Module 2

June 13 - 19, 2011

Book 1: The Lion and the Mouse by  Jerry Pinkney

  

Bibliography:  Pinkney, J. (2009). Lion and the mouse. New York: Little, Brown and Co. Books for Young Readers.

Summary:

The lion sees a mouse, catches him and decides to release him. Later, the lion is caught in a net by trappers and the mouse decides to repay him. The mouse  climbs the net and chew through the rope until there is a hole big enough for the lion to fall through.

My Impression:

This book has a simple story and beautiful pictures to go along with it. The words used in the story focus on sounds -grrr - squeak -- scratch -- putt putt! Simple, yet effective.

Reviews:

1. Booklist:

*Starred Review* "The intricate lion's face that crowds the cover of Pinkney's latest folktale adaptation is unaccompanied by any title or credits, and that is entirely appropriate—there are no words inside, either. Through illustration alone Pinkney relates the well-known Aesop fable of the mouse who is captured by a lion, only to be unexpectedly released. Then, when the lion finds himself trapped by hunters, it is the mouse who rescues him by gnawing through the twine. Pinkney bends his no-word rule a bit with a few noises that are worked into the art ("Screeeech" when an owl dives; "Putt-Putt-Putt" when the hunters' jeep arrives), but these transgressions will only encourage young listeners to get involved with read-along sessions. And involved they will be—how could they not get drawn into watercolors of such detail and splendor? Pinkney's soft, multihued strokes make everything in the jungle seem alive, right down to the rocks, as he bleeds color to indicate movement, for instance, when the lion falls free from the net. His luxuriant use of close-ups humanizes his animal characters without idealizing them, and that's no mean feat. In a closing artist's note, Pinkney talks about his choice to forgo text." - Krause

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2. School Library Journal:

PreK-Gr 3-Thiis story starts on the cover with the glorious, golden countenance of a lion. No text is necessary to communicate the title: the direction of the beast's gaze and the conflicted expression on his tightly cropped face compel readers to turn the book over, where a mouse, almost filling the vertical space, glances back. The endpapers and artist's note place these creatures among the animal families of the African Serengeti. Each spread contributes something new in this nearly wordless narrative, including the title opening, on which the watchful rodent pauses, resting in one of the large footprints that marches across the gutter. In some scenes, Pinkney's luminous art, rendered in watercolor and colored pencil, suggests a natural harmony, as when the cool blues of  the sky are mirrored in the rocks and acacia tree. In other compositions, a cream-colored background focuses attention on the exquisitely detailed and nuanced forms of the two main characters. Varied  perspectives and the judicious use of panels create interest and indicate time. Sounds are used sparingly and purposefully-an owl's hoot to hint at off- stage danger or an anguished roar to alert the mouse of the lion's entrapment. Contrast this version with Pinkney's traditional treatment of the same story (complete with moral) in Aesop's Fables (North-South, 2000). The ambiguity- that results from the lack of words in this version allows for a slower, subtle, and ultimately more satisfying read. Moments of humor and affection complement the drama. A classic talc from a consummate artist.- Wendy Lukehart, Washington DG Public Libray

Suggestion for Use:

I would definitely use it as a friendship book or as a Golden Rule theme - do unto others.

Citations:

Kraus, D. (2009). [Review of the book The Lion & The Mouse by J. Pinkney]. Booklist, 105(21), 63. Retrieved from http://libproxy.library.unt.edu:2104/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?sid=
5839463e-1cfd-4182-b0e7-71404461a7bd%40sessionmgr114&vid=36&hid=110

Lukehart, W. (2009). [Review of the book The Lion & the Mouse by J. Pinkney]. School Library Journal, 55(9), 146. Retrieved from http://libproxy.library.unt.edu:2104/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?sid=34409fdb-f933-4fc8-a7af-9f736d97a184%40sessionmgr11&vid=34&hid=105




Book 2: Skippyjon Jones by Judith Schachner

 

Bibliography: Schachner, J. (2003). Skippyjon Jones. New York: Dutton Children's Books.

Summary:

Skippyjon is a Siamese cat and with his imagination goes o great adventures. After mama is upset with him for pretending to be a bird -eating worms, he is put in his room for some thinking time. H bounces on his bed and as he looks in the mirror, he sees himself as a Chihuahua. He puts o a mask and gets a sword and now becomes Skippito Friskito - a bandito. He goes on an adventure with a group of chihuahuas to save them from a bad bandito. His mom comes to check on him just as he is crashing out of his closet. Another adventure complete and e is ready for the next one.

My Impression:

This is a very fun book with rhyming words. It has excellent pictures to go along with the fun story. There are Spanish words in the text, so bilingual children will find humor and enjoyment in the references.  This book would be great to share when discussion imagination, doing the right thing or love of a family.

Reviews:

1. School Library Journal:

This is a wildly wonderful book about a hyperactive kitten, Skippyjon Jones, whose head and ears are too big for his body, and whose imagination is too intense for his mama. According to her, he needs to so some serious thinking about what it means to be a Siamese cat instead of a bird (Skippyjon always wakes up and eats worms with his feathered friends). She sends him to his room, where he imagines he is a Chihuahua ("My name is Skippito Friskito./I fear not a single bandito"). Chock-full of rhyming chants and Spanish expressions, the feline's adventure as a doggy  Zorro ends in chaos. His frazzled mother gives him a hug anyway and says "Good night, Skippyjon Jones." "Buenas noches, mis amigos," says the kitten, as he bounces on his bed all ready for another adventure. The buoyant and colorful cartoon illustrations match the exuberant text perfectly. Spanish speaking children will be especially delighted by the words and humor, others may be a little bewildered by all the foreign phrases and will need some explanation, but the story definately has the potential for a fun read-aloud. A good multi-cultural offering. - Judith Constantinides, formerly at East Baton Rouge Parish, Main Library, LA

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2. Publishers Weekly:

The Siamese hero of this caper sleeps in a nest—with the birds—and is convinced

that he's really a Chihuahua in disguise, and saves his pals from a giant Bumblebeeto

Bandito. Ages 4-up. (Apr.) PW

Suggestion for Use:

This book would be great to share when discussion imagination, doing the right thing or love of a family.

Citations:

Jones, T. E., Toth, L., Charnizon, M., Grabarek, D., Larkins, J., & Constantinides, J. (2004). [Review of the book Skippyjon Jones by J. Schachner]. School Library Journal, 50(1), 106. Retrieved from http://libproxy.library.unt.edu:2104/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?sid=5839463e-1cfd-4182-b0e7-71404461a7bd%40sessionmgr114&vid=540&hid=122

Picture Book Reprints. (2005). [Review of the book Skippyjon Jones by J. Schachner]. Publishers Weekly, 252(20), 65. Retrieved fromhttp://libproxy.library.unt.edu:2104

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