Module 2- Journal

In Tunnell and Jacobs, Chapter 5, the authors discuss the history of children's literature. In one or two sentences, identify these terms: hornbooks, chapbooks, Orbis Pictus, Charles Perrault, John Newbery (note spelling), Randolph Caldecott, Kate Greenaway, St. Nicholas Magazine, trends in 20th century children's books, Millions of Cats.

Hornbooks- Small rectangular paddles, about the size of an index card, used as a method of displaying literature for children. A small piece of animal skin prepared for writing, or parchment, was placed on the paddle and covered by a thin sheet of cattle horn (thus giving them their name). An example is shown in the illustration below.

Chapbooks- booklets emerging in the 16th century as an alternative to the typically religious hornbooks. While the printing quality may not have been stellar for these cheap books, the printer, or one of them at least, was- John Newbery. Image below.

Orbis Pictus- Considered to be the world's first picture book for children. The World in Pictures gives children woodcut illustrations of natural wonders. Simple text accompanies these illustrations making it the first of it's kind.

Charles Perrault- Published Tales of Mother Goose, giving readers a collection of favorite French stories in a single work and their first introduction to the character of Mother Goose herself. These stories appealed to adults and children alike during the late 17th century, just as they do today. A page from the collection:

John Newbery- Early publisher of books solely for children, including chapbooks mentioned previously. Newbery published hundreds of books meant to entertain and engage children, including some of his own works such as The History of Little Goody Two Shoes. Later, an award for outstanding children's books was named in his honor.

Randolph Caldecott- British pioneer of children's book illustrations. He is considered the first to use illustrations depicting action, as he did in The Diverting History of John Gilpin. Today, a small portion of that book's illustration is used in the medal baring Caldecott's name, which is given to books exhibiting excellence in the area of illustration.

Kate Greenaway- Like Caldecott, Greeaway was a pioneer in the art of illustrations for children's literature. She is the namesake of the British award for children's illustration excellence, award annually (save one year when no books were considered worthy) since 1956.

St. Nicholas Magazine- A children's magazine that began in the late 19th century that featured contributions from well known and highly respected authors and illustrators in the children's literature field. Louisa May Alcott's Jo's Boys was first published serially in this magazine.

Trends in 20th Century Children's Books- In recent years, children's literature has expanded to deal with the topics and issues facing children today. The reader is more likely to see characters that look like them, and identify with situations familiar to them, than in past periods. Those children desiring non-fiction books have more acceptable options to choose from then their parents would have before them. Young children wanting a book at their level, even one that is easier for them to handle (such as a board book), are likely to find appropriate choices in readily accessible stores. In short, children's literature today is more. More choices, more access, more entertainment, more affordable, etc.

Millions of Cats- A storybook by Wanda Gag, published in 1928, which has been called the "first American picture storybook." The illustrations in the story flow with the song-like text to create a more rounded literary experience for young readers. (Well, until the cats eat each other, that is.)

Module 2: Ramona Quimby, Age 8

(Image Found Here)
Summary:
As Ramona Quimby (age 8, naturally) enters third grade she realizes that much of what she knows is about to change. Her father has gone back to school, and her mother is now the bread winner of the family. Ramona will be attending a new school with a new teacher and a whole new set of problems. She meets her first problem on the bus- Danny, the yard ape. After an eraser stealing incident she realizes he might be more of enjoyable challenge than she thinks. Not such an enjoyable challenge for Ramona? Willa Jean, the little sister of the family who watches Ramona after school. Even when she is temporarily distracted with the serious sounding, "Sustained Silent Reading," she eventually catches on to Ramona's schemes and returns to her pestering ways. Ramona's parents don't understand her troubles, and tell her that her most important job is getting along with Willa Jean. To add to her troubles? Ramona overhears her teacher call her a nuisance after a particularly messy egg incident in the cafeteria. As if that wasn't bad enough, Ramona is again embarrassed after throwing up in the middle of class! While recovering the prospect of a fun assignment gives Ramona a way to redeem herself with both her classmates and her teacher, and she even gains patience for Willa Jean in the process.

My Thoughts:
I am not quite sure how I managed to get through elementary school without reading the Ramona books! I loved the story, identified with the characters, and look forward to reading more in the series. My sister always said Ramona reminded me of her, but I never understood- until now. I was a great deal like Ramona growing up. At heart, a sweet kid, but full of too much energy to come across as the most likable kid in the room. Her redeeming qualities at the end of they story give the reader a great first glimpse into a dynamic character. While Ebeneezer may be a better example, this story provides a good first discussion point for the topic. The only bit I didn't thoroughly enjoy was the amount of adult responsibilities given to Ramona. I found myself wishing her parents had not made her deal with adult issues such as finances. She seemed to bear much of the burden on herself, and a young reader my pick up on this behavior.

Their Thoughts:
Excerpt from Booklist Review:
"With a unique combination of humor and sympathy, Cleary details the up-and-down episodes in a characteristic third-grader's life."

My Ideas:
As mentioned previously, I believe this book would be great to open a discussion on dynamic characters. Who they are, what makes them change, and the characteristics of them that we would like to emulate. Also, this book would make a wonderful introduction to the works of Beverly Cleary. With such a wide variety of choices- from Ramona to Mr. Henshaw and beyond, Beverly Cleary is a wonderful author to do an in depth study on in the library. If the time is not available, a large colorful display that helps attract readers to this book and others by Cleary would be a good second option.

Module 2: Goodnight Moon

Summary:
This 1947 children's book is a simple story that has been loved by many generations of readers. The story begins with an introduction to the room and the things that the reader finds there. Using rhyming words and relying on the reader to catch the details of the wonderful illustrations, we then say goodnight to each of the things first introduced in the story. From the mush to the little old lady whispering hush, everyone is told goodnight as the illustration colors grow darker.

My Thoughts:
While I do read this story to my students each year, I must admit it's not one of my favorites. I read it aloud as a predictable text, one they will enjoy picking up and "reading" themselves. It also serves as a great introduction to rhyming words. However, I feel that the "story" itself is more of a disjointed narrative. At times, it even feels awkward to read. I think the largest benefit lies in the detailed illustrations. I find that while reading this book is a good time to discuss how noticing all that is on a page can help us to understand the story.

Their Thoughts:
(This book as particularly difficult to find reviews for. I suppose, like me, there just wasn't that much that they could say!)
From Booklist's 1987 Review:
"This soothing, classic going-to-bed story has a vocabulary that lends itself to the skills of beginning readers."

My Ideas:
As mentioned previously, I believe this book is a superb example of detailed illustrations. I would use this book as a way to introduce the job of illustrators and what they bring to the story. First, the children could listen to the story without seeing the illustrations, and draw their own image based on the words they heard. Then I would read the story again, allowing them to view the book's pages. This would open the door for a great discussion on vision, detail, and rich pictures.

(An interesting side note about the photo of the illustrator from the book jacket being altered: NY Times Article)