Week5: Multicultural Books Discussion

The Sandwich Swap. 

By Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah with Kelly Dipucchio. Illus. by Tricia Tusa.

2010. 32 pg. Disney/Hyperion., $16.99 (9781423124849)

PreS-Gr.2

Based on the author’s nursery school experiences, Salma and Lily are best friends (from different cultural backgrounds) until the day their sandwiches come between them. Lily brings a peanut butter jelly sandwich while Salma brings a hummus sandwich every day. Each one pities the other’s “yucky” and “gross” sandwich, but neither understands that their sandwiches symbolize the love their parents both put into making their lunches. They are offended. After their yelling match starts a huge food fight, Salma and Lily are ashamed that they let their differences come between them.  Both decide that they need to be open to what seems foreign or strange and change. First, they offer to try each other’s sandwiches. They trade sandwiches only to find out that they were both wrong! The sandwiches were not gross or yucky.  They were delicious! With the help of their principal, Salma and Lily share their newfound lesson with a multicultural feast of food alongside their classmates.  

The author tells the story of two girls who discover each others' cultural difference through food. Food is a universal unifier.  In this story, it separates them but eventually brings them together. Despite the difference in culture, both girls have a lot in common and spend a lot of time together.  The sandwich symbolizes the difference. Being able to look past the differences to their similarities allows them to stay friends. Multiculturalism is the same. It’s simply being able to respect other cultures and acknowledge the wonderful things in the differences in culture. I enjoyed the sweet story about their friendship and appreciated the common themes of school drama with friends on the playground (or in this case, the cafeteria).  I also enjoyed the warm illustrations depicting their friendship. The illustrations are light and playful, easily inspiring a smile upon the readers’ faces once all the conflicts are resolved.

Assignment 1: Book Reviews (the sequel)

Book 2:

Very Hairy Bear.

By Alice Schertle. Illus. by Matt Phelan.

2007. Harcourt,Inc., $16 (9780152165680)

PreS-K

Schertle writes a rhyming tale about a “very hairy bear and his no-hair nose”. The bear strolls through the pages with his “no-hair nose” leading him and the audience through the seasons.  He dives into water for salmon, digs deep into a beehive for honey, gobbles up blueberries, and finds his way into his den for the winter.

The story has a rhythm created by Schertle’s use of language, which serves as a great literacy tool to promote phonological awareness with early readers. She uses alliteration and rhyme to carry the narrative, but unfortunately the flow is interrupted by parts that don’t rhyme as well as others. Some portions seem forced like “…when soft white snowflakes start to fall and cling to bear hair…(if there’s a bear there)”. Fortunately the illustrations are so charming, it’s easy to ignore the clumsy parts of narration. Phelan’s use of pastel and pencil are delightful.  The scenery communicates the bear's loveable expressions and the change in seasons well. -Natalia Tabisaura

Book 3:

Wonder Bear

By Tao Nyeu. Illus. the author.

2008.48 pg. Dial, $17.99 (9780803733282)

PreS-Gr.1
 

Reminiscent of Miyazaki’s My Neighbor Totoro, two young children travel into a magical world accompanied by a new friend (in this case, it’s Wonder Bear).  In Nyeu’s wordless picture book, a young boy and girl plant a garden which grows overnight into gigantic blossoms that bloom Wonder Bear.  Wonder Bear is an enormous white bear with a magical top hat that creates surreal mischievous monkeys, lions made of balloons, and flying sea life to entertain the children.

The artwork is phenomenal! The composition of the illustrations further emphasize the movement of the characters and the narrative. The book’s color scheme has a retro feel to it which adds to the whimsical nature of the imagery. The illustrations alone make this a personal favorite! It’s unfortunate that the story line is weak in comparison to its strong imagery. Nyeu also authors and illustrates Bunny Days (2011) which shares her light hearted sense of humor that is only touched upon in Wonder Bear. Children will enjoy retelling and reimagining this dreamlike tale.

 

Book 4:

Another brother

By Matthew Cordell. Illus. the author.

2012.unpaged. Feiwel & Friends. $16.99 (9780312643249)

PreS-Gr.3

Cordell tells the story of a family of three: mom, dad, and Davy.  Davy enjoys the sole attention of his parents until a brother is born, but not just one brother Davy gets twelve other brothers! Every move Davy makes, his younger brothers copy.  He complains, but his dad tells him that one day they’ll find their own interests and no longer copy him.  Davy can’t wait…until the day it actually happens. Surprisingly Davy is saddened that his little shadows no longer follow. One day a little sister punctuates Davy’s tale with a light-hearted twist.

The illustrations are amusing and bright. Cordell uses simple lines and highlights of bright watercolor on a white background to depict Davy’s story. Davy’s experience depicts the important lesson that sometimes it’s lonely being the one and only.  As an older child, I can relate to the older sibling experience.  Other older siblings will easily be able to relate to Davy also. Another Brother was a warm and easily shared story about the pros and cons of siblings. –Natalia Tabisaura

Book 5:

Chicken Little

By Rebecca Emberley and Ed Emberley. Illus. the authors.

2009.32 pg. Roaring Brook/Neal Porter, $16.95 (9781596434646)

PreS-K

Rebecca and Ed Emberley retell the tale of Chicken Little in a more modern but equally entertaining way.  Like in the classic, Chicken Little, who is not to clever, mistakes an acorn falling on her head as a piece of the falling sky.  She encounters different animals on her panicked retreat, recruiting other panicked animals on the way.  Finally they meet a Wolf who promises to keep them “safe”.  Little do they know, they’ve been tricked into hiding in the darkness of his tummy! A pitter patter of feet and a great big sneeze change the classic ending to this yarn.

The Emberleys weave an amusing retelling of the classic folktale, Chicken Little.  Their illustrations are constructed of collaged textured paper in bright colors which creates a more modern feel to the story. Although based on the original, the new artwork and added bits redefine this story so that it’s entirely new. The revised ending also provides a fresh and friendlier ending especially for the younger audience. –Natalia Tabisaura

Assignment 1: Book Reviews

Part II: Book reviews!

In Part I, I evaluated a few of selection tools that Horning suggested and even included a few online resources that I feel deserve attention as selection tools for collection development.  Using the format to list the bibliography and publishing information, I intend to emulate my book reviews after Booklist.  After further research about each of the tools, I think I may understand the format better. Here is the format that I deduced from perusing the website and print edition. I plan to post as I go. 

Format:

Title.

Author. Illustrator.

Year. Page count. Publishing Company, price. (ISBN)

Age group audience.

Review (includes a summary, author info)

-Reviewer Name.

Book 1:

I Want My Hat Back.

By Jon Klassen. Illus. by the author.

2011.40p. Candlewick, $15.99 (9780763655983)

K-Gr.2

Klassen is known for his illustrations in other books.  His first story depicts a bear’s search for his lost red hat.  He questions every animal he encounters—the fox, frog, rabbit with a familiar red hat, turtle, snake, and armadillo.  Each one answering that they had not seen his hat.  The bear finally lies on the floor in defeat when a reindeer walks by to ask what’s wrong.  The bear shares his dilemma and describes his hat, only to trigger a memory of seeing his hat! He knows who took it! He runs back to rabbit. With tense glances across pages, bear and rabbit duke it out without saying a word.  The audience is unaware of the conflict’s conclusion until squirrel asks about rabbit’s whereabouts.  He is answered by bear that has mysteriously reclaimed his cap by unknown circumstances and proclaims his innocence in a defensive although humorous manner.

The illustrations are simple and expressive. The bear is on the left page discussing with another animal on the right page.  Their eyes are dead pan, but in combination with the dialogue the emotions and actions are well depicted. The simplicity leaves much to the imagination which appeals both to its younger audience and the grown up audience. The humor has a dark edge, but not enough to dim the levity of the story. –Natalia Tabisaura

More to follow!

Assignment 1: Selection Tools

 

Part I: 

Planning and developing a balanced collection of library materials is a complicated process.  There are so many things to keep into account.  Without the help of selection tools, it would be far more difficult to choose the right books to assist library patrons and students. According to Online Dictionary of Library and Information Science, selection tools are resources that librarians use to choose materials to meet the information needs of their patrons.  Although Horning’s From Cover to Cover primarily describe them as review journals, other sources like publications, blogs, bibliographies, best seller lists, and books serve the same purpose.

Every selection tool has varying degrees of usefulness.  Here are five that I have chosen to evaluate:

• Booklist (http://www.booklistonline.com)

Booklist is a book review magazine that has been published by ALA for the past hundred years. It has expanded into two print magazines, an extensive website and database, e-newsletters, webinars, and other resources that support librarians in collection development and readers’ advisory. It is well known for its reliable reviews and is often used to help with making decisions of what to buy and help with readers’ advisory. The website provides book information via book lists, webinars, and is searchable by the “Quick Search” option on the left hand side of the page.

The largest drawback is that full subscription requires payment, but a copious amount of information is available for free. The user interface is cluttered, but easy to use. The book information provided is very detailed, including awards, honors, summary, bibliography information, publication information, name of reviewers, possible categories, ISBN, and “titles similar “suggestions. Reviews focus on a neutral but informative summary of the book. There may be more, but full text is only available to subscribers.  I can only imagine what further information is provided when logged in as a subscribing member.  Logged in users can make lists, save searches, and e-mail.

• School Library Journal: (http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/ )

Originally a part of the publication, Library Journal, School Library Journal (SLJ) has become known as the “…world’s largest and most authoritative reviewer of children’s and young adult content”. SLJ aims to provide updated information to help libraries lead in areas of technology, reading, information literacy, and also to provide the tools necessary to develop quality collections for youth. SLJ is unique because it reviews more than books.  It also reviews audio, video, and other related media on the web. SLJ does not review reissues, textbooks, or self-published books.

SLJ reviews from 1987 are available via the database.  They are searchable by author, title, Dewey number, and other options. Reviews are written by library professionals working with children in various settings. Reviews include bibliographic information, publication information, suggested price, genre, no image, and critical summary. Their evaluations are based upon literary quality, artistic merit, clarity of presentation, and appeal to the intended audience with age level in mind.  Reviews also provide comparisons, connections, and suggestions for related titles and materials. SLJ also provides book lists annually. 

• The Bulletin for the Center of Children’s Books (http://bccb.lis.illinois.edu/ )

The Bulletin for the Center of Children’s Books solely reviews current children’s books. This resource has been available since 1945 in print and has expanded to include an online resource.  They aim to provide assistance deciding what books to purchase for your library collections.

Reviews include summaries and critical evaluations to help you choose what you need. Each review will provide information about the book’s content, reading level, strengths and weaknesses, and a critique of the quality of the format. Reviews also make suggestions for school curriculum use. Unlike the two previous resources, the Bulletin of the Center of Children’s Books often review from publisher’s proofs which allows for immediate feedback about books as they become available.

This online resource also requires a paid subscription for full access. 

• NY Best Sellers List (http://www.nytimes/best-sellers-books/)

Their lists are published weekly on Wednesdays.  A version of the list appears in print as well.  The list includes the bibliographic information, book review, and the rankings reflecting sales for the week. The best sellers list includes different genres for different age groups.  “Picture books” is one of the many categories that the New York times has chosen to include amongst their best sellers. Although the information provided is limited, the list indicates popularity which serves as a good indicator of patron demand.

• ALA recommended blog: Kid tested, Librarian Approved (http://librarianapproved.blogspot.com)

Blogs provide more immediate and direct feedback. This blog provides great picture book news and reviews from a children’s librarian.  I originally found the link to this blog via ALA article about kid’s literature blogs.  Several were listed, but this proved to be the most likely to meet collection development needs for the 0-4years age group. As a children’s librarian, she is well aware of the needs of the young patrons. 

Each review provides a critical summary, author, illustrator, publisher, local source (referring to where she found the book), personal reactions, cover image, and suggestions for use as a librarian. Between reviews, Bibliovore provides book lists, book read counts, and self-created awards and recognitions. I appreciate the practical information provided as a library professional and as an avid children’s book connoisseur.The best part about this resource is that you have full access and reviews are available at any time.

A to Zoo: Subject Access to Children’s Picture Books and Amazon also play a role in collection development for me. Each month that I make selections for the book order, I refer to these to ensure that the books I am selecting indeed fit the needs and demand of our patrons. Onto the reviews!

Only the beginning

In case you've stumbled upon this blog somehow or through a chain of links (although I don't expect to get too many unexpected visitors), you've just found the beginning of my LIBR262 project! I am a part time library & information sciences student in my fourth semester of graduate school.  This blog will soon be filled with a multitude of entries about 0-4 literature and materials. I look forward to sharing my insights and criticisms. Hopefully more the former than the latter. Wish me luck. Take Care!