Book # 1:
1. Bibliography
Selznick, Brian. The Invention of Hugo Cabret: A Novel and Pictures by Brian Selznick. New York: Schoolastic Press, 2007.
ISBN-10: 0-439-81378-6 (Hard Copy)
ISBN-13: 978-0-439-81378-5
2. Plot Summary
A young boy named Hugo Cabret is the main character of this graphic, storybook novel set in 1931 Paris. This post-WWI era was a time of great industrial change and innovation. Hugo finds himself having to live in his uncle's roof apartment located inside the train station, which reminded me of Le Musee d"Orsay. Selznick provides illustrations of great detail which describe the Musee d" Orsay, which once served as a functioning train station in the same time period as the book. The large scale clocks are the most spectacular focal point in the station/museum and I recalled them vividly throughout the novel.
Some very unfortunate circumstances have left Hugo an orphan who feels the need to keep many secrets about his life. He is desperately trying to keep a connection to his fathers memory while he works to revive a giant wind up toy that his father had been working on before his untimely death. The novel takes you through Hugo's efforts to keep his anonymity but soon all secrets will unravel. Luckily, he does not meet the anticipated doom that he was trying to prevent in his secrecy. The elaborate illustrations go hand in hand with each and every seen. It is like watching a film and reading a book at the same time.
3. Critical Analysis
Hugo's life is very interesting, especially for a boy of only 12 years. The people who become active in Hugo's life also carry many secrets out of senseless fear. Each twist and turn, which is set on the streets of Paris in the winter, keep the reader engaged. The graphic details and images that Selznick provides will keep the reader reading to find to uncover everyone's secrets. By the end of the story each character will feel the relief of no longer "needing" to keep secrets. The events will unite all of the characters in an unexpected way.
4. Review Excerpt(s)
- 2008 Caldecott Medal
- National Book Award Finalist
- #1 New York Times Bestseller
- An American Library Association Best Book for Young Adults
- USA Bestseller
- New York Times Best Illustrated Book of 2007
- Publisher's Weekly Best Book of 2007
- A Kirkus Reviews Best Book of 2007
- A New York Public Library Best Book for Reading and Sharing
- An American Library Association Notable Children's Book
- A 2007 Quill Award Winner (Children's Chapter/Middle Grade category)
- Published in 32 Countries to date
"Fade to black and cue the applause!"-- The New York Times Book Review
"It's wonderful. Take that overused word literally: 'Hugo Cabret' evokes wonder!"-- The New York Times Book Review
"If your kid loves J.K. Rowling series, then he's bound to enjoy The Invention of Hugo Cabret..."-- Good Housekeeping
5. Connections
Read other Brian Selznick books such as 2011, Wonderstruck ISBN: 978-0-545-02789-2
Wonderstruck is partially written in past tense and partially in the present and is also full of amazing illustrations.
Use The Invention of Hugo Cabret in an Art class to demonstrate how to combine illustration with writing.
Use this book also in an ELA class to demonstrate how to combine writing with illustration.
Use this book in a social studies course to compare and contrast other cultural norms as they relate to American cultural norms.
Use this book in a cross-curriculum Science and Art course to build an automaton.
Watch the movie made for the book Hugo in a Theater course to write a Play of the book.
Book #2
1. Bibliography
Williams, Mo. Can I Play Too? New York: Hyperion Books for Children, 2010.
ISBN:978-1-4231-1991-3
2. Plot Summary
Two friends, Elephant and Piggie, are playing a game of catch when a new "friend" comes along. Snake really wants to play with his new friends but Elephant and Piggie are very hesitant. When Snake questions them about their apprehension the two friends must admit that they are worried about Snake's lack of arms. After much physical trial and error, the three come up with an alternate form of "catch". The pictures that accompany the text are adorably fun and silly. Poor Snake experiences a fair amount of stress as he lives through this experience. His expressions steal the focus on each page.
3. Critical Analysis
With the dilemma of how to play catch without arms the reader will keep in engaged to see if the friends will indeed find a solution. This dilemma will allow readers the opportunity to recall any times of diversity in meeting new friends. It will help guide readers in strategies to design, in order to resolve conflict and acceptance. After reading the book, readers might discuss some of the things that occur in the book which would not be okay to test on each other in real life (for the sake of safety). They might also brainstorm other ways to find resolution in facing a similar dilemma.
4. Review Excerpt(s)
Mo Willems both author and illustrator of books has received medals for his Elephant and Piggie Series:
- 2008 Theodor Seuss Geisel Medal (There Is a Bird On Your Head!)
- 2009 Theodor Seuss Geisel Medal (Are You Ready to Play Outside?)
"All the snappy pacing and wry humor readers have come to expect of the Geisel Medal-winning series, with a valuable lesson in friendship and flexibility tucked inside."--Kirkus Reviews (started review)
"These masterful mini-dramas will delight and amuse easy-reader and picture-book audiences, alike."--School Library Journal (starred review)5. Connections
Read all of the other Mo Willems's Elephant and Piggie Series books such as:
- Today I Will Fly!
- My Friend Is Sad
- Pigs Make Me Sneeze!
- Elephants Cannot Dance!
- Watch Me Throw the Ball!
- I Love My New Toy!
- I Will Surprise My Friend!
- I Am Invited to a Party!
- I Am Going!
- We Are in a Book!
Use Mo Willems Elephant and Piggie books as an ongoing guide to discourage and prevent bullying among children in schools. The lessons will be easily guided by the underlying theme in the series, which promotes inclusion and acceptance of diversity.
Book #3
1. Bibliography
Brown, Margaret Wise. Goodnight Moon. Ill. by Clement Hurd. New York: Harper Collins Publishers, 1947.
ISBN-10:0694003611
2. Plot Summary
It is time for Bunny Rabbit to go to bed. But he must not forget to say Good Night to all of the things around him. He observes the Moon and Stars, and objects around his Big Green Room. He notices The Lady in the room and the kittens too. He notices the mittens and the mush. And so he says Goodnight to all that he sees and hears. Each object is that Bunny says good night to is illustrated on the pages for the reader and listener.
3. Critical Analysis
The short picture book is a lullaby of sorts that is calming and relaxing with the objective of preparing the reader and listener for sleep. Its systematic approach of bidding every object and noise a good night helps prepare one for the resting phase. The reader might then ask the listener to point out the objects and noises in her or his room and say good night to them. This process could become a nightly ritual for parent and child.
4. Review Excerpt(s)
Teachers Top 100 Books for Children in 2007, by the National Education Association (NEA)
Top 100 Picture Books in 2012, School Library Journal
The book has been translated into 10 different languages.
" In this classic of childrens's literature, beloved by generations of readers and listeners, the quiet poetry of the words and gentle, lulling illustrations combine to make a perfect book for the end of the day."-- Goodreads
5. Connections
Gather other picture book collections:
- Bader, Barbara. American Picturebooks from Noah's Ark to The Beast Within. New York: Macmillan, 1976.
- Lewis, Valerie V., and Walter M. Mayes. Valerie & Walter's Best Books for Children, Third Edition. New York: Three Rivers Press, 2000.
- Lipson, Eden Ross. The New York Times Parent's Guide to the Best Books for Children, Third Edition. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1998.
- Marcus, Leonard S., Editor. Dear Genius: The Letters of Ursula Nordstrom. New York: Harper Collins, 1998.
- Schulman, Janet, Editor. The 20th Century Children's Book Treasury: Celebrated Picture Books and Stories to Read Aloud. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1998.
- Silvey, Anita, Editor. Children's Books and Their Creators. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1995.
Parents might also reference these books for tips on good children's picture books.
- Spitz, Ellen Handler. Inside Picture Books. New Haven: Yale University Press, 1999.
- Trelease, Jim. The Read-Aloud Handbook, Fifth Edition. New York: Penguin Books, 2001.
