Book Review
A. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Mourlevat, Jean-Claude. 2006. THE PULL OF THE OCEAN. Translated by Y. Maudet. New York: Delacorte Press. ISBN: 0385733488.
B. PLOT SUMMARY
The smallest child in the family and the only boy that was not a twin, Yann convinced his brothers to flee from their overbearing and neglectful parents. The boys take an arduous journey across France and head west in the direction of the ocean. Yann communicates with his brothers through subtle gestures or his thoughts. The seven brothers have a strong connection between each other and each pair of twins have their own unique bond.
Even though Yann is a little person or described as a “dwarf” in the story, his strength comes not from his body, but from his mind. The twins take turns carrying Yann in a bag and rely on him to make the crucial decisions along their journey. After they finally reach the ocean, they enter an abandoned house only to find themselves locked inside without any food, water, or electricity. The police finally rescue all but Yann after the boys locate a phone and call their parents. Yann slips out of the house and continues his journey on a freight trip headed west.
C. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Yann’s mother may have felt subconsciously felt guilty for Yann’s imperfections, but she demonstrated otherwise. She disliked his tiny body, love of learning, intelligence, and pretentious attitude. The three pairs of twins and Yann were forced to do the farm chores, endure their parents short tempers, and suffer the physical abuse by their father.
Each chapter in THE PULL OF THE OCEAN is told from a different point of view. This method of narration allows the reader to formulate an interpretation of the story based on diverse perspectives. For example, even though Yann did not speak, Yann’s brothers thought of him as intelligent and communicated with him through signals or thoughts. As the story progresses, the reader is able to learn how each brother views their situation and his thoughts about Yann. In each chapter, the language and manner of speaking consistently change along with the narrator.
Without being didactic, this story offers the reader a glimpse into the life of a little person. Yann had difficulty keeping up with his brothers while walking across the country. Yet he was able to use his smallness to his advantage too. Yann was able to slip the train tickets out of the man’s suitcase in order for Yann and the twins to ride the train.
The mother may be poor, uneducated, and neglectful; nevertheless, she loved her children. In the end, the parents helped to rescue their children, and Yann admitted that the father wanted to kill the kittens and not the boys. Perhaps, Yann confessed the truth about his parents’ intentions since he was not able to find his brothers another place to live. However, Yann decided to continue his journey since he did not want to return to having his studies repressed and his mind stifled.
D. REVIEW EXCERPTS
Mildred L. Batchelder Award Winner 2007 United States
Booklist, Dec. 1, 2006 (Vol. 103, No. 7)
Unlike his six older brothers--three sets of twins--who are all tall for their age, 10-year-old Yann is a miniature, no more than two feet tall. However, despite his diminutive stature, his youth, and the fact that he is mute, he is the cleverest of the lot and their unquestioned leader. When he wakes his brothers one dark and stormy night and convinces them that they must leave their parents' farm, they follow him unquestioningly. Sound familiar? It should; it's a retelling of "Tom Thumb."
In addition to giving his version a contemporary setting, French author Mourlevat tells the story from multiple points of view. He also invests it with some symbolic weight--Yann can be viewed as a Christ figure. The ending leaves readers a bit at sea, but the story is intriguing, and the relationship among the brothers is heartwarming.
The Horn Book Guide, Spring 2007
Yann, a ten-year-old boy the size of a two-year-old, leads his six brothers on a journey to the sea, escaping their abusive parents. This story/fable/fairy tale, told in a series of first-person accounts, builds in tension and poignancy as the lives of the seven boys are revealed. A powerful portrait of poverty and sibling solidarity. Category: Older Fiction. 2006, Delacorte, 191pp, 15.95, 17.99. Ages 12 to 14. Rating: 2: Superior, well above average.
E. CONNECTIONS
Students could research twins, little people, and muteness. Students might choose to use the following websites to learn more information about those subjects.
Websites:
Twins: http://library.thinkquest.org/4210/index.htm
http://kidshealth.org/kid/feeling/home_family/twin_triplet.html
Muteness: http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/kids/kcalpage.htm
Orphan Runaways
by Kristiana Gregory
ISBN: 0590603663
Peck, Robert Newton.
Title Bro : a novel / by Robert Newton Peck.
ISBN: 006052975X
Kelly, Tom J., 1961-
Title Finn's going / Tom Kelly.
9780061214530
Friday, September 19, 2008
KOALA LOU
Book Review
A. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Lofts, Pamela. 1998. Koala Lou. By Mem Fox. San Diego. Harcourt Brace Jovanovich. ISBN 0152005021.
B. PLOT SUMMARY
Koala Lou misses her mother’s undivided attention that she gradually lost as her mother had more children and less time. Koala Lou missed hearing her mother say the special sentence, “Koala Lou, I Do love you!” She wanted to win back her mother’s affection and hear her say those special words. Koala Lou decided to train for and enter the Bush Olympics in order to please her mother. In the end, Koala Lou did not win the tree climbing race, but she did realize that her mother still loved her if even she does not say it every day.
C. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
In this book, children are exposed to many native Australian animals. The animals in the story such as: the koala, emu, platypus, kookaburra, and kangaroo are culture markers that guide the reader to understand this story takes place in Australia. The reader is able to see the animals interact together in their natural habitat as opposed to seeing them in a cage in the zoo.
Mem Fox also names the Olympics after the location they occur: the Bush which is otherwise known as the Australian Outback. The illustrations depict the eucalyptus tree, the home and food source of the koala bear. The Koala bear never gives up even though it was unlikely that she would win the race.
The illustrator colorfully depicts the Australian animals in the story and the author names some of the native animals. This gives the reader an opportunity to learn the names of a few new animals, and an opportunity to investigate the other animals that are named in the story. The reader may inquire as to if these animals would interact together under a realistic circumstance.
The main character, Koala Lou, is a determined female. Koala Lou could be seen as a role model for young readers. Even though she did not win the game, she earned the respect of her friends and family. Koala Lou also learned that her mother loved her regardless of what happens in her life.
D. REVIEW EXCERPTS
School Library Journal
This is a charming story of a young koala bear who dreams of entering her own Bush Olympics. Despite all her hard work and dedicated training, Koala Lou comes up short and takes second prize. But that doesn't mean that her mother cares for her any less, and the book closes by reassuring readers that winning isn't a prerequisite to being loved. The colored-pencil illustrations express that message gently and fancifully with an eclectic cast of Australian creatures.
Horn Book (The Horn Book Guide, 1989)
In a gentle tale set in the Australian bush, Koala Lou wants to win the Bush Olympics. A good choice for story hour, bedtime, or reading aloud. Review, p. 757. Category: Fiction. 1989, Harcourt, 32pp.. Ages 5 to 9. Rating: 2: Superior, well above average.
E. CONNECTIONS
Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, 2001 ; H.W. Wilson; United StatesChildren's Catalog, Nineteenth Edition, 2006 ; H.W. Wilson; United States
Texas Reading Club, 2005 ; Texas
Older students can learn more about the modern Olympics using this website: http://www.usoc.org/ and more about the ancient Olympics using the following website: http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/Olympics/.
These books also explore a mother’s unconditional love for her child.
Joosse, Barbara. Mama, DO Y0U LOVE ME? ISBN: 087701759X
Melmed, Laura Krauss: I LOVE YOU AS MUCH. ISBN: 0688117198
Schlein, Miriam: THE WAY MOTHERS ARE. ISBN: 0807586919
Wheeler, Lisa. TE AMO, BEBE, LITTLE ONE. ISBN: 0316614106
A. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Lofts, Pamela. 1998. Koala Lou. By Mem Fox. San Diego. Harcourt Brace Jovanovich. ISBN 0152005021.
B. PLOT SUMMARY
Koala Lou misses her mother’s undivided attention that she gradually lost as her mother had more children and less time. Koala Lou missed hearing her mother say the special sentence, “Koala Lou, I Do love you!” She wanted to win back her mother’s affection and hear her say those special words. Koala Lou decided to train for and enter the Bush Olympics in order to please her mother. In the end, Koala Lou did not win the tree climbing race, but she did realize that her mother still loved her if even she does not say it every day.
C. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
In this book, children are exposed to many native Australian animals. The animals in the story such as: the koala, emu, platypus, kookaburra, and kangaroo are culture markers that guide the reader to understand this story takes place in Australia. The reader is able to see the animals interact together in their natural habitat as opposed to seeing them in a cage in the zoo.
Mem Fox also names the Olympics after the location they occur: the Bush which is otherwise known as the Australian Outback. The illustrations depict the eucalyptus tree, the home and food source of the koala bear. The Koala bear never gives up even though it was unlikely that she would win the race.
The illustrator colorfully depicts the Australian animals in the story and the author names some of the native animals. This gives the reader an opportunity to learn the names of a few new animals, and an opportunity to investigate the other animals that are named in the story. The reader may inquire as to if these animals would interact together under a realistic circumstance.
The main character, Koala Lou, is a determined female. Koala Lou could be seen as a role model for young readers. Even though she did not win the game, she earned the respect of her friends and family. Koala Lou also learned that her mother loved her regardless of what happens in her life.
D. REVIEW EXCERPTS
School Library Journal
This is a charming story of a young koala bear who dreams of entering her own Bush Olympics. Despite all her hard work and dedicated training, Koala Lou comes up short and takes second prize. But that doesn't mean that her mother cares for her any less, and the book closes by reassuring readers that winning isn't a prerequisite to being loved. The colored-pencil illustrations express that message gently and fancifully with an eclectic cast of Australian creatures.
Horn Book (The Horn Book Guide, 1989)
In a gentle tale set in the Australian bush, Koala Lou wants to win the Bush Olympics. A good choice for story hour, bedtime, or reading aloud. Review, p. 757. Category: Fiction. 1989, Harcourt, 32pp.. Ages 5 to 9. Rating: 2: Superior, well above average.
E. CONNECTIONS
Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, 2001 ; H.W. Wilson; United StatesChildren's Catalog, Nineteenth Edition, 2006 ; H.W. Wilson; United States
Texas Reading Club, 2005 ; Texas
Older students can learn more about the modern Olympics using this website: http://www.usoc.org/ and more about the ancient Olympics using the following website: http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/Olympics/.
These books also explore a mother’s unconditional love for her child.
Joosse, Barbara. Mama, DO Y0U LOVE ME? ISBN: 087701759X
Melmed, Laura Krauss: I LOVE YOU AS MUCH. ISBN: 0688117198
Schlein, Miriam: THE WAY MOTHERS ARE. ISBN: 0807586919
Wheeler, Lisa. TE AMO, BEBE, LITTLE ONE. ISBN: 0316614106
THE HIDDEN FOREST
BOOK REVIEW - THE HIDDEN FOREST
A. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Baker, Jeannie. The Hidden Forest. Asheville, NY: Greenwillow Books, 2000. ISBN: 0688157610.B.
B. PLOT SUMMARY
At first Ben does not respect the little minnows that he catches in his fish trap. He throws them into his rowboat and leaves them to die. Ben realizes that his fish trap is stuck in the seaweed, so he asks his friend Sophie to help him untangle the trap. Ben returns to the water with Sophie. Ben timidly enters the water and watches as Sophie dives deep to release the trap. After helping Ben untangle the seaweed from the trap, Sophie gives Ben a tour of the water and introduces him to the various types of kelp growing along the rocks. Sophie teaches Ben to hold his breath and dive deep into the water to search for sea dragons. After discovering amazing sea and plant life in the ocean, Ben returns to his fish trap and releases the animals back into the water.
C. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Jeannie Baker uses collages to create a three dimensional view of kelp forests. The specific cultural maker would be the kelp forest. The entire story takes place in the water. In the beginning of the story, Baker shows the kelp covering up both the water’s surface and Ben’s view of the underwater life. His murky understanding of the water included thoughts about ocean life as dispensable and something to make a profit on as the bag in his boat indicated: “Fresh, Real Value!”
Ben is frightened of the sensations of the slimy kelp gliding over his body and the unknown mysteries lurking in the water below the surface. Once Ben frees his boat from the kelp and his thoughts clear and he remembers his friend Sophie. Baker portrays Sophie as a strong, brave girl that helps Ben not only release his cage from the kelp, but also teaches his how to dive and in the process he discovers a respect and admiration for the ocean.
As Baker uses the collage to illustrate, how instead of being repulsed by the feel of kelp on his body, Ben watches the kelp glow underwater and float in the tide. Through the use of collage, Baker is able to show the numerous species of kelp and the ocean animals that live among the plants. Baker uses the whale spotting to finalize Ben’s awakening and to expose the immenseness of the ocean’s animals. The reader understands that Ben’s transformation is complete when Ben releases the small animals that were caught in his fish trap.
Baker’s uses specific adjectives such as shimmer, golden, gleaming, and mysterious and nouns such as creatures, dinghy, waves, textures, and fascination to describe the Ben’s exploration of this underwater world in a kelp forest. In the back of the book, the author notes that the kelp forest in the story was modeled after one that is located on the east coast of Tasmania. She also includes facts about kelp forests, describes Giant Kelp, and mentions that scientists are concerned that it is vanishing.
Ben, Sophie, and the beach goers have light colored skin and live off the island of Tasmania since the author based the story on the kelp forests growing there. THE HIDDEN FOREST gently guides readers along Ben’s journey from disliking the kelp and unknown elements beneath the water to appreciating the layers of the kelp forest and the marine life that live in the ocean.
D. REVIEW EXCERPTS
Giverny Book Award Winner 2003 Best Children's Science Picture Book United States
Kirkus (Kirkus Reviews, April 1, 2000 (Vol. 68, No. 7))Vivid, inventive collages by author/artist Jeannie Baker make this picture book on the hidden underwater world of kelp forests a compelling addition to the ecology section of school and public libraries. For her collages, the author/artist used collected natural materials, (pressed seaweed, sand, and sponges) or translucent artist's clay to model kelp and resin to make seawater. These visually striking illustrations extend the story of Ben, a young boy who holds little regard for sea life... He returns to the surface of the sea with a greater appreciation of the sea and the life within it.] This title captivates the viewer while celebrating the environment. Not to be missed. 2000, Greenwillow/HarperCollins, $16.95. Category: Picture book. Ages 5 to 9. Starred Review. © 2000 Kirkus Reviews/VNU eMedia, Inc. All rights reserved.
Booklist: Susan Dove Lempke (Booklist, Sep. 1, 2000 (Vol. 97, No. 1))
In this picture book for older children, Ben, who is fishing in some weeds, gets frustrated because he's catching only minnows. He fights with the weeds to free his trap, but he has to call his friend Sophie, who knows how to dive, to untangle it for him. Sophie agrees, if Ben will come below the water with her to see "the world under the waves." The remainder of the book describes the underwater sights of a kelp forest and an encounter with a whale. The text is far less interesting than Baker's fascinating sea collages, which combine pressed seaweed, sponges, and sand to luminous effect. They reveal an amazing array of color, light, texture, and movement that appears so three-dimensional it's hard to believe the pictures are flat.
E. CONNECTIONS
Giverny Book Award 2003
Children could research ocean life and kelp in websites such as: http://kids.nationalgeographic.com/ or general information about Tasmania using the website: http://www.discovertasmania.com/us/.
Teenagers could research ocean preservation and other environmental conservation in websites such as http://www.greenpeace.com/ and http://www.kidsregen.org/.
These are some other resources that provide more information about marine life.
Jackson, Kay. EXPLORE THE OCEAN. ISBN: 0736864067
Berkes, Marianne and Jeanette Canyon. OVER IN THE OCEAN: IN A CORAL REEF. ISBN: 1-58469-082-8
Bessensen, Brooke. LOOK WHO LIVES IN THE OCEAN: SPLASHING AND DASHING, NIBBLING AND QUIBBLING, BLENDING AND FENDING. 1-932082-82-4
Hall, Howard. THE SECRETS OF THE KELP FORESTS: LIFE’S EBB AND FLOW IN THE SEA’S RICHEST HABITAT. 0-9766134-9-2
Ramsden, Julie and Michael Ramsden. DISCOVER THE DEEP. 0-7910-8974-6
Rhodes, Mary Jo. LIFE IN A KELP FOREST (UNDERSEA ENCOUNTERS). 0-516-24396-9
A. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Baker, Jeannie. The Hidden Forest. Asheville, NY: Greenwillow Books, 2000. ISBN: 0688157610.B.
B. PLOT SUMMARY
At first Ben does not respect the little minnows that he catches in his fish trap. He throws them into his rowboat and leaves them to die. Ben realizes that his fish trap is stuck in the seaweed, so he asks his friend Sophie to help him untangle the trap. Ben returns to the water with Sophie. Ben timidly enters the water and watches as Sophie dives deep to release the trap. After helping Ben untangle the seaweed from the trap, Sophie gives Ben a tour of the water and introduces him to the various types of kelp growing along the rocks. Sophie teaches Ben to hold his breath and dive deep into the water to search for sea dragons. After discovering amazing sea and plant life in the ocean, Ben returns to his fish trap and releases the animals back into the water.
C. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Jeannie Baker uses collages to create a three dimensional view of kelp forests. The specific cultural maker would be the kelp forest. The entire story takes place in the water. In the beginning of the story, Baker shows the kelp covering up both the water’s surface and Ben’s view of the underwater life. His murky understanding of the water included thoughts about ocean life as dispensable and something to make a profit on as the bag in his boat indicated: “Fresh, Real Value!”
Ben is frightened of the sensations of the slimy kelp gliding over his body and the unknown mysteries lurking in the water below the surface. Once Ben frees his boat from the kelp and his thoughts clear and he remembers his friend Sophie. Baker portrays Sophie as a strong, brave girl that helps Ben not only release his cage from the kelp, but also teaches his how to dive and in the process he discovers a respect and admiration for the ocean.
As Baker uses the collage to illustrate, how instead of being repulsed by the feel of kelp on his body, Ben watches the kelp glow underwater and float in the tide. Through the use of collage, Baker is able to show the numerous species of kelp and the ocean animals that live among the plants. Baker uses the whale spotting to finalize Ben’s awakening and to expose the immenseness of the ocean’s animals. The reader understands that Ben’s transformation is complete when Ben releases the small animals that were caught in his fish trap.
Baker’s uses specific adjectives such as shimmer, golden, gleaming, and mysterious and nouns such as creatures, dinghy, waves, textures, and fascination to describe the Ben’s exploration of this underwater world in a kelp forest. In the back of the book, the author notes that the kelp forest in the story was modeled after one that is located on the east coast of Tasmania. She also includes facts about kelp forests, describes Giant Kelp, and mentions that scientists are concerned that it is vanishing.
Ben, Sophie, and the beach goers have light colored skin and live off the island of Tasmania since the author based the story on the kelp forests growing there. THE HIDDEN FOREST gently guides readers along Ben’s journey from disliking the kelp and unknown elements beneath the water to appreciating the layers of the kelp forest and the marine life that live in the ocean.
D. REVIEW EXCERPTS
Giverny Book Award Winner 2003 Best Children's Science Picture Book United States
Kirkus (Kirkus Reviews, April 1, 2000 (Vol. 68, No. 7))Vivid, inventive collages by author/artist Jeannie Baker make this picture book on the hidden underwater world of kelp forests a compelling addition to the ecology section of school and public libraries. For her collages, the author/artist used collected natural materials, (pressed seaweed, sand, and sponges) or translucent artist's clay to model kelp and resin to make seawater. These visually striking illustrations extend the story of Ben, a young boy who holds little regard for sea life... He returns to the surface of the sea with a greater appreciation of the sea and the life within it.] This title captivates the viewer while celebrating the environment. Not to be missed. 2000, Greenwillow/HarperCollins, $16.95. Category: Picture book. Ages 5 to 9. Starred Review. © 2000 Kirkus Reviews/VNU eMedia, Inc. All rights reserved.
Booklist: Susan Dove Lempke (Booklist, Sep. 1, 2000 (Vol. 97, No. 1))
In this picture book for older children, Ben, who is fishing in some weeds, gets frustrated because he's catching only minnows. He fights with the weeds to free his trap, but he has to call his friend Sophie, who knows how to dive, to untangle it for him. Sophie agrees, if Ben will come below the water with her to see "the world under the waves." The remainder of the book describes the underwater sights of a kelp forest and an encounter with a whale. The text is far less interesting than Baker's fascinating sea collages, which combine pressed seaweed, sponges, and sand to luminous effect. They reveal an amazing array of color, light, texture, and movement that appears so three-dimensional it's hard to believe the pictures are flat.
E. CONNECTIONS
Giverny Book Award 2003
Children could research ocean life and kelp in websites such as: http://kids.nationalgeographic.com/ or general information about Tasmania using the website: http://www.discovertasmania.com/us/.
Teenagers could research ocean preservation and other environmental conservation in websites such as http://www.greenpeace.com/ and http://www.kidsregen.org/.
These are some other resources that provide more information about marine life.
Jackson, Kay. EXPLORE THE OCEAN. ISBN: 0736864067
Berkes, Marianne and Jeanette Canyon. OVER IN THE OCEAN: IN A CORAL REEF. ISBN: 1-58469-082-8
Bessensen, Brooke. LOOK WHO LIVES IN THE OCEAN: SPLASHING AND DASHING, NIBBLING AND QUIBBLING, BLENDING AND FENDING. 1-932082-82-4
Hall, Howard. THE SECRETS OF THE KELP FORESTS: LIFE’S EBB AND FLOW IN THE SEA’S RICHEST HABITAT. 0-9766134-9-2
Ramsden, Julie and Michael Ramsden. DISCOVER THE DEEP. 0-7910-8974-6
Rhodes, Mary Jo. LIFE IN A KELP FOREST (UNDERSEA ENCOUNTERS). 0-516-24396-9
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