Remington's Reading Space

  1. BIBLIOGRAPHY Wiesner, D. (2001). The Three pigs. Clarion Books.   ISBN: 0618007016 2.   PLOT SUMMARY This version of the classic folktale takes the three pig brothers on a unique journey! This tale begins like the traditional story where the three pig bothers build their separate homes, one out of straw, one out of sticks, and one out of bricks. The fun begins when the bad wolf enters the story and attempts to blow the first pig’s house down. This causes the pig to exit the story pages and enters into an imaginary world.   As the second and third brother enter this world, they then create a paper airplane that takes them to the world of nursery rhymes and fairy tales. At the end of the book the pigs see a picture of the third bother’s brick home lying on the ground and go back home to find a happy ending. 3.CRITICAL ANALYSIS Wiesner’s adds a modern-day twist to this classic.   His creativity is definitely next level and engages readers by includin...

  1. BIBLIOGRAPHY Bryan, A. (2003). Beautiful blackbird. Atheneum Books for Young Readers. ISBN: 9780689847318 2.   PLOT SUMMARY This classic folktale shares the story of Blackbird, who was thought to be the most beautiful bird.   The other birds, who were different colors begged blackbird to paint their feathers black so they too could be beautiful. Blackbird agrees, but reminds them that true beauty comes from within and begins to paint different beautiful black stripes and dots on each bird until he completely runs out of paint “uh-huh!” 3.CRITICAL ANALYSIS This fictional folktale conveys several powerful messages such as accepting one’s heritage, celebrating diversity, and understanding that beauty comes from within. Bryan uses different writing technics like alliterating, rhyming, and word play to bring this classic story to life. As reader’s listen blackbirds’ words, “uh-huh, uh-huh,’ they see how his paintings are each unique and different, which adds t...

  1.      BIBLIOGRAPHY Taback, S. (1997). There was an old lady who swallowed a fly. Viking. ISBM: 0670869392 2.   PLOT SUMMARY This classic song tells the story of a corky old lady who swallowed different insect and animals before she died. 3.      CRITICAL ANALYSIS Taback uses of rhyming, repetition and predictable patterns makes this story a must read among young children. Taback also adds humor by including dialogue from different animals as they see first-hand what the old lady is swallowing. I read this book to my kids and in no time, they were singing along with me as the “silly old lady” swallowed each animal. Simms Taback’s illustrations are bold and loaded with details. He uses a dark back ground and the words are written out on stripes of cut out paper in a contrasting color to give young readers a wonderful visual.   Another added touch to this wonderful classic, was a cut out of the old lady’s stomach so r...

  1. BIBLIOGRAPHY Scieszka, J., & Smith, L. (1996). The true story of the 3 little pigs. Puffin Books. ISBN: 9780590443579 2.  PLOT SUMMARY This hilarious fractured tale of the Three Little Pigs is told from Alexander T. Wolf’s point of view. In his version, the “whole big bad wolf” started because he wanted to bake a birthday cake for his granny while having a terrible cold. As he asked his neighbors, the pigs, for some sugar, he “accidently” blew their houses down and eat the dead little pigs. At that point, seeing the ham just lying there, he decided to eat the dead little pig. The rest of the story is predictably similar  to the original tale.  3.CRITICAL ANALYSIS Scieszka’s version of the classic tale is full of humor and wit. In this twisted version, A. Wolf shares account of what “really happened.” His writing is appealing to readers of all ages and very descriptive details while pleading his case to readers. His use of figurative language ...

BIBLIOGRAPHY Steig, W. (2012). Sylvester and the magic pebble . Little Simon. PLOT SUMMARY This classic book shares the story of Sylvester who stumbled upon a magic pebble and learns a valuable lesson about material things and the importance of family. This story begins with Sylvester’s luck when finding the magic pebble.   The mood quickly changes when Sylvester accidently turns himself into a rock. As the story continues, we begin to see his challenges with this obstacle and the sadness this brings to his family after loosing their only son. CRITICAL ANALYSIS Steig’s writing gives readers the feel of a classic fable. From incorporating talking animals to teaching readers a valuable lesson about gratitude and the value of family.   Steig’s provides readers with a realistic feel of grief and anguish when Sylvester’s parents realize their only son is gone. Steig uses cartoon illustration that incorporate realistic actions that humans experience when presented with a...

BIBLIOGRAPHY Willems, M. (2011). Don’t let the pigeon stay up late! Hyperion Books for Children. PLOT SUMMARY The pigeon with an attitude is back again! This time he is refusing to go to bed because “he’s not even tired!” As the bus driver tasks readers with not letting the pigeon stay up late, the funny pigeon tries to persuade readers to let him stay up.   Using his persuasive tactics, he suggests alternative activities to keep him up. His suggestions include watching TV or counting the stars. When that doesn’t work, he tries stalling until he finally falls asleep. CRITICAL ANALYSIS Willems’ writing is so realistic. It reminds parents of the daily struggles to put their children to sleep. His words make readers laugh as they are reminded of their own adventures during bedtime. Willems’ use of punctuation marks, and words in CAPS help show the different emotions the pigeon is going through as he tries to convince readers to let him stay up late. As I read Willems’ words, I am im...

  BIBLIOGRAPHY Keats, E. J. (2006). The snowy day. Sacramento Braille Transcribers PLOT SUMMARY This heart-warming story shares Peter’s fun filled experience on his first snowy day. From finding a stick that he “s-l-o-w-l-y” drags to make tracks to making snow angels. To end his day, Peter sticks a giant snowball in his pocket before going in for the night. Right before bedtime, Peter realizes his snowball is gone and dreams that the sun had melted all the snow. Upon waking up, he realizes it was just a dream. CRITICAL ANALYSIS Keats words describe a snowy day and different things that can be done outside during the snow. His words perfectly capture a “kid’s” perceptive on a snowy day. His use of onomatopoeia helps readers visualize how fun playing in the snow can be. Reading through this story reminded me of my first encounter with snow, and it took me back to this past winter when my kids experienced snow for the first time. Keats simple illustrations accurately depicts...

  BIBLIOGRAPHY Matt, D. la P., & Robinson, C. (2016). Last stop on market street. Scholastic Inc. PLOT SUMMARY In this story, we see the strong bond between a young boy and his Nana.   Through a journey around town on a city bus, CJ learns how to see beauty in his surrounds even when it is not easily seen.     CRITICAL ANALYSIS Matt De La Pena uses sensory language to describe CJ’s surrounds from the moment he leaves church to the moment he reaches his final destination on Market Street. The dialogue between CJ and his Nana is very heart felt and inspiring. Christian Robinson’s cartoon illustrations, guide readers through town on a bus ride and finally to their final destination on Market Street. Robinson’s illustrations are simple, colorful and capture city life through the eyes of a child. The illustrations match the book’s wording perfectly and they take you down a realistic world that may be familiar for young readers. 4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S) St...