Keith Bradford
SLIS 5420
slis5420blog.webs.com
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Henry and the Buccaneer Bunnies
By Carolyn Crimi
Illustrated by John Manders
Plot Summary: Henry is the odd man out on the bunny pirate ship. Unlike his bunny shipmates Henry is not concerned with treasure, making bunnies walk the plank or parrots. Henry likes to read. However, Henry’s reading frustrates the other pirates, which is why they throw the books overboard. Shortly after the books are gotten rid of, Henry notices a storm cloud formation that he read about. Henry tries to tell the other bunnies, but the warnings fall on deaf floppy ears. Consequently the bunnies are shipwrecked. Thanks to everything that Henry learned from his readings, he was able to build shelter and eventually a boat. The bunnies were so grateful for what Henry had learned that the pirate bunnies recanted their derision of books and began to read.
SLIS 5420
slis5420blog.webs.com
BLOG 1
Henry and the Buccaneer Bunnies
By Carolyn Crimi
Illustrated by John Manders
Plot Summary: Henry is the odd man out on the bunny pirate ship. Unlike his bunny shipmates Henry is not concerned with treasure, making bunnies walk the plank or parrots. Henry likes to read. However, Henry’s reading frustrates the other pirates, which is why they throw the books overboard. Shortly after the books are gotten rid of, Henry notices a storm cloud formation that he read about. Henry tries to tell the other bunnies, but the warnings fall on deaf floppy ears. Consequently the bunnies are shipwrecked. Thanks to everything that Henry learned from his readings, he was able to build shelter and eventually a boat. The bunnies were so grateful for what Henry had learned that the pirate bunnies recanted their derision of books and began to read.
My Impression: Henry and the Buccaneer Bunnies begs to be read out loud, preferably with gusto and pirate voices. The illustrations are cartoony and adequate, evoking the scene well, but far from extraordinary. However, the bunny design reminded me of the Nestle Quick chocolate milk mix in a good way though. This book feels appropriate for a seven and under crowd, a decent book but not a benchmark of children’s literature. This is the kind of book you buy in paperback.
Review: Even pirates fear the rowdy Buccaneer Bunnies aboard the Salty Carrot. Captain Barnacle Black Ear, “the baddest bunny brute of all time,” leads a scurvy crew that includes a female pirate, Jean LeHare, and Calico Jack Rabbit. One rabbit, though, refuses to be a pirate--Black Ear’s son, Henry. Rather than shivering timbers, ordering prisoners to walk the plank, or toting the requisite parrot on his shoulder, Henry likes to read the books stolen from captured ships. As punishment for refusing to heed his father, Henry must swab the decks until “ye come to yer senses!”
One day, he spies a red sky. Parrots squawk and fish jump out of the water. Henry knows exactly what this means from his reading--a vicious storm heads their way. He tries to warn the others, but they ignore him. When even the rats abandon ship, Henry stows his precious books in the empty treasure chests. The storm destroys the Salty Carrot, but all is not lost because Henry’s reading comes in handy when the pirates are marooned on a deserted island.
Henry & the Buccaneer Bunnies is an enchanting pirate adventure. The story itself is entertaining and filled with opportunities for young children to learn about pirates, nautical language, and the treasures to be found within the pages of books. Perfect for reading aloud, it will quickly become a favorite of young and old alike. The illustrations are a treasure in themselves. Look closely for tidbits that make the Buccaneer Bunnies pirates, such as the Jolly Roger with long floppy ears or the firecrackers tied to the captain’s ears. Be warned! They will make you roar with laughter. A superb treasure trove of piratical escapades!
One day, he spies a red sky. Parrots squawk and fish jump out of the water. Henry knows exactly what this means from his reading--a vicious storm heads their way. He tries to warn the others, but they ignore him. When even the rats abandon ship, Henry stows his precious books in the empty treasure chests. The storm destroys the Salty Carrot, but all is not lost because Henry’s reading comes in handy when the pirates are marooned on a deserted island.
Henry & the Buccaneer Bunnies is an enchanting pirate adventure. The story itself is entertaining and filled with opportunities for young children to learn about pirates, nautical language, and the treasures to be found within the pages of books. Perfect for reading aloud, it will quickly become a favorite of young and old alike. The illustrations are a treasure in themselves. Look closely for tidbits that make the Buccaneer Bunnies pirates, such as the Jolly Roger with long floppy ears or the firecrackers tied to the captain’s ears. Be warned! They will make you roar with laughter. A superb treasure trove of piratical escapades!
Vallar, Cindy. (2005). Books for Young Pirates [Review of the book Henry and the Buccaneer Bunnies]. Retrieved from http://www.cindyvallar.com/henry.html
Suggestions for Library Use: This book would be good if you had a group of children who were coming to the library for the first time. This book would help explain the magic and mystery of books, and perhaps why they should be treated with care. This book would also be good for a pirate theme, maybe halloween. A good art activity might be to make treasure maps or eye patches.
I Already Know I Love You
By Billy Crystal
Illustrated by Elizabeth Sayles
Plot Summary: This story is a poem from Billy Crystal to his unborn grandchild. In the poem Mr. Crystal excitedly discusses all of the things he is looking forward to doing, while at the same time professing his love for the unborn child.
My Impressions: This is a book that did not need to be written. As sweet as the sentiment is, the execution leaves something to be desired. I say the same thing to my daughter every time I tell her I love her. The pictures remind of greeting cards illustrations. I get what he Mr. Crystal was attempting to do, but the book feels more like Mr. Crystal waxing his ego than trying to make lasting children’s literature. If this book has any staying power it will be on the strength of the author’s name not the craftsmanship of this work.
Review: A heart warming story about a first time, expecting grandfather. "I Already Know I Love You" celebrates all the joy a grandchild brings to the world of a grandparent, from the anticipation of the baby's arrival to the many special moments, such as playing horsey, or eating breakfast together. The story talks about the circle of life through the eyes of a grandfather. One of the main themes in the book demonstrates the incredible bond that can exist between a grandchild and grandparent. The grandfather remembers everything he did with his own daughter when she was young, and he is looking forward to reliving similar joys with the new arrival. I absolutely loved the story. The pictures, done in beautiful pastel colors, illustrated the love and warmth that existed within this family. You feel the excitement the author is exuding in the telling of this tale. The book is suited for all age ranges, however older children will have a better understanding of the importance of family and the many relationships that can be formed. This story can be read over and over again. Every family should have a copy of this book.
Mariasine, Erin. I Already Know I Love You. [Review of I Already Know I Love You]. Kaboose. Retrieved from http://entertainment.kaboose.com/books/i-already-know-i-love-you.html
Suggestions for Library Use: If a class were being held at the library for expectant fathers, this book would be a good way to begin the class. This book might also be suggested to the parents who already have a child but are expecting another. This book would also be helpful to children who might have recently lost a parent or grandparent.
The Giving Tree
By Shel Silverstein
Is this a sad tale? Well, it is sad in the same way that life is depressing. We are all needy, and, if we are lucky and any good, we grow old using others and getting used up. Tears fall in our lives like leaves from a tree. Our finitude is not something to be regretted or despised, however; it is what makes giving (and receiving) possible. The more you blame the boy, the more you have to fault human existence. The more you blame the tree, the more you have to fault the very idea of parenting. Should the tree's giving be contingent on the boy's gratitude? If it were, if fathers and mothers waited on reciprocity before caring for their young, then we would all be doomed.
The Giving Tree. Jackson, Ben. Retrieved from Wikipedia on Sept. 5, 2009 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Giving_Tree
Plot Summary: The Giving Tree is the story a boy and his friendship with a tree in the forest. In the beginning the boy has simple needs that the tree can provide for without much personal loss; shade, apples, a playmate. However, as the boy grows older his needs get greater and the cost to the tree is equally great; all the fruit, limbs, the trunk. However, the tree is never resentful of the boy and the boy is never ashamed to ask. The book ends where it began with simple requests, which are met gladly; a place to sit.
My Impressions: I’ve read this book many times throughout my life. I’ve found it sweet and endearing. I’ve found it frustrating. But it is always compelling. Mr. Silverstein seems to speak to the truth. That doesn’t mean that the truth is easy or fun. His drawings are simple and precise. I find that I can sit and stare at most of his drawings endlessly. The drawings are intricate and carefree. The book touches on the subjects of parenthood, giving selflessly, taking, taking selfishly and presents it in a way that is accessible to children, but gives adults a moment to pause.
Review: "Look Shel," I said, "the trouble with this ‘Giving Tree' of yours is that it falls between two stools; it's not a kid's book -- too sad, and it isn't for adults -- too simple." This was in 1963; I was working at Simon & Schuster; Shel was Shel Silverstein, and the manuscript was "The Giving Tree," which Harper & Row subsequently published, and which has sold over 150,000 copies. Kurt Vonnegut must have some kind of philosophical saying for the way I feel now.Shel Silverstein first came to prominence as Playboy's roving cartoonist. He published a number of children's books and the outrageous "Uncle Shelby's ABZ Book," and just a few years ago turned up as a song-writer with Johnny Cash's hit "A Boy Named Sue." Even more recently, he had a hit, singing in his own raucous voice his "Freakin' at the Freaker's Ball," and we'll soon see in November a large collection of his poems for children, "Where the Sidewalk Ends."When I called this paper and said I'd like to do a piece about "The Giving Tree," they said, fine, but would I also look into two other surprise sellers, "The Velveteen Rabbit," and "Go Ask Alice"? Very good."The Giving Tree" begins, "Once there was a tree..." (Dots are Shel's) and goes on for 50 more pages with a simple tale, illustrated in graceful cartoon style by the author. There was a boy who played in the tree, gathering its leaves, swinging on its branches, eating its apples. When the boy grew older he lay in the shade of the tree with a girl and carved initials in a heart. Yet older, a young man, he took the tree's branches to build a house. As an old man he needed a boat to get away from it all, so the tree said cut me down and make a boat. So we have a stump. Along comes the boy, now an old, old man, and the ex-tree says, "Come, Boy, sit down. Sit down and rest." And the tree was happy.My interpretation is that that was one dum-dum of a tree, giving everything and getting nothing in return. Once beyond boyhood, the boy is unpleasant and ungrateful, and I wouldn't give him the time of day, much less my bole. But there's a public out there who think otherwise, and Harper & Row expects to sell another 100,000 this year. And this month they are bringing out a version in French, "L'arbre au Grand Coeur." I called Ursula Nordstrom, who has been Shel's editor at Harper & Row, and asked how this all came about. Ursula, noted for finding and encouraging such artists as Maurice Sendak and Tomi Ungerer, had long ago noted Shel's "simple and direct drawings" in Playboy, and tried to get him to do a book. Shel, the hardest man in the world to pin down, didn't react until Tomi Ungerer said, "Go see Ursula." There was tremendous disagreement in the office over "The Giving Tree," one editor saying "That tree is sick! Neurotic!" They did a small first printing in 1964. Nothing much happened. Then, as Ursula says, "The body twitched". Apparently, it had been taken up by the great word-of-mouth underground with an assist from the pulpits; where it was hailed as a parable on the joys of giving, and from Shel's disk-jockey friends, a strange pairing. The book, to me, is simply a backup of "more blessed to give than to receive." My wife's interpretation, not surprisingly, is that the tree represents a mother, giving and receiving with not expectation of return. Whatever it is, it touches a sensitive point clearly and swiftly, as do other recent phenomena of Segals and seagulls.
Cole, William. (Sept. 9, 1973). About Alice, A rabbit, A Tree… [Review of The Giving Tree]. The New York Times. Retrieved from http://shelsilverstein.tripod.com/Books/NYTBR-GT.html
Suggestions for Library Use: As odd as it may sound I think this book should be read at children's story time, but it should be the only book read and a discussion should follow.
Suggestions for Library Use: This book would be good if you had a group of children who were coming to the library for the first time. This book would help explain the magic and mystery of books, and perhaps why they should be treated with care. This book would also be good for a pirate theme, maybe halloween. A good art activity might be to make treasure maps or eye patches.
I Already Know I Love You
By Billy Crystal
Illustrated by Elizabeth Sayles
Plot Summary: This story is a poem from Billy Crystal to his unborn grandchild. In the poem Mr. Crystal excitedly discusses all of the things he is looking forward to doing, while at the same time professing his love for the unborn child.
My Impressions: This is a book that did not need to be written. As sweet as the sentiment is, the execution leaves something to be desired. I say the same thing to my daughter every time I tell her I love her. The pictures remind of greeting cards illustrations. I get what he Mr. Crystal was attempting to do, but the book feels more like Mr. Crystal waxing his ego than trying to make lasting children’s literature. If this book has any staying power it will be on the strength of the author’s name not the craftsmanship of this work.
Review: A heart warming story about a first time, expecting grandfather. "I Already Know I Love You" celebrates all the joy a grandchild brings to the world of a grandparent, from the anticipation of the baby's arrival to the many special moments, such as playing horsey, or eating breakfast together. The story talks about the circle of life through the eyes of a grandfather. One of the main themes in the book demonstrates the incredible bond that can exist between a grandchild and grandparent. The grandfather remembers everything he did with his own daughter when she was young, and he is looking forward to reliving similar joys with the new arrival. I absolutely loved the story. The pictures, done in beautiful pastel colors, illustrated the love and warmth that existed within this family. You feel the excitement the author is exuding in the telling of this tale. The book is suited for all age ranges, however older children will have a better understanding of the importance of family and the many relationships that can be formed. This story can be read over and over again. Every family should have a copy of this book.
Mariasine, Erin. I Already Know I Love You. [Review of I Already Know I Love You]. Kaboose. Retrieved from http://entertainment.kaboose.com/books/i-already-know-i-love-you.html
Suggestions for Library Use: If a class were being held at the library for expectant fathers, this book would be a good way to begin the class. This book might also be suggested to the parents who already have a child but are expecting another. This book would also be helpful to children who might have recently lost a parent or grandparent.
The Giving Tree
By Shel Silverstein
Is this a sad tale? Well, it is sad in the same way that life is depressing. We are all needy, and, if we are lucky and any good, we grow old using others and getting used up. Tears fall in our lives like leaves from a tree. Our finitude is not something to be regretted or despised, however; it is what makes giving (and receiving) possible. The more you blame the boy, the more you have to fault human existence. The more you blame the tree, the more you have to fault the very idea of parenting. Should the tree's giving be contingent on the boy's gratitude? If it were, if fathers and mothers waited on reciprocity before caring for their young, then we would all be doomed.
The Giving Tree. Jackson, Ben. Retrieved from Wikipedia on Sept. 5, 2009 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Giving_Tree
Plot Summary: The Giving Tree is the story a boy and his friendship with a tree in the forest. In the beginning the boy has simple needs that the tree can provide for without much personal loss; shade, apples, a playmate. However, as the boy grows older his needs get greater and the cost to the tree is equally great; all the fruit, limbs, the trunk. However, the tree is never resentful of the boy and the boy is never ashamed to ask. The book ends where it began with simple requests, which are met gladly; a place to sit.
My Impressions: I’ve read this book many times throughout my life. I’ve found it sweet and endearing. I’ve found it frustrating. But it is always compelling. Mr. Silverstein seems to speak to the truth. That doesn’t mean that the truth is easy or fun. His drawings are simple and precise. I find that I can sit and stare at most of his drawings endlessly. The drawings are intricate and carefree. The book touches on the subjects of parenthood, giving selflessly, taking, taking selfishly and presents it in a way that is accessible to children, but gives adults a moment to pause.
Review: "Look Shel," I said, "the trouble with this ‘Giving Tree' of yours is that it falls between two stools; it's not a kid's book -- too sad, and it isn't for adults -- too simple." This was in 1963; I was working at Simon & Schuster; Shel was Shel Silverstein, and the manuscript was "The Giving Tree," which Harper & Row subsequently published, and which has sold over 150,000 copies. Kurt Vonnegut must have some kind of philosophical saying for the way I feel now.Shel Silverstein first came to prominence as Playboy's roving cartoonist. He published a number of children's books and the outrageous "Uncle Shelby's ABZ Book," and just a few years ago turned up as a song-writer with Johnny Cash's hit "A Boy Named Sue." Even more recently, he had a hit, singing in his own raucous voice his "Freakin' at the Freaker's Ball," and we'll soon see in November a large collection of his poems for children, "Where the Sidewalk Ends."When I called this paper and said I'd like to do a piece about "The Giving Tree," they said, fine, but would I also look into two other surprise sellers, "The Velveteen Rabbit," and "Go Ask Alice"? Very good."The Giving Tree" begins, "Once there was a tree..." (Dots are Shel's) and goes on for 50 more pages with a simple tale, illustrated in graceful cartoon style by the author. There was a boy who played in the tree, gathering its leaves, swinging on its branches, eating its apples. When the boy grew older he lay in the shade of the tree with a girl and carved initials in a heart. Yet older, a young man, he took the tree's branches to build a house. As an old man he needed a boat to get away from it all, so the tree said cut me down and make a boat. So we have a stump. Along comes the boy, now an old, old man, and the ex-tree says, "Come, Boy, sit down. Sit down and rest." And the tree was happy.My interpretation is that that was one dum-dum of a tree, giving everything and getting nothing in return. Once beyond boyhood, the boy is unpleasant and ungrateful, and I wouldn't give him the time of day, much less my bole. But there's a public out there who think otherwise, and Harper & Row expects to sell another 100,000 this year. And this month they are bringing out a version in French, "L'arbre au Grand Coeur." I called Ursula Nordstrom, who has been Shel's editor at Harper & Row, and asked how this all came about. Ursula, noted for finding and encouraging such artists as Maurice Sendak and Tomi Ungerer, had long ago noted Shel's "simple and direct drawings" in Playboy, and tried to get him to do a book. Shel, the hardest man in the world to pin down, didn't react until Tomi Ungerer said, "Go see Ursula." There was tremendous disagreement in the office over "The Giving Tree," one editor saying "That tree is sick! Neurotic!" They did a small first printing in 1964. Nothing much happened. Then, as Ursula says, "The body twitched". Apparently, it had been taken up by the great word-of-mouth underground with an assist from the pulpits; where it was hailed as a parable on the joys of giving, and from Shel's disk-jockey friends, a strange pairing. The book, to me, is simply a backup of "more blessed to give than to receive." My wife's interpretation, not surprisingly, is that the tree represents a mother, giving and receiving with not expectation of return. Whatever it is, it touches a sensitive point clearly and swiftly, as do other recent phenomena of Segals and seagulls.
Cole, William. (Sept. 9, 1973). About Alice, A rabbit, A Tree… [Review of The Giving Tree]. The New York Times. Retrieved from http://shelsilverstein.tripod.com/Books/NYTBR-GT.html
Suggestions for Library Use: As odd as it may sound I think this book should be read at children's story time, but it should be the only book read and a discussion should follow.
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