Bibliography
Scieszka, Jon, and Lane Smith. The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs. Viking, an Imprint of Penguin Group (USA), 2014.
Plot Summary
As Alexander Wolf tells his story, he was innocently trying to borrow a cup of sugar from a little pig when he sneezed so hard that the pig's obviously inadequate straw house fell and killed him, so--rather than let all that good ham go to waste--the wolf ate him. But when the third little pig, safe in his brick house, not only refused to discuss loaning sugar but was rude about the wolf's Granny, the wolf tried to force the door, the pig called the cops, and the wolf was jailed--complaining that reporters blew the story all out of proportion and that he was framed.
Critical Analysis
Al, the misunderstood Big Bad Wolf opens up by insisting that we have it all wrong to think that the pigs deaths were at all intentional. He plays the victim well with illustrations that depict his nonchalant demeanor. His character is symbolic of the typical “perception is reality” notion that one sees things differently.
His quest for sugar and mindfulness of not wasting good food are what get him into trouble. Although his cold is the culprit that brings on the sneezes that ultimately blow down the houses leaving the pigs dead.
The setting goes along with the plot of the story as the illustrations depict the rising actions that lead to his arrest. And the overall theme of “Don’t always believe everything you here.” shines through in the characters tone and voice the shows justification and pleading.
The children will relate to the familiar story of the three little pigs and find it easy to understand the characters point of view in this fractured fairytale. This story will be a fun read for both young and old, as its colorful illustrations and crude humor take us through the wolves side of the story.
Review Excerpts
Publishers Weekly (July 28, 1989)
Smith's highly imaginative watercolors eschew realism, further updating the tale, though some may find their urbane stylization and intentionally static quality mystifyingly adult. Designed with uncommon flair, this alternative fable is both fetching and glib.
School Library Journal (October 1989)
Smith's dark tones and sometimes shadowy, indistinct shapes recall the distinctive illustrations he did for Merriam's Halloween ABC (Macmillan, 1987); the bespectacled wolf moves with a rather sinister bonelessness, and his juicy sneezes tear like thunderbolts through a dim, grainy world. It's the type of book that older kids (and adults) will find very funny.--John Peters, New York Public Library
Awards
· ALA Notable Children's Books, 1995
Connections
1. Analyzing point of view: students learn to look at the author’s purpose and examine multiple viewpoints. By reading two versions of the same tale, students recognize that there are not only different versions of the story, but also different character viewpoints.
2. Point of view: mimic this fractured fairy tale and write another well-known story from a different character’s point of view.
3. Character Analysis: create a newspaper article describing the wolf and his daily actions that led him to become so infamous.
Scieszka, Jon, and Lane Smith. The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs. Viking, an Imprint of Penguin Group (USA), 2014.
Plot Summary
As Alexander Wolf tells his story, he was innocently trying to borrow a cup of sugar from a little pig when he sneezed so hard that the pig's obviously inadequate straw house fell and killed him, so--rather than let all that good ham go to waste--the wolf ate him. But when the third little pig, safe in his brick house, not only refused to discuss loaning sugar but was rude about the wolf's Granny, the wolf tried to force the door, the pig called the cops, and the wolf was jailed--complaining that reporters blew the story all out of proportion and that he was framed.
Critical Analysis
Al, the misunderstood Big Bad Wolf opens up by insisting that we have it all wrong to think that the pigs deaths were at all intentional. He plays the victim well with illustrations that depict his nonchalant demeanor. His character is symbolic of the typical “perception is reality” notion that one sees things differently.
His quest for sugar and mindfulness of not wasting good food are what get him into trouble. Although his cold is the culprit that brings on the sneezes that ultimately blow down the houses leaving the pigs dead.
The setting goes along with the plot of the story as the illustrations depict the rising actions that lead to his arrest. And the overall theme of “Don’t always believe everything you here.” shines through in the characters tone and voice the shows justification and pleading.
The children will relate to the familiar story of the three little pigs and find it easy to understand the characters point of view in this fractured fairytale. This story will be a fun read for both young and old, as its colorful illustrations and crude humor take us through the wolves side of the story.
Review Excerpts
Publishers Weekly (July 28, 1989)
Smith's highly imaginative watercolors eschew realism, further updating the tale, though some may find their urbane stylization and intentionally static quality mystifyingly adult. Designed with uncommon flair, this alternative fable is both fetching and glib.
School Library Journal (October 1989)
Smith's dark tones and sometimes shadowy, indistinct shapes recall the distinctive illustrations he did for Merriam's Halloween ABC (Macmillan, 1987); the bespectacled wolf moves with a rather sinister bonelessness, and his juicy sneezes tear like thunderbolts through a dim, grainy world. It's the type of book that older kids (and adults) will find very funny.--John Peters, New York Public Library
Awards
· ALA Notable Children's Books, 1995
Connections
1. Analyzing point of view: students learn to look at the author’s purpose and examine multiple viewpoints. By reading two versions of the same tale, students recognize that there are not only different versions of the story, but also different character viewpoints.
2. Point of view: mimic this fractured fairy tale and write another well-known story from a different character’s point of view.
3. Character Analysis: create a newspaper article describing the wolf and his daily actions that led him to become so infamous.
Bibliography
Isaacs, Anne, and Paul O. Zelinsky. Swamp Angel. Puffin Books, 2000.
Plot Summary
Swamp Angel can lasso a tornado, and drink an entire lake dry. She single-handedly defeats the fearsome bear known as Thundering Tarnation, wrestling him from the top of the Great Smoky Mountains to the bottom of a deep lake. Caldecott Medal-winning artist Paul O. Zelinsky's stunning folk-art paintings are the perfect match for the irony, exaggeration, and sheer good humor of this original tall tale set on the American frontier.
Critical Analysis
Angelica, a larger than life girl, is a simplistic character to understand. She is naturally playful and helpful which suits her name, Swamp Angel. Her choice of entertainment is not typical of female roles which symbolizes the strong female character.
The plot is full of action once she takes on the challenge of capturing the viscous Tarnation bear. which leads readers to the theme of “never underestimate the power of a woman”. It is far from resembling a realistic storyline, rather taking on its Tall Tale characteristics.
The beautiful oil painted illustrations mesh well with the story’s rising and falling actions to take the reader through the plight of capturing the beast. Although I believe this story would be more easily enjoyed by older children. The word choice and writing style can sometimes take on a more mature quality that may be too difficult for younger readers.
Review Excerpts
Horn Book Guide starred (March, 1995)
Zelinsky, working on cherry and maple veneers, has adapted elements of American folk art; his sense of line matches the exuberance of the text so that the effect is a seamless interpretation.
Kirkus Reviews starred (1994)
It is impossible to convey the sheer pleasure, the exaggerated loopiness, of newcomer Isaacs's wonderful story. Matching the superb text stride for stride are Zelinsky's (The Wheels on the Bus, 1990) altered-state, American primitive paintings -- gems that provide new pleasures, reading after reading. To say that you are entering Caldecott land doesn't begin to do this book justice.
Awards
· ALA Notable Children's Books, 1995
· Book Links, 10/01/08
· Booklist starred, 10/15/94
· Caldecott Honor, 1995
· Elementary School Library Collection, 06/01/00
· School Library Journal, 11/01/97
· School Library Journal starred, 12/01/94
· Teacher Librarian, 03/01/96
· Wilson's Children, 10/01/10
Connections
1. Tall Tale characteristics: students identify the characteristics that make up a tall tale
2. Compare and Contrast: students compare Swamp Angel to other tall storybook characters such as Paul Bunyan and Dona Flor.
Isaacs, Anne, and Paul O. Zelinsky. Swamp Angel. Puffin Books, 2000.
Plot Summary
Swamp Angel can lasso a tornado, and drink an entire lake dry. She single-handedly defeats the fearsome bear known as Thundering Tarnation, wrestling him from the top of the Great Smoky Mountains to the bottom of a deep lake. Caldecott Medal-winning artist Paul O. Zelinsky's stunning folk-art paintings are the perfect match for the irony, exaggeration, and sheer good humor of this original tall tale set on the American frontier.
Critical Analysis
Angelica, a larger than life girl, is a simplistic character to understand. She is naturally playful and helpful which suits her name, Swamp Angel. Her choice of entertainment is not typical of female roles which symbolizes the strong female character.
The plot is full of action once she takes on the challenge of capturing the viscous Tarnation bear. which leads readers to the theme of “never underestimate the power of a woman”. It is far from resembling a realistic storyline, rather taking on its Tall Tale characteristics.
The beautiful oil painted illustrations mesh well with the story’s rising and falling actions to take the reader through the plight of capturing the beast. Although I believe this story would be more easily enjoyed by older children. The word choice and writing style can sometimes take on a more mature quality that may be too difficult for younger readers.
Review Excerpts
Horn Book Guide starred (March, 1995)
Zelinsky, working on cherry and maple veneers, has adapted elements of American folk art; his sense of line matches the exuberance of the text so that the effect is a seamless interpretation.
Kirkus Reviews starred (1994)
It is impossible to convey the sheer pleasure, the exaggerated loopiness, of newcomer Isaacs's wonderful story. Matching the superb text stride for stride are Zelinsky's (The Wheels on the Bus, 1990) altered-state, American primitive paintings -- gems that provide new pleasures, reading after reading. To say that you are entering Caldecott land doesn't begin to do this book justice.
Awards
· ALA Notable Children's Books, 1995
· Book Links, 10/01/08
· Booklist starred, 10/15/94
· Caldecott Honor, 1995
· Elementary School Library Collection, 06/01/00
· School Library Journal, 11/01/97
· School Library Journal starred, 12/01/94
· Teacher Librarian, 03/01/96
· Wilson's Children, 10/01/10
Connections
1. Tall Tale characteristics: students identify the characteristics that make up a tall tale
2. Compare and Contrast: students compare Swamp Angel to other tall storybook characters such as Paul Bunyan and Dona Flor.
Bibliography
Kimmel, Eric A. Bearhead: a Russian Folktale. Holiday House, 1997.
Plot Summary
When the king's son, Walter, frees Iron John from his cage, Iron John takes him into the forest to guard the magic spring--but Walter cannot protect the spring and must go into the world to meet his fate.
Critical Analysis
Bearhead is a boy with a bear’s head who has been found and raised by a childless woman. He takes on the role of the literal one, with his literal actions to those figures of speech commonly heard today. And much like the innocent mind of a child, Bearhead interprets things literally.
The plot is simple and moves along easily. Much like that of the Amelia Bedelia series. Children will be able to relate to the plot and them as they too will interpret what is being told.
The illustrations created with watercolor and colored pencils have an antique feel to them, which works with the format of this text.
Review Excerpts
Booklist (Vol. 88, No. 1 (September 1, 1991))
A solid tale with a touch of quirky humor, illustrated in bold, bright colors that capture the Old World atmosphere.
Horn Book Guide (March, 1992)
Kimmel's mix of folksy simplicity and tongue-in-cheek humor invites the book to be read aloud, and Mikolaycak's vivid, lively watercolors are outstanding.
Kirkus Reviews (1991)
Mikolaycak's beautiful illustrations are notable for their skillful, dramatic compositions; firmly enclosed on three sides, they open on a fourth to allow a pleasing accommodation of the text--an innovative, very satisfactory design. Enriched by old-world Russian detail, they depict a sturdy, charming hero, an intriguing frog/sea-monster goblin who's more debonair than appalling, and an oddly vulnerable-looking witch. A satisfying story in a handsome setting.
Awards
· Book Links, 05/01/00
· Elementary School Library Collection, 06/01/00
Connections
1. Literal and Figurative: discuss the types of speech that one can use to convey a message.
2. Meaning of text: read other noodlehead style books and decipher the underlying meaning of the figurative language.
Kimmel, Eric A. Bearhead: a Russian Folktale. Holiday House, 1997.
Plot Summary
When the king's son, Walter, frees Iron John from his cage, Iron John takes him into the forest to guard the magic spring--but Walter cannot protect the spring and must go into the world to meet his fate.
Critical Analysis
Bearhead is a boy with a bear’s head who has been found and raised by a childless woman. He takes on the role of the literal one, with his literal actions to those figures of speech commonly heard today. And much like the innocent mind of a child, Bearhead interprets things literally.
The plot is simple and moves along easily. Much like that of the Amelia Bedelia series. Children will be able to relate to the plot and them as they too will interpret what is being told.
The illustrations created with watercolor and colored pencils have an antique feel to them, which works with the format of this text.
Review Excerpts
Booklist (Vol. 88, No. 1 (September 1, 1991))
A solid tale with a touch of quirky humor, illustrated in bold, bright colors that capture the Old World atmosphere.
Horn Book Guide (March, 1992)
Kimmel's mix of folksy simplicity and tongue-in-cheek humor invites the book to be read aloud, and Mikolaycak's vivid, lively watercolors are outstanding.
Kirkus Reviews (1991)
Mikolaycak's beautiful illustrations are notable for their skillful, dramatic compositions; firmly enclosed on three sides, they open on a fourth to allow a pleasing accommodation of the text--an innovative, very satisfactory design. Enriched by old-world Russian detail, they depict a sturdy, charming hero, an intriguing frog/sea-monster goblin who's more debonair than appalling, and an oddly vulnerable-looking witch. A satisfying story in a handsome setting.
Awards
· Book Links, 05/01/00
· Elementary School Library Collection, 06/01/00
Connections
1. Literal and Figurative: discuss the types of speech that one can use to convey a message.
2. Meaning of text: read other noodlehead style books and decipher the underlying meaning of the figurative language.
Bibliography
Bruchac, Joseph, and Anna Vojtech. The First Strawberries: a Cherokee Story. Puffin Books, 1993.
Plot Summary
Long ago, the first man and woman quarreled. The woman left in anger, but the Sun sent tempting berries to Earth to slow the wife's retreat. Luminous paintings perfectly complement this simple, lyrical text.
Critical Analysis
The characters, being first man and woman, share their story of how their first quarrel is the reason for strawberries. The typical gender roles of working man and cooking wife are very apparent here. The expectations of woman at home, and the arrogant attitude of man are what put man on a quest to apologize to his wife. Much like life today.
The watercolor illustrations paint the beautiful setting that is a big part of the plot of this story. The style of writing makes it easy to read, yet requires the reader to really take in the actions and reactions of the characters. For this reason, a more mature child will be able to comprehend the storyline of this beautiful story.
The authentic cultural representation of man and woman is apparent within the style of writing. And the language and images flow together to create the realization of how words and actions can hinder the feelings of others.
Review Excerpts
Horn Book Guide starred (March, 1994)
The brief, readable story, accompanied by strong and spare illustrations, carries a valuable message about friendship and respect.
Publishers Weekly (June 22, 1998)
This legend explains the origins of strawberries, grown by the sun to help the first man and woman patch a quarrel. "Spare text, an uncomplicated story line and gentle illustrations keep this quiet but resonant tale accessible to even the youngest child," said PW. Ages 4-8.
Awards
· Book Links, 05/01/99
· Elementary School Library Collection, 06/01/00
· Wilson's Children, 10/01/10
Bruchac, Joseph, and Anna Vojtech. The First Strawberries: a Cherokee Story. Puffin Books, 1993.
Plot Summary
Long ago, the first man and woman quarreled. The woman left in anger, but the Sun sent tempting berries to Earth to slow the wife's retreat. Luminous paintings perfectly complement this simple, lyrical text.
Critical Analysis
The characters, being first man and woman, share their story of how their first quarrel is the reason for strawberries. The typical gender roles of working man and cooking wife are very apparent here. The expectations of woman at home, and the arrogant attitude of man are what put man on a quest to apologize to his wife. Much like life today.
The watercolor illustrations paint the beautiful setting that is a big part of the plot of this story. The style of writing makes it easy to read, yet requires the reader to really take in the actions and reactions of the characters. For this reason, a more mature child will be able to comprehend the storyline of this beautiful story.
The authentic cultural representation of man and woman is apparent within the style of writing. And the language and images flow together to create the realization of how words and actions can hinder the feelings of others.
Review Excerpts
Horn Book Guide starred (March, 1994)
The brief, readable story, accompanied by strong and spare illustrations, carries a valuable message about friendship and respect.
Publishers Weekly (June 22, 1998)
This legend explains the origins of strawberries, grown by the sun to help the first man and woman patch a quarrel. "Spare text, an uncomplicated story line and gentle illustrations keep this quiet but resonant tale accessible to even the youngest child," said PW. Ages 4-8.
Awards
· Book Links, 05/01/99
· Elementary School Library Collection, 06/01/00
· Wilson's Children, 10/01/10
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