Module 3 - Saint George and the Dragon

Saint George and the Dragon (retold)by Margaret Hodges and illustrated by Trina Schart Hyman

Summary - Margaret Hodges' interpretation of the story of Saint George and the Dragon (based on the story as told in Edmund Spenser's Faerie Queene) is a beautifully illustrated and narrated adventure book for children. As Saint George follows Princess Una to her embattled homeland, his loyalty, bravery, and cunning are tested until his final epic battle with the dragon proves his worth as the patron saint of England.

Impressions - Hodges' story sticks to the legend of Saint George (as told by Spenser) in such a way as to draw children into the story of the knight, the princess, and the ferocious dragon, challenge their language and interpretation skills, and awe them with Hyman's beautiful illustrations. Young children will be drawn to the character of Saint George and his strength in the face of defeat, as well as to his future wife, Princess Una, is also allowed to shine in the text as an example of truth and fidelity and a worthy mate for the hero. The text is bounded extensively so as to allow the book to remain short enough to keep a child's attention, but still encompass all of the important adventure elements of the original story, so while some children may wonder what happens to some of the characters who are introduced and then never/rarely mentioned again (the dwarf and the hermit), they will often simply be swept into the battle with the dragon and move past them easily. Hodges' additions of small quotations from Spenser may seem jarring to some children (who may not understand what they are/why they are they), but they help to remind the reader that if they love the story here, there is a wider world of literature and legend for them to explore.

Reviews - In his review of the book on Best Children's Books.com(1), Steve Barancik discusses the power of the illustrations in Saint George and the Dragon and the lovely interpretation of the classic tale. While he warns parents of the density in the text language ("advanced") and the presence of "some small amount of bloody gore", he notes that the book can open children to a wider literary and historical world, which is worth delving into the other 'adult' elements.

Use - I think the book is a good introduction for mid-elementary aged children into the world of legends and myths, as well as a good picture book for a story time with younger audiences. The complexity of the language and illustrations may seem daunting at first for some children, but perseverance will allow them to feel accomplishment in the reading and grow language skills which will hold them in good stead in further selections at higher reading levels. Additionally, for children who are less drawn to literature than to art, the book can be a good bridge between the two.

(1) Barancik, S. (n.d.). Margaret Hodges' Saint George and the Dragon Caldecott Medal art by Trina Schart Hyman. Retrieved from http://www.best-childrens-books.com/saint-george-and-the-dragon.html

Module 2 - The Wind in the Willows

The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame

Summary - The Wind in the Willows is a classic tale of friendship and adventure told from the perspective of four animal friends: Mole, Ratty, Toad, and Badger (Mole and Ratty are the primary protagonists). Following the lives of these animals through their time on the River Bank, in the Wild Wood, and on miscellaneous adventures in Town and Toad Hall, the Wind in the Willows shows the power of friendship, the importance of understanding, and the wonder of nature.

Impressions - The Wind in the Willows is a quiet book, reflecting the time and culture in which it was created. The characters are richly drawn and express a range of personality traits, making them some of the most 'human' animals in fiction. The characters and the adventures they undergo are quite sophisticated for children's literature, and there is a feeling that Grahame expects more from his readers than perhaps most modern children's authors do. What makes the book accessible to children though is the power of the messages behind the adventures: love of friendship, home, nature, and simplicity. By following Toad and his growth from mad driver to content homebody, children are offered an opportunity to reflect on the choices we all make in life and the repercussions they may have (although things end up well for Toad in the end, it is only through the kindness and assistance of his friends that he is able to go back home). Mole and Ratty offer differing views of what makes a home a home, but in the end show that friendship is what makes life truly worthwhile, and in short vignettes showing kindness to strangers (the Christmas field mice visit) and the power of nature (Pan assisting Mole and Ratty in finding Portly, Otter's son), Grahame pushes the bounds of children's literature into philosophy and offers young readers a glimpse of the complications they will encounter later in life in a safe and entertaining environment.

Reviews - In "Beyond the Wild Woods"(1), Alan Jacobs explores his discovery of The Wind in the Willows as an adult as the re-discovery of a piece of childhood. Although his review is actually intended to compare two new editions of Grahame's work, it gives a wonderful insight into the power that the story can wield over an audience - no matter what their age. In his review, Jacobs prefers the new edition of the book which allows the story to stand on its own - as powerful text - over the version which packs in more "kid-friendly" aspects such as illustrations, etc. and this further clarifies the importance that Grahame's characters can wield. He also mentions how his reading of the book, as individual chapters over the course of a few nights, allows a reader to enjoy each adventure on its own, without giving in to ennui by packing them in al together, what I feel is a key point for any adult trying to enjoy the story with the children in their lives.

Use - The Wind in the Willows has a pace that many children may find off-putting at first. It would be best to read/assign individual chapters, or sets of chapters, to late-elementary aged students over a series of days rather than attempting to have the entire book read at once. The animal characters make it seem appealing to younger audiences, however the language is dense enough to bore or confuse younger children, so it is best utilized at older ages. However, the primary themes and innocence of the majority of the adventures Mole and Friends go through aren't sophisticated enough to keep the attention of Young Adults, so it is best grouped in the children's literature section.

(1) Jacobs, A. (2009). Beyond the wild wood. First Things: A Monthly Journal of Religion and Modern Life, Oct (196), 32-36.

Module 2 - Eloise

Eloise by Kay Thompson

Summary - Eloise is the story of a precocious little girl who lives in The Plaza Hotel in New York City. Taking the reader through an 'average' day in Eloise's life, the book explores the interests and activities of this 'rawther' young girl, her Plaza family, and her imaginary world of fun, fun, fun.

Impressions - Eloise is a very dynamic story, full of energy and few periods. The story keeps moving at such a frenetic pace that it is sometimes hard to pick out any subtext to the very active, and unusual, exploits off its six-year old protagonist. However, peeling back the surface layer of fun and frivolity, Eloise is creating noise in her world in a effort to proclaim herself a part of it - the constant repetition of her own name speaks to this as well. While the book may not offer us enough information to fully state that Eloise's mother (a father is never mentioned) is a distant parent at best, completely neglectful of her daughter at worst, it does show us with some clarity a little girl who, separated/abandoned by her 'real' family, creates a family group of her own with the people who populate her daily world. Many readers feel "sorry for Eloise", but the strength of the story is Eloise's lack of pitifulness - her constant and intrinsic strength of character, her love for her animals and Nanny, and her joy in the simple pleasures of life. Children may wonder where Eloise's mom and dad are, but can move swiftly past this by focusing on Nanny, room service, Skipperdee and Weenie, and Eloise herself and the fun family group they make. It is important for the children who read/hear Eloise to understand that families are made of all sorts of people, not just Moms, Dads, and children, and that even when a "normal" situation is gone, life can still be full of fun, adventure, and love.

Reviews - The most useful reviews in relation to Eloise come from the readers who have enjoyed the story over the years. On Amazon.com, some of the best reviews describe how "tremendously humorous and beautifully illustrated" the book is, and how it remains a classic tale which they remember fondly from their childhoods (reviews by J. Hauer(1) and C. Burch (2)). There are some that mention "poor Eloise" and state how some children are saddened or scared by the lack of parents in her life, but this just continues to show the strength of the book - how it forces children to look outside of 'normal' and understand that children can be happy in all kinds of situations and families.

Use - Eloise is usually rated at a pre-K or K age reader level (4-5), although with the continuing series and the movie based on the book, older children can also find Eloise accessible and entertaining. It would be especially useful to read and then base an activity off of as the story is heavily action oriented. There are some phrases and word choices which may be parodied/picked up by young readers (Nanny's use of triples for emphasis, Eloise's use of the grownup phrase "For Lord's sake") so instructors should note these and modify if need be. Overall, Eloise makes for a fun and engaging story time read.

(1) Hauer, J. (2000, April 7). Eloise (Eloise Series). Retrieved from http://www.amazon.com/Eloise-Kay-Thompson/dp/067122350X

(2) Burch, C. (1999, June 12). Eloise (Eloise Series). Retrieved from http://www.amazon.com/Eloise-Kay-Thompson/dp/067122350X

Module 1 - The Giving Tree

The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein

Summary - The Giving Tree is the heartwarming tale of a tree and her relationship with a boy. Beginning when the boy is very young, the book moves through the changes in his relationship with the tree as he ages and moves on to new phases in life. Throughout every transition, the tree continues to support and 'give' to the boy/man, until she can give no more. In the bittersweet ending, the boy returns to take from the tree the only thing it has left to give - itself.

Impressions - The Giving Tree is a book about relationships, growth, unconditional love, and sacrifice. It teaches children, and adults, the power of love and the process of aging - that while their needs and wants may change over time, those that love them with no bounds (in this case, the tree stands as a wonderful representation of a parent or to push the bounds further, the God-head) will assist them in any way they can. While the boy seems to simply take from the tree, the expression that the tree is always "happy" with giving helps children to understand that while it may seem like they are giving/have nothing to give back to those who care for them, the simple act itself of the giving is enough for the guardian figure. The message of The Giving Tree is very powerful for both children and adults (who, I feel, have to release their belief in/need for reciprocity on the offset of reading the book in order to fully assimilate it) largely because of its simplicity.

Reviews - In a New York Times book review from Sept 9, 1973 by William Cole (1), Cole comes very close to missing the point of the narrative of the tree and her boy through his disdain for the "dum-dum of a tree" and her "ungrateful" boy, but in a redemptive manner mentions his wife comparison of the tree to "a mother" - clearly evidencing the vast differences in interpretations of this work (this is also very apparent when reading any review postings for the book on sites like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Goodreads.com, etc.).

Use - The Giving Tree is a fabulous book to read for pleasure to young children in the pre-K or K age range. It is also a wonderful tool for reading to and with older elementary-age students to preface discussions on the nature of love and growth. An alternate use could also be in CCD or religious school classes to assist in discussions of the meaning of unconditional love.

(1) Cole, W. (1973, September 9). About Alice, a rabbit, a tree... New York Times, Unk.

Lit for Youth - Semester Begins!

This is it! My adventure into the "internet age" begins as I start my journey in SLIS 5420 and learn all of the ins and outs of children's and YA literature - wish me good luck!