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.