ANANSI GOES FISHING retold by Eric A. Kimmel & illustrated by Janet Stevens
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY:
Kimmel, E and Stevens, J. 1992. ANANSI GOES FISHING. New York, NewYork: Holiday House.
ISBN: 0-8234-0918-X
2. PLOT SUMMARY:
Anansi plans to trick Turtle into catching him a fish for dinner. Turtle however proves to be smarter than Anansi thinks, and ends up tricking him into doing all the work. Anansi is enraged when he realizes he has been fooled, but he does learn one valuable skill from the experience, how to make a “spider web.”
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
ANANSI GOES FISHING demonstrates a traditional foktale with just a few animal characters, lots of trickery, and a very important lesson to be learned. More specifically, this type of tale is referred to as a trickster tale. The character Turtle uses his wits to fool Anansi into doing all the work. This tale can also be referred to as a pour quoi tale, seeking to help explain why spiders make the webs they do. All readers are guaranteed to enjoy the cleverness of the two animal characters and the clever conflict presented.
The plot is simple and direct, but full of life. The story follows a formulaic pattern and the ending resolution comes about quickly. Though it is not realistic for two animals to conduct themselves in this manor, the readers are satisfied by the interactions between the two. The readers feel for Anansi, but know that he deserves for his plan to backfire in this way. Anansi, thinking he is much smarter than Turtle, is repeatedly outwitted and tricked into doing all the work. He does however learn and important lesson from his time spent with Turtle. The setting, as with most traditional pieces of literature, is introduced with in the first few sentences and vaguely known to the reader. The reader understands that the story takes place by a river, but the specific location is unknown. And as with all good traditional tales, this story is the perfect read aloud for any audience. Great life can be brought to the characters, Turtle and Anansi, when read aloud.
The illustrations of this story contribute the overall experience as well. They help to compliment the narrative and enhance the setting, attitudes, and feelings of the two characters. The bright, colorful illustrations paired with Turtle’s fun attire attract the reader’s interest.
4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
· School Library Journal says “Together, the text and art combine in a fresh new version that is a fine choice for oral presentation or for independent reading.”
· Kirkus Review declares that the book is “Sure to delight the picture book crowd.”
5. CONNECTIONS
· Gather other books by Kimmel bases on the popular spider Anansi for an author/Anansi/folk tale study
o Kimmel, E. ANANSI AND THE MAGIC STICK. ISBN-10: 0823417638 ISBN-13: 978-0823417636
o Kimmel, E. ANANSI AND THE TALKING MOON. ISBN-10: 0823411672 ISBN-13: 978-0823411672
o Kimmel, E. ANANSI AND THE MOSS-COVERED ROCK. ISBN: 0-8234-0689-X ISBN: 0-8234-0798-5 (pbk.)
· Discuss the lesson to be learned in this folktale. Preface that folktales tend to leave the reader thinking about a life lesson. Have this children determine what life lesson was taught in this tale. Have the children support their theory with evidence form the text.
· Scientific study of spider webs. The reader learns in this tale that Turtle teaches Anansi how to weave a net for catching food. Anansi then shares his new found knowledge with his friends, and this is the origin of the “spider web” according to the folk tale. Conduct a scientific investigation of the spider web with the class. How is the web made, how does the spider know how to make it, what functions does it serve etc.
· Inferencing lesson:
o You can infer that Anansi does not think that he could be tricked by Turtle, because he thinks Turtle is “slow and stupid.”
o You can infer that if Anansi knew he was being fooled by turtle, he would have been really angry and refused to do the work, he would have eaten the fish etc.
THE THREE LITTLE JAVELINAS by Susan Lowell & illustrated by Jim Harris
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY:
Lowell, S. and Harris, J. 1992. THE THREE LITTLE JAVELINAS. Hong Kong: rising moon.
ISBN: 0-87358-542-9
2. PLOT SUMMARY:
THE THREE LITTLE JAVELINAS is a southwestern adaptation of “The Three Little Pigs.” This silly story follows three little javelinas, dressed in cowboy apparel, that are ready to make it on their own. Coyote is determined to make these siblings his meal, but his lung capacity is no match for the adobe build house of sister javelin.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS:
THE THREE LITTLE JAVELINAS demonstrates a fun variation on the traditional tale “The Three Little Pigs.” With just a few animal characters, and a very predictable pattern, this variant is a true traditional tale. All readers are guaranteed to enjoy this clever twist of the well-known classic.
The plot is simple and direct, while also very silly. The story follows a formulaic pattern and the ending comes to the reader’s attention swiftly. Though it is not realistic for animals to act in this manor, the reader is contented with their actions and the ending to this tale. The readers feel for the javelina siblings and wants them escape the clutches of the coyote. The setting is known with in the first few sentences and vaguely described as a dessert in the southwestern region. The reader understands where the setting takes place, but the specific location is unclear. This tale, as with all good traditional tales, is the perfect read aloud for all audiences. The dialogue between the animals results in a fun read aloud capable of captivating any audience. The voice found in the print is representative of a lively southwestern tale. And the initial opening to the story emphasizes the European roots.
The illustrations of THE THREE LITTLE JAVELINAS aid in the overall experience for the reader. Complementing the narrative as a whole, the illustrations help the reader to understand the southwestern references. The animated illustrations add a fun sense of humor, and the detailed nature of the images helps the reader to understand the cultural references.
4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S):
· Booklist says “Harris' illustrations are appealing and humorous, and children who loved the original will enjoy this version.”
· School Library Journal “The text is fast-paced and witty in both languages, and is accompanied by energetic, full-page illustrations done in rich earthy tones that evoke the setting as faithfully as the text.”
· Publishers Weekly exclaims “This clever and flavorful change of scene puts a diverting spin on an old favorite.”
6. CONNECTIONS:
· Book study of other adaptations of the Three Little Pigs story
o Scieszka, J. The True Story of the Three Little Pigs. ISBN-10: 0140544518 ISBN-13: 978-0140544510
o Trivizas, E. The Three Little Wolves and the Big Bad Pig. ISBN-10: 068981528X ISBN-13: 978-0689815287
o Galdone, P. The Three Little Pigs. ISBN-10: 0547370202 ISBN-13: 978-0547370200
· Great for predictions: Stress the use of ones knowledge of the traditional story of “The Three Little Pigs” to help make predictions in this adaptation.
· Writing activity: Children can create their own adaptation of “The Three Little Pigs” story. Can include research of different biomes and cultures.
· Geography connections:
o climate
o what lives in the desert
o how people can survive in the desert
o ways people and animals adapt to the desert heat
RAPUNZEL by Paul O. Zelinsky
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY:
Zelinsky, P. 1997. RAPUNZEL. New York, New York: Dutton Children’s Books.
ISBN: 0-525-45607-4 (hardcover)
2. PLOT SUMMARY:
RAPUNZEL is the retelling of a German folktale in which a beautiful girl with red-golden hair is held prisoner. The girl spends her life trapped in a desolate tower at the mercy of the frightening sorceress. This interpretation is retold and illustrated by the talented Paul O. Zelinsky.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS:
This award winning retelling of the classic RAPUNZEL will captivate any reader. This fairy tale type of story is full of magic and ends in a happy manor. The reader will be drawn to the amazing illustrations of Paul O. Zelinsky and pleased by the retelling of this classic tale.
The stunning oil paintings reflect the heritage of this tale and aid in the understanding of the plot. Through the detail found in the illustrations, the reader can learn more about the setting, clothing, and feelings found in this text.
The plot is simple, direct, and full of action. The characters as well can be described simply. The models of good or evil found in many traditional tales are present in this work too. The setting vaguely takes place long ago, but specifics are unknown. Stylistically, the formulaic opening and closing are reflective of that of the European tradition. The presence of magic as well contributes towards the European style. The theme clearly stresses the importance of good triumphing over evil. The sorceress does not win, and the couple lives happily ever after in the prince’s kingdom. This tale would make for a wonderful read aloud, helping readers to better grasp the cultural traditions and beliefs of long ago Germany.
4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S):
· Caldecott Medal Winner
· Publishers Weekly exclaims "A breathtaking interpretation gives the fairy tale new art-historical roots, with illustrations that daringly-and effectively-mimic the masters of Italian Renaissance painting."
· School Library Journal raves “An elegant and sophisticated retelling that draws on early French and Italian versions of the tale. Masterful oil paintings capture the Renaissance setting and flesh out the tragic figures.”
· Kirkus Review says “Exquisite paintings in late Italian Renaissance style illumine this hybrid version of a classic tale.”
7. CONNECTIONS:
· Compare and contrast different versions of the classic story RAPUNZEL.
o Smiley, B. Tangled. ISBN-10: 0736426841 ISBN-13: 978-0736426848
o Mccafferty, C. Rapunzel. ISBN-10: 157768379X ISBN-13: 978-1577683797
o Gibb, S. Rapunzel. ISBN-10: 080756804X ISBN-13: 978-0807568040
· Gather other books retold and/or illustrated by Zelinsky for an author study
o Zelinsky, P. Rumpelstiltskin. ISBN-10: 0140558640 ISBN-13: 978-0140558647
o Lesser, R. Hansel and Gretel. ISBN-10: 0525461523 ISBN-13: 978-0525461524
· Writing Extension: Create a “part two” to this classic tale. What occurs after their return to the prince’s kingdom. We know they live a “long life, happy and content,” but what are the details?
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