Since it is summer, the season of pirates, giant robots, reboots, and superheroes, we will focus on adventure items.
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Monday, June 27, 2011
Sequels and Adventures
Thus, we end sequel week. In an irony of sorts, I hope to do a sequel to sequel week. Perhaps I will event make a sequel to that. However, before any of these doubled-up plans come to fruition, I need to finish this week.
Since it is summer, the season of pirates, giant robots, reboots, and superheroes, we will focus on adventure items.
Since it is summer, the season of pirates, giant robots, reboots, and superheroes, we will focus on adventure items.
Dragons of Blueland
Plot: The novel actually consists of three books, My Father's Dragon and two sequels. Elmer Elevator finally fulfills his dream to fly after assisting an imprisoned baby dragon. However, escape merely provides the beginning of the pair's adventures. Shortly after evading the cruel animals of Wild Island, the boy and dragon discover treasure with the help of a long-missing friend. Later, Elmer comes to the assistance of the young dragon when his family is threatened by hunters.
Genre: Fantasy, Adventure
Reading Level: Aimed at ages 9-12, but younger readers may enjoy listening to the book or observing the illustrations.
Similar Titles: Kiki's Delivery Service, The Dragonling, The Warm Place
Personal Thoughts: Like many sequels, the book does not enjoy quite as much attention as the original, which is unfortunate. The stories logically follow the tale from the first book while expanding the characters and situations inevitably and unexpectedly. Elmer's history and the dragon's personality naturally flow into the situations presented by the tales which, like the first, are reminiscent of old cartoons and backyard adventures. Highly recommended as a read-out-loud or bedtime story book.
Side note: I could not take a picture of Jerome looking at the book because he kept falling off of the chair.
Howliday Inn
Plot: A sequel to Bunnicula. While the Monroes go on a car trip, Chester the cat and Harold the dog find themselves boarded at Chateau Bow-Wow. Despite Mrs. Monroe's assurance that adventure is good for the soul, the pair of pets discover slew of strange situations awaiting them, including a love triangle between two poodles and a bulldog, a clash between the kennel's staff, and a strangely absent vet. The situation becomes worse when two wire-haired dachshunds keep the boarding house awake with their howls, making Chester suspect some werewolf genes exist in their background. Chester's over-active imagination becomes even more irregular when an unpopular boarder unexpectedly disappears. However, his response may not be quite as strange as initially suspected, particularly when another animal vanishes...
Genre: Animals, Mystery
Reading Level: Ages 9-12
Similar Titles: Bunnicula, The Original Adventures of Hank the Cowdog, The Buddy Files series
Personal Thoughts: While I am especially found of the novel now, I adored it during middle school. It provides a simple, but unexpected mystery and can be a good introduction to the genre. Additionally, the storyline is believable and the twists, while surprising, remain in character with the initial introductions. Overall, a solid sequel to the original.
Friday, June 17, 2011
Penguins
So, the special request week ends. Please keep in mind these themes are, by no means, exhaustive. Penguins are very popular and many more resources await, but I only have one week to focus on them.
Since it is summer, we will focus on a subject that seems to arise for three months starting in June. We will have a sequel week. Sequel weeks will focus on the sequels of items I have already reviewed. So relax and see how the stories continue.
Since it is summer, we will focus on a subject that seems to arise for three months starting in June. We will have a sequel week. Sequel weeks will focus on the sequels of items I have already reviewed. So relax and see how the stories continue.
Club Penguin
http://www.clubpenguin.com/
Plot: The site provides an online interaction experience for elementary students and tweens. Thanks to strict controls (and cute penguin avatars) the users' identities are well-protected as visitors explore, play games, and participate in online activities.
Genre: Websites, Social Networks, Penguins
Reading Level: Aimed at 6-14 year-olds.
Similar Titles: This is tricky, since most other social networks (Facebook and MySpace) tend to be aimed at adults.
Personal Thoughts: While children's online interactions must be carefully monitored, this appears to be a fairly safe method of introducing kids to social networks. Their identities are kept fairly secret and interactions can be expanded or limited via parental controls.
To receive various additions to the site (for example, costumes or items) additional fees are required.
This site has sparked the development of various items, such as trading cards, plush toys, and video games.
Penguin Life: Surviving with Style in the South Atlantic
Plot: This photo-heavy book follows the natural history of king, gentoo, rockhopper, chinstrap, and Adélie penguins. Such history includes the habitats, lifestyles, courtship, and social interaction the penguins experience. A short, but very pretty book.
Genre: Penguins, Animals, Photographs
Reading Level: Aimed at adults, but the captions are not especially complex, so younger readers may enjoy the book as well.
Similar Titles: Polar Obsession, Penguins!, The Nature of Penguins
Personal Thoughts: Probably what most would call a gift or coffee table book, the work focuses more on photographs rather than text. Nevertheless, it provides good information about penguins and environmental concerns without being preachy or tawdry.
Antarctic Wildlife Adventure
Antarctic Wildlife Adventure produced by National Geographic.
Plot: The documentary follows a family of five on their yearly trek to Antarctica. They document the various wildlife they encounter, including several species of penguins. The continent, they claim, is the last truly wild frontier. However, the pristine land of ice is being breached by the very scientists studying it. Additionally, fears of exploitation haunt the land. The family continues its studies, but with a wary eye on the future.
Genre: Documentary, Penguins
Reading Level: Not rated, but most elementary through middle school students will probably enjoy it.
Similar Titles: Life in the Freezer, March of the Penguins, Encounters at the End of the World
Personal Thoughts: The documentary reminded me of many I saw during science class in school. The film was dated (it was made in 1991) and the music even more so. Despite this, the information was accurate, and it introduced concepts such as biological surveys in a simple but not condescending manner. Also, unlike more recent films (such as March of the Penguins), the film really gave a sense of the enormity of Antarctica, both physically and historically.
One major complaint, though. Throughout the documentary, the narrator and scientists praise Antarctica as a scientific frontier, but continuously complain about the growing number of studies taking place. Perhaps I am taking this too seriously, but the statements seem contradictory.
Still, the documentary is amusing while remaining informative.
Mr. Popper's Penguins
Atwater, Richard; Atwater, Florence; and Lawson, Robert. Mr. Popper's Penguins. Boston : Little, Brown and Co., 1938.
Plot: While Mr. Popper works as a painter, he dreams of being an explorer, particularly in Antarctica. After sending a letter to his hero, Mr. Popper receives an unexpected and wonderful gift - a real, live penguin from the South Pole. The penguin, later named Captain Cook, transforms the Poppers' household. After Greta, a female penguin, arrives, the number of penguins unexpectedly grows to twelve. Yet, the Poppers cannot afford to feed and cool so many Arctic birds. After much consideration, the Poppers wonder if the antics of the penguins themselves may solve the problem. Much to the surprise of many, they do!
Genre: Animals, Penguins
Reading Level: Apparently aimed at ages 9-12, but younger readers may appreciate it as well.
Similar Titles: The Cricket in Times Square, From the Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler, My Father's Dragon
Personal Thoughts: While the novel is slightly dated, it continues to gain fans. Part of this is due to the classic story of a little man pursuing his dreams and succeeding. However, the penguins significantly contribute to the popularity of the story as well. The novel would not enjoy nearly as much success if it focused on dogs, pigs, or parrots. Penguins are foreign. They are also adorable. So the concept of a cute but strange creature in an urban setting continues to enchant and amuse readers.
The book received a Newbury Award.
As of this writing, a movie based on the novel is in the works. However, it seems to vary widely from the original source.
Random note: The penguins in the book are Adélie penguins, one of only two that live directly on Antarctica (the other is the emperor penguin, of March of the Penguins fame).
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Fairy Tales and Penguins
So, this week, we discovered most fairy tales are completely unsuitable for children. Humorous hyperbole aside, some of the original translations may not be quite what people imagine. Nevertheless, the stories are still good.
Next week, at the request of one of my viewers, we will review penguin-based resources.
Next week, at the request of one of my viewers, we will review penguin-based resources.
Showdown!
Japanese Fairy Tales
Ozaki, Yei Theodora. Japanese Fairy Tales. Singapore : Tuttle Publishing, 1970.
Plot: Famous and not-so famous fairy tales originating from Japan unite in this book. Some of the more popular titles include "Momotaro, The Peach Boy" and "The White Hare and the Crocodiles." Other stories describe badgers, princes, and oni.
Genre: Fairy Tales
Reading Level: Aimed at young adults, but, like many of the other titles reviewed this week, the collection includes unsavory aspects, such as cannibalism and abuse. Ye be warned.
Similar Titles: The Moon Maiden and Other Japanese Fairy Tales, Tales from Japan
Personal Thoughts: The collection managed to showcase a surprising number of stories. However, the translation is extremely stiff. For example, samurai are typically referred to as "knights." While this is useful for readers unfamiliar with Japanese culture, the translation does not accurately portray the people discussed in the tales, making some of their actions unnecessarily difficult to follow. Also, the translator's diction follows an Old English style, which is distracting. Overall, it is a good book, but other translations, such as the Pantheon and Oxford collections translate more appealingly.
Friday, June 10, 2011
Norwegian Folktales
Asbjornsen, Peter Christen and Moe, Jorgen. Norwegian Folktales. New York : Viking Press, 1960.
Plot: This collection of fairy tales from Norway includes several classic stories. A few stories almost seem to copy the Germanic tales of the Grimm brothers. Many have their own style, however. Popular themes include fools being wise, heroes defeating monsters, and animals showing human sensibility.
Genre: Fairy Tales
Reading Level: Like most of the books reviewed this week, someone in middle or high school can read this without too much difficulty. Unlike many of the other books reviewed this week, I would feel comfortable recommending the collection to someone with small children.
Similar Titles: The Norse Myths, Norwegian Troll Tales
Personal Thoughts: While I am found of folk and fairy tales in general, this was one of my favorite books to read this week. The tales play on much-loved concepts of heroes (expected and unexpected), trickery, justice, and happy endings. Illustrations copying the style of traditional woodcuts accompany many of the stories. Simply stated, the book is fun to read.
Russian Fairy Tales
Afanasev, Aleksandr. Russian Fairy Tales. New York : Pantheon Books, 1973.
Plot: A large collection of folk and fairy tales from one of the world's largest nations. Heroes, fools, princesses, farmers, youngest sons, wolves, servants, sheep, merchants, foxes, judges, and kings mingle freely between the natural and supernatural throughout the tales. Common themes in the stories include rescuing princesses, fixing injustice, and tricking leaders. Additionally, many stories feature popular folk characters such as Baba Yaga, golden birds, and Prince Ivan.
Genre: Fairy Tales
Reading Level: While middle schoolers can probably read many of the stories without difficulty, the collection, much like Grimm's fairy tales, involve some intense concepts, so younger readers may need to be cautioned.
Similar Titles: Russian Myths, Russian Folk Belief
Personal Thoughts: I was really struck by the repeated themes of justice and injustice. Many of the tales feature the peasantry gaining savage retribution for the seemingly minor transgressions of the nobility. Perhaps this stems from the long history of near-caste social structure in Russia. Still, the stories are amusing, if not necessarily for children.
Chinese Fairy Tales and Fantasies
Plot: A brief collection of Chinese fairy tales. While many stories do not have Western counterparts, many of the overall themes, such as unexpected heroes and terrifying monsters, are familiar. The collection reflects a high concern for honor, duty, and place, but also make room for heroic fools, ironic situations, and general silliness.
Genre: Fairy Tales
Reading Level: Aimed at young adults, but the inclusion of issues like capital punishment, suicide, and concubines may be reason for caution with younger readers.
Similar Titles: Folktales from India, The Ch'i-lin Purse: A Collection of Ancient Chinese Stories
Personal Thoughts: Much like the "un-Disneyed" versions of Grimm's fairy tales, some of the stories may not be suited for younger readers. This fact does not prevent the book from entertaining older readers. Some reviewers complain about the stiff translations in the collection, but this is likely due to the culture of the translators during the late 70's.
The Complete Fairy Tales of the Brothers Grimm All-New Third Edition (Volume I)
Grimm, Jacob and Grimm, Wilhelm, Grimm. Edited by Jack David Zipes.The Complete Fairy Tales of the Brothers Grimm All-New Third Edition (Volume I). New York : Bantam Books, 2003.
Plot: A collection of the German fairy tales originally found by the Grimm brothers. Many of the tales, such as "Hansel and Gretel," "Rapunzel," and "The Frog King" remain extremely popular. Others echo more popular stories, such as "Red-Cap" (known better through the French variation of "Little Red Riding Hood"). Some, however, never really appear to get the attention they deserve, such as "The Youth Who Went Forth to Learn What Fear Was." In this less-than-famous tale, elements of ghost stories, comedies, romance, and girl power mingle to create a remarkably amusing story.
Genre: Fairy Tales
Reading Level: While almost anyone above the 5th grade can probably read it, some of the concepts presented in the stories (such as damnation, infancide, capital punishment, and cannabalism) may not be suitable for some readers.
Similar Titles: Best-Loved Folktales of the World, The Complete Tales of the Brothers Grimm
Personal Thoughts: Grim indeed. Actually, I liked many of the stories, but they do reveal some of humanity's darker history, when subjects like cruel and unusual punishment were accepted, if not encouraged. Still, many of the tales resonate with people, since they generally display the triumph of the weak, the forgotten, the lonely, and the unexpected. Unsurprisingly, the collection influences culture and entertainment, as Disney, Hollywood, art, and music continue to display.
Side note: please tell me I am not the only one who finds the Volume I aspect of the title ironic.
This Week: Fairy Tales
So, now that our fun with the caped crusader is over, we will move on to this week's theme. This week, we will review classic fairy tale collections.
Image retrieved from http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Crown_of_Rus-Ukraina.jpg
Friday, June 3, 2011
Batman Wiki
Plot: A wiki-based reference site for all things Batman. Individual series, episodes, and characters find there own pages, developed and edited by the community participating in the site.
Genre: Website, Batman
Reading Level: Anyone can edit the site. Use appropriate caution.
Similar Titles: Batman The Animated Series, DC Comics: Batman
Personal Thoughts: I normally avoid wikis, since, by nature, anyone can write anything, authentic, verified, cannon, or otherwise. As such, they are usually questionable resources. That said, with a fanbase as strong and determined as Batman's, any misinformation will be quickly addressed (if not flat out attacked), so this may be a reliable source. Most of the pages I viewed were well-sited and clearly presented. Additionally, the site presents new information, particularly regarding the upcoming Dark Knight Rises film.
Batman: The Movie
Plot: Following the Adam West-style of the 1960's Batman show, the movie offers cheezy lines, gimmicky situations, and uncomfortable costumes. Batman and Robin seek to stop an alliance of the Penguin, the Joker, the Riddler, and (no the) Catwoman. While the dynamic duo attempt to locate the dastardly villains, they find themselves at the mercy of multiple traps, a megalomaniac plot, and an exploding shark.
Genre: Movie, Batman, Humor
Reading Level: Rated PG.
Similar Titles: In the world of serious and pseudo-serious Batman movies, this one stands alone. Fans may want to track down episodes of the television series, though.
Personal Thoughts: A delightfully campy movie. The costumes are ridiculous, the logic is insane, the characters are archetypes, and the script is corny. It still manages to be a fun show, though.
Batman: The Animated Series
Plot: Gothem city's famous caped crusader seeks to bring justice to the villains seeking to destroy it. Eventually assisted by Robin, Batgirl, and more than a few unexpected allies, Batman manages to topple foes, including the Joker, Poison Ivy, Catwoman, and Penguin.
Genre: Animation, Batman
Reading Level: The series was not rated, but most of the episodes include violence and a few include smoking or drinking references. However, gore and cursing were nonexistant. Still, many of the storylines were extremely intense. I suppose it would rank around a TV-G.
Similar Titles: The Batman-Superman Adventures, Batman Beyond
Personal Thoughts: My parents would not allow me to watch this when I was younger, primarily due to the violence present in the show. Also, some of the plots, such as the ones involving Mr. Freeze or Clayface, were very dark, discussing concepts like vengeance, loss, death, and futility.
Nevertheless, the series remains highly influential. This version of batman, unlike prior animations, was highly stylistic. Earlier cartoons followed the realistic style of the comics, but the series boasted of an angular, art-deco style that added to the starkness and seriousness of the series, while still allowing for humorous moments. The stories were also more intense without becoming preachy, and lead to the creation of animation with mature themes in the United States. Also, the development of formerly humorous characters, such as Mr. Freeze. Additionally, the series itself introduced several characters, like Harley Quinn, Baby Doll, and Renee Montoya, eventually became accepted into cannon Batman lore. While the series may not be for everyone, it definitely affected the perception and development of superhero animation.
The Batman Handbook: The Ultimate Training Manual
Beatty, Scott; Dixon, Chuck; and Hahn, David. The Batman Handbook: The Ultimate Training Manual. Philadelphia : Quirk Books, 2005.
Plot: Unlike most superheroes, Batman does not enjoy inexplicable powers or invincible techniques. He is an everyman, but an everyman with the will, intelligence, and money to become a super-vigilante. Through careful study of his abilities, the handbook offers instruction to aspiring bringers of justice. Chapters address preparation issues, such as creating a batsuit and building a batmobile, as well as more specialized techniques, like throwing a baterang, defeating a roomful of goons, and sliding down a batpole. More personal issues, including the pros and cons of taking a sidekick, also find note in this extensive but amusing guide to superheroism.
Genre: Batman, Humor, Parody, Realistic
Reading Level: Some of the physics-based chapters may discourage younger readers.
Similar Titles: The Superman Handbook, Becoming Batman: The Possibility of Becoming a Superhero, The Essential Batman Encyclopedia
Personal Thoughts: As I mentioned previously, I really enjoy fictional works that make the impossible seem entirely likely. Since Batman really is one, if not the only, non-super superhero, it makes the plot of the handbook appear possible. Some of the chapters, particularly those describing physics-based actions (i.e. swinging on a flagpole) drag a bit. Still, the book is highly recommended to fans of the dark knight or superheroes in general.
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