JOSEPH HAD A LITTLE OVERCOAT

JOSEPH HAD A LITTLE OVERCOAT

a. Bibliographic data: Taback, Simms. JOSEPH HAD A LITTLE OVERCOAT. Ill. By Simms Taback. New York, New York: Penguin Group, Inc. 1999. ISBN 978670878550.

b. Plot summary:

         Joseph has a little overcoat that is extremely old and worn. So in order to replenish its value, Joseph repurposes the overcoat into multiple different clothing items throughout the story. These items include a jacket, a vest, a scarf, a necktie, a handkerchief, and a button. However, with each item that Joseph creates, we notice that they become smaller and smaller. Joseph continues to find a new creation until he realizes that his final creation becomes lost! But, what will happen next? Will Joseph find his final creation or will the existence of his original overcoat be lost forever?

c. Critical Analysis:

         JOSEPH HAD A LITTLE OVERCOAT is an exhilarating story portrayed by Simms Taback in Goache, pencil, watercolor, ink, and collage. This story is about Joseph, a man who has an old and worn overcoat that he refurbishes into multiple different clothing items. This not only shows the reader that old can be made new again, but that you can always be creative with what you have.

In the very beginning of the book, the author includes the statement “and there’s a moral, too!” on the title page, which gives the readers some inquisition on what the author is trying to help us perceive.  The reader also notices that this book is full of abstract detail and colors. Each character on the pages are drawn in cartoon images with a realistic look to them. Although the main characters in the book are drawn out, the pictures located around the rooms throughout the book are undeniably incarnate. A stupendous way that the author is able to hold the readers attention throughout this story is that some of the pages have cut outs of certain types of clothing articles that represent each new item that that the character has made. This is especially important in trying to grasp the attention of the younger audiences reading this book.

As stated by the author in the prologue of this book, there is a moral to the story at the conclusion. Although the character, Joseph, lost his final creation because the size of it was too small to properly maintain, he learned a very great lesson! When Joseph loses his final creation, a button, he chooses to write a book about his creations rather than react in a negative way. My favorite part through this appears on one of the last pages, when he is frantically searching for his lost button. As he gives up near the end of the book, there is a sign on the wall on the same page that reads, “What one has, one doesn’t want, and what one wants, one doesn’t have.” The audience quickly learns, through this book, that “you can always make something out of nothing”.

d. Reviews:

“This newly illustrated version of a book Taback first published in 1977 is a true example of accomplished bookmaking--from the typography and the endpapers to the bar code, set in what appears to be a patch of fabric. Taback's mixed-media and collage illustrations are alive with warmth, humor, and humanity. Their colors are festive yet controlled, and they are filled with homey clutter, interesting characters, and a million details to bring children back again and again." Tim Arnold- Booklist

“Pre-Grade 3-A book bursting at the seams with ingenuity and creative spirit” Linda Ludke, London Public Library, Ontario, Canada- School Library Review

“In today's throwaway world, Joseph's old-fashioned frugality is a welcome change. Based on a Yiddish song from Simms Taback's youth (lyrics and music reproduced on the last page), the book is filled with rhythms and arresting colors that will delight every reader.” Emilie Coulter- Amazon.com Review

Awards/Honors:

Caldecott Medal Book

e. Connections:

This book could be presented to the students alongside Simms Taback’s THERE WAS AN OLD LADY WHO SWALLOWED A FLY. The two books could be compared and contrasted. Each has the cutouts in the book. This could lead to students trying to make their own cutout books, which could be harder than they think! This would be good for the students to also work on collage work, going through old magazines to cut out pictures to glue in.

ANANSI GOES FISHING

ANANSI GOES FISHING

a. Bibliographic data: Kimmel, Eric A. ANANSI GOES FISHING. Ill. By Janet Stevens. New York, New York: Holiday House, Inc. 1992. ISBN 9780823409181.

b. Plot summary:

         A turtle and a spider are most commonly the unlikeliest of friends, but when each of them wants something done for their sole purpose and pleasure, they will use each other to get exactly what they want. Anansi is a spider trying to trick his “slow and stupid” friend, Turtle, into doing all of the work of catching fish for him. However, unperceived to Anansi, Turtle has the same exact thoughts in mind. Anansi and Turtle meet over the course of three days and devise plans to weave a fishing net, set the net into the river, catch a fish with the net, and cook the fish. Throughout the story, Turtle continuously tricks Anansi into doing all of the work! When Anansi finds out that his friend had in fact deceived him, he runs to the Justice Tree to find Warthog and explain the events that led up to that day. Will Warthog believe and bring justice to the spider that is frequently referred to as “lazy”?

c. Critical Analysis:

         ANANSI GOES FISHING is known as a variation of a common tale found in Joyce Cooper Arkhurst’s, The Adventures of Spider. In this version, Anansi the spider and Turtle are portrayed as the main characters. In the very beginning of the book, judgments were passed upon Turtle for being “slow and stupid”, according to Anansi. This sets a tone for the rest of the book, which makes Anansi seem like the antagonist. The readers soon found out that this is actually not the case.

         Anansi, known for being the “lazy” character, does not want to become tired. So, he ends up doing all of the work while Turtle sleeps throughout the day. The illustrations in this book are extremely detailed, focusing on the importance of each aspect on the page. Although the spider, Anansi, has the same expression on every page throughout the book, the author uses prominent body language to describe how the spider is actually feeling. There are also several different animals watching the scenes happen on each page throughout the book. This shows a sense of curiosity within the other animals and keeps the reader wondering what will happen next.

         The ending of this book is very intriguing. Just as Anansi realizes that he has been tricked into doing all of the work, he goes to the Justice Tree to find Warthog and explain the events leading up to him discovering the injustice. However, because Anansi is known to be very lazy, Warthog does not believe Anansi and sends him away with nothing but chastisement. This of course upsets Anansi, but instead of using his disgrace to reprimand Turtle for his wrongdoing, Anansi uses the skills that he learned while weaving a net to build his own spider web. This teaches the readers of the book that unfair situations can in fact lead to the identification of a bright and promising outcome.

        

d. Reviews:

“Children able to comprehend the wordplay will be delighted when the lazy but lovable trickster figure is outwitted by the clever turtle, and Stevens' colorful, comical illustrations are perfect for this contemporary rendition of the tale.” Karen Hutt, Booklist Review.

“Kimmel's funny, accessible telling is nicely complemented in Stevens's art, depicting the lively events in bold lines and assertive colors and adding amusing details like Turtle's accumulating beach-style paraphernalia--including a loudly flowered shirt and a boombox. Sure to delight the picture book crowd.” –Kirkus Reviews

Awards/Honors: Although ANANSI GOES FISHING does not have any specific awards to its name, Eric A. Kimmel is the author of over 35 award-winning books written for children. Janet Stevens (the illustrator) is the author/illustrator of many award-winning books.

e. Connections:

ANANSI GOES FISHING brings us a story from West Africa; one of moral character and life lessons. The students, depending on age, could do a research project on West Africa, discussing the elements of that book that represent that culture and customs.

“Why do spiders spin webs?” The students could search to solve this question, with the story of Anansi being one of the many tales.

This book could be added to a unit about spiders.

There are many “Anansi” books that could be compared and contrasted, especially the moral lessons that appear in each one.

WOLF WON'T BITE

WOLF WON’T BITE!

a. Bibliographic data: Gravett, Emily. WOLF WON’T BITE! Ill. By Emily Gravett. Great Britain, London: Simon & Schuster, Inc. 2012. ISBN 9781442427631.

b. Plot summary: 

        In this unique variation of the three little pigs, three circus pigs show the world their mighty wolf that they’ve captured! They parade him around a circus, forcing him to do various circus tricks such as standing him on a stool, making him jump through hoops, and sawing him into half. Each event leads to the pigs confidently declaring, “Wolf won’t bite!” But, will the three pigs take it too far?

c. Critical Analysis:

         This version of the three little pigs parading the wolf in the circus focuses on the authority that the pigs have over the wolf, rather than the wolf typically having authority over the pigs.

         The illustrations on each page of the book lay on an all white background, which makes the reader focus more on the colors that surround the important yet subtle drawings. The multiple vibrant colors give the three pigs a united feeling in contrast to the lone grey wolf. The facial expressions of each character help the reader understand how the cohesive pigs and the lone wolf are feeling throughout the book. I found myself really locked on the Wolf’s facial expressions, which showed fear, sadness, and finally at the end, pride. Each “trick” that the wolf does is followed by the pigs declaring that the “Wolf won’t bite!” This puts the reader in a position of suspense, wondering if the wolf will actually give in and bite the pigs!

         The ending of this book answers the question that the readers have been asking. The students are encapsulated by the thought that, unlike the original three little pigs, the wolf is now the victim and the pigs are the perpetrators. However, when the three pigs decide to place their heads between the wolf’s mighty jaws, the wolf does in fact show his true side and bites the pigs! The last page, which is really isn’t considered a page at all, is what made my students laugh the hardest. The Wolf is chasing the pigs and has a piece of their clothes in his mouth!

        

d. Reviews:

"A welcome turnaround—and don't miss the closing endpapers. A slightly cryptic but satisfying wolf/pig reversal."--Kirkus Reviews

"Readers who see themselves as pushed and prodded by

similarly obnoxious adults will let out a sigh of relief when the

wolf rebels."--Publishers Weekly

"Gravett’s impeccable pacing, sly visual clues, and clever use of white space elevate this universal story of gloating gone wrong...is reminiscent of that of Falconer’s Olivia, and it is quite possible that these three pigs would enjoy her friendship very much."--The Horn Book

"WOLF WON’T BITE! is an entertaining and original spin on the old wolf-and-pigs theme. It will delight children."--School Library Journal

"The text is appealingly rhythmic, and the repetition of the “wolf won’t bite” will encourage children to join in the reading...The compositions are as bold as the saucy pigs themselves, and the pictures will translate as well to a crowd as they will to a single child. Wolf may not bite, but the kids will eat this up."--Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

Awards/Honors:

Emily Gravett, the author and illustrator of WOLF WON’T BITE!, is a Kate Greenaway Medal winner (x2) and the Nestlé Children's Book Prize Bronze Award winner for previous books.

e. Connections:

This wonderfully illustrated book has much to offer as far as activities are concerned. I found a great activity to pair with this book that my students loved. I prepared finger puppets beforehand and used them to retell the story afterwards. I then let the kids show me their own version of this story (or repeat the one I read to them if they wanted to). It was such a great way to see what they remember from the book and see them express emotion through retelling.

For older students, I think writing an alternative “three little pigs” story would be an interesting alternative to simply summarizing the story. This would be a good chance to go through the writing process with them as well, from drafting all the way to publishing.

¡Qué Triste!

a. Bibliographic data:

Willems, Mo. My Friend is Sad (An Elephant and Piggie Book). New York, New York: Disney-Hyperion, 2007. ISBN 9781423102977.

b. Plot summary:

Gerald and Piggie, a duo that share a close relationship as friends, find themselves in a rollercoaster of emotions. Gerald is sad so Piggie does everything he can to cheer up his buddy, including dressing up as a clown, a cowboy, a robot, etc. Each time, Gerald is so surprised and excited to see a new character but each time after, he gets sadder and sadder. A heart-warming twist at the end shows us all why Gerald was so sad, and with good reason too.

c. Critical Analysis:

         This book, which may not go over well with older children, is meant for a much younger crowd. In a first grade world of the all too familiar “I-don’t-want-to-be-your-friend-anymore” phrase, this book can bring a warm feeling to friendship that can bring everyone together. The theme seems to promote an empathetic feeling towards the characters, as we have all had similar situations happen to us before too.

         The simple drawings, without really any background to them, allow the reader to focus solely on the characters and what they are doing. Because of this, the facial expressions and body language seem to really bring out the words of the book, giving them life and more relatable meaning.  

d. Reviews:

“Accessible, appealing, and full of authentic emotions about what makes friendships tick, this will put a contemporary shine on easy-reader collections and give Willems' many fans--whatever their age or reading level--two more characters to love.” –Booklist

“In the world of children's books, the biggest new talent to emerge thus far in the '00s is the writer-illustrator Mo Willems." -The New york Times Book Review

 “With just a few tweaks of his expressive lines, Willems creates engaging characters. The stories move briskly, with a minimal word count and touches of whimsy throughout. Fans of the author's previous books should check the endpapers for a cameo appearance of his familiar pigeon. These simple, humorous stories will sound just the right note for beginning readers.” –School Library Journal

e. Connections:

This book can be used to explore different aspects of friendships and the importance of them.

This book can be used to make comparisons and contrasts with other Elephant & Piggie stories. The students can explore different themes in literature.

The kids could make happy/sad face-masks and put up the masks for the type of emotion being portrayed by Gerald, the elephant.