"Twilight" Stephanie Myer (Major Motion Picture)

The story begins with Bella moving to Forks to live with her father. She has been living in Arizona with her mom and step dad and they are planning on traveling because Phil (Bella’s stepfather) is a minor league baseball player. You can tell that she has never had a close relationship with her father but she learns to adapt to his bachelor ways. She enrolls in school and makes new friends but she is curious about the Cullen’s, who never socialize with anyone else but themselves. She meets Edward Cullen in her Biology class but he freaks out and wants to get his classes switched however that will not be possible. Bella is furious initially but as she learns more from a friend on the Indian reservation in La Push, she begins to piece together all the clues. After time passes she and Edward fall in love which is not such a good idea considering he is a vampire. The story takes through the abnormal struggles of being in love with a vampire. Initially some of the Cullen’s mainly Rosalie is not happy with the choice of girl friends. Other vampires come into the area and realize they are befriending a mortal human which leads to conflict. A tracker named James hunts for Bella which the family creates diversions and in the end kills one of their own kinds for Bella. The book does but a whole new twist on vampires in a 21st century way. The Cullen’s are not dangerous they are what are considered vegetarians; they only eat animal blood not human. The family is known as a Covent of vampires that are similar. The book is a young adult fantasy romance novel, I must say however many adults are reading this series as well. There have been some objections to the book just because it is a vampire book but it is an excellent read. It was a thriller and a page turner. While reading the book along with the series I could not seem to put it down. I was curious about the movie therefore I watched it I was a little disappointed because the book was so vivid and the movie was not. The movie left many inspiring details out and the characters just did not match my imagination. I was also interested in what the apple on the cover of twilight stood for so I looked that up and Stephanie Myer explains that it is an example of the forbidden fruit, the analogy is interesting because Bella is the forbidden fruit of Edward. This book is the first in a series of four and New Moon follows Twilight. This has been the best series for children/young adults since Harry Potter in my opinion.

Image Reference: http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.collider.com/uploads/imageGallery/Twilight/twilight_movie_poster.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.collider.com/entertainment/news/article.asp/aid/7799/tcid/1&h=888&w=600&sz=264&tbnid=4bN4IK73eYlP7M::&tbnh=146&tbnw=99&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dtwilight%2Bmovie%2Bimage&hl=en&usg=__C4p-KBjrz2TAwRITLtTr6UWF790=&ei=DM70SYzpGNDflQeSx6WzDA&sa=X&oi=image_result&resnum=1&ct=image

"Esperanza Rising" Pam Munoz Ryan

Esperanza lives in the perfect world until the death of her father which forces the family to leave this all behind. Her father was killed by bandits the day before her birthday. Her uncles act as if they are there to help however they merely want to marry her mama and have the riches. The custom is for other family members to assist during the mourning process. She has lived in Mexico in a very wealthy family until this tragedy struck. Her father was the owner of own of the largest farms in the area. She has never wanted for anything. However with the turn of events the remaining family members must escape into the United States where they become laborers merely trying to survive. Esperanza is faced with hardships and responsibilities that she has never known. Initially she is left with the responsibility of caring for the children while the others worked the fields. She has never performed these duties because she always had someone to do them for her. There was more tragedy as her mother becomes ill and she must work the field in order to survive. The book portrays the hardships faced by many Mexicans during this time period. The story makes you feel for the young girl. The family not only struggled to survive but with how to thrive in a country in which they did not know. This book was an excellent read and I would recommend it to anyone. The story is enlightening as well as descriptive. It not only takes you on journey of change but the lesson of life of overcoming diversity. The name Esperanza means hope in Spanish perfect for the situations that are faced in the book.

Other books by this author: Paint the Wind, One Hundred is a Family, Hello Ocean, and Becoming Naomi Leon....and many others. Many of these books are available in Spanish.

Picture Reference:http://www.nhps.net/johncdaniels/images/Esperanza_Rising.jpg

"The Skin I'm In" Pat Thomas

The book is a first glimpse of the effects of racism. The story explains what would happen if only certain people were allowed to do certain things, for example what if people with blue eyes were the only people allowed to go to school? This explains the unfair idea of people missing out on opportunities based on their physical traits and the book also describes how we get our appearances from our family. The book explores the meaning of race and culture. It takes the reader on a journey through various cultures and asks questions of the reader. The book makes you think about your own heritage and how we all blend together to create one beautiful world. It explains that we are more alike than we are different. It gives details on how racism might take place and that there are many different forms of racism. Racist are similar to bullies and they are simply afraid of differences. Being afraid of different things is normal but it is important to get to know about the person before making judgments about their character. The book clearly explains that we are all unique and that we have to realize that racism is wrong. This is a must read for young children. The experience of viewing how other people are is an important lesson. There is also a how to section in the back that reviews methods for discussing racism with young children. I enjoyed the book and believe that it is something to be shared. This is a simplistic way to teach about diversity. There are several books in this series to explain challenges that young children face.

Picture reference: http://www.amazon.ca/Skin-Im-First-Look-Racism/dp/0764124595

"Where the Wild Things Are" Maurice Sendak comparison to "Cat in the Hat"

Where The Wild Things Are presents the same type of conflict that occurs in Cat in the Hat. The children in Cat and the Hat do not really want to get into mischief it just seems to happen because they are led by the cat. Max does not really mean that he will eat his mother but because of the events that transpire he finds himself in trouble. Max is dressed like a monster and his room transforms into a forest after his sent to his room with no supper. He takes a ride in a boat to the place where the wild things are. When he finds them they are roaring and gnawing their teeth, until Max says, Be Still! They call him the wildest thing of all much like his mother; they even tell him they will eat him up. Max takes on the role of his mother when he sends them all to bed without their supper. He then realizes that he has made a terrible mistake and wants to return home. The children in Cat in the Hat learn the same valuable lesson that fun has its limits. Children today love these stories because of the analogies and creative nature found within them. The books put a twist on disobedience and the consequences that will follow.

Picture Reference: http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://thisamthispm.files.wordpress.com/2009/03/where-the-wild-things-are-posters.jpg&imgrefurl=http://thisamthispm.wordpress.com/2009/03/26/where-the-wild-things-are-the-movie/&h=298&w=400&sz=49&tbnid=7-qUF10HxOPjGM::&tbnh=92&tbnw=124&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dwhere%2Bthe%2Bwild%2Bthings%2Bare%2Bimage&usg=__XLJpdgb1J_Z5k7Io-utcIzJtKRY=&ei=iv_wSenjDcqblQefn8G3DA&sa=X&oi=image_result&resnum=2&ct=image

"WE ARE THE SHIP" Kadir Nelson Corretta Scott King Award

The book was an exceptional portrayal of the obstacles that African-Americans had to overcome in order to play baseball. The story was told as a player that experienced the situation. The author did an outstanding job illustrating the book to depict the life and times of the players. The story begins with the 1st inning and takes you through the 9th inning with each inning adding something to the history of the Negro Baseball League which was the only means in which an African-American could play ball. The first inning is dedicated to the first players in the league and to Rube for his desire to continue allowing blacks to play even when they were not allowed to play professionally. He wanted his team to appear professionally and they were required to follow his rules in order to remain on his team. He initiated the first colored World Series which was held on October 11, 1924. The 2nd inning describes the type of play that was allowed in the Negro League the rules were quite different. Often there was no umpire and fights would often break out on the field. The 3rd inning describes the situation in which the players had to undergo. Often they could not find much to eat or places to stay. They had to sleep on the bus, this was all because many places did not allow blacks to stay or buy food. This was a hard time to keep teams going. Inning 4 describes how the Negro League survived the Great Depression. The league continued because Gus picked up where Rube left off even though some his money making schemes were a little shady. The first games with lights were played and many owners knew how to treat players while others did not. The 5th inning describes the first African-American all-star game. The conditions were not desirable for pitchers like Satchel Paige who pitched more than once per day. There were many great players of the time who received little credit. The 6th inning describes how African-Americans traveled to Latin America in the off season which was a big culture change but were treated as real player’s not second rate. This play had its good and bad points. The 7th inning is about how the Negro league had the opportunity to play against the white leagues. This was a great opportunity to exhibit the talent of the Negro league; however they underwent scrutiny by the fans and others and could not do anything about it. The 8th inning was a description of how WWII affected baseball; this was the time in which the Negro league took on a leading role. This was because most of the white league was overseas at war; African-Americans were not allowed to participate in combat therefore the games resumed back in the United States. The 9th inning describes the integration of blacks into the white major league. Jackie Robinson was the first to be called up and he withstood the challenges that came his way. The story of Jackie Robinson was a great obstacle that African-Americans finally overcame. The major point to remember is that throughout history many black men contributed to the cause and that without them black men of today would not have the opportunity to play. This book was excellent, it had great feeling and alive with the hopes of young men.

Picture Reference: http://www.amazon.com/We-Are-Ship-League-Baseball/dp/0786808322#

"The Lorax" Dr. Seuss

The Lorax is a book with in depth meaning. The book contains a didactic meaning which means to teach or convey instructions with the use of entertainment. The beginning makes you feel as if there is no way to resolve the problem of pollution or ecological disaster. The story explains how human greed can lead to ecological disaster. The Once-ler sees the big business aspect of cutting trees for industry. He does not consider the environmental impact of his actions and only sees the profit that can be made. The Lorax comes to him several times to try and warn him however, by the time he realizes the consequences of his actions he has destroyed the atmosphere and all that had once lived in the area. The Once-ler only considers the profit that can be made from his creation. He does see the error of his ways in the end and gives the young boy who has to come to learn about the Lorax a seed to plant and explains that he must guard this from the ax. The unless area means that if people do not create change life will never be the way that it was before. All that is left is despair when the factory closes and all seems to be in despair. There are books published today that explain the effects of human impact on the environment. Hoot for example is a story on how greed for business power can lead to damaging effects on the environment. The story explains how a business man wants to destroy the habitat of local owls that are endangered. Books like these are important to environmental protection. They create early awareness when it comes to ecological concerns. The imagery in both books make you look at your own impact on the Earth, these books could be used in Earth day activities as an introduction for going green.

Picture Reference: http://www.amazon.com/Lorax-Classic-Seuss-Dr/dp/0394823370

"The Ugly Duckling" Illustrated by Jerry Pinkney

Jerry Pinkney has been illustrating books since 1964 and has received Caldecott Medals and Honors. He is the only illustrator to win the Coretta Scott King Award three times. Most of his work includes multicultural themes. However, he is also the illustrator of the Ugly Duckling adapted from Hans Christian Andersen’s work. The Ugly Duckling has been a childhood favorite for many years and the new combination of illustrations brings out the true meaning of the works. The illustrations are soft natural scenes. The images create a sense of realism and tranquility. The images make the story itself come alive. He is quoted as saying, “In appreciation of the wonders of nature and the gift of time-honored stories.” The illustrations are unique and his artist talent is evident. The illustrations alone could tell the story and add to the text written within the work. I would recommend getting a copy of his work and observe the great detail. Pinkney has not only been noted for his creative illustrations in children’s books, his art work has been displayed across the country. This book made me look closely at illustrative details; master piece would be the rating. It brings new life to one of my favorite books of all times.

Picture Reference: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_b?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=the+ugly+duckling

Caldecott Medal and Newberry Medal

The Caldecott medal was established in 1937 at the suggestion of Frederic G. Melcher. Melcher named the medal after 19th Century English illustrator Randolph Caldecott. The medal is presented annually at the ALA mid-winter conference. There are several other authors that are noted as being honor books at the convention as well. The criteria for the prestigious award include originality, excellence of illustrations, and the creation of a work that presents children with a noteworthy visual experience. The artist does not have to be the author of the book but the pictures not the text must be the book’s main focus. The medal is determined by a panel of 15 members which is appointed by ALA.

The Newberry medal was established in 1921 at the suggestion of Fredric G. Melcher. Melcher named the medal after John Newberry, an 18th century bookseller and English publisher. . The medal is presented annually at the ALA mid-winter conference. There are several other authors that are noted as being honor books at the convention as well. The criteria for the prestigious award include originality, excellence, and distinctiveness. The books must be appropriate through the age of 14 and the medal is presented to the author of the book that has contributed to the distinguished level of literature the previous year. The medal is determined by a panel of 15 members which is appointed by ALA.

The Newberry medal and the Caldecott Medal are prestigious awards presented by ALA (American Library Association) annually. The medals exemplify the most distinguished forms of literature. There are books that are also considered honor books. The recipients of these awards must be US residents. The Caldecott is presented primarily to authors of picture books while the Newberry is presented to writers of fiction chapter books.

"The Clique" Lisi Harrison Major Motion Picture

How many of us have ever dealt with a Massie Block? I know that we all have, she is the most popular girl in school and truly a leader of the preps. The book is a true example of how being he outsider can really be. The story unfolds as Claire moves from Florida into Massie’s families’ guest house. This young girl is not someone that Massie would choose to hang out with. Initially in the story you can tell that Massie is not happy about the situation. Massie is a rich girl and Claire is not. The movie provides a great betrayal of this as well. Claire shoes up in sneakers and overalls. Massie however is the fashion queen and she is not impressed with the Claire and makes it clear to her Clique of friends that Claire is not suppose to be in their circle of friends. Massie creates a daily journal that states what is in and out. Throughout the book Claire attempts to fit and be a part of Claire’s inner circle. She does seek revenge as she tricks Massie and uses her computer to send emails back and forth with Massie’s group of friends that are not very nice at all. The tables do get turned and Massie learns of Claire’s tricks and she is out to get her. This book and movie demonstrates the insecurities of the in crowd and the hope to fit into a group. The main point of the book is that teenage life can be difficult and that sometimes it is nice to be around someone that is different from us and not a follower. The movie provides accurate details of how the girls act and the visual creation of the book. Massie in the end begins to accept Claire even though she does not like to admit it. The book and movie leave you wondering what will happen next. This book is the first in the series. I would recommend this book to young teeenage girls to see that it is not always so important to fit in.

Movie Picture Reference:http://www.thecliquemovie.com/

Book Reference: http://www.teenreads.com/series/series-clique-titles.asp

"The Boy in Striped Pajamas" John Boyne (Major Motion Picture)

The book describes the lives of two boys that are the same age living in drastically different situations. Initially you realize that Shmuel is Jewish and Bruno is German. These two boys are supposed to dislike one another but friendship kindles. The German boy’s father is a Commandant in the Hitler Army he is in control of one the most notorious concentration camps in history. However, young Bruno is not aware of his father’s position. Bruno is a kind hearted young man that does not know why “the others” (himself included) hate the Jews.
He has been taken from his home in Berlin to live on the outskirts of the concentration camp. The name of the book is part of the young boy’s confusion; Bruno believes the Jews are wearing their pajamas. You realize that his mother and grandmother do not agree with the brutality of Jews. His first encounter with Jews was with Pavel who takes care of him after an accident and explains that he use to be a doctor instead of the family waiter. This puzzles Bruno and he asks his mother and she tells him not to ask so many questions. The book explains this in more detail than the movie. The mother in the movie is adamant about leaving but you do not see that in the book until Bruno goes missing.
Bruno becomes friend with Shmuel while he is on an adventure. He is curious about the people behind the fence even though he is not supposed too. He meets his new friend at the edge of the fence, Shmuel is alone and dirty. Bruno believes the camp is a nice place until the end when he discovers the reality of Shmuel’s life. Shumel explains that they are not in Berlin and that he has been separated from his mother and sister. He does not like talking about the camp, he is hungry. Bruno starts sneaking him food and one day Shmuel comes to the house to clean glasses. Bruno betrays him because of his own fears of Lt. Koeler. He feels guilt after seeing the abuse that Shmuel faced at the hands of this wicked man.
The book a long with the movie portrays the innocents of children during the holocaust. Bruno is unaware of the vents that are transpiring around him and Shmuel is living through them. Shmuel is brave and takes on the challenges of his life. The ending in the book is different than that of the movie and I hate to give it away but the boys ultimately face the end together holding hands and remaining friends.
The movie describes the end as Bruno wanting to know what the camp is like and dressing in strip Pj’s to go to the other side. However, while on the other side they are rounded up by the soldiers overseeing the camp and marched to the gas chamber even though neither child is aware of the outcome or what is going on. The book leaves the parents wondering want happened to Bruno, they knew nothing of the friendship however they do find his clothes at the fence and his father speculates and is removed from his position and the mother has returned to Berlin to their home never to forget and suffers the loss her son and believing that her son has just gone missing.
I would recommend this book to anyone along with the movie. It is a perfect example of how the holocaust destroyed so many lives and separated families. It is also demonstrates how beliefs systems were destroyed as well. The book and movie went together well and there were direct quotes from the book too.

Image Reference: http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.impawards.com/2008/posters/boy_in_the_striped_pajamas.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.impawards.com/2008/boy_in_the_striped_pajamas.html&h=755&w=512&sz=88&tbnid=2D5s4F1VaXaB_M::&tbnh=142&tbnw=96&prev=/images%3Fq%3DThe%2BBoy%2Bin%2BStriped%2BPajamas%2Bimage&hl=en&usg=__5y4qUqkmGTtCbD-eBBOpYlj8mMM=&ei=9QTxScXYN6LmlQfuwuHPDA&sa=X&oi=image_result&resnum=1&ct=image

"An American Plague" Tim Murphy Newberry Honor

The book was quite interesting for me considering I have a degree in biology. Reading the situations and methods for containing the disease were quite unique, I have heard of these methods before as well. The interesting aspect was how the president had little power over how to bring Congress together. The disease claimed many lives however it did allow for some acceptance. African-Americans came forward to help with the sick because they were not initially getting the dreaded illness. The book also explains the living conditions and the unsanitary methods of early America. People speculated on how the disease was being spread and were constantly avoiding one another out of fear. Many people fled the city in hopes of escaping the plaque. Many doctors had there own methods for treatment and they could not agree on anything. The yellow epidemic was relentless and when the cause was identified still there was no cure and people were skeptical. The book is well researched and includes illustrations that were relevant of the times. Along with the illustrations that are articles and clippings from the time period. I found the book very informative and enjoyed it immensely. The historical details are excellent and explain the era. The events included in the book make you realize the importance of current medical practices.

Image Reference: http://www.amazon.com/American-Plague-Terrifying-Epidemic-Newbery/dp/0395776082

"Desert Exile" Yoshiko Uchida

Desert Exile was a heart wrenching American tragedy that incorporated historical fact and poetry. The book described life for Japanese-Americans during World War II. The story begins with prejudice and discrimination. Japanese-Americans were initially not accepted into certain neighborhoods even prior to WWII. As a young girl Yoshiko describes how she felt that her life was not affected by the depression as much as others and that she could remember her parent’s kindness to others less fortunate. She was a college student when the uprooting took place and that initially her father was required to leave prior to the rest of the family because of his position. Her parents were not considered citizens of the United States and considered enemies of the country. The reality of the story is that a whole group of Americans were discriminated against because of their heritage. I believe this is a must read for anyone who wants to know more about American history. This story is one that is not told because of the embarrassment that it has caused the United States. I feel that the book portrays life for those that are part of a minority group and the injustice that follows. I enjoy historical book and this is one that has been added to my collection.

Image Reference: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_b?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=Desert+Exile&x=20&y=20

"Kitten's First Full Moon" Kevin Henkes Caldecott Medal

I would consider Kitten’s First Full Moon to be an Easy to Read book. The illustrations take up a large amount of the print space and there are very few words. The book is easy to follow and the kitten is confused about the full moon. He believes that the moon is milk and throughout the story he is trying to get to the moon. His journey is not pleasant as he can not each his destination. In the end the kitten receives his milk in a round bowl. The color scheme is black and white, this use is effective. It is a good basic building book. I was not overwhelmed by the book, it fairly plain. I read this book on a rainy day and I am not sure if that affected by personal evaluation.

Image Reference:http://www.amazon.com/Kittens-First-Full-Kevin-Henkes/dp/0060588284/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1240532723&sr=1-1

"HITLER YOUTH" SUSAN CAMPBELL BARTOLETTI Newberry Honor Book

The story was captivating. The book depicts the events that took place during the reign of Hitler. Most books describe the conditions for Jewish families. However, this book takes you to other side describing what it was like to be a child growing up in Germany as being the chosen group. It is explained that Hitler was wise to understand that he could create his own army through the youth of the time. Most young Germans felt that it was a privilege to be a part of the Hitler Youth. Hitler’s youth would obey Hitler’s requirements more readily than their parents. It was intriguing to read that often children would report that their parents were not obeying Hitler’s rule. Parents no longer had control over their children, they were actually afraid of their children because if reported parents could be sent to concentration camp. Many young men were sent to the front lines during WWII. I believe that often we do not realize how abused even the children living in Germany were treated; they believed that Hitler was making Germany a better place. In reality he was destroying and dividing the country. Even after the war was over and Hitler had committed suicide many of the young men and women that had served him did not believe that he had really committed these terrible acts that were being described. They had a difficult time adjusting to life after they were required to adjust to normal life without a Nazi ran government. Teenagers were valued by Hitler and he took this opportunity to create a generation of confused young people because some young men and women were put to death because they did not agree with his views and were considered traitors. Reading historical books are my passion and I would recommend this book as a must read. It is a book that hits home that many of the German youth suffered at the hands of Hitler in a very different way than Jewish young people.

Image Reference:http://www.amazon.com/Hitler-Youth-Growing-Hitlers-Shadow/dp/0439353793/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1240532957&sr=1-1#

"THE RED BOOK" Barbara Lehman Caldecott Honor

The book makes you want to open it because it has no title except for on the spine. It is a shiny red book with a child holding another red book which creates more curiosity. The story begins in the city on a winter’s day. The girl in the book is on her way to school when she notices a red book in the snow (eye-catching). While she walks to school she reads the book and discovers that a young boy is at the beach reading the same red book, it is like looking through a window. He can see what she is doing and she can see what he is doing. The girl wants to escape the cold and join her friend at the beach, I felt the same way while I was reading it and it was snowing outside. Her destination is the beach and she arrives on a group of balloons. While she is making her way she drops the red book and another child comes along and finds it as well. The book was great for the winter season; it does make you wish for the ability to travel quickly to warmer places. The illustrations make you feel as if you are there with the two children, the boy experiences the cold because the red book was opened in the cold snowy city. The book may contain no words and be a picture book only but it makes you yearn for warmer seasons and summer fun.

Image Reference:http://www.amazon.com/Red-Book-Caldecott-Honor/dp/0618428585/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1240533330&sr=1-1

"Gone Wild" David McLimans Caldecott Honor

Gone Wild is an intriguing book because of the color scheme. It has a very unique strategy for demonstrating the alphabet as well as endangered species. It takes two themes and intertwines them together. The letters are in the shape of the animals that are endangered. The letters are black with bold red definitions. This book was exciting to me because I am a science teacher and it could be used in various grade levels. The book could be used to teach the alphabet in a fun way or it could be used to introduce endangered species.

The book was fascinating and captive because of the content as well as illustrations. It is a must have for any classroom or personal collection. It can take on different perspectives depending on the reader. I would consider the book to be one of the best picture books.

Image Reference:http://www.amazon.com/Gone-Wild-Caldecott-Honor-Book/dp/0802795633

"FLOTSAM" David Wiesner Caldecott Medal

The book FLOTSAM contains colorful illustrations with no words to present the theme. FLOTSAM means something that floats and just as the book is named the camera can float into anyone’s life. The book is an excellent representation of how pictures can often say more than words. The sequence of pictures made me want to know what would happen in the end. The book centers around an underwater camera that has been passed along through the ocean to each person that is adventurous and curious enough to discover. The book does have a fantasy part with the illustrations of the sea creature pictures. The young boy continues the tradition of taking his own picture and tossing it back into the sea for the next youngster. It simply reminded me of trips to the ocean with my family when I was young wanting to discover all the mysteries of the sea. It is an excellent book for young children and introduction to the fantasy world. Illustrations contain a great deal of imagination and description as well. Anyone who has ever been curious as child must take a peek at this book. David Wiesner is the author of several books as well as an illustrator.

Image Reference:http://www.amazon.com/Flotsam-Caldecott-Medal-David-Wiesner/dp/0618194576/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1240535092&sr=1-1

"My Friend Rabbit" Eric Rohmann Caldecott Medal

The visual elements found in the book My Friend Rabbit is exceptional. The story takes on its own life through the illustrations. The book portrays the story of friendship through minimal writing but the pictures take you on the journey with the mouse and rabbit as they attempt to get the plane from the tree. The mouse describes his friend rabbit as always being able to find trouble, the events of the book demonstrates just that. The book is colorful and children would be engaged. The coloration is essential and displayed in a unique way of grabbing the attention of readers.

Reading the book in winter made me think of happy moments and enjoying the sunshine with a friend.

This is the only book that I have read written and illustrated by Eric Rohmann however I did research his work and found that the quality of illustrations is evident in his works.

I gained some insight on how picture books work to engage small children and open their eyes to the world of reading.

Image Reference:http://www.amazon.com/My-Friend-Rabbit-Eric-Rohmann/dp/031236752X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1240535223&sr=1-1