Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type

CLICK, CLACK, MOO: Cows That Type
A Review by Amanda Kendall

Bibliography:
Cronin, Doreen. 2000. CLICK, CLACK, MOO: Cows That Type. Ill. by Betsy Lewin. New York: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers. ISBN 0689832133

Plot Summary:

Farmer Brown's world is turned upside down when the cows discover an old typewriter in the barn. With a click and a clack, they start making requests to improve the living conditions on the farm.  Farmer Brown is irate and refuses to give in to the cows ridiculous demands. Soon, the cows and the chickens are on strike and with no milk and eggs, Farmer Brown sends Duck into the barn to negotiate. In the end, Farmer Brown willingly trades the typewriter for electric blankets but wasn't counting on the ducks learning to type.

Analysis:

Readers will laugh out loud with this unexpected and hilarious twist to life on the farm. Filled with repetitive alliteration that invites young readers to sing along, the text moves swiftly and effortlessly. This impressively simple text maintains the integrity of story with the back-and-forth dialogue, and humorous conflicts making the the characters memorable. Readers of all ages will savor each delightfully delicious page.

Lewin's vibrant and beautiful watercolor illustrations compliment and enhance the story from beginning to end. The black watercolor outlines showcase the unique personalities of the characters, conveying their emotions and moods perfectly. As character personalities jump off the page, the reader is entertained with their antics.  The use of soft watercolor backgrounds draw the reader's focus to the characters and action in the story, while other bolder backgrounds visually engage readers highlighting the conflict in the story. Expertly executed on every page, Lewin's art not only adds to the character development of the story but adds humor making this a classic for years to come.

Awards & Reviews:

• 2001 Caldecott Honor Book

• 2001 International Reading Association Children's Choice Award Winner

• 2001 ALA Notable Children's Book Award

• Top 100 Picture Books of All Time by School Library Journal 

From Publishers Weekly: "Kids and underdogs everywhere will cheer for the clever critters that calmly and politely stand up for their rights, while their human caretaker becomes more and more unglued."

From School Library Journal: "So simple. So perfect."

Connections:
Other Caldecott Award Winners from 2001:

• St. George, Judith. So You Want to Be President? ISBN 0399243178

• Thayer, Ernest. Casey at the Bat: A Ballad of the Republic Sung Hero in the Year 1888. ISBN 1929766009

More Books by Doreen Cronin:

• Giggle, Giggle, Quack. 1481465430

• Duck for President. 0689863772

• Diary of a Spider. 0062233009 

Suggested Curricular Connections:

• Share as part of an author's study on Doreen Cronin looking for connections across books related to characters, plot, and theme.

• Create a reader's theater script and perform the story as a play.

• Invite students to write their own letters to parents or the principal explaining how they would like to see their school or home life improved.

They All Saw A Cat

 They All Saw A Cat

A Review by Amanda Kendall

Bibliography:
Wenzel, Brendan. 2016. They All Saw A Cat. San Fransisco: Chronicle Books. 1452150133

Plot Summary:

One cat walks through the world and is seen by many, but each time seen differently. Finally, the cat looks into the rippling waves of the water and sees itself for the very first time.

Analysis:
Brendan Wenzel's ingenious concept is perfectly executed in They All Saw A Cat. The repetitive lyrical language on each page flows seamlessly throughout the book. The well placed text on each page directs the reader's attention to the illustrations which play a large role in this unique story showcasing how one's perspective is changed by circumstance.

The illustrations are complex, dynamic, and thought-provoking. Each page standing alone as a unique perspective from each creature. The viewpoints are more clearly conveyed through the variety of mediums used in the artwork. From colored pencils to charcoal, magic marker to watercolor, each page begs the reader to ponder their outlook of the world and the creatures they encounter. Diverse perspectives are presented in relation to size, visual acuity, and primal instincts giving children an opportunity to see through the eyes of another and opening the door to conversions around our differences and points of view. Brilliant.

 Awards & Reviews:

• 2017 Caldecott Honor Book
• 2017 ALSC Notable Children's Book 
• 2016 School Library Journal Best Book
• 2016 New York Times Notable Children's Book, Picture Books
• 2016 New York Public Library Best Books for Kids, Picture Books
• 2016 Editor's Choice, Books for Youth, Young Readers, Fiction by Booklist

From Publishers Weekly: "This is Wenzel’s first book as both illustrator and writer, and it’s marvelous—no matter how you look at it."

From The Boston Globe: "The cat comes across more animals — a bee, a flea, and a snake among them — and what lifts these encounters from the realm of nursery rhyme into fizzy, inspiring picture book stratosphere is Wenzel’s extraordinary delivery of a high concept."

From School Library Journal:  "From the endpapers to each clever composition, this title invites interaction and thoughtful looking, always allowing the child to discern meaning."

Connections: 
More Caldecott Honor Books from 2017:

• Steptoe, Javaka. Radiant Child: The Story of Young Artist Jean-Michel Basquiat. 0316213888
• Brosgol, Vera. Leave Me Alone! 1626724415
• Weatherford, Carole Boston. Freedom in Congo Square. 1499801033
• Ellis, Carson. Du Iz Tak? 0763665304

Suggested Curricular Connections:

• Use to introduce point of view and discuss different perspectives.
• Use as an introduction to a science unit on adaptations highlighting the different ways many animals see the world. 
• Write a story from the perspective of one of the creatures who saw the cat.
• Create a perspective art project with a variety of mediums for another animal that sees the cat.

Alexander and the Terrible Horrible No Good Very Bad Day

 Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, 
No Good, Very Bad Day

A Review by Amanda Kendall

Bibliography:

Viorst, Judith. 1972. Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day. Ill. Ray Cruz. New York: Atheneum Books for Young Readers. 0689300727

Plot Summary:

From the moment Alexander climbs out of bed one fateful morning, nothing goes right. It is just one of those days. He gets gum stuck in his hair. He gets in trouble at home and school. He gets in a fight. He has to go to the dentist and he has lima beans for dinner! Nothing, absolutely nothing in his day is good, so he's planning on moving to Australia.

Analysis:

Judith Viorst is a master storyteller.  She creates characters that are real and full of voice. Alexander is no exception. His frustration and grumpy demeanor are palatable through each extensive and masterfully crafted sentence. From page one, the reader feels his every annoyance, large or small, yet sees the humor in Alexander's overreaction. The repetition of lines and phrases create continuity throughout and the reader can't help but cheer for Alexander as he realizes that "some days are like that. Even in Australia."

The exquisitely drawn black and white illustrations capture the enduring nature of this story and the universal truth that bad days happen no matter where you live. The details on each page reveal character attitudes and family dynamics.  Alexander's expressions are particularly notable as they are drawn with such feeling and realism. Cruz's illustrations are the perfect compliment to this timeless tale.

Awards & Reviews:

• 1977 Georgia's Children's Book Awards - Picture Storybook

• ALA Notable Children's Book

From Kirkus Review: "...truly attuned to a child's point of view."

From Goodreads: "The perennially popular tale of Alexander's worst day is a storybook that belongs on every child's bookshelf."

Connections:

More Picture Books by Judith Viorst:

• Alexander, Who Used to Be Rich Last Sunday. 0689711999

• Alexander, Who's Not (Do You Hear Me? I Mean It!) Going to Move. 0689820895

• The Tenth Good Thing About Barney. 0689712030

More Hilarious Books for Older Readers by Judith Viorst:

• LuLu and the Brontosaurus. 1416999620

• LuLu's Mysterious Mission. 1442497475

• LuLu Walks the Dogs. 1442435801

Suggested Curricular Connections:

• Share with children of all ages on a tough day, so they know they are not alone. 
• Use as a mentor text for writing a personal narrative.
• Compare and contrast various Alexander stories looking for common ideas and themes.

Welcome to Coffee and Kid Lit

Welcome to Coffee and Kid Lit!

Coffee and children's books are two of my favorite things and my favorite way to spend an afternoon. I enjoy nothing more than curling up with a good book and steamy cup of joe.

This blog was created as an assignment for a TWU course in Children's & Young Adult literature for the spring 2018 semester and will be used to review children's books across formats and genres.

I'm looking forward to learning, growing, and sharing with the kid lit community!