January 22, 2009 at 10:17 am (ages 10-12, ages 7-9, fairy tales, fantasy, mythology and legends, picture books, profound messages, re-thinking fairy tales)
Title: Babushka Baba Yaga
Author/ Illustrator: Patricia Polacco
Publisher: Philomel Books
ISBN: 0-399-22531-5
Summary: The forest creature Baba Yaga is considered to be an evil witch, but she feels misunderstood. Wishing for a grandchild of her own, she disguises herself as a babushka (grandmother) and offers her help to Natasha, a single mother whose son has no babushka. But, when Baba Yaga’s foster grandson is scared by tales of the forest witch, she flees lest he discover the truth about her. Only when danger threatens her foster family does the Baba Yaga reveal her true identity.
Butterfly’s notes: There are many tales about the Russian witch, Baba Yaga Bony Legs. This story shows a much softer side of the Baba Yaga that is compeltely loveable. You can’t help but sympathize with her as a social outcast and rooting for her in her disguise as a babushka. I love the drawings too!
For a more traditional Baba Yaga story, try reading Baba Yaga Bony Legs in Magical Tales From Many Lands.
Categories: ages 7-9, ages 10-12, fairy tales, fantasy, mythology and legends, picture books, re-thinking fairy tales, profound messages
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January 14, 2009 at 9:39 pm (ages 10-12, ages 7-9, animal stories, fantasy, mythology and legends, picture books, profound messages, re-thinking fairy tales)
Title: I Can Hear the Sun: A Modern Myth
Author/ Illustrator: Patricia Polacco
Publisher: Philomel Books
ISBN: 0-399-22520-X
Summary: Stephanie Michele, animal caretaker at Lake Merritt, befriends Frondo, an orphan boy from the settlement house in town. In Frondo, Stephanie Michele finds a kindred spirit; they both have a way with animals and they both listen to the sun for wisdom. Together with a few of the “regulars” at the park, they form a strong friendship. But, when the people from the settlement house propose to send Frondo away, the friends are faced with a harsh reality.
Butterfly’s notes: The characters in this book are all unwanted by society, but they form friendships based on their mutual outcast status. Patricia Polacco refers to I Can Hear the Sun as a “modern myth”, and it is just that. It is a story with strong characters, true friendships, and a mystical but bittersweet ending. Since the author often bases her stories on her own experiences or those of her family, this book is particularly intriguing. What real-life thing could have happened to her that would prompt a fantasy like this one?
Categories: ages 7-9, ages 10-12, animal stories, fantasy, mythology and legends, picture books, re-thinking fairy tales, profound messages
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January 8, 2009 at 7:58 pm (ages 10-12, ages 7-9, animal stories, anthologies, funny stories, picture books, re-thinking fairy tales)
Title: Squids will be Squids
Author: Jon Scieszka
Illustrator: Lane Smith and Molly Leach
Publisher: VIKING
ISBN: 0-670-88135-X
Summary: Quirky fables about loveably obnoxious animals and things.
Butterfly’s notes: Ridiculous morals that will have you laughing follow each story in this unique, absurd book.
Categories: ages 7-9, ages 10-12, animal stories, anthologies, funny stories, picture books, re-thinking fairy tales
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January 5, 2009 at 10:00 pm (ages 10-12, ages 4-6, ages 7-9, fantasy, geared at girls, picture books, re-thinking fairy tales)
Title: The Good Stepmother
Author: (Retold by) Marguerita Rudolph
Illustrator: Darcy May
Publisher: Simon And Schuster Books For Young Readers
ISBN: 0-671-68270-9
Summary: Princess Elena has everything she could ever want except a mother. When she brings this up to her father, he says he has been afraid to choose a wife in case she should be a bad mother. Elena soon convinces him to let her choose- so begins the quest for a good stepmother.
Butterfly: Stepmothers tend to get a bad rap in fairy tales and fantasy. Here is a book that sets out to prove stepmothers are not all bad. Illustrations will fascinate young girls.
Categories: ages 4-6, ages 7-9, ages 10-12, re-thinking fairy tales, fantasy, picture books, geared at girls
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