TRADITIONAL LITERATURE:
RAPUNZEL by Paul O. Zelinsky
THE TRUE STORY OF THE 3 LITTLE
PIGS by Jon Scieszka
JUST A MINUTE: A TRICKSTER
TALE AND COUTING BOOK by Yuyi Morales
RAPUNZEL by Paul O. Zelinsky:
BIBLIOGRAPHY
PLOT SUMMARY
In this infamous tale, the story begins with a
traditional man and wife who pine for a baby year after year. When they are
finally blessed with pregnancy, the lady develops a fierce desire for this
forbidden herb, Rapunzel that is walled up in the neighbors garden, who just so
happen to be a sorceress. The husband unwittingly agrees to exchange their
future child for the herb to satisfy his wife. The sorceress takes the baby
girl and raises her with care until she turns 12 years old, and then she is
locked up in a tall tower in the middle of the forest. One day the prince
happens by to hear her sing and is immediately in love. He discovers the manner
in which to enter the tower to get to the young damsel, and they marry. When Rapunzel
becomes pregnant and cannot fit into her dress, the witch realizes what she has
done and shears off her long, beautiful locks, casting her and her future
children into the desert wilderness. The sorceress then tricks the prince into
climbing into the tower to only find Rapunzel not there and he falls to the
ground from sadness. He is struck blind and in pain, wandering around until he
stumbles on the same wilderness his family was cast in, and they fall into each
other’s arms in tears. Two of Rapunzel’s tears hold enough magic to heal the
prince’s blindness, and he leads his family to his kingdom to live happily ever
after.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This traditional tale is masterfully done by
Paul O. Zelinsky. The linguistic style is both simplistic and endearing to
readers both young and old. The honesty of the wording enhances the sadness of
pining for a child only to lose it to a sinfully desire in coveting a neighbor’s
possession. The author highlights the religious dictates of the commandments in
this fairy tale scenario: thievery and coveting. The tale encapsulates so many
difficulties faced in everyday life: a mother not wanting her daughter to grow
up and the fear of not gaining the approval of one’s parents, false
marriage/bearing children out of wedlock.
The beauty of the tale is captured elegantly by
Zelinsky in these oil paintings that are both realistic and ethereal. The
landscape enhances a rustic vision of Italian origins with a dash of French
influence. An oddly endearing witch is portrayed watching a young Rapunzel romp
about in a picturesque outdoor setting. Each page is truly a work of art worthy
to be hung as a most prized possession. The detail in the carvings of the small
rocking cradle on the corner of the page to rushing water of the babbling brook
on the following page brings to life every feature of the events and setting
While I do not believe children would easily
catch on to the subtle messages that are challenging for most adults to
discuss, it is a perfectly executed tale of a child’s growth to womanhood and
starting her own family.
REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
1998 Caldecott
Medal Winner 1998 Carl Sandburg Award
“Suffused with golden light, Zelinsky's landscapes and indoor scenes are grandly evocative, composed and executed with superb technical and emotional command.”
-Kirkus Associates Review
“An elegant and sophisticated retelling that draws on early French and Italian versions of the tale. Masterful oil paintings capture the Renaissance setting and flesh out the tragic figures.”
-School Library Journal
"A breathtaking interpretation gives the fairy tale new art-historical roots, with illustrations that daringly-and effectively-mimic the masters of Italian Renaissance painting."
-Publisher’s Weekly
CONNECTIONS
*If you wish to rouse a discussion on the
hazard of stealing and wanting something that is not yours, this is a good book
to show children the punishments for such acts and the goodness that can be
found in the most unlikely places.*Find other books written and illustrated by Paul O. Zelinsky, winner of the New York Times Best Illustrated Book, Parenting Magazine Reading Magic Award, and four time Caldecott Honors.
*Other traditional tales retold:
Hyman, Trina Schart. LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD. ISBN 0823406539
Lesser, Rika. HANSEL AND GRETEL. ISBN 0525461523
Perrault, Charles. PUSS IN BOOTS. ISBN 0312659458
THE TRUE STORY OF THE 3 LITTLE PIGS! by Jon Scieszka
BIBLIOGRAPHY
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Scieszka, Jon. 1996. THE TRUE STORY OF THE THREE LITTLE PIGS!. Ill by Lane Smith. New York, NY: Puffin. ISBN 0140544518
PLOT SUMMARY
In this unique rendition of the classic tale, THE THREE LITTLE PIGS, Jon Scieszka leads the reader on the day in the life of the so called, “big, bad wolf.” It is addressed as the true story from the perspective of the wolf in question. The day begins with Alexander T. Wolf or Al as he is known by his friends, needing a cup of sugar to bake his grandmother a birthday cake. He is forced to go out, with a “terrible sneezing cold” to beg for sugar from his neighbors, who just so happen to be pigs. As he goes from door to door, his horrible cold forces him to kill the pigs and then eat them, so as not to be wasteful. In the end, he is taken to jail for the crimes of murder, even though he was the obvious victim of a biased press looking for the more sensational story.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Jon Scieszka portrays a colorful character in place of the infamous villain from this traditional tale by telling the story from perspective of the wolf. The tale begins as one would expect, in a flat and traditional tone. His outlook of the events that transpired on the day in question is vastly entertaining and unique. Scieszka presents the tale as a very true story by stating A. Wolf as the real author and Jon Scieszka as merely an informer. Colorful alliteration with “huffed” and “snuffed” draws giggles and smiles from audiences of all ages, along with the familiar scenes depicted in mocking detail. The voice of the wolf is pleadingly sincere making logical arguments in sequential order.
The illustrations by Lane Smith complete the vision of the poor, victimized wolf and the evil, ignorant pigs that wrongly slandered his good name. In some frames, the images are largely distorted as to portray in acute detail the actions of each character. The straw and stick houses explode before the eyes, as well as the wolf’s eating habits of the wee little piggies. The oddly realistic watercolors draw the eye to the minutest details on every page.
The combination of the narrator’s witty banter and the amusing drawings of evil pigs beside a fatherly-looking wolf bring the story full circle in a resounding cry for the falsely vilified Alexander T. Wolf.
REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
Maryland Black-Eyed Susan Book Award for Picture Book (1991)
Caldecott Honor Award for illustrations
ALA Notable Children’s Books
The New York Time’s Book of the Year
Designed with uncommon flair," said PW, this "gaily newfangled version of the classic tale" takes sides with the villain. "Imaginative watercolors eschew realism, further updating the tale."
-Publisher’s Weekly
The bespectacled wolf moves with a rather sinister bonelessness, and his juicy sneezes tear like thunderbolts through a dim, grainy world. It's the type of book that older kids (and adults) will find very funny.
-John Peters, New York Public Library
CONNECTIONS
*Gather other books illustrated by Lane Smith, such as THE STINKY CHEESE MAN AND OTHER FAIRLY STUPID TALES (also written by Jon Scieszka) and MADAM PRESIDENT.
*Gather other books illustrated by Lane Smith, such as THE STINKY CHEESE MAN AND OTHER FAIRLY STUPID TALES (also written by Jon Scieszka) and MADAM PRESIDENT.
*Other books with ironic characters and altered viewpoints include:
THE THREE LITTLE WOLVES AND THE BIG BAD PIG by Eugene Trivizas
HONESTLY, RED RIDING HOOD WAS ROTTEN! THE STORY OF LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD AS TOLD BY THE WOLF (THE OTHER SIDE OF THE STORY) by Trisha Speed Shaskan
*The tale is perfect for school teachers and librarians alike, where they can lead young children can discuss the different perspectives of these characters, and others from other traditional tales.
*The tale is perfect for school teachers and librarians alike, where they can lead young children can discuss the different perspectives of these characters, and others from other traditional tales.
JUST A
MINUTE!: A TRICKSTER TALE AND COUNTING BOOK by Yuyi Morales:
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Morales, Yuyi. 2003. JUST A MINUTE!: A TRICKSTER TALE AND COUNTING BOOK. Ill by Yuyi Morales. San Francisco, CA: Chronicle. ISBN 0811837580.
PLOT SUMMARY
A most unexpected visitor arrives for Grandma Beetle’s birthday, Señor Calavera in the form of a handsome skeleton. He comes to inform her that it is time for her to go away with him. Grandma Beetle slyly puts him off by listing off things she must do that will take “just a minute.” By counting from one to ten using both English and Spanish numbers, Grandma Beetle is able to distract Death from whisking her away. By the end of the tale, Grandma Beetle counts Señor Calvera as a guest at her party, and they have such fun that the skeleton man decides to leave without her. He leaves a note informing her he had a “scream[ing]” good time, and would surely return next year for her next birthday.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
In this clever trickster tale, Grandma Beetle outwits Death, known as Señor Calavera in a fun and entertaining counting game that introduces Spanish numbers in place of English ones. Morales incorporates learning numbers and a language in a fun-loving reading of Mexican tradition of family and celebration. Who can resist the idea of evading death? The hilarious references to traditional Spanish items, like corn tortillas and piñatas, makes children break out in fits of giggles as Señor Calavera becomes more and more annoyed by the constant evasions to leave.
The vivacious images of the characters and objects used to count make turning the page that much more exciting. Yuyi Morales illustrates the rich tradition of a Mexican culture in a presentation of playful teasing in sparkling visions and whimsical figures that dance along the pages. Colorful items set against a skewed background fashion a melodic vision of Spanish music in a birthday celebration. Grandma Beetle’s sly looks paired with the obvious exasperation of the handsome skeleton create the feeling joy both in the celebration of life and the acceptance of death at the end; although she is able to provide him with such an enjoyable time he leaves without her.
The images and sentiments are universal, and ultimately something children of all cultures can relate to.
REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
2004 winner of the Pura Belpre Medal for Illustration2004 California Book Award Silver Medal for Juvenile Fiction
2004 Notable Books for Children, Younger Readers
2003 Parent's Choice Award Winner, Approved
2004 Golden Kite Honor Book, Picture Book Illustration
"Strong colors in reds, browns and dark blues with a sprinkling of starlight add to the mystical effect. Lovely.” -Published by Kirkus Reviews
"Like the text, the rich, lively artwork draws strongly upon Mexican culture, with hints of Diego Rivera in Grandma's robust form, and the skeleton resembling the whimsical figurines often seen in Day of the Dead folk art. Along with their useful math and multicultural elements, the splendid art and spiritual storytelling auger a long, full life for this original folktale." - Booklist, starred review
Winking
and nodding as she goes, a Latino grandmother will charm readers as she charms
Death Himself in this original counting-cum-trickster tale... Kirkus Reviews
CONNECTIONS
*This would a great book for continuing the learning of the Spanish language. Children would enjoy counting more items using Spanish numbers. Teachers or librarians can bring other cultural items for counting to complete the feeling of Mexican tradition.
Other stories about Mexican tradition/cultural folklore:
Morales, Yuyi. JUST IN CAES: A TRICKSTER TALE AND SPANISH ALPHABET BOOK ISBN 1596433299
Tafolla, Carmen. WHAT CAN YOU DO WITH A PALETA? ISBN 1582462216
Montes, Marisa. LOS GATOS BLACK ON HALLOWEEN. ISBN 0805074295
Mora, Pat. BOOK FIESTA!: CELEBRATE CHILDREN’S DAY/BOOK DAY; CELEBREMOS EL DIA DE LOS NINOS/EL DIA DE LOS LIBROS. ISBN 0061288772
Flor, Dona. A TALL TALE ABOUT A GIANT WOMAN WITH A GREAT BIG HEART. ISBN 0375823379
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