Whoever You Are

Fox, Mem. WHOEVER YOU ARE. 1997. Illustrated by Leslie Staub. Harcourt Books: New York. ISBN 9-780152-164065


PLOT SUMMARY
With short, repetitive sentences and rich, colorful illustrations Mem Fox and the illustrator, Leslie Staub, present the many characteristics of children from around the world. While the characteristics seem to point out differences, Mem Fox directs the readers to the many similarities the children of the world share.


ANALYSIS
This picture book is a celebration for the senses! The detail provided in the colorful illustrations with accuracy in the smallest details is superb: the various hues in the skin color of the children, the school and home settings, the clothing worn by them, their modes of transportation, even the different types of hair styles. In spite of this celebration, a child that was not of color is also represented and thus I dare to say that a child that was not of color, listening to this book would also see a reflection of him/herself.
While the book quickly sets the stage for exterior comparison to come,

"Little one, whoever you are, wherever you are, there are little ones just like
you all over the world. Their skin may be different from your, and their homes may be different from yours."

Fox then turns to our similarities - that happen to be internal,

Smiles are the same, and hearts are just the same- wherever they are, wherever you are,
wherever we are, all over the world.

This concept is not one that a young child will capture, yet that is what makes this a fantastic choice for young adults!
Each illustration is within a beautiful golden and jewel covered frame. The rhythmic and melodic feel to the reading and the color rich-illustrations will keep young children tuned in. My three year old has quickly learned to state the repetitive stanza. This book is a definite must for all libraries, school and home.

REVIEW EXCERPTS
"The simple text and bright illustrations helps readers to accept differences between people, to recognize similarities, and to rejoice in both." -From Children's Literature
"The faces of the little ones in Staub's paintings are as appealing as dolls', and a beatific paternal figure in a sky-blue suit printed with clouds floats through the pages with a bevy of children in his arms. An essential book that acknowledges in the simplest of terms our common humanity." - From Kirkus Reviews



CONNECTIONS
This book lends itself to compare and contrast. Many students may have never left their neighborhoods, so this books helps them travel the world. Children as young as Pre-K could articulate/draw the different homes children live in, discuss the differences they notice in their schools, and in their lives. Children could then relate what we share in common with the children presented in the book.
Mem Fox's website provides insight to the genesis of several of her books, provides tips for teachers, parents and would-be writers. http://www.memfox.com/welcome.html

The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar and Six More

Dahl, Roald. THE WONDEFUL STORY OF HENRY SUGAR AND

SIX MORE. 1977. Penguin Books Ltd.: England. ISBN 31551071199686.

PLOT SUMMARY

Roald Dahl presents seven stories that are a mixture of reality and fantasy. The book introduces us to a young boy that is able to communicate with animals, a very likable pickpocket, a simple and hardworking farm worker, and a young gambling lad that is born into wealth but chooses to put his gambling winnings to good use. The book also includes Roald Dahl's first hand account of how he became a writer and also includes his first published story.

ANALYSIS

Another title for this book might have been, "Delightfully Delicious Tales of Dahl." What makes his stories so wonderful? First, as you read his words - it is as if he is speaking to you directly. You are an old friend that has stopped by to chat.

"But however much you may want to take up fiction writing as a career, it would
be pointless to go along to a publisher and say, 'I want a job as a fiction
writer.' If you did that, he would tell you to buzz off and write the
book first."

Since reading this book is such a delight all the rest is an added plus. As I read portions of this to my students all of a sudden foreign names and places were popping up all over the place:

Queen Elizabeth II

Westminster Abbey

London

Canterbury

Oxford University

Where are these places, who are these people, why are they mentioned in our book? Teachers will relish in numerous teachable moments. Make sure you have your world maps handy, your computer ready to search, and notify the librarian you may be needing his services to find biographies of famous Brits. This is a teacher's paradise!

The stories themselves are page turners! They include richly descriptive settings and have quick moving plots. You cannot put the book down until you discover how it is that a person can see without using his eyes, or until you determine if the hitchhiker has devious intention or ends up being a likable fellow. One must complete the story of The Mildenhall Treasure to determine if the utmost greedy treasure hoarder gets what he deserves.

Inclusively students learn of the language usage of the British.

And what marvelous exciting fun that was!

"Miss, who talks like that? That sounds so freakish!

Would you believe I used Charlie and Lola's books to compare language usage? Charlie and Lola are 9ish and 6ish respectively and reside in London.

In the books Lola makes statements like, "I feel so ever not well." and "My room most certainly is not untidy." These are the words of a six year old British girl.

My students made an observation and that lead to a question: It seems like the British love to use adjectives, and especially -ly adverbs. Maybe all British person don't speak like this. Do they?

In order to answer that we stormed the library to find more British authors, read, investigate, compare and contrast.

Roald Dahl may indeed be a Language Arts Teacher's best friend. His books most undoubtedly should occupy a great deal of shelf space in our libraries and our homes.

REVIEW EXCERPTS

"Packed with wit and sarcasm, this book truly represents the best of Dahl. He's a gifted writer with a knack for telling outrageous stories and creating unforgettable scenarios. Young adults and adults will treasure this book."-From Children's Literature

CONNECTIONS

Younger children may enjoy reading the Charlie and Lola series of books by Lauren Child. This brother and sister team live in London.

Other books by Roald Dahl include BOY, THE BFG, REVOLTING RHYMES, THE TWITS AND GOING SOLO to name a few.

Many of Dahl's books are available in audio format read by British narrators. The British narration brings the book alive and makes the listening a true cultural experience.