June 30th 2010

2007 - Knuffle Bunny Too

A Case of Mistaken Identity

Caldecott Honor Book

Author/Illustrator: Mo Willems

Publisher: Hyperion Books for Children

ISBN: 978 1 4231 0299 1

This book caught my interest right away with the illustration on the cover. I found it quite interesting how the illustrator combined a natural black and white photogragh with the color illustration of a little girl an her father. This type of illusration is unusual for a childrens book, but makes you want to look and try to figure out where this might be taking place. I also liked the little girls face with her great big eyes. I wanted to know what they were up to? So I had to read the book.

As it turns out a wonderful story of a little girl named Trixie and her excitement of wanting to share her "one of a kind..." Knuffle Bunny with all her friends at school. But to her dismay after getting to her classroom she is shocked to see that Sonja has the exact same Knuffle Bunny. How could this be? Now all the excitement turned into controversy and their teacher Ms. Green grove had to take the bunnies away. Leading the girls into a "not" such a great day! Their day did get better (so they thought) at the end of their school day when their bunnies were returned. Till....the middle of the night, 2:30 a.m. to be exact, Trixie realizes that that was not her Knuffle Bunny. She wakes her parents and has her father call Sonja's house. Sonja's father answers and... YOU have to read the book yourself to find out what happens to the two girls and their Knuffle Bunnies? Do they meet up and excahnge in the middle of the night? Do they wait for the next day of school? Does the night end up peaceful?

Mo Willems does a terrific job in illustrating both with his pictures and his story in discussing friendship, sharing and disagreements amongst preschool children. He does it a way that they can definitely relate to. He displays how children actually think and feel. You get that real sense of disappointment in Trixie's face when she sees that other Knuffle Bunny. You actually feel for her and want to know what she will do next. He captivates actual moments and moods of 4 year olds and what parents might have to possibly deal with at this point and time of a child's life. I have to admit, I didn't notice right away that the bunnies had been switched, till it was pointed out. It made me wonder what could have possibly been wrong? It gave an element of surprise.

Overall, a very funny, touching and captivating story that we can all relate to. Especially being a parent and an early childhood educator.

This book can be used in the classroom for many themes: Teaching cooperation, how to deal with our feelings/ emotions, making text to self connections and how to use art in diferent ways. A must read to all!

1996 - The Empty Pot by Demi (Multicultural)

June 27 2010

1996 - The Empty Pot

Author/Illustrator: DEMI

Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. (BYR)

ISBN: 0805049008

This book captivated me instantly as soon as I saw the picture on the cover with the little boys face looking so distraught. I wanted to know what had happened to this child to make him look this way. As I read the story I found out that Ping had very good reason to have felt the way he felt.

This is a wonderful story that takes place in China and teaches children about the traditions of this country and most importantly the moral of honesty. Ping is a boy that has a love for flowers and plants and is an expert at growing them. Ironically the Emperor loves flowers just as much. He has a garden of his own that he tends to everyday. But as the Emperor is getting old, he proclaims for "a new successor". He calls for all the children of the land to come to him to recieve flower seeds and in a years time whomever brings forth the best plant, "would succeed him to his throne. After a year poor Ping had gone through many triumphs to try and make his seeds grow, but to his dismay and hard work nothing had grown. An unbelievable moment to Ping, his family and friends. Regardless of his embarassment of an "empty pot", he finds courage and brings it forth to the Emperor. The Emperor is quite impressed with his honesty for all the others had been dishonest. You need to read the book yourself to find out why the dishonesty, and what happens to Ping in the end. You will be pleased with the enjoyable surprise.

This book brings forth the importance of honesty and how it will prevail in the end. You need to be yourself and portray yourself just as you are regardless of the impression you might leave on others.

With this book you can introduce Chinese culture and tradition, use the beautiful illustrations to give students an understanding of history (how people authentically dress in China, learn what an Emperor is etc.), and learn the importance of honesty. As honesty is a wonderful moral to learn and know that it can be rewarded in the end.