by Madeleine L'Engle
Saturday, February 23, 2013
Thursday, February 21, 2013
Module 5: The Tequila Worm
SLIS 5420/ Module 5/ February 11-17
The Tequila Worm
By Viola Canales
Bibliography: Canales, V. (2005). The tequila worm. New York: Wendy Lamb Books.
Summary:
The Tequila Worm is the coming of age story of Sofia, a Mexican American trying to learn how to balance her family's culture and tradition with her dreams of going away to school. Along the way Sofia is helped by a colorful cast of characters including her younger sister Lucy, her best frenemy Berta, her mama, papa, Tia Petra, and Doña Clara. Sofia has always been different than her sister and Berta, she doesn't want a quinceañera and she finds great joy in cleaning beans with her papa. Sofia's world is turned upside down when she receives a scholarship to a prestigious private school in Austin, Texas that appears to hold the key to her future dreams. But Sofia must learn that the things taken for granted everyday won't always be there and that to be happy you must first learn to accept and love yourself.
Impressions:
This isn't the type of book that I normally like to read. No magic, paranormal goings on, or detectives, but I found myself drawn into Sofia's story. I think that everyone can empathize with Sofia's struggle to accept herself and her family. There is also a good lesson in this book about sorting out personal priorities and expectations from those that your family places on you. I liked the way that this book was written, English intermingled with a few Spanish words, even if some people thought that the definitions written into the text seem rather elementary. I found myself wanting to know more about Sofia's life once I had finished this book and wondering if there was more to these characters' lives than had been written.
Review:
School Library Journal
Gr 5-8-Sofia, 14, lives in McAllen, TX. What she lacks in material possessions, she makes up for in personality and intelligence. When she is called a "taco head" by a student at her school, she decides to "kick that girl" by getting better grades and being a better soccer player than her tormentor. As a result of this determination, Sofia is offered a scholarship to the elite Saint Luke's school in Austin. Now she must convince her family and herself that she is up to the challenge. Canales includes vivid descriptions of life in a Mexican-American community. Her prose is engaging and easy to read, making this novel a good choice for reluctant readers. The momentum slows a bit after Sofia's arrival in Austin in contrast to the portion of the book set in McAllen. Still, the story is a good addition to most collections.-Melissa Christy Buron, Epps Island Elementary, Houston, TX (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Library Setting:
The Tequila Worm would be a great book to display for National Hispanic Heritage Month, which is every year from September 15 to October 15th. Not only is the book written by a Hispanic writer but Sofia's journey highlights the Mexican culture along with positive ways to deal with racial problems. This book could be displayed along with books that highlight quinceañeras, Hispanic holidays including Dia de Los Muertos and Hispanic Easter traditions.
Review Reference: R.R. Bowker LLC. (2012). Books in print: the tequila worm. Retrieved from http://libproxy.library.unt.edu:4442/DetailedView.aspx?hreciid=|14634379|13534279&mc=USA
Image: https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLpj8gOKP0Bx0EAfIXVZHZU-TZNiLq3qzn2s87M57qk8ab5TsDm4cDBTGHMcsgrCd8Dxohym1ElejLo_F2fctGGH3r0vr-JXdhJRPmgp7sVdS_gFRc2hN2WosuShgNTzZ0oxJkwx7ELQ/s1600/tequila_worm.jpg
The Tequila Worm
By Viola Canales
Bibliography: Canales, V. (2005). The tequila worm. New York: Wendy Lamb Books.
Summary:
Module 5: Where Things Come Back
SLIS 5420/ Module 5/ February 11-17
Where Things Come Back
By John Corey Whaley
Bibliography: Whaley, J. C. (2011). Where things come back. New York, NY: Atheneum Books For Young Readers.
Summary:
Where Things Come Back takes place in the small town of Lily, Arkansas. Cullen Witter is a stereotypical teenager, bored and pessimistic about just about everything. The only people he can stand to put up with are his only friend Lucas Cader and his younger brother Gabriel. Like many teenage boys he dreams about the girl, Ada Taylor, that he thinks he can never get. But when his brother disappears without a trace during the summer his life is changed drastically. This event also coincides with the appearance in Lily of a long thought extinct woodpecker. While bird enthusiasts flood to Lily and the town embraces its newest attraction Cullen just wants everything to go back to normal. At the same time the sad stories of Benton the missionary who has lost his faith and Cabot Searcy his roommate are woven into the fabric of the narrative. Transforming what could have been a simple kidnapping tale into a heady book about destiny, love, hope, and transformation.
Impressions:
I was surprised by how much I was affected by this book. The disappearance of Gabriel Witter seems like something out of an episode of Dateline and the reader despairs along with Cullen of ever finding news of his brother Gabriel. I enjoyed the quirk of Cullen's character in which he constantly thinks of book titles and writes them in a notebook, while at the same time never actually turning any of them into a book. Each chapter is named after one of his books and really sets the stage for what is to come. I also enjoyed the juxtaposition of the town of Lily's overwhelming enthusiasm for a never seen woodpecker against Cullen's own personal tragedy and the complete implosion of his family. The ending of the book is open to interpretation which could frustrate some younger readers looking for more resolution. But the overall reading experience is rewarding.
Review:
Booklist
An answer to complaints about simplistic YA problem fiction, this debut novel, set in Lily, Arkansas, takes on the whole small town with alternating viewpoints, beginning with the first-person narrative of Cullen, 17, and moving on to a huge cast of friends, enemies, family members, lovers, and neighbors. In a parallel plotline, Benton, 18, fails as a missionary in Ethiopia ( passing out food, water, and Christ ) and, after returning to college in the U.S., commits suicide, setting off a chain of interconnected, unexpected events. What will hold readers most is the moving story of Cullen's beloved younger brother, who suddenly goes missing, leading to mystery, heartbreak, and an astonishing resolution on the very last page. Whaley's numerous themes range from religion to Internet technology to the environment, and a wry subplot about the so-called sighting of a long-extinct Lazarus woodpecker brings levity, as Lily's residents try to capitalize on the new tourist trade with creations such as th. Lazarus burger. An intriguing, memorable offering teens will want to discuss.--Rochman, Haze. Copyright 2010 Booklist
I can see this book being used in a classroom library setting. It would do well as a discussion book for small groups to read together in a reading class or English class. The themes of growing up, hope, despair, and transformation have the potential for an interesting discussion. The readers could discuss how the different narrators stories are woven together and whether the ending brings enough closure to Cullen Witter's story.
Review Reference: R.R. Bowker LLC. (2012). Books in print: Where things come back. Retrieved from http://libproxy.library.unt.edu:4442/DetailedView.aspx?hreciid=|31604362|31021800&mc=USA
Image: http://www.granitemedia.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/wherethingscomeback.jpg
Where Things Come Back
By John Corey Whaley
Bibliography: Whaley, J. C. (2011). Where things come back. New York, NY: Atheneum Books For Young Readers.
Where Things Come Back takes place in the small town of Lily, Arkansas. Cullen Witter is a stereotypical teenager, bored and pessimistic about just about everything. The only people he can stand to put up with are his only friend Lucas Cader and his younger brother Gabriel. Like many teenage boys he dreams about the girl, Ada Taylor, that he thinks he can never get. But when his brother disappears without a trace during the summer his life is changed drastically. This event also coincides with the appearance in Lily of a long thought extinct woodpecker. While bird enthusiasts flood to Lily and the town embraces its newest attraction Cullen just wants everything to go back to normal. At the same time the sad stories of Benton the missionary who has lost his faith and Cabot Searcy his roommate are woven into the fabric of the narrative. Transforming what could have been a simple kidnapping tale into a heady book about destiny, love, hope, and transformation.
Impressions:
I was surprised by how much I was affected by this book. The disappearance of Gabriel Witter seems like something out of an episode of Dateline and the reader despairs along with Cullen of ever finding news of his brother Gabriel. I enjoyed the quirk of Cullen's character in which he constantly thinks of book titles and writes them in a notebook, while at the same time never actually turning any of them into a book. Each chapter is named after one of his books and really sets the stage for what is to come. I also enjoyed the juxtaposition of the town of Lily's overwhelming enthusiasm for a never seen woodpecker against Cullen's own personal tragedy and the complete implosion of his family. The ending of the book is open to interpretation which could frustrate some younger readers looking for more resolution. But the overall reading experience is rewarding.
Review:
I can see this book being used in a classroom library setting. It would do well as a discussion book for small groups to read together in a reading class or English class. The themes of growing up, hope, despair, and transformation have the potential for an interesting discussion. The readers could discuss how the different narrators stories are woven together and whether the ending brings enough closure to Cullen Witter's story.
Review Reference: R.R. Bowker LLC. (2012). Books in print: Where things come back. Retrieved from http://libproxy.library.unt.edu:4442/DetailedView.aspx?hreciid=|31604362|31021800&mc=USA
Image: http://www.granitemedia.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/wherethingscomeback.jpg
Module 4: A Wrinkle in Time
SLIS 5420/ Module 4/ February 4-10
A Wrinkle in Time
By Madeleine L'Engle
Bibliography: L'Engle, M. (1962). A wrinkle in time. New York: Scholastic Book Services.
Summary:
A Wrinkle in Time is a refreshing juvenile/young adult read about a very different sort of family. Meg Murray is a smart girl who always seems to be getting into trouble at school through little to know fault of her own. The only people in her family that seem to understand her are her brother Charles Wallace and to a lesser extent her mother. Her fauther went missing several years ago while working on a secret government project. Her brother Charles has the strange ability to seemingly know and understand more about a person than they let on. He also has an ability to make friends in the strangest of places. When Meg, Charles, and their friend Calvin meet up with Mrs. Whatsit, Mrs. Who, and Mrs. Which they begin a quest to save Mr. Murray and battle the evil threatening their planet.
Impressions:
Like I said above I found this book refreshing. The writing was firmly grounded in reality while at the same time I found myself thinking about the author's choice of diction and wondering if it was reflection of the time period in which the book was written. Meg, Calvin, and Charles Wallace are strong protagonists each with different depth to their character and their own set of problems.I think that this makes them very relatable and real. I like the esoteric and spiritual nature of the book. The tesering to different planets all described with such detail that I could see them clearly in my head even though what the author was describing has never existed. I especially loved her descriptions of the "beasts" on planet Ixchel and the kind "Aunt Beast" that Meg comes to love. I will definitely be reading the rest of this series when I get the chance.
Review:
Though written decades ago, all three novels connect with current headlines on bullying, societal conformity, dangerous microorganisms, and potential threats of nuclear aggression. L'Engle's modern classics are school and public library standards.-Barbara Wysocki, Cora J. Belden Library, Rocky Hill, CT (c) Copyright 2012. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted
Library Setting:
A Wrinkle in Time would be a good book to use in a school or library setting to support a discussion on bullying. The main characters of A Wrinkle in Time are all bullied in some way whether it is by teachers, family, or students. This book could be used to introduce the topic of discussion and then the leader could expand on the topic by giving strategies to deal with bullying in a positive way.
Review Reference: R.R. Bowker LLC. (2012). Books in print:a wrinkle in time professional reviews.
Image: http://businessclarksville.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/wrinkle-in-time.jpg
A Wrinkle in Time
By Madeleine L'Engle
Bibliography: L'Engle, M. (1962). A wrinkle in time. New York: Scholastic Book Services.
Summary:
A Wrinkle in Time is a refreshing juvenile/young adult read about a very different sort of family. Meg Murray is a smart girl who always seems to be getting into trouble at school through little to know fault of her own. The only people in her family that seem to understand her are her brother Charles Wallace and to a lesser extent her mother. Her fauther went missing several years ago while working on a secret government project. Her brother Charles has the strange ability to seemingly know and understand more about a person than they let on. He also has an ability to make friends in the strangest of places. When Meg, Charles, and their friend Calvin meet up with Mrs. Whatsit, Mrs. Who, and Mrs. Which they begin a quest to save Mr. Murray and battle the evil threatening their planet.Impressions:
Like I said above I found this book refreshing. The writing was firmly grounded in reality while at the same time I found myself thinking about the author's choice of diction and wondering if it was reflection of the time period in which the book was written. Meg, Calvin, and Charles Wallace are strong protagonists each with different depth to their character and their own set of problems.I think that this makes them very relatable and real. I like the esoteric and spiritual nature of the book. The tesering to different planets all described with such detail that I could see them clearly in my head even though what the author was describing has never existed. I especially loved her descriptions of the "beasts" on planet Ixchel and the kind "Aunt Beast" that Meg comes to love. I will definitely be reading the rest of this series when I get the chance.
Review:
Though written decades ago, all three novels connect with current headlines on bullying, societal conformity, dangerous microorganisms, and potential threats of nuclear aggression. L'Engle's modern classics are school and public library standards.-Barbara Wysocki, Cora J. Belden Library, Rocky Hill, CT (c) Copyright 2012. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted
Library Setting:
A Wrinkle in Time would be a good book to use in a school or library setting to support a discussion on bullying. The main characters of A Wrinkle in Time are all bullied in some way whether it is by teachers, family, or students. This book could be used to introduce the topic of discussion and then the leader could expand on the topic by giving strategies to deal with bullying in a positive way.
Review Reference: R.R. Bowker LLC. (2012). Books in print:a wrinkle in time professional reviews.
Image: http://businessclarksville.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/wrinkle-in-time.jpg
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
Module 4: Shadow of a Bull
SLIS 5420/ Module 4/ February 4-10
Shadow of a Bull
by Maia Wojciechowska
Bibliography: Wojciechowska, M. (1964). Shadow of a bull. New York: Books for Young Readers.
Summary:
Sunday, February 10, 2013
Module 3: Arrow to the Sun
SLIS 5420 / Module 3 / January 28-February 3
Arrow to the Sun: A Pueblo Indian Tale
Bibliography:
Summary:
Arrow to the Sun tells the story of The Boy whose father the Lord of the Sun sent the spark of life to earth. The Boy is different from the other children in the village and they won't let him join in their games. Because of this The Boy leaves his mother and goes to seek his father. In a play on "Are You My Mother" The Boy asks many different people if they are his father, but none of them are. The Arrow Maker, however, fashions him into an arrow and shoots him towards his father the Sun. The Boy then goes through several trials to prove to his father that he is his son and is transformed. After his transformation he is sent back to earth by his father to "bring his father's spirit to the world of men".
Impressions:
I was drawn to this book because of the fabulous illustrations. They are incredibly different from many of the books that I read this week. The illustrations are blocky, brightly colored, and reflective of Native American culture. I think that this book is interesting to read. Because at heart it is observably a creation story, but from a different culture's perspective. It amazes me the parallels that can be drawn to the story of Jesus, Greek creation with Uranus, Assyrian creation myths, and many others. I think that it is obvious why this story won the Caldecott Award. This is definitely a book that makes a reader look twice after it has been pulled down off of the shelf.
Review:
Kirkus Review
The gold, ochre and black of the stylized pueblo, the Boy's transformation from a Kachina-like silhouette into an arrow strong enough to reach his father the Sun and, finally, the explosion of color as Boy enters the Sun's four chambers to confront monster lions, serpents, bees and lightning -- all add up to a richer, more kinetic, more functional balance between story and visual effects than were to be found in McDermott's highly praised Anansi the Spider. In this spare, simple form the tale of the Boy who leaves the earth to pass the tests set by his immortal father and then returns to earth where the people celebrate his presence with a Dance of Life has obvious Christian and other parallels. McDermott's fusion of primitive costumes, motifs and legend with contemporary design and color sense is highly ambitious -- and, in this instance, explosively, elementally beautiful.
Library Setting:
This would be an excellent book to use in a display for Native American Heritage Month in November. It could be paired with other books about Native American tribes, myths, and books by Native American authors. This book could also be used to spark a discussion about creation stories and how people all over the world have similar and yet different stories explaining creation.
Review Reference: Kirkus Media LLC. (2012, May 3). Arrow to the sun. Retrieved from https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/gerald-mcdermott/arrow-to-the-sun/
Image: http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51eyaE0DryL._SL500_SS500_.jpg
Module 3: Tuesday
SLIS 5420 / Module 3 / January
28-February 3
Tuesday
by David Wiesner
Bibliography: Wiesner, D. (1991). Tuesday. New York: Clarion Books.
Is a Caldecott winner that relies on its pictures to do most of the story-telling. The book starts out on a Tuesday evening around eight and follows a group of frogs as they discover that they have the ability to fly on their lillypads. The frogs soon go for a joy ride in a nearby town,flying though backyards, into hanging sheets, startling citizens having snacks in their kitchens, watching tv in an older woman's house, and flying alongside a running dog. As the sun comes up the lilypads appear to lose their powers and the frogs are unceremoniously dumped backed ino the pond from wence they came. The town is baffled by the lilypads all over the streets and policeman are called to investigate. Finally the end of the book warns that there is always another Tuesday and pigs are shown flying out of a barn.
Impressions:
The first time that I flipped through the pages of this book I was a little put off that there were apparently less than ten words to the entire book. But as I read the book again I found charm in the fact that the pictures were able to accurately narrarate the book with little to no help from the words. Besides that the illustrations are beautifully painted with vibrant blues and greens throughout. The pictures contain fun little hidden wonders for readers to discover like a frog using the tv remote with its tongue, a frog that gets a sock caught around its neck like a cape, and the man whose snack they interrupted talking to the police at the end and pointing towards the sky.
Review:
Booklist
Wiesner offers a fantasy watercolor journey accomplished with soft-edged realism. Studded with bits of humor, the narrative artwork tells a simple, pleasant story with a consistency and authenticity that make the fantasy convincing. While this trip may not take children far, its open-ended conclusion invites them to carry on the fantasy, allowing for unexpected magic in everyday, modern settings. ~--Carolyn Phelan
Library Setting:
This book would be fun to use in a storytime with children aged approximately 3-6. It would be an excellent resource for shoing the power of the imagination in books with few words and getting your audience into the story by asking what the children see in the pages and what is happening. The open ending of the book also invites the children to continue to think about the story even after it is over.
Review Reference: R.R. Bowker LLC. (2012). Books in print. Retrieved from http://libproxy.library.unt.edu:4442/DetailedView.aspx?hreciid=|727941|1793297&mc=USA
Image:
http://reviews-of-childrens-literature.pbworks.com/w/page/10581742/f/Tuesday%20by%20David%20Wiesner_Cover.jpg
Tuesday
by David Wiesner
Bibliography: Wiesner, D. (1991). Tuesday. New York: Clarion Books.Is a Caldecott winner that relies on its pictures to do most of the story-telling. The book starts out on a Tuesday evening around eight and follows a group of frogs as they discover that they have the ability to fly on their lillypads. The frogs soon go for a joy ride in a nearby town,flying though backyards, into hanging sheets, startling citizens having snacks in their kitchens, watching tv in an older woman's house, and flying alongside a running dog. As the sun comes up the lilypads appear to lose their powers and the frogs are unceremoniously dumped backed ino the pond from wence they came. The town is baffled by the lilypads all over the streets and policeman are called to investigate. Finally the end of the book warns that there is always another Tuesday and pigs are shown flying out of a barn.
Impressions:
The first time that I flipped through the pages of this book I was a little put off that there were apparently less than ten words to the entire book. But as I read the book again I found charm in the fact that the pictures were able to accurately narrarate the book with little to no help from the words. Besides that the illustrations are beautifully painted with vibrant blues and greens throughout. The pictures contain fun little hidden wonders for readers to discover like a frog using the tv remote with its tongue, a frog that gets a sock caught around its neck like a cape, and the man whose snack they interrupted talking to the police at the end and pointing towards the sky.
Review:
Booklist
Wiesner offers a fantasy watercolor journey accomplished with soft-edged realism. Studded with bits of humor, the narrative artwork tells a simple, pleasant story with a consistency and authenticity that make the fantasy convincing. While this trip may not take children far, its open-ended conclusion invites them to carry on the fantasy, allowing for unexpected magic in everyday, modern settings. ~--Carolyn Phelan
Library Setting:
This book would be fun to use in a storytime with children aged approximately 3-6. It would be an excellent resource for shoing the power of the imagination in books with few words and getting your audience into the story by asking what the children see in the pages and what is happening. The open ending of the book also invites the children to continue to think about the story even after it is over.
Review Reference: R.R. Bowker LLC. (2012). Books in print. Retrieved from http://libproxy.library.unt.edu:4442/DetailedView.aspx?hreciid=|727941|1793297&mc=USA
Image:
http://reviews-of-childrens-literature.pbworks.com/w/page/10581742/f/Tuesday%20by%20David%20Wiesner_Cover.jpg
Sunday, February 3, 2013
Module 2: The Book of Three
The Book of Three
by Lloyd Alexander
Bibliography: Alexander, L. (2006). The Book of Three. New York: Square Fish.
Summary:
The Book of Three stars Taran, the assistant pig keeper for an oracular pig named Hen Wen. Taran dreams of excitement and adventure to take him away from his everyday boring existence. But in a classic case of be careful what you wish for when Hen Wen runs off and Taran pursues her he becomes mixed up in all sorts of trouble. As Taran runs for his life from the Horned King he meets some new friends including Gurgi, Eilonwy, Doli, and Fflewddur Fflam. These friends become invaluable allies along Taran's journey to find Hen Wen and save Prydain from the evil of Annuvin and its Lord Arawn.
Impressions:
The only encounter I have ever had with this book before I sat down to read it for this module was Disney's animated version of the Black Cauldron. I loved the movie as a child so when I saw this book on the list I knew I had to read it. I wasn't disappointed either. The Book of Three has everything that makes children's fantasy so fun and engaging. Strong likable characters that are also fallible, humor, creatures, magic, and mythical settings. I'm honestly surprised a movie studio has not attempted to adapt these books yet. I will definitely be seeking out the rest of the series to read.
Review:
Kirkus Review
"Taran, young boy, dubbed "Assistant Pig Keeper" to satisfy his dreams of glory, is the central character. A ward of the wizard, Dallben, he is in charge of an oracular pig, Hen Wen. His search for her after a raid by the horrible Horned King brings him to such strong fantasy characters as: Gwydion, a prince who teaches him the first principle of leadership -- self control; Eilonwy, a runaway junior witch, and Fflewddur, an incompetent bard. If these characters don't suggest T.H. White's treatment of the Arthurian legends, they should. The author draw his figures with the same touches of irritability, doltishness and contrariness that leavens with high good humor the high fantasy. The major theme is good against evil-- black magic against white -- but (give thanks for creative restraint) only to a draw." (Kirkus Review, Oct. 27, 2011).
Library Setting:
The Prydain series would do excellent in any middle or elementary school library next to J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter or Rick Riordan's Percy Jackson series. It might also be fun to do a library program or display highlighting Disney movies, which almost all kids are familiar with, and then juxtapose the DVDs with the books that serve as their source material.
Reference Review:
Kirks Reviews. (2011, October 27). Kirkus reviews the book of three. Retrieved from https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/lloyd-alexander/the-book-of-three/
Image:
http://jacketupload.macmillanusa.com/jackets/high_res/jpgs/9780805080483.jpg
by Lloyd Alexander
Bibliography: Alexander, L. (2006). The Book of Three. New York: Square Fish.
Summary:
The Book of Three stars Taran, the assistant pig keeper for an oracular pig named Hen Wen. Taran dreams of excitement and adventure to take him away from his everyday boring existence. But in a classic case of be careful what you wish for when Hen Wen runs off and Taran pursues her he becomes mixed up in all sorts of trouble. As Taran runs for his life from the Horned King he meets some new friends including Gurgi, Eilonwy, Doli, and Fflewddur Fflam. These friends become invaluable allies along Taran's journey to find Hen Wen and save Prydain from the evil of Annuvin and its Lord Arawn.
Impressions:
The only encounter I have ever had with this book before I sat down to read it for this module was Disney's animated version of the Black Cauldron. I loved the movie as a child so when I saw this book on the list I knew I had to read it. I wasn't disappointed either. The Book of Three has everything that makes children's fantasy so fun and engaging. Strong likable characters that are also fallible, humor, creatures, magic, and mythical settings. I'm honestly surprised a movie studio has not attempted to adapt these books yet. I will definitely be seeking out the rest of the series to read.
Review:
Kirkus Review
"Taran, young boy, dubbed "Assistant Pig Keeper" to satisfy his dreams of glory, is the central character. A ward of the wizard, Dallben, he is in charge of an oracular pig, Hen Wen. His search for her after a raid by the horrible Horned King brings him to such strong fantasy characters as: Gwydion, a prince who teaches him the first principle of leadership -- self control; Eilonwy, a runaway junior witch, and Fflewddur, an incompetent bard. If these characters don't suggest T.H. White's treatment of the Arthurian legends, they should. The author draw his figures with the same touches of irritability, doltishness and contrariness that leavens with high good humor the high fantasy. The major theme is good against evil-- black magic against white -- but (give thanks for creative restraint) only to a draw." (Kirkus Review, Oct. 27, 2011).
Library Setting:
The Prydain series would do excellent in any middle or elementary school library next to J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter or Rick Riordan's Percy Jackson series. It might also be fun to do a library program or display highlighting Disney movies, which almost all kids are familiar with, and then juxtapose the DVDs with the books that serve as their source material.
Reference Review:
Kirks Reviews. (2011, October 27). Kirkus reviews the book of three. Retrieved from https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/lloyd-alexander/the-book-of-three/
Image:
http://jacketupload.macmillanusa.com/jackets/high_res/jpgs/9780805080483.jpg
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