Pages

Sunday, January 29, 2012

Ottoline at Sea


Riddell, Chris. Ottoline at Sea. Illustrated by Chris Riddell. Macmillan Children's Books, 2010. 176 pages. $14.99. ISBN 9781405050593.


Summary:
This is the third installment of the adventures of Ottoline who lives in Big City with Mr. Munroe, a small, hairy, Norwegian Bog Person (he looks a little like Cousin It from the Addam's Family). When Mr. Munroe disappears, Ottoline follows a string of clues that lead her to Norway. She travels by submarine, visits the Polar Bear Shoe Co. (run by polar bears in an iceberg), and meets two green-nosed trolls. When she and Mr. Munroe are reunited, he is in the company of a very unhappy, mythical creature who needs a new lease on life and Ottoline has a clever plan. The illustrations are rendered in pen and ink, often labeled with extra information, diagrams and cutaways. This volume includes a reader's pair of "bog goggles" which can be used to examine specific illustrations for clues.

Curriculum Connections:
Though mostly for fun, this book could be used with older readers to examine the ways that the illustrations support and enhance a text. There are a couple of spreads that continue the story, but without any supporting or intervening text. Is this a chapter book? Or a graphic novel? This could stimulate an interesting discussion.

Personal Reflections:
I enjoyed the first two stories of Ottoline's adventures, but the bog goggles were a gimmick and tricky to maneuver. There are several references to popular culture that would likely go over the heads of young readers and something about this episode felt a little bit forced.

Awards:

Age/Interest Range:
7-12

Genre/Themes:
Humor, Friendship, Mystery, Adventure, Fantasy

Read-Alikes:
Ottoline is a little like Eloise (Thompson) if she grown up and left the Plaza Hotel, and without Nanny to keep her in line. The illustrations even echo Hilary Knight's style: mostly black and white ink drawings, with an occasional, single color. Though it is an illustrated chapter book and humorous, it is not a read-alike to the Diary of a Wimpy Kid (Kinney) books or Big Nate (Peirce).

Mr. Putter and Tabby Spill the Beans


Rylant, Cynthia. Mr. Putter and Tabby Spill the Beans. Illustrated by Arthur Howard. Harcourt Children’s Books, 2009. Unpaged. $15.00. ISBN 9780152050702.

Summary:
Mr. Putter and Tabby the cat have good friends who live next door: Mrs. Teaberry and her dog, Zeke. When Mrs. Teaberry invites Mr. Putter and Tabby to join her for something “new and fun,” Mr. Putter recalls some of their other adventures together, such as the bug festival or the amusement park. Could a class on how to cook beans 100 different ways really be fun? It turns out to be quite an adventure for all four of the friends, though at first things seem pretty boring.
Curriculum Reflections:
Mr. Putter and Tabby are an early reader series with all the right components: engaging illustrations, great characters, short “chapters,” and a big dose of humor. Their adventures together are sweet and often silly, especially when Mrs. Teaberry and Zeke are involved. This could be a good text-to-self series, for new readers to reflect upon their own friendships and experiences.
Personal Reflections:
Although these books are designed for emerging readers, they are lots of fun to read aloud. Rylant manages to make each installment of the series unique and humorous, with some recurrent themes that will reassure readers.
Awards:
Age/Interest Range:
PreK-9.
Genre/Themes:
Friendship, Humor, Pets, Elders, Early Reader.
Read-Alikes:
This series recalls the Fox series (Fox on the Job, Fox All Week, etc.) of early readers by James Marshall, or the classic Frog and Toad books by Arnold Lobel, for the themes of friendship and humor.

Friday, January 27, 2012

Lunch Lady and the Cyborg Substitute


Krosoczka, Jarrett J. Lunch Lady and the Cyborg Substitute. Illustrated by Jarrett J. Krosoczka. Alfred A. Knopf, 2009. 96 pages. $6.99. ISBN 9780375946837.


Summary:
The first episode of this new graphic novel series is funny and engaging. The “Breakfast Bunch,” Hector, Dee, and Terrence, are curious about what their Lunch Lady does when she’s out of school. However, we readers know, from the first page, that the Lunch Lady isn’t shy to snap on her rubber gloves, hop on her moped, and chase after criminals. The new substitute teacher seems a little odd and the Lunch Lady gathers some data to find out more, equipped with her Spatu-Copter and Cannoli-Oculars.

Curriculum Connections:
This series is designed for novice readers of graphic novels: the panes are easy to follow and the text is written clearly.

Personal Reflections:
The humor, gadgetry, and mystery will appeal to readers of all ages. Plus, Lunch Lady has some great expletives: “Sweet Potato!”

Awards:

Age/Interest Range:
Ages 7+

Genre/Themes:
Mystery, Science Fiction, School Stories, Humor, Bullying, Adventure

Read-Alikes:
This series is similar in size and design to the popular Babymouse (Holm) graphic novel series, as well as in the themes of school stories, adventure, and humor.

Calvin Can't Fly: The Story of a Bookworm Birdie


Berne, Jennifer. Calvin can’t fly: The Story of a Bookworm Birdie. Sterling Publishing Co., 2010. 32 pages. $16.99. ISBN 9781402773235.

Summary:
Calvin, a young starling, isn’t like his family members: he is a book-lover. While Calvin’s nest-mates learn how to fly and catch insects, Calvin spends his time reading in the library. He reads with a diverse appetite: poetry, science, history, and adventure are just some of the books that broaden Calvin’s mind. But when autumn arrives and the family is ready to migrate, everyone realizes that Calvin can’t fly. His family devises a clever solution that will allow Calvin to migrate with them. When Calvin spots a hurricane, he advises his flock to seek shelter and saves the day.

Curriculum Conncections:
This is a text that would lend itself to discussions about the social issues of differences and belonging: being part of a group as an individual with unique challenges. Calvin is teased, initially, for his differences, but ultimately finds acceptance in his flock. It could also serve as a lighthearted introduction to bird habits and migration.

Personal Reflections:
A book for booklovers, this story celebrates personal differences as well as the importance of belonging to a group. This title is another excellent read-aloud choice that will engage listeners to make connections and predictions with the text.

Awards:
Chickadee Nomination List 2011-2012

Age/Interest Range:
Pre-K-8; booklovers of all ages.

Genre/Themes:
Acceptance, SocialSkills, Reading, Family, Migration

Read-Alikes:
How Rocket Learned to Read (Hills) is another story about the impact of reading, though Rocket is a reluctant reader at first. This could be a good comparison text.