International Literature

I Live in Tokyo

Written  and Illustrated by: Mari Takabayashi

Published in 2001 by Houghton Mifflin Company 

Page count: 32

Genre: International Literature

Plot Summary

This story tells of a seven-year-old girl who lives in Tokyo, Japan. The colorful illustrations and help depict just what life actually looks like in Tokyo. The story takes the reader through an entire year in Tokyo month by month. The reader learns about festivals, food, and simple ways to wear clothing as they read through this fun and appealing book for children. This story not only describes the culture in Tokyo, but it does so through a child's point of view!

Illustrations

Takabayashi uses colored pencils and paint to illustrate her book. She uses vibrant colors to make the illustrations jump off the page and really portray the life of Toyko. She uses lots of detail to capture young ones' eyes to the page as the story is told. She uses realistic clothing and illustrations of food that is a part of Tokyo's culture.

Content Area and Grade

This would be a great book for third grade to incorporate in the curriculum. This book could be used to help students distinguish between specific holidays celebrated in Japan versus the United States. They could also compare and contrast the culture compared to America. Additionally, they will learn about different types of food that they have never been exposed to!

Diverse Perspective Children's Book

Esperanza Rising

Written by: Pam Munoz Ryan

Illustrated by: Joe Cepeda

Page count: 259 

Published in 2000 by Scholastic Inc.

Genre: Diverse Perspectives

Plot Summary

Esperanza Rising is about a Mexican girl and how her family loses all of their riches in Mexico. Her and her family move to California which is a big culture shock for Esperanza. They have to leave her Abuela (grandmother) in Mexico until they can get someone to come for her. Pam Ryan portrays Esperanza culture and life poetically through rhyming to engage children into the story. There are several world events mentioned in the book that would be very exciting for children to learn about through what feels like pleasure reading! There are several Spanish words readers will be introduced to as well as Spanish customs that readers will learn about. Through Ryan's vivid descriptions of Esperanza's life, the reader will gain a better understanding the Spanish language and culture.

Illustrations

Joe Cepeda's illustrations are very captivating. Every picture he illustrates is moving and captures the eye of any child. He uses Japan paint for most of his illustrations. He explained how he never works with the author as he is illustrating a book because he says the illustrator needs to connect with the book and its story, not the author. He mostly uses big brushes because he says the Japan paint is too harsh on smaller brushes. He illustrations are always very complimentary to the mood of the story. His illustrations are almost so lifelike that it feels more like watching a movie than reading a book.

Content Area and Grade

This book is definitely for more mature children. This book could be read in anywhere from grades 4-8. This book could be used for an English lesson on metaphors. There are several metaphors throughout this book. It could also be used to teach or refresh on rhyming since there is a rhythmic pattern throughout the whole book. This could also be tied to a writing segment. They could be asked to make a journal entry writing from a different perspective than their own or even writing a short narrative based on a personal experience.

A Great Picture Book for Elementary Students

David Goes to School

Written and Illustrated by: David Shannon
Published in 1999 by the Blue Sky Press
32 pages
Picture Book

Plot Summary

David goes to school is about David going to school for the first time. His teacher definitely has her hands full. From yelling, to chewing gum, to being tardy; David is always getting in trouble. This book is guaranteed to bring a smile to the reader's face. The book ends with David learning that he will always receive love and support no matter the difficulties he faces or the trouble he gets himself in.

Illustrations

David Shannon uses acrylic paint in his illustrations as well as prisma color pencil. All of his books share the same type of style of illustrations. His illustrations are drawn to capture children's eyes and even adults too. He illustrates his books as if he were a child, so children can better relate to his books.

Content Area and Grade

This book could be used for grades K-2 in English. The lesson could focus on retelling and developing comprehension skills. This would be a good book for retelling because David does several different things in the book that the students could recall.  One could also use this book to teach a lesson the language used in the story. Verb endings and contradictions could be taught with this book because they are used several times throughout the book.