Traditional/Folklore book review 3

McKissack, Patricia C. 2006. Porch Lies: Tales of Slicksters, Tricksters, and Other Wily Characters. Ill. by Andre Carrilho. New York: Schwartz & Wade Books. ISBN 0375836195

This book of African American culture is loaded full of stories that are both hilarious and spooky. A cumulative collection of stories revived from family and friend--the author tastefully passes her experiences to the next generation(s). Categorized for children 8-12, however adults and kids alike can be thoroughly amused by this book.

The illustrations on the cover of the book grabs one's attention. However, there are hardly any pictures within the book. The pictures are in black and white--the color of the natural published page. For the aforementioned age group this would be okay. Unfortunately, the pictures do not help out with the telling of the stories. Nevertheless, the artwork that is present within the book are very imaginative, lively, and charismatic. This book is rather lengthy. Fortunately, it is also offered as a audio book for reluctant readers.

Traditional/Folklore book review 2

San Souci, Daniel 1999. In the Moonlight Mist: A Korean Tale. Ill. by Eujin Kim Neilan. Honesdale, PA: Boyds Mills Press. ISBN 1563977540

A lonely yet kind woodcutter is the focus of this tale. He saves a deers life and is rewarded with specific instructions that will help him capture his wife. Fearful of being left alone after his mother passes...the woodcutter follows the deer's instructions--which leads him to a place between heaven and earth. The woodcutter is successful in the capture of his heavenly wife but fails to follow all of the deer's advice in order to keep her. However, in the end, the woodcutter and his entire family live happily ever after in heaven together.

This story is very whimsical. The illustrations are done in rich acrylic detail. The pictures are breathtaking and succeeds in putting the reader in a place of majesty throughout the entire tale. The brushstrokes adds a wonderful authentic-looking texture, which is very appealing.

Traditional/Folklore book review 1

Sierra, Judy, 2000. The Gift of the Crocodile. Ill. by Reynold Ruffins. New York: Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers. ISBN 0689821883

In the setting of Indonesia, a young girl named Damura suffers the death of her mother and convinces her father to marry again to a women--who promises her a doll in return. She does this and seals her fate of gaining a cruel stepmother and stepsister. After being treated as a servant, Damura is eventually befriended by an enchanted crocodile, "Grandmother Crocodile". Damura plays the role of Cinderella but with a twist in the end...the stepmother and stepsister are primarily exiled with the threat of death upon their return.

This story has a excellent grasp on the elements of the Indonesian culture. The illustrations further illuminate the multicolored fabrics and apparel differences in comparison to European courtly attire. The text breaths frankness and truth within the characters' dialogue--about death, "There came a time when Damura's mother grew weak and she knew she would not live much longer". Which brings a certain confrontation of reality to the young reader...which could aid in coping with the death of a loved one.

This book was recognized by the Children's Literature Choice List

Picture Book Review 3

Carle, Eric. Artist to artist: 23 Major Illustrators Talk to Children about Their Art. New York: Philomel Books, 2007.
ISBN-13: 978-0-399-24600-5
An inspiration to young artists and budding illustrators out there…this anthology of skilled illustrations—23 in fact—is a very special treat for all ages. The illustrators offer brief summaries about their childhood and any other thoughts that they deemed special to mention (e.g. mentors and other inspirations). The photographs of each of the illustrators presented within were a pleasant surprise, in addition to their works of art.

Picture Book Review 2

Lee, Spike, and Tonya Lewis Lee. Please, Puppy, Please. New York: Simon & Schuster, Inc., 2005.
Illustrator: Nelson, Kadir ISBN-13: 978-0-689-86804-7 ISBN-10: 0-689-86804-9
A battle of wills between two small children and their puppy—two against one—makes this tale very comical and fun. Strong pleads and requests to a rambunctious puppy are consistent throughout—which are consistent with the natural issues that occur when dealing with a little puppy. The mess of ripped newspaper on the floor, spilled water, mud, and the bath (and shower for the person washing the dog) was nicely illustrated. The cultural markers of from ethnic hair and facial features of African-American heritage were also well done.

Picture Book Review 1

Swanson, Susan Marie. The House in the Night. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company, 2008.

Illustrator: Krommes, Beth ISBN-13: 978-0-618-86244-3 ISBN-10: 0-618-86244-7

This story begins with the arrival of a small family to their home. The child is given a key to the house by the father. Thereafter, the story unfolds in a pattern of steps from one element connecting to the next. For instance, the author writes, “here is the key to the house…in the house burns a light…in that light rests a bed.” The text moves the reader towards a bird in a book—which takes the child in flight across the sky, beyond the moon, to the sun, and back to the child’s home. The characters of the book include the child, the parents, the pets (Scamp the dog, a cat, and two kittens), and the bird. The author notes that this book was inspired by another poem with the same use of cumulative pattern. The setting takes place initially within a farming community. This book can be read as simply as it is written—a way to soothe a child of his or her fear of the night. However, as a parent, I see a deeper theme within (although I may be wrong). The passing of the key from the father seems symbolic of passing legacy to the child, the child flies the coop—explores the world, and then returns back home. The illustrations are of the visual media of scratchboard and watercolor—which is a central character through and outside the book. The use of black, white, and yellowish-orange really catches one’s eye and invokes a sense of warmth. The only cultural marker that was noted was the depiction of the traditional family (mom, dad, and child). This work received the Caldecott Medal.
This review is a requirement for a college course.