Leonardo: Beautiful Dreamer

Byrd, Robert. 2003. LEONARDO: BEAUTIFUL DREAMER. New York: Dutton Children’s Books. ISBN 0525470336 [Suggested Grade Levels 3 through 8]

SUMMARY
This book is stuffed with fascinating information on Leonardo da Vinci, a true “Renaissance Man” among many men of the Renaissance. The introduction intrigues the reader and makes him want to learn more about this extraordinary thinker who thrived on the learning and understanding of complicated concepts such as how birds fly, how blood moves through the human body and how to make a painting “alive with emotion, reality, mystery.”
Beginning in the Italian countryside where Leonardo grew up as an inquisitive young man, the tale progresses to the city of Florence, where his artistic training began and his other interests began to blossom. Readers will be amazed at the scope of Leonardo’s curiosity, especially as depicted in the section about his “Fantastic Notebooks”: over 13,000 pages (more than half now lost, tragically) of notes and drawings on subjects as diverse as physics, theater, military, botany, anatomy, philology, music, astronomy and architecture. This clearly illustrates the breadth and depth of Leonardo’s intelligence and interests.
This work is crammed with details, such as the numerous sidebars, which contain anecdotes and information to further flesh out Leonardo’s story and time period for readers who want to know more. The timeline at the end of the book is extremely detailed and would be a very good research tool for a student writing a biography paper. Overall, this book is a bounty of information, overflowing with facts and almost overwhelming in its scope. It is complimented by rich, detailed artwork, which reflects Leonardo’s time period and his own work.

CONNECTIONS
In conjunction with reading this book, children could look at books of Leonardo’s art as well as that of his contemporaries, including his great rival Michaelangelo. A video or slide show of these works could be procured for a multimedia presentation.

RELATED BOOKS
Cole, Alison. EYEWITNESS: RENAISSANCE. ISBN 078945582X
Cook, Diane. MICHAELANGELO: RENAISSANCE ARTIST. ISBN 1590841565
Corrain, Lucia. THE ART OF THE RENAISSANCE. ISBN 0872265269
Romei, Francesca. LEONARDO DA VINCI: ARTIST, INVENTOR AND SCIENTIST OF THE RENAISSANCE. ISBN 0872263134

By Shannon McGregor

Pig Enough

Bynum, Janie. 2003. PIG ENOUGH. New York: Harcourt. ISBN 0152165827
[Suggested Ages 3-7]

SUMMARY AND ANALYSIS
Willy, the engaging little guinea pig, is having difficulty finding his niche. He wants to play the trumpet but he is “completely tone deaf.” He wants to be in a play, but he is unable to memorize his lines. One day Willy is overwhelmed with excitement and anticipation when he sees a sign that says, “Be all a pig can be! Join Pig Scouts!” That is until the “real pigs” begin to snicker and become mean spirited toward him, especially a pig called Peyton who leads the others in chanting, “Willy, Willy, don’t be silly! You’ll never be a pig!” Every time they join in chanting, Willy returns with “B-b-but, I’m a guinea pig…and I’m pig enough!” Shortly after joining the Pig Scouts, Willy and Peyton are paired for maneuvers and soon Willy is using his ability to see in the dark to rescue a frightened Peyton from a deep and dark hole. By the end of the tale, the Pig Scouts are chanting the sweetest words, “Willy, Willy, not-so-silly, you’re really pig enough!”

This playful, energetic, and chatty story with remarkably expressive watercolors will convey a comical, yet gentle message about the frustrations of being a guinea pig in a pig’s world and eventually finding acceptance. Bold illustrations capture the strong personality of Willy and the building anticipation of this clever, yet boisterous frolic. In spite of the pat ending of the underdog saving the day, Bynum splendidly garners compassion for this pleasing little rodent.

CONNECTIONS
Children could discuss experiences when they felt different and unaccepted. They could discuss what it feels like to be the “underdog” in some given setting. They could talk about the differences in rodents and pigs and their similarities (e.g., both pig and guinea pig males are called boars and females are called sows). After creating the appropriate tail, children can play a game called “Pin the tail on the rodent or the pig.”

RELATED BOOKS
Other books that deal with respecting and accepting others who might be different:
Duke, Kate. ONE GUINEA PIG IS NOT ENOUGH. ISBN 014056814X
Goble, Paul. BUFFALO WOMAN. ISBN 0027377202
Henkes, Kevin. CHRYSANTHEMUM. ISBN 0688147321
Smith, Dick-King. I LOVE GUINEA PIGS. ISBN 0786811358

By Rita Pickett

Turtle's Race With Beaver

Bruchac, Joseph and James Bruchac. 2003. TURTLE’S RACE WITH BEAVER. Ill. by Jose Aruego and Ariane Dewey. New York: Penguin Putnam. ISBN 0803728522 [Suggested Ages 4-8]

SUMMARY AND ANALYSIS
Winsome Turtle is challenged to a race by Beaver, a disgruntled and selfish Beaver who has built a “wonderful dam and a splendid lodge” on her beloved pond as she slept in her muddy bed below. Even though Turtle graciously offers to share her pond, Beaver indignantly refuses to consider such an idiotic suggestion and insists on a showdown. Braggingly, Beaver announces to the other animals that he has challenged Turtle for possession of her domain, and one by one the animals congregate for the predictable romp. Soon the moment arrives and the animals begin to cheer “Turtle! Beaver! Turtle! Beaver!” Finally Bear lifts his paw and says “On your mark. Get set…GO!” Just as Beaver lunges from the starting line, little does anyone realize that Turtle has a few tricks up her sleeve? Much to everyone’s delight, Turtle outwits Beaver and triumphs as the sole possessor of her lovely pond.

Joseph and James Bruchac’s use of playful language is engaging and thrilling (“YEEE-OWWWW! Weeee! KA-THUNK! Chomp! Chomp!…Whack! Whack!”). Aruego and Dewey’s colorful and engaging illustrations add to the authors’ humorous and polished style. One of the most brilliant and distinctive features is the quizzical aura expressed through the eyes of the animals as they anticipate the race. Children will sense that things might not end the way Beaver assumes. Again, the Bruchacs have brought a fresh and lively perspective to a Senecan folktale that will excite children and leave them with the idea that sharing has its rewards.

CONNECTIONS
Children could discuss the need for everyone to strive to cooperate, persevere, and to act with humility. The related books by Joseph Bruchac, especially the ‘MOUSE BRAGGING SONG’ in THE EARTH UNDER SKY’S FEET could be read and discussed to show the similarities. Children can be encouraged to recreate the way Turtle chooses to outdo Beaver and role play their ideas.

Students can be invited to draw their own ponds and study the different animals that live in ponds. If possible, pond water, rainwater, and tap water can be collected and analyzed under a microscope to show that different varmints reside in each. Fostering creative thinking in relation to wildlife, ecology, and environmental issues can also be used in conjunction with the curriculum.

RELATED BOOKS
Other books by Bruchac that could be compared to this one:
HOW CHIPMUNKS GOT THEIR STRIPES. ISBN 0142500216
THE GREAT BALL GAME. ISBN 0803715390
THE EARTH UNDER SKY BEAR’S FEET. ISBN 069811647X

By Rita Pickett

The Shape Game

Browne, Anthony. 2003. THE SHAPE GAME. New York: Farrar Strauss Giroux. ISBN 0374367647 [Suggested Grade Levels: 2-4].

SUMMARY and ANALYSIS
The shape game: a game that can be played by anyone, anytime, often played very well by children, a game that can change your life forever, according to the author. A trip to the art museum for mother’s birthday, reluctantly made by dad, George, and Anthony, turns into an incredible experience for the entire family as connections are made between themselves and the paintings on display. Throughout the family’s visit to the museum, discussions occur that center around the art found at the museum and all of the family leaves with a greater appreciation for fine art. On the way home, the family stops at the gift shop, and purchase a notebook and two colored markers, and fill their time on the train ride home playing “the shape game,” a game where anyone can be an artist.

In this particular story, the realms of fiction and autobiography are woven together to give the reader some insight into an experience in the author’s childhood that truly impacted his life and his pursuits as an artist. Told from a first person narrative, the reader is drawn into the story as if a personal friend was relating an experience one on one. What began as a forced experience of culture, put upon the family by mom, turned into an experience that not only drew the family together, but also influenced the author to put his own mark on the world of art, through illustration. Throughout the book are facsimiles of real paintings, which the family takes time to discuss and analyze. The use of these real paintings allows the reader the opportunity to appreciate art, as well as impacting the focus of the story where the family comes to appreciate art as well.

CONNECTIONS
Visit an art museum and discuss similarities between paintings and real life.
Follow the directions at the end of the story and play the shape game.
Use to introduce a unit on art, and then work to create several different types of artwork. When the unit is complete, have an art show.

RELATED BOOKS
Other books about art:
Cressy, Judith. CAN YOU FIND IT? ISBN 0810935792.

Other books about shapes:
Serfozo, Mary. THERE’S A SQUARE: A BOOK ABOUT SHAPES. Illustrated by David Carter. ISBN 0590544268.

Other books by Browne that could be compared to this one:
THROUGH THE MAGIC MIRROR. ISBN 0688107257.

By Kirsten Murphy

Favorite Things

Bradley, Kimberly Brubaker. 2003. FAVORITE THINGS. Ill. by Laura Huliska-Beith. New York: Penguin Putnam Inc. ISBN 0803725973 [Suggested Grade Levels 0-3]

SUMMARY and ANALYSIS
A mother and son’s goodnight ritual spins itself into a tall tale rendering of the events of the day. “What was your favorite thing today?” a mother asks her young son and is treated to some wildly exaggerated and colorful occurrences. From the parade of elephants that woke him to the intergalactic battle to save the planet from his sister, or rather, the “rude invaders,” Matthew recounts some of his favorite happenings. But no matter how fun and colorful Matthew’s day was, his favorite thing is the time spent with his mother, talking about his day.

An attention getting action packed story, readers will chuckle along with Matthew’s wild tales. The clever language and subtle wit will have adults laughing as well. At one point the spacemen defend the “planet Wisconsin…That’s where all the race car drivers live…and one of the elephants…and Spencer’s grandma…The rest of the elephants come from Ireland.” The brightly colored and wildly patterned illustrations, done by Laura Huliska-Beith, are eye catching and lend themselves to the humor of the story. There are loads of interesting visual details like the tyrannosaurus squirrel, Rex, with his spiked collar and the elephants’ plaid ears. FAVORITE THINGS is a fun and sweet story that would be a great way to end any day.

CONNECTIONS
Children can participate in a writing exercise where they expand their daily activities to include some outlandish embellishments.

This book can be used to discuss and share bedtime rituals.

RELATED BOOKS
Other books that say “Good Night:”
Brown, Margaret Wise. GOODNIGHT MOON. ISBN 0758700156
Dunbar, Joyce. TELL ME SOMETHING HAPPY BEFORE I GO TO SLEEP.
ISBN 015201795X
Fox, Mem. TIME FOR BED. ISBN 0758738137
Yolen, Jane. HOW DO DINOSAURS SAY GOOD NIGHT? ISBN 0439610214


By Marianne Follis

Shakespeare's Spy

Blackwood, Gary. 2003. SHAKESPEARE’S SPY. New York: Dutton’s Children’s Books. ISBN 0525471456 [Suggested Grade Levels 6-8]

SUMMARY and ANALYSIS
Orphaned Widge’s adventures continue in Elizabethan England with the Lord Chamberlain’s Men play company. Set against the backdrop of religious instability on the eve of Queen Elizabeth’s death, the company is facing internal struggles as well. Money is tight, costumes and plays are missing, and plays are being edited for religious content. Anyone not in church is fined. Everyone in the company is on edge as their future with the new monarch is in doubt. The performers have enjoyed the patronage of Queen Elizabeth. How will the Stuart king feel about actors and the theater? Widge is battling the prophecy of a fortune-teller claiming he will be the reason for someone’s death as well as a crush he has developed on Mr. Shakespeare’s petulant daughter, Judith. In order to win her favor, Widge claims to be writing a play of his own, but finds that he is better as the performer rather than the writer. Widge does eventually indirectly cause the death of one of his friends, but he also regains good friend Julia who returns to London from France.

Combined with the continuing Catholic and Protestant conflicts and the immergence of the Jesuits, Widge has grown and matured since his last adventure. He is perpetually curious about his past and learns few more valuable fragments about his parents. The story itself mixes history with mystery, and fact with fiction. The novel includes vivid details about London at the end of Elizabeth’s rule. The dialogue is peppered with expressions indicative of the time. The novel provides insights into the history of the times without bludgeoning readers with a dry history lesson. The story is as engaging and compelling as the previous installments.

CONNECTIONS
Encourage children to read Shakespeare or adaptations of Shakespeare’s works. Have children compare Shakespeare’s stories and characters to modern day literature. Readers can also research Elizabethan England, the Globe Theater, and Shakespeare himself. Although Queen Elizabeth is one of England’s most

Have readers find as many Elizabethan English phrases and expressions in the text as they can. They can then create a glossary of these terms for future readers.

Encourage children to write their own play, as Widge attempted to do in the story. Or have readers adapt a chapter of the novel for the stage.

RELATED BOOKS
Other books by Blackwood featuring the same characters:
SHAKESPEARE’S SCRIBE. ISBN 0525464441
THE SHAKESPEARE STEALER ISBN 0525458638

By Lea Ann Gilbert