Module 10: Calamity Jack

Bibliography: Hale, D. & Hale, S. (2010). Calamity Jack.  New York, NY: Bloomsbury Children’s Books.

Summary: Jack is an incorrigible schemer always on the lookout for an easy mark.  Along with his partner Prudence the pixie, he enjoys swindling his marks and concocting new schemes.  He has a run of bad luck when burgling the tower of Blunderboar the giant and is forced to flee town while leaving Prudence behind and his mother’s bakery in shambles.  Jack eventually returns to his hometown with his new partner Rapunzel only to find it a run down wreck under Blunderboar’s control.  He and Rapunzel suspect that Blunderboar is working with an ant-people force to exert that control.  They team up with Jack’s old partner Prudence and newspaper owner Freddie Sparksmith to find the evidence they need to run Blunderboar out of town.  Working as a team, they successfully infiltrate Blunderboar’s tower and after a series of adventures manage to accomplish their goal.

Impressions:  The authors’ skill in constructing a fast paced action thriller that does not rely on blood and gore is astonishing.  I was also impressed with the way that the authors’ took classic characters like Jack and Rapunzel and gave them an edgy, modern feel that should appeal to the current generation of young adults.  The colorful illustrations are well done and successfully fill in the gaps left by the sparse dialogue.  Jack’s journey from petty criminal to hero is  a common theme in fiction but the authors’ do an excellent job of bringing it to fruition.  Perhaps the most fascinating aspect of this book was the way the authors’ combined the steam punk and classic fairytale genres into a seamless whole.

Reviews:

“The stars of the graphic novel Rapunzel’s Revenge (2008) move from the Old West to the big city, and this time the spotlight shines on Jack. After his success during his time on the run with Rapunzel, Jack returns to the city determined to prove to his mother (and to Rapunzel) that he is not the scheming delinquent she believes him to be. Instead, he finds the city controlled by an evil giant and under attack by a mysterious enemy. Jack must come up with his best scheme yet to defeat the enemy, save the city, and prove his worth to the women he cares about most. The urban setting suits this retelling of the familiar beanstalk tale; Nathan Hale’s art gives it a steampunk twist, and the addition of fairy-tale creatures like giants and pixies is natural and convincing. Shannon and Dean Hale have done an excellent job stretching the bones of the traditional fable into a high-action coming-of-age story that will keep young teen readers excited and engaged.” – Eva Volin (Booklist)

-          Volin, E. (2009). Calamity Jack Review. Booklist (Vol. 106, No. 3). Retrieved from http://libproxy.library.unt.edu:2378/cgi-bin/member/search/f?./temp/~Bw1RU8:1

“In Shannon Hale, Dean Hale, and Nathan Hale’s fractured fairy tale Rapunzel’s Revenge, readers were treated to an Old West version of the Rapunzel story where Rapunzel becomes a Western heroine who uses her long braids as whips and lassos. Now in Calamity Jack, the Hales turn their attention to Rapunzel’s sidekick Jack as they put their own spin on the Jack and the Beanstalk story. All the Western motifs remain as Jack, here a Native American small time thief, tries to help his mother by stealing a magic goose from crooked businessman giant Blunderboar. Unfortunately, when a magic bean makes the scheme go horribly wrong, Jack is forced to flee--and winds up meeting Rapunzel. Now hoping to right some old wrongs, Jack and Rapunzel return to his home city of Shyport, along with some golden eggs to settle his debts. But when Jack learns that the giants have taken over Shyport, he must use all of his cunning to uncover the giants’ scheme and free his own home from their rule--if the giants do not grind his bones into flour first! A fantastic story that keeps the fun tone of Rapunzel’s Revenge while also breaking new ground, Calamity Jack shows how good storytellers can pay homage to classic fairytales without being limited by familiar plots. While it is easy to see who Jack, Rapunzel, and Blunderboar are based on, each figure is also a unique character in their own right, with rich personal histories and motives that make them more than just imitations of their predecessors. As with Rapunzel’s Revenge, the Hales leave the door open for another sequel, and many readers will hope they follow through.” – Michael Jung (Children’s Literature)

-          Jung, M. (2010). Calamity Jack Review. Children’s Literature. Retrieved from http://libproxy.library.unt.edu:2378/cgi-bin/member/search/f?./temp/~Bw1RU8:1

Suggestions for Use in a Library:

Read the classic tales Jack and the Beanstalk and Rapuzel to a group of children.  Ask each child to point out one difference and one similarity between the characters from the classic tales and the ones from the re-imagined story.

Module 10: Tales from Outer Suburbia

Bibliography: Tan, S. (2008). Tales from Outer Suburbia. New York, NY: Scholastic Inc.

Summary: This novel contains several fictional stories that cover the strange and unusual happenings of suburban life.  The stories cover everything from a giant water buffalo who gives obscure directions to an unusual holiday in which people sacrifice precious objects to a blind reindeer. One particular story covers the journey of a giant paper ball formed from scraps of forgotten or discarded poetry. Surrealistic images accompany each story and appear in a variety of formats – from hand-drawn to collage.

Impressions: Readers who delight in the strange and unusual will enjoy this novel.  Tan’s stories weave a magical effect and bring imagination to life.  The surrealistic images that accompany all his stores serve to enhance this effect.  The language used, with few exceptions, is suited to young adults which are the books intended audience.  Though all the stories were interesting, I found “Distant Rain” the most interesting.  This particular story explains how some works of poetry escape the destruction that often befalls them and eventually form a giant paper ball that takes on a life of its own.  The giant ball falls apart in the end and the various pieces fall all over the neighborhood and instill a variety of emotions in the residents. 

Reviews:

“Starred Review* After teaching the graphic format a thing or two about its own potential for elegance with The Arrival (2007), Tan follows up with this array of 15 extraordinary illustrated tales. But here is an achievement in diametric opposition to his silent masterpiece, as Tan combines spare words and weirdly dazzling images—in styles ranging from painting to doodles to collage—to create a unity that holds complexities of emotion seldom found in even the most mature works. The story of a water buffalo who sits in a vacant lot mysteriously pointing children “in the right direction” is whimsical but also ominous. The centerpiece, “Grandpa’s Story,” recalling a ceremonial marriage journey and the unnameable perils faced therein, captures a tone of aching melancholy and longing, but also, ultimately, a sense of deep, deep happiness. And the eerie “Stick Figures” is both a poignant and rather disturbing narrative that plays out in the washed-out daylight of suburban streets where curious, tortured creatures wait at the ends of pathways and behind bus stops. The thoughtful and engaged reader will take from these stories an experience as deep and profound as with anything he or she has ever read.”  – Jesse Karp (Booklist)

-          Karp, J. (2008). Tales from Outer Suburbia Review. Booklist (Vol. 105, No. 7). Retrieved from http://libproxy.library.unt.edu:2378/cgi-bin/member/search/f?./temp/~Y80Bt9:2

“Far from the simple life, Tan's suburbia is full of exotic characters and strange situations. Made up of fifteen short stories, Tales from Outer Suburbia explores various issues related to the rise of the suburbs. Several stories deal with the consequences of consumerism. There is even a how-to guide on creating a lovable pet from discarded electronics. Another tale describes two children who travel across town searching for the end of the concrete sprawl. At last they come to the end of the road and find nothing exists beyond the sheer drop-off. Other memorable stories range from cold war fall-out, a neighborhood full of idle "backyard missiles" which have found diverse practical uses over the years, to tracing the fate of discarded poems. Throughout Tan's masterful blend of visual and written art, the reader is taken on a nostalgic journey. Every inch of the book is carefully designed, alternating between various mediums-paint, pencil, and colleague-to bring the ideas to life. The stories each stand on their own, while also uniting to complete a holistic vision of modern suburbia. Tales from Outer Suburbia is ideal for use in the classroom as it can be studied and analyzed either lightly or in great depth depending on the students' individual levels. One reading is not enough, and readers will continue to glean more each time they visit "Outer Suburbia." – Alison Canar (Children’s Book and Play Review)

-          Canar, A. (2009). Tales from Outer Suburbia Review.  Children’s Book and Play Review (Vol. 29, No. 6). Retrieved from http://libproxy.library.unt.edu:2378/cgi-bin/member/search/f?./temp/~Y80Bt9:2

Suggestions for Use in a Library:

Librarians can use this book as a starting point for a discussion about strange and unusual things that occur in reality.  Children can share stories about unusual events that have happened in their own lives.

Module 9: Dog Poems

Bibliography: Crawley, D. (2007). Dog Poems. Homesdale, PA: Boyds Mills Press, Inc.

Summary:   This book contains a collection of humorous dog poems written in simple, rhythmic verse.  A number of topics are explored such as domestication, expression, different dog breeds and amusing behavior.  One example is the poem “Telling a Tail” which describes how a dog’s tale changes with different moods.  Another poem, “Washing the Dog”, depicts a young boy’s struggle to wash his dirty dog.  Each poem is accompanied by one to six colorful illustrations that depict a scene or scenes from the poem. 

Impressions:  Crawley’s use of simple, rhythmic verse is combined with colorful and humorous illustrations to produce an excellent collection of children’s poems.  Young readers who enjoy dog related material will enjoy the variety of guises that man’s best friends is shown in over the course of this book.  The mood of every poem, from the laziness of the sheepdog in “Shaggy Sheepdog” to the happy abandon of the labrador in “The Labrador Loves Liquid” is faithfully captured by the accompanying illustrations.  A great way to introduce children to the world of poetry!

Reviews:

“This collection of twenty-four humorously illustrated-verses will please dog lovers, classroom teachers, young readers, and poetry lovers who are young at heart. Size, shape, breed, and pedigree do not matter as author Crawley captures man’s best friend in a variety of guises. He includes the benevolent shaggy sheep dog, dogs who adopt the moods and appearance of their owners, the little canines’ emotions, the fierce mongrel in the junkyard guarding his territory, and many others. Each animal is unique. Types of barks, variety of sizes, and adventures with slobbery kisses, bathing and walking the pooch are all explored with wit and affection in rhyming lines. Petrosino reflects the mood of each poem in her expressive cartoon-like drawings. Librarians, teachers and parents will want to add this enjoyable picture book to their poetry shelves to share with children who have dogs and those who would love to have them but cannot. This title is a great resource for tempting reluctant poetry readers to enjoy the genre.” – Janice DeLong (Children’s Literature)

-          DeLong, J. (2007). Dog Poems Review. Children’s Literature. Retrieved from http://libproxy.library.unt.edu:2378/cgi-bin/member/search/f?./temp/~YUCRSZ:5

“This follow-up to Cat Poems (2005) captures the pleasure and occasional problems that come with man’s best friend. The rhythmic poetry introduces kids to “Oodles of Poodles,” gives them a chuckle in “Washing the Dog,” and shows them how much dogs look like their owners in “Almost Human.” Deeper issues are tackled in a poem about a rescued greyhound (though young readers may not understand the idea of rescue dog), and “Wolf Dog” looks back at the time when canines were becoming socialized. The rhyme scheme is sometimes unrelentingly uncomplicated, but there’s lots of humor packed in the poems, and most dog owners will find something to remind them of their own pets. The cartoon-style watercolor art has a bounce all its own; kids will want to draw their own dogs wagging their tails, jumping on beds, and giving great slobbering kisses.”  – Ilene Cooper (Booklist)

-          Cooper, I. (2007). Dog Poems Review. Booklist (Vol. 104, No. 1). Retrieved from http://libproxy.library.unt.edu:2378/cgi-bin/member/search/f?./temp/~YUCRSZ:5

Suggestions for Use in a Library:

Read several poems from the book aloud to a group of children.  The librarian can then show a few short video clips of dogs in action.  The children can describe what they like best or don’t like about dogs.

Module 9: Scranimals

Bibliography: Prelutsky, J. (2002). Scranimals. New York, NY: Greenwillow Books.

Summary: This collection of poems follows the adventures of a young boy and girl as they explore Scranimal Island.  The poems describe a multitude of scranimals, animals mixed with plants and other animals, that live on the island.  One example is the Rhinocerose – a cross between a Rhinocerus and a rose bush.  Another is the Radishark – a cross between a radish and a shark.  Descriptive illustrations accompany each poem and depict the scranimals in action.

Impressions:

Prelutsky is a master of his trade!  His poems perfectly capture the actions and characteristics of the scranimals they describe.  The striking illustrations complement the poems very well and draw the reader into the world of the scranimals.  All of the poems have a regular rhyme scheme that lends itself to chanting and a quick pace of reading.  These poems can be enjoyed by readers of all ages but very young children may have some difficulty with the vocabulary which sometimes surpasses an elementary level.

Reviews:

“Be prepared to have your senses scrambled with this starred review selection from the September issue of School Library Journal. In this review, SCRANIMALS is described as Prelutsky and Sis's "...best collaboration to date." The poems are about the creatures that inhabit Scranimal Island, which are a cross between animal and plant, such as a Mangorilla and Porcupineapple. Seventeen poems exalt the creatively bizarre lifestyles, habitats, and personalities of each "Scranimal." The Rhinocerose verse proclaims, "Oh beautiful Rhinocerose/So captivating head to toes/So aromatic, toes to head, /Enchantress of the flower bed, /Your blossoms cheer us every morn, /And we adore your tail and horn. /You soothe the eyes, delight the nose, /Most glorious RHINOCEROSE." Sis's illustrations of black-ink drawings over watercolors successfully blend surrealistic settings with the children viewing each Scranimal, such as the "Potatotoad sitting on a bump beside a road." This journey through Scranimal Island is enhanced with a map on the front and back cover pages of the Scranimals and their Island. Rebus puzzles of each critter on the back cover conclude and complete this crazily concocted adventure for young readers.”  – Shirley Petersen (Heart of Texas Reviews)

-          Petersen, S. (2002). Scranimals Review. Heart of Texas Reviews (Vol. 15, No. 2). Retreived from  http://libproxy.library.unt.edu:2378/cgi-bin/member/search/f?./temp/~bjZJFs:1

“Prelutsky and Sis follow previous titles such as The Gargoyle on the Roof (1999) with another beautifully illustrated collection of nonsense verse that celebrates creatures of the imagination who, described in singsong verse, are "sailing to Scranimal Island." Each spread features a different "scrambled" creature that is often a hybrid of animal and vegetable. There is the "sleek," snakelike Bananconda; a pride of green Broccolions; and a fierce Radishark, whose enormous, red fish-head comes complete with a radish-root snout. Prelutsky's language is uneven, and despite the humor and some delicious rhymes, many selections are stilted and slightly forced. It is Sis' fantastical illustrations that will generate the most excitement. His beasts shine with seemingly irrepressible personalities, and he creates a layered story in the scenes of a boy and girl who travel through the enchanted, slightly prehistoric otherworld. Read this aloud to small groups so that children can crowd up close and take in the jokes and the fantasy in the glorious images.”  – Gillian Engberg (Booklist)

-          Engberg, G. (2002). Scranimals Review. Booklist (Vol. 99, No. 2). Retrieved from http://libproxy.library.unt.edu:2378/cgi-bin/member/search/f?./temp/~bjZJFs:1

Suggestions for Use in a Library:

Cut out several dozen animal parts and plant parts using construction paper.  Put them in a container and have a group of children pick several pieces.  They can then use glue sticks to create their very own scranimal!