Zaira and the Dolphins, by Mar Pavón, Ill. by Cha Coco

The Book

This 32-page picture book, originally written in Spanish, is intended for children ages 5 and up, according to Amazon.

It was written by award-winning author, Mar Pavón, and illustrated by Cha Coco. Publisher Cuento de Luz has made this picture book adaptation available in English (in Spanish it’s titled Zaira y los delfines).

The Story

Zaira’s imagination has her seeing dolphins playing in a fountain, spending time with a cadre of imaginary friends, and taking joy in everything around her. But the town’s children keep making fun of her when she describes how the dolphins jump and play in the fountain. When Zaira’s world suddenly changes because she no longer sees water or dolphins in the fountain, the other children’s mockery truly begins to sting.  None of her imaginary friends are near and she is all alone…until a fairy appears. Will the fairy help bring back the dolphins?

The Good

This book can be appealing for kids who enjoy fairy tales. The writing is clear and kid-friendly. The descriptions of Zaira and her world encourage the reader to see the world from her point of view, despite the comments from the other children. The plot can help encourage conversations concerning friendship, bullying, and self-confidence.

The “hmm…”

I thoroughly enjoyed this book until the fairy made an appearance. What first gave me pause was her name: “Takethat”. I chuckled to myself thinking, it’s the revenge fairy. Then she used magic to wipe the smiles of the children who were laughing, followed by a proud “take that!” I wasn’t chuckling any more. I was puzzled.

I won’t give away the rest of the story, but the bullying was never addressed in a constructive way (actually, we never see the kids again). It was simply magicked away in an act of revenge. The story then continues Zaira’s journey to find her dolphins again, which involves paying attention and being a good girl.

Again, I am puzzled. Zaira had not misbehaved at any time in the story, but the fairy insisted that she observe and behave.

Perhaps this is part of the “whimsical” in this story. Then again, “whimsical” does not mean that issues like bullying should be downplayed. I can’t help but think that the story lost its way as soon as the bullying was simply shrugged off with magic.

The Art

This was my first time seeing Cha Coco’s work and I am now a fan. I must admit, the drawings are what first drew me to this book and I was never disappointed. She created a bright, whimsical, and colorful world for Zaira and her imaginary friends. Sometimes they were larger than life and helped illustrate Zaira’s fantastic view of the world.

Have you read this book?

If you have read this book (in either language), I’d love to know what you think.

Would  you recommend this book to parents and their children? Why?

Do you have reservations when it comes to this book?

______________________________________________________________________________________________

Like this blog?
Click here to subscribe to this feed in any reader or check out the sidebar for more options

Witches Handbook, by Mónica Carretero

I’ve been putting off writing about this particular book. After reading it, I wanted to take a step back, think about it, and avoid writing something that was more knee-jerk reaction than a thoughtful review.

But most of my original knee-jerk reaction still prevails, so I really can’t put this off any longer.

The Book

This picture book, originally written in Spanish, is intended for children ages 5 and up, according to Amazon. It’s rather heavy on the narrative, and some of the vocabulary makes me wonder about claiming a Kindergarten audience, but kids would enjoy sharing this with their parents for a read-aloud. It was written and illustrated by award-winning author and illustrator, Mónica Carretero. Publisher Cuento de Luz has made this picture book adaptation available in English (in Spanish it’s titled Manual de Brujas).

The Story

Siblings receive a letter from estranged Aunt Amarga, enticing them to visit her to find out if witches really do exist. You see, Aunt Amarga’s life is coming to an end and she doesn’t want “the secret” to be lost forever. When the children visit her, she tells them all about witches and even warlocks. This includes information on how to recognize a witch, famous witches and warlocks (including well-known characters such as the witches from Snow White and Sleeping Beauty), the broom as a mode of transportation, and others. By the end of the story, the kids are in for a surprise and learn something that even Aunt Amarga did not know.

The Good

This book is appealing for kids who enjoy fairy tales, stories about witches, and not-so-scary stories. It is well-written and there are several instances where the narrative directly addresses the reader, inviting them to engage in several ways with the story. At the end of the manual, kids will enjoy a word puzzle, riddles, and even learn how to cook spell-removing pancakes. There are many whimsical aspects to the story and parts that will have children chuckling.

The Not So Good

I will admit, I am a fan of a good, scary story. I am also inclined to the magical and the funny. I don’t mind the not-so-scary, such as this book, but I do not appreciate the one-sided witches story that presents only a negative message. The author tells us that witches are bad. They are bad because they are lonely. If only someone had given them one kiss; it would have done them “so much good”. Recognizing witches is easy. Simply look for someone who dresses outlandishly and don’t be fooled by an innocent appearance. To make sure you have found a witch, try to approach her affectionately. A witch will reveal herself (become ugly with a bigger nose, apparently), and turn away.

All of that by page 8 (out of 32).

There is simply too much in this book that serves to perpetuate various negative stereotypes. For example, that ugly people are bad, that people who dress “differently” are weird, that there is something wrong if a woman remains single, that there is something wrong with people who don’t like or cannot receive affection as easily as others, etc. The messages clash with the whimsical writing, the bright and colorful illustrations, and the seemingly positive relationship between Aunt Amarga and her niece and nephew.

The Art (the best part!)

I am not a fan of watercolor art. However, Mónica Carretero expertly uses this medium to create bright and colorful characters that come to life on paper. She has my deepest respect as an illustrator and the illustrations in this book make me want to see more of her work. Each character is carefully planned and full of detail that manages to be captivating but not overwhelming.

Have you read this book?

If you have read this book (in either language), I’d love to know what you think.

Would  you recommend this book to parents and their children? Why?

Do you have reservations when it comes to this book?

______________________________________________________________________________________________

Like this blog?
Click here to subscribe to this feed in any reader or check out the sidebar for more options

Drops of Life, by Esko-Pekka Tiitinen, illustrated by Nikolai Tiitinen

“The strong give the weak the power to do more when the wind is behind them!”

This is a story cooperation, collaboration, and love of life on Earth.

The Book

This picture book is intended for children ages 5-8. It comes from Finland, adapted from a play created by Esko-Pekka Tiitinen for the Environment Online (ENO) Programme, which is a “global virtual school and network for sustainable development”. The play has been performed in over 70 different countries and publisher Cuento de Luz has made this picture book adaptation available in English and Spanish (titled Gotas de Vida).

The Story

A lonely owl reminisces about the seemingly care-free days of his youth. A dove, desperate to reach Africa, asks him for help. The two embark on a journey where they face death but are rescued by an unlikely new friend: a whale. From then on they reach a home different from what the dove remembers. What was once a dense forest is now desert. It is up to them, along with the sun, a gust of wind, and other animals from around the world, to plant the seed of life back into the desert. It is not easy and it takes a lot of help, including help from the humans.

This book is appealing for those who enjoy the theater arts and animal stories. It can also appeal to those who enjoy a good mystery. The story never clearly explains how the dove’s home got destroyed, nor why the owl is bogged down by the memories of his youth. Readers are free to fill in these empty spaces by looking for clues in the dialogue-rich narrative, where they can make connections between the desert landscape and humanity’s progress coupled with indifference for others and the environment. The book, however, never points a finger of blame. Instead, the focus is on how we can all cooperate and collaborate to bring back the rich forests to now sandy terrain.

The Art

Nikolai Tiitinen combines bright and vibrant colors with rich, earthy tones. The blended backgrounds emphasize the fantastic nature of the characters and plot. The illustrator pays careful attention to each animal’s face, casting them in brighter colors, which helps draw the eye to them and encourages the reader to acknowledge them and empathize with their plight.

What questions might you ask to get kids talking about the book?

1. If you were the dove, would you have asked the owl for help? Why?
2. Why do you think the whale’s brothers and sisters risked their lives to deliver a message?
3. How does planting trees help everyone who lives on this planet?

______________________________________________________________________________________________

Like this blog?
Click here to subscribe to this feed in any reader or check out the sidebar for more options

Elephants Cannot Dance! by Mo Willems

Ever been told you can’t do something?

This is the story of someone who tried anyway!

The Story

In this picture book for ages 4-8, a little pig in a tutu tries to get Gerald the elephant to dance. Despite Gerald’s insistence that even books say elephants cannot dance, he is convinced to at least try. Can he do it? What happens when he tries?

Kids who love music, the theater arts, and animal stories will be attracted to this book.

Boys in particular might relate to the idea of giving up on something they enjoy, such as dancing, because others say it’s something only girls should do. By seeing Gerald’s trials, kids might feel hopeful and encouraged to try something outside of what a boy supposedly should or should not do. Gerald and Piggie let the reader know it’s ok to try.

What questions might you ask to get kids talking about the book?

1. Why do you think Piggie insisted that Gerald try to dance?
2. What are some of the things you have not tried because you think you can’t?
3. Why is it important to try to do something, even if you think you can’t?

______________________________________________________________________________________________

Like this blog?
Click here to subscribe to this feed in any reader or check out the sidebar for more options

The worst-case scenario survival handbook: Junior edition, by Borgenicht & Epstein, Ill. C. Gonzales

Want to laugh?

Want to be grossed out?

Just open up this book!

The Skinny

The Worst-Case Scenario Handbook is for kids ages 9-12. It offers humorous and sometimes gross advice on the many perils of childhood. Every chapter revolves around a theme, such as “Survival skills for your social life”, which is then divided into small sections including different scenarios, such as “How to survive farting in public”.

Who will love this book?

Kids who love humor, the “gross factor”, and practical advice will love this book (some grownups will like this as well!). The titles of each scenario alone can draw the attention of readers, even those who are reluctant to pick up a book. The illustrations are colorful and slightly exaggerated for maximum laughter. Behind the humor and gross aspects, kids can also find trivia, helpful information on self-confidence, being bullied, doing well in school, and how to survive getting into trouble with grownups.  The practical advice is down to earth and believable.

This is one of those few, well-rounded books that has the capability of appealing to a very large audience.

What questions might you ask to get kids talking about the book?

1. What methods have you tried to calm down an angry parent? Has any of it worked?
2. What should you do when you get into trouble at home? Why?
3. Have you ever felt you needed advice and did not know who to ask? What kind of advice were you looking for?

______________________________________________________________________________________________

Like this blog?
Click here to subscribe to this feed in any reader or check out the sidebar for more options

The Busy Life of Ernestine Buckmeister, by Linda Lodding

Busy people…
Busy beyond belief…
You’ve heard of them.
You’ve seen them.
Hey, you might even BE one!

I know I am.

And so is Ernestine Buckmeister.

The Story

Ernestine is a little girl who sculpts, knits, yodels…well, let’s just say she has a full calendar! And that’s not counting her homework! Her parents want her to live life to the fullest. But as she is half-dragged, exhausted, to her next extracurricular activity, she looks longingly at her friend Hugo, who has time to play.

She gets an idea.

Ernestine is going to take her schedule into her own hands!

Linda Lodding does a wonderful job of pulling the reader into the story with a reminder to “live life to the fullest!” A good message, certainly. But before long, Linda has the reader questioning this motto and how people can take it to unhealthy extremes. After all, how can poor Ernestine live life to the fullest if she never has time to play?

The Art

I must confess an immediate attraction to Suzanne Beaky’s colorful illustrations. The characters’ expressions are poignant without becoming exaggerated. The character placement and attention to detail encourage the reader to imagine and relate with all the silly and funny elements, while emphasizing a real concern over burning out due to an overabundance of activities. My favorite illustration, by far, is of Ernestine  with her arms thrown wide open, inviting the characters around her and the reader to stop and inhale.

Questions

I love it when I stumble into – or have sent my way by well-meaning souls – a book that speaks to adults as much as it speaks to children. Linda Lodding does this very well. She reminds adults, children, and the parents and caregivers who love them about the importance of play without being preachy. While this book is aimed at children ages 5 and up, I highly recommend it to parents and caregivers as well for its insight into the mind of a child who is suffering more than benefiting from a packed schedule.

This picture book encourages the reader to ask questions such as:

• What does it mean to live life to its fullest?
• How can we encourage our children to live life to the fullest?
• Why are learning activities such as the ones Ernestine participates in considered essential to having a full life?
• What is the importance of play?

Book trailer

To take a closer look at the life of Ernestine Buckmeister, check out this book trailer, made by Linda Lodding’s daughter. The book is published by Flashlight Press and is scheduled for release October, 2011.

______________________________________________________________________________________________

I’d like to thank Linda for sending this wonderful book my way for review. It came at the most opportune time where “busy” has become synonymous to my name. It has reminded me to stop and inhale and remember what is most important. And to get back to blogging kidlit!

______________________________________________________________________________________________

Linda Ravin Lodding: writer, working mom, expat, shutter-bug, yoga class drop-out, cheesecake lover, hula-hooper, dreamer.

Follow Linda on Twitter

Join Ernestine on  Facebook (for fun play ideas!)

______________________________________________________________________________________________

Like this blog?
Click here to subscribe to this feed in any reader or check out the sidebar for more options

Broken Memory: A Novel of Rwanda, by Elisabeth Combres

Rating: 3.5/5

Broken Memory is a story of a girl who survives her mother’s murder during the Rwandan 1994 genocide of the Tutsi people. She has no dreams, no ambitions, and no interest in her future. She has only one goal in mind: to fulfill her mother’s last wish…

“You must live, Emma.”

When I sat down to read this book, I braced myself for the horrors of genocide.

What I found was simple and thought-provoking.

This is not an in-depth look at a young survivor’s life or a detailed account of the horrors of genocide; it is a series of events that lead the character to catharsis and leave the reader with…an impression. A broken image.

It’s up to the reader to pick up the pieces and consider what makes us human and what can turn us into monsters.

It is a tiny book with barely a pause for characterization, where Emma’s story is quickly narrated and we are carried down a stream of words watching images of the old woman who takes pity on Emma and keeps her despite the danger to her life; of the gossiping women in the village who don’t like the sight of her; of the boy whose spirit and body have been broken but who she cannot help but befriend; of the old man who has suffered more than she thought anyone could bear; of the trials of murderers; and her journey back to her mother’s home.

While I want to give this book a high rating, its lack of characterization, its rushed prose and anticlimactic epilogue prohibit me from doing so. However, despite its shortcomings, it addresses an important part of history, and its fast pace will likely be appealing to many reluctant readers.

__________________________________________________________

Broken Memory won the Prix Nouvelle Revue Pédagogique and the Prix des lycéens allemands, where German high school students select their favorite book.

Broken Memory is part of the 2010 National Books for a Global Society’s list of outstanding K-12 multicultural literature.

__________________________________________________________

Like this blog?
Click here to subscribe to this feed in any reader or check out the sidebar for more options

Why we wish we had a thousand rejection letters, by Adam Jay Epstein & Andrew Jacobson

I’m always looking for books that have magic, mischief and some mayhem. When I came across The Familiars, by Adam Jay Epstein & Andrew Jacobson, I was intrigued:

“Running fast to save his life, Aldwyn ducks into an unusual pet store. Moments later Jack, a young wizard in training, comes in to choose a magical animal to be his familiar. Aldwyn’s always been clever. But magical? Jack thinks so—and Aldwyn is happy to play along.”

Magical animals?
A wizard in training?
Count me in!
The downside? The book isn’t out until September 7th, 2010.

The upside? The authors came to Once Upon A Book to write a guest post! (Thank you, guys!)

September 7th is slowly approaching, but in the meantime, check out what these authors have to say about their experience – er, lack of experience – with rejection letters.

__________________________________________________________
GUEST POST

Why we wish we had a thousand rejection letters
by Adam Jay Epstein & Andrew Jacobson, authors of The Familiars

We’ve all heard how every author has a box of a thousand rejection letters, from publishers, agents, and literary magazines. Many even have the sealed envelopes with the words “Return to Sender” boldly stamped across it. But sitting on our shelf in our office, there’s no box of rejection letters. You know why? Because in Hollywood, when you’re a screenwriter, you don’t even get the courtesy of a rejection letter. They just never bother writing back. You send your script out to production companies, agents, and managers, and 99 percent of the time you simply never hear back. And occasionally, when you do, it’s to hear that they don’t accept unsolicited material.

In a sense, we envy the author who can save up their memories of struggle and have a wonderful paper trail of those who didn’t believe in them for when they become “overnight” successes. We instead are left with a series of undocumented failures. But no matter how many times you hear the phrase, “it all happened so fast,” or “it was the FIRST thing I ever wrote,” take it from us, it never is. So we always tell people to keep their fingers to the keyboard and their pens filled with ink, and to keep writing like we did, until the right person reads the right thing at the right time. It happened for us and it will happen for you.

You can learn more about The Familiars at www.thefamiliars.com. Tell us about your best rejection letters via email at thefamiliarsbook@gmail.com or on our blog at thefamiliars.blogspot.com.

__________________________________________________________

ADAM JAY EPSTEIN spent his childhood in Great Neck, New York, while ANDREW JACOBSON grew up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, but the two met in a parking garage out in Los Angeles. They have been writing for film and television together ever since. The Familiars  is their first book.

One day, Adam asked Andrew, “Are you familiar with what a familiar is?” And from that simple question, Vastia was born, a fantastical world filled with the authors’ shared love of animals and magic. They wrote every word, sentence, and page together, sitting opposite each other.

Adam Jay Epstein lives in Los Angeles with his wife, Jane, their daughters, Penny and Olive, and a black-and-white alley cat who hangs out in their backyard. Andrew Jacobson lives with his wife, Ashley, and their dog, Elvis, four traffic lights away.

THE FAMILIARS will be produced for film by Sam Raimi and Sony Animation.
__________________________________________________________

Like this blog?
Click here to subscribe to this feed in any reader or check out the sidebar for more options

Naruto volume 1, by Masashi Kishimoto

Rating: 5/5

You’re probably thinking: “You’re kidding me. She’s reviewing Naruto volume 1?! I know I’m quite late to jump on this particular bandwagon, though it was suggested to me about 5 years ago. Honestly, I should listen to my students when they tell me to read some of these titles! (Except for Death Note…that’s not a manga I would recommend to anyone K-12. Period.)

Naruto never attracted my attention, despite the hordes of students eating them up and begging for more. Now, however, I’m trying to catch up to the latest volumes and avoiding any fans so they don’t spoil the story for me. So, what’s to like about Naruto?

First, if you’ve been under a rock, self-imposed or otherwise, here’s the skinny: this is the story of a young ninja in training whose body was sacrificed to save his village from a 9-tailed demon fox, now imprisoned inside him. For the longest time he was the village reject without knowing why. When he discovers the secret locked in his body, his story truly begins. It’s one of exploring, creating, testing, and transforming the bonds that we form with others.

In the first volume, when we meet Naruto for the first time, he is the cocky class clown who can’t do anything right. It’s time for him to take his final exam, for the third time, so he can graduate from ninja school, earn his leaf headband, and continue his training. However, he fails a fourth time. Dejected and desperate, he is easily tricked into stealing one of the village’s most dangerous scrolls. Now the whole village is after him but all he wants is to learn what’s in the scroll so he can graduate.

I’ve met many teachers who have some reservations about this series, such as the violence and the occasional skirting of adult themes, but I believe the pros outweigh the cons. To be fair, here are some of the cons of this manga:

• Sacrificing one for the sake of many: The way an entire village sacrifices the life of a baby by imprisoning a demon inside and then shunning said child, is quite horrible.
• Violence: 12-year-olds are trained in the ninja ways and once they graduate they are expected to take on missions and risk their lives for the village. The fight scenes are lengthy and many characters get beaten to within an inch of their lives (and in later volumes they die).
• Adult themes: Part of Naruto’s pranks includes a transformation into a sexy, naked blonde to unnerve his teachers and peers. Little poof of clouds are the only objects standing in the way of full frontal nudity.
• The main character disregards rules and authority.

These are valid points, but to dwell on simplistic ideas of violence and what is or is not “appropriate” would be to completely miss the point in Naruto. Compared to most of what passes for entertainment in television these days, this series is quite mild and it actually has a lot to offer. Here’s how:

• Sacrificing one for the sake of many: this is a controversial topic that can open the door to a lot of discussion in the classroom. For example, we could compare what happens in the story to the way soldiers sacrifice their lives for their country and the way they sacrifice the lives of others for the same reason. No longer so clear-cut, is it?
• Violence: There are many types of violence in life and bullying is one of them, to which children are no strangers. In the beginning of this series there is a lot of bullying of Naruto by peers and adults. This could open the door to conversations on how to address bullying in school.
• Adult themes: Some of these inappropriate scenes are brought on by Naruto’s yearning to be acknowledged. This could begin an insightful discussion on what people are willing to do for others to pay attention to them and why. Kids can easily relate to Naruto’s feelings. He desperately wants to belong and make friends, so he resorts to becoming the trickster and become the center of attention.
• Disregard for authority and rules: This is very prevalent in schools and can open the door to discussions concerning respect  and the meaning behind having and following rules.
• Perseverance: Naruto lacks talent, intelligence and common sense, as he’s reminded constantly, yet he defies all odds  with hard work, perseverance and big heart. Children can discuss if this idea of working hard to achieve one’s dreams is realistic. Indeed, Naruto provides many examples where he apparently fails despite how hard he tries. But, does he really “lose”?
• Bonds: Naruto does not have a family, but he begins to make one for himself through bonds with instructors and peers. Students can discuss the importance of forming bonds with others and different types of families extant.
• Acceptance: This term is quite different from “tolerance”, which is so popular yet implies that there is something negative we have to put up with. Naruto, in having experienced hardship, pain, segregation and loneliness has developed empathy for others, which allows him to give people the benefit of the doubt and see beyond the surface.  This facilitates discussion about differences and how they inform our lives.
• Growth: This is what keeps me going back to Naruto. From the first volume we witness his growth as a ninja, as a friend, and as a human being. It’s this growth that encourages inquiry and sends a clear message: It’s OK to make mistakes as long as we learn from them and continue to move forward.

Is Naruto worth the read? Should we tap into this story in the classroom? It’s my hope that you will pick up the first volume and decide for yourself. It gets two thumbs up from me!

Topics in this series (so far) include: persevering, sacrifice, friendship, family, humanity, freedom, independence, choice, justice, survival, community, oppression…

__________________________________________________________

Like this blog?
Click here to subscribe to this feed in any reader or check out the sidebar for more options

Catching Fire, by Suzanne Collins

Rating: 5/5

This is the second book in Suzanne Collin’s trilogy of the Hunger Games and it’s just as good, if not better than the first book. Check out a previous post if  you’re not familiar with the storyline. 

I an amazing twist of events, there are more survivors than previously expected, much to the embarrassment of the Capitol. Katniss’ year as the champion does little to settle her nerves, since she knows the Capitol is watching her every step. When the time comes again to pick this year’s “tributes”, a nasty surprise awaits all of the champions of recent years, as they must go back to fight for their lives. This time they are up against the best of the best. Behind the scenes, the districts are furious that their champions are in danger once more and keep a close eye on Katniss in particular. Will she be the one to set off the events that lead to a new rebellion? Who will survive this year’s Hunger Games?

I thoroughly enjoyed the transformation that takes place in this second book. In response to the Capitol’s new demands and cruel machinations, Katniss’ plight continues to unravel everyone’s beliefs about the system. The people of the capitol stir in discomfort; the districts begin to shake off their fear. The tension mounts with the turn of every page… 

I won’t say much else because I do not want to ruin the experience for those of you who have not yet had the opportunity to read this book.  😉

Questions: I like that this book makes you think and, better yet, it encourages you to ask very difficult questions that have no easy answer/s. One question that is still prevalent is: what does it mean to be human?

Other questions up for discussion could be:

• How can one idea change the world?
• In the story, the mockingjay becomes a symbol of freedom. What other objects or symbols do you know of that people have given specific meaning to? Why are symbols important to humans?
• How do our experiences help shape our ideas of what it means to be human?

Topics in this book include: humanity, sacrifice, change, transformation, symbolism, ideas, rebellion, freedom, independence, justice, friendship, survival, community, family, politics, love, oppression, social classes…

Do pick up this book and ask yourself: what does it mean to be human?__________________________________________________________

The third book, Mockingjay, will be released August 24, 2010. I can’t wait!

__________________________________________________________

Like this blog?
Click here to subscribe to this feed in any reader or check out the sidebar for more options