Otto's Orange Day

SLIS 5420- Module 13



Otto's Orange Day by Jay Lynch



Bibliography:
Lynch, J. Otto's Orange Day. RAW Junior, LLC. (2008).

Summary:

Otto the cat LOVES the color orange. He wears it, colors with it, even writes songs about it. Thinking that orange-loving Otto would like the orange lamp she found, Aunt Sally Lee sends Otto a package full of surprise. As Otto dusts off his new orange lamp, a genie appears to grant him one wish. Otto wishes the whole world to be orange. Initially thrilled by this new orange world, Otto soon discovers that a single-color world may not be the best idea. Problems crop up here and there due to the world's orange state, and Otto and his Aunt Sally Lee must put their minds together to right the world to its natural, colorful state. This book, presented in comic-like, graphic novel layout, moves quickly and appeals to the eye as attention is drawn from block to block of illustration and bubble texts. Illustrations move from colorful to orange as Otto's wish is granted, then to blue when Aunt Sally Lee's is granted. The reader begins to understand the monotony of singular color and is ready for the world (and illustrations) to be changed back into its' multicolor state. Otto's Orange Day is a quick and easy read, yet is not "dumbed-down" or too childish for the reader.

Thoughts:

Otto's Orange Day was my introduction to the graphic novel, a genre I was reluctant to read. Not a fan of comic books myself, I imagined that illustration would dominate and quality writing would take a back seat in this book. I was proved wrong. Otto's Orange Day is a delightful and humorous tale of a cat whose wish for an orange world is granted by a genie, much to Otto's pleasure. However, as Otto lives out his day, the downfalls of such a world become more and more apparent. The reader is introduced to problems created by this orange world that they may not have thought of before, such as orange food tasting wierd, and orange traffic lights causing wrecks. I love that the clever illustrations highlight this orange world, and last long enough in the book to make the reader want a change of color- which is what Otto ultimately decides. This book is shelved in the "Easy Reader" section of our public library, and I feel that it is a more than appropriate choice for young readers. The language is simple yet not condescending, and the story moves in a logical and accessible pace. I can see how graphic novels such as these appeal to both young and youth readers alike, as they play on visual appeal, yet still offer quality stories and thought-provoking writing.

Reviews:

"Two veteran cartoonists collaborate to create a comic-strip-style book for beginning readers. Otto, an orange cat, recieves a mysterious lamp from his aunt. While dusting it off, he releases the genie that resides within and is offered a wish as a reward. Otto declares that he would like everything in the world to be orange, his favorite color; however, after his wish is granted, the results- including a bad-tasting orange lamb chop and an orange-only traffic light that causes car accidents- soon cause him to have second thoughts. With the help of Aunt Sally Lee, Otto outsmarts the genie and sets things right. Each page features one to four panels and the bulk of the story is told through dialogue balloons. The cartoons are lively and colorful. Clear chapter divisions, a clean graphic design, and large-size print makes this title more appropriate for early readers than most comic-book offerings. Still, true beginners may have some trouble with some of the vocabulary and struggle to follow the narrative flow. Offer this book to readers with a bit of experience under their belts and an interest in comics and cartoons." -School Library Journal

" Written by '60's underground comic guru Lynch and Eisner-nominated Cammuso, who also did the artwork, this book in the new TOON imprint gives emerging readers a high-quality comic that is both loads of fun and easy to read. It's a simple, archetypal story- Otto, a little orange-loving cat wishes 'everything was orange,' but when a genie grants his wish, he realizes that he should have been more careful what he wished for: orange lamb chops... 'Blaach!!!' This is a textbook example of how to use page composition, expanding panel size, color, and stylized figures to make sequential art fresh, energetic, and lively. With the particular pedigree of the book's creators, however, one can't help but miss avant-garde subversiveness that made Little Lit books (e.g. Strange Stories for Strange Kids, 2001) for older children so thrilling and unique. Even without that element, though, this book is sure to engage a new generation in the art form; kids will want to read it once, then return to it again and again." - Booklist

Ideas for Use:

This graphic novel provides an interesting look at different formats of quality writing. A teacher of mid-level to upper-level elementary students can use this book to introduce the comic-strip style of writing. Students can analyze comics, their layout, how stories are told (dialogue boxes), and how illustrations play into the telling of the graphic story. Inspired by Otto's orange wish, have students work in groups or independently to think of a wish they might have for the genie, or what would happen if they wished for a different color for the world's landscape. As they compose their story, the final product should be told in graphic style, either comic-strip or graphic novel form like that demonstrated in Otto's Orange Day. Other graphic novels should be made available for reference and comparison.

The Road to Oz

SLIS 5420- Module 12



The Road to Oz: Twists, Turns, Bumps, and Triumphs in the Life of L. Frank Baum by Kathleen Krull
Bibliography:

Krull, K. The Road to Oz: Twists, Turns, Bumps, and Triumphs in the Life of L. Frank Baum. Alfred A. Knopf. (2008).

Summary:

In this pleasantly accessible biography, young readers are introduced to L. Frank Baum, future creator of the legendary children's book, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Though raised in the lap of luxury, Baum was a hard worker and risk-taker, spending much of his life looking for his big break, whether in the business world, acting world, or writing. Gifted with good humor, imagination, and persistence, Baum never lost hope that he would indeed find his one true calling. After multiple monetary troubles and business failings, and at the urging of his mother-in-law, Baum finally decides to put down on paper the stories he so easily and giftedly spun for his children at bedtime. The Wonderful Wizard of Oz was born out of these childlike stories and propelled Baum into instant fame and fortune. He would continue writing a series based on the lives of the people of Oz, and was constantly motivated by the desire to entertain children with stories of imagination and wonder. The book leaves the reader observing Baum at his best- storytelling in the garden- but allows the reader a further look at the remainder of his life in a brief detailed biographical extension at the end of the story. The Road to Oz is a beautifully, colorfully illustrated, well-told story of a man who impacted children's literature for years to come.

Thoughts:

Frank Baum is painted in a positive light in The Road to Oz, beginning with a look at what could be called a lazy and luxurious childhood if not for Baum's ingenuity and imagination. Posessing a gift for bold ideas, Frank never fails to take a risk, despite the fact that his risks rarely pay off. When one would expect to read of disappointment and disillusion, I was delighted to find that Baum remained in good humor and perseverance, firmly believing in his dreams with the support of a loving family behind him. The colorful illustrations captured the colorful life and imagination of Baum himself, and cleverly hint at future characters that come to life in The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. This biography, aimed at young readers, gives an example of a true story that acknowledges failures and mistakes, yet focuses on the positive attributes of the person whose life we are learning about. One can learn a lesson of persistence, patience, and imagination through the life of Frank Baum, and ends the story understanding that Baum finally found what he loved and worked at it for the rest of his life. This tale is honest, positive, and inspiring without glossing over Baum's financial shortfalls. I recommend this book as a positive introduction to biography for young readers!

Reviews:

"Fans of The Wizard of Oz will find plenty of enchantment in this thoughtful, brightly illustrated narrative. From his childhood at his parents' estate, with its 'rosebushes in glimmering-jewel colors,' to his various careers as journalist, playwright, chicken expert, window dresser (including his creative display of hardware fashioned into a tin man), store owner, newspaper editor, and family storyteller, Krull magically interweaves the origins of Baums characters and themes that would appear in his 'modern American fairy tales.' The 'Oz' books were his only true success, but they did not result in a fairy-tale ending for the Baum family. With sympathy for her subject, Krull tactfully notes Baum's lack of aptitude for business affairs and his eventual declaration of bankruptcy. Hawkes' merry paintings of the author and his characters invoke the magic of Oz within the great author's real-world setting. The Road to Oz will provide students with an inspiring introduction to Baum's life." - School Library Journal

"Despite the enduring popularity of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, there are few titles about L. Frank Baum published for youth. Krull's new picture-book biography, then, is particularly welcome, and it displays Krull's usual stylistic strengths:a conversational tone, well-integrated facts, vivid antecdotes, and sly asides that encourage children to find the human qualities in a historical figure. Beginning with Baum's pampered youth, Krull moves forward through his early adult years, when he flailed in a variety of jobs before finally writing his famous first book about Oz, which he based on bedtime stories he created for his children. Krull gives a balanced account, emphasizing Baum's creative gifts and his talents for nurturing his family while frankly referencing his less-admirable traits, such as his prejudice against Native Americans. Hawkes's ink-and-acrylic illustrations are uneven, with some figures appearing blurred and hurriedly rendered, but the brightly-colored compositions do support the sense of Baum as a multifaceted, fascinating individual. An author's note, sources, and a list of Baum's works conclude this entertaining, lively portrait." - Booklist

Ideas for Use:

The Road to Oz provides a wonderful background for a look at modern American fairy tales, as Baum's famous work, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, introduced America to the appeal of this genre. After reading of the life of Frank Baum and his creation of Oz, read the book together and then watch the movie. Compare the two (movie and book) and discuss how students think Baum would feel about the movie- if it matches closesly with his book, or if it is different than they think he imagined. For extension activities, students may read the further works in Baum's series on Oz, and compare these books to the original book.

George Washington's Teeth

SLIS 5420- Module 11

George Washington's Teeth by Deborah Chandra and Madeleine Comora







Bibliography:


Chandra, D., and Comora, M. George Washington's Teeth. Farrar Straus Giroux. (2003).

Summary:
Told in clever, lilting rhyme, George Washington's Teeth relays the "true" story of Washington's lifelong plight of dental decay and troublesome false teeth. The end of the book provides a timeline of actual documented dental issues relayed by Washington, complete with names of dentists, correspondence with such dentists, others' observations of Washington's countenance due to problems with false teeth, and Washington's own fears regarding discovery of his problem.


Thoughts:
Being taught all through my educational career that George Washington had wooden teeth, I was intrigued by what claims to be the "actual story" of George Washington's teeth. Expecting a traditional informational book format (facts, lots of words, photographs, etc.), I was pleasantly surprised to find beautiful and humorous illustrations and fun, understandable rhyme telling the unheard story of George Washington's long history of tooth troubles. I admit that, upon reading, I was skeptical as to the accuracy of some of the "facts" presented- they seemed too much like a folk tale or rumor passed down through the years to be true (losing all of his teeth but one?!). However, the timeline and list of sources at the end of this book sold me on its validity, and cause me to praise its clever and unique way of presenting what could otherwise be obscure information, capturing the attention and intrigue of the reader. I applaud Deborah Candra and Madeleine Comora for their appealing to young readers and making history interesting and fun!


Reviews:
"In a clever approach to history, Chandra and Comora string together spry stanzas describing the dental difficulties that plagued George Washington. Rhyming verse explains how the general's rotten teeth gradually fall out during the Revolutionary War.... Cole complements this verse by rendering a sly watercolor twist on Emanuel Leutze's famous painting, 'George Washington Crossing the Delaware,' in a full-spread treatment: Washington still stands in quiet dignity, but the boatmen are grinning.... Kids will love the details, such as the way Washington uses a pair of his molars to fashion a mold from which the dentist makes a set of dentures.... Infusing his bustling watercolor vignettes with comic hyperbole, Cole easily keeps pace with the lighthearted narrative....A highly palatable historical morsel." - Publisher's Weekly

"Second only to kids' curiosity about George Washington and the cherry tree may be their interest in his teeth. Did the prez wear wooden dentures? Chandra and Comora set the record straight with wit, verve, and a generous amount of sympathy for poor Washington and his dental woes. Unfurling smoothly against a backdrop of Washington's career as a soldier and president, the tale goes forward in sprightly, read-aloud rhyme that never falters.... And illustrator Cole is at his best here, totally at ease with human gesture and expression. Each spread is a tableaulike scene (or scenes) filled with costumed characters busily engaged in humorously visualizing the actual history. The color palate and energy of the art harks back to Cole's Buttons (1999), but there's much more detail and movement in these pictures, which work well as amusing preparation for the more sedately illustrated, annotated timeline of George's actual dental decay that preceeds a full roundup of historical sources the authors used in telling the tale. This is history for youngsters that will stick; it's wild and fun and factual, without a trace of mockery." - Booklist

Ideas for Use:

This story would serve as an excellent introduction to either a unit/research project on our presidents. As George Washington was the first president of the United States, it is only fitting that he should be the first subject in a presidential examination. After reading this story, clarifying rumors and identifying a little-known fact about his personal life, students should be encouraged to select a president to research, and find at least one little-known but interesting fact about him to share with the class. These facts can be compiled into a presidential timeline, showing each president's picture and displaying their fact below.

George Washington's Teeth could also be used as an introduction to biographies, offering an example of a type of biography that lets the reader learn more in-depth information about a person that what the public typically knows. Reading this book can lead into students choosing a person that they wish to know more details about, and selecting a biography or autobiography to meet that need.

The Greatest Skating Race

SLIS 5420- Module 10

The Greatest Skating Race by Louise Borden


Bibliography:
Borden, L. The Greatest Skating Race. Margaret K. McElderry Books. (2004).

Summary:
In the winter of 1941, Piet Janssen, a young Dutch boy, is wrapped up in the Netherlands' first love: skating. His father a skate-maker himself, Piet dreams of skating like his hero, Pim Mulier, who skated in the first ever Elfstedentocht, a race that takes place between eleven towns, only when the canals in Northern Netherlands freeze and connect all of them. Piet's dreams become a near reality when the war begins to hit close to home.
When a family's father is taken by German soldiers, the children must find their way across the Belgian border to stay with their aunt in safety. Because of German occupation, adults can see no way to escape without suspicion. Their only option is to send Piet and the two children to the canals, to skate unheeded across the Belgian border into safety.
Based on the actual race completed by Pim Mulier, as well as the Netherlands' rich history in skating, The Greatest Skating Race is an inspirational and uplifting story of selflessness and sacrifice for the sake of another's freedom.

Thoughts:
I love this book. Written simply yet eloquently, The Greatest Skating Race provides a unique and endearing look at even the youngest players in World War II, and how all were willing to risk something (freedom, even their lives) for the safety of a friend. Starting the story with a childlike look at Piet, Borden draws the reader in and creates an emotional connection with not only Piet, a young boy with big dreams, but also with the Netherlands in general, and its people's unwillingness to give up their way of life in spite of German occupation. Immediately I found myself wanting to defend the peaceful people of this country, and was even a bit envious of their ability to still find the good among the bad happening around them.
Borden's connection between this famous race that is the climax of Piet's dreams with the necessity of escape to safety is seamless, and the reader sees how Piet's dream of racing equips him with the ability and determination to perform an otherwise dangerous and impossible task. The reader fears for their safety, but is assured by Piet's encouragement and calm. Beautiful illustrations paint a peaceful picture of the Netherlands' striking beauty and hint at its deep heritage as a people.

Reviews:
"This slice of historical fiction celebrates the bravery and resourcefulness of children. In the winter of 1941, 10-year-old Piet, a strong skater, is enlisted to lead two young neighbors from Holland to safety over the ice to relatives in Belgium after their father is arrested for sending messages to allied forces. The three children leave their home in Sluis and bravely skate 16 kilometers on the canals to Brugge. They outwit and hide from German soldiers and make it to their destination in one long, difficult day. Told with immediacy and suspense from Piet's point of view, the engaging narrative is arranged in columns, which is an ideal structure to relate the action in short sentences.... The gorgeously detailed watercolor illustrations capture a sense of the time. The subdued, winter hues of brown and smoky gray are those often found in the oil paintings of Dutch and Flemish masters and match the quiet tone of the text. The book's format maximizes the drama and expanse of the landscape." - School Library Journal

"In this exciting World War II picture book for older children, a boy in the Netherlands helps two children escape to Belgium, where they will be safe from German soldiers. Piet, 10, is inspired by his country's great skating champion, and he has always dreamed of taking part in the famous national race. Now, however, he must race with Johanna and her little brother, Joop, along the frozen canals, past German guards, and over the border to safety. Piet's long, lucid, first-person narrative appears in short dramatic lines... and Daly's sepia-tone illustrations stay true to the boy's viewpoint, both in the few tense, full-page close-ups (as when the children confront the border guards) and in the spacious views of kids speeding through the white landscape. The focus on the historic skating race is sometimes confusing, but the war is always in the background, and the physical reality of the thrilling rescue will hold skating fans." - Booklist

Ideas for Use:
This story is a great introduction to a literary unit on World War II for elementary students. After reading this book, talk with the students about other ways they think children could help in a war effort. Brainstorm together, and explain that these are not just ideas; children did help in the the war effort in World War II, from working on the home front to carrying out dangerous tasks to slip past unsuspecting soldiers. As a part of this unit, read books such as Number the Stars by Lois Lowry, and Snow Treasure by Marie McSwigan, and have students research child involvement in World War II.