Insectlopedia by Douglas Florian

1. Bibliography
Florian, Douglas. 1998. INSECTLOPEDIA. New York: Harcourt, Inc. ISBN 0152013067

2. Plot Summary
Douglas Florian creates a book full of different bugs ranging from the black widow spider to the praying mantis. Children can enjoy learning about twenty-one different insects in a verse poem style, with designs that fit the characteristics of the insect. Children of all ages will love this book of poetry.

3. Critical Analysis
In this creative book of poems, readers will enjoy learning about many different insects. Using a verse form, Florian will catch the readers eyes with the different patterns he uses to portray the creatures. As he presents the Whirligig Beetles, and since they are known for, “We whirl, we twirl”, Florian uses the pattern of a circle to represent their lifestyle.

The words used throughout the poems create a tone that fits the characteristics of each subject. He makes patterns and rhythms that are enjoyable and easily read by people of all ages. As he represents the dragonfly and states, “I am a dragon, the demon of skies. Behold my bold enormous eyes,” readers will be intrigued by this artistic description.

To add to the inspired words of each subject, Florian presents readers with pictures to enhance the imagination of the subjects. The layout of the pictures fit perfectly to the description of each bug and the colors chosen just enhance the mind's eye even more. With each subject given its own page, readers can focus on the presentation of the insects, and enjoy the lessons given for all.

4. Reviews
ALA Notable Children’s Book
Publisher’s Weekly Best Book of the Year
BOOKLIST: “The clever artwork, deftly constructed, and the entertaining collection of insect and arachnid verse it illustrates will delight readers.”

5. Connections
*Other books by Douglas Florian
LIZARDS, FROGS, AND POLLIWOGS. ISBN 015202591X
MAMMALABILIA. ISBN 0152050248
IN THE SWIM. ISBN 0152024379
*Teachers and parents can use this book to help review children about insects. This would be a good book to include in lessons in science class when learning about insects.

Toasting Marshmallows: Camping Poems by Kristine O'Connell George

1. Bibliography
O’Connell George, Kristine. 2001. Toasting Marshmallows: Camping Poems. Ill. By Kate Kiesler. New York: Clarion Books. ISBN 061804597

2. Plot Summary
Camping can be such an exciting journey, and Kristine O’Connell George helps readers see vivid pictures through simple poems. Whether it is changing in a sleeping bag or setting and taking down a tent, readers can experience life in the outdoors. The creative paintings by Kate Kiesler add to the captivating poems that will have readers full of ideas of an exciting camping trip.

3. Critical Analysis
The simple poems created by George will capture the life of camping, from sitting by a campfire to sleeping outdoors. Readers will enjoy this well crafted book of thirty poems told through a child’s eye. As readers visit different areas of camping, one can enjoy the memories just like they were there. From sitting by the campfire and going from “warm front, cold back” it will entice someone to want to participate in the joys of camping.

The creative style used for rhythm and the pattern of each page gives a distinct look and feel for the readers. Like the pattern of Two Voices in a Tent at Night helps reveal two people in a joint conversation, although a reader can not see them. As one goes from the magical rain dance to the fierce mosquito song, children of all ages will be anticipating the next page.

Kiesler portrays the illusion of camping with the watercolor drawings included with each poem. The illustrations help build a more extensive idea of what camping is all about. Between the joint efforts of George and Kiesler, a magical book is created that will have readers wanting more.

4. Reviews
PUBLISHER’S WEEKLY: “this volume by George and Kiesler is as delicious as a toasted marshmallow treat.”
CHILDREN’S LITERATURE: “Anyone who has ever gone on a family camping trip will delight in this simple yet affecting collection of poems.”

5. Connections
*Similar books
WHEN WE GO CAMPING. BY Margriet Ruurs. ISBN 0887766854
SONG OF THE WATER BOATMAN AND OTHER POND POEMS. BY Joyce Sidman. ISBN 0618135472
LEAF MAN. BY Lois Ehlert. ISBN 0152053042

Out of the Dust by Karen Hesse

1. Bibliography
Hesse, Karen. OUT OF THE DUST. New York: Scholastic, 1997.

2. Plot Summary
At the age of fourteen, the narrator Billy Jo must face the devastation of the Dust Bowl and the Great Depression. Through her eyes, she shares her story and the effects it has on her family. During this emotional period of her life, Billie Jo’s dream to become a pianist is stolen from her after a heartbreaking fire takes her mother’s life and damages her hands, making them useless. As a result, she has to learn to keep her spirit alive and persevere through the pit falls of life. In a diary form, Hesse tells about Billie Jo’s incredible journey through this tragic part of her life.

3. Critical Analysis
This heart felt book portraying the life of Billie Jo in Oklahoma will have readers in admiration of her will to survive. The Dust Bowl and the Great Depression are just the beginning of her fight in life. While dealing with these struggles, a dreadful fire takes her mother and baby brother, and damages her hands to “swollen lumps.” When her only content in life was being a piano player was taken from her, she must try and keep her spirit alive. In this narrative, Billie Jo will walk you through her life showing readers many emotions and her fight to survive.

With a strong narrative voice, Hesse writes a Newberry Medal winner in a free verse poem, which helps readers create a vivid image of Billie Jo’s life. As she tells of different times in her life like when the dust came on “like a fired locomotive,” readers can feel the suffering she is encountering. This novel will convey life during the Dust Bowl of the Great Depression, and allow one to feel the ups and downs of this time period through the eyes of a child.

4. Reviews
1998 Newbery Medal winner
Winner of the Scott O'Dell Award
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL - Best Book for Young Adults
Publisher’s Weekly – "This intimate novel, written in stanza form, poetically conveys the heat, dust and wind of Oklahoma. With each meticulously arranged entry Hesse paints a vivid picture of her heroine's emotions."

5. Connections
*Similar Books
THE GIVER. By Lois Lowry. ISBN 0440237688
A SINGLE SHARD. By Linda Sue Park. ISBN 0440418518
WALK TWO MOONS. By Sharon Creech. ISBN 0064405176
*A Guide for Using Out of the Dust in the Classroom by Sarah Clark would be a good resource for teachers to use to help teach OUT OF THE DUST.

Bubba the Cowboy Prince: A Fractured Texas Tale by Helen Ketteman

1. Bibliography
Ketteman, Helen. 1997. BUBBA THE COWBOY PRINCE: A FRACTURED TEXAS TALE. Ill. By James Warhola. New York: Scholastic Press. ISBN 0590255061

2. Plot Summary
Bubba, a Texas cowboy, is overworked and unappreciated by his wicked stepdaddy and his two despicable brothers. Miz Lurleen, a well off ranch owner, decides to host a party to find the perfect male companion to help work the place. Bubba’s wicked family does not allow Bubba to go to this party, but a fairy godcow helps Bubba attend, and Miz Lurleen falls directly for him. At midnight, Bubba leaves the ball in a dash, slipping out of his boot before exiting. Mis Lurleen is able to find Bubba by fitting the boot on his foot, and the story ends happily as they ride off to a life of ranching together.

3. Critical Analysis
The story features a Cinderella theme in a Texas style setting that will have readers intrigued. The outcome of the story is predictable, but the humorous way the story is written brings an immense joy to the book. Ketteman does a good job of recreating this Cinderella idea to fit perfectly to the western lifestyle.

The illustrations by James Warhola bring great quality to the book, and the pictures offer detail throughout that is eye catching to the reader. The features given to the characters fit perfectly with the personalities portrayed in the story and are quite comical. With each page the reader can enjoy the vibrant colors that add to the silly, but pleasurable illustrations. The combination of the story and the illustrations make BUBBA, A TEXAS COWBOY a book to remember.

4. Review Excerpts
CHILDREN’S LITERATURE: “The premise isn't original, but the execution and artwork certainly are.”
KIRKUS REVIEWS: “There are no surprises in this version except in the hilarious way the premise plays itself out and in Warhol’s delightful visual surprises.

5. Connections
*Other Versions of Cinderella
Lowell, Susan. CINDY ELLEN: A WILD WESTERN CINDERELLA. ISBN 0064438643
Jackson, Ellen B. CINDER EDNA. ISBN 0688162959
Cole, Babette. PRINCE CINDERS. ISBN 0698115546
*Read several versions of Cinderella to students. Have students write a version of their own Cinderella.

The Legend of the Bluebonnet by Tomie DePaola

1. Bibliography
DePaola, Tomie. 1983. THE LEGEND OF THE BLUEBONNET: AN OLD TALE OF TEXAS. New York: Penguin Putnam Books for Young Readers. ISBN 0698113594

2. Plot Summary
In this delightful story by Tomie DePaola, he tells of a little girl who will help end the drought that her Indian tribe is suffering through. The drought is brought on by selfish acts, and to restore there life an offering must be made. She-Who-Is-Alone will sacrifice her dearest possession of a warrior doll to assist her tribe. Falling asleep on the hill, she wakes to the beauty of green grass and blue flowers known as the bluebonnet to Texas. As the tribe celebrates, the rain returns, and the little girl is praised for mighty sacrifice.

3. Critical Analysis
Based on the Comanche Indian legend, Tomie DePaola gives an appealing version of the creation of bluebonnets. He tells of a little girl who will surrender her warrior doll to a burnt offering, because her tribe has been committing selfish acts against Earth, and he portrays how a simple gesture can mean so much. The writing is done in a straightforward, but fulfilling way that just grabs the reader.

The illustrations created by DePaola add a sense of spirit to every page. This allowing the story to come alive and giving the reader a chance to become fond of the little girl. The illustrations add beauty to the book and the words itself, and this book is one to enjoy at any age.

4. Review Excerpt(s)
CHILDREN’S LITERATURE: “Tomie DePaola provides a charming retelling of the Native American legend about the origin of Texas' state flower, the bluebonnet.”
BOOKLIST: “The simplicity and beauty of the story echoes in DePaola’s effectively composed illustrations…An ideal complement to native American and Texas studies.”

5. Connections
*Other books written by Tomie DePaola
THE LEGEND OF THE INDIAN PAINTBRUSH. ISBN 0698113608
THE LEGEND OF THE POINSETTIA. ISBN 0698115678
*Other books similar to THE LEGEND OF THE BLUEBONNET.
HOW THE STARS FELL INTO THE SKY: A NAVAJO LEGEND. ISBN 0395779383
THE GIFT OF THE SACRED DOG. ISBN 0020432801
ARROW TO THE SUN: A PUEBLO INDIAN TALE. ISBN 0140502114

More Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark by Alvin Schwartz

1. Bibliography
Schwartz, Alvin. 1984. MORE SCARY STORIES TO TELL IN THE DARK. Ill. By Stephen Gammell. New York: Harper Collins Publishers. ISBN 0939732087

2. Plot Summary
Stories from being buried alive to a ghoulish song are included in the enjoyable sequel from Alvin Schwartz. With the added addition of Stephen Gammell’s spine-chilling drawings to go along with the eerie stories, this book is a perfect read for those wanting to enjoy a thrilling book.

3. Critical Analysis
If the reader is someone who enjoys a good set of spooky stories, this it the book for you, and Schwartz does an incredible job with this sequel of stories. From chilling to funny the reader has a variety of stories to choose from to give someone the satisfaction of being scared or just grossed out.

To go along with these gruesome stories is illustrations by Stephen Gammell that fit the stories perfectly. If the stories alone do not give you a thrill, the pictures will definitely help the reader get a vivid image in their head. The book is the perfect combination of stories and illustrations if the reader is up for the thrill.

4. Review Excerpt(s)
School Library Journal: "Guaranteed to make your teeth chatter and your spinetingle."
Horn Book: “Brief, bloodcurdling tales of ghosts, murders, graveyards, and other horrors, greatly enhanced by the ghoulish illustrations.”

5. Connections
*Other scary stories written by Alvin Schwartz
SCARY STORIES TO TELL. ISBN 0397319703
SCARY STORIES 3: MORE TALES TO CHILL YOUR BONES. ISBN 0064404188
IN A DARK, DARK ROOM AND OTHER SCARY STORIES. ISBN 0064440907
*Alvin Schwartz would make a good book study during the month of October. Students and teachers have a wide selection of books by Schwartz to choose from and discuss.

The Hello, Goodbye Window by Norton Juster

1. Bibliography
Juster, Norton.2005. THE HELLO, GOODBYE WINDOW. Ill. By Chris Raschka. New York: Hyperion Books for Children. ISBN 0786809140

2. Plot Summary
A little girl tells about the magic that Nanna and Poppy’s kitchen window at their house brings. Everything that happens revolves around this window and the little girl shares her discoveries and the happiness of grandparents.

3. Critical Analysis

In this first person point of view, a fun-loving girl tells of her experiences while staying with her grandparents. Children will enjoy this story that is wrapped around the kitchen window and the happiness grandparents can bring. This book is one to be read over and over again.

The Hello, Goodbye Window was awarded the Caldecott Meal for best picture book illustrations. Raschka creates work that is vibrant and eye catching. After reading each page a person will want to take just as much time looking over the art and enjoying the energetic colors. With the creative writing plus the capturing illustrations, this book will bring many smiles on children’s faces.

4. Review Excerpts
Caldecott Medal
BOOKLIST: “Two well-known names come together in a book that speaks to the real lives of children and their experiences.”
School Library Journal: “Perfect for lap-sharing, this book will find favor with children and adults alike.”

5. Connections
* A good book to use for children visiting their grandparents or other relatives for the first time.
*Ask children to write about experiences from their grandparents or other close relatives.
*Other related books that are also Caldecott Medal Winners
Gerstein, Mordecai. The Man Who Walked Between the Towers. ISBN 0761317910
Rohmann, Eric. My Friend Rabbit. ISBN 0761315357

Side by Side: Five Favorite Picture-Book Teams Go to Work by Leonard S. Marcus

1. Bibliography
Marcus, Leonard S. 2001. SIDE BY SIDE: FIVE FAVORITE PICTURE BOOK TEAMS GO TO WORK. New York: Walker & Company. ISBN 0802787797

2. Plot Summary

Leonard Marcus uses five author-artist teams that have produced several books and discusses the collaboration that they go through to complete the task. For each team he picks one book that has been published and talks about the responsibilities of each to create the book. Even with the focus on one book, he includes the history of the team and gives plenty of information regarding their careers.

3. Critical Analysis

The understanding of the amount of collaboration by five author-artist teams is explored in this well written book by Leonard Marcus. He provides plenty of information about the process by selecting an individual book and showing readers how collaboration amongst the teams created a well developed book. The stories vary from one another, but it shows how different types of collaboration can work successfully depending on what is best for the team.

The illustrations throughout the book included enough information to be a separate book. Marcus provided material like thumbnail sketches, notes, and dummy pages that made the book more interesting. He also provided funny anecdotes and comments on pages to bring out there character. The combination of the well written text with the extension of the illustrations, this book is one children will love to hear and read.

4. Review Excerpts
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “Fascinating look at the collaborative process involved in creating picture books…”

CHILDREN'S LITERATURE: "Enriched by many quotations and a lively text, each of the tales includes several informative examples of sketches and dummies as well as references to rewriting, all of which provides inspiration and food for thought for aspiring picture book creators."

5. Connections
*Similar Books
Cummings, Pat. TALKING WITH ARTISTS: VOLUME 1. ISBN 0027242455
Salisbury, Martin. ILLUSTRATION CHILDREN'S BOOKS: CREATING PICTURES FOR PUBLICATION. ISBN 0764127179
*Invite children to pair up and write their own picture book as a team. Each child being responsible for either the illustrations or the text can help teach collaboration and hard work.

Kitten's First Full Moon by Kevin Henkes

1. Bibliography
Henkes, Kevin. 2004. KITTEN’S FIRST FULL MOON. USA: Greenwillow Books. ISBN 0060588292

2. Plot Summary
A little kitten sitting outside the house notices a small bowl of milk in the sky. She then attempts to reach the bowl by chasing after it. When the kitten then decides to climb a tree and spots a bigger bowl of milk on the ground. After diving into the lake with a reflection of the moon she heads home. When arriving home it ends happily with the discovery of a real bowl of milk is sitting on the porch.

3. Critical Analysis

Kevin Henkes does a wonderful job creating a story that has one kitten focused on a bowl of milk. The writing is direct and organized in a way that will keep children waiting anxiously for the kitten to reach her goal of finding the milk. After several attempts, the kitten finally returns home to find a bowl sitting on her front porch.

The illustrations come alive with the black and white coloring and an outlining done in heavy black. Circles are used in images throughout the pages, for example, the moon or the kitten’s eyes. Children will be enthralled with the make up of the simple, but eye catching illustrations. Children will enjoy the humorous events the kitten endures, while escaping into the dazzling illustrations.

4. Review Excerpt(s)
2005 Caldecott Winner (best illustrations)
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “The rhythmic text and delightful artwork ensure storytime success”

5. Connections

*Other picture book by Kevin Henkes
LILY'S PURPLE PLASTIC PURSE. ISBN 0688128971
WEMBERLEY WORRIED. ISBN 0688170277
*Similar books
Lehman, Barbara. THE RED BOOK. ISBN 0618428585
Willems, Mo. KNUFFLE BUNNY: A CAUTIONARY TALE. ISBN 0786818700