What Is Goodbye? (Poetry)

(Bookcover compliments of home.iprimus.com.au)

Bibliography

Grimes, Nikki. What is Goodbye? Illustrated by Raul Colon. New York, NY: Hyperion Books for Children. ISBN 0787807784

Plot summary

After the death of their older brother, two younger siblings uncover their painful emotions and their family’s journey through grief in poems that alternate between two voices.

Beautiful Blackbird (Traditional Literature)

(Bookcover compliments of Titlewave.com)

Bibliography

Bryan, Ashley. Beautiful Blackbird. Illustrated by Ashley Bryan. New York, NY: Antheneum Books for Young Readers. ISBN 0689847319

Plot summary

In this folk story originating from the Ila-speaking people of Zambia (formerly northern Rhodesia), blackbird shares some his beautiful black color with the colorful birds of the jungle.

Rapunzel (Traditional Literature)

(Bookcover compliments of Titlewave.com)

Bibliography

Zelinsky, Paul O. Rapunzel. Illustrated by Paul O. Zelinsky. New York, NY: Duton Children’s Books. ISBN 0525456074

Plot summary

In this retelling of the Brothers Grimm folktale, a beautiful girl with long hair is kept prisoner in a tall tower by a sorceress until she is discovered by a handsome prince. The book includes a detailed section on the German, French, and Italian origins of the tale along with an explanation on the Italian Renaissance style painting style chosen for illustrating the book.

The Three Little Pigs (Traditional Tale)

(Bookcover compliments of Titlewave.com)

Bibliography

Kellogg, Steven. The Three Little Pigs. Illustrated by Steven Kellogg. New York, NY: Harper Collins. ISBN 0688087310

Plot summary

In this re-telling of the classic tale, Serafina Sow, returns home from retirement to help her three children working in the family waffle-making business as they seek to defend themselves from a wicked wolf who wants to eat more than waffles.

Balarama: A Royal Elephant (Picture Book)

(Bookcover compliments of Titlewave.com)

Bibliography

Lewin, Ted and Betsy. Balarama: A Royal Elephant. Illustrated by Ted and Betsy Lewin. New York, NY: LEE & LOW BOOKS Inc. ISBN 9781600602658

Plot summary

Betsy and Ted share their experiences with the royal elephants while traveling in south India during 1997-1998. Narrating the details of their encounter with Balarama, the lead elephant selected for the grand parade during the Dasara festival, the Lewins also report on the care and preparation of these selected elephants. The book includes facts on elephants and a glossary of Hindi and Kannada terms used in the book.

Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day (Picture Book)

(Bookcover compliments of Titlewave.com)

Bibliography

Viorst, Judith. Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day. Illustrated by Ray Cruz. New York, NY: Aladdin Books. ISBN 9780689711732

Plot summary

Alexander wakes with gum in his hair and the rest of his day goes downhill from there. Alexander’s numerous, minor “horrible” experiences reinforce his perception of the total “terribleness” of the whole day.

A Sick Day for Amos McGee (Picture Book)

(Bookcover compliments of Titlewave.com)

Bibliography

Stead, Philip Christian. 2010. A Sick Day for Amos McGee. Illustrated by Erin E. Stead. New York, NY: Roaring Book Press. ISBN 1-59643-402-3

Plot summary

Elderly Amos McGee, city zookeeper, cares for each of his animal friends with gentle devotion until one day he wakes with a cold and cannot go to work. His loyal animal friends board a bus and come to Amos’ home to cheer him up with games, tea, and stories.