Anansi and the Magic Stick by Eric A. Kimmel and Illustrated by Janet Stevens

Anansi and the Magic Stick by Eric A. Kimmel and Illustrated by Janet Stevens

Bibliography: 

Kimmel, E. A., & Stevens, J. (2019). Anansi and the magic stick. Holiday House.

Plot Summary: 

When the other animals laugh at his messy house, Anansi the Spider is embarrassed. He wants to fix the problem . . . as long as he doesn't have to work too hard. Stomping off in a huff, Anansi stumbles into an amazing secret--Hyena has a magic stick that follows his orders. If he steals it, the spider thinks, he'll have the neatest home in town and he'll never have to work again. But the magic might be more than Anansi bargained for... Based on tales originating in West Africa and familiar in Caribbean culture, the five-book Anansi the Trickster series is full of slapstick humor and mischief. Eric A. Kimmel's imaginative retellings combined with Janet Stevens' expressive illustrations create the perfect silly stories for fun-loving kids.

Critical Analysis:

The plot would be familiar to many as "the sorcerer's apprentice". I think many kids would identify with Anansi. He means no harm, but is impulsive, overconfident and not good at considering the outcomes of his actions. There are silly moments that make my son giggle. The bright, colorful illustrations make a giant flood not-so-scary. There is no moralizing or preaching in this book. But does give adults/teachers/parents plenty of opportunity to discuss relevant topics: taking what doesn't belong to you, thinking about how your choices impact others, finishing what you start and telling the truth. This would be a great book to use for SEL in the classroom. 

Review Excerpt: 

School Library Journal

An enjoyable offering that is clever, funny, surprising, and traditional all at once.

Booklist

The slapstick of the trickster out-tricked is a lot of fun, and preschoolers will want to join in the rhythmic chant, "Hocus pocus, Magic Stick…"

Connections:

Folklore - Stories passed down through generations

Great options to pair with other books to do a African folklore & folktale unit. To look at the different characteristics that make up that particular genre.

You could do an author unit for Eric Kimmel

Book options to include:

• Cactus Soup
• Anansi and the Talking Melon
• The Three Little Tamales
• The Red Hot

The Lion & The Mouse by Jerry Pinkney and Aesop

The Lion & The Mouse by Jerry Pinkney and Aesop

Bibliography: 

Pinkney, J., & Aesop. (2010). The Lion and the mouse. Global Kids Books.

Plot Summary: 

In this wordless retelling of an Aesop fable, an adventuresome mouse proves that even small creatures are capable of great deeds when he rescues the King of the Jungle.

Critical Analysis:

The Lion and the Mouse is a very old tale, so most people should be able to tell it to their kids without any problems. This edition has no words, but don't worry if you are not familiar with Aesop's fable from 13 centuries ago. This is a beautiful book first of all, telling the age-old story of mutual co-operation between mighty lion and tiny meek mouse. The story alone would be a winner, but the story is told in detailed pictures so beautiful and expressive that only a few words needed can be heard in one's imagination. A small child can "read" its meaning, as can an adult at any stage. A unique presentation, worth it's weight in gold!

Review Excerpt: 

Publisher's Weekly starred

Pinkney enriches this classic tale of friendship with another universal theme - family - affectingly illustrated in several scenes as well as in the back endpapers... African species grace splendid panoramas that balance the many finely detailed, closeup images of the protagonists. Pinkney has no need for words; his art speaks eloquently for itself.

Kirkus Review starred

A nearly wordless exploration of Aesop's fable of symbiotic mercy that is nothing short of masterful... Unimpeachable.

School Library Journal starred

Pinkney's luminous art, rendered in watercolor and colored pencil, suggests a natural harmony... The ambiguity that results from the lack of words in this version allows for a slower, subtle, and ultimately more satisfying read. Moments of humor and affection complement the drama. A classic tale from a consummate artist.

The Horn Book Review starred

By retelling Aesop's fable entirely in his signature pencil and watercolor art, Pinkney encourages closer exploration of the pleasing detail with which he amplifies it... It will be a challenge for libraries to make every gorgeous surface available, but it's a challenge worth taking on.

Connections:

Folklore - Stories passed down through generations

Great options to pair with other books to do a fable & folktale unit. To look at the different characteristics that make up that particular genre.

Caldecott Medal Winner - 2010

Rapunzel by Paul O. Zelinsky

Rapunzel by Paul O. Zelinsky

Bibliography: 

Zelinsky, P. O. (1998). Rapunzel. Dutton Children's Books.

Plot Summary: 

A retelling of a folktale in which a beautiful girl with long golden hair is kept imprisoned in a lonely tower by a sorceress. Includes a note that traces the Italian, French, and German origins of the story, and discusses the author's decision to mimic the style of Italian Renaissance art in his illustrations.

Critical Analysis:

This book shows the two sides of Rapunzel's adoptive mother well. You can see the love for her "daughter" in one picture and then the anger of a demon as catches Rapunzel's biological father stealing more of her plants and as she learns of Rapunzel's relationship with the prince. The fact that Rapunzel was given away by her pregnancy is much more realistic than by a moment of forgetfulness; she'd know better than to do that with the sorceress around.

Paul Zelinsky can't cease to amaze me with his artwork. And he's totally humanized the story! The characters have more depth and personality than they are usually portrayed having. The text and images he uses to do so are simply exquisite. Aside from his gift at art, he also knows how to use words. A commendable gift.

Review Excerpt: 

Publisher's Weekly

A breathtaking interpretation gives the fairy tale new art-historical roots, with illustrations that daringly-and effectively-mimic the masters of Italian Renaissance painting.

The Horn Book starred

Simply put, this is a gorgeous book; it demonstrates respect for the traditions of painting and the fairy tale while at the same time adhering to a singular, wholly original, artistic vision

Connections:

Folklore - Stories passed down through generations

Great book to pair with Really, Rapunzel Needed a Haircut!: The Story of Rapunzel as Told by Dame Gothel - by Jessica Gunderson; and illustrated by Denis Alexandre Alonso. It is the story told by Rapunzel's step mother's point of view. 

Great options to pair with other books to do a fairytale & folktale unit. To look at the different characteristics that make up that particular genre.

Caldecott Medal Winner - 1998

The Three Little Pigs by James Marshall

 

The Three Little Pigs by James Marshall

Bibliography: 

Marshall, J. (2000). The three little pigs. Grosset & Dunlap.

Plot Summary: 

Retells the familiar tale in which one of three brother pigs survives a wolf's attacks by using his head and planning well. 

Critical Analysis:

This is obviously a variation on the original, beloved "Three Little Pigs" tale, but still wittily charming. Marshall's illustrations are eye-catching and definitely carry the story. Takes about 13 minutes to read aloud--with some elaboration--during story time. (Note: In this version the less-smart little pigs are gobbled up by the wolf; they don't escape to a sibling's house.)

Review Excerpt: 

Horn Book Guide starred

When James Marshall rolls up his sleeves and reaches for a familiar tale, veteran readers should know by now to brace themselves for a round of hilarity.

Connections:

Folklore - Stories passed down through generations

Great book to pair with The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs! by Jon Scieszka

Great options to pair with other books to do a fairytale & folktale unit. To look at the different characteristics that make up that particular genre.

We Are Water Protectors by Carole Lindstrom

 

We Are Water Protectors by Carole Lindstrom; Illustrated by Michaela Goade

Bibliography: 

Lindstrom, C., & Goade, M. (2023). We are water protectors. Findaway World, LLC.

Plot Summary: 

When a black snake threatens to destroy the Earth
And poison her people’s water, one young water protector

Takes a stand to defend Earth’s most sacred resource.

Critical Analysis:

This is a beautifully written and illustrated book about the importance of water and more specifically, about the oil pipeline and protests at Standing Rock. I love the message for children of the native traditions of respect for nature and protection of the earth. Regarding the illustrations and design, this book is amazing! Completely tasteful, never crass, never OTT, but still a book for kids and adults alike. 

Review Excerpt: 

The New York Times

"Powerful....Goade’s illustrations combine a mystical mood with the lovely fierceness of a child seeking justice."

Kirkus Starred Review

"In this tribute to Native resilience, Indigenous author-and-illustrator team Lindstrom and Goade invite readers to stand up for environmental justice. An inspiring call to action for all who care about our interconnected planet."

Connections:

- Native American/Indigenous story about water conservation

- Caldecott medal winner - 2021

- Activities to collaborate with the picture book. One that would be good is a pledge to show water conservation. We are Water Protector - Activities

The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter

 

The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter

Bibliography: 

Potter, B., & Vining, A. (2014). The tale of peter rabbit. National Braille Press.

Plot Summary: 

Peter disobeys his mother by going into Mr. McGregor's garden and almost gets caught.

Critical Analysis:

Although it is the true story of Winnie the Pooh, it wasn't the least bit childish or 'dry'. The book is a story within a story--a mother telling a bedtime story to her son. Through her tale, we learn about how a young bear cub travels from Canada to England during WW I and is ultimately placed in the zoo for safekeeping while his soldier/owner/friend goes off to war. Since the cub was raised around people, it has been socialized and soon befriends a frequent zoo visitor, a young boy named Christopher Robin Milne. And with that bit of information, I'm sure you can guess the wonderful connection. The books ending has a warm-hearted twist.

The book contains not only has this delightful, true story but includes actual pictures of people and supporting documents that take this book from storytelling to reality in a way that children can easily understand and accept. I definitely recommend this book well written, interesting, and has a few surprising facts that will inform a few adults as well!

Review Excerpt: 

Library Talk: (September/October 2001)

"Hague's vibrantly colored, full-page illustrations give this classic tale a more contemporary look. Compared to Potter's original paintings, they show Peter and his siblings with larger eyes and rounded bodies. The rendering of Mr. McGregor, for instance, is more realistic looking than the original. The new illustrations are more intricate and colorful than Potter's, and complement the text, as hers did."

Connections:

- The classic of Beatrix Potter but with different/bright illustrations

- Folklore that has been passed down for many years

- Has a film that has come out in recent years. Would be a great thing to compare and contrast the book and movie.

Leonardo the Terrible Monster by Mo Willems

 

Leonardo the Terrible Monster by Mo Willems

Bibliography: 

Willems, M. (2008). Leonardo the terrible monster. Walker Books Ltd.

Plot Summary: 

At head of title: Your pal Mo Willems presents. Regardless of all his efforts, Leonardo the monster simply cannot seem to frighten anyone, until he meets the perfect nervous little boy.

Critical Analysis:

Poor Leonardo is terrible at being a monster. He doesn't have 1,642 teeth like Tony. He isn't big like Eleanor. And he isn't `just plain weird' like Hector. Despite his best efforts, Leonardo cannot scare anyone and it makes him very sad. Hope returns to Leonardo after he comes up with the idea of trying to scare the most scaredy-cat kid in the whole world, Sam. However, Sam has other things on his mind and after his latest failed attempt, Leonardo makes a big decision that will impact his monster-ness. The drawings in Mo Willems' simply-illustrated picture book do wonders to effect the mood and emotion of the characters and the feel of the story. Though each page contains a simple line of text, the pictures tell the real story. The use of space and perspective allows the audience to feel as small and defeated as Leonardo as he struggles through all of his failed attempts at being ferocious. Children will love following Leonardo's attempts at being scary and adults will root for Leonardo and appreciate his final decision. The book is said to be for audiences `as young as 3 and as old as 36' but the feel created by Willems' gentle illustrations and simple text will guarantee to adore audiences well into their golden years.

Review Excerpt: 

Horn Book Guide starred (Spring 2006)

"Leonardo the monster can't scare anyone, so he targets Sam, "the most scaredy-cat kid in the whole world." He makes Sam cry, but not, Sam says, because he's scared--he's having a very bad day. Leonardo decides: "instead of being a terrible monster, he would become a wonderful friend." Willems's theatrical story plays out on tall, uncluttered, muted-color pages."

Connections:

- If you are a fan of Mo Willems

- Have a different book by Mo Willems other than the go tos. 

- A wonderful story about friendship and individuality

Finding Winnie by Lindsay Mattick

Finding Winnie: The True Story of the World's Most Famous Bear by Lindsay Mattick and illustrated by Sophie Blackall

Bibliography: 

Mattick, L. (2015). Finding Winnie. Little, Brown.

Plot Summary: 

A fictionalized account of Captain Harry Coleburn's relationship with a bear cub in 1914, which he rescued while on his way to care for soldiers' horses during World War I and became the inspiration for A.A. Milne's Winnie-the-Pooh.

Critical Analysis:

Although it is the true story of Winnie the Pooh, it wasn't the least bit childish or 'dry'. The book is a story within a story--a mother telling a bedtime story to her son. Through her tale, we learn about how a young bear cub travels from Canada to England during WW I and is ultimately placed in the zoo for safekeeping while his soldier/owner/friend goes off to war. Since the cub was raised around people, it has been socialized and soon befriends a frequent zoo visitor, a young boy named Christopher Robin Milne. And with that bit of information, I'm sure you can guess the wonderful connection. The books ending has a warm-hearted twist.

The book contains not only has this delightful, true story but includes actual pictures of people and supporting documents that take this book from storytelling to reality in a way that children can easily understand and accept. I definitely recommend this book well written, interesting, and has a few surprising facts that will inform a few adults as well!

Review Excerpt: 

Booklist Review: Booklist Starred (September 1, 2015 (Vol. 112, No. 1))

"Grades K-2. Mattick’s family ties to Winnie-the-Pooh form the backbone of her cozy debut... Little ones who love A. A. Milne’s classic stories will be enchanted by this heartening account of the bear’s real-life origins."

Connections:

- If you are a fan of the the loving classic by A.A Milne, this would be a great story.

- A Caldecott Winner - 2016

- If you a one to have a curious mindset 

- A great choice to pair with the classic