Most of us are familiar with the quote, "Life is a journey, not a destination." No other Children's tale sheds more truth on that particular saying then Shel Silvertein's touching masterpiece, "The Missing Piece."
In "The Missing Piece," a simplistic little shape, simply named "It" (whose not unlike Pac Man in appearance), embarks on an endless quest for fulfillment. "It" is missing a piece and desperately wants to find "Its" fit. Throughout this search, "It" endures a myriad of adventures that color and texture the story, as well as the struggles so many of us encounter on our path to make ourselves whole.
"It" rolls through sunshine, rain, fields, and jungles. "It" stops to cavort with flowers, worms, and butterflies. "It" loves the pleasant and enriching distractions it arrives upon while seeking out "its" missing piece -much like people do.
Silverstein's amazing gift for creating simplistic yet profound prose is highlighted in this heartwarming story. Your child will appreciate the rhythm of the tale as well as Silverstein's trademark illustrations.
More than just the basic appeal of cute pictures and bouncy poetic rhythm (that children adore), the grown adult may also find themselves deeply touched by the theme of wanting to find that perfectly complimentary counter-part. The often times harrowing, heart-wrenching, and formidable search for that ideal relationship.
There is a valuable lesson to be gleaned from "Its" encounters with potential missing pieces. Some pieces are too square, sharp, small, big, etc. A few situations arise where "It" feels it has found the perfect piece but gets rejected. Other times, "It" has grasped the perfect piece but doesn't hold tightly enough, and loses it. Then it gets another chance, but holds too tightly and causes it to break. All in all, certainly a tremendous lesson on how to treat those around us, particularly in relationships.
"The Missing Piece" is a life affirming classic that ultimately illuminates for the young reader the beauty and value of continuing to roll along singing merrily for more, despite whatever adversity or disappointments are thrown in the middle of one's trail through life.
Apprpriate Age for independent reading: 6 and up
Appropriate age for reading to: Pre-K and up
Where available for purchase: Widely available at Barnes and Noble, The Strand, Scholastic stores, Harper Collins Children's online store, Amazon, and www.shelsilverstein.com.
Monday, May 4, 2009
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Cinder Edna
I first had the pleasure of coming across Cinder Edna one day by randomly plucking it off my charge's bookshelf for story time.
"Oh yeah, that's a good one. You'll love it Chelsea," my eldest charge insisted.
The perceptive young lad was accurate in his assumption, for Cinder Edna proved to be a refreshingly modern take on the stale fairy tale, Cinderella.
Written by Ellen Jackson, and bolstered by the comically outlandish illustrations of Kevin O'Malley, Cinder Edna is widely available at most bookstores with a decent Children's section, Scholastic book catalogs, and online (amazon.com , scholastic.com). This literary gem is most appropriate for K-3rd reading levels. However, the story in itself can be appreciated by all ages.
Cinder Edna examines the lives of two female neighbors, Edna and Ella, stuck in crummy situations and their respective reactions to them. Both vexed by wicked step-mothers and step-sisters, Edna and her more historically famous counter-part share similar troubles, but drastically different coping mechanisms. While Ella prefers to give into the tired old trap of playing the victimized female martyr, Edna chooses to pull herself up by the boot-straps (by cleaning parrot cages and mowing lawns during her free time), for a little extra cash. Certainly beats moaning litanies over the sad, gloomy cinders!
As far as aesthetics are concerned, Edna isn't much to gander at. However, despite being ordinary in appearance, she possesses an extraordinary personality. Ella is quite a Bella, on the other hand, but her physical charms become a moot point once her penchant for self-pity and whining emerges.
On the evening of The Grand Ball, Edna and Ella both make it through their own separate methods. Edna applies her ever-sharp common sense by taking the bus (all while fashioning comfortable dancing loafers and a dress purchased with her cage-cleaning/lawn mowing allowance). Ella arrives thanks to the over-assistance of her Fairy Godmother (who was amazed that her God-daughter couldn't seem to figure anything out for herself, as the book mentions).
Once at the ball, the two diametric dames encounter two equally diametric dudes. One, Randolph, a narcissistic prince (who, if looks could kill, he would be an Uzi). The other, a lad named Rupert (whose not unlike Woody Allen in both looks and charm). I'll leave it to you to guess which dame went with which dude, although it's fairly obvious.
The essential tale of Cinderella ensues with its "Happily Ever After" ending, however, the reader may be surprised at who actually ends up living out the Fairy tale fantasy.
Ellen Jackson's marvelously fractured take on the old tale of Cinderella sends a spectacular message (particularly to young ladies), about the power of female independence, good old gumption, and character triumphing over beauty. She also indicates the folly of the standard, far-fetched Fairy Tale...and does it in a non-abrasive feminist manner. Susan Faludi could pick a thing or two from this book, and so can your little ones.
Appropriate age for independent reading: 2nd grade and up
Appropriate age for reading to: Kindergarden-3rd Grade
"Oh yeah, that's a good one. You'll love it Chelsea," my eldest charge insisted.
The perceptive young lad was accurate in his assumption, for Cinder Edna proved to be a refreshingly modern take on the stale fairy tale, Cinderella.
Written by Ellen Jackson, and bolstered by the comically outlandish illustrations of Kevin O'Malley, Cinder Edna is widely available at most bookstores with a decent Children's section, Scholastic book catalogs, and online (amazon.com , scholastic.com). This literary gem is most appropriate for K-3rd reading levels. However, the story in itself can be appreciated by all ages.
Cinder Edna examines the lives of two female neighbors, Edna and Ella, stuck in crummy situations and their respective reactions to them. Both vexed by wicked step-mothers and step-sisters, Edna and her more historically famous counter-part share similar troubles, but drastically different coping mechanisms. While Ella prefers to give into the tired old trap of playing the victimized female martyr, Edna chooses to pull herself up by the boot-straps (by cleaning parrot cages and mowing lawns during her free time), for a little extra cash. Certainly beats moaning litanies over the sad, gloomy cinders!
As far as aesthetics are concerned, Edna isn't much to gander at. However, despite being ordinary in appearance, she possesses an extraordinary personality. Ella is quite a Bella, on the other hand, but her physical charms become a moot point once her penchant for self-pity and whining emerges.
On the evening of The Grand Ball, Edna and Ella both make it through their own separate methods. Edna applies her ever-sharp common sense by taking the bus (all while fashioning comfortable dancing loafers and a dress purchased with her cage-cleaning/lawn mowing allowance). Ella arrives thanks to the over-assistance of her Fairy Godmother (who was amazed that her God-daughter couldn't seem to figure anything out for herself, as the book mentions).
Once at the ball, the two diametric dames encounter two equally diametric dudes. One, Randolph, a narcissistic prince (who, if looks could kill, he would be an Uzi). The other, a lad named Rupert (whose not unlike Woody Allen in both looks and charm). I'll leave it to you to guess which dame went with which dude, although it's fairly obvious.
The essential tale of Cinderella ensues with its "Happily Ever After" ending, however, the reader may be surprised at who actually ends up living out the Fairy tale fantasy.
Ellen Jackson's marvelously fractured take on the old tale of Cinderella sends a spectacular message (particularly to young ladies), about the power of female independence, good old gumption, and character triumphing over beauty. She also indicates the folly of the standard, far-fetched Fairy Tale...and does it in a non-abrasive feminist manner. Susan Faludi could pick a thing or two from this book, and so can your little ones.
Appropriate age for independent reading: 2nd grade and up
Appropriate age for reading to: Kindergarden-3rd Grade
Monday, April 20, 2009
An Awesome Book
With its catchy, to-the-point title and delightfully funky cover image, Dallas Clayton has created a book with such a glorious message, it will surely keep your child filled with hope and an empowered imagination.
The message of the book regards a simple, yet often overlooked concept:
Dreaming.
Sadly, it's a past time commonly disregarded this day in age as a "useless waste of workin' time," by some miserly folk. Though, for one to live in a land whose bottom line has always been, "The American Dream," and not actually dream...well, seems rather counter-intuitive.
This book not only covers unique, fun ideas and images of "rocket-powered Unicorns, musical Baboons, and jelly bean fueled cars," it also enforces the glory and limitlessness of the child imagination.
Clayton does a marvelous job at indicating what the essence of a dream is really all about. Dreams are about breaking your eye open, and dismembering all the tired associations we attach to things as we grow older. Or, as stated in the book:
"They're meant to make you seem as if you don't know up from down, because dreams are dreams and that's why dreams are worth having around!"
Throughout reading this book, I found myself becoming choked up. The simple yet profound message within it reinvigorated some of my lost dreams. If a book has the power to do that to a grown woman, imagine how intense and uplifting it can be for the curious and ever-hopeful child.
Another aspect that's particularly poignant (due to the global economic situation), is how Clayton illuminates the absurdity of placing too much importance on material things. One page has an illustration of money raining down, and how so many people chase it aimlessly. He sums up the emptiness of the pursuit by writing:
"Sometimes they dream of dreams that aren't even their own."
In these all around rough times, it was refreshing to see such an inspiring book. Trite as it may seem, Clayton beautifully illustrates how and why the best things in life (imagination, dreams, hope, love), really are for free.
Appropriate age for independent reading: 1st Grade and up
Appropriate age for reading to: Pre-K and up
The message of the book regards a simple, yet often overlooked concept:
Dreaming.
Sadly, it's a past time commonly disregarded this day in age as a "useless waste of workin' time," by some miserly folk. Though, for one to live in a land whose bottom line has always been, "The American Dream," and not actually dream...well, seems rather counter-intuitive.
This book not only covers unique, fun ideas and images of "rocket-powered Unicorns, musical Baboons, and jelly bean fueled cars," it also enforces the glory and limitlessness of the child imagination.
Clayton does a marvelous job at indicating what the essence of a dream is really all about. Dreams are about breaking your eye open, and dismembering all the tired associations we attach to things as we grow older. Or, as stated in the book:
"They're meant to make you seem as if you don't know up from down, because dreams are dreams and that's why dreams are worth having around!"
Throughout reading this book, I found myself becoming choked up. The simple yet profound message within it reinvigorated some of my lost dreams. If a book has the power to do that to a grown woman, imagine how intense and uplifting it can be for the curious and ever-hopeful child.
Another aspect that's particularly poignant (due to the global economic situation), is how Clayton illuminates the absurdity of placing too much importance on material things. One page has an illustration of money raining down, and how so many people chase it aimlessly. He sums up the emptiness of the pursuit by writing:
"Sometimes they dream of dreams that aren't even their own."
In these all around rough times, it was refreshing to see such an inspiring book. Trite as it may seem, Clayton beautifully illustrates how and why the best things in life (imagination, dreams, hope, love), really are for free.
Appropriate age for independent reading: 1st Grade and up
Appropriate age for reading to: Pre-K and up
Thursday, April 16, 2009
The Saga of Baby Divine
In 1983, a woman (who is now commonly regarded as a National treasure), turned down her performance dial, sat down, and tapped into her inner typist. Doing so was certainly a worthwhile attempt, for as a result, the world of Children’s Literature was blessed with “The Saga of baby Divine,” by Bette Midler.
Unfortunately, the book did not quite reach the level of popularity its author did, and is now out of print. Fortunately, thanks to consumer recycling, the book is still available on web sites such as strandbooks.com, and amazon.com. In addition to online availability, you may take your chances with (the now rare and elusive), secondhand bookstores.
The story certainly lives up to its title as a “saga,” for the tale involves an adventure-riddled plot about a bombastic young newborn, Baby Divine, who is destined to reach out into the very ether of the Universe for “more” - a word your children will become extremely aware of after having this story read to them.
With a sprig of curly red hair, a tropical print diaper (complete with personalized bling), and a mode of physical transportation that is strictly limited to dance moves...Baby Divine proves to be an exceptional creature. However, as is often the case with originality, it can be met with opposing forces. The people responsible for bringing Baby D into the world happen to possess none of her outlandish attributes. They’re very average, banal suburban folk who are uncertain about what to make of their over-the-top offspring. Their rejection of her charms causes a frisson and Baby D runs away from home feeling unwanted.
As it turns out, this little act of rebellion proves to be rather beneficial. By stepping off her front porch, Baby D hitches a ride on a stork (not unlike a New York cabbie), battles the Demon of Anxiety (thanks to the assistance of three Bohemian dames), and ultimately discovers that she must “cherish what makes her unique” in order to stand out more than the mountaintops that loom about the land. In turn, her parents realize her amazing gift and encompass her with love and support.
Midler creates a sensational writing scheme from start to finish that will keep the little ones mesmerized (even if they have trouble deciphering some of the more advanced vocabulary). The rhythm and eloquence of the prose is not only engaging for children, but entertaining for the adult as well.
Coupled with the spectacular writing are the vivid, larger than life illustrations by Todd Schorr. Every time I have read this story to children, they react to the images as though they’re living and breathing.
I strongly recommend this book to parents of children who possess an inclination toward the arts. More specifically, the performing arts. A powerful lesson is taught about battling the Demon of Anxiety, who frightens the young babe at one point by stating:
“I appear when your Courage departs. I find you whenever your Confidence fails you, and fear makes a home in your heart!”
Through a unique turn of events, Baby D learns to laugh in the face of mindless antagonism, quite literally, for laughter proves to be the best weapon to diminish such arbitrary attacks.
While the book is a treasure that your child is sure to remember (it’s my favorite book from childhood, so bear in mind that I’m slightly bias), it may be too mature for children under the age of five. It’s verbose, lengthy, and comprehensively challenging. However, if your kids are avid readers and able to sit through a thick read (complete with songs), go for it.
I first read it aloud to one of my charges when she was three. That same afternoon, when her older brother returned from school, she told him about the Demon of Anxiety by stating, “There’s a monster in Chelsea’s room, and he lives inside a book.” I read the book to them regularly now (they are now eight and five) and with every reading, they seem consistently smitten with the tale.
Bette Midler gives the young reader (and kid-like adult), a jam packed adventure from start to finish, and reveals the benefits of believing in one’s self, despite unfair judgments from others, or not quite fitting in...or even our own inner demons of anxiety.
Appropriate age for independent reading: 4th grade and up
Appropriate age for reading to: Kindergarden and up
Unfortunately, the book did not quite reach the level of popularity its author did, and is now out of print. Fortunately, thanks to consumer recycling, the book is still available on web sites such as strandbooks.com, and amazon.com. In addition to online availability, you may take your chances with (the now rare and elusive), secondhand bookstores.
The story certainly lives up to its title as a “saga,” for the tale involves an adventure-riddled plot about a bombastic young newborn, Baby Divine, who is destined to reach out into the very ether of the Universe for “more” - a word your children will become extremely aware of after having this story read to them.
With a sprig of curly red hair, a tropical print diaper (complete with personalized bling), and a mode of physical transportation that is strictly limited to dance moves...Baby Divine proves to be an exceptional creature. However, as is often the case with originality, it can be met with opposing forces. The people responsible for bringing Baby D into the world happen to possess none of her outlandish attributes. They’re very average, banal suburban folk who are uncertain about what to make of their over-the-top offspring. Their rejection of her charms causes a frisson and Baby D runs away from home feeling unwanted.
As it turns out, this little act of rebellion proves to be rather beneficial. By stepping off her front porch, Baby D hitches a ride on a stork (not unlike a New York cabbie), battles the Demon of Anxiety (thanks to the assistance of three Bohemian dames), and ultimately discovers that she must “cherish what makes her unique” in order to stand out more than the mountaintops that loom about the land. In turn, her parents realize her amazing gift and encompass her with love and support.
Midler creates a sensational writing scheme from start to finish that will keep the little ones mesmerized (even if they have trouble deciphering some of the more advanced vocabulary). The rhythm and eloquence of the prose is not only engaging for children, but entertaining for the adult as well.
Coupled with the spectacular writing are the vivid, larger than life illustrations by Todd Schorr. Every time I have read this story to children, they react to the images as though they’re living and breathing.
I strongly recommend this book to parents of children who possess an inclination toward the arts. More specifically, the performing arts. A powerful lesson is taught about battling the Demon of Anxiety, who frightens the young babe at one point by stating:
“I appear when your Courage departs. I find you whenever your Confidence fails you, and fear makes a home in your heart!”
Through a unique turn of events, Baby D learns to laugh in the face of mindless antagonism, quite literally, for laughter proves to be the best weapon to diminish such arbitrary attacks.
While the book is a treasure that your child is sure to remember (it’s my favorite book from childhood, so bear in mind that I’m slightly bias), it may be too mature for children under the age of five. It’s verbose, lengthy, and comprehensively challenging. However, if your kids are avid readers and able to sit through a thick read (complete with songs), go for it.
I first read it aloud to one of my charges when she was three. That same afternoon, when her older brother returned from school, she told him about the Demon of Anxiety by stating, “There’s a monster in Chelsea’s room, and he lives inside a book.” I read the book to them regularly now (they are now eight and five) and with every reading, they seem consistently smitten with the tale.
Bette Midler gives the young reader (and kid-like adult), a jam packed adventure from start to finish, and reveals the benefits of believing in one’s self, despite unfair judgments from others, or not quite fitting in...or even our own inner demons of anxiety.
Appropriate age for independent reading: 4th grade and up
Appropriate age for reading to: Kindergarden and up
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