Batona

• Rated 3 stars

“A nice little book that shares all of the things that God provides us.”

Batona wrote this review Sunday, July 27 2008. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 5 stars

“Classics are classics because they are good. This is one of them.

Admittedly, for a long time I didn't "get" this book. I'd read it because it is obligatory to do so, but it wasn't nearly as good as other Seuss, methought. Then it kind of just sunk in. Perhaps it was reading it to my children. I am not certain.

Anyhow, bedtime was special with Mommy and Daddy holding Beetle and Fritz. I acted out the story as I am wont to do. It was a very good read and the youngins enjoyed it immensely . . . as did their daddy. :)”

Batona wrote this review Sunday, June 15 2008. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 3 stars

“This is a book that has been on the bookshelf for a few years and I never read until now. It was okay.

I enjoyed the language the author used. It was written well and not dumbed down for the audience.

That said, I found the plot lacking. This is a short book that is read in one sitting. Relationshps are not developed and the dream just throws the reader off balance. There doesn't seem to be much of a message here although the pieces are in place for a very rich story.

This is not something I plan to return to.

The illustrations that accompany the book are nice block inks.”

Batona wrote this review Wednesday, June 11 2008. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 3 stars

“Sheila is a much different character than I envisioned her from the appearances in the Fudge books. I always took her to be a bratty know-it-all. Featured in this book we find an insecure Sheila who works to cover her fears.

Vacationing in Tarrytown, NY (home of Washington Irving) Sheila is forced to address some of her fears. She meets a friend, Mouse Ellis, who seems to be able to see right through Sheila.

Sheila as to deal with Jennifer, the dog that came with the house, putting together a camp newspaper, and learning to swim. My students seemed to enjoy the slumber party, and the slam books in particular, best of all.

Like all good stories, Sheila learns about herself and overcomes her fears (most, anyway).

This is a fun read and works well as a beginning fourth grade read.”

Batona wrote this review Monday, May 12 2008. ( reply | permalink )

0 of 1 members found this review helpful.

• Rated 5 stars

“I recall the first time I read this was at my friend's David's house. I had spent the night, awoke early, picked it off the shelf, and cuddled in a chair i his living room and delved into it. I have read it several times over the years.

I decided it was the perfect book for one of my reading groups this spring. All the students were familiar with the tale having seen the recent movie release. Yet, each thoroughly enjoyed the book.

The language is rich. E.B. White was masterful with language. It's been a little bit since I have read this. A few things definitely seemed dated ($25 prize at the fair), but nothing would preclude reading it with children.

Templeton, the rat, is my favorite character. I have noticed recently that the ornery characters stand out for me. I like Swiper in the Dora cartoons too. And who doesn't think Oscar the Grouch is the best character on Sesame Street?

I rarely show movies to students. My mantra is that there is no reason to see the movie since the book paints the images for me. Nevertheless, I broke out the 1973 Hanna-Barbara cartoon version of this to share with my students. It was a wonderful experience in highlighting how movies differ from the original text. My students and I had a wonderful time noting the differences.

This is a classic tale of friendship that should be enjoyed by all. I highly recommend this book.”

Batona wrote this review Monday, May 12 2008. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 3 stars

“There are several copies of this book on the bookshelves in my classroom. Over the years I have heard of this book. Recently at a grade level meeting, a couple of my colleagues recommended this book. We have a class set on order for next year. Based on their recommendations, I read this book.

The tale is good. I like how Little Willie unabashedly assumes leadership. His grandfather reared him well.

The book is a quick read. The head-to-head match with Stone Fox was quite predictable. Frankly, I thought the culminating scene was too contrived. The writing up to the end was very good, but the ending really wiped out a nice little tale.

While I will use this book with students as it is appropriate for fourth graders, this book isn't one I will be eager to re-visit.”

Batona wrote this review Monday, May 12 2008. ( reply | permalink )

1 of 1 members found this review helpful.

• Rated 4 stars

“Wow!

Somehow I never read this book growing up. I am on a Newbery Medal kick and kept putting this on the To Read list.

We used this as a real aloud the past week or two. The language in the book is excellent! This is good literature.

I am not certain my students understood all the subtleties. I decided to read the N-Word and discuss its use. I think that went well.

My students were drawn to this book. I am not certain I would read this again to fourth graders.

I was taken with how well-written this book is. I suspect it is because the language Armstrong used is the language of my youth.

Is stealing always wrong?

A sharecropper provides for his family in this story set in the south during the 1800s. It's hard living. He likes to hunt with his coon dog, Sounder. But hunting and crops are scarce. The father brings home a ham for his family to feast on. His oldest son had had ham but once or twice in his life. While the food is good, it comes at a cost.

The boy matures with his father in jail and the dog crippled by the sheriff. His nature is to seek his father and care for his family. His heart is to learn to read. Based on a true story, the boy satisfies both his need and his desire.

The ending, while predictable, is sad, yet remarkably inspiring.

I recommend this book.”

Batona wrote this review Friday, May 9 2008. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 4 stars

“Jan Brett tells a wonderful story and her illustrations are superb!

Annie's cat disappears in the middle of winter. In order to find another pet, Annie puts corn cakes out in the field. They attract numerous wild animals, each unsuitable for a pet in his own way. Eventually spring arrives and the wild animals leave now that they can find food on their own. Much to Annie's delight, Fluffy returns with a gift of her own. :)

Both Beetle and Fritz were curled up in my ap as I read this story to them this evening.”

Batona wrote this review Sunday, May 4 2008. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 0 stars

“This is one of a four-book set. They are touted as "Touch and Sparkle". To me they are touch and feel books.

Each page displays a different baby animal. An invitation is made to touch the photograph. In it is a texture representative of the animal (fur for a kitten, spotted fun for a dalmation, etc.).

Fritz enjoyed this book better than the first one we read in this series last week.”

Batona wrote this review Thursday, May 1 2008. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 3 stars

“This is okay, but certainly nothing great. Each page presents a different mode of transportation. There is a cut out that displays wheels or part of the vehicle.”

Batona wrote this review Thursday, May 1 2008. ( reply | permalink )