Bees, Snails, & Peacock Tails by Betsy Franco, Illustrated by Steve Jenkins

This book explores patterns and shapes

Of insects, birds and even snakes.

It’s really great to see the way

Nature and patterns come together to play.

The rhymes are fun and easy to read

Have little poetry skills? There is no need!

It’s a great way to introduce

Poetry while looking at the patterns nature has set loose.

I learned so much from this book,

Such as: it’s the male peacock who has all the looks.

Or did you know that the bright starry starfish

Can grow can grow another arm if they wish?

The rhymes invite readers to come and explore

Patterns and shapes you can find in the sea and on the shore.

Sometimes, the text will spiral and swerve

To make the interesting shapes of an animal’s curves.

The pictures are bright and attractive,

They depict where and how an animal lives.

I love the collage art shown throughout

The pictures pop and with colours, they shout.

I found this book and knew it was a hit

Because I picked it up and just couldn’t forget

The numerous ways I could use it in a class

So I went to the store and bought it, with cash!

One Hen: How One Small Loan Made a Big Difference by Katie Smith Milway, Illustrated by Eugenie Fernandes

“It all started with a good idea and a small loan that made it come true. It all started with one hen.” 
The story of One Hen is based on a real boy from a poor village in Ghana who decided to use small loans along with hard-work and dedication to create a profitable life for himself, his family and his community. This is a truly inspiring story which showcases how one small contribution from a lending firm can have such a widespread impact on a community. The main character Kojo uses the leftover money from his mothers community loan to buy a small brown hen which provides eggs to the family and are sold at the local market. Kojo also uses a scholarship to attend a agriculture college and then uses another loan to start his own farm at home. Throughout the story the reader is always reminded of what came before the current activity and the importance of the One Hen is acclaimed over and over. This story is powerful to read to younger children, to assign to older children and to read as adults. It is a great reminder of how one small donation and much determination can change the world.
    The text arrangement follows a pattern throughout the book. On one page (either left of right) there is a large section of text while on the other, there are illustrations and a short rhythmic verse which summarizes the text. The rhythmic verse is comparable to the well known “This is the house that Jack built..” story. I like the composition on the book because it relates to the pattern of the story. In the plot, each event is determined by the previous and will have an affect the next- the pattern of the illustrations and text match this pattern in plot. I found that the style of writing was very soft and that it flowed easily. I feel that the kindness of the characters and the dreamy nature of Kojo is portrayed perfectly through the writing. If written with a harsher tone I think the readers susceptibility to the magic of the story might have been jeopardized. While reading I felt like I was an eye witness to Kojo’s dreams. I followed each section of his journey with anticipation as to what he would do next and the possibilities that awaited.
    The illustrations carry much of the magic of the story. The colourful pictures depict Kojo, his family and friends, his surroundings, and his dreams. At first glance the reader will notice the main action of the plot that is occurring, for example when Kojo goes to the market to sell his eggs. When the reader looks more closely they will notice the imaginative pictures that appear on the page- large hens dressed as people or flying everyday objects, for example. When observing the pictures I felt that they depicted Kojo’s thoughts and dreams; the important pieces of his life are accumulated through the visual representations. There seems to be no limit on where or how they are placed; this effect specifically made me think of the dreams Kojo has. I loved this aspect because of it inspired my imagination- I took a few minutes after reading each page to look closely at the illustrations to make sure I didn‘t miss anything.  Eugenie Fernandes used soft lines and bright colours to create beautiful artwork to accompany the soft and colourful storyline.
    I would love to meet anyone that can say they didn’t find this book inspiring. The combination of text and illustration in this book are sure to make anyone feel like change is possible and that they are capable of making a difference in the world (no matter how big or small). At the back of the book the true Kojo, Kwabena Darko from Ghana, is described which adds even more inspiration to the story as the reader can now clearly see the power of determination and small loans. In addition to Kwabena’s story there is also a “What can you do to help?” section which provides information on how to contribute to microlending organizations around the world. I was so happy to find this book and I believe that I will remember the story for a long time to come.

Visit OneHen.Org to learn more about how Kwabena Darko inspired this story and how this story came to inspire children around the world to become global citizens.

James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl

I decided to reread James and the Giant Peach as a part of my literature journal; I read the book before as a child but I knew the experience would be different as an adult. The story follows James as he adventures with new friends to new and curious places all by way of a significantly giant peach. The imaginative text and intriguing pictures guide the reader along James’ adventures and create an atmosphere of wonderment and excitement. While reading the fantasy chapter book I reminisced the parts I loved as a child and noted of a few things that appealed to me as an adult.
    As a child I remember loving the characters in the book. The centipede was my favourite because he always had something clever to say. I loved that he was never satisfied and always needed somebody to help him tie his boots. His comedic traits made me giggle and think one of my friends that always had a clever remark to add to our conversations. Each character played their own important role. Since we know that James didn't have the most ideal childhood, it felt nice to know that all of James' new friends were there to take care of him (Miss Spider and Ladybug mainly). Also, as a child I loved the seemingly endless adventure that was described in the text. It seemed to go on and on forever, one thing after another. One minute they’re sitting at the top of a hill, then they’re bobbing in the ocean, next they’re floating in the sky, then they’re in New York City, c’mon that’s a crazy journey!  I bet every child that reads this book wishes for something as exciting to happen to them..probably more exciting than sitting in health class hey?
    I noticed throughout this book that Dahl squeezes in various encounters with reality into it’s fantastical plot. For example, one of my favourites is when the peach becomes surrounded by sharks and the characters are convinced the sharks are biting away at the peach causing it to sink. After they find a way to escape the situation, Dahl explains (quite matter-of-factly) that the sharks could not have chewed into the peach due to the anatomical design of their jaw- therefore James and Friends were not in actual trouble. I liked this so much because in the midst of all of these ridiculous adventures the reader becomes caught up in fantastical resolutions and forgets the potential of reality. The way Dahl easily indicates the facts causes a Homer Simpson “Doh!” moment for the reader, which makes for more comedy.

    The version of my novel is accompanied by black and white illustrations by Nancy Ekholm Burkert. Because the format of the book is black and white I feel that the illustrations lack a sense of magic and fail by comparison to the colourful text. Sometimes I found the illustrations were too dark to take in all the detail which I was sorry about cause the descriptions in the text enticed my visual imagination. That being said, I was able to create my own images in my mind that matched perfectly to what I wanted to see- so that could be a positive thing.
    Regardless of my feelings about the illustrations I found this classic adventure tale to be and engrossing, comedic and nostalgic read. I loved every minute of the story so much so, that I was terribly sad when I reached the last page. I will definitely recommend this book to my students but what I desperately hope for is the opportunity to teach the great possibilities that the fantasy genre offers through Roald Dalh‘s James and the Giant Peach. 

"Math Curse" By Jon Scieszka, Illustrated by Lane Smith

This book about math problems has one (1) author and one (1) illustrator. It has one (1) main character and approximately (~) thirty-seven (37) math problems. The main character, a young girl wakes up one morning only to find that everything she encounters is a math problem- problems that she can not solve at that. This humorous book follows her through her day at school and at home, eventually to find out she is capable of breaking the “curse” after all.
    While reading this book for the first time I was amazed at the creativity and clever nature of Scieszka’s writing.  As for the second time? Still amazed. The absolute detail of this child’s day is described fully by math terms, formula and commonalities while providing humour to it’s readers.
    I found this book relatable on many different levels. First of all, I can relate to the main character because I was once a student bombarded with math everyday at school. I remember thinking “is there ever a day that we don’t have to do math?” It wasn’t that I didn’t like math, I liked it a lot actually, but it was the never-ending repetition and monotony of doing it everyday that made me question it. In the same perspective I can also remember thinking “Why do the math problems always involve silly things? Like how many books can you fit in your bath tub? What‘s the sense of that?” The main character ponders the same sorts of things and it is totally justifiable when your provoked to think about it.
    I can also relate to the thought progression on the main character. While reading the questions that she asks I often laughed out loud because they are so relatable. For example when counting the shirts in her closet she questions: 1) How many shirts is that all together? 2) How many shirts would I have if I threw away that  awful plaid shirt? 3) When will Uncle Zeno quit sending me such ugly shirts?  This sequence of thoughts is similar to my thoughts as a child. Like I mentioned earlier I often wondered why the math problems never made much actual sense.
    On another hand, I can relate to the little girl as an adult. I mean, we all have days where everything goes wrong, don’t we? Everything seems to be a problem. I can’t get out of bed on time because I don’t know how to set my alarm. I can’t buy my books because my wallet got stolen. I can’t make spaghetti for supper because I don’t have any noodles and the grocery store is closed. Problem after problem. Just like the little girl experienced- oh the relentless math problems! And of course, when everything is going wrong, just like children we often blame it on bad luck. I MUST be cursed! That’s it, there’s just no other explanation.
    The text alone is humorous but when added with the collage-style illustrations, the book becomes even more lively. The storyline builds upon multiple mathematical problems as the little girl goes about her day and the pictures created by collage reiterate that notion. Lane Smith creates visual representations of the little girls hectic day by making the pictures themselves seem hectic.
The Math Curse has  perfectly paired Jon Scieszka's clever writing with Lane Smith's fresh illustrations to create an extremely relatable and laugh-producing book for math students past, present and future.

Even Calvin gets the "math curse" every now and then.

Mama, Do You Love Me? By Barbara M. Joosse, illustrated by Barbara Lavallee

Barbara M. Joosse tells the story of a child who persistently tests the limits of her mother’s love and her affection toward her. Mama, Do You Love Me highlights the importance and strength of a mother-child bond that is common in all countries of the world. While the book portrays a Native American maternal relationship, this story can relate to any mother and child; whether from Arizona or Zimbabwe or anywhere in between and demonstrates how this bond can withstand even the most frightening, surprising and irritating situations.
    I came across this book as I was browsing through the shelves at the CMC last semester. I remember how the title caught my eye so I decided to take it from the shelf and have a look inside. I fell in love with the story instantly. I think the title appealed to me because I often ask my mother the very same question- in a humorous, joking way. I like to hear from her that no matter what, she loves me just the same. I believe that most children crave to hear that their mother’s affection is unconditional and ever-lasting- it gives a sense of comfort to know that no matter what happens, in the end there is still love.
    Because the book is centred around the Native American culture, I feel a certain connection to it as a Canadian citizen. I think that most Canadians can agree that even though one may not be related personally to the Native American history, there is an overall feeling of respect and connection. I liked the fact that the story brought out that feeling for me and reminded me of the similarities present among us as human beings.    
    The images of the book illustrate the mother’s feelings of affection toward her young daughter; on almost every page there are images of the mother hugging, kissing, helping and caring for her daughter. Also, the artwork is similar to many Native American pieces of art and involve many objects common in indigenous culture. Through the story I found myself imagining what my own bond with my mother would look like if portrayed through a picture book. For example, instead of “what if I carried our [ptarmigan] eggs… and the eggs broke?”, my version might have been “what if I carried our special glass dish… and the dish broke?”, the response to the question would be the same “I would be sorry. But still, I would love you.” I imagine that the mother and daughter connection illustrated through Mama, Do You Love Me? is applicable to maternal relationships around the world. I know that no matter what has happened, no matter what time of day or night, and no matter where I am, I can call my mom if I need to and she will stay on the phone with me until I feel better. I can totally related to the little girl and her need to hear that her mother’s love is ever-present and unconditional.
    Overall the book filled me with feelings of warmth and gratitude. It made me think about my own relationship with my mother and the possible relationships I will have with my own children. I want my children to know just how much I love them and that I will care for them more than anything in the world, just as the mother in the book does. I felt gratitude because I have such an amazing bond with my Mom; I wish for everyone to have that great connection in their lives.

Mom and me out for a walk in the park :)

    I loved the story so much that I have already decided that when I have children (now mind you.. I hope that’s not for another 10 years) I want to receive it as a gift for my first mother’s day.

Reading: The Hat by Jan Brett

The Hat is a story about a small hedgehog, Hedgie that finds himself being mocked by the other farm animals because he has gotten a stocking stuck amongst the  prickles on his head. Eventually, after some strife, Hedgie’s dilemma inspires the other animals to find themselves a hat in order to stay warm- meanwhile Hedgie learns from the little girl that animals do not wear clothes.
    Jan Brett’s story made me feel imaginative. At first thought, I was not sure why I was feeling imaginative but through some examination I realized it was because the barn animals are presented through human emotions and characteristics but at the end of the story the plot reverts back to normal animal behaviour- animals do not wear clothes. The conversations between Hedgie and his peers are similar to human conversations but at the end it becomes clear to Hedgie (and the reader) that he is indeed still an animal and that he should act as one. While this interpretation seems a little in-depth for a picture book, by examining the plot in such a way I have realized why my emotional response was one of imagination.
    This book affected me because it reminds me of an eccentric little girl that I met last summer at camp. She had one of the best imaginations I have ever seen but more importantly, she carried with her everywhere a stuffed toy hedgehog names Hedgie. The story seems like one that she would enjoy to the fullest and most likely build on elements from the plot to create further stories about Hedgie.
    The plot of this book is heavily supported by the illustrations that accompany it. Without looking at the pictures in depth, the reader will still grasp the storyline but once particular attention is given to the illustrations, there is much more to the story. First of all the pictures are soft, detailed and show much texture. The reader is able to view the characteristics and personalities of each farm animal in detail through Brett’s beautiful paintings. The style of painting reminds me of art that would be seen in a barn house on a family farm. Second, the detail in the border of each page is incredible. The borders of the pages act as a secondary plot to the story. While the main image follows Hedgie’s journey, the left-hand side of the border follows Lisa’s daily activities, the upper section details the mysterious changing state of the clothesline and the right-hand frame hints toward the upcoming characters. The features involved in the borders of the book allow for multiple viewings, readings and discoveries. Third of all, the illustrations provide information about the changing weather throughout the story. Although it is not clearly translated directly through the text, the reader can see that weather on the farm begins to turn snowy and windy. This development supports why the other animals find their own hats at the end of the story. Thanks to Jan Brett’s descriptive and imaginative artwork, the reader is able to read much more than the basic story line through the illustrations of this book.
   
    ...And there it is, my first ever reading journal! I must admit, I was weary about how I could write a developed piece on a simple picture book, but now I realize I have much more to say than I originally thought! By examining aspects of the book I came to understand how such “simplistic” stories can be meaningful in so many ways. I used my reflective skills (that are developing at an amazing rate thanks to the Education faculty) and my knowledge from the chapter on illustrations while studying the pictures of this book. I am eager to take a closer look at children’s literature throughout this journal and hope to learn more about the essential material of early-reading.



Thanks for reading!