A Book or Two: Children's Literature Reviews

Find a perfect children’s book to share or read, and information on new, classic, and favorite children's literature, reviewed by university professors, teachers, librarians, graduate students, and teachers-to-be! Browse A Book or Two by title, genre, or topic! HAPPY READING! This is a closed site, to prevent inappropriate postings. You won't be able to add your own comments. Communication should be sent to the site organizer, Dr. Deb Marciano (dlmarciano@valdosta.edu).

Showing posts with label character traits. Show all posts

10/19/14

Pinocchio

TITLE: Pinocchio

AUTHOR: Carlo Collodi

ILLUSTRATOR: Mauro Evangelista

PUBLISHER: Usborne Pub Ltd

PUBLICATION DATE: 2005

GENRE: Fiction Picture Book/Chapter Book READING LEVEL: 5th grade

BRIEF OVERVIEW: A mischievous puppet gets into several situations teaching him to be truthful and to do what is right. After going through these lessons he is granted the wish of becoming a real boy.

INTEGRATED ACTIVITY: Have students compare and contrast the Disney movie version of Pinocchio and the book.

REVIEWER’S NAME & AFFILIATION: (Desiree Robison-Juan, Valdosta State University ECSE)

LABELS: character traits, European, fantasy

9/14/14

Extraordinary Jane by Hannah E. Harrison

author and illustrated by Hannah E. Harrison
Copyright: 2014 Reading Level: PreK-1st grade
Book Description: A beautifully illustrated book about a little dog named Jane. Jane is an ordinary dog in an extraordinary circus. She isn't strong, graceful, or brave like her family. When she tries to be those things, Jane just doesn't feel like herself, but she also doesn't feel special. Her Ringmaster helps her to see that she is actually very special, but not for reasons that she would believe.
Integrated Idea: In a world where we constantly praise children for being best, fastest, smartest and prettiest - it's high time we remind our children that you're unique and extraordinary just being themselves. The students will determine their most favorite aspect about themselves and present it to their classmates. Whether it be drawing, jumping, singing, dancing, etc. Whatever "it" is that makes them feel special, is exactly what makes them so special.
Reviewer's name and affiliation: Bethany A. Loggins, Valdosta State University

11/21/13

The Snow Wife

TITLE: The Snow Wife

AUTHOR/ILLUSTRATOR: Robert D. San Souci/Stephen T. Johnson

PUBLISHER: Dial PUBLICATION DATE: 1993

GENRE: Traditional Non-Euro READING LEVEL: Fifth Grade

BRIEF OVERVIEW: A Japanese man met a snow woman (spirit) who made him promise to never reveal her. He married her unknowingly and broke his promise, which led him to having to win her back from the wind god.

INTEGRATED ACTIVITY: Students will pick out the character traits that the characters displayed in the story and compare them.

REVIEWER’S NAME & AFFILIATION: Ashley Martin, Valdosta State University

LABELS: Japanese, marriage, character traits