But I'll Be Back Again- Cynthia Rylant

But I'll Be Back Again is an honest and forthright autobiography in which Cynthia Rylant divulges the experiences that inspired her as an author. Rylant's childhood was consumed by adversity but she was fortunate to have had extended family to depend on during difficult times. Rylant lived with her grandparents when Rylant's mother decided to pursue nursing school. Rylant's father abandoned the family entirely and he was consumed by alcoholism. Rylant explained the impact her parents leaving had on her self-concept as a child. Rylant captured the sentiment that is probably felt by most children who suffer feelings of unworthiness as a result of parental abandonment, divorce, etc. Rylant's outlet for expressing these experiences was through writing. Rylant's books are retrospective and they speak to the powerful effect of family and community.

Although Rylant suffered hardships as a result of her mother and father, Rylant was able to find her voice and purpose through writing. This did not happen instantaneously, however. Through Rylant's accounts, we learn of the many experiences, events, and developmental/social hurdles Rylant had to tackle before she came upon the realization that she had a gift for writing. We learn how highly she regarded the time she spent with her grandparents during a time when she felt unwanted by her mother and father. This childhood memory was the source of inspiration for her Caldecott award winning book When I Was Young in the Mountains.

We also are provided with candid details of Rylant's experiences with boys when she became older. Eventually, Rylant lived with her mother in Beaver, West Virginia. According to Rylant's descriptions, she had many relations with boys her age and this caused tension between her and her mother. Her mother ultimately wanted to protect her, but Rylant described these times as events that helped shape her.

Many of the accounts of growing up that Rylant discusses are shared by countless others. However, the impact of her parents' abandonment and her rural upbringing with extended family are the elements of her life that Rylant incorporates throughout many of her books. Like many children of her time, Rylant idolized the Beatles and imagined being swept off her feet by Paul McCartney. I was surprised, however, about Rylant's fascination with Bobby Kennedy. Rylant revealed that the deaths of Lennon and Kennedy profoundly impacted her growing up. Rylant experienced a great sense of loss not only in her personal life, but she also shared in the grief of a nation.

Rylant's autobiography elucidated the sources for her inspiration as an author. So many of her experiences are brought forth in her children's books. I can't wait to go back and re-read Rylant's books to make deeper connections between her fictional stories and real life experiences.

Time for Kids: Presidents of the United States - Informational Book

Did you know that during his presidency, Ulysees S. Grant was pulled over for speeding in his horse-drawn carriage? Or, did you know that James Monroe was the very first president not to wear a wig during public appearances? These facts, among many other interesting trivia about United States presidents are revealed in the book, Presidents of the United States, published by Time Life for Kids. As a child, I was always fascinated by our past presidents. I remember taking the time to memorize the order in which each president served our country. I wouldn't consider myself a history buff, but the lives of presidents always interested me. These men served as an anchor that enabled me to make sense of the sequence of events that took place throughout our nation's brief history.

Although I devoted time to learning about the presidents, I always had difficulty remembering what many have labeled "the forgettable presidents." Admittedly, The life of Millard Fillmore didn't really pique my interests until I just read that his wife was a teacher who was responsible for having the first library installed in the White House. Time Life For Kids is an appealing book because it blends interesting facts that will capture the reader's attention with valuable, succinct information that puts into perspective the historical context that affected each presidency. Every president left a mark that impacted the course of events that shaped our country's history.

I have noticed that as a classroom teacher, when I teach students about the lives of past presidents, the students are always fascinated by the humorous trivia that make great leaders such as George Washington and Abraham Lincoln seem more "human". Children look to these figures almost as superheros because adults teach them as iconic symbols of our country. My students loved to hear about Lincoln's naughty children making a mess of the White House. My children also loved learning about George Washington's battle with tooth decay. It was a revelation when they noticed that he never smiled in any of his portraits. Books such as George Washington's Teeth , although silly, captivated the students and got them interested in learning about the lives of the presidents. The publishers of Time for Kids incorporated facts that would keep their target audience invested.

Other key features that make this book a valuable reference for children are the timelines that are included at the bottom of each double page spread as well as the photographs and accompanying captions that offer visuals of the time period in which each president served. I found it interesting how the timelines on each page spanned two presidencies. However, presidents Washington, Lincoln, F.D.R, Truman, Clinton, and W. Bush were given an entire double page spread. I understand the reasoning for this because most of these presidents served during times of war. Clinton and George W. are our most recent presidents which explains why they as well were allotted more space than other presidents.

Another valuable feature of the book is the section devoted to the nation's First Ladies. I thought, however, that the book could have gone into more depth about some of these women's accomplishments and contributions. Finally, the book offers a "President's At a Glance" page as well as a detailed map of the White House with accompanying historical facts. This would be a great classroom resource!

Long Night Moon by Cynthia Rylant

Long Night Moon, by Cynthia Rylant is an ethereal and beautifully rendered book that entranced me both visually and lyrically. The poetic traditions of Native Americans and their unity with nature are revealed through Rylant's poetic verse and Siegel's charcoal illustrations. The poetry and illustrations work together to characterize the unique quality of the twelve full moons. Month by month, Rylant describes characteristics of the moon through her use of figurative language. Her use of similies, metaphors, and alliteration are some of the literary devices Rylant uses to provide rhythmic and fluid descriptions of the moon at night.

The book had a very calming tone throughout. This book reminds me of another Rylant book titled In November. Both books eloquently describe nature by providing language that makes the setting of these books almost tangible. Both books incorporate language and illustrations that add a formal tone to these naturalistic descriptions. Rylant has a deep respect for nature and her ability to describe natural occurences is impressive and insightful.

Because of Rylant's love of nature, she probably feels a deep respect for Native American culture. Because these people are so attuned to nature, Rylant sets the stage for Long Night Moon by revealing how Native Americans gave each moon a special name. The names of each moon are embedded in her descriptions on subsequent pages. Each name is illuminated to accentuate the uniqueness of each moon. Each name closely resembles the characteristics of the seasons.

The illustrations are mesmerizing and alluring. The moon illuminates each illustraton, thus providing a light source on each page. This light source also provides shadows that closely resemble what the Earth looks like during a full moon. Images of animals, people, and natural settings are made visible by the radiant light of the full moons. What would normally be invisible at night is revealed by the magical light of the moon. These scenes and descriptions make me want to take a long walk at night to take in the quietness and solitude.

This would be another wonderful read-aloud for students. Discussion could arise that would enable children to tie their knowledge of the phases of the moon and seasonal changes to make connections with the text. Long Night Moon is an enjoyable and calming book that pays tribute to nature's beauty and splendor.

Waiting to Waltz by Cynthia Rylant

This collection of poems by Cynthia Rylant reveal her childhood experiences in Beaver, West Virginia. Prior to reading this book, I was curious as to whether or not this book would resemble the reminiscent nature of Rylant's famous book When I Was Young in the Mountains. After reading Waiting to Waltz, I did notice similarities between the two books but I felt that When I Was Young in the Mountains provided us with much more positive memories of Rylant's childhood. I believe that Waiting to Waltz is a more personal and candid account of Rylant's past. While there were some positive memories included in the collection, the majority of the poems spoke to the tragedies and disappointments Rylant experienced growing up.

One of the poems that saddened me was Little Short Legs. Rylant confesses that as a child, she didn't know that an "adult could make such a mistake" in response to her mother accidentally running over a neighborhood dog. Another tragic poem titled "The Brain Surgeon" describes one of the many "drunks" who sat near Beaver Creek. Rylant came to find out that one particular man was an out of town brain surgeon who lost his wife in a local hotel. Because of this loss, he decided to never leave Beaver. While Rylant's poems commentated on the people of Beaver, she also included poems about her own personal experiences. In her poem Spelling Bee, Rylant communicates the anticipation and nervousness she felt as a young girl competing in a local spelling bee. Rylant unveils the moment when she lost the competition. I felt her disappointment as I read this poem.

The drawings provided by Stephen Gammel enhance the tone of the story. The sketches are simple, yet revealing, much like the town in which Rylant grew up. Gammel's depictions of people throughout the illustrations convey their body language and posture to deepen our understanding of their emotions. However, facial features are not often revealed. The black and white illustrations gave me the impression that Beaver is a quiet town that often has overcast/cloudy weather. The homes and buildings look as if they were built during the late 1800's or early 1900's and I was able to connect these images to the small town that my mother grew up in within the Virginia Piedmont region. These illustrations provided a powerful image of this remote, rural town.

Rylant's collections provide evidence of her ability to eloquently capture the feelings, sentiments, and conditions of her surroundings. She is obviously very observant and astute in regards to the human condition. She made me feel as though I more deeply understood the essence of her hometown.

Joyful Noise by Paul Fleischman

Paul Fleischman imaginatively engages the reader through his use of varying perspectives in his collection of poems titled Joyful Noise. As with other Paul Fleischman books such as Bull Run and Seedfolks, Fleischman interconnects characters by revealing their personal accounts and points of view. Joyful Noise is a collection of poems that pay homage to the insect world. Some poems are told from a third person perspective while others are written in first person. I never thought that I could empathize with a digger wasp until I read Fleischman's poem! This poem reveals the wasp's point of view. The wasp describes the arduous task of preparing for her offspring, despite the fact that she will die before they are born. Fleischman captures this insect's resolve. Who would have known that it was possible to reveal a wasp's internal struggles?

As I read the poems, I immediately noticed their rhythmic quality. Fleischman's poems are intended to be read by two people and the interchangeable voices create a musical tone as they are read aloud. Fleischman's word choices also add to the rhythm of each poem. He incorporates alliteration and other literary devices to enhance the rhythmic tone. As I read these poems silently, I could hear the two voices as I read. I was able to identify and read the poems with proper rhythm and timing. This can be attributed to Fleischman's skillful orchestration of incorporating both voices (readers). This added to the flow of each poem and kept me engaged throughout. Fleischman's literary techniques kept me invested in his insect poems, when I may not have been otherwise.

These poems provide a wonderful opportunity to engage students in read-alouds such as Reader's Theater. I can envision having students work in pairs to present a Reader's Theater of each poem. This collection of poems also provides a valuable content area resource. This collection could be integrated in a Science unit on insects. I believe that students would be motivated by reading these poems aloud while learning interesting facts about a day in the life of an insect.

I Had Seen Castles by Cynthia Rylant

I Had Seen Castles provides an honest and highly personalized account of a young man coming to terms with his role as a soldier during the most notable and catastropic event of the 20th century. This fictional memoir which takes place during World War II reveals the emotions, hardships and suffering that John Dante endured as a result of the war. Rylant captures the mindset and resolve of a nation that had been attacked and forced into an international conflict. Gone were the days of the United States being isolationists. It was the dawn of a new age in which America had to assert dominance over the world through militaristic force. John, like thousands of other young men during this time period, felt an unwavering need to support his country. Rylant revealed the emotions that consumed many young men during this time. John was fearful of enlisting, yet he was eager to join the fight to prove his bravery and allegiance to his country. The love of John's life, Ginny was opposed to the war and urged John to be a CO. John's initial outrage toward Ginny for suggesting this put a rift in their relationship, but they were able to reconcile their differences. I enjoyed Ginny's character because she represented a small minority of people who were opposed to the war. We often associate objectors of war with Vietnam but these people did exist during World War II.

I also was moved by Rylant's depiction of the patriotism that united the country during this time. However, I was surprised by the brutal honesty of John's accounts about his mother when she went to work in the ammunitions factory. He was disgusted by her because she wore men's clothing and upheld a job that traditionally was regarded as man's work. However, John also understood his mother's motivations for taking the job. She rationalized that the more ammunitions she produced, the stronger the chance would be that America would win the war, thus expediting the safe return of her son. Rylant revealed the feelings of desperation and helplessness felt by those who had loved ones fighting overseas.

Rylant revealed the impact of the war on both the homefront and also provided accounts of the war itself. Through John's perspective, we are able to experience the apprehensions he felt prior to the war and then we experienced his struggle to survive during the several years that he fought. One passage that powerfully conveyed John's first experience with war was when he stated, " Then mortar shells began to land in that meadow, and the sheep were hit, and lay bloody, half-alive, their bowels spilling upon the meadow flowers, and we were all in it. We were all in the Second World War." This gruesome description set the stage for the horrific conditions that John would face. Instead of seeing animals dismembered, he would witness comrades dying on the battlefields in a similar manner.

The retrospective accounts of the war provided by John as an older man are reminiscent of many other memoirs and stories about World War II. I immediately made a connection to the movie Saving Private Ryan and the powerful scene at the end of the movie in which Ryan visits the graves of all the soldiers who lost their lives during the war. Despite the many years that separate these veterans from their time on the battlefield, there probably isn't a day that goes by that they don't think about what they experienced as a result of fighting in the war. This book also had me making connections to the events of 911. The surprise attack on Pearl Harbor and the reactions of the country documented by Rylant resembled the emotions felt by the country directly after the 911 attack. Rylant portrayed this historical time period with honesty and reverance for those who sacrificed as a result of the war.

Bull Run by Paul Fleischman

As I began reading Fleischman's book Bull Run, which chronicles the events leading up to this battle during the initial stages of the Civil War, I wondered if the flow of the plot would be interrupted by the frequent changes of perspective. Initially, I had some difficulty connecting with the characters and their affiliations with the war. As I continued reading, however, I was pleased by the fact that the characters were revisited throughout the text. I also found myself becoming more invested in the story as the battle became imminent. The first person accounts provide the reader with a balanced perspective about how the war impacted all citizens to include soldiers, slaves, women and children. This book personalizes the impact of war and dispels many myths that people have regarding the Civil War.

We learn that those slaves who fought for the North endured mistreatment. We also learn how unprepared the soldiers were coming into the battle of Bull Run. Both sides miscalculated their enemy and had to fight in conditions in which there was a complete breakdown in communication. Fleischman effectively conveyed the chaos and confusion that took hold of the commanding officers and their soldiers. We also were provided a glimpse of the bravery and heroism that many people possessed. Men, women and children who were either directly or indirectly involved in the war acquired the ability to survive and support what they believed in, despite the consequences. Others, however, revealed the atrocities of war. For example, Dr. William Rye states, " Man is the deadliest of God's creatures... How intently the men studied the art of killing... and yet, how shocked we are that men bleed and die..."

I was most taken by the accounts of Lily Maloy. I empathized with her character the most because of the abuse she endured at home. Her father was portrayed as a heartless man who asserted his authority by making his family fearful of him. Lily's older brother Patrick decided to fight in the war, despite the threats given to him by his father. After reading Lily's first account, I wanted to follow her story. I was saddened by the despair she suffered when she found out that her brother died in battle. Her persective ended the book and I was moved by her feelings toward the Battle of Bull Run. She expressed, " I felt great hatred for the stream called Bull Run. I thought back to walking through the wheat when it had been shorter, weeks before." She continued, " How I yearned to be that girl again, back before Patrick had been killed!" This final passage speaks to the life altering effects of war. Fleischman weaved disparate characters together in this book. Bull Run could serve as an excellent supplementary text when teaching the Civil War.

Missing May by Cynthia Rylant

Ode to Cynthia Rylant! I guess I should re-name my blog and dedicate it to her but this will probably be my last posting on a Cynthia Rylant book for this course. I have to give other fantastic children's authors some due attention and well deserved credit!

I have completed another satisfying Rylant story that left me feeling introspective and hopeful. Missing May provides a truthful and intimate account of a young girl named Summer who is dealing with the death of her aunt. Summer had been rejected by her family and May was the only family member who took her in and loved her unconditionally. The first person perspective reveals the emotions and difficulties that Summer experiences trying to move on from her beloved aunt's death. Throughout the story, I empathized with Summer and her Uncle Ob. It made me think more deeply about mortality and I referred to my own losses. The descriptions of May conjured memories of my own Grandmother who died when I was a teenager. I remember witnessing my father's grief and I can remember how my Grandmother's absence affected me. My Grandmother was similiar to May. There are those people who are so virtuous and unselfish that they impact your life long after their death. May was that kind of person. She made Summer feel wanted and loved and May's husband didn't know how to go on without her.

Ob's reaction to his wife's death made me think of all the stories we hear about when one spouse dies, the other gives up on life and dies shortly thereafter. Summer was hurt by the fact that Ob seemed to be giving up on life. Summer was devastated that Ob didn't seem to be motivated to go on with life for her sake. In his own way, Ob tried to deal with his loss by searching for a spiritual connection with May. Maybe this would bring a sense of closure that would enable him to move on with his life. Therefore, he, Summer, and another young boy ventured across the state of West Virginia to meet with someone who could mediate this re-connection. Throughout the story, I hoped that the characters found what they were searching for and I was unsure how they would be able to come to terms with their loss.

Summer and Obe were in a state of limbo. They were completely consumed with their loss and needed some way to get on with their lives. This is a very natural reaction to death and Rylant reveals this common human experience effectively. The most heartwarming passage in the story is when Summer makes a spiritual connection with May. At the end of the book, Summer hears May's voice and May is telling Summer how much she meant to her. This was a very emotional and uplifting passage that would make just about anyone cry. I was moved by the sentimentality and Summer's reaction to May's voice. Finally, Summer and Ob could experience closure, but they would never forget May. She would remain an inspiring presence in their lives.

I am interested to find out whether or not this is considered to be a controversial book since it deals so intimately with death. As with Bridge to Terabithia, I believe that Missing May provides a valuable learning opportunity for children. Many children have experienced loss in their lives. They have either felt unwanted or have lost someone they loved. This story can reassure them that these feelings of loneliness and helplessness are completely normal and acceptable reactions. For those students who haven't had direct experiences with death or loss, they will be able to take the message from Missing May and apply it to their own experiences when they deal with these issues in their future. It will also enable students to empathize with those who have had these experiences.

Rylant kept me emotionally invested throughout the story and I was able to draw from my own experiences to deepen and enrich my interpretation of the story.

The Van Gogh Cafe by Cynthia Rylant

With a title like The Van Gogh Cafe and an author by the name of Cynthia Rylant, I was instantly intrigued by the book. Since one of my favorite Van Gogh paintings is Cafe Terrace at Night and because I hold Rylant in such high esteem as an author, I had high expectations for this short story and I certainly was not disappointed! My initial impression of the book prior to reading it led me to believe that it would be quirky and artsy. I wasn't sure if the book would have any deep underlying messages. Rylant is known for her range of literature. Many of her stories speak to the most profoud of human experiences and leave the reader feeling contemplative. Other stories by Rylant are written in a more simplistic and fun way such as Poppleton and Henry and Mudge. The Van Gogh Cafe falls in both categories, which makes this story so unique and engaging!

After having read the book, I immediately wanted to take a trip to Kansas and get a cup of coffee at the Van Gogh Cafe. Who wouldn't want to after reading this story? Honestly, I have never had any desire to visit Kansas prior to reading this book. Sprawling flat fields and the constant threat of tornados have always made me shy away from the remoteness of this midwestern state. The book gives similiar accounts of Kansas and this is what makes The Van Gogh Cafe so alluring. Rylant references how The Van Gogh Cafe is situated near the I70 corridor. Travelers heading east or west often stop at the cafe before heading off to start a new life. Rylant explains, "But sometimes someone is new, for Flowers sits near I70, which people take when they are escaping an old life from the East to a new life in the West or the other way around." I immediately made personal connections to this statement. I have known many friends who have decided to travel and live out west to start a new chapter in their lives. Many of us have probably had similiar desires. Conquering the West has been the goal of many within our country for hundreds of years. The West has symbolized endless possibilities. The Van Gogh Cafe represents these same ideas because it is described as a place where "anything is possible", even fulfilling personal desires. I think of the Van Gogh Cafe as a midpoint between an old life or old way of thinking and a new life experience. Obviously, the travelers and inhabitants of Flowers, Kansas were drawn to the cafe because of the magic and endless possibilities found there.

Rylant provided wonderful and creative transitions from chapter to chapter. The ending statement from each chapter had a "To Be Continued" effect, which kept me interested in the next magical event that was about to unfold. Each magical occurence that happened throughout the book was equally entertaining and enjoyable. I had so much fun making predictions about the oddities that would occur based on the chapter headings. My favorites were the Magical Muffins, The Wayward Gull and The Star. While most of the magical events were whimsical, The Star was much more somber and emotional for me. For those who haven't read the story, I will not give it away but it brought a tear to my eye.

Rylant did an exquisite job of using fantasy and magic to unveil humans' desire for excitement and intrigue. Many of us would like to turn our ordinary lives into something extrodinary. The book concludes with the chapter titled The Writer. This character had given up hope on pursuing his dreams because he was rejected for his unique writing style. Being at The Van Gogh Cafe revitalized his aspirations when he realized that Vincent Van Gogh only sold one painting during his lifetime. This artist was shunned because he was unconventional. The Van Gogh Cafe made the Writer recognize his gift. What a great message to convey as a way of concluding this excellent story!

The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo

Kate DiCamillo showcased her versatility as an author in this fantasy adventure! I was consumed by the events that unfolded from start to finish. When I initially read the synopsis of the story, I surmised that the book would chronicle the lighthearted adventures of a mouse. The simplicity I imagined would dominate the storyline was not evident. Instead, DiCamillo brilliantly and creatively used elements from fairy tales to create a complex and exciting tale that addressed many important themes including loyalty, revenge, and jealousy.

Despereaux was a devoted, determined, and misunderstood little mouse. He was ostracized by his mouse community because he daringly escaped the walls of the castle in which he lived to explore what went on within the castle. Despereaux's encounter with the Princess Pea changed his life and he vowed to devote his life to her. DiCamillo used forshadowing to entice the reader throughout the story. Before Despereaux decided to leave the walls of the castle, he was being instructed by his brother on how to nibble away at paper. The paper that he happened to be nibbling on had the phrase, "Once upon a time...." DiCamillo foreshadows the upcoming events in the story by describing Despereaux's reactions to these words. " Once upon a time, he said aloud relishing the sound. And then, tracing each word with his paw, he read the story of a beautiful princess and the brave knight who serves and honors her. Despereaux did not know it, but soon he would have to be very brave himself." This excerpt is one example of how DiCamillo effectively sets the stage for each scene that is about to unfold.

I enjoyed how DiCamillo spoke directly to the reader. This language made me feel as though I was partaking in the adventure. DiCamillo used outstanding vocabulary throughout the text to describe situations. The word "perfidy" continues to pop up in my mind, even after reading the story. I have never read a book that calls the reader's attention to such interesting words as does The Tale of Despereaux. This is due, in part, to DiCamillo addressing the reader by calling attention to the words. This was a great way to get children and adults to notice interesting vocabulary.

Although Despereaux was the protagonist, I did sympathize with Chiarscuro (what a great name, it made me think of artists such as Rembrandt) and Mig. These characters were well developed. DiCamillo provided wonderful accounts of these characters' past experiences and circumstances that drove them to jealousy and revenge. Of course, things ended happily for these characters but their suffering was profound throughout the story. Oftentimes, children's fairy tales do not give background information about the antagonists. DiCamillo revealed that there are reasons behind why people/characters become vengeful. This is a powerful message that can be translated to real-life situations.

DiCamillo's book Because of Winn Dixie was one of my favorite children's books, and now that I have read The Tale of Despereaux, this great adventure also tops the list!

Movie Review of Bridge to Terabithia

Last evening, I enjoyed viewing the movie version of Bridge to Terabithia. As stated in my previous blog response about the book, I was somewhat skeptical about seeing the movie for a number of reasons. As I previewed the trailers for Bridge to Terabithia, it seemed as though the majority of the movie would be dominated by special effects. This, however, was not the case.

Overall, I thought that the characters were well developed. Patterson masterfully developed the characters in the book version of Bridge to Terabithia. Oftentimes, movie renditions do not capture the complexities and relationships captured in quality literature. I believe that the movie version devoted the time needed to tie the audience into the experiences and emotions of both Jess and Leslie.

The movie did not diverge from the events that unfolded in the book. However,the characters were not as I had envisioned when I read the story. This was done intentionally to appeal to younger audiences. I can understand the purpose behind modernizing the characters but I will admit that it was somewhat of a disappointment. Patterson's depiction of rural America was not captured in the movie. The characters seemed much more suburban and image conscious than what Patterson had probably intended. These details are somewhat minor and insignificant, but I constantly found myself making these comparisons. Because the movie did not attempt to authentically re-invent all aspects of the book, the images I visualized while reading the story have not been altered. The same cannot be said for movies such as Harry Potter because those movies aimed to portray the characters as closely as possible to the book descriptions. I appreciated the authenticity of the Harry Potter movies. The movie version of Bridge to Terabithia aimed to bring the story into the 21st century.

I was amused by the comic relief provided by the young actress who portrayed Maybelle. She fulfilled a lighthearted side to the movie that was needed, especially toward the end. I was equally moved by Leslie's death in the movie as I was when I read the book. Overall, I was pleased with the performance of all the characters and I felt that the simplicity and depth of the story was not compromised by special effects or poor acting/character development. I wish more movies like these were out when I was a child!

The Bookshop Dog by Cynthia Rylant

I am so pleased that we have the opportunity to read and discuss Cynthia Rylant picturebooks! I find her stories so endearing!

I always enjoy reading Cynthia Rylant picturebooks to my first graders! She does an outstanding job of portraying human vulnerability and our need for companionship. Rylant's books capture the powerful bonds that humans have with each other and with animals.

One of her picturebooks that I haven't read until recently is The Bookshop Dog. When I looked at the inside jacket, I discovered that Rylant illustrated this book. A photograph is included on the inside jacket and this photo is of Rylant with her dog Martha Jane. The author description also stated that Rylant has two cats and two dogs. She must be an animal lover like me! This background knowledge of Rylant explains the premises for many of her books about animals such as Henry and Mudge, The Old Woman Who Named Things and The Great Gracie Chase among others. I always enjoy engaging my children in these stories because kids love reading about animals. For many students, they can make immediate connections because so many children have pets at home.

The Bookshop Dog is about a woman who decides to name her bookshop after her beloved dog, Martha Jane. ( I wonder if this is somehow autobiographical =) ) When I began reading this book for the first time, I instantaneously was reminded of Rylant's story The Old Woman Who Named Things. The first page of The Bookshop Dog reads, " Once there was a woman who loved her dog so much that she could hardly bear to be away from her." This opening is quite similiar to "Once there was an old woman who named things." When I read this opening line of The Bookshop Dog, I wanted to discover whether or not there were any other similarities between the two stories. As I continued reading, I realized that this story is more lighthearted and comical.

I found myself attending to the details of Rylant's illustrations. They have a child-like quality to them and I believe that children would appreciate seeing picturebooks with illustrations that they could emulate. Rylant included environmental print (signs, labels, etc.) within her illustrations in the same manner that many of my students depict through their own drawings.

Rylant's sense of humor comes through in this story. Martha Jane is a dog that the entire town learns to love. In fact, the townspeople love her so much that they begin fighting over who will take care of her when Martha's owner becomes ill. The bickering and arguing that ensues made me laugh out loud and I know that children would do the same. I recommend reading this book if you enjoy sentimental and humorous stories about the relationships between humans and canines. I know my First Graders will get a kick out of this witty Rylant picturebook.

Bridge to Terabithia

I was really excited to learn that I would be reading one of my all-time favorite children's books, Bridge to Terabithia. Admittedly, I had not read this book since the sixth grade when it was required of me. It was one of the few instances when I had the opportunity to read quality literature as opposed to short stories from a basal. Bridge to Terabithia left a positive impression on me and I remember being able to closely relate to the characters. Patterson intended to write a story about the struggles that children experience in their adolescent years. While these trials may seem insignificant to some adults, they are very real to children. Patterson's characters built a friendship that helped them cope and come to terms with their fears and feelings of isolation.

Now that I have read Bridge to Terabithia from an adult perspective, it conjured up many of the same feelings that I had growing up. My formative years impact me to this day. I was, however, able to read the story and appreciate it in an entirely different way. Themes such as overcoming fear that are embedded throughout the story are life-long experiences that we all face well into adulthood.

The protagonist Jess Aarons had many fears that prevented him from truly being content. He was afraid of what others' perceptions were of him and he was afraid to take risks. Leslie, however, became an unexpected friend to Jess. Although Jess perceived Leslie as a threat because she was a faster runner, Jess learned to look past his own insecurities by befriending Leslie. She was considered an outcast by her peers. Although Leslie was upset by this, she did not let others' opinions compromise who she was. I believe that Jess was impressed by Leslie's ability to handle adverse situations. Leslie revealed to Jess how she was able to overcome others' perceptions of her. She gave Jess the gift of escape. Terabithia was a magical re-treat both of them used to get away from their everyday problems.

As an adult, I have learned the importance of having an outlet or escape that enables me to take a break from the everyday challenges we oftentimes face. We all need to find ways to take time for ourselves to help manage stress. For me, I am able to do this by reading a good book or by going running. For Jess and Leslie, they went to Terabithia.

I find it interesting that this has been considered a controversial book. Although the book ends tragically because of Leslie's death, I believe this makes the message of the book resonate strongly with those who read it. Jess was able carry Leslie's memory with him and he was able to see his life from a different perspective. Jess learned what was most important and he began building a stronger relationship with his younger sister as a result of the tragedy. This book addresses the notion that people can survive, overcome, and learn from tragedy. I believe that older children are capable of confronting these realities.

I will admit that I am slightly reluctant about how the movie will portray the characters and storyline. I always envisioned this as a simple story that doesn't warrant endless special effects and fantastical scenes. Hopefully, the movie will not go overboard with the special effects. I am looking forward to seeing the movie!

Mirette on the High Wire

As I was looking at various Caldecott Award Winning picturebooks trying to decide which one to choose for this initial posting, I decided to select Mirette on the High Wire. During last night's class, we were introduced to another Caldecott Award Winner titled The Man Who Walked Between the Towers. I immediately was able to draw parallels between these two books.

For those who haven't read Mirette, it is a fictional story about a young girl who meets a mysterious man at a boardinghouse. The young girl Mirette discovers that this man, named Bellini could walk on a high wire. She would witness him practicing on the high wire outside in the courtyard. She became so mesmerized by watching him that she decided to learn how to master the high wire.

Although Bellini assisted Mirette in learning the high wire, it isn't until later in the story that the truth about Bellini's past comes to haunt him. Bellini was well-known throughout the world for his daring spirit on the high wire. However, fear overcame him and he decided to give up his passion. Mirette was devastated to discover that her mentor had let fear destroy his spirit. Bellini's fondness of Mirette helped him conquer his fear and they both performed on the high wire together.

I am fond of this story for a number of reasons. I appreciate how McCully integrated various themes throughout the story. These include friendship, the power of courage, and perseverance. Mirette and Bellini both learned from each other but it was Mirette who saved Bellini's spirit. I can relate to the positive impact that children can have on adults. Children offer fresh, untainted perspectives about life and can help adults regain their idealism.

I am also impressed by the illustrations in the story. Since the story takes place in 19th century Paris, the author was able to capture impressionistic styles in the watercolor illustrations. Many of the illustrations reminded me of 19th century artists such as Renoir, Monet and Callebotte (I was an Art History Major=). These are some of my favorite artists and 19th century Parisian Art is fascinating to me!

I was able to make a text to text connection between Mirette and the Man Who Walked Between the Towers. When Mirette witnessed Bellini on the high wire, she was "enchanted" because it seemed so "magical". Similiar language was used in The Man Who Walked Between the Towers when people saw Phillipe walking the tight rope between the twin towers. Both stories spoke to the human desire for adventure. Some of us have it more than others! Both Mirette and Philippe had the same desires that they strove to fulfill. However, I felt that Mirette as a character was portrayed with more depth than Phillipe because of the powerful human connection between Mirette and Bellini. I was more emotionally drawn to Mirette's story.