The Dragon's Pearl by Julie Lawson

Lawson, J. (1993). The dragon’s pearl. New York: Clarion Books.

Summary

Xiao Sheng is a young boy with hopes and dreams of what tomorrow will bring. Forced by survival, Xiao Sheng must cut and sell grass from the fields in order to help him and his mother make money. When a severe drought hits his village, Xiao Sheng finds a pearl hidden amongst some magical grass. When he takes it home, he realizes it is a magical pearl. However, when two dangerous men come looking for wealth, Xiao Sheng soon understands the magic of the pearl.

Advisory Information:

-Themes:

a. Treat Others as You Wish to be treated: Even the lowliest of villagers are helped by Xiao Sheng and his mother when they do become wealthy.

b. Cultural Tales: This book is Julie Lawson’s retelling of a Chinese myth.

c. Sacrifices: Xiao Sheng understands the life he must sacrifice at the end of the book.

-Age Recommendation:

I would recommend this picture book to readers aged 3 – 7. Younger readers will enjoy the pictures while juvenile readers will enjoy reading the text.

-Other Information:

At the conclusion of the book, Julie Lawson includes an afterword about the importance of Dragons in Chinese culture.

The book was illustrated by Paul Morin.

Awards include:
Short-listed for the Ruth Schwartz Award and the CLA Book of the Year Award
Winner of the Amelia Frances Howard-Gibbon Award for illustrations.
U.S. 1993 NAPPA Award for Folklore (National Parenting Publications Award)

Reaction:

I thought that this book is an interesting look at the Chinese culture. Unlike Paul Yee’s Dead Man Gold and Other Stories, this book focuses on Chinese culture with positive effects. What happens to Xiao Sheng, while somewhat tragic, becomes a saving grace for his mother and the village. He is seen with respect in the eyes of the community. I also think that the illustrations tie the morals and themes of the story well.

The Hockey Sweater by Roch Carrier

Carrier, R. (1984). The Hockey Sweater. Platsburgh, New York: Tundra Books.

Summary:

A young boy loves the Montreal Canadiens, more specifically Maurice Richard. He even owns a sweater jersey that he wears everywhere. One day the sweater has grown too small for him, so his mother writes Monsieur Eaton a letter with her son’s measurements asking for another sweater. Monsieur Eaton sends the boy a Toronto Maple Leafs jersey instead. Can the young boy survive without his Canadiens sweater?

-Themes:

a. boyhood obsessions: The young boy is obsessed with his hockey sweater and hockey in general.

b. agony of disappointment: The boy’s face is priceless when he sees what type of sweater he got.

c. feelings of persecution: The boy feels like he is being treated unfairly due to his new sweater.

d. Sports idolatry: The entire town looks up to Maurice Richard.

e. Childhood innocence: The boy looks to god in a creative way to help him in his time of need.

Age Recommendation:

I think that everyone should read this book regardless of age, however, I think that it was intended for younger readers aged 5-9.

Other Information:

The book is so treasured in Canada that one of the phrases in the story is written on their currency.

The book was illustrated by Sheldon Cohen, and was later turned into an animated movie.

Reaction:

I thought that this book captured the essence of childhood both with the text and the illustrations. The reader witnesses the entire gamut of childhood emotions from anticipation, exhilaration, to anger, and tentative acceptance. I especially loved the look of humiliation and disgust on the boy’s face when his mom is showing him the Maple Leafs sweater.

The Sweater

Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IJlilwLlBhg

Boy of the Deeps by Ian Wallace

Wallace, Ian. (1999). Boy of the deeps. New York, New York: DK Publishing, Inc.

Summary:

Today is James’ first day working as a coal miner. He goes with his father and the other coal miners to the mine. His father then takes him to their spot, where James is taught what tools to bring, how to dig, how to plant the explosives, to detonating, to picking up the rock fragments. After lunch the two coal miners make their way back to their spot, when a wooden beam collapses on them. Can James help his father before it is too late?

Advisory Information:

Themes:

a. Coming of age/Loss of innocence (James is now required to make money for his family, and must experience the dangers of his and his father’s job) The author remembers his grandfather talking about his experience, and how he recognizes the sacrifices his grandfather had to go through in order for the author to life in a world where a “boy could be a boy, growing naturally into manhood and free to choose his own destiny.”

b. Day in the Life of a Coal Miner

c. Family relationships of the time period: the father teaching his son the trade.

Age Recommendation:

I think that this book would appeal to young readers, from 3 to 6 years of age.

Other Information:

Ian Wallace wrote the book as well as completing the illustrations.

Awards Include:
2000 IBBY Honour Book (International Board on Books for Young People) 2000 Hackamatack Children's Choice Book Award Nominee
1999 Quill & Quire Best Books of the Year
1999 Smithsonian Notable Children's Book
Canadian Booksellers Association, Ruth Schwartz Award Nominee
1999 Maclean's Magazine Best Books of the Year

Reaction:

I enjoyed this picture book. I thought that the canvas quality of the pictures helped the reader distinguish the time period of the story. Most of the illustrations had darkness to them that added atmosphere to the story. I felt like as a reader, you could understand how difficult working in a mine would be. I do not think I could fully connect with the characters; however, it was easy to understand what life would be like in those circumstances.

A Man Called Raven by Richard Van Camp

Van Camp, R. (1997). A man called raven. San Francisco, California: Children’s Book Press.

Summary:

A huge man catches two brothers trying to hurt a raven. When the boys tell the man that it’s no big deal, the man forces them to take him to their parents. At their house, the man tells the boys why it is important not to hurt ravens. Relating the story of a mean old man who redeems himself when he is turned into a raven, the boys understand the need to protect and respect life. However, the huge man is not all that he seems.


Advisory Information:

Themes:

a. Respect all forms of life: The huge man teaches the boys why it is important to not hurt animals.

b. Redemption: The old man redeems himself from his human life through his actions as a raven.

c. Importance of understanding culture: The huge man makes a comment that the boys “have never gone out on the land,” implying that had they experienced nature, perhaps they would have understood.

Age Recommendations:

Although the bright colored pictures could be acceptable to younger readers, I think that this picture book’s themes and word choice is better fit for children in elementary school, in 2nd through 4th grade (8-10 years old).

Other Information:

George Littlechild completed the illustrations for this book.

Reaction:

I thought that message in this story was illustrated in an interesting way. I think that in some ways this differentiates this book from traditional American ways of teaching morality. If this book was written by an American, I think the moral would focus on how the Raven was a defenseless creature. Instead this book forces the boys, and thus the reader, to see how the raven actually benefits mankind; that it does serve a purpose in the bigger picture.

Coyote's New Suit by Thomas King

King, T. (2004). Coyote’s new suit. Toronto, Ontario: Key Porter Books.

Summary:

Coyote is proud of his new suit, however, when crow tells him that it’s just okay, Coyote decides to start taking other animals’ suits. When the animals cannot find their furs, crow tells the animals to take the human’s clothes. One day, Coyote notices that he does not have any more room in his closet for suits. Crow tells him to have a yard sale, but crow has also invited the humans and the other animals.

Advisory Information:

-Themes

a. Be content with what you have: Coyote is constantly looking for new things he wants, rather than being content with what he has. The humans seem to have the same problem when they will not return the animal skins for their own clothes.

b. Trickster tales: In this story, the crow sort of takes the role of the trickster. She is able to convince other people to do things for her pleasure.

c. Conceit: Coyote is very narcissist, in his coat. His pride overrides his ability to think about how the other animals and humans might feel for having their clothes and fur taken away from them.
Age Recommendation:

I think that this picture book would be great for young readers, namely kids aged 3 to 7. Young children will enjoy listening to the words and looking at the pictures. Older children will enjoy reading the text for themselves and understanding the morals of the story.

Other Information:

This book was illustrated by Johnny Wales.

Reaction:

This story is reminiscent of Aesop’s Fables told in a modern day context. I think that the illustrations were very interesting adding to the overall feel of the story. I was surprised at how the other animals reacted to coyote. No problems seem to occur despite his actions, especially since he might start stealing coats again.

Caribou Song by Tomson Highway

Highway, T. (2001). Caribou song. Toronto, Ontario: HarperCollins Publishers, Ltd.

Summary:

Young brothers, Joe and Cody, live in Northern Canada, where the land is covered in snow. Joe, Cody, their parents, and their dogs follow the caribou year round. One day Joe and Cody decide to play the accordion, sing and dance to call forth thousands of caribou. Suddenly, the caribou fill the meadow and the lake, separating the two boys. Can the boys find safety and “embrace the spirit” of the caribou?

Advisory Information:

-Themes:

a. Animism and the spiritual relationship between man and animal: Though a subtle relationship, the author illustrates the idea that animals can embody a spirit that can communicate with man. This is further reinforced with the illustrations and the bilingual text in Cree.

b. Separation: Cody and Joe are separated from their parents, and are separated from each other when the herd of caribou race through the meadow.

c. Protecting the ones you love: Joe must save his younger brother Cody from the stampeding herd of caribou.

Age recommendation:

This picture book can be hard to identify. The pictures are very expressive and little children would enjoy them. However, the context of the book is for more mature readers. Therefore, I would recommend this book to readers as young as 5 and as old as 8.

Other Information:

This book was illustrated by Brian Deines.

This book is bilingual, written both in English and Cree.

Reaction:

This book told an interesting story about the link between the spirit of animals and its counterpart in man. The boys are not scared of the caribou, but understand the need for safety. Ultimately, it is their innocence and acceptance of the caribou, which allows them to understand and “embrace” the power of the caribou spirit.

Alego by Ningeokuluk Teevee

Teevee, N. (2009). Alego. Toronto, Ontario: Groundwood Books.

Summary:

Written in both English and Inuktitut, a young girl, Alego, goes clamming with her grandmother for the first time. There she finds interesting objects and collects them in her bucket. When her grandmother asks what the young girl has collected, the grandmother chuckles over her granddaughter’s curiosity. They return home and have a feast of clams and hot tea with the rest of the family.

Advisory Information

Themes:

a. Keeping with culture: Since the book was written in Inuktitut, readers are able to see how the written word can keep cultural traditions alive. Furthermore, the illustrations give the reader a chance to understand the environment of Cape Dorset as well as some of the clothing that Alego and her grandmother wear.

b. Curiosity: Alego’s innocence at the tide pools reinforces the idea that children need to explore the world around them and experience new things.

c. Family ties: Alego’s relationship with her grandmother is very loving and accepting towards Alego’s inquisitiveness at the beach, emphasizing the need for strong family bonds.

Age Recommendation:

This picture book would be acceptable for all ages, however, children from 4 to 8 would probably best understand the pictures and the text.

Other Information:

Ningeokuluk Teevee also completed the illustrations for this book.

Reaction:

This was my first introduction to the Inuktitut written language. I really enjoyed the bilingual text and the inside cover map to help readers locate where in Canada the story takes place. I think that children need to be exposed to many different types of language and cultures so that they understand the amount of diversity in the world and the capability to be accepting of other cultures.

The Subway Mouse by Barbara Reid

Reid, B. (2005). The subway mouse. New York: Scholastic Inc.

Summary:

A young mouse named Nib grew up on the tracks of a subway, dreaming of Tunnel’s End. Tunnel’s End was the outside world with all of its dangers and beauties. One day Nib’s cousins move in and take over Nib’s nest. Nib then decides to find Tunnel’s End. Along the way he meets another mouse named Lola, and together they search the subway tunnels for Tunnel’s End.

Advisory Information:

Themes:

a. Dedication: Nib and Lola do not give up their search for Tunnel’s End.

b. Survival: Nib and Lola must adapt to their new lifestyle in Tunnel’s End.

c. Growing up and becoming your own person (or in this case, mouse): This is not really a coming of age story, but it does promote the idea of moving out of the house and establishing your own identity. Nib initially feels defined by the objects he collects in Sweetfall, however, once he moves, he must adapt to his new lifestyle.

d. Believing in your dreams: Nib does not know whether or not Tunnel’s End exists. His journey is a testament to his perserverance.

Age Recommendation:

This picture book would be excellent for young children ages 3 to 7.

Other Information:

“The illustrations were made with plasticine that is shaped and pressed onto illustration board. Acrylic paint, found objects, and other materials are used for special effect” (found in the book on the bibliographic information page).

Reaction:

The illustrations in this book are very well done. It has a 3-dimensional look, with almost like a clay appearance. Detail is etched into the plasticine, and other objects are used in the background or for explanation of the text. It is the pictures and not the text, which really sets this book a part from others. While I would not consider this a bad book, the storyline is a basic adventure story with few obstacles for the protagonist to overcome. This is most likely due to the age level the story is aimed at.

Love You Forever by Robert Munsch

Munsch, R. (1991). Love you forever. Ontario, Canada: Firefly Books Ltd.

Summary:

Love You Forever chronicles a bond between mother and son while both age. First, we see the young mother hold her baby in her arms and sing him a song. The book then moves through the passage of time, where we witness the young baby, turn into a young boy, a young adult and finally a man. During this entire time span the mother is still rocking her son and singing the lullaby to him, until the last couple of pages when the mother is too old to finish. The son then goes to her to rock her and sing her their song. The story ends with the son now rocking and singing to his daughter.

Advisory Information

-Themes:

a. Family Relationships: Through the words and pictures, the reader can see the process of growing up and what the mother has to go through. Furthermore, it also looks at the process of taking care of an aging parent.

b. Love: Ultimately, this book is about love: the love for a parent and child, and vice versa.

c. Life and Death: This book is a good introduction to the aging process both for a young baby to an adult and an adult to old age.

d. Nostalgia: Regardless of the mother’s or son’s age, the song always references her son as a baby, and the son’s song always references his mother as his mommy.

e. Parenting: I think that this book really presents what the author considers to be good parenting: regardless of what happens the mother always goes into the son's room and rocks him to sleep all the while singing the song.

-Age Recommendation:

For me, this book is acceptable to all ages; it still makes me cry. However, it is a picture book, so it was probably intended for young children such as infants to about first grade.

-Other Information

This book edition was illustrated by Sheila McGraw.

Reaction:

When I started this assignment I did not think I would recognize very many authors. I knew about Lucy Maud Montgomery, but I never knew that this book was written by a Canadian author. It is a book that will always remind me of my childhood; I used to love noticing what the cat did on each page when my mom read it to me. I think that as a picture book it really transcends time. It does not matter when it was first written (1986), the book can connect just as well with today’s audience.

Drumheller Dinosaur Dance by Robert Heidbreder

Heidbreder, R. (2004). Drumheller dinosaur dance. Ontario, Canada: Kids Can Press Ltd.

Summary:

On stormy nights when children dream the Drumheller Dinosaurs move through the cracks of dirt, rearrange their fossils, and dance. They grab their instruments and begin to sing and dance. While dreaming, children dance alongside the dinosaurs. However, once the day breaks the dinosaurs put their instruments away, unsnap their bones, and bury themselves into the ground waiting until the next “dinosaur night.”

Advisory Information

Themes:

a. Dinosaurs: While the story does not really give information about types of dinosaurs, or which dinosaurs were indigenous to Canada, the book’s illustrations do an excellent job recreating fossilized dinosaurs.

b. Drumheller Dinosaur Dance also promotes the idea that children need to develop their imaginations. That imagination allows the reader to see dinosaurs and dance with them. In the story, the adults think that the dance is just a storm, while the children in their sleep are not only aware of the dinosaur dance, but are also participating.

Age Recommendation

Drumheller Dinosaur Dance is a picture book so while it is acceptable for all ages, it will probably most appeal to pre-school to first grade children.

Other Information:

Drumheller Dinosaur Dance is illustrated by Bill Slavin and Esperança Melo.

2005 Childrens’ Choices, International Reading Association , shortlist

The story takes place in Drumheller, Alberta, Canada.

Reaction

The illustrations really connect well with the text. The text itself is a simple rhyme; however, the contrast of the white bones against a dark brown background allows the pictures and text to pop. This book is perfect for adults to read to children. While the storyline is not entirely original, I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

The Queen’s Feet by Sarah Ellis

Ellis, S. (2006). The queen’s feet. Alberta, Canada: Red Deer Press.

Summary:

Queen Daisy’s feet has a mind of their own and do whatever they see fit. This becomes especially embarrassing when Queen Daisy kicks King Marvin in the ankle. Angry, the entire kingdom decides that the Queen’s feet must behave except for one hour each day. From that day on, Queen Daisy, her husband King Fred, the kingdom, and her feet are happy and content.

Advisory Information:

-Themes:

a. Social Standards and Mores: Even though Queen Daisy’s feet do not always do what they are told, Queen Daisy learns that there is a time and a place for everything.

b. Originality: While Queen Daisy is embarrassed by her feet, her feet are never forced to completely obey and never have fun. This allows Queen Daisy’s feet to still be themselves.

Age Recommendation

This picture book is acceptable for all ages, however, young children will learn from it and enjoy it the most.

Other Information:

The Queen’s Feet is illustrated by Dušan Petričić

Christie Harris Illustrated Children's Literature Prize (2007) nominee

Canadian Children's Book Centre Our Choice, 2007

Reaction:

I think that the picture book, The Queen’s Feet, is an excellent example of a book that children would enjoy. It has a simple message that children can relate too that is not too overt. Children are often times told that they cannot do whatever they want. This book teaches them to be responsible for their actions, yet understand that there can be opportunities for fun. The pictures perfectly add to this book’s charm and message.

Belle's Journey by Marilyn Reynolds

Reynolds, M. (1993). Belle's journey. Victoria, British Columbia: Orca Book Publishers.

Summary

Belle is an old brown mare who isn’t able to do much on Molly’s parent’s farm except take Molly to Piano classes 8 miles away. On the way home one day, a blizzard begins. Due to the prairie landscape, there is no place for shelter and Belle must guide them both home.

Advisory Information:

-Themes:

a. Survivial: Belle’s Journey is about surviving both in a blizzard and in Canada’s prairie.

b. Unlikely Hero: Belle is portrayed as a worn out mare who might even be sold, however once she proves herself to Molly and Molly’s parents, Belle is able to live the rest of her life in comfort.
c. Determination: It can be assumed that Belle stays sure of her own knowledge to find her way home.

d. Trust: Molly must trust Belle in order to make it home safely.

Age Recommendation:

Belle’s Journey is a picture book for all ages. Parents would be able to read to it to their child.

Other Information:

Takes place in the Canadian prairies during the 1920s.

Awards for Belle's Journey include:
Henry Kreisel Award shortlist
CNIB "Tiny Torgi" shortlist
CCBC "Our Choice"

Reaction:

Belle’s Journey represents your typical children’s story of an unlikely character defying the odds and saving the day at the end. The book is slightly dated, however, and I do not know if children will pick up on some of the anachronisms of the 1920s. Children, though, will still enjoy the pictures and can identify with the plot.