JOSEPH HAD A LITTLE OVERCOAT by Simms Taback

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Joseph Had a Little Overcoat is award winning author-illustrator Simms Taback’s adaptation of an old Yiddish folk song. Taback was inspired by “I Had a Little Overcoat” and reprints this childhood favorite tune at the end of his illustrated version. He weaves a delightfully simple story about a traditional Jewish man whose overcoat wears out, so he sews it into a jacket. The jacket gets frayed, so he makes himself a vest, and so on, until he is left with a mere button, which gets lost. Ever practical, he writes a book about it, the moral being that "you can always make something out of nothing." Joseph's surroundings are not only strewn with vibrant knickknacks, but also wise Jewish sayings and witty jokes.

Each page in this book is a collage of color—a clutter of buttons, remnants, and patterns all on a contrasting dark background. Taback’s illustrations are extremely creative, especially the die-cut format of the story, where the cut out shape reveals the new garment that Joseph stitched from the ragged clothing item on the preceding page. Booklist lauds, "Cut outs emphasize the use and reuse of the material and add to the general sense of fun." The artistic combination of drawings, photographs, and sayings constructs a charming patchwork of love and life lessons. 

Joseph Had a Little Overcoat was awarded the Caldecott Medal in 2000. Taback previously won a Caldecott Honor Medal for There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly, featuring a similar innovative die-cut format. 

This notable picture book can be used to create a variety of extension activities for varying age groups. As a flannel story, preschoolers can visualize the concepts of big and little or old and new through assembling different cut-out clothing pieces. In a craft project using worn out t-shirts, tweens and teens can appreciate how the current trend of “upcycling” old items into something useful is not an entirely new idea.

Books in Print. TWU Library. Accessed September 25, 2013. http://ezproxy.twu.edu:2125

THE THREE LITTLE PIGS AND THE SOMEWHAT BAD WOLF by Mark Teague

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A traditional tale is updated with modern sensibilities in The Three Little Pigs and the Somewhat Bad Wolf. Author and illustrator Mark Teague has reimagined the well-known children’s story of the three pigs and created a fractured fairy tale that is recognizably true to the original version, yet full of amusing new twists. In this silly spoof, the farmer retires from his farm and releases the pigs into the real world where they must make it on their own. The first two pigs are more interested in buying snack foods and build their houses out of cheap materials. The third pig wisely spends all her money on bricks and builds a strong secure home. Predictably, a hungry wolf comes along when he finds all his favorite fast food joints closed. It also comes as no surprise that the wolf is able to blow down the first two pigs' houses. When the wolf can't penetrate the well-built abode, everyone moves in with the third pig and this is where the fun begins. The first two pigs give him potato chips and “sody-pop”, while the third pig cooks everyone a healthy meal fresh from her vegetable garden. The somewhat bad wolf is no longer hungry and not as big or bad as he appeared to be.

Teague has cleverly recreated the famous children’s fable for contemporary audiences. He has stayed true to the genre by keeping the focus on the animals’ behavior through which readers can learn the usual morals—along with the additional lesson of eating healthy foods. Kirkus hails that Teague’s pigs are “… full of personality, and their human traits and accessories are sure to delight”. The author also maintained the storyline of the original three pigs who find themselves in a quick, predictable episode of action filled with obstacles and a satisfying resolution. He upheld the use of things occurring in threes as well as the pattern of repeated phrases, both literary devices which characterize traditional fairy tales. The large bold illustrations accompanying the huffing puffing action of the story are filled with amusing details that are perfect sharing aloud. Publishers Weekly agrees, “the clever details in [Teague’s] creamy, textured oil paintings” expresses the pigs’ trouble and the wolf’s frustration in a delightful way.  

Mark Teague is an award-winning children’s book author and illustrator whose books include the New York Times bestselling series How Do Dinosaurs, written by Jane Yolen.

Older children can enjoy comparing and contrasting this traditional story with different fractured versions including Jon Sciezka’s The True Story of the Three Little Pigs or Eugene Trivisas’ The Three Little Wolves and the Big Bad Pig.

Books in Print. TWU Library. Accessed September 24, 2013 http://ezproxy.twu.edu:2125

THE GOOSE GIRL: a story from the Brothers Grimm retold by Eric A. Kimmel

Kimmel, Eric A. 1995. THE GOOSE GIRL: A STORY FROM THE BROTHERS GRIMM. Ill. by Robert Sauber. New York: Holiday House. ISBN 0823410749

In this authentic retelling of the Grimm fairy tale, The Goose Girl, Eric Kimmel has recreated the centuries old story of the kindhearted princess. The angelic daughter of a queen travels with her devious maid to a distant kingdom where she is betrothed to marry the prince. Along their journey, the scheming maid abuses her mistress and bullies her into switching places with her. Donning the princess’ clothes and horse, the maid is led inside the king’s castle while the princess is told to help the boy who herds the geese. In this cruel twist of fate, the maid’s deception is eventually uncovered by the fair-minded king. The evil maid is doomed to a gruesome death sentence and the real princess lives to become the prince’s rightful bride.

Kimmel's version of the Brothers Grimm story has all the markings of a true traditional tale. Not only does the story open with "Once upon a time...." but it also closes with “… lived happily ever after”.  The characters of the naïve princess and the shrewd maid exemplify the epitome of good and evil. The use of a magical talking horse named Falada who speaks a repeated verse, even after death, firmly reflects the style of traditional European folktales. As Publisher’s Weekly so aptly put it, the author “… revels in the magical, wistful aspects of this fanciful genre”.

To accompany this journey to a land far, far away, illustrator Robert Sauber paints each scene in rich jewel tones as befitting a story of royal proportions. Every page of text is set against what amounts to a framed painting, giving this picture book the look of old world charm. Sauber’s use of deep colors and detailed brush strokes “…give expression to the magical qualities of the characters”, praises The Horn Book.

This illustrated traditional story can be used to introduce German folklore to young adults who are reading the modern novel The Goose Girl by Shannon Hale. 

Books in Print. TWU Library. Accessed September 23, 2013 http://ezproxy.twu.edu:2125

MAKE WAY FOR DUCKLINGS by Robert McCloskey

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McCloskey, Robert. 1941. Make Way for Ducklings. New York: The Viking Press. ISBN: 9780670451494

Make Way for Ducklings, the Robert McCloskey classic, is the timeless tale about parents moving to find a better life for their children—in this case, ducklings. Mr and Mrs Mallard fly to Boston to find a home most appropriate for the upbringing of their family. They had to rule out all the spots that were unsuitable, had unsavory neighbors, or unacceptable traffic. After scouting out places all around town the capable Mrs Mallard finally agreed to a quiet cozy spot to build her nest. As Mr Mallard concerned himself with procuring food, namely peanuts from the friendly policeman Michael, Mrs Mallard tended to her eight eggs protectively. When the big day arrived, the Mallards proudly named their hatchlings one by one—Jack, Kack, Lack, Mack, Nack, Ouack, Pack, and Quack! While father Mallard busied himself with exploring the rest of the river, mother duck ensured her ducklings learned how to survive. She taught them to swim and dive and walk in a line—however, what she hadn’t anticipated was how she would cross a busy highway with her young brood. This is where Michael comes to her rescue and stopped the oncoming speeding cars long enough for the family to pass. Anticipating trouble, the helpful policeman calls headquarters for backup. Meanwhile the proud mother duck waddles around town with her obedient little ducklings following behind, to the amazement of onlookers. Thanks to the police officers, mother and babies make it safely to the pond where father duck is waiting to show them the island which will be their new home.

The beauty of this picture book lies in its universal appeal and realistic drawings. Even though the story unfolds in the bustling city of Boston, it could easily have been a representation of Any Town, USA in the 1940’s. The motorcars give the only real clue to the time period depicted. McCloskey’s use of big brown-toned sketches gives the work a truly authentic and artistic feel. The ducks in particular are rendered so lifelike as if the author were really observing a family of ducks very closely. The New York Times declared the illustrations as “…fine large pictures, strongly drawn, with a wealth of detail.” Moreover, the story’s portrayal of loving caring parents sends a warm positive message to children about the importance of family without being moralistic.

It’s worth mentioning that this was my first time to ever read this classic story. I can’t imagine why I would not have been exposed to this book in my childhood. I found it to be a refreshing change of pace from the current trend of gimmicky picture book publishing. Make Way for Ducklings is a nostalgic piece of children’s literature that takes one back to a time when life was simple and intentions were pure, just like McCloskey’s writing. Interestingly, my 8-year old daughter read it recently as well. When I asked about her impression of the book, she was fascinated mostly by the helpfulness of the policemen. She was relieved that the ducks made it across the street without knowing how to fly. Further, she pointed out that the story reminded her of the fairy tale, The Ugly Duckling.

Make Way for Ducklings won the 1942 Caldecott Medal for McCloskey’s illustrations.

This picture storybook can be an excellent conversation starter in a preschool program about birds, ducks, or even city life. The accurate depiction of the ducklings’ natural habitat can be used to introduce preschoolers to many new vocabulary words such as hatch, molt, waded, and waddled.   

Books in Print. 2013. TWU Library. Accessed September 8, 2013 http://ezproxy.twu.edu:2125

CLICK, CLACK, MOO: COWS THAT TYPE by Doreen Cronin

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Cronin, Doreen. 2000. Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type. Ill. by Betsy Lewin. New York: Simon & Schuster. ISBN: 9780689832130

In Click Clack Moo: Cows That Type, author Doreen Cronin and illustrator Betsy Lewin introduce us to their delightful farmyard characters. Readers are informed that old Farmer Brown has a perplexing problem. His animals have united and are voicing their complaints through typewritten notes left on the barnyard door. Farmer Brown can scarcely believe his ears when he hears the keys of his old manual typewriter clickety-clacking from the barn. The utter impossibility of literate cows is followed by the equally unnerving sign left for him to find on the barn door, simply stating that the barn is too cold to sleep in at night and thus, the cows require blankets—electric blankets, to be precise. Farmer Brown ignores the request only to be faced with a further incredulous sign declaring that the cows refuse to give milk. Unbelievably, the rebellious cows are clever enough to convince the hens to go on strike as well. With the disruption in the milk and egg supply, Farmer Brown--feeling the pressure--types out his ultimatum to the dissenting cows and hens, which is hand-delivered by the neutral go-between, Duck. In the cover of night, all the farm animals convene an emergency meeting, deliver a final offer to the farmer, and amicably settle upon a deal. Or so the reader is led to believe, until an unexpected twist—the cows aren’t the only animals on the farm that can type!

In this hysterical picture book that inspired many more farmyard escapades, cows, hens, and ducks cause trouble like never before with hilarious results. The clever use of an unassuming typewriter as a personification device by Cronin brings out the true personalities of these otherwise compliant farm animals. The absurdity of cows having typing skills surely illicit chuckles at the outset, but the ensuing demands for better sleeping conditions are guaranteed to create howls of laughter. Plus, the repetitive use of the onomatopoeic phrase “click, clack moo click, clack moo clickety, clack moo” brings comedic action into the story. The ridiculousness of Farmer Brown’s dilemma is perfectly complemented by the comical watercolor images painted by Lewin. Her full-page color pictures give an up-close look at the cartoon-like world of the mischievous farm animals. Each full-color spread looks like a panel taken from a comic strip. The looks on the animals faces are expressive and priceless.

The best thing about this book no doubt is its distinct brand of humor, normally not found in the easy picture book genre. Although the concepts of strikes and negotiations may be a bit weighty for the preschool set, young children can still appreciate the antics of the animals and the farmer’s increasing exasperation.  Booklist admits, “Today's preschoolers may have to be told about antique clackety typewriters, but they'll love the slapstick of the domesticated animals who get the farmer to toe the line.” It’s hard to decide what is funnier--the fact that the cows typed a note in the first place, or that the farmer actually resorts to typing out a response! The typestyle used for the animals’ demands really conjures up the feel an old manual typewriter. What’s amusing is that Farmer Brown’s note is obviously typed on a newer machine, without the uneven impressions.  It’s these subtle nuances in the illustrations that keep up the zany mood throughout the book. For example, Publisher’s Weekly notes that “…through the use of the man's shadow, Lewin communicates his rage…”. Leaving the last page wordless, of course, is another bit of great comic delivery, the picture punch line requiring nothing more than the reader’s laugh.        

                          

Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type is the most notable work of the author-illustrator team Cronin & Lewin. It has received innumerable awards including a Caldecott Honor (2001).

This picture storybook can be easily adapted into an entertaining puppet play for a Farmyard Friends themed storytime. Audiences will enjoy repeating the clickety refrain. Another idea is to hold a featured author event to spotlight Cronin & Lewin’s trademark humor and cast of irresistible characters. A special Best Of storytime can be presented highlighting books such as Diary of a Worm and Duck for President. 

Books in Print. 2013. TWU Library. Accessed September 8, 2013 http://ezproxy.twu.edu:2125

GRANDPA GREEN by Lane Smith

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Smith, Lane. 2011. Grandpa Green. New York: Roaring Book Press. ISBN: 9781596436077

A young boy takes readers on a walk through a memory garden created by his great-grandfather.  In Grandpa Green, bestselling author and illustrator Lane Smith, explores the relationship of an aging horticulturist with his sensitive great-grandson through the honest observations of the young boy. The youngster narrates the life of his great-grandpa—from his humble beginnings, school years, war experience, married life, all the way to his old age—as he comes upon each topiary figure shaped to represent the highlights of the older man’s life. The keen young man realizes his grandpa’s forgetfulness is a natural part of aging, but is hopeful in the end that the memory garden will always hold the important milestones planted there, especially now since he has taken up the clippers as well.

This unique and gentle picture storybook quietly depicts not only Smith’s fantastic artistry, but also the title character’s meticulously crafted handiwork. The monochromatic color scheme of the entire work evokes the feeling of flipping through an old cherished family album. The green-hued pages make the boy’s small voice more dramatic and vivid. Each scene in the story plays tribute to a significant time in great-grandpa’s life. These landmark moments come to life through his lovingly created topiary figures—green shrubbery carved into everything from babies and bombs to waitresses and wedding cakes. The grandpa’s worsening memory is alluded to by the dropped items found along the way and is poignantly symbolized by a huge elephant figure, atop which the gardening enthusiast has absent-mindedly left his floppy straw hat. At the end of the book, readers are treated to a double foldout--a green hedge which opens to reveal the entire garden of memories, old and new, including the latest living statue of the young boy himself. Smith leaves us with a final image of the little lad with shears in hand, clipping away at a green figure of his beloved grandpa as he wants to remember him.

What I enjoyed most about this picture book is that the sentiment it fills you with is not forced. And the text is not flowery—no pun intended. This minimalist writing comes across as very honest and realistic, just as a boy would relate it. School Library Journal agrees, “… the imaginative art fills in what the words leave out…”. It is very easy to imagine that this boy would have listened repeatedly to his great-grandpa’s childhood tales. The boy knows all the stuff that is important to grandpa, and that is all what matters. It is amazing how a book filled with little more than images of leaves, twigs, shrubs, and trees could be so compelling. Readers will instantly spot Smith’s whimsical tribute to the Wizard of Oz. I love how he brilliantly adds color in the green landscape with red berries to dot the chicken-poxed faced of young grandpa. Most touching is the simple truth that the memories of generations past are carefully handed down to the future ones, like beloved treasures. As Publishers Weekly put it, Smith’s reflective tale “…muses on the memories, talents, and traditions passed down through generations.”

Grandpa Green is a Caldecott Honor book and was included in the Texas 2x2 Reading List (2012).

In a public library setting, this book can be shared during preschool storytimes featuring families or grandparents. This story can also be a great introduction to the letter G, focusing on the words garden, green, and grandpa. Or perhaps the work can be tied in with a color-themed program alongside Harold and the Purple Crayon and Blue Chicken.  

Books in Print. 2013. TWU Library. Accessed September 7, 2013 http://ezproxy.twu.edu:2125