Piecing Me Together Book Review

Piecing Me Together by Renee Watson

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Genre: Fiction

Introduction and Justification:

          The Coretta Scott King Award is given every year to African American Authors and Illustrators. These books are amazing examples of writing and illustrating. In 2019 Renée Watson won the award for her book Piecing Me Together. This book was so well done it also was awarded the John Newberry Medal. This book is a must read. This coming of age tale goes through a girl’s life who is dealing with being different and trying to find a friend and balance. Although, this book was selected because of its awards, this book will be one that will be passed along and shared.

Evaluation of book:

Jade can give the reader unexpected insights into the challenges of being a poor African American woman in a world of rich white women. Jade talks about how her hair must be braided because she cannot wear it in a natural way for school. She also, talks about the challenges of finding a friend and being only looked at as poor and black. In the novel she states that she struggles to relate to the rich white girls because they have a different life experience. In their lives they talk about not appreciating and being aware of housekeepers while Jade’s mom is a housekeeper. She also talks about how the school will allow her tutor, go to SAT Prep and be part of Woman to Woman, yet they will not let her partake in the events that are for students not underprivileged. She fights to be treated as more than just an At-Risk Student.

The book also draws a line in the sand. At the beginning of the book her Mom is upset that in two years she has not made friends at Saint Francis. When they are discussing how Jade has no one to share the look with you know that she will make a new friend. The author provides foreshadowing of this happening.  You can see that Jade will find a friend. This friend will be someone she can share looks with, communicate with, and come from a similar perspective to her.

          The book also uses a mixture of precise and figurative language to spread meaning. When Jade speaks and thinks the vocabulary is precise just like Jade. When Lee Lee speaks however it comes out in poetry. This poetry is juxtaposed to the precise language to show both worlds Jade lives in. When Jade is with Maxine and Woman to Woman is it about being proper and correct. When Jade is at home the discussion because about passion, unjust action, and fears. As the worlds being to intermix and Mom and Maxine accept each other, and Lee Lee and Sam become friends the two languages become interspersed. This culminates in the gallery where both worlds become one. Jade uses the term “whole” to describe how both world’s fit together and it is followed by a poem by Lee Lee (Watson, 2017, pp. 257-259). Even the titles shows the mixture of precise and figurative language.

Response:

There are some books that change your life and perspective. Piecing me Together was one of those books. (a) When I was in college, I got to participate in a program called C.L.U.E.S. it was a multicultural program where we took a year of classes together, did events, and learned a new multicultural perspective. The goal of the program was to increase multicultural awareness. The program gave us mentors and time to talk. One of the men in my class discussed how when he would walk other people would cross the street. This statement was so profound. I listened and watched. When I saw a Black Man walking on one side of the street people would cross to the other side. This book made me think of that story. How Jade was treated differently.

 (c) When Jade was discriminated against in the store it makes me think of going to the store. When I go to the store no one stops me, asks to check my receipt, or follows me. When my friends who look differently go, they are followed, stopped, and checked. This is unfair and unjust. It is not something most people even think about until you see it happen. It is something that needs to change. We also should not expect those who are discriminated against to be on their own. We should support them, give them an ear, and believe them. Jade is a brilliant young woman, but they cannot see that, and she just needs someone like her, an ear. As she tells her teacher she does not need incentives to make sure she doesn’t fail, she deserves to be allowed to do opportunities that she will never get again.

          (d) The El Paso shooting was especially difficult this year. I grew up in El Paso. My family lives in El Paso. When the 15-year-old girl is beaten up you feel Jade’s response. Her pain, her anguish.  A conversation in this book summed up the feeling perfectly

““I just…I don’t know. I feel, it just feels- ““Too close?” “Yeah, I guess.” “And like it could have been you or me”” (Watson, 2017, p. 192)

This was the perfect way to describe it. It was too close. We all have an experience where it is too close. It is horrible and this simple section of the book said so much with so little. This book had so many meaningful parts and pieces.

Conclusion:

          Everyone has an inner battle and challenge. Our background and fears define us. We are not one stereotype, and no one fits in a perfect mold. As Jade makes her collages, she finds the best pieces, even the ones know one else sees and bring them together. The book pairs Jade with a woman named Maxine to be her partner. In this book it is discovered that Maxine needs Jade. The two work through trials and issues as a team. They grow together and bring out the best of each other. As readers, it is important to see this give and take. This book has a lot to offer. It introduces a new look at history, a look at how we view ourselves, and how others are treated. This book is a must read for anyone struggling with finding their identity, and those living with fears.

Works Cited

Alsc. (2019). Awards, Grants & Scholarship. Retrieved from Association for Library Service to Children : http://www.ala.org/alsc/awardsgrants

Texas Library Association. (2019). Reading Lists. Retrieved from TLA Texas Library Association: https://txla.org/tools-resources/reading-lists/

Watson, R. (2017). Piecing Me Together . New York: Scholastic.

Williamson, O. M. (n.d.). How to Write a Reaction Paper or Reader Response. Retrieved from Reader Response: http://utminers.utep.edu/omwilliamson/engl0310link/readerresponse.htm

Two Dogs in a Trench Coat Go To School Book Review

Two Dogs in A Trench Coat Go to School by Julie Falatko Illustrated by Colin Jack 

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Genre: Fiction

Introduction and Justification:

          Every year a list of Bluebonnet books is released. The Bluebonnet books are read and voted on by students in the State of Teas. Two Dogs in a Trench Coat Go to School is nominated for the Texas Bluebonnet Award 2019-2020. Julie Falatko is also the author of Snappsy the Alligator Did Not Ask to Be in the Book and Snappsy the Alligator and His Best Friend Forever (Probably). Both books have whit and charm. They have become stables in the classroom library.  Her books use talking animals and humor to share a message. The cover itself also was cute seeing two dogs standing on top of each other in a trench coat. This amusing book tells the tale of what happens when two dogs go to school to save their human.

Evaluation of book:

          Two Dogs and a Trench coat uses dialogue, understatement, and unexpected insights. This humorous book intertwines these elements to make a fun book that everyone can relate to and enjoy. Falatko is able to teach lessons and about society, how we treat each other, and problem solving in her dialogue, understatement, and even her unexpected insights.

          The dialogue in Two Dogs and a Trench Coat is simplified and expressive. You can tell what happens in the dog’s lives and their perspectives through their dialogue. It also gives you insight into their thoughts and wants. The reader also gets to see the eyes of a school through a dog’s perspective. The dogs love gym and lunch and trick their way into extra food using appropriate language for a student. Each sentence is intentional. She is giving everyone in the story clues that they are dogs, as well as setting up the plot and conclusion of the story. Even the last line where the Dad talks about getting rid of the trench coat and Stewart saves it has meaning.

          Falatko is an expert at using understatement. When she is talking about Bax she can let the reader draw their own conclusions. “I’m Bax. Bax the Bully,” (Falakco, 2018, p. 52). The reader initially assumes that Bax is a Bully. She then has Sassy and Waldo say “He doesn’t smell like a bully though” (Falakco, 2018, p. 66). As the book progresses you find out that his last name is Thabully. The way she progresses the story lets the reader make conclusions and think about the story.

          “Humans said what the rules were, and if you followed the rules, you got a cookie” (Falakco, 2018, p. 62). This simple statement gave unexpected insights into the way humans think and operate. The dogs talked about how they get a cookie if you follow the rules. Humans are always working for “cookies” as well. For the project and information sheet the “cookie” is a good grade, for work the “cookie” is a raise, affirmations, or promotion. Even in home the “cookie” is being viewed as successful. This simple line shows how humans are always working for a reward or an end goal and the rules help humans to achieve their product.

Response:

(a) Two Dogs in a Trench Coat is a humorous book. This book reminds me of my cats’ disdain for their mortal enemy squirrel. How they watch and keep the squirrels away. It connects as someone who just also desires resting. (d) I love how one of the dogs just want to take a nap but cannot because he has a job to do.  I feel like a lot of American’s feel this way. We are taught to keep doing and never let our bodies rest and relax. (e)This heartfelt book is a great book for all students, and adults. We all have times we struggle completing problems and do not even know how to ask for help. A wise person once said let me give you a list of things you can ask for help with because it might be so overwhelming you don’t even know what you need.   It is important to see that would can help someone, be there for someone, and ask for help. This book does a great job discussing how we need to get out of our comfort zone and do good. It also shares how we are all experts on our own thing, and we can share this expertise.

Conclusion:

This book is a must-read book. It deserves it place as a Texas Bluebonnet. It is light heartened, easy to read and can connect with adults and children. The book also, lets people know its ok to make mistakes, be a friend, and try something new. This book will be a book for animal loves as well. Most pet lovers will relate to Sassy and Waldo. They are like our cats and dogs at home. Always hungry, also wanting the correct attention, and always there for us when we need them most.

APA Citations:

Works Cited

Alsc. (2019). Awards, Grants & Scholarship. Retrieved from Association for Library Service to Children : http://www.ala.org/alsc/awardsgrants

Falakco, J. (2018). Two Dogs in a Trench Coat Go to School. New York, New York: Scholastic.

Texas Library Association. (2019). Reading Lists. Retrieved from TLA Texas Library Association: https://txla.org/tools-resources/reading-lists/

Williamson, O. M. (n.d.). How to Write a Reaction Paper or Reader Response. Retrieved from Reader Response: http://utminers.utep.edu/omwilliamson/engl0310link/readerresponse.htm

The Itchy Book

The Itchy Book by LeVyen Pham

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Genre: Fiction

Introduction and Justification:

Some characters change the world and our views on children’s literature. Characters like Harry Potter, Wilbur, and Elephant & Piggie leave a permanent impact. When Mo Willems announced The Thank You Book would be the last Elephant & Piggie books teachers, librarians, and students cried. However, Mo Willems had a new idea. He would bring out amazing authors and let his memorable characters Elephant, Piggie, and Pigeon introduce and conclude other books. When looking at the 2x2 book list for 2019 it had been a hard not to read all the books immediately (Texas Library Association, 2019). Yet, wherever these is chance to revisit Elephant and Piggie and to get to know another amazing kid friendly author that opportunity cannot be passed up. I was itching to read “The Itchy Book”.

Evaluation of book:

          The bright colors and graphic shapes help define the mood of the story. As the animals get itchy their facial expressions become more pronounced. The reader can feel the dinosaur’s frustration (Pham, 2018, p. 29). The dinosaur’s expressive faces and body movements set the mood for the book. You can feel their anger when the turtle moves and they realize the stone says “alone” (Pham, 2018, p. 44) You can also see the relief and take a deep breathe of air as they finally take care of their itches.

          The illustrator does a great job of using color to display feeling. When the animals itch you can see red shooting off. For instance, when the main dinosaur is getting scratched by the feather you can see small red dots (Pham, 2018, p. 33). As he gets more things added to make him itch more little red dots appear. This culminated with the characters covered in little red dots and the main character having red lightning bolts coming from their bodies (Pham, 2018, p. 43) As the characters get relief from their red hot itch the page turns to blue (Pham, 2018, p. 47). This use of color helps to show how the characters are feeling. The last page turns back to red as the turtle gets bitten. This sets the tone and answers his question about “alone”.

          Pham develops his characters through his illustrations. You see the brown dinosaur as the leader. Yu can feel how he is determined to be a strong, brave dinosaur. He enjoys telling the other dinosaurs they can not scratch. You can also see their confusion build to frustration and determination as they attempt not to scratch. The characters also build relationships and friendships in the book. On page 22 they see T-rex and you can see their fear and alarm. They then bond over their desire to scratch. They are all determined to be tough and to follow the sign. The character arc is clear and easy to follow.

Response:

This humorous book (c) makes you want to itch. It also teaches the reader to think about their message. As the dinosaurs really want to scratch, they become obsessed with the idea. The rest of the stone is hidden leading the animals to become itchier and itchier. All they want to do is scratch. It makes people think about how many times well tell people don’t do something. After saying don’t all they want to do is do it. This same concept applies to dieting as well. Itching becomes the reward in this situation. (d) Pham also stresses the importance of reading and seeing the full message. In the days of video snip-it’s it becomes easy to take these out of context. The animals do not see the whole picture and get a very different message. This happens with social media, the news, and even in our daily lives. These misconceptions have led to the CYA rules and people having to step on egg shells. (g) Even though the book taught moral lessons it was highly enjoyable. When reading this book the first time it was read with students. They were drawn into the text and laughed along as more and more characters were introduced. The simple, colorful illustrations brought meaning to the text and this book will go in a favorite section of the library.   

Conclusion:

          The Itchy Book is a must-read book for elementary and younger children. Students love the familiar and new characters. The lesson about teamwork, reading the full message, and what you focus on you get more of are prevalent throughout the story. The illustrations guide the story through the mood, color, and developing the characters. This book is wonderful for beginning readers because it uses simple vocabulary to tell a meaningful story without being condescending

APA Citations:

Alsc. (2019). Awards, Grants & Scholarship. Retrieved from Association for Library Service to Children : http://www.ala.org/alsc/awardsgrants

Pham, L. (2018). The Itchy Book. New York: Hyperion Books for Children, an imprint of Disney Book Group.

Reading Lists. (2019). Retrieved from TLA Texas Library Association : https://txla.org/tools-resources/reading-lists/

Williamson, O. M. (n.d.). How to Write a Reaction Paper or Reader Response. Retrieved from Reader Response: http://utminers.utep.edu/omwilliamson/engl0310link/readerresponse.htm

Alma and How She Got Her Name

Alma and How She Got Her Name by Juana Martinez-Neal

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Genre: Fiction

Introduction and Justification:

When my niece’s birthday presents this year, I asked her mother what books she would like. My sister then searched a list of books that help children accept their name. One of the books on this list was Alma and How She Got Her Name. This book drew my eye and it was even more special because it had just received a Caldecott Honor in 2019 (Alsc, 2019). It also appears on the 2019-2020 Tejas Star list. This book has been on numerous award lists and can impact so many students.

Evaluation of book:

          In 32 pages from the front cover to the library of Congress Page Martinez-Neal develops a relatable character through her illustrations. The simple text is truly defined and emphasized through the pictures. These illustrations connect Alma to those who she is named after. Alma talks about how she loves books and flowers just like her grandmother (Martinez-Neal, 2018). The illustrations show Alma sitting on a pile of book smelling the flowers (Martinez-Neal, 2018). On every other page you can see how Alma connects to her ancestors in a new meaningful way. The illustrations show the character development and her growth as the story goes on. You can see her love of her Dad and how her mood shifts as she learns and embraces the history of her name.

The use of color is sparse and intentional. The color draws the readers eyes to the action and focus of the page. When Alma’s Daddy is pulling down the photo album it is blue. It is one of the free colors in the page. As he reads you can see the use of blue and pink in the flowers tying the past to the present. Each character from the past has a touch of blue and Alma connects it with her touch of pink. The simple use is soothing to the eye and allows the reader to make connections.

          The text by Juana Martinez-Neal is supported by the illustration. The illustrations reinforce the text by showing you the characters and family members that Alma is named after. On the second page the reader can see how her long name does not fit on the page (Martinez-Neal, 2018). The next page Alma shows her dad the two pieces of paper taped together and explains that it does not fit (Martinez-Neal, 2018).  As the dad goes through each family member, he is able to show photographs that help set the tone of the book and give the reader and Alma a visual image. The text and the illustrations mirror and build upon each other and neither could exist without the other in this book.

Response:

Alma and How She Got Her Name is a story about the importance and value of our names. (g) This book is great for all students. The book focuses on embracing and accepting your name and the uniqueness of your name. All students at some point dislike their name or something about them and need that gentle reminder that they are special and worth it. (G) My niece has a unique name for the area she lives in. It is always being mispronounced and misspelled. This book is perfect for her because it shows she how she is named after family as well and that she is special. This books is simple and effective.  (F) Even the art work is simple with just hints of color that emphasize the meaning. The artist can see the past and present through the artists use of color. The past is done through darker colors, and black and white while Alma is colored.  The artist uses his art in pictures as well as words to tell the story.

Conclusion:

          Alma is an important book for every library to have. Students need to understand they are special and unique. They have family that guides them as well as their own special unique characteristics. Students who are named after parents or have cultural or unique names will enjoy this book. We all need a reminder that our names are important and matter.

APA Citations:

Alsc. (2019). Awards, Grants & Scholarship. Retrieved from Association for Library Service to Children : http://www.ala.org/alsc/awardsgrants

Martinez-Neal, J. (2018). Alma and How She Got her Name. Sommerville, MA: Candlewick Press.

Williamson, O. M. (n.d.). How to Write a Reaction Paper or Reader Response. Retrieved from Reader Response: http://utminers.utep.edu/omwilliamson/engl0310link/readerresponse.htm

The War that Saved My Life

The War that Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley

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Genre: Historical Fiction

Introduction and Justification:

World War II books are known for focusing on the Holocaust. The War That Saved My Life takes a different perspective. By taking modern day issues and putting them in historical fiction this book becomes relatable to everyone. When choose a historical fiction book it was important to choose one from a reputable and noteworthy source. This coming of age book has won multiple awards including A Newberry Honor, Josette Frank Award, Wall Street Journal Best Children’s books of 2015 and five other awards (Amazon, 2019).

Evaluation of book:

          As Ava and Jamie escape an abusive home their dialogue both external and internally shape the story. The dialogue is intentional. For instance, when they arrive at Miss Smith’s house Jamie uses the words “Posh, this place,” (Brubaker Bradley, 2015, p. 40). This simple sentence shows the reader how dingy and horrible their upbringing was. The posh room was a simple bathroom with the tub. As the book continues Ava’s internal struggle is done through internal dialogue. The reader can see that she says the opposite of what she means in order to protect herself. The dialogue enhances the story and shows Ava fear and lack of knowledge of the world around her.

          The War that Saved My Life covers numerous sensitive topics including abuse, coming of age, discrimination, and homosexuality. Brubaker Bradley uses understatement to help the reader understand these difficult themes. One of the main characters Susan is introduced as not a “nice” person. This term “nice person” is used throughout the entire book. The readers would expect that she was harsh or abusive. However, this is not what they are referring to. As Ava comes to accept Susan she learns about Becky and Susan’s family. Susan talks about how she never thought she would have children. She discusses how her father was proud she got into university but then was unhappy when she met Becky. The reader must put the clues together. In another instance Susan is debating sending Ava and Jamie away. Ava says she that she cannot leave her horse (Brubaker Bradley, 2015, p. 271). The reality is that Ava cannot leave the love and freedom she has worked so hard to achieve. Susan knows that Ava needs support and freedom as she overcomes the trauma of abuse. Even small snip bits of the story tell so much. As Jamie does not want to go to school Susan notices a welt on his left hand. She knows immediately he was being discriminated and abused for being left handed (a common practice in the past). This writing lets you know all the problems Susan fixes without ever downright saying it.

          Kimberly Brubaker Bradley is gifted in her use of precise vocabulary. Her sentence structure is short, but it is meaningful.

“An orange. A handful of walnuts. Boiled sweets. Two long hair ribbons, one green and one blue. In the toe, a shilling” (Brubaker Bradley, 2015, p. 219).

This brief paragraph tells how meaningful each item is. As she pauses after each item, they become special. The reader can see the orange. It is visually there; the handful of walnuts seem so special and unique. The two hair ribbons become real. It is almost as if you can see the long ribbons being pulled out of the stocking. The next paragraph shows so much meaning when Ava thinks “Shiny bright girls, with ribbons in their hair” (Brubaker Bradley, 2015, p. 219). That simple paragraph and sentence mean so much. As Ava opens them you can feel her shock, the meaningfulness of those items, and even her fear. Her thoughts of “I don’t deserve this” come screaming off the page without ever saying a word. Brubaker Bradley uses clear precise vocabulary to extenuate her meaning and the character feelings.

Response:

(f) This book draws the reader in. It became impossible to put the book down. Even after finishing it its lure brought the reader back.  The desire to read more led to immediately going online afterward to see if there was more. The fear of losing the characters who were so meaningful and real became distressing. As you read the desire to root for Ava is strong. As she gets them to Becky’s House she says “It was my reward, I thought. For being brave. For walking so long, for walking away”  (Brubaker Bradley, 2015, p. 45). You wanted Ava to have the reward.

(c) As she leaves her mother’s abusive house the reader learns about her club foot. The only break taken while reading this book was to learn about what is club foot. How can it be helped, and treated? As Ava learns more about her disability and overcomes it you want her to have the surgery. As the end of the book the reader is left numb realizing that Ava will never get her surgery. She will never get her foot fixed. She has already vowed to never see or talk to her abusive mother again. This was distressing because you wanted Ava to have a full meaningful reward.

(b) As a reader you become on invested. The book does a wonderful job alluding to homosexual relationships and the acceptance and fear that accompanies them. Especially in a time period where it was not discussed openly. The quote “Your foot is not your fault, you don’t need to be redeemed” ( (Brubaker Bradley, 2015, p. 160) is not only about Ava’s feelings of inadequacies but of Becky’s feelings as well. They showed the parallel journeys of both women’s struggles against nature and the misconceived judgement of others. Those who hate should read this book and learn to accept.  

Conclusion:

          The War that Saved my Life is a book that deserves every ouch of praise it has received. The awards do not do it justice. The book manages to deal with coming of age and numerous challenges in the protagonist’s lives while making the reader connect to the characters. This book encourages students to read and has relatable factors to all readers such as fear, understanding, and acceptance. Brubaker Bradley does an excellent job of telling a war story that is about multiple other wars rather then the War that everyone sees on the surface.

APA Citations:

Amazon. (2019). The War That Saved My Life. Retrieved September 18, 2019, from Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/War-That-Saved-My-Life/dp/0147510481

Brubaker Bradley, K. (2015). The War that Saved my Life. New York: Puffin Books.

Williamson, O. M. (n.d.). How to Write a Reaction Paper or Reader Response. Retrieved from Reader Response: http://utminers.utep.edu/omwilliamson/engl0310link/readerresponse.htm

Book Review Duz Iz Tak?

Duz Iz Tak? by Carson Ellis 

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Genre: Fiction

Introduction and Justification:
Each year the Caldecott Medal is awarded to the best picture books. The runner ups receive the Caldecott Honor Awards. These books are known for their illustrations. In 2017 "Duz Iz Tak?" was awarded the Caldecott Honor Award.  The other books on the list were books that had been previously read including "They All saw a Cat, Finding Winnie: The True Story of the World's Most Famous Bear", "Trombone Shorty", and "Last Stop on Market Street."
This book had an interesting and catchy title draws in the reader. The title looked like a different vernacular for does it talk. This books appeared exciting through its use of rich color.

Evaluation of book:
This story is an action novel. In the book Duz Iz Tak? the reader sees some bugs and a sprout. As the sprout grows more bugs become involved. They even build a sprout house. The climax in the book is when the house begins to wear down. This story follows the plot model showing a strong beginning with character and setting. As the climax occurs a giant bird covers the page. The reader is drawn to the magnitude of the destruction. The character are small and you can see them cowering. As the seasons change in the book The reader can follow the action from everyone working together to the end. The end allows the reader to think will the cycle begin again? What will occur next?

Duz Iz Tak? displays a rich composition to balance the line, color, and texture of the book. The color changes as the story takes place even showing the seasons. As the year progresses the log become whiter, and as fall comes the plants become duller. It is also easy to see night when the bug is playing music to the plant. The simple drawings use simple lines mixed with graphic textures to tell the story. While most of the book has simple lines and basic shapes the readers eye is drawn the central piece of the story. This section has vibrant textures that stand out.The reader can touch the book thinking they are touching a leaf that is folded over.

This book depends on the illustrations to extend  and develop the plot. The books is told through  the illustrations. The words are nonsense and the reader needs to look and examine clues to understand the story.  For example when the bird comes and hits the plant house the characters are creating you can see and feel their disappointment and even fear. At the end of the book you can make a prediction about what will happen next when you see multiple sprouts. This book is told entirely through the visual elements. The illustrations do tell the plot even though the text can get in the way of the meaning.

Response:
As I read Du Iz Tak?  my immediate reaction was to wonder if I was reading the book incorrectly. At first I read the beginning of the book silently and then out loud trying to make meaning of the text. (a) After multiple attempts at reading the text I related this book to the Tower of Babel and sitting with Spanish Speaking teachers while only knowing English. this lack of another language left me feeling lost, and a little lonely. I felt I missed a lot of the meaning by not accessing the words. (c) When going back and thinking about the text it became apparent that this is how our English language learners students might feel. They can look at the pictures to derive meaning but never fully understand the meaning. They need to infer. This gave me a lot of insight how I interact with English language learners. (d) This book is important to share to help others understand how difficult it can be not to understand information. Students can also take advantage of the detailed beautiful illustrations to derive their own meaning and create their own stories. Beginning readers can feel successful knowing that the words are nonsense and the meaning is from the visual cues.

Conclusion:
This book is great for our English Language Learners, and those who are love detailed rich artwork. This book uses color to show the progression of time and a sequence of events that are unfolding. As the creatures see the sprout and decide to make a home out of it to the richness of the seasons changing. It is told through the illustrations.

APA Citations:

alsc. (2019). Caldecott Medal & Honor Books, 1938-Present. Retrieved from alsc Association for Library Service to Children A Division of the American Library Association : http://www.ala.org/alsc/awardsgrants/bookmedia/caldecottmedal/caldecotthonors/caldecottmedal

Ellis, C. (2016). Du Iz Tak? Somerville, Massachusetts : Candlewick Press.

Williamson, O. M. (n.d.). How to Write a Reaction Paper or Reader Response. Retrieved from Reader Response: http://utminers.utep.edu/omwilliamson/engl0310link/readerresponse.htm