Chrysanthemum by Kevin Henkes

She was a perfect baby, and she had a perfect name. Chrysanthemum. When she was old enough to appreciate it, Chrysanthemum loved her name. And then she started school. “I’m named after my grandmother,” said Victoria. “You’re named after a flower.” Chrysanthemum wilted. Life at school didn’t improve. In fact, it got worse. Then the students were introduced to their music teacher, Mrs. Twinkle. Mrs. Delphinium Twinkle. And suddenly, Chrysanthemum blossomed…. (Kevin Henkes)

       This book brought me back to my childhood days when I thought my name was weird. I also have quite a long name, last name, that is. Even my first name was hard to pronounce when I was little. I'm sure every child will relate to this book, just as i did, even if you have a long or short name. Chrysanthemum is about feeling confident about yourself and knowing that everyone is different. It talks about acceptance and reassurance. This is a must read.

Owen by Kevin Henkes

Owen’s fuzzy yellow blanket is his favorite possession. Everywhere Owen goes, his blanket goes with him. Upstairs, downstairs, in-between. Inside, outside, upside down. Everywhere! Owen’s parents are in despair—soon Owen will begin school, and he can’t take Fuzzy with him then. Whatever can be done? Everyone who’s ever had a favorite blanket will know exactly how Owen feels! (Kevin Henkes)

      

      Owen is exactly how a child should act when they become attached to something. Whether it is a blanket, a toy, or even a movie. Children should not be taken away from their prized possession, instead, children should either be redirected toward something different. I really liked how Owen’s Mother changed his blanket by cutting it up and turning it into a handkerchief. I never had a toy taken from me. I knew that my toys always had to stay home. I’m a sure child who has attachment issues with their things can really learn from Owen.

The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick

ORPHAN, CLOCK KEEPER, AND THIEF, twelve-year-old Hugo lives in the walls of a busy Paris train station, where his survival depends on secrets and anonymity. But when his world suddenly interlocks with an eccentric girl and the owner of a small toy booth in the train station, Hugo’s undercover life, and his most precious secret, are put in jeopardy. A cryptic drawing, a treasured notebook, a stolen key, a mechanical man, and a hidden message all come together...in The Invention of Hugo Cabret. (Brian Selznick)

       Hugo Cabret is an excellent book. It kept me wanting to read more and more. The story is told in both words and pictures to capture every detail mentioned, so the reader can have an idea of what the passages really look like. I like books that take you back in time and really make you focus on the reality of it really happening. It’s so intriguing, and mysterious, that I sometimes wondered throughout the story if Hugo Cabret really existed. This is also a must read.

My Midterm Blog Reflection

During my blog beginnings, I knew I had to research facts, videos, and other resources to help me develop my blog. My method was to first start with the title of my blog, and thought that since I’m discovering many great children’s books, why not call my blog Discover Children’s Literature. Since I knew my audience, I definitely wanted them to discover my books, resources, and other important information.  My rationale behind my idea, is simply because my area of study, my focus, is in Early Childhood Education, so I wanted to create a fun blog centered around my interests where people or students can research any of my selected books and perhaps lead them on to different books as well. I believe allowing children to discover literature is beneficial toward their growth development, academic success, and personal interests. It’s very important to get children used to researching books and getting to know all of the reading resources we have on the Internet. I want my students to discover new books, just as I did!

As to describe what I did in my blog, I went on to Blogger in Google and was able to choose the theme that I wanted. Since my theme is Discover Children’s Literature, I was able to become creative with what color and what font I wanted to use. It was very simple once I learned how to add and delete certain things on the page. I didn’t have any failures, because I made sure everything I did was right and made sense, of course. Although, I have a lot to learn, this was a great start from me. I had made a blog prior to this Children’s Literature class, so making a blog was easier this time around- and learned a whole lot more! I can’t wait to learn more about blogging and how to become extra creative and imaginative. There are endless possibilities when creating a blog and sharing it with the world, especially, on a topic you love! When you first enter my webpage, you’ll see my title Discover Children’s Literature. Down to your left, you see several of my major highlights of my work, such as my Shelfari, my web links related to five of my favorite chapters mentioned, and of course the Children’s Literature chapter reviews based on The Joys of Children’s Literature book. I recommend this book to all present and future teachers wanting to learn more on children’s literature. It has amazing web links to so many helpful websites! You’ll see Kevin Henkes’ video, which is a must see for much needed motivation! On the far right, you’ll see my picture and a few details about me and at the top you’ll see All About Miss Marly, a storybird biography! Down below, you’ll see quotes Marly likes, Marly’s Favorite Books List, Goodreads, Reading Tip of the Day, and Struggling Readers! There’s also a Search Bar, just in case I have inspired you with ideas, have a book in mind, or perhaps you are interested in any of my book picks. Please explore my blog/webpage- I want it to help you just as much as it’s helped me.

My favorite part of the project was being able to design your own blog! I was able to put my creativity and imagination to work and I love a challenge. So, creating this blog helped me become more interested in creating more blogs in the near future. When I started this project I felt very motivated and anxious at the same time, because I knew it was going to be a lot of work, but honestly, it didn't take much of my time. I did however, want to take my time on the blog, since good first impressions of your work is very important! When I ended the project, I realized that I didn’t give myself much credit for my ideas and my work. I realized, however, that I am more than capable on handling any task with determination and finishing it well. I have a hard time starting a project, but once I’m on a roll, there’s no way in stopping me! The most challenging part of the project, was knowing when to start and how to start, especially, if you have never created a blog before. Luckily for me, I had already done a simple blog, so it wasn’t too hard, but this blog was more than work than I thought. I definitely had to research new ways on how to create a blog, especially a decent one. I was surprised to learn how to post videos, web links, and widgets! This was definitely new for me in this project, but once I knew how to do it, everything became easier. What surprised me most about myself in doing this project, was how good everything came out and how fast I finished my blog. I learned a lot of new things about myself! I learned that I am very determined and motivated when it comes to a task. I don’t like to waste time and thought, “why not work on my blog now rather than later?” As a reader, writer, learner, and teacher, I came to realize that the foundation to where our children start off reading is essentially in contexts of literature. What we say, what we write, and what we inspire to be right is all seen through the eyes of children and how we allow them the resources to explore their own individuality. With respect to technology, I was able to learn so many things and create so many choices that came with creating a blog. Technology allows you to become creative; to explore a world you never thought existed. Technology is imagination brought to life and within the creation of this blog- I appreciate it even more. The thought that no one helped me with this project it really important to me, because I usually ask for help and the fact that I didn’t ask for help makes me feel independent and that I can take on any task if I put my heart and brain to it.  I discovered many new resources that I think might benefit others, such as programs, websites, and videos. Resources help with research and developing new ideas. My blog is to create and inspire new ideas to those who want help and don’t know where to look. If I had to do this project all over again, I wouldn't. I wouldn't do anything differently, simply because I know that the information and resources I put on my blog are essential for children’s literature.  I will definitely explore new ways of doing things on the blog; I learned so much already! I can’t wait to learn more and what’s to come ahead in this day in age with so much technology and diversity! One thing that I’ll remember about this project is the fact that I took my time with it and how well it turned out, in my opinion. If I were to give someone advice with creating a blog, it would be to take your time with it and to focus on what you want and what audience you’re trying to capture. It all starts with one idea and one click away from Blogger. I would recommend looking at other blog sites for ideas and motivation! I am most proud how far I’ve come with technology because I am not considered a technology wizard- I wish I were! I cannot wait to learn more and be of assistance to others once I do become savvy with technology. I want to help those in need of help the most, whether it’s my family, friends, co-workers, or especially, my students.

Please enjoy my blog just as much I enjoyed creating it. Thanks!

Meet Kevin Henkes! My Favorite Author!

Chapter 5: Traditional Literature

            Every time I think of traditional literature I think of “once upon a time” and as a little girl long time ago, I never believed that it wasn’t real. Traditional literature’s main purpose is to capture imagination and capture faith. The best stories were told because of imagination- stories born of the oral tradition. Stories were handed down from generation to generation just by word of mouth. These traditional stories have come from many countries and many cultures from around the world. All of these stories have similarities from one country to another. People from around the world have reshaped through multiple retellings to fit the needs of the audiences of a particular place or time. There are six categories of traditional literature:

A Fable is a brief story in which the moral is explicitly stated. Universal lessons are learned that reflect the morals and values of a person within a culture.

A Myth explains aspects of culture or how something came to be in the natural world. Supernatural animals and people become a part of the mythical world.

A Legend is a traditional narrative based on historical truth. Usually of courage, heroes, and/or unusual occurrences.

Religious Stories are of important events and people of different religions. Usually involving peace, hope, faith, forgiveness, and/or salvation.

Tall Tales are exaggerated humorous stories of characters that perform impossible acts. Tall tales are usually based on frontier settlement and hard work.

Folktales are perhaps of a fairy human, or animal tale passed down by word of mouth. Folktales are universal truths that reflect the values of the time.

            A good teacher I believe has a lot of traditional literature in her classroom. She allows her students to explore the world of traditional literature and inspires creativity and imagination through every child. Children love stories and if I can capture their interests through fables, myths, legends, tall tales, religious stories, and folktales then I know I’m doing my job right. As a teacher, I believe we need to create an environment where students will love to read and having a library in the classroom will definitely stimulate their minds to keep reading. 

Chapter 6: Modern Fantasy

We love Modern Fantasy! At least I hope so- I see no reason why we shouldn't love modern fantasy! It can take us away from the real world to a magical world, full of wonder, mystery, and adventure. Modern fantasy is like a whole new world, where people and/or animals become more than what they really are. The benefit of modern fantasy is that it can bring insight to reality for children. There are two categories of Modern Fantasy, low fantasy and high fantasy.

Stories considered to be low fantasy takes place in the real world but magical elements of fantasy make them impossible. They are usually lighthearted and center on younger children with concerns on home, family, and self-identity. There are three categories of low fantasy:

Animals- these animals have human thoughts, feelings, and language, all of which are human characteristics.

Toys and Objects- displays belief in human characteristics children give their playthings.

Miniature Worlds- involves human emotions in action on a miniscule level.

            Stories considered being high fantasy takes the information and experiences from the real world and projects them into an “other world.” These high fantasy stories have a serious tone and are read by older children. There are six categories of high fantasy:

Time Warps focus on central characters going through challenges such as loneliness, alienation and sensitivity through time travel.

Unreal Worlds take place in fantasy land and where the author makes the world very real to readers.

Ghosts Stories are stories about ghosts and spirits who haunt the real or imaginary world.

Magic Powers is where the characters possess magical powers through voice or objects.

Preposterous Characters/Situations are where characters develop vivid and descriptive images of features and actions.

Quest Tales have magical settings and characters from traditional tales of heroism. It’s where good overcomes evil.

            The benefits of modern fantasy are about finding magical beauty, daring imaginations, and untold adventures that are otherwise not seen or told in the real world. Fantasy stories speak to the hearts and minds of children. As a teacher, I want to create a world for my children where they can pretend they’re flying, or pretend they’re super heroes from another world. I believe if we expose modern fantasy in our classrooms, not just the library, they’ll be more susceptible to keep reading.