TRADITIONAL LITERATURE - EASY WORK! AN OLD TALE

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Kimmel, Eric A. 1998. EASY WORK! AN OLD TALE. Ill by Andrew Glass. New York, NY: Holiday House, INC. ISBN 0823413497

2. PLOT SUMMARY
Sometimes the grass isn’t greener on the other side! That is what Mr. McTeague finds out, anyway. Mr. McTeague thought his wife had an easier time staying at home while he was off working in the fields. They arrange to switch places for the day, and things quickly turn quite chaotic for him as he finds himself in one disaster after another that led to their cabin being burned down. Needless to say, they rebuilt their cabin and both returned to their usual set of chores.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Eric Kimmel puts a humorous twist on the age old tale of the wife has an easier job than I do. Andrew Glass illustrates the story beautifully with a comical flair to match step for step with each impeding disaster that Mr. McTeague encounters. His illustrations are comical in nature, with sketch like characteristics. Bright pale colors (blues, greens, yellows, and purples) are illustrated throughout the text to easily tell the story. Glass captures the culture by showing the cabin built into the hill, and being grown over with grass. Mr. and Mrs. McTeague give the reader an inside look into the language and culture by using original sayings such as, "Easy work, eh?" and "Golly neds!"

4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
BOOKLIST: “Kimmel pours a classic Norwegian folktale into an American pot, and Glass brings it to a rolling boil with dappled scenes of domestic chaos.”

CONNECTIONS
*This book could open up story telling time that could be enhanced with felt boards and story recreations. It also allows the children to learn about different cultures.

*Other Folklore books for children:
Asbjornsen, P.C. and Moe, J.E. THE MAN WHO KEPT HOUSE. ISBN 0689505604
Kimmel, Eric. BOOTS AND HIS BROTHERS. ISBN 0823408868
Ziefert, Harriet. THE THREE BILLY GOATS GRUFF. ISBN 0688132596

TRADITIONAL LITERATURE- BUBBA, THE COWBOY PRINCE

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Ketteman, Helen. 1997. BUBBA THE COWBOY PRINCE. Ill by James Warhola. New York, NY: Scholastic Press. ISBN 0590255061

2. PLOT SUMMARY
Take the traditional Cinderella story, change the characters to males, add some western flair and humor, and you have yourself BUBBA, THE COWBOY PRINCE. The mean step daddy and two wicked stepbrothers, Milton and Dwayne, are horrible to Bubba. They make him do all the work, make fun of him, and certainly don’t want him to go to the ball. Bubba’s fairy god cow steps in, fancies him up, and sends him “lookin’ downright purty” to the ball to meet Miss Lurleen. At midnight, Bubba leaves his boot behind.
Miss Lurleen exclaims, “This is the boot of a real cowboy and the man I want to marry.”

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This story follows the traditional plot of the original tale. James Warhola does an excellent job of matching how the characters are illustrated to their qualities of good and evil. The wicked step-daddy is illustrated with dark and brooding colors and lines. Bubba is illustrated to look young, innocent, and taken advantage of. The emotions are clearly seen and felt throughout the story by the characters over-exaggerated facial expressions. Landscapes of blues, browns, and fluffy white clouds help to capture the Texas scenery. The language chosen is rich, and full of both hyperboles and similes that offer wit and humor to the reader. Authentic sayings such as, "Miz Lurleen is the purtiest and richest gal in the county," and "the biggest spread west of the Brazos" help to give the readers a mental picture of the southwest culture.

4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
BOOKLIST: “Ketteman wisely leaves the plot unchanged, but the story has a distinct western flair and a humorous tall-tale feel………this charming and funny retelling may hold more appeal for young boys than the traditional version may.”

PUBLISHER’S WEEKLY: “Well matched flair for hyperbole gives both the narrative and illustrations a one-two punch. Just the ticket for buckaroos lookin’ fer a good read.”

· Nebraska Golden Sower Award, 2001
· Reader’s Choice Awards List in 8 states

5. CONNECTIONS
*This book could be used to compare it to the traditional Cinderella tale. Also, add a few props and it would be a wonderful addition to reader’s theatre.
*Other book variations of Cinderella:
Perlman, Janet. CINDERELLA PENGUIN. ISBN 0670847534
Steptoe, John. MUFARO’S BEAUTIFUL DAUGHTERS. ISBN 0688040454
Young, Ed. LON PO PO. ISBN 0399216197

TRADITIONAL LITERATURE - AND THE GREEN GRASS GREW ALL AROUND

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Schwartz, Alvin. 1992. AND THE GREEN GRASS GREW ALL AROUND. Ill by Sue Truesdell. USA: Harper Collins Publishers. ISBN 0060227575

2. PLOT SUMMARY
Definitely not your traditional story plot with characters of good or evil. This book is a priceless folklore collection of over 250 poems, chants, songs, cheers, etc. that children have enjoyed throughout the years.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Alvin Schwartz has made a huge compilation of traditional folklore poems, songs, chants, cheers that are familiar to many with strong and happy memories attached to the playground. They are arranged in the book by subjects like food, school, nonsense, riddles, games, etc. Sue Tresdell illustrates the poems with black and white drawings that are done in watercolors. Her illustrations are lively and flow from poem to poem that brings humor and life that all can appreciate and enjoy.

4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
KIRKUS REVIEWS: “It’s hard to imagine a child who wouldn’t greet this treasure trove with enthusiasm.”
BOOKLIST STARRED REVIEW: “…..children’s folk poetry this spring has come in like a lion.”
HORN BOOK GUIDE: “A wonderful collection.”
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL STARRED REVIEW: “A marvelous book that is sure to become a classic if children have any say in the matter.”
· Alabama emphasis on Reading Award
· Notable/Best Books


5. CONNECTIONS
*This book is a wonderful tool to open up discussions and storytelling opportunities. Will be carried over to the playground with familiar tunes, chants, and songs!
*Other books with Folk Poetry:
Milnes, Gerald. GRANNY, WILL YOUR DOG BITE AND OTHER MOUNTAIN RHYMES. ISBN
0874835607
Schwartz, Alvin. I SAW YOU IN THE BATHTUB, AND OTHER FOLK RHYMES. ISBN
0060252987