 Bibilographic Information Title: The Talking Eggs Author: Robert D. San Souci Illustrator: Jerry Pinkney Publisher: Sholastic Inc. Publication Date: 1989 |
||
| Summary: This is a Creole
Folktale about two sisters, Blanche and Rose, who lived alone with
their mother on a poor farm. Rose and her mother were selfish, lazy,
and mean people who often scolded poor Blanche and forced her do all
the chores. One day Blanche met a thirsty old woman and offered her
some water. This act of kindness marked the beginning of Blanche's
magical adventure to a place where two headed cows, colorful chickens,
and talking eggs that bore treasures existed. When Blanche followed the
old woman's directions and treated all of the strange animals she
encountered with courtesy, the old woman rewarded her by giving white
eggs that magically turned into riches. However, when Rose came to
visit the old woman, she complained, laughed at all the strange
animals, and stole the beautiful eggs that screamed, "Don't take me."
Those beautiful jewel covered eggs turned into scary animals that
chased her and her mother through the forest. When they finally got
home, they found that Blanche had gone off to the city to live happily
ever after. |
||
| Recommendation for Parents:
Read-Alouds are a special time you and your child can both relax and
enjoy together. The Talking Eggs is a fun story filled with mystical
creatures and great adventure. It conveys the messages, "Don't judge a
book by it's cover" and "Be kind to all creatures, no matter how
different they may look." The Talking Eggs is a beautifully illustrated
book that will allow your child to make connections to the text. This
book has won the Caldecott Honor; "It is awarded annually by
the Association for Library Service to
Children, a division of the American Library Association, to
the artist
of the most distinguished American picture book for children." |
||
| Recommendation for Other
Teachers: I highly recommend this captivating book for any of
the primary grades; each page that is read keeps the reader wondering
what will happen next. Since the story is a bit long for younger
children, the book can be read in two different sittings for
kindergarten students, or even on busy days that can't accommodate the
whole book into your schedule. On day two of reading this book, ask you
students what happened in the story so far and what they think will
happen next. This gives students a chance to both build comprehension
skills and explore their imagination. |
||
| Personal Note: The Taking
Eggs was one of my favorite books when I was a little girl. I was first
introduced to this book when my first grade teacher chose it for a
read-aloud. I liked it so much, that when I saw it in a Scholastic book
order, I begged my mom to buy it for me. Sixteen years later, I still
have this book. |
||
 Bibiographic Information Title: Magic Dogs of The Volcanoes Author: Manlio Argueta Illustrator: Elly Simmons Publisher: Children's Book Press Publication Date: 1990 |
||
| Summary: The Magic Dogs of
the Volcanoes takes place in the villages on the slopes of Volcanoes in
El Salvador. On the volcanos live magical dogs called cadejos who
protect the village people from danger and misfortune. The village
people loved the cadejos and believed that they were the
great-grandchildren of the volcanos. Unfortunately, the people who
owned the volcano land wanted to destroy the cadejos; they believed the
cadejos made the village people lazy. In order to stay alive, the
cadejos asked their great grandparents, the volcanoes for help. |
||
| Recommendation for Parents:
Elly Simmons does a marvelous job at transforming the text into
brightly detailed imaginative illustrations that will contribute to
your child's understanding of the story. The Magic Dogs of the
Volcanoes is a unique book that will allow your child to have a glimpse
of an El Salvadorian story telling experience. |
||
| Recommendation for Other
Teachers: This is a great book especially for Spanish Emersion
programs or classes that have a high Hispanic population because the
text is in both English and Spanish. The students can compare the
English and Spanish words to each other in order to increase vocabulary
in both languages. This book is also a great addition to any classroom
because it brings in El Salvadorian culture. Stories about cadejos are
common in Salvadorian story telling. |
||
| Personal Note: It is
important to explore different cultures in one's classroom. One way to
accomplish this is by reading books in your classroom from various
different cultures. Encourage your students to share books from their
cultures as well. This will enrich your class by giving your students
the opportunity to enjoy and learn different aspects of their
classmates cultures. |