Book Review #102

The Pigeon HAS to Go to School!

Author: Mo Willems
Illustrator: Mo Willems
Publisher: Hyperion Books for Children
ISBN: 978-1368046459 

Reading Level: 3-6 years old & up
 
Main Character: The Pigeon

Plot: The Pigeon is nervous about going to school and tries to convince the reader that he doesn’t need to go. He presents various excuses and displays his apprehension through humorous and exaggerated arguments        

Settings: The story primarily takes place in a variety of settings including the Pigeon's home and the imagined school environment.

Genre/Theme/Style: Children’s Picture Book / Humor / Real-Life Situations/ Back to School/Anxiety

I Gave This Book 4 Roars!  🦁🦁🦁🦁

Why 4 Roars? Mo Willems' book is engaging and funny, capturing the anxieties and excitement of starting school. The humor and relatable situation make it enjoyable for both children and adults. I love the illustrations. They are part of the humor. It's hard not to laugh at Pigeon! (But seriously, don't let the Pigeon drive the school bus!)

Critical Analysis: Mo Willems' creative illustrations and engaging dialogue provide a relatable and much needed entertaining experience for young readers headed back to school. A great opportunity to talk about the fear of the upcoming school year with kids. 

The Pigeon’s humorous objections and eventual acceptance offer a gentle introduction to the concept of school, helping to ease the dread of children about starting school.

Willems’ ability to personify the Pigeon with a childlike range of emotions and exaggerated reactions makes the book both fun and educational.

Connections: This book connects well with children who are facing starting school or any new experience. 

It can be used as a tool for parents and educators to discuss the feelings and anxieties associated with new situations. Additionally, it ties into broader themes of change and adaptation, making it a useful resource for addressing transitions in a child's life.

Be Safe! 

Happy Learning!

Book Review #101

Circus Girl 

Author: Jack Sendak

Illustrator: Maurice Sendak

Publisher: HarperCollins, Reprint Ed. 2002. 

ISBN: 978-0060287832

Reading Level: Ages 4-8

Main Character: Flora

Plot: In "Circus Girl," readers follow the adventures of a young girl named Flora. She is part of the magical world of the circus. Flora is curious about how non-circus people live. She sets off on an adventure to find out. The non-circus people are not as scary as Flora through after getting to know them.

Setting: The story takes place within the lively setting of a circus.

Genre/Theme/Style: Children's Book, Stories in Verse, and Children’s Short Story Collection.

I Gave This Book 4 Roars! 🦁🦁🦁🦁

Why 4 Roars? "Circus Girl" earns 4 roars for its depiction of circus life and its ability to captivate young readers with its unusual storyline. It is a memorable reading experience that is a little strange and something of an oddity. So, grab a seat under the big tent and let's read about the circus!

Critical Analysis: Jack Sendak's "Circus Girl" celebrates the timeless allure of the circus as a symbol of joy, creativity, and the thrill of performance. Readers are not only entertained by the colorful characters and lively scenes but also encouraged to explore idea of how people at a deeper level have many commonalities.  

Connections: The Ringling Bros. Barnum & Bailey. Greenville, South Carolina

Happy 4th of July!

 

Independence Day

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     Celebrating Fathers 

"DAD: Tiny little word. Great big difference." ~ Keely Chace

Poetry Friday!

 Writing Poetry

        Celebrate the beauty and power of poetry! Poetry has the power to evoke emotions and provoke thought. Engaging with poetry can provide emotional release, intellectual stimulation, and a deeper understanding of human experiences.

Book Review #100

 The Wonder of Creation: 100 More Devotions About God and Science

Author: Louie Giglio with Tama Fortner
Illustrator: Nicola Anderson
Publisher: Tommy Nelson
ISBN: 978-1400230464
Reading Level: 3rd-5th Grade

The Wonder of Creation is a collection of 100 devotions about the marvels of God's creation. Each devotion combines scripture, scientific facts, and reflections to help kids see the connection between faith and the natural world.

Genre/Theme/Style:
Non-fiction genre, devotional literature, religion, intersection of faith and science, and creation.

I Gave This Book 5 Roars:🦁🦁🦁🦁🦁

Why 5 Roars?
This book combines faith and science in a way that is both educational and inspiring. The devotions are short and engaging, perfect for young readers, and the illustrations are colorful and captivating. It's a wonderful resource for kids to learn about the natural world.

Critical Analysis:
The Wonder of Creation is great at making complex scientific concepts easier for children while also providing spiritual insights. Some scientific explanations may still require adult assistance for younger readers to fully grasp. The bright illustrations bring these settings to life, helping readers visualize what is being described.

Connections:
This book is a great book to use alongside science and religious education in the classroom or at home. Activities such as nature walks, science experiments, and scripture memorization can enhance the learning experience.

Happy Mother's Day!

Celebrating Moms Everywhere! 

Honoring mothers for everything they do, providing love, support, and guidance, every step of the way. Thank you!