A Week in the Woods by Andrew Clements

Bibliography
Clements, Andrew. 2002. A Week in the Woods. Waterville: Thorndike Press.

Plot Summary
Mark was not happy about moving again but that is exactly what he had to do in the middle of his 5th grade year. Since he would attend Hardy Elementary until the end of the school year, Mark had no intention of making any friends or impressions on his teachers. Mr. Maxwell, the science teacher, assumes Mark's attitude is the result of being a spoiled, rich kid and instantly does not like him.

The annual 5th grade trip, a week in the woods, led by Mr. Maxwell was fast approaching. At first, Mark was not excited but the idea of camping grew on him and so did the trip. Mark decides to make the most of the trip. However, Mr. Maxwell still assumes that he is the spoiled, rich kid but becomes surprised by the turn of the events.

Critical Analysis
Mark is moving again. His new school, Hardy Elementary, takes the 5th grade class to an annual trip called a week in the woods. Mark is not excited about the move or this trip that is required of him. To show his discontentment, he decides not to make friends or participate in any of his classes. Mr. Maxwell, the science teacher, decides that Mark is a spoiled, rich kid and writes him off. However when Mark's attitude about school and the trip changes, Mr. Maxwell's attitude towards him does not.

Clements has done another excellent job in A Week in the Woods. Mark's feelings about moving, making new friends, and his parents constantly ignoring him are genuine and easy to relate to. The plot is believable and inspiring when Mark saves the day. A great book to open a discussion about survival or moving.

Reviews
School Library Journal: "Like many of Clements's titles, this one will be a popular choice, particularly with fans of Gary Paulsen and Jean Craighead George."

Kirkus Reviews: "Worthy-but just as Maxwell underestimates his new student, so too does Clement underestimate his readers' ability to figure out for themselves what's going on in each character's life and head."

The Homework Machine by Dan Gutman

Bibliography
Gutman, Dan. 2006. The Homework Machine. New York: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing Division.

Plot Summary
Meet Brenton, Judy, Kelsey, and Sam. Four very different kids who come together for one reason...homework. When Sam (the cool kid) discovers that Brenton (the smart kid) has created a machine that does his homework for him, he had to see it for himself. Overhearing the conversation, Judy and Kelsey join Sam at Brenton's house to see the homework machine for their own eyes. Not wanting to spend hours on homework, they (Sam, Judy & Kelsey) convince Brenton to allow them to use the homework machine for their assignments. Every day after school, they all met at Brenton's house to "work" on their homework. As the days pass, a friendship, that caught everyone by surprise, starts to form but will it last?

Critical Analysis
Dan Gutman introduces us to four unforgettable characters in The Homework Machine. Sam is the cool kid; Brenton is the geek; Judy is the teacher's pet; and Kelsey is the rebellious one. Despite their differences, these four very unique individuals form a lasting friendship while "working" on their homework.

Gutman does an excellent job creating characters that are present at every school across the country. It will be easy for a kid to find a character or characters to relate to. Humor and suspense are added to the storyline which makes this a very enjoyable read.

Reviews
Children's Literature: "Short chapters of alternating voices tell the story, which is funny in some places, but is not without intense and sometimes sad moments. This is another engaging book by Dan Gutman."

School Library Journal: "The story is told entirely through short excerpts from police interviews. This device shows the developing relationships through the kids' own observations. There are touches of humor in the way the four classmates talk about themselves and one another. Ominous hints about the legal trouble maintain tension throughout the story, but its exact nature isn't revealed until near the end. A dramatic and thought-provoking story with a strong message about honesty and friendship."

Escaping the Giant Wave by Peg Kehret

Bibliography
Kehret, Peg. 2003. Escaping the Giant Wave. New York: Aladdin Paperback/Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers.

Plot Summary
Thirteen year old Kyle is looking forward to his summer vacation away from school and the school bully, Daren. It gets even better when he learns that his father has won a family vacation to the Oregon coast for being the top salesman. However, Kyle's excitement turns south quickly when he learns that Daren's family has been awarded the same vacation.

Kyle didn't think it could get much worse but it did. An earthquake followed by a tsunami hits the coast during the family's vacation while Kyle is babysitting his little sister, BeeBee. It is up to him to take care of his sister during this disaster and get them to safety.

Critical Analysis
Peg Kehret delivers a winner in Escaping the Giant Wave. Kyle is your typical, ordinary 13 year old boy...he wants a higher allowance, better batting average, and the nerves to stand up to the school bully, Daren. When his family's vacation turns disaster after an earthquake followed by a tsunami hits the coast of Oregon, it is up to this ordinary boy to save the day.

Kyle is babysitting when the earthquake occurs so it is up to him to keep him and his little sister, BeeBee, safe until they are reunited with their parents. He is smart, brave, and thinks quickly. Everyone will fall in love with Kyle! An excellent choice to open up discussions on a variety of topics...bullying, survival, responsibility, being prepared, and disasters.

Reviews
Children's Literature: "While the story has the potential to be highly interesting and suspenseful, it lacks the realistic detail for readers to become involved in the plot and invest themselves in the characters. The best part of the book is the sub-plot of eight-year-old BeeBee's obsession with the financial market."

School Library Journal: "While this is a satisfying read for victims of bullying, it is unremarkable in plot and style. One character does stand out, Kyle's sister, BeeBee, a financial whiz who follows the stock market and names her teddy bear after Bill Gates."

Otto's Orange Day by Jay Lynch

Bibliography
Lynch, Jay. 2008. Otto's Orange Day. ill. Frank Cammuso. New York: RAW Junior, LLC.

Plot Summary
Otto is a cat and his favorite color is orange. He thinks the color is pretty, bold, strong, and even created a song about all of the orange things that he likes. After receiving a genie lamp from his Aunt Sally, he asks the genie for his one wish which was to make everything orange! At first, he loved the results but soon realized how boring and confusing life was when it was all the same color.

Critical Summary
Author, Jay Lynch, and illustrator, Frank Cammuso, team up to create the toon book, Otto's Orange Day. When Otto the cat receives a genie lamp as a gift from his aunt Sally, he redeems his one wish and asks that everything is turned orange which is his favorite color. He was so excited when he saw that his wish came true...orange planes, orange bats, orange cars, and even orange snow. His excitement quickly changed when his mother served him an orange lamb chop, orange spinach, orange mashed potatoes, and orange milk for lunch. It was not great to have everything orange but how was he going to return everything to normal since he already used his one wish!

Lynch's simple writing makes this a great introduction to graphic novels. The flow and the rhyming of the text is a perfect combination and lends itself well to being read aloud. Cammuso's illustrations are a wonderful addition to the story. It is easy to get caught up Otto's excitement over the color orange. Children will want to hear and see this one over and over again!

Reviews
Children's Literature: " The story ends well and Otto learns a very valuable lesson. The illustrations are awesome; the writing has rhythm and is fun to read aloud. It is a book that is perfect for both boys and girls and is a great introduction to a chapter book (It has two chapters). This is a must own book for young readers."

Kirkus Reviews: "Cammuso illustrates comics veteran Lynch's tale in neatly drawn sequential panels, casting Otto as a cat (marmalade, of course) in human dress and pairing him with a blue, distinctly Disneyesque genie. Low on violence and high on production values, this comics-format "Toon Book" will leave emergent readers wishing for more."

Get Ready for Second Grade, Amber Brown by Paula Danziger

Bibliography
Danziger, Paula. 2002. Get Ready for Second Grade, Amber Brown. ill. Tony Ross. New York: G.P. Putnam's Sons.

Plot Summary
Amber Brown is starting 2nd grade and is a little nervous about it. She is nervous for a number of reasons but mostly because the school hired a new 2nd grade teacher. No one knows anything about her and they are all imagining the worst...how much homework will they have, will they get into trouble for coloring outside the lines, and will they be allowed to go to the bathroom? In the end, Amber decides that she can handle anything as long as she has her best friend, Justin, and her bear backpack.

Critical Analysis
Paula Danziger does it again! Get Ready for Second Grade, Amber Brown is the 3rd installment of the A is for Amber series. Danziger created a fun and very likable character that kids will love to read more about. Amber is nervous about starting second grade because Mrs. Wilson is no longer the teacher. No one knows anything about the new teacher, Ms. Light, and Amber wonders if she will be liked by her. She also wonders what mean things Hannah Burton will be up to this year. The author provides the security that every 2nd grader needs to start a new school year...new school supplies, new backpack, and her best friend, Justin, to get her through the first day of a new school year.

Kids and Adults will love how Amber handles herself. She is determined not to let anything or anyone ruin the day or year for her. She shows confidence by standing up for herself and answering questions posed by the teacher. This is a great book to share with anyone nervous about starting school!

Reviews
Children's Literature: "Danziger manages to keep the story moving at a good clip, build a bit of suspense, throw in a few groaners and end it all with a light touch."

School Library Journal: "Youngsters will identify with Amber and her woes, and will want to listen again and again. A useful purchase for primary grade beginning reader collections in school and public libraries."

The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan

Bibliography
Riordan, Rick. 2005. The Lightning Thief. NY: Hyperion Books for Children. ISBN 0439865999.

Plot Summary
The Lightning Thief is the story of a boy named Percy Jackson who doesn't have much going for him. He has been diagnosed with ADHD and dyslexia, kicked out of several schools, doesn't know his father, and has an awful step-father. After vaporizing his teacher, Mrs. Dodds, with a ballpoint pen, his mother decides it is time for Percy to know about his father.

During his trip to Camp Half-Blood (a camp for demigods), he discovers his best friend is a satyr, is almost killed by a minotaur, and looses his mother during the minotaur attack. Once he arrives, he discovers that Poseidon is his father and is forced to go on a quest in order to prevent a war between the gods.

Critical Analysis
Percy Jackson is the uncommon hero in The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan. Everything is stacked against him...he does not know his father, is ADHD and dyslexic, and has been kicked out of several schools. Now that he is 12 years old, his mother decides that it is time for him to learn more about his father and thus more about himself.

Percy's mother takes him to Camp Half-Blood where it is soon determined that he is the son of Poseidon, the Sea God. Because Poseidon has been accused of stealing Zeus' lightning bolt, Percy is sent on a quest to retrieve it and prevent a war between the gods. The quest is filled with action, suspense, and laughs. Both children and adults with fall in love this new series by Riordan.

Reviews
School Library Journal: "Mythology fans will love this take and kids who haven't been inculcated with the Classical canon will learn aspects of it here while having no trouble following a rollicking good–and modern–adventure."

Booklist: "The escapades of the Greek gods and heroes get a fresh spin in the first book in the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series, about a contemporary 12-year-old New Yorker who learns he's a demigod."

Luba: The Angel of Bergen-Belsen by Michelle McCann

Bibliography
McCann, Michelle. 2003. Luba: The Angel of Bergen-Belsen. ill. Ann Marshall. Berkeley: Tricycle Press.

Plot Summary
Luba by Michelle McCann is a wonderful story of how one person made a difference in fifty-four lives. Set during World War II at the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp, this true story will inspire everyone. After being separated from her family and taken to the concentration camp for being Jewish, Luba discovers a group of abandoned children in the middle of the night. Knowing she will be executed if the children are found with her, she decides to hide the children in her barracks anyways. Every morning, Luba takes to the task of finding enough food to feed the fifty-four children. Every night, she returns with another miracle...food for everyone.

Critical Analysis
Based on a true story, Luba: The Angel of Bergen-Belsen, is a powerful story of how one person can truly make a difference. Luba has been separated from her husband and son and taken to the concentration camp at Bergen-Belsen because she was Jewish. She finds a group of abandoned children her first night at the camp and risks her own life to keep them safe.

The vocabulary and language used in the book are ideal for the intended audience. McCann's simple writing and narrative form makes this an excellent children’s book. The author's note, prologue, epilogue, and bibliography confirms the accuracy of Luba's story. Finally, the addition of Marshall's illustrations really brings the story to life.

Reviews
Children's Literature: "This is a book about a truly remarkable woman, whose courage and determination not only saved the lives of those five-four Dutch children, but also teaches us all something about the power of loving children and caring for others."

Kirkus Reviews: "One of the beautiful, positive stories that emerged from that awful time, to be remembered and passed on to young and old alike."

Good Boy, Fergus! by David Shannon

Bibliography
Shannon, David. 2006. Good Boy, Fergus! ill. David Shannon. New York: The Blue Sky Press.

Plot Summary
Good Boy, Fergus! is about a dog named Fergus who never seems to listen to his owner. He is always getting into some type of trouble. From chasing a cat, knocking over the plant, or begging at the dinner table, Fergus can't get it right. He is also not very good performing tricks but at the end of the day, his owner still thinks he is a good boy!

Critical Analysis
David Shannon does it again! He has created another hilarious character who can not stay out of trouble. However this time, the character is the fun loving dog named Fergus. From the time he gets up in the morning until he goes to bed at night, Fergus finds it nearly impossible to listen to his owner. He would rather chase cats and motorcycles, run away from bath time, and beg for food from the dinner table instead of coming inside when called or performing the correct trick for his owner. No matter how the day goes, the owner still thinks Fergus is a good boy!

The author also illustrated this story as many of his others. Bright colors are used throughout and the dog is always the center of the attention/page. Shannon's writing is simple which makes this story a great read aloud for any story time. As always, the print seems to be part of the illustrations. Combining the illustrations and writing, makes this a great addition to any collection (even if you are not a dog lover).

Reviews
Publisher's Weekly: "Fergus's expressions and poses will be both funny and familiar to dog lovers, and the predominantly close-up perspective offers an immediacy that makes readers feel included in every second of the tail-wagging action. Paws down, Fergus is one memorable pooch."

Kirkus Reviews: "Preschoolers will enjoy the large-format full of over-sized text and hysterical pictures of the disobedient dog who gets his way every time, right down to holding out for whipped cream on top of his dog food. Yes, Fergus! "

Bed Hogs by Kelly DiPucchio

Bibliography: DiPucchio, Kelly. 2004. Bed Hogs. ill. Howard Fine. New York: Hyperion Books for Children.

Plot Summary: Bed Hogs is a story about a pig family consisting of Mama, Papa, Rose, Flo, Ed, and Runt. Each night they share the same straw bed where Mama and Papa take up most of the space and Runt is underneath them all. Because Runt is squished and squashed, he one by one kicks the other members of his family out of bed thinking he would then get a good night sleep. He soon discovers that what he thought he wanted is not what he wants at all.

Critical Summary: Bed Hogs is a hilarious look at families...a hog family. Runt, the smallest of his family, is buried underneath his family every night as they try to all sleep in the same straw bed. To make room, Runt finds a way to remove his family from the bed making more room for himself. The author's writing is simple and the rhymes flows very easy making this book a great read aloud during story time. It is also a great introduction to poetry because of the free flowing verses. Because the story is also very funny from beginning (Sooey, South Dakota) to "zzz" end, it will quickly catch the listener's attention.

Howard Fine's illustrations really bring the humor of the story to life. He successfully gave each pig their own personality...Rose as Miss USDA and Mama as the two-steppin hog. Combined with DiPucchio's writing, this book will appeal to children of all ages and fly off the shelf.

Reviews
School Library Journal: "With large illustrations and a text that is best read aloud, this book is a prize pick for story times."

Children's Literature: "There's nothing delicate or subtle to the close-up scenes of piggish abundance; just lots of energy expended in comic actions. Runt is particularly engaging as he slyly manages to clear the bed one by one."

Boxes for Katje by Candace Fleming

Bibliography: Fleming, Candace. 2003. Boxes for Katje. ill. Stacey Dressen-McQueen. New York: Melanie Kroupa Books.

Plot Summary: Boxes for Katje is the story how one family in Indiana helped another family and then an entire town in Olst, Holland after World War II. One day Katje receives a box from America with a bar of soap, a pair of socks, and a candy bar. Katje immediately shares her treasures with her mother and the postman recognizing the importance to share the gift that she received. To show her appreciation, she writes to her new American friend, Rosie, thanking her for her kindness and how it truly met her family's needs. Boxes continued to arrive for Katje and she continued to share the gifts with the people of her town until she was able to send a gift of her own to Rosie and her family.

Critical Analysis: Boxes for Katje is a true inspiration. Based on actual events as noted in the author's note at the end of the story. It tells how one family (the Johnson's) from Mayfield, Indiana inspired their town to help another family (the Van Stegeran's) and the town of Olst, Holland after World War II. After receiving a box from American that contained a bar of soap, a pair of socks, and a candy bar, Katje responds by sharing her new gift with her mother and the postman. Katje also sends Rosie, her new American friend, a note thanking her and telling her how much the gift meant to her family.

The Johnson was touched by the great need in Holland and continued to send packages to Katje and her family. The Johnsons also inspired their town to join the effort and soon several boxes arrived for Katje. With each delivery, Katje continued to share the gifts with her family and community. Through the generosity of the Johnson's and Katje's desire to share, the entire community was able to keep fed and warm during the winter. As noted by the author, the winter of 1945 was one of the worst winters for Holland and because of the kindness sent from Indiana, a community stayed warm.

Fleming's writing presents a beautiful story that will inspire its readers. The illustrations added by Stacey Dressen-McQueen brings the story to life. Every detail is included...from how the houses in Mayfield, Indiana looked in 1945 before receiving the gift of tulip bulbs from Holland to how the houses looked after the tulips bloomed in the spring of 1947. Both children and adult will fall in love with this book.

Reviews
Publishers Weekly: "Fleming deftly dramatizes the story with lively conversations among the townspeople and letters between the two girls. In an outstanding debut, Dressen-McQueen immerses readers in post-war Holland, crafting an entirely credible world of cobblestone streets, Dutch architecture and vintage clothing. Primitive in its flattened perspectives, these earth-toned illustrations (which progressively brighten as the situation does) resonate with joy and fellowship."

Kirkus: "Fleming reveals Katje’s character of leadership, resolve, and gratitude through her written communiqués and Rosie’s initiative and inspiration through her active promotion of the charitable effort. Dressen-McQueen captures the flavor and essence of Fleming’s 1945 family experience through her detailed mixed-media paintings delineating fabric patterns, hairdos, emotions, and the general lifestyle of both communities. As heartwarming and uplifting as a bouquet of tulips."

The Recess Queen by Alexis O'Neill

Bibliography: O'Neill, Alexis. 2002. The Recess Queen. ill. Laura Huliska-Beith. New York: Scholastic Press.

Plot Summary: O'Neill approaches the all to familiar tale of the school bully in The Recess Queen. Mean Jean was the recess queen and no one did anything, said anything, or played anything until Jean gave the OK. If a child ever crossed her, she would bully them until she got her way. This all changed when Katie Sue came to school. Even though Katie Sue was small and the new kid on the block, she did not allow Mean Jean to intimidate her.

Critical Analysis: The Recess Queen is a great story of how one person can stand up to a bully and make a difference. Mean Jean was the recess queen and no one was allowed to play anything until she gave the OK. However, this changed when Katie Sue came to school. Even though she was small and the new kid in school, she did not let Jean push her around. In fact, Katie Sue did the unthinkable...she asked Mean Jean to play with her. O'Neill does a wonderful job tackling a tough subject. The author's writing is simple, fun, and flows easily.

The illustrations provided by Laura Huliska-Beith are a great addition to the story. She brings the words to life. Vibrant colors and great facial expressions are used throughout the book. She also includes children of all size, color, and style. The combination of writing and illustrations make this a fun read aloud for children of all ages. Include this one in your next lesson on bullying.

Reviews
Children's Literature: "Told entirely in rhyme, young children will surely enjoy the heart-warming and encouraging story just as much as they enjoy the colorful acrylic and collage illustrations."

School Library Journal: "Both the text and the art are smart, sassy, and energetic. Rendered in collage and acrylics in vibrant shades of fuchsia, lime green, and azure blue, the illustrations showcase Mean Jean as an over-the-top cartoon character who is frenetic and effervescent. The text effectively dips, swirls, and slants around the action of the art, further marrying the two."

New York's Bravest by Mary Pope Osborne

Bibliography: Osborne, Mary Pope. 2002. New York's Bravest. ill. Steve Johnson and Lou Fancher. New York: Alfred A. Knopf.

Plot Summary: New York's Bravest is set in 1848 and is a fictionalized account of Mose Humphrey, a New York City volunteer firefighter. Described as "eight feet tall and hands as big as Virginia hams", Mose put out fires everywhere he went. After September 11, 2001 Osborne decided to bring this legend to life by telling of his heroic deeds that he considered to be part of his duty and dedicated it to the fallen heros of 9-11. This is a great story of a true American hero...children and adults will love it.

Critical Analysis: Dedicated to the fallen firemen of September 11, 2001, Mary Pope Osborne, author of the Magic Tree House series, brings a legend to life. New York's Bravest examines the life of Mose Humphrey, a New York volunteer firefighter in the 19th century. Osborne's writing is simple but powerful as she describes the heroic deeds performed by Mose on a daily basis. This is a great example of how one person can truly help and should be shared with children everywhere.

Johnson and Fancher does an excellent job with the illustrations. Mose is drawn to tower over everyone else in the story thus adding to the legend. Beautiful colors are used throughout the story and the drawings reflects America in the 1800's. Combining the illustrations with Osborne's writing makes this a must read for children and adults.

Reviews
Publishers Weekly: "Author and artist carefully and respectfully balance the tall-tale ingredients with actual events to craft a loving tribute one that may well help youngsters cope with the loss of these brave leaders."

School Library Journal: "With its obvious connection (and dedication) to the firefighters of 9/11, this book will be welcomed by adults seeking an entry to the topic for younger children. It also stands alone as a fine addition to the pantheon of picture-book legends."

David Gets in Trouble by David Shannon

Bibliography: Shannon, David. 2002. David Gets in Trouble. New York: Blue Sky Press.

Plot Summary: David is a typical little boy that gets into trouble but of course it is never his fault. According to David, accidents happen, dogs do eat homework, and cats love having their tail pulled. No matter what happens, David has an excuse.

Critical Analysis: David Shannon is back with the third book featuring one of our favorite characters, David. Once again, he is up to no good in David Gets in Trouble. In it Shannon correctly portrays the life of a rambunctious little boy. The writing is simple and words are few but combined with the illustrations, tell a hilarious story. The large scribbled print and colorful pictures add meaning to the main character, David. This story will instantly grab the attention of every child, especially the boys.

Reviews
Publishers Weekly: "This memorable character is nothing short of a force of nature, from his scribbled eyes and hair to his shark-sharp teeth. In the end, it's a confession ("Yes! It was me!") that allows him a peaceful night's sleep, with a woman's tender hand and an "I love you, mom" hovering over his angelic (for now at least) round head. Readers will gladly call for "More, David!"

School Library Journal: "Children who enjoyed No, David (1998) and David Goes to School (1999, both Scholastic) will welcome this lighthearted sequel."

A Tiger Called Thomas by Charlotte Zolotow

Bibliography: Zolotow, Charlotte. 1963. A Tiger Called Thomas. ill. Diana Cain Bluthenthal. New York: Hyperion Books for Children.

Plot Summary: After Thomas and his family move into a new house, Thomas has a hard time making new friends. He assumes that no one likes him so he makes no attempt to talk to Marie as she plays hopscotch, Gerald as he walks down the street, or the old man as he walks his dog.

For Halloween, his mother buys him a tiger costume. He assumes he has the perfect disguise and sets out to go trick or treating. He visits all his neighbors and was shocked when they all knew who was hiding behind the mask. All night people continued to talk to him and invite him over to play sometime. Thomas soon realized that everyone did like him.

Critical Analysis: Zolotow tackles the tough subject of being the new kid on the block in A Tiger called Thomas. When Thomas moved into a new house, he had a hard time making new friends. He was very shy and assumed that no one would like him so he never left his front porch. Everyday his mother would encourage Thomas to go play with the other children in the neighborhood but he would always reply "they might not like me." For Halloween, Thomas receives a tiger costume from his mother. With a perfect disguise and new courage, Thomas sets off for a trick or treating adventure and soon discovers that everyone does like him.

Zolotow's simple writing is perfect for this story. Many kids will be able to relate to Thomas and how difficult it can be to make new friends. The story may also provide parents with a helping hand with their child who will not leave the stoop. The illustrations are a great addition to the story and fit it well. Bluthenthal creates the typical neighborhood street along with the typical neighborhood scenes. Zolotow's writing combined with Bluthenthal's illustrations, added in 2003, makes this a great picture book to share with children young or old.

Reviews
Kirkus: "Now reissued with its third set of illustrations, this 1963 text of Zolotow's remains timeless. In a wonderful change of pace, Bluthenthal depicts Thomas as a fetchingly round-headed child with dark skin and places him in a suburban setting. These are the best illustrations yet, not only because of Thomas's ethnicity, but because they are as direct, winsome, and clear as the story. A heartening episode to share with any shy newcomer."

I Ain't Gonna Paint No More! by Karen Beaumont

Bibliography: Beaumont, Karen. 2005. I Ain't Gonna Paint No More! ill. David Catrow. New York: Harcourt, Inc.

Plot Summary: In I Ain't Gonna Paint No More!, Beaumont creates a very fun loving and creative character. The boy loves to paint and decides to paint the floor, walls, and ceiling of his home until his mother catches him. His paints are taken away and he is put in the bathtub to clean up. The boy's struggle to obey his mother and his desire to paint continues through the end of the book. This is a great read aloud book for children of all ages.

Critical Analysis: It is easy to see why I Ain't Gonna Paint No More! by Karen Beaumont is an ALA Notable Children's Book Award winner. The combination of the text and illustrations are great. Together they "paint" the perfect blend of humor and mischief. Beaumont's writing is simple and will easily invite the listeners to read along because of the repetition of words and rhyming text.

Catrow's illustrations are a great addition to the storyline. The bright colors used during the boy's painting episodes versus the black and white pages used when the paints are taken away will immediately grab the attention of its reader. The boy's facial expression clearly defines the how he is feeling...sad in the bathtub and pure joy while he is painting. Kids will want to hear this one over and over again.

Reviews
Publishers Weekly: "The rollicking rhymed narrative and stylized ink-and-paint illustrations then reveal the narrator painting his body parts in a variety of wild patterns, while-with comic irony-he chants the refrain that comprises the book's title. Given the plot's premise, Catrow's humorously hyperbolic art fittingly takes center stage here, growing increasingly flamboyant and electric as the boy embellishes more and more of his anatomy-and his playful pooch becomes equally well decorated."

School Library Journal: "With rhymes that invite audience participation and scenes that draw the eye, this is a strong storytime choice."