Module 2-Caldecott/ Picture Books

Why Mosquitos Buzz in People’s Ears

By Verna Aardema

1975, Dial Books for Young Readers

Summary:

Iguana’s annoyance of the mosquito sets off a series of occurrences that escalates until tragedy strikes and a baby owl is killed. The mama owl is so distraught over her loss that she does not wake the sun in the morning. The other animals go to the king lion to find out why the night is so long. Mother Owl comes and tells her story of how the monkey killed her baby. Each animal in turn is then called on as to why they acted the way they did. Each answers that it was another animal that affected them and caused their action. It finally comes back to the mosquito that was annoying the iguana. Mother owl hearing that the mosquito should be punished, was appeased, and hooted to wake the sun. The book ends with mosquito receiving his just reward.

Impressions:
The book is written in a repeated story pattern which gives the story predictability. What is so awesome is how the illustrator incorporated the story into the illustrations. By the use of jagged lines, teeth, edge of animal fur, the illustrator portrayed the animal as being vicious, adding the dimension that the animal intentionally acted. By the use of curving line one gets the feeling of gentle, unintentional action. The use of color and cut out effect just adds to the effect of the story. I found the story to be enjoyable, especially how they handled the mosquitos punishment!
Recommended for grades 1-3.

Reviews:
"In this Caldecott Medal winner, Mosquito tells a story that causes a jungle disaster. "Elegance has become the Dillons' hallmark. . . . Matching the art is Aardema's uniquely onomatopoeic text . . . An impressive showpiece."
-Booklist, starred review.

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http://www.amazon.com/Why-Mosquitoes-Buzz-Peoples-Ears/dp/0140549056

In this astonishingly beautiful and imaginatively illustrated picture book, Mosquito tells Iguana a tall tale that sets off a chain reaction that ends in jungle disaster…. And so this amusing African legend goes, until finally the chain of mishaps reaches Mother Owl, who reacts by refusing to hoot and wake in the sun. Eventually all is resolved, and jungle life returns to normal. But although Mosquito learns her lesson and gives up telling tall tales, she adopts a worse habit.

Leo and Diane Dillon's striking full-color illustrations complement and enlarge upon the tale, perfectly capturing the expansive African imagination.
Caldecott Award 1976

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/why-mosquitoes-buzz-in-peoples-ears-verna-aardema/1102382229?ean=9780803760899

 Suggestions:

This story lends itself for lessons on predicting or cause and effect. This story could also be used to open a discussion on different book types (folklore) and how some are written to try and explain the world around us, especially from other cultures such as the Indian, Eskimo and Greek.  

Don’t let the Pigeon stay up late!

By Mo Willems

2006, Scholastic Inc.

Summary:

Don’t let this pigeon sweet talk you into staying up late. He gives you plenty of reasons and things to do instead, but don’t listen. After all, he isn’t tired at all…zzzzz.

Impressions:
Such a simple book, but, so easy to relate to the story.  Everyone at one time or another has heard similar excuses for staying up late. The author’s technique of using conversation bubbles to deliver the story is unique and having the character talk to you brings you right into the action. The character’s body language and the subtle change of color lead you to the inevitable conclusion-sleep.  Recommended for K-2.
  
 Reviews:
   From Booklist

 In look and premise, this follows previous books about that persnickety pigeon whose actions resemble those of young children. Kids are invited to make sure that the pigeon doesn't stay up late. But the pigeon has his own ideas on the matter: "First of all, I'm not even tired," he proclaims. On each successive page, a balloon of text comes up with ever more reasons why the pigeon shouldn't be coerced into bed …Fans of the pigeon will welcome him back and wait with anticipation to see what he can't do next. Ilene Cooper
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

http://www.amazon.com/Dont-Let-Pigeon-Stay-Late/dp/product-description/0786837462/ref=dp_proddesc_0?ie=UTF8&n=283155&s=books

     From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 2-The star of Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! (Hyperion, 2003) returns in another irresistible tale. …Set against comfortably faded pastel backgrounds, the cartoon artwork focuses tightly on the main character, with his comments presented in dialogue balloons. The black-crayon lines speak volumes, as the pigeon's body language and the positioning of his ever-expressive eye humorously convey each nuance of the text. Children will be charmed by this bedtime treat, which will have them laughing out loud at the pigeon-and at themselves.-Joy Fleishhacker, School Library Journal
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  http://www.amazon.com/Dont-Let-Pigeon-Stay-Late/dp/product-        

  description/0786837462/ref=dp_proddesc_0?ie=UTF8&n=283155&s=books

 Suggestions:

You could do any number of lessons with it about speech bubbles, how written text emphasizes meaning, or that stories don’t have to be complicated to be successful. This is just a fun book. Sometimes you just have to read for sheer enjoyment.