Book Review ~ Olivia

Book Review

Falconer, I. (2009). Olivia. NY: Atheneum.

Summary
This is the initial book in the Olivia series.  Olivia is an older sister, who is quite energetic. In this story, Olivia visits the beach, a museum, tries on all of her clothes, and attempts to paint her own wall.  It is all in the day in the life of Olivia.

Analysis
Ian Falconer uses an interesting color concept in this book.  The majority of the book is in four colors white, black, gray, and red.  By using this method, red items seem to scream off the page.  It really draws in the attention of the reader.  Mr. Falconer has also capture the love of millions of readers with his character Olivia.  Children can relate to her feeling and enjoy her adventures. 

Websites, games, and activities for this series
http://oliviathepiglet.com/
http://www.homeschoolshare.com/olivia.php
http://www.myolivia.com/activities-color.php

Book Reveiw ~ It's a Book

Book Review

Smith, L. (2011). It's a book. NY: Roaring Brook.

Summary
In this humorous book, a jackass tries to understand what the monkey is doing.  (He's reading a book).  Through questions and answers, the jackass discovers that even though it is low tech, a book is a wonderful thing.

Analysis
The illustrations in this simple story are just that, simple.  The author uses geometric shapes to portray this conversation / story.  The illustrations are essential to this story.  You can see the confusion of the jackass as he tries to comprehend why the monkey would spend his time on something that didn't blog, tweet, google, ect... The dialogue is also written in two different colors to help the reader know which character is talking.

Book Review ~ The Three Pigs

Book Review

Weisner, D. (2001). The three pigs. NY: Clarion.

Summary
This 2002 Caldecott Medal award winner is an interesting take on the tradition big bad wolf and three little pig's story.  In this version, the pigs escape the wolf by actually leaving the pages of the story.  They make paper airplanes out of the pages of the book, venture into other stories, and make their way safely home.

Analysis
Mr. Wiesner is able to use texture to portray a 3D type image where the pigs actually leave their story.  This realistic depiction of the pigs gives the illusion that the reader can touch the pigs.  The setting is told through the amazing art work in the book.  Most of the story is told through dialogue.  Without the illustrations, the story would be difficult to follow.