in which he drew the winds, the waves, and the rain truly made the book come to life. He did an excellent job of helping make the illustrations tell the story.
Jerry Pinkney is a well-known artist and has illustrated over one hundred children's books. Some of his other works include The Moon Over Star, Little Red Riding Hood, The Old African, God Bless The Child, The Nightingale, In for Winter, Out for Spring, Journeys with Elijah, John Henry, Rikki-Tikki-Tavi, The Little Match Girl, Goin' Someplace Special, Ain't Nobody a Stranger to Me, The Hired Hand, The Ugly Duckling, and Sunday Outing.

Resource:

http://www.jerrypinkneystudio.com/frameset.html