Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut

Bibliography

Barnes, D. (2017). Crown: An ode to the fresh cut. Scholastic Inc.

ISBN: 978-1-338-61970-6

Plot Summary

This book, a poem actually,  is seen through the eyes of a young black boy. He surveys the people around him getting their haircut in a barber shop. He imagines their worth just by looking at their hair. He imagines his worth after his hair is finished being cut. He sees himself differently, he has gained confidence. 

Critical Analysis

Barnes’ narrative poem gives so much depth and meaning to his main character. A young boy walking into a barber shop knowing that when he leaves he will be transformed. The young boy provides narratives of the people around him. He bases their unimaginable existences solely on their haircuts. He understands power, the life changing power of a fresh haircut. He speaks its power into existence, imagining the reactions of those around him. Barnes brings to life such an event for those who cannot understand the power of a “dope” haircut.

Gordon James provides extraordinary oil painting illustrations which highlight every word on every page. The depth and beauty the illustrations provide bring life and wonder to an otherwise  everyday, ordinary occasion. It’s the illustrations combined with Barnes’ narrative create an experience for readers that is felt deep within.

Review Excerpts

The awards for this book are numerous. The list of awards can be found on Derrick Barnes’ website.

From Publisher’s Weekly:

“Pride, confidence, and joy radiate from the pages, both in the black and brown faces of men, women, boys, and girls featured in James’s majestic paintings, and in writing that celebrates human worth with every syllable.”

From Kirkus:

"One of the best reads for young black boys in years, it should be in every library, media

center, and, yes, barbershop.”

From Common Sense Media:

“With striking, oil-based paintings by Gordon C. James that showcase different hairstyles and personalities, it celebrates black barbershop culture and the transformative effects of a "fresh cut."”

Connections

Gather other books about hair, such as:

• Florence Frizzball by Claire Freedman

• I love my Hair! by Natasha Anastasia Tarpley

• Rapunzel: Based on the Original Story by the Brothers Grimm by Sarah Gibb

Discuss how our hair is as individual as we are. Everyone has hair but not everyone’s hair

is the same, no two shades, or textures, or styles. Discuss how it makes you feel to have

your hair styled, or going someplace to have your hair cut. 

Gather books about self-confidence, such as:

• A Color of His Own by Leo Lionni

• Elmer by David McKee

Discuss how we see ourselves, how we see ourselves in the mirror. Discuss how other people

may not see us the same way. Our differences make us beautiful. Our differences make us

unique. The people who love us will always see the beauty in us.

 

Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!

Bibliography

Willems, M. (2003). Don't let the pigeon drive the bus! Hyperion.

ISBN: 978-078681988-1

Plot Summary

The reader is drawn in by a favor for the bus driver. The bus driver gives the responsibility of the bus to the reader. The pigeon will not take no for an answer in regard to driving the bus. The pigeon gives many reasons why he should be allowed to drive the bus. The pigeon is eventually disappointed when the bus driver returns and leaves with the bus. 

Critical Analysis

This predictable text will excite young readers. Children who are not able to read will enjoy being able to participate in the reading by responding to the pigeon’s repeated requests. Readers know that the next page brings a new demand to drive the bus from the pigeon. 

This book is fun and easy to read. Young readers will be able to find words they are able to easily read. The simplicity of the illustrations allow young minds to imagine a pigeon begging and pleading to drive a bus. Although most pages contain only the pigeon, the pigeon’s expressions change throughout the book. The simple act of changing the pigeon’s eyes give him life. 

Review Excerpts

2004 Caldecott Honor

From Publishers’ Weekly:

“Readers will likely find satisfaction in this whimsical show of emotions and, perhaps, a bit of self-recognition.”

From Kirkus:

“A first picture book by an Emmy Award–winning writer and animator, listeners will be begging, pleading, lying, and bribing to hear it again and again.”

Connections

Gather more books by Mo Willems, such as:

• Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale

• We are in a Book!

• What About Worms!?

Discuss how different each book is even though it is written by the same author. Compare and contrast lead characters of each story. Compare and contrast illustrations.

Discuss being responsible and being responsible for others. Readers are responsible to keep the pigeon from driving the bus. Have you ever had a friend who tried to persuade you to do something you shouldn’t? What would happen if you gave in?

 

Millions of Cats

Bibliography

Gág, W. (2006). Millions of cats. Penguin.

ISBN: 978-0142407080

Plot Summary

A very old man and woman were very lonely. They decided they needed a cat. The man set out to find them a cat. He came upon hundreds, and thousands, and millions and billions and trillions of cats. He couldn’t decide which to choose so he eventually brought them all home. The old woman was shocked to see him arrive back home with so many cats. They let the cats decide who was the prettiest but the cats began to fight. Eventually, the fighting ceased and the cats were all gone. The old couple surmised that the cats had eaten each other. Surprisingly, they saw one kitten in the grass. They asked the kitten how it managed to avoid the big fight and it told them that it didn’t think it was the prettiest cat, it was homely. They gave it milk and loved it and eventually it became the prettiest cat.

Critical Analysis

The reader is drawn into the story as the old man sets out on an adventure to find a cat. Readers are surprised when he finds so many cats. The repetition of hundreds, and thousands, and millions and billions and trillions of cats make it easy for even the youngest readers to participate in the reading. The part of the story when the cats begin to fight and eventually eat each other might be a bit  traumatic for today’s young children. Children today might have a hard time imagining this part of the story as cats are commonplace pets in the home. 

The black and white pen illustrations are a far cry from today’s bright, fancy picture books. It is the details that will draw readers in. The details of each cat will allow readers to imagine so many cats in one place. The journey of the old man through low valleys and hills is almost whimsical as the pictures cascade across two pages. The last pages illustrate just how loved and content the cat is and how happy and loved the old couple feel enjoying their pet cat.

Review Excerpts

1929 Newbery Honor

Top 100 Picture Books #21 by School Library Journal

From School Library Journal:

“The phrase “hundreds and thousands and millions and billions and

trillions of cats” still rings in my head from hundred and thousands (but not quite billions

and trillions) of readings.” – Ellen L. Ramsay

From Goodreads:

“A classic. Read it again and marvel at the simplicity of the story and the unique

lithography!” -Jewels

Connections

This book, along with others, would complement a lesson about “Then and Now” Compare pictures, writing, and ideas across several books. Collect books from several different decades to follow the evolution of picture books through time. Some additions for this connection could be:

• Madeline by Ludwig Bemelmans (1940 Caldecott Honor)

• Bartholomew and the Oobleck by Dr. Seuss (1950 Caldecott Honor)

• The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats (1963 Caldecott Winner)

• The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg (1986 Caldecott Winner)

• Wolf in the Snow, illustrated and written by Matthew Cordell (2018 Caldecott Winner)

This book is the perfect addition to a Math lesson about comparing numbers. Write out the numbers on the board and compare their values.

 I'm starting this blog as a requirement for my MLS SLC class at TWU. This will be a great start to a wonderful adventure in sharing book reviews and activities for elementary school teachers and librarians.