The First Chapters of The Secret Garden

After having read a few of the chapters from The Secret Garden, I must say, I am thoroughly impressed. I thought it would be slow and boring, or at least more than it is. Although the book is easy to read and understand, the lanugauge is still eloquent. Frances Hodgson Burnett does a wonderful job of using sytanx to create the story and plot line. It is a children's book, but it can be read like an adult's book because of the langauge. Another thing that struck me as interesting was the character development at such an early stage in the book. Only about 15 chapters in, Mary and the other characters have begun to change and show differences from the beginning of the book. So far, The Secret Garden has been a joy to read and I can't wait to finish it. I wonder if it will turn out the same way as the movies!

I just found out that I got a job at a daycare in my hometown for this summer.  I am really excited but also a little nervous.  I am not an education major and Children's literature is not required for my major, but I just really enjoy being around kids and helping them learn.  Plus, I love to read kids books and they bring back great memories.  Anyway, I really think some of the things I have learned in Children's literature will help me understand more about the way kids think and the parts of the book that influence the way it is read the most.  I doubt I will be reading any of them the hobbit, but our study of picture books will defiantly help!  I also believe this class will help me be a great mother someday!

Dr. Seuss!

I didn't make it to class on Friday, so I did a little research on Dr.  Seuss.  His real name is actually Theador Seuss Geisel, which I find very interesting for some reason.  He was born in Massatusets in 1902, also something I thought was a little weird.  I guess I never realized how old he and his works were.  In college he wrote for the school newspaper, but got thrown out of his extra-curricular because he threw a drinking party during prohibition.  Typical college student, I guess.  His first book, To Think That I Saw it on Mulberry Street, was written on his return trip from Europe and was inspired by the noise the engine of the ship made.  All of the things I found out about Dr. Seuss made me laugh, just like his books!  

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

This weekend I finished my last outside reading book!  I read the first Harry Potter book, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, for the third time.  I really can't get enough of the J.K. Rowling's books!  They are so cleverly written and planned out that it is hard to believe she began her story on a paper napkin while waitressing to make her living.  This book is obviously not as well written as the last book, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, but it still has an amazing plot.  On of my favorite parts of the book is the chapter when Harry buys his school supplies in Diagon Alley.  The descriptions almost make it possible to go to Diagon Alley and have a stroll through the magic village!  

Reaction to Peter Rabbit

During our discussion of Beatrix Potter's Tale of Peter Rabbit I found a few things very intriguing.  First of all, I really enjoyed reading the book.  I know the story but I don't specifically remember reading it during my childhood.  What Dr. Robinson said about the layout of text and illustrations caught my attention.  I tend to wonder if Potter really thought all that through or just happened to get lucky :)  Either way, it is fantastic and fun to read.  One thing does strike me as odd, though.  Mother Rabbit so casually talks about father "having an accident" in the garden, and then getting put into a pie by Mrs. McGreagor.  To me it is very sad and it seems like something Peter should have taken into account before he went into the garden, but obviously he didn't.  Other than that, the story is great!

Last HOSTS Session :(

Next week is the last session of HOSTS (Helping One Student to Succeed) and I am really going to miss my two kids!  Over the past nine weeks I have gotten to know and help two first graders, Isaiah and Macey.  Each of them have made significant improvements in their reading level and spelling skills.  At first Isaiah didn't want to read or play games at all.  As I see them first thing Monday mornings, this is understandable.  Now he comes in smiling and ready to work almost every week!  Macey has also overcome obstacles and now enjoys reading longer and more challenging books.  All the students seem to have made progress and friends.  I will defiantly be taking part in HOSTS next year!

J.K. Rowling Sues

I read on www.cnn.com today that J.K. Rowling is suing RDR books, the publisher of a book that she claims violates copyright laws.  Steven Vander Ark wrote "Harry Potter Lexicon," an encyclopedia on the series.  Before writing the book he founded a website dedicated to Harry Potter and his fans.  Before suing, Rowling says she enjoyed the website and what it had to say.  

I find this whole situation a little disappointing.  No matter what anyone does, they will never be able to recreate the stories Rowling was able to write.  I do think that it is her right to sue for copyright infringement, but I'm not sure she will win.  She claims that some of the ideas in Ark's book are just hers rearranged.  A judge will soon decide who is correct.  

Short Attention Spans

Today at the mall I saw Clifford the Big Red Dog! I also saw a man doing magic tricks and people trying to sell some awesome new toy. I noticed how easily children's attention is caught by things like these, but if they are not very interested, they quickly loose attention. People who write for children must take into account young people's short attention span. Whether picture books or novels, they have to be interesting and stay interesting. Most picture books use the illustrations to carry the story, while longer books are often divided up into chapters to hold attention for a certian length of time. Even games and lessons for kids make sure that they will hold attention and not be too long. This is an important part of children's literature.

Picture Books!

Illustrations have such an impact on children's literature.  They are all unique, interesting, and fun.  My favorite thing about children's literature is the pictures.  Also, it seems like the most interesting part to the kids when someone is reading to them.  However, it wasn't always this way.  Until the later part of the nineteenth century, illustrations in books were for teaching morals and lessons.  Then artists began drawing for purpose, and the industry took off.  Now there are thousands and thousands of picture books for kids.  The New York Times does a top ten list of children's books every year and there are numerous awards for drawings.  I love the pictures and how well each one goes with the words.  Illustrations are so important to the subject of children's literature!

The Very Hungry Caterpillar

The last picture book I chose for outside reading is The Very Hungry Caterpillar, by Eric Carle.

  I already read one of his books for outside reading, so I decided to compare this one.  Both books have a kind of step by step format.  Each page reveals the next "step" in the story.  This sounds weird, but in The Very Hungry Caterpillar the caterpillar eats a little more each day until he turns into a butterfly.  In The Grouchy Ladybug the ladybug asks a different person to fight him every day.  I think this concept is important for both of these books, and it makes them easy to understand for children.  My favorite part of The Very Hungry Caterpillar is when he finally turns into a beautiful butterfly.  My mom used to have a felt board with each piece of the story that we could arrange and make fit.  She would read us the story while we put each part in place.  I really enjoyed reading this book again!

Reaction to The Giver by Louis Lowry

Over the weekend I read all of The Giver by Lois Lowry.  I couldn't put it down, but not because it was so good, just because it was so different from anything I had ever read before.  Honestly, I didn't like it at all.  The characters are developed and the plot is interesting, it is just too weird.  And once again, I don't really understand how this can be considered a children's book.  The pain Jonas has to endure just doesn't seem right.  Not only is he in intense pain so that everyone else can avoid all pain, he is intentionally given that pain.  The ideas in this book are very selfish of the community.  They pick a child to endure pain for them.  All of this, combined with not having the ability to love until after he becomes the Giver, is too weird for me.  I enjoy books with a happier tone!

The Joy of Summer

Summer is on its way, floating in on breathless clouds

Children are playing and listening to the sounds

Of hot windless, endless days and cool, perfect nights.

Every flower smiles at the blue sky above

Open and happy and willing to love

The sun for its life-giving joy and warming rays.

Rivers shimmer with golden, flowing trickles 

The heat is getting heavier and tickles

Each shoulder caught in the blazing, amazing day.

By July it has arrived, deep, easy,  and plentiful

The summer is here, full and wonderful

And the crickets chirp the pleasant music of happiness.

Fireflies twinkle and float by on the breeze

In a night filled with laughter of ease

From friends together sitting, sipping lemonade.  

Splashing can be heard from the pool at noon

The kids are swimming in an oasis, but will soon

Be ready for a night of movies and staying up till dawn.

Yes, summer is here and now almost over

Thoughts of the coming fall will make sober

The happiness and joy only Summer can bring.   

The Oxcart Man

One of my favorite books when I was a child was The Oxcart Man, by Donald Hall.  In fact, I asked my mother to read the book to me every day for months.  The fabulous illustrations are by Barbara Cooney.  In the book, the Oxcart man and his family live their lives around the seasons.  Their days are spend making things, planting, and harvesting.  Everyday they prepare for the day when the father, the Oxcart man, will go to market and sell what they have made and bring home what they need for the next year.  The pictures in this book are important.  I think they are the biggest aspect of this book.  Each page is filled with old-style illustrations that show great detail.  They carry the story through to the end.  To this day, if asked, I might tell someone my favorite picture book is The Oxcart Man.  

The Languages of Tolkien

While doing some research on Tolkien's languages, I found out some interesting things.  Apparently, Tolkien began inventing his own languages at a very young age, and at the age of twelve began the Elvish language found in The Hobbit.  There are two branches of Elvish (Eldarin), the Quenya dialect and the Sindarin dialect.  Estimates of the words Tolkien made up range from 10,000 to 60,000.  There are also 13 other langauges spoken in his books, Westron being the most common.  It is what is "translated" into English (or German or French).  All common people except for elves can speak Westron.  Another interesting fact about the Elves is they did not just write down their langauges, they used Runes.  Runes are an ancient form of writing.   It is beyond my understanding as to how one person can have such a fascinating mind to make up 15 languages and their dialects.  Tolkien was an amazing writer, but obviously had other talents as well!

Help Needed!

I went to HOSTS today for an hour and read and did activities with "my" two students.  Unfortunately, the little girl I read with during the second half of my hour nearly refuses to read a book longer than 30 or so pages.  Her reading level has been increasing so she is up to "chapter books", books that are about 70 pages.  I am constantly encouraging her but she reads slowly and so quietly that I can barely hear her.  I know she does it because she doesn't want to read a long book, and I don't know how to help her get past this problem.  Even when I was in high school, my friends would pick books based on the length, and that is a terrible thing to do.  It's like choosing a book by its cover.  If anyone has any suggestions on ways to encourage her and help her without intimidating her, I would greatly appreciate it!  I feel like she will be reading short books for the rest of the school year, when I know she can read longer ones.  The words and concepts are no different than the shorter books, she just gets frustrated that they seem long.  Please help!

What I thought of the Test

Is it okay to write a response to the test for a blog?  I hope so...because I am!  I found this test much easier than the last, but that could be attributed to studying.  :)  This time around, I knew how to study and I did, verses thinking I would just wing it.  Also, I found that the sections where we could pick several questions to answer made it much less stressful than answering every question.  For this third of the  class, my favorite thing was poetry.  It was more interesting than I have ever know it to be, and I really enjoyed the nonsense and humorous poetry.  Up next: The Hobbit!  It is one of my favorite books and I have read it several times, but I will be interested to see what Dr. R says about it.   

Comparing and Contrasting Rossetti and Stevenson

"Sing-Song, A Nursery Rhyme Book" by Christina Rossetti

• Themes deal with love, death and parting (The realities of life)
• More tragic and sad than Stevenson's collection
• None of the poems have titles
• The poems follow the cycle of life/day/year and tell the story from start to finish
• Begins and ends with an image of a baby in a cradle
• Illustrations by Arthur Hughes add depth and meaning to the verses and make the reader think more about the words.  
• Both collections were published around the same time period (within ten years)
• Pushes didacticism 
• Not written from a child's point of view, and adults are present much more in the verses/poems 

"A Child's Garden of Verses" by Robert Lois Stevenson

• Themes deal mainly with play, adventure, travel, nature, imagination, fun, and the joys of childhood
• Poems written from a child's point of view, obviously to be read by a child
• The illustrations are rather generic
• Verses are nostalgic and joyous
• Playful
• Works against didacticism, many present an ironic tone about adults
• All the verses have a title

Childhood is Calling

Robert Louis Stevenson's A Child's Garden of Verses really struck a chord in me, as I believe it probably does for many of it's readers.  Every poem transports you to a fantastic place in your childhood, whether playing outside among the trees and flowers or getting ready for bed.  The poems dealing with nature are my favorite.  They remind me of when my brother and sister and I would spend our summers in the creek behind our house.  Countless hours were devoted to swimming, looking for animals, and building imaginary play things.  The verses flow and fit together very well, yet do no not get too "adultish".  It is obvious that this collection is specifically for children, but I can understand how many adults would also enjoy it!

Over Easter break I read Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbit.  She published the book in 1975 and in 1881 a movie was made following the book.  There was also a remake of the movie in 2002 (A fabulous movie, by the way!).  I found this book very interesting and fun to read.  Although rather easy to follow, it is in no means dull or bland.  The plot takes unexpected turns and the conflict is dramatic.  The Tuck family, along with Willie, have the hardest decision of their lives to make when Mae is imprisoned for killing a man.  If she is sentenced to be put to death, they will discover the secret the family has of immortality.  If they just sentence her to prison, they will eventually figure out that she does not age.  Either way is out of the question for the family, so they devise a plan to help her escape.  Throughout the book the characters develop nicely and interact in a way that makes the reader fall in love with them.  It is a wonderful piece of children's literature as well as a great movie.  

The Secret Garden

Right now I'm watching 1949 version of The Secret Garden (I know right, what an exciting Friday evening!) starring Herbert Marshall, Dean Stockwell and Margaret O'Brien.  It is all black and white except for the garden, which is seen in color.  1949 seems like such a long time ago!  I have read the original book, as well as seen the newer version of the movie.  Compared to both the book and other movie this film is slow and mundane.  Although it seems rather similar to the book's story line, there are a few differences so far.  At the beginning of the movie, Mary seems to get much closer to the crying she hears in the house than she does in the movie.  The manor is also made out to very dark and daunting.  This is also the case in the book, but it is very evident when there are actual pictures to watch.  The bird in the movie is a raven, as is not the case in the book.  These differences play a rather minor role in the movie/book comparison, but they are relevant none the less. 

African American Poetry

My favorite poem in the collection we read in class today was Life Doesn't Frighten Me by Maya Angelou.  I feel like anyone reading the verses can relate at some point in their life.  "That new classroom where Boys all pull my hair...they don't frighten me at all."  The disscusion about African American poets today also interested me a great deal.  Angelou, Brooks, Cullen and Hughes all have different styles and sounds, but every one of the poems we read by them are amazing. The Harlem Renaissance really brought some amazing art to the American scene!

A Children's Poem?

After hearing The Highwayman in class, I decided to do some research on it.  It doesn't really seem like a children's poem, but I really enjoyed it.  I found that highwaymen, or horsed thieves, were common in England between 1650 and 1800.  They gained respect due to their gentleman-like attitude.  They also always well dressed, which is made evident in the poem.  It was published by Alfred Noyes in 1906 and gained instant success.  Noyes was only a young man.  He is also know for writing The Barrel Organ and several other collections of poetry.  

Personally, I loved the poem, as well as the version put to music we listened to in class.  The vivid descriptions and great story make the poem worth reading over and over again.  However, I still do not understand how a poem of this nature can be considered children's literature. 

Frightful's Mountian

Yah for Spring Break and lots of reading!  One of my outside readings I chose to dive into over break was Frightful's Mountain by Jean Craighead George.  It is the third book in a series of three, the first being My Side of the Mountain.  I read this one and the second recently, so I decided on the third as one of my chapter books.  The book is about a peregrine falcon named Frightful.  As the story opens, she has been captured by a man wanting to illegally sell her.  After she escapes she must decide whether to go back to Sam (her previous keeper) or migrate like the rest of her kind.  She continues to endure hard decisions that should be easy for a peregrine falcon, but they are made hard by her background in captivity.  Reading about her hardships brought forth the issue of how harmful it can be to wild animals to live under the eye of humans, even when it seems like the right thing to do at the time.  She not a normal bird, she has a hard time understanding her instincts, and she too easily gets involved with humans.  It made me wonder whether things would have been better for both Sam and Frightful if neither had ever come into contact with one another.  The underlying theme in the book is one that society must address in real life, not only in children's literature.  Overall, I enjoyed reading the book again, but liked it better the first time around. 

Poetry!

Today we started our section on poetry, more specifically nonsense and humor poetry.  This is my favorite!  I love Shel Silverstien, and I absolutely loved Jabberwocky.  I had never read it, but oh what fun!  Also, it was great to listen to Dr. R read Spagetti Nut out loud.  From now on I will definalty be reading poems like this one out loud.  The effect just can't be achieved without listening to the words work together!  Over Spring Break I will be reading more poems, and I'm really excited to start all of them.  I have never really studied poetry before now.  

Cartoons

Every Monday morning I go to HOSTS, and then go watch cartoons with a friend.  Before this semester I really never watched cartoons, even when I was a child.  But after watching an hour or so every week of Winnie the Pooh or the Backyardigins, I realize how they could effect a child's development.  I understand that too much television is not good for kids, and that they should be active, cartoons seem to give them something to think about.  Each one has something different and unique about it, and many of them have an educational undertone.  Dora the Explorer is also another one of the shows I like (Ok, I don't like it, I think it might be good for children).  It incorporates something many other televisions programs don't, a foreign language.  We all know that the earlier a child is exposed to a different language, the easier it will be to learn to speak it fluently.  I am just now beginning to realize how influential watching cartoons can be for children, even thought the time in front of the tube should be limited.  

Spirituality in THE PRINCESS AND THE GOBLIN

After our class discussion about George MacDonald's spirituality, I began to recognize it in his book The Princess and the Goblin.  The "three levels" of his work, the underworld, the regular world, and Grandmother's tower, make so much more sense.  Another thing I noticed was the cleansing power of the burning roses, much like a form of baptism.  They have the ability to clean, heal and warm.  They also have a calming affect.  On page 116 it says "...she [Princess] only knew there was no fear in her, and everything was so right and safe that sit could not get in."  This was the effect the roses had on her, and I believe the ultimate trust in the Lord would parallel this feeling.  If we put our total trust in Him, we should not be afraid or worry at all.  Grandmother also uses the roses as a sort of tool to heal Curdie, something I find interesting.  Although I cannot think of a specific "tool" God uses to heal believers, I do know that he heals in a way nothing else can.  It is quite obvious that MacDonald was a strong Christian and the way he portrays it through this work is amazing.

Reading, the Basis of Education

Today I had to miss class to help with the Consulate General Dinner.  One of the people being honored was a "lifelong educator", and in his speech he had a lot to say about education.  It really made me think about how important early education is to our society.  We all take it for granted that we start school at the age of five, and many of us don't finish until we are twenty-two or older.  All of our upper-level education is based on what we learn to do in kindergarten, first, and second grade: Read.  Teaching children to read is a daunting task, something I have learned by volunteering with the HOSTS program, but it is one of the most important things we will ever learn to do.  Children's books and literature play a huge part in this process.  Kids don't want to read text books or adult novels.  They want funny, irrational, interesting books.  Having reading mateial specifically for children helps a ton when trying to teach children to read, and reading is the basis for education.  

Lewis Carroll, aka Charles Dodgson

I found the class lecture about Lewis Carroll rather interesting, so I decided to find out a little more.  Here's what I found:

Charles Dodgson (Lewis Carroll) was born in 1832 in Cheshire, England.  He was extraordinarily gifted, and he known as a mathematician, photographer, logician, clergyman, and writer.  I find it very interesting that he was such a good photographer for his time.  It seems to simple for the man who wrote Alice's Adventures in Wonderland.  I also find it amazing that he just made up this story one day to tell Alice, and then wrote it down.  One tends to wonder how his brain must have worked, and whether there might have been something wrong with him.  During his later years, Dodgson preached at a Church (Which also seems odd to me), and enjoyed his fame and success.  He died of phenomena right before his 66th birthday.  Today, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass are still popular among children and adults alike.  

Dr. Seuss!

Its a new week...so time for a new book!  Today I read Oh The Places You'll Go by Dr. Seuss.  This book is special to me because I received it as a gift from an old teacher when I graduated from high school.   This may seem odd, but it really gave me something to think about before I left for college.   The pictures and rhymes are so much fun, but they have meaning also.  As I read the book again, several things stood out to me.  First, the illustrations are great.  They are colorful, flowing, and make the words a little easier to relate to.  For children, this is very important.  Dr. Seuss did a fantastic job of creating this children's book.  One of the kids I mentor in HOSTS also chose this book to read.  I could see his face light up as he looked at each of the pictures, and he read each word with enthusiasm.  This was the other thing that stood out to me...Seuss seemed so passionate about his work, and it is obvious in every book he wrote.  They are all fun, crazy, and awesome to read, even though they are only children's books.   

The Giving Tree

Today I went to the bookstore to read children's picture books...how much better could a Sunday afternoon get!?  I picked The Giving Tree by Shel Silvestein as the fourth book on my list.  This book tells so much with so few words.  It is also one of the most depressing picture books I have ever read.  After everything the tree does for the boy, he never really seems appreciative.  In the beginning everything seems so good, and then so many things change.  I think everyone can relate to this book, and maybe children can even learn a lesson from it.  Everything changes, but it isn't always a happy thing for everyone.  In a sense, I also think this book has a very spiritual aspect to it.  The tree, perhaps a symbol for a higher being, gives everything to the boy and expects nothing in return.  This is much how the Bible describes our relationship with God.  He gave/gives us everything, and so many of us are ungrateful.  

Another amazing part of this book is the drawings.  They are so full of life and explanation, even though they are so simple and cute.  Shel Silverstein is a wonderful author and artist!  

Reaction to Alice

When I began reading Alice's Adventure's in Wonderland I had no idea how weird it was.  Honestly, I really didn't enjoy the first six chapters, but maybe it is only because I didn't understand them.  Also, knowing how much Lewis Carroll liked little girls made me wonder if something wasn't right.  I usually like fantasy but to me this book has no plot or reason.  It makes it rather difficult to read and understand.  The class discussion today helped me understand the book a little more, and now I know that many of the experiences described were inside jokes for the girls the book was written for.  Still, I don't find many of the descriptions and conversations as funny as I thought they would have been after reading the introduction.  Maybe it will get better...who knows!

Fantasy to Me

To me, fantasy is everything my life isn't.  It allows me to escape, to dream, to believe.  My favorite books, the Harry Potter series, are a wonderful example of fantasy.  What is true for them is true for many other children's fantasies.  After I get up from a few hours of reading, I feel like I am still in the book, part of the plot.  Nothing else matters to me but finding Lord Voldermort during those few hours.  Other books similar in genre also allow me to paint my own pictures.  The author gives me guidelines, but because the things in these books aren't real, I am free to design them however I want.  Before today, I didn't realize how much I enjoyed reading works of fantasy.  Tuck Everlasting, Charlotte's Web, and The Hobbit all fit under this category, yet they are all so different.  Every one of them I love, though.  My mind wonders through page after page of descriptions of things I know don't really exist, yet while I'm reading they are the most real thing in my world.  At that moment, they are the only things in my world.

The Passageway

This will be the fourth installment of my short story:

As Emma topped the hill she had been working to climb, her stomach dropped.  Before her was a winding river, as beautiful and wide as the Nile.  Further down river it was apparent that the river dropped off a cliff, creating a cascading waterfall.  What was even more strange was that there were people on this river, paddling boats from one side to the other, like water taxis.  Other boats were obviously for fishing or entertainment.  What a pain it must be to keep the boats from falling over the waterfall like a toy tugboat being flushed down the toilet.  Emma could hear nothing.  Not the waterfall crashing so close by, not the people talking a chattering to one another, not the birds she so recently enjoyed listening to.  What was happening, and why had so many things changed with the one step it took to top the hill?  Emma confidently began walking up to one of the boat people.  If she anything good was going to become of this situation, she had to make it.  

My Favorite Book

One of my favorite children's book is Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder.  In fact, my parents read us the whole series when we were younger.  I'm not sure why this one was my favorite, but reading it recently defiantly made me remember how amazing of a book it is.  Wilder does a great job of describing the surroundings and everyday life of her family.  After doing a little research, I found out that when her family moved to the "little house on the prairie", Laura was only three.  In the book she tells the story as though she is six or seven.  Many of the experiences she has on the prairie remind me of living in the country for my whole life.  Even though it is obviously very different, my siblings and I spent day after day outside playing in the creek and climbing trees.  Laura also spends much of her time exploring the outdoors, even though living in Indian territory could be dangerous.  For the most part, this book just makes me happy!  It is wonderfully interesting and a pleasure to read!

A Brief Study Guide of 3 Fairy Tales

Cinderella- 

• Classic Version- Brothers Grimm Version, Lin-Lan, Yeh-Hsien, Story of the Black Cow
• In the classic versions the stepmother is the villain, Cinderella is a passive character, absent or dead fathers, fairy Godmother has something to do with ending
• Catskin Versions- Donkeyskin, Catskin, Princess in the Leather Suit
• In the Catskin versions the father wants to marry the daughter, Cinderella takes an active role in her future, mother is dead, forced to leave home

Little Red Riding Hood-

• The Story of Grandmother- very gruesome, LRRH gets no real instructions from mother, she saves herself
• Perrault Version- Has a moral, still no instructions from mother
• Red Cap, Brothers Grimm- LRRH and Grandmother are saved by a hunter, similiar to the stories we know today, has a "second story" that tells what happens to the good girl
• James Thurber Version- Very different from the usual, both LRRH and wolf know the story, "Not so easy to fool little girls as it used to be"
• Goldflower and the Bear- Little brother represents the masculine figure, Goldflower knows what is happening the whole time, very clever, saves the day
• Roald Dahl Version- My favorite!, LRRH shoots wolf and gets the skin, in a later story the little pigs have to call "Miss Hood" to get help, then she kills the pig also

Snow White-

• Jealousy and envy are the basis for most versions of this story
• Anne Sexton Version- Not written for children, story implies that Snow White will someday be just like her stepmother, looking in mirror.
• The Young Slave- an early version, uncle saves Snow White from horrible aunt, put to sleep with a poison comb
• Brothers Grimm Version- Very similiar to Disney's version, real mother is introduced in the beginning and step mother dies at the end, involves mirror, poison apple, prince, etc.

Ever After!

I love the movie Ever After! I think Drew Barrymore did a wonderful job playing Daniele and the plot was great. What I found interesting, however, was the way it related and corrisponded to the Reniassance. When we were going over this in class, I realized how important all these factors are. They all fit together very well, and make the movie understandable and believable for adults as well as children. My favorite character was Leanardo da Vinci because I felt he was so unexpected in the movie. He made a great "fairy Godmother", though! Everything he did made sense in a way that I would not have thought of, but worked well throughout the movie. One problem I have with the movie is that Daniele is a little to blunt for my taste. Although it makes her character, it seems like she sould have been a little more careful with her words sometimes. Over all, I liked the movie a lot!

Forever, He Said

Someone once told me forever, 

Never did I realize the ties it would sever.

Like a fairy tale, he told.

Never did I realize the hell it would hold.  

It won't be hard, it can right.

Never did I realize the fight.

Fairy tales are for children

When meanings can be hidden.

I know better, I am no sleeping beauty.

I have a life, I have my duty.  

Now I know when to stop.

Now I understand the life I must top.

Not for me, I shouted.

This attack on my heart won't be allowed.  

It can't work, our lives are two.

I know it, I know you.

Leave me be, let me go.

I will always love you, I know you know.  

This is my response to real life fairy tales, just in time for Valentine's Day!

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

I just finished reading the last of J.K. Rowling's novels, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.  I read the book during the summer, but I felt I went too fast to actually enjoy all of it.  There are several things about this book I find interesting.  First, after reading the whole series in a row, I realized how much better of a writer Rowling was when she finished book number seven.  Even though she was amazing to begin with, the last book is a level about the rest.  It was so interesting to see the progress she has made.  Another awesome thing about The Deathly Hallows is the way it ties up every loose end in the story.  Even when you think you understand, you turn the page and find out you were wrong, but that it is explained in such a way that everything now makes sense.  I also think this book is much more depressing than the others.  Rowling's tone changes to fit Harry's maturity level and the circumstances.  It is much more serious and dark than the others, but still amazingly colorful when it comes to descriptions of the everyday happenings in Harry's life.  After finishing all the books, I cried harder than I ever have at the end of a movie.  Each book that came out has been my favorite until the next came out, and the last was no different.  Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows is my favorite book, and I guess it will be until J.K. Rowling reveals her next masterpiece.  I can't wait!

The Passageway

The third installment of my short story:

Emma couldn't help but be frightened, even though her surroundings were the most gorgeous thing she had ever seen.  How would she ever get back home if the door she came through had disappeared?  She began to walk slowly toward the hill in front of her.  It was a gentle climb, yet Emma found herself strangely out of breath.  All around her were things that should have made her happy and joyful, but no matter how she hardly she focused on these things her stomach wouldn't let her enjoy herself.  It was one of those feelings you get when you know something isn't right, when you realize everything might not be okay.  She continued to walk up, ever closer to seeing what was beyond the grass covered hill.  The pleasant sound of the birds continued and the sun warmed her face.  Surely nothing could go wrong in a place so beautiful...

H.O.S.T.S

After hearing the announcement about HOSTS in class a few weeks ago, I decided to get involved.  It really was one of the better decisions I have made.  Although I only worked with one child for 30 minutes on Monday, I was so glad I did it!  Each child gets to pick a book on their reading level and read it to their helper.  The little boy reading to me picked Clifford the Big Red Dog, and I think he really enjoyed it.  I also enjoyed it because I got to listen to someone so young begin to like reading.  I felt honored to get to do the same thing my mom did with me with someone else.  His face lit up when he got to turn the page and see what happened next, and he read every word perfectly.  I never knew listening to a child read could be so rewarding.  After I got home on Monday I emailed the director and asked her if I could spend more time helping.  I am already looking forward to next Monday!!

Ella Enchanted, Ella My Dog

When I was about 10, our family got a dog.  My mom had just finished reading us Ella Enchanted (Yes, she read to us all the time!) so we named the puppy Ella.  My sister and I absolutely loved the book, but then again, what 10-year-old girl wouldn't?  Until just recently, that had been the last time I read the fabulous book.  Now that I am older and more understanding of character development, plot, etc., I realize how great it really is.  When I was little, I knew it was a good story and had a good ending, but thats about it.  Ella is a fantastic character throughout the book.  She is strong willed, yet must be obedient, she intelligent, witty, and beautiful.  During the book, the reader gets a chance to see many sides of Ella, and each is more intriguing than the last.  She is one of my all-time favorite characters!

The Passageway

The second installment of my short story:

The passageway twisted and turned and wound downward.  It became darker and darker and Emma became more and more frightened.  All of the sudden her head crashed into what felt like a metal door.  Pushing onward, Emma found that the door creaked slowly open, revealing a sight like none other.  In front of her there was a gorgeous garden, filled with flowers of every color and birds singing.  The trees around her were sagging with the weight of leaves in the middle of the summer.  The smell of freshly cut grass wafted through the air and hit Emma's nose like a gust of wind.  As soon as she climbed out of the door, it disappeared.  "What now?" she thought to herself, violently turning around to face what she thought to be the entrance...

My Three Dresses

In response to the Cinderella stories, I wrote this poem:

Yes!  You may have my hand in marriage with but one request:

All I want is a magnificent, wonderful, splendid dress!

It is to be the color of spring grass on a sunny day,

Embellished with silver, hand sewn by Monique Lhuillier!

It should sparkle like the tears of a fairy princess

And as many diamonds and emeralds as a crown it should possess.

Not good enough, I say!  Have another try

This one should resemble a dark night sky.

Strewn with stars of opals like a vision from a dream

It must be the most gorgeous gown ever seen!

Designed by Giorgio Armani, it should fit like a glove,

Draped with silk and chiffon, my love!

You only get one more take, so it must be great!

This time pink is the color of choice, it must be fate!

Big and bustled like a real princess would wear,

With pearls and diamonds and rubies so fair.

Vera Wang knows best, so she will surely lead you right,

With a train and lace, oh the impression I will make in the light!

Wait, Stop!  I just had a thought:

To what event will I wear them?  This makes me distraught!

I rarely go out and dressing up is a hassle

I would much rather stay in my fashionably decorated castle.

The thing that would be best, and least likely to hurt:

Can you just love me in sweat pants and my Aggie t-shirt?

A Trip to the Bookstore!

Today I went to the bookstore (One of my favorite places, by the way) and read The Grouchy Ladybug by Eric Carle!  It absolutely made my day! Carle has always been a favorite author of mine, and I am so happy that I get to read a book of his for an assignment.  The things I noticed about the book after not having read it for many years is the repetition he uses and the layout of the book.  Of course, Eric Carle's illustrations are always amazing, too.  The grouchy ladybug encounters an animal every hour asking "Hey you, want to fight?"  The response is always "If you insist."  This repetition has the effect a children's book should have, one of simple, rather blunt words that are still intriguing.  Also, the pages gradually get larger so that you can see part of each animal's page before you turn the page.  On the part that is showing there is a sun that rises corresponding to the time of day.  The idea is genius, and obviously works for a children's book!  My favorite part of the book is the last page after the Grouchy Lady Bug finally gets to eat the aphids.  "Thank you," says the leaf, and both lady bugs simply answer "You are welcome."  What a story!

The Passageway

This will be the first installment of my short story:

Emma awoke to find the sun shining brightly through the open window, the wind blowing gently, and the birds singing praises of the beautiful weather.

Only yesterday the intelligent, good-natured girl had discovered something she never dreamed possible.  After an upsetting conversation with Mother, she had walked into her room and violently slammed her belongings down on the desk.  Just like that, the bulletin board hanging on the wall in front of her had come crashing down to reveal a long, dark passageway, just the right size for a twelve year old girl to wiggle through.  Now a problem presented itself: Should she tell someone, or just start crawling.  

Always the adventurer, Emma chose the second option only after a moments consideration...

Why Children's Lit?

So, several people have asked me if I am going to be a teacher.  The truth is, probably not.  I am a business student but took children's literature as one of my electives for several reasons.  First, I love to read, especially children's books.  Sometimes I sit down in a chair at my house and don't get up for the whole day, just so I can finish the book.  So many of them are so easy to get lost in!  Another reason, probably the most important, is that all I really want to be when I grow up is a good mom.  My mother did a fabulous job of staying at home and raising me and my siblings, and I want my kids to have a similar experience. I remember when I was young one of my parents would lay in bed with me and my brother and sister and read us a book or part of one every night.  My favorites were the Little House on the Prairie books by Laura Ingels Wilder.  We would always beg to hear more, but most of the time we had to go to bed after a few chapters.  Having such a great experience with children's lit when I was growing up really made me excited to learn more about it now.  

The Beginning

Let me begin by expressing how excited I am about this assignment!  Not only will it be graded, but it will be interesting as well.

When I got the list of books we would be reading this semester, I started reading them right away.  I read The Hobbit, The Giver, The Princess and the Goblin, Ella Enchanted, and Alice's Adventures in Wonderland.  Although I liked all of them, my favorites were the fantasies.  The books that allow your imagination to run wild, that paint pictures in your mind, and that make reading more fun than any television show.  

Something I found interesting while reading the three fantasies were the similarities and differences among the creatures described.  Ogres, Goblins, Elves, Dwarfs, and humans all range from civilized beings to vulgar animals.  Each author has a totally different style and way of describing the fanatical creatures and they all play a different role in each work.  Some have sympathy for others, while others only care about killing and eating.  They live in enchanted forests and deep, dark tunnels that go on forever.  They are nocturnal, beautiful, intelligent, or devious.  I think they are all so interesting, and the creatures in fantasies are one of the things that make me adore books like The Hobbit and Ella Enchanted.  

Outside reading Books:

The Grouchy Ladybug, by Eric Carle

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, by J.K. Rowling

Little House on the Prairie, by Laura Ingalls Wilder

The Giving Tree, by Shel Silverstein

Oh The Places You'll Go, by Dr. Seuss 

Frightful's Mountain, Jean Craighead George

Tuck Everlasting, Natalie Babbit

The Oxcart Man, Donald Hall

The Very Hungry Caterpillar, by Eric Carle

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, by J.K. Rowling