scholarly journals If You Happen to Have a Dinosaur by L. Bailey

2014 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Leslie Aitken
Keyword(s):  
Picture Book ◽  
Primary School Children ◽  
Living Room ◽  
Reading Curriculum ◽  
Intended Audience ◽  
University Of Alberta ◽  
The Family ◽  
The University ◽  
Jack Up ◽  
Selection Of

Bailey, Linda.  If You Happen to Have a Dinosaur.  Illus. Colin Jack. Toronto: Tundra Books-Random House of Canada, 2014. Print.Author, illustrator, and publisher, here, have produced a winning fiction for the child who is going through his or her “dinosaur phase.”  All manner of dinosaurs – bipeds and quadrupeds, giants and midgets, winged and horned, parade through this picture book in glorious color.  We are invited to consider a quite exhaustive list of uses for these creatures – should we happen to have any “lying around the living room.”  A typically delightful illustration features a bright blue brontosaurus (otherwise known as an “apatosaurus”) being used to jack up the family van; it is just one of countless suggestions for dinosaur usage.Technically, the book is perfect for its intended audience.  The drawings are clear, well defined and boldly colored.  The font is large.  The text is perfectly married to the illustrations.  It is also well within the spoken vocabulary of kindergarten and primary school children.  The pre-reader will probably memorize it fairly quickly.  The beginning reader will see in context those words that are not part of the early reading curriculum, and, after a time or two through with adult help, should be able to read the book independently.All in all, this book is a romp.  Find your inner seven-year-old, read it, and have a good giggle.Reviewer: Leslie AitkenHighly Recommended: 4 out of 4 starsLeslie Aitken’s long career in librarianship involved selection of children’s literature for school, public, special, and university collections.  She is a former Curriculum Librarian at the University of Alberta.

scholarly journals Interrupting Chicken and the Elephant of Surprise by D. Stein

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Leslie Aitken
Keyword(s):  
Fairy Tales ◽  
Picture Book ◽  
Read Aloud ◽  
Primary School Children ◽  
University Of Alberta ◽  
Line Drawings ◽  
Good Story ◽  
Ugly Duckling ◽  
The University ◽  
Selection Of

Stein, David E. Interrupting Chicken and the Elephant of Surprise. Candlewick Press in Association with Penguin Random House Canada, 2018. In this, his second picture book starring Interrupting Chicken, Stein begins with a delightful pun: Chicken declares that every good story has “an elephant of surprise.” Papa tries to convince her that she has misheard her teacher, that every good story has “…an element of surprise.” To demonstrate, he attempts to read aloud classic folk and fairy tales: The Ugly Duckling; Little Mermaid; Rapunzel. Chicken, of course, interrupts. The Ugly Duckling gazes at his reflection and sees “…an Elephant.” The prince ascends the tower on a rope of hair to discover that his love is “…an ELEPHANT!”. Papa is dogged; he keeps trying. Chicken is relentless; she keeps interrupting. The story hour goes on with appealing silliness until Papa graciously allows it to end, not surprisingly, with elephants. A former Caldecott Honor winner, Stein creates not only this amusing storyline, but its illustration as well. He employs a variety of artistic techniques to great effect. The basic narrative, (including Chicken’s interruptions of Papa’s readings) is presented in cartoon style and bold crayon; the classic readings are highlighted with line drawings and water colour. Thus the theme of “interruption” is both conveyed and sustained by the art work. There are a few provisos about sharing this book with primary school children: a child will more fully enjoy the inappropriateness—and silliness—of Chicken’s outbursts if he or she is familiar with the plotlines of the classic tales that Papa attempts to read. The wise parent, or teacher, or librarian will ensure this familiarity in the most obvious and enjoyable way: sharing the stories. There is a further consideration: the hilarity of Chicken’s behaviour arises because she either cannot, or will not, acknowledge the literary concept of a “surprise element.” Children who, themselves, can grasp that concept will laugh harder than children who cannot. Depending on the age and maturity of the child listener, a little didacticism on the part of the adult reader may be appropriate. With these requirements satisfied, this book is a winner. Recommended: 3 out of 4 stars Reviewer: Leslie Aitken Leslie Aitken’s long career in librarianship included selection of children’s literature for school, public, special, and academic libraries. She is a former Curriculum Librarian of the University of Alberta.

scholarly journals A Day at School / Une Journée à L’école by S. Cordier & C. Lacroix

2015 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Leslie Aitken
Keyword(s):  
Picture Book ◽  
Children’S Literature ◽  
Target Audience ◽  
First Year ◽  
Intended Audience ◽  
University Of Alberta ◽  
Key Factor ◽  
Grade One ◽  
The University ◽  
Selection Of

Cordier, Séverine and Cynthia Lacroix.  A Day at School / Une Journée à L’école.  Trans. Sarah Quinn. Toronto: Owlkids Books, 2013. Print. The format co-creators Cordier and Lacroix use in Picture My Day, Picture My World, and A Day at the Farm succeeds very nicely in this picture book as well.  Their success has much to do with both their sensitivity to the target audience (pre-school to grade one), and their anticipation of the book’s use. They provide abundant illustration, keeping the text very brief.  Short sentences or mere labeling hint at, but do not force, the storyline.  The latter is created, in large part, by the reader.This book would work very well in a one-on-one situation: one adult, one child.  The adult might prompt,“Where do you think they went on their holidays? What are they buying for school? How are they getting ready for their day?  I wonder where Mummy and the baby are going?  Let’s see where Daddy and the children are going.” and so forth.Inspired by an array of color filled drawings, even a non-reading child could flesh out the story, making it the same every time—for comfort’s sake—or different every time—for variety’s sake.   The key factor is the child’s involvement.The vocabulary used in the text is well within the range of the intended audience.  Most five-year-olds would begin to memorize the text after a few readings; most grade ones would actually recognize and read the words by the end of their first year at school.  In sum, A Day at School is an invitation to imagine, to create, to read and to learn.Highly recommended: 4 out of 4 starsReviewer: Leslie AitkenLeslie Aitken’s long career in librarianship involved selection of children’s literature for school, public, special, and university collections.  She is a former Curriculum Librarian at the University of Alberta.

scholarly journals Fishing with Grandma by S. Avingaq & M. Vsetula

2017 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sandy Campbell
Keyword(s):  
Reading Level ◽  
License Plate ◽  
Family Needs ◽  
Intended Audience ◽  
University Of Alberta ◽  
Sled Dogs ◽  
The Family ◽  
The University ◽  
Adult Reader

Fishing with Grandma is another lovely book from Nunavut’s Inhabit Media.  There are pictures on every page.  The overprinted text is a story that describes Inuit ice-fishing practices.  Through the dialog between a grandmother and her two grandchildren, we learn details of how to cut holes in the ice, what kinds of lures to use, how far down to drop the line and how to bop a fish on the head to kill it.  One of the most important teachings from this book comes at the end, when the children and their grandmother have caught far more Arctic Char than their family needs. On their way home they distribute the fish to people who cannot get out to go fishing. The images tell as much of the story as the text.  They are fun and show us small details that are authentic to the environment.  The family rides an ATV to the lake while the sled dogs watch, the ATV has a polar bear shaped license plate and when the family gets hot from chipping the ice, they take off their parkas and lay them on the ice.  Through the story and the images, we not only learn how to fish, but we also vicariously experience the environment:  “I would look up from my fishing hole and listen to the sound of the lake.  Ravens flew by, calling “kak, kak. I could also hear Skidoos and ATVs in the distance….”While a valuable contribution documenting ice fishing at a child’s level, the reading level is too high for the intended audience, so for younger children, an adult reader will be required.  Overall an excellent book both in terms of content and appeal.  Highly recommended for school and public libraries.Highly Recommended: 4 stars out of 4 Reviewer:  Sandy Campbell    Sandy is a Health Sciences Librarian at the University of Alberta, who has written hundreds of book reviews across many disciplines.  Sandy thinks that sharing books with children is one of the greatest gifts anyone can give.

scholarly journals Not Your Typical Dragon by D. Bar-el

2015 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Leslie Aitken
Keyword(s):  
New York ◽  
Primary School ◽  
Picture Book ◽  
University Of Alberta ◽  
Young Readers ◽  
Normal Reading ◽  
Colour Palette ◽  
The University ◽  
Reading Distance ◽  
Selection Of

Bar-el, Dan.  Not Your Typical Dragon. Illus. Tim Bowers. New York: Viking-Penguin Young Readers Group, 2013. Without didacticism, this picture book explores the plight of those who are not “typical;” along the way, it highlights the value of peacemaking.  Crispin Blaze, the child of a long, proud line of dragons who breathe fire, breathes everything but.  Band-Aids, bubbles and teddy bears are amongst his pacifying emissions.  Finding acceptance in a world of knights and dragons becomes his challenge.Not intended as “beginning-to-read” material, the text is still admirably written for oral presentation by either a proficient reader or a storyteller.  Phrasing and structure promote the build up of suspense.  Sentences are generally short and crisp, allowing, as appropriate, for the dramatic pause.  The vocabulary is well chosen, varied, and unpretentious.  The storyline should prove both amusing and satisfying to kindergarten and primary school children.Tim Bower’s illustrations add to the humour of the tale.  They are large and clearly delineated—a good accompaniment to the text when seen at normal reading distance. Bower’s colour palette, however, is sometimes delicate.  Viewed from the distance at which a story hour audience might see them, some images seem to meld.  Others are perfectly fine for group viewing: good choices would be Crispin’s exhalations of both birthday streamers and teddy bears.All in all, this book provokes spontaneous laughter and subtle reflection.  Parents, teachers and librarians will find many occasions on which to present it.Highly recommended: 4 stars out of 4Reviewer: Leslie AitkenLeslie Aitken’s long career in librarianship involved selection of children’s literature for school, public, special, and university collections.  She is a former Curriculum Librarian at the University of Alberta.

scholarly journals Gabby Wonder Girl by J. Grant

2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Leslie Aitken
Keyword(s):  
Young Child ◽  
Language Development ◽  
Apple Tree ◽  
Picture Book ◽  
Complex Structure ◽  
University Of Alberta ◽  
Primary Focus ◽  
The University ◽  
Selection Of

Grant, Joyce.  Gabby Wonder Girl, illustrated by Jan Dolby. Fitzhenry and Whiteside, 2016Rising again from Joyce Grant’s imagination, Gabby and Roy, “the dynamic duo,” star in this language development picture book.  This time, their creator’s didactic purposes are disguised in the story of Mrs. Oldham’s rescue from an apple tree.  The primary focus of the lesson underlying their adventures is the concept of interrogatives: “who,”  “where,” “how.”  The sounds and shapes of the letters that comprise these words are explored.   Other words germane to the story, “mask,” “pie,” are also decoded.  The final two pages of the work contain follow-up games and activities.As in Grant’s 2013 work, Gabby Drama Queen, the clear intent is that the young child engaged in the story will be guided by an adult who reads the text and focuses attention on the lesson.  Consider the following example:When she was safely on the ground, Mrs. Oldham plucked a “P” from the poppies, inserted an “i” that was inside the inuksuk, and ended with an “e” from the elf to make…”pie.”Obviously, any reader who can cope, quite independently, with the complex structure of this sentence and, as well, the meaning of such words as “inserted” and “inuksuk,”  is unlikely to need help spelling the word “pie.” (In fact, a child who has come this far in his or her reading is likely to be intellectually beyond Gabby Wonder Girl.)  The publisher suggests, very reasonably, that the book would be suitable for five to seven-year-olds.Jan Dolby’s illustrations support this view.  They are cartoon-like, larger than life, boldly delineated and humorous.  Tracking the highlighted letters and words through the pages of her bright and busy drawings should engross and delight young children.  Long before they are taught to parse a sentence (Is that even done anymore?) they can be introduced to the idea that language has structure.  Such a purpose is commendable; so is the book.   Highly Recommended: 3 out of 4 starsReviewer: Leslie Aitken Leslie Aitken’s long experience as a librarian involved selection of children’s literature for school, public, special, and academic libraries.  She is a former Curriculum Librarian for the University of Alberta. 

scholarly journals Where Do You Look? by M. & N. Jocelyn

2015 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Leslie Aitken
Keyword(s):  
Children's Literature ◽  
Picture Book ◽  
Children’S Literature ◽  
Font Size ◽  
Older Students ◽  
University Of Alberta ◽  
Sensitive Issue ◽  
Language Classes ◽  
The University ◽  
Selection Of

Jocelyn, Martha and Nell Jocelyn.  Where Do You Look?  Toronto: Tundra Books, a Division of Random House of Canada, 2013. Print.This picture book is a playful exploration of homonyms—in this case, those that are spelled alike.  The text comprises a series of questions; e.g.,    “Where do you look for a letter?  In the mailbox?”  Or on the page?” The illustrations, which incorporate collage and photographic techniques, are colourful and well defined—perfect for story hour viewing.  The accompanying questions are an invitation to participate; children will enjoy guessing what further meanings of a word might next be illustrated.  Beyond story hour, the book is appropriate, both in terms of font size and vocabulary, for independent reading by beginners.A further possibility for this book is its use in English as a Second Language classes.  Gleaning the contextual meaning of a word is always difficult when learning a new language and the Jocelyns provide a light-hearted approach to the problem.  To avoid the sensitive issue of using a beginner’s book in a lesson for older students and adults, introduce it as something an ESL learner might like to share with a child.  (Confess: those of us who love children’s literature have been playing that card forever!)Highly Recommended: 4 out of 4 starsReviewer:  Leslie AitkenLeslie Aitken’s long career in librarianship involved selection of children’s literature for school, public, special, and university collections.  She is a former Curriculum Librarian at the University of Alberta.

scholarly journals The Day War Came by N. Davies

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Leslie Aitken
Keyword(s):  
Children's Literature ◽  
Children’S Literature ◽  
Primary School Children ◽  
Her Family ◽  
University Of Alberta ◽  
Refugee Child ◽  
The University ◽  
The Guardian ◽  
Walking To School ◽  
Selection Of

Davies, Nicola. The Day War Came. Illustrated by Rebecca Cobb. Somerville, Massachusetts, Candlewick Press, in association with Help Refugees, 2018. A young school girl begins her day happily by breakfasting with her family, walking to school with her mother, and commencing the normal, pleasant learning activities of her classroom. In an instant, her world changes; she is orphaned and alone in a devastated landscape. War has come; she articulates its reality:                 “War took everything.                 War took everyone.                 I was ragged, bloody, all alone.” Simple, forceful, poetic lines such as these carry forward this story of a child refugee. Though it could be read and understood by primary school children, it would resonate with readers young and old alike.  Nicola Davies indicates that her book was inspired by the Guardian newspaper website which featured an account of a refugee child who was refused school entry because there was no chair for her to sit on. In Davies’ own words:                 “…hundreds and hundreds of people posted images of empty chairs, with the hashtag #3000 chairs, as symbols of solidarity with children who had lost everything and had no place to go.” Davies’ interpretation of this reality for young readers is engrossing and moving. Her storyline is perfectly interpreted by the watercolour and graphite pencil illustrations of Rebecca Cobb. Using an expressionistic style, Cobb captures the feelings of confusion and disbelief, abandonment and isolation felt by the displaced child. She also brings a sense of hope to the story’s conclusion. The teamwork of Davies and Cobb is brilliant. Together, they have created a moving and memorable piece of children’s literature. Highly recommended: 4 out of 4 starsReviewer: Leslie AitkenLeslie Aitken’s long career in librarianship included selection of children’s literature for school, public, special and academic libraries. She is a former Curriculum Librarian of the University of Alberta.

scholarly journals Mr. Mergler, Beethoven, and Me by D. Gutnick

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Leslie Aitken
Keyword(s):  
Ludwig Van Beethoven ◽  
Classical Music ◽  
Picture Book ◽  
Music Teacher ◽  
Elementary Grades ◽  
University Of Alberta ◽  
True Story ◽  
Canadian Music ◽  
The University ◽  
Selection Of

Gutnick, David. Mr. Mergler, Beethoven, and Me.  Illustrated by Mathilde Cinq-Mar. Toronto: Second Story Press, 2018. In this lovely picture book, David Gutnick explores an episode in the life of Canadian music teacher, Daniel Mergler. The first person narrator of the story is a musically gifted young girl whose family has emigrated from China. Like many immigrant families, hers is struggling financially; there is no money for music lessons. By chance, the girl and her father meet Mr. Mergler during a pleasant outing in a park. The encounter leads to the child’s musical instruction and, as well, her enduring affection for Beethoven. Gutnick concludes his book with end notes: the first leaves no doubt as to the giftedness, kindness, and generosity of Daniel Mergler; the second, a brief biography of Ludwig van Beethoven, will be helpful to young readers unacquainted with classical music. Because the author claims to be only “inspired by” a true story, we must assume that at least some of the specific details of the plot are fictionalized. Still, the book is based on a CBC documentary, “Beethoven’s Bust,” which Gutnick prepared for broadcast (it was aired as a segment of the CBC radio program, “The Sunday Edition” in 2014). However fictionalized, the story seems real. Interestingly, the child narrator is never named—perhaps because she is a composite figure, perhaps because Gutnick wishes to protect the privacy of his “sources.” Nonetheless, through the delicate drawings of Mathilde Cinq-Mar, we, the readers, come to know this child: we feel her sense of bliss as she flies through the air on a swing in the park; we admire her determination and certainty as she carols “Oh Susanna…” in her “audition” for Mr. Megler; we understand her rapt delight as she begins to master the piano keyboard, producing sounds that “…make everything else disappear.” An inspired touch is Cinq-Mar’s use of musical staves to create curved and sweeping pathways into the illustrated pages. The technique results in a perfect marriage of artwork and text. In sum, Mr. Mergler, Beethoven, and Me  is a well-crafted, captivating, and heart-warming book that would be very suitable for independent readers in the upper primary and elementary grades. Reviewer: Leslie AitkenHighly recommended: 4 out of 4 stars Leslie Aitken’s long career in librarianship included selection of children’s literature for school, special and academic libraries. She is a former Curriculum Librarian of the University of Alberta.

scholarly journals Welcome, Baby by B. Reid

2013 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kim Frail
Keyword(s):  
Young Children ◽  
Public Services ◽  
Living Room ◽  
Racially Diverse ◽  
Text And Image ◽  
University Of Alberta ◽  
Large Window ◽  
The Family ◽  
Rhyme Scheme ◽  
The University

Reid, Barbara. Welcome, Baby. Toronto: Scholastic Canada, 2013. Print.As with Reid's other books, the focus of Welcome Baby is the author's superb hand-sculpted plasticine illustrations. They are all bright, colourful and contain small charming details such as: framed family photos, the stubble on a new father's unshaven face, and a baby's missing sock and tiny bare foot. The story is addressed to a new baby and presents the joys of welcoming the new arrival into the family. There are images of babies snuggling with Moms and Dads, interacting with grandparents, playing with siblings and friends and enjoying the great outdoors in all four seasons.The characters are racially diverse and household scenes are very realistic. A father and baby nap in the couch amidst a sea of toys and clothes strewn about the living room carpet. The narrative features a simple rhyme scheme that would appeal to young children. There are usually only 5-7 words per page and it alternates between text and image. The colour of the textual pages alternates between yellow and blue to create interest without overwhelming the images on the opposite side.  The meaning of the text corresponds well to the images and conveys playful metaphors. For example, in one image we see rain and clouds through a large window. In the foreground a baby flashes a joyful smile while holding her father's finger. He is wearing a sports jersey. The text reads: "You will be our sunshine, We'll be your biggest fans."  This book is ideal for the nursery or preschool library. It would make a fantastic gift for parents-to-be and could also be read to a sibling before the birth to allow them to share in the excitement and anticipation.Highly Recommended: 4 out of 4 starsReviewer: Kim FrailKim is a Public Services Librarian at the H.T. Coutts Education Library at the University of Alberta. Children’s literature is a big part of her world at work and at home. She also enjoys gardening, renovating and keeping up with her kids.

scholarly journals Counting With Barefoot Critters by T. White

2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Leslie Aitken
Keyword(s):  
Young Children ◽  
Key Words ◽  
Number Sequence ◽  
Intended Audience ◽  
University Of Alberta ◽  
Early Readers ◽  
Physical Response ◽  
The University ◽  
Literary Quality ◽  
Selection Of

White, Teagan.  Counting With Barefoot Critters. Tundra Books, 2016.White’s counting book for young children begins with a good concept: make them want to turn the page.  She accomplishes this by leaving a rhyme unfinished for want of a number that the listener must volunteer.  This is a clever technique and will, undoubtedly, produce engagement.  Unfortunately, White is not an effective poet; the rhymed couplets comprising her stanzas fail to exploit the power of verse for children.English is a language with stressed syllables.  Rhythm, the arrangement of non-stressed and stressed syllables within a poetic “foot”, can draw attention to key words and concepts.  It can also facilitate memory.  For early readers, it can be a key to pronunciation.  Combined with witty and inventive language, rhythm creates humor and/or suspense. (Theodore Geisel, “Dr. Seuss,” set the bar quite high in this regard.)  Rhythm and foot in poetry can contribute to a child’s understanding of beat and measure in music, inviting a physical response.  Too often, the couplets in White’s work sound rhythmically forced, as in this example-- which, incidentally, also fails as a pronunciation guide:            “Surely we’ve earned a nice, peaceful rest            Now that we’ve finished our daring conquest.”   (Eight, [p.15])Flaws such as this weaken what could have been a superb book.   White’s colored drawings are enchanting.  They are detailed enough to invite the joy of discovery, but not so cluttered as to confuse.  Her “Barefoot Critters” are adorable.  The map that introduces their adventures is easily followed by the intended audience and is another clever way of inviting children to learn a number sequence.  None-the- less, literary quality and artistic excellence should go hand-in-hand in books for children.  Counting With Barefoot Critters has much of the second, and not quite enough of the first.Recommended: 3 of 4 starsReviewer: Leslie AitkenLeslie Aitken’s long career in librarianship involved selection of children’s literature for school, public, special, and university collections.  She is a former Curriculum Librarian at the University of Alberta. 

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