The Cat in the Hat and The Lorax

When someone says Dr. Seuss, most often we think of his most famous work The Cat in the Hat. It is often one of the first stories brought to children learning to read because of its repetitive nature and rhyming lines of simplistic language. This book still appeals to children today because of its notoriety—it appeals to many new readers as a right of passage into the reading world. It is also quite silly and most children enjoy the nonsensical nature of its plot and characters. Additionally, The Cat in the Hat has a broader theme—doing the right thing even when we might not get caught. The pet fish is the ethical character that reminds us to do the right thing. There are many contemporary titles that deliver similar messages, though not that are quite as captivating or memorable as The Cat in the Hat.

Another famous story by Dr. Seuss is the story of The Lorax. This book has a whimsical tone, but also has a much deeper message, that of the importance of conservation and helping our planet. It is educational as the main character is a Seuss-like creature who is an emblem for the trees, birds, fish, and other living things. The natural balance is offset because of the Once-ler, who is ravaging the trees to produce Thneeds to sell. It is affecting all the other organisms in the environment because they rely on those trees. Just a Dream by Chris Van Allsburg is a comparable story to that of The Lorax. He too uses a simplistic approach that is accessible to children to show what would happen if we do not begin to conserve our resources and take care of our planet.

Dr. Seuss has added so much to our children's literature development. Especially The Cat in the Hat and The Lorax are two titles that have multiple purposes and would be a wonderful addition to a school library.

Charlotte's Web (Book vs. Movie)

Charlotte's Web by E.B. White is one of the most notable and recognizable children's book of our generation. It is as popular today as it was when it was first published in 1952. It has been re-released several times and there have been two movies created based on the story.

Charlotte's Web is likely still popular today because its message is timeless, its tone touching and its character traits are still relevant. It tells the story of Fern, a young farm girl whose father wants to kill a baby pig because he is a runt. Fern convinces him not to and the pig becomes her pet. The pig, whose name is Wilbur, learns to live on a farm, befriending the other animals that live there. The animal who helps him the most is a spider named Charlotte. Through animals, we learn a lot about friendship, life and how to cope with loss.


The recent re-release of Charlotte's Web, the movie brought new attention to this timeless tale. Dakota Fanning quite accurately portrayed my image of Fern. I really enjoyed this movie and was as warmed by its events as when I read the book. It illuminated the book on the big screen the way that I believe E.B. White would have wanted. The spider is exactly as I had expected and Julia Roberts is calming, maternal and comforting. As an adult and an educator, I am drawn to this text and movie because of its sweet message, endearing and witty humor and bittersweet tone. This is one production that I was as happy with the product as the initial story.

Newbery vs. Caldecott?

The Newbery Medal is a prestigious award given to an American author who exhibits the most exceptional contribution to children's literature for a given year. This award has been given out since 1922 by the Association for Library Service to Children, a quite reputable association. The Caldecott Medal is given to an American illustrator who exhibits the most distinguished picture books for children in a given year. The award was created in 1938 also by the Association for Library Service to Children.

Both awards are recognized world-wide as having esteem and their gold and silver seals are revered as emblems of fame and honor. To be identified as the most prestigious American children's book award for either writing or illustrating would be quite an privilege. As a librarian, these titles are likely to be wonderful models and additions to a collection, as they have been scoured, picked apart and prodded for their literary components or artful composition. The difference between the two is the means by which people are evaluated (whether it be for illustration or writing), however both are given the highest consideration from the public.

The Bracelet by Yoshiko Uchida

Yoshiko Uchida is the author of many titles for children. She was a Japanese-American writer who used her life experiences to often help tell her stories. She is the author of many famous titles to include (but certainly not be limited to):

The Invisible Thread: An Autobiography; The Terrible Leak; Picture Bride; The Dancing Kettle and Other Japanese Folk Tales; New Friends for Susan; The Magic Listening Cap: More Folk Tales from Japan; The Full Circle; Takao and Grandfather's Sword; The Promised Year; Mik and the Prowler; Rokubei and the Thousand Rice Bowls;
The Forever Christmas Tree; Sumi's Prize; The Sea of Gold, and Other Tales from Japan; In-Between Maya; Hisako's Mysteries; Sumi and the Goat and the Tokyo Express;
Makoto, The Smallest Boy; Journey to Topaz: A Story of the Japanese American Evacuation; Samurai of Gold Hill; The Birthday Visitor; The Rooster who Understood Japanese; Jar of Dreams; Desert Exile: The Uprooting of a Japanese-American Family (Autobiography); Best Bad Thing; and The Happiest Ending.

As many of the title suggest, many of her stories are focused around the difficult life of Japanese-American families during the time when racism ran high in the United States.

In The Bracelet, Emi is a little Japanese girl whose family is being sent away from their home in California to live in an internment camp. Upon her leaving, she is given a bracelet by her best friend Lauri as a token of their friendship. As they are leaving she realizes that she has lost the bracelet and she is devastated. Soon thereafter, Emi realizes that the bracelet is not needed to remember her best friend, she will always keep her in her thoughts for the kindness and friendship she had offered.

As a librarian, this is quite an interesting text. There are not many titles written about this time in American history. Partly because it happened fifty years ago and likely also because it was a hateful and dark time in our country's history. This is a wonderful story for children because it teaches the significance of friendship while also informing them about how one child faced a difficult law that was imposed by her government. The tone of this piece also is quite inspirational as we watch Emi overcome adversity despite her very difficulty situation. I loved this book especially because it is quite helpful in allowing children's natural ability to wonder come forth. They are quite intrigued by this topic, as many of them have little to no background knowledge on such a topic. I also likely enjoyed this story because I am naturally drawn to historical fiction texts, especially in the form of picture books. I also am quite drawn to this story because it is based on the real experiences of the author, Yoshiko Uchida, who grew up in America during this time.

Caldecott Honors (2008): Henry's Freedom Box

Henry's Freedom Box by Ellen Levine and illustrated by Kadir Nelson is a wonderful and true story about one slave's experience in the Underground Railroad. Henry was born into slavery, though initially his master treated him somewhat kindly. He was eventually sold to his master's son where he would meet his wife. Together, they had several children and were living as happily as they could under the constraints of slavery. That is until one day, the master decides to sell Henry's wife and children to another plantation. This infuriates Henry as that was the only form of happiness he had attained. At this action, he decides to head towards freedom. To do so, he decides that he will ship himself in a box to Philadelphia. The journey is long and difficult and he often times feels like he is going to die. Eventually however, he makes it to Philadelphia and becomes a free man!

It is quite evident why this book was considered as a recent Caldecott nominee. The pictures are quite detailed and reflect the somber tone of the protagonist. Kadir Nelson uses rich colors and deep tones to convey the mood of the piece. Additionally, the depth with which he shows the detailed nuances allow the audience to feel the drama that is occurring on this page. He captures the essence of the words and enhances the piece with his illustrations. I especially love the creativity of the page in which Henry's box is being rolled as it is moved on the ship to Philadelphia. Nelson depicts this spread by using a cutaway so the audience feels privy to see what is inside as Henry is being contorted and shifted with each frame of the move. Kids love this page as well!

As a librarian, this is a wonderful addition to a collection, not only because it illuminates a horrible time in our country's history through one man's story, but also because the rich illustrations used to do so are exceptional. I love this story because the illustrations heighten my interest and allow me to better visualize what is happening.

Cockroach Cooties by Laurence Yep

Cockroach Cooties by Laurence Yep is one of his numerous titles mostly focused around Asian American characters. Laurence Yep is author to several other chapter books for children to include several books in the Golden Mountain Chronicles, several titles in his Dragon series, several titles in the Chinatown Mysteries, several titles in The Tiger's Apprentice series, and several others to include Later Gator, Hiroshima and Cockroach Cooties. He also has explored in other genres to include nonfiction titles about Asian Americans and his own autobiography. He also has published several picture books (such as the Dragon Prince, the Magic Paintbrush, and the Man Who Tricked a Ghost) and even some plays (Dragonwings, The Age of Wonders, Pay the Chinaman and Fairy Bones).

In this particular title, Yep introduces us to two brothers Teddy and Bobby, second generation Asian Americans living in California. They experience issues much the same as boys their age, the largest problem being the school bully, Artie. He is particularly fond of picking on the two brothers, who try to avoid him at all costs. That is until one day when they come face to face with him. When he appears ready to pounce, Bobby, the younger brother of the two produces a pet cockroach (an insect that he is quite fond of). At the sight of such a terror, Artie flees the scene as quickly as possible. The brothers learn that they may have a means to become bully free. That is until the cockroach is squashed by their anti-bug mother who sees the presence of any insect as a sign of filth. They end up discovering in the end about Artie and why he has such a dislike of cockroaches--namely because he lives in isolated poverty with a parent who doesn't care to keep the bugs out. Each insect is a reminder of the disgusting conditions and isolated situation he finds himself in each night.

While this book is about Asian American characters (and there is evidence of their cultural differences throughout the text) the theme transcends time and cultural barriers. The two protagonists are faced with a common kid problem, that of handling a bully and through their conversations with him realize that there are definite reasons for his bullying. This is a wonderful story that identifies the human qualities of everyone, regardless of their position in life. Laurence Yep does an exceptional job of capturing the reader's attention from beginning to end. The text is poignant and concise, but also descriptive and exciting. The audience really sympathizes with the brothers and wants them to seek resolution from this horrible bully. As a teacher and librarian, it is a wonderful moral that all children will not likely realize. It contains a valuable lesson through the exciting adventures in dealing with bullies. This would be a wonderful addition to any library collection. I liked this book because of the subtle yet important lesson it teaches and the exciting plot line.

Corretta Scott King Illustrator Award (2002): Goin' Someplace Special

Goin' Someplace Special by Patricia McKissack and illustrated by Jerry Pinkney was the winner of the 2002 Corretta Scott King award for its amazing illustrations. Jerry Pinkney is a talented illustrator and author most well known for his work in illustrating Aesop's Fables, The Ugly Duckling by Hans Christian Andersen, The Patchwork Quilt by Valerie Flournoy, and John Henry by Julius Lester. Through the use of watercolor, pencil and colored pencil drawings, Pinkney brings to life characters that are bright and invigorating, complementing the reality of the text, particularly in Goin' Someplace Special.



In this story, Tricia Ann is heading to a special place, though it is unknown to the audience through the entire duration of the text as to where she is heading. The audience is able to pick up on textual and contextual clues (such as the dialect of the speakers, the clothing of the characters and the setting as is portrayed by Pinkney) as to where she is heading and why it is so monumental to her. This is a particularly heart-warming story because through the use of detailed illustrations and well crafted text, the audience is made aware of the grave injustice that occurred on a daily basis in the deep south during the time of segregation. This would be a wonderful addition to any library collection for its strong message, power to teach about our nation's history through narrative text, and also to teach about inference, prediction, and questioning.


I am particularly drawn to this text because it saddens me to hear of such a sad time in our nation's past and I have learned a great deal about it (having never lived in this era) through picture books (Ruby Bridges is another text that could be used in a narrative study of the Civil Rights Movement). Pinkney does a wonderful job of giving just enough clues to keep the audience wondering where she is heading, while also portraying an accurate southern mindset during this time period. His illustrations complement her text beautifully and it is quite evident why he was the recipient of such a high honor. It is especially fitting that this African American author, who illustrates for many African American writers (such as Patricia McKissack) would receive such an award named after Coretta Scott King, a founding advocate for the Civil Rights Movement.

Because of Winn Dixie by Kate Dicamillo (Movie vs. Book)

Because of Winn Dixie by Kate DiCamillo is perhaps one of the best children’s books ever written. She is a very talented author (she also wrote Tiger Rising, The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane, and The Tale of Despereaux). It was not surprising that it was selected by Twentieth Century Fox to be made into a children’s movie. Prior to its selection, it was honored with the 2001 Newbery award.

It is the heart warming story of Opal, a 10 year old girl who recently moved to a small Florida town with her father, the preacher. Their family is somewhat broken as Opal’s mother abandoned the family when Opal was only a little girl. Opal’s relationship with her father is somewhat spotty. She seems lonely and isolated. That is until she is at the local grocery store when she sees a stray dog. She claims it as her own so that the grocery store owner wouldn’t send it to the pound. She takes him home and her father agrees that he can stay until his owner is found. Winn Dixie has the amazing ability to help Opal make friends. She befriends many local community members (to include a small child, a pet shop owner, and an old blind woman) and brings them together. This movie and book was touching, heartwarming and family friendly.

The movie followed closely to the plot of the story—which I was relieved to see. The only part that was completely cinematic was when they made the dog appear to be smiling. It was hokey and a bit cheesy. Kate Dicamillo writes that the dog was able to smile, but I never envisioned that it was a full blown goofy smile. The way that she wrote about his smiling made it endearing and gave Winn Dixie a more humanistic and lovable. The interpretation by the movie producers was entirely different.

All of the characters were well cast to match the description provided by the text. Opal (Anna Sophia Robb) especially looked and acted exactly as I would have imagined after having read the book. The preacher (Jeff Daniels) was a bit younger than I would have imagined. Otis (Dave Matthews) was also surprisingly well cast (I never would have expected him to be able to act!).

Overall, I found the movie to be well done and on par with what my interpretation of the book was. I often am disappointed by movie renditions of some of my favorite books, especially one that I discovered at the early onset of my teaching career. But in this instance, I felt that they appropriately represented the book and brought new notoriety to an older title. Through the creation of the movie, they were able to bring a whole new audience into the realm of Winn Dixie.

Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Patterson (Book vs. Movie)

I have to admit, I was pumped when I was awaiting a film and I saw previews for one of my favorite children's books coming out as a major motion picture—Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson. Katherine Patterson is best known for her work such as this in addition to The Great Gilly Hopkins, Jacob Have I Loved, and Lydie. I couldn’t wait for it to come out! It was such an amazing story—I envisioned that it would be an even better movie!

I was ecstatic to see a book that I considered to be rich literature as part of the broader movie spectrum. As compared to Sponge Bob and Captain Underwear, I was certain that movie producers were spot on with their selection.

It wasn't until the movie came out and I was seated amidst the action that I realized my disappointment. I hadn’t been cognizant until the movie came out how much I had relied on my own vision and internal response to comprehend the book. The text is crafted in such a way to allow all readers to envision the magic of Terabithia as Leslie and Jessie parade through the forest as king and queen. That was part of the reason that I was drawn to such a book. The text is exciting, creative and imaginative. The characters are kind, considerate and allowed themselves to be lost in the magic of imagination.

As I watched the film, I found the magic to be gone. The inclusion of mythical forest creatures invading their play area appeared hokey, unrealistic and almost silly. I found myself not wrapped up in the imaginative nature, but instead critiquing the cinematography. I also found that I was let down by the appearance of Leslie and Jessie as actual actors. They were not cast the way I had imagined. It almost made their cross gender relationship unbelievable and seemed more as a childhood love affair, which was not at all the way that Paterson had envisioned when she crafted the text. I also found that while reading, I was able to suspend disbelief in many elements (the sequencing, the family relationships, etc.) where once again while watching the film, I found it unbelievable and I was quite critical of the actions. Though this could be a wise lesson for readers and it may even engage readers to try out this book because they have either enjoyed the movie or they could watch it after reading the book!

While I was glad to see that Bridge to Terabithia has reached higher levels of fame and a larger audience, I was disappointed by the actual production. I definitely prefer the book to the movie and realized that I enjoyed my own interpretation of the text over that of the movie production company. Perhaps I am biased because I was so enthralled by this book that I built up my expectations quite high for the movie premiere.

Caldecott Honors (1999): No, David!

No, David! by David Shannon is the silly and adventurous tale of young David and the many troubles he gets into as a difficult little boy. David is also the author of many other David stories including David Goes to School, David Gets in Trouble and many other funny stories such as Duck on a Bike and Alice the Fairy. Children especially will love this story because David is the ultimate trouble maker (and the stunts he pulls are often funny!). The text is non-threatening (with small repeating phrases) and the illustrations (which are accessible to all readers) tell the actions to which David is told "no!".

This is the actual story of David Shannon as a child. His mother sent him a copy of this book (which he composed as a child) with the only text being the two words he could spell at the time: "No" and "David". Each page has the text "No, David!" and the illustrations are the actual crafting of the story as each demonstrates a different action that he was not supposed to commit.

The illustrations not only tell the story, but I especially like how the drawings are almost child-like. David himself does not have life-like features, but instead are features that would be depicted if the book had been written by five year old David himself (which it was!). He has a large head, small limbs, demonic teeth and eyes and a simplistic nose. I also enjoy how the script actually looks like the writing of a young child. All creative elements of this story work together to create a childish tone and voice. David Shannon's text is witty, creative and funny. What a great character!

Even as an adult I found myself drawn to this story. It reminded me of my little brother who often heard the phrase "No Derek!" when we were kids. It is not only for those who cannot read! It is silly and funny to watch the character get into countless amounts of trouble! It is also quite relatable, as everyone knows someone (or has someone in their lives) to which they constantly get into trouble! What a great story!

Caldecott Medal (2004): The Man Who Walked Between the Towers

The Man Who Walked Between the Towers by Mordicai Gerstein is the true story of Philippe Petit, the great acrobat and street performer who dared to walk between the twin towers (which stood one thousand three hundred and forty feet high) on August 7, 1974. Despite the great danger and trouble that would await him, he risked his life to take the greatest challenge as an acrobat. Gerstein is also the author and illustrator of many other books such as The Old Country, The Mountains of Tibet, The White Ram, and Sholom's Treasure.

Gerstein illustrations are dramatic and detailed in this text, which further illuminate the difficulty associated with such a task. His illustrations are revealed in several two page fold out drawings, full page sketches and some pages with multiple pictures on one. Each image offers visions of multiple angles to show various perspectives of the great height and daring quest. His illustrations further emphasize the daring adventure that Petit undertook and how high he was willing to walk. Through the use of colorful illustration, Gerstein shows the daring feat and the character's determination to conquer this quest. This book also reminds us of those two magestic presences that rose above in the New York skyline and how their memory will forever be preserved.

I particularly love this story because it is amazing to see how this man took such a great risk! He chanced a lot to do what he was determined to do! This is a great read aloud also for getting the kids to think and wonder, especially for teaching them about how readers ask questions as they read. It is quite a non-conventional topic for a picture book, so it leads to great discussion! Often times, they are so drawn to this character and his actions (especially when they find out that someone actually did this!) that they want to find out more about him, see actual photos and research about his life (I heard that they are coming out with an adult movie about him soon). It is quite a great story on so many levels! It also sparks discussion about the Twin Towers and how they are no longer in existence. During conversations about 9/11, it often allows students to fathom the massive size of such monuments being destroyed. This is definitely a book that can be used in teaching many facets about literature and life.

Caldecott Winner (2007): Flotsam by David Wiesner

Flotsam by David Wiesner is a creative wordless picture book that is likely to be his most famous. Wiesner is also the author of Tuesday, June 29, 1999, Sector 7, The Three Pigs, Night of the Gargoyles, and Hurricane-- all wordless picture books.

Flotsam tells the imaginative tale of a boy enjoying a normal day at the beach, that is until an unusual camera is washed ashore. He notices that the camera is an underwater camera. He opens it up to find a roll of fill which he develops. Upon receipt of the developed photos, he is further confused by their contents.

Several images are of the underwater sea life--living and acting much the same as humans. He also discovers photos of other children who received the camera and took pictures of themselves holding their own photos. The main character then takes a photo of himself, much the same as others had before him right before launching the camera back into the ocean as "flotsam". The last page is an image of a new child receiving the camera at the ocean's edge.

This book allows the reader to think, ponder, infer, predict, and enjoy as he allows the pictures to tell the story. These are skills that we as adults do quite naturally, but they are also skills that younger readers have to be taught quite explicitly. It is for this reason that this book is a wonderful collection to any library collection.

It won the Caldecott award in 2007 for its imaginative story line as told through illustrations and detailed and unique pictures. It also contains vibrant colors and realistic images. Each page contains a variety of images--some pages contain one large image, while some pages are a sequence of images that build upon prior actions to tell the story. This is a wonderful story that is exciting and engaging for readers of all ages. Wiesner is creative and innovative in his approach and the honor of the Caldecott is well deserved.

I found myself drawn for long periods of time to each image. I also found myself narrating the story in my head, perhaps to make sense of what was happening, but also I think because the story lends itself to it. Each image was so unique and offered a truly different spin on the ever evolving story. I constantly found myself remarking aloud about how creative the author was and wondering where he got the idea for such a unique book. I wonder if he had a similar experience while at the beach? I even found that it sparked writing ideas for me as well! This book could be a teaching tool on so many levels!

Mirandy and Brother Wind by Patricia C. McKissack; illustrated by Jerry Pinkney

Mirandy and Brother Wind by Patricia McKissack is a fictional story based on a family photo of McKissack's grandparents winning the town's cakewalk competition as children. McKissack is a very famous children's author who has composed more than 100 stories along with her husband, Frederick, all about African Americans.

The story tells about how Mirandy sought desperately to have Brother Wind as a dancing partner because she knew that with the wind as a partner, they were certain to win. She tried a number of means to capture the wind, many of which failed. Finally one day she was able to trap him in her family's barn where she would release him the night of the dance. Upon arrival at the dance, she speaks with Orlinda who makes fun of her dear friend Ezel. She decides that instead of partnering with Brother Wind, she partners with Ezel and Brother Wind assists them to cake walk like no other couple.

Jerry Pinkney is the illustrator of this beautifully crafted tale. His illustrators serve to further engage the reader. Prominently known for his illustrations of African American stories, Pinkney's use of detailed and creative pictures match the text perfectly. His illustration of Brother Wind (a living force in this story) is most impressive because his use of color and shading gives this inanimate force a life-like persona. He also accurately portrays the setting (rural America during the early 1900's) and characters with life like portraits and landscapes. Pinkney received the Caldecott Honors Award in 1989 for this text and it is clear to this reader why he was considered for such a high honor.

I especially love the author's note at the onset of this text that details where she received this idea from. After viewing a photo of her grandparents on the eve of their cakewalk win, she got to thinking how they won such a difficult competition. I think that she used her imagination to craft a magical story about how the wind literally carried them across the dance floor. This is a craft move that other authors might try--using an image to extend a creative story. I'm sure her grandparents would be glad to know that she found inspiration in their story!

John Henry by Julius Lester

Julius Lester crafts the magical tale of John Henry, the famous African American who was said to have been the strongest man ever to live. In this tale, John Henry has become legendary for his hard and diligent work in many challenges (to include making Ferret-Faced Freddy turn friendly, and quickly and easily creating a road with a hammer and boulder in hand), singing all the while.

He is eventually faced with the ultimate challenge when a gentleman comes to town to work on the Ohio Railroad and suggests the use of his new steam drill. John Henry is challenged to determine if he can out-hammer a machine. Ultimately, John Henry did beat the steam drill though it led to his death. But with his death came the lesson that it is not how you die, but how you live that matters.

While Julius Lester retells the aged legend of John Henry, he divulges it in such a way that it is as if the tale is being told for the first time. He also speaks right to the audience, composing his voice in the 2nd person, which is interpreted as a narrator or personal friend speaking directly to the audience. He is a gifted writer who evokes strong mental images through his use of detailed description and colorful imagery. He also personifies the everyday natural elements, making the setting literally come to life. This story (while a classic) has been reinvented by Julius Lester, a talented story teller who once again has brought John Henry to life.

I especially loved how this author retold a familiar story in such a way that it seems to be a totally new story. I enjoyed reading it because of it's familiarity, but also for its innovative spirit. While it is a folktale that many Americans have undoubtedly read, the text and illustrations bring it to life once again. I especially love exploring the work of authors and illustrators with young writers. They find it especially interesting when they discover the work of those that compose and illustrate for themselves (perhaps because they must illustrate their own work!). I also love including titles created and exposing minority folktales and stories passed down through generations. I find that it is almost giving a voice to the small voices that might not otherwise be heard. He is a gifted artist and storyteller whose tale would make an excellent addition to any library media center!

Caldecott Honors (2005): Coming On Home Soon

Coming On Home Soon by Jaqueline Woodson won the Caldecott Honors award in 2005 for its amazing illustrations. The very talented E.B. Lewis is the mind responsible for putting Woodson's words to life.

The bulk of the story takes place in the dead of winter. Lewis uses water colors to portray the bleakness of winter that couple with the descriptive language to paint a colorful mental image for the reader.

In this story, the little girl, Ada Ruth is saddened when her mama is forced to leave home to seek work in Chicago. She is left with her grandma as she awaits her mother's return.

Lewis portrays the raw emotion expressed throughout the story through his portrayal of the character's facial expressions, body language and stature. E.B. Lewis' illustrations parallel the tone of the story, that of sadness, loneliness but also hope.

The illustrations in this story serve to enhance the overall meaning and appeal of this text. For this reason, it is quite evident as to why this illustrator was recognized for his achievement in 2005. Every detail (quite crisp) and color selection (somewhat muted) serves the overall tone of the text. It also serves to help me make meaning of the text because I can use the pictures to build schema about the character and time period if I am unfamilliar with this time and the circumstances that make the main character hopeful, yet somewhat sad.

I especially loved this story because I could identify closely with the little girl, despite never having been in a situation comparable to hers. The text and illustrations are crafted in such a way to draw in any reader, not just those who have withstood similar hardships or emotions. It is evident that E.B. Lewis was able to feel the true emotion exposed by Woodson through her relevant and detailed illustrations. Both compliment each other so beautifully! What an impressive pair! Again, I also love incorporating stories written and illustrated by minority storytellers and artists, particularly because it allows access to a wider range of audiences and it increases the diversity within a library collection. This particular tale is quite unique in its perspective and content (it covers some very heavy themes around a dark time period for many African Americans). All students could benefit from reading a text such as this that is beautifully crafted and similarly illustrated.

Newbery Award Winner (2004): The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo

The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo is the story of Despereaux Tilling, a mouse born different than all the other mice in his family. He is unusually small with big ears, he enjoys reading (rather than eating books), he loves light and music and he dreams of falling in love. Because of distinct difference from the expectations of the mice species, he is banished from his community to the castle dungeon.

Next we meet Roscuro, a ruthless mouse who lives in the dungeon and is trained to torture prisoners. Roscuro too loves light and eventually escapes to the upstairs of the castle. While perched atop a chandelier, he falls in the queen’s soup, who dies of fright. As a result, the king outlaws soup, bowls and soup kettles.

In the third section of the book, we meet Miggery Sow, a poor homely girl who was once sold into slavery by her father and is forced to work very hard. When she is disobedient she receives painful clouts to the ear and her hearing has suffered as a result. Miggery desperately wants to leave her horrible life and become a princess. She is eventually taken to the castle where she begins to work as an assistant to the royal cook. When she goes down to the dungeon to give the jailer his meal, Roscuro hides under her skirt. He convinces her that she could become a princess if she assists him in taking revenge on the princess (whom he wants to suffer).

In the fourth book, Despereaux escapes from the dungeon just in time to overhear Roscuro and Miggery’s plan to harm the princess. Miggery and Roscuro successfully kidnap the princess and take her to the dungeon. With a needle and thread as his only defense, Despereaux goes to rescue the princess himself. Miggery finds out that Roscuro has no intention of helping her become princess. In the end, Despereaux and the princess become friends who continue to live together in the castle.

This story seems like an unusual fairy tale, but DiCamillo crafts the details of these three character’s intertwined life in such a captivating way. The reader roots for Despereaux, pities Miggery’s desolate situation and sees the silver lining of goodness within Roscuro; unknowingly developing empathy for fictional characters. This book also would build a love of reading in even the most reluctant reader. She weaves the four books together so that the reader is constantly wondering how the three main character’s lives will overlap. The description and detail make the scenes within the book come to life. She truly has the gift of story telling!

I especially enjoyed this story because Kate DiCamillo is among one of my favorite authors (she is also the author of The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane, Because of Winn Dixie and Tiger Rising) and this is a good mixture of fairy tale and fantasy--two genres that I love exploring. I would say that this book is similar to the others written by her in the use of descriptive detail, character development and subtle plot twists, but this book is among her best. This is a MUST HAVE for any library collection.

Newbery Honors (2006): Princess Academy by Shannon Hale

Princess Academy by Shannon Hale is a wonderful tale, especially for those readers who enjoy the prospect of a fairy tale in a realistic context. It is a fantasy story that takes place in a quiet mountainous town of Mt. Eskel. Miri, a 14 year old girl, is not eligible to work in the quarry like the rest of the mountain people. Instead, she is responsible for maintaining her home for her sister and father.

Life in Mt. Eskel was quite uneventful, until one day when a group of noblemen arrive from below the mountain to whisk away all the girls in the village, as the high priest had a vision of the next princess coming from the town of Mt. Eskel. The villagers are unversed in the ways of noble lifestyle and many are uneducated, so it is determined that they will establish a Princess Academy to teach the girls about manners, lady-like ways, and relevant educational material.

Miri and many other townspeople are not excited by the prospect of enrolling in the Princess Academy. It means leaving her family behind to learn tasks that would be otherwise irrelevant to her life on Mt. Eskel. It is required by law however that every age appropriate girl enroll.

Upon their arrival, Miri and the other girls meet their head teacher, Ms. Olana, who is quite strict and punishes the girls often for any inkling of disobedience. Through their struggle, Miri learns to work with and trust the other village girls and they find that they are bound by their heritage from Mt. Eskel. They are even able to defend themselves against robbers who threaten them in exchange for leverage against the noble court.

Hale does an excellent job of developing Miri into a likable and identifiable character. The story also carries a heavy theme (of friendship, loyalty, community and teamwork) that permeates through time and space. Hale also includes a great amount of detail and description, which creates a real page turner. Overall, this is an enthralling read for any advanced child reader. While the text is particularly catered towards a female audience, the action, suspense and character development would likely appeal to any reader.

I especially loved this book because it kept me on the edge of my seat. I couldn't put it down because I was anticipating what would happen next. Miri is also quite an admirable character who I found myself rooting for throughout the text! This is a great read that is really catered to a female audience, particularly those who enjoy fairy tales.

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