"The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn"

Wow, I can't believe this is my last blog and book discussion. It has been a long semester and hopefully a successful one. I am going to be rather busy this summer due to taking 14 hours in total this summer and having a summer job for the Brazos Valley Bombers. They are a baseball team locally here in the Brazos Valley that will have some summer games and family fun! I also hope that I will complete the full amount of hours this semester and this summer in order to apply for my aggie ring! I have been working so hard in school to get my ring that I will be crushed if I don't get to my goal.

Anyways, I wanted to write about Huckleberry Finn just because this book is so widely known in the United States and is pretty much a requirement to read although there is a lot of controversy about slavery and inappropriate name calling within the book. I believe that this book is pretty essential considering the fact that we have discussed that even in picture books there is the question of "civilizing in today's society." For example, we discussed that in children's literature, such as Dr. Seuss, the children question "soceity and authority" along with "Where the Wild Things Are." where Max pulls away from civilization into his own world.

Huck Finn's moral and lesson from the chapters is to listen to yourself, and consule your own inner gut feeling. It also emphasizes the the natural order of the world when Huck and Jim are traveling on the boat away from society. There are also motifs within the novel with the use of the river, which equals freedom, cleansing, new lifr, and re-birth.

The interesting thing about this novel is that Twain portrays the villians in this novel to be the figures of authority/parents (Huck's father), slavery and racism.

The main adventure of the novel consists about slave escaping to freedom. Not many people realize this though, and that Huck is helping a friend, Jim.

"Where the Wild Things Are" Interview with Author

After learning much in our class on Monday about the picture book story, "Where the Wild Things Are" by Maurice Sendak, I wanted to find out a little more information about him. Surprisingly, I found out that NPR conducted an interview with the interesting author! The following link:

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=4680590

This is Maurice Sendak at 76, as Jennifer Ludden found after a trip into the New England woods to interview the famed author and illustrator of books for young readers, best known for 1964's Where the Wild Things Are.

"Maurice Sendak looks kinda like a Wild Thing," Ludden notes. "Curly hair on a balding head... a glint in the eye... yet a softening smile around the mouth."


^-- it is funny because I thought the same thing when I saw this picture of him. I had a total different look in my mind, and after seeing his true self, it made me think of him as a monster himself!

Sendak changed his style of not a scary book to writing a story called "Bears." The drawings put Max, the hero of Wild Things, in slightly friendlier surroundings. But he still finds himself in the middle of an adventure.

Here is a picture of the book:

Our pesky little Max is no longer against society from his authorative mother. Or maybe it is? I am tempted to go out and look for this book at Barnes and Noble to read!

"Barbie-Q"

I love this short story by Sandra Cisnero's, "Barbie-Q" just because I grew up with playing Barbies when I was little. Cisnero's writing has a lot to do with challenging the feminity within culture and coming together over spanish and english language. Her work is tremendously influential since I actually live in San Antonio, TX and that is where she currently resides.

The narrator within "Barbie-Q" describes the relationship with the plastic doll and description which shows that she had great love. It also gives indication that the little girl's family was not financially "up there." Because of these struggles, the young girl would escape reality into the world of Barbie. The family goes to a fire sale that a department store went down because of a drastic fire. Everything was on sale and that is how the little girl was able to get outfits and Barbie dolls.

It is important to know that Barbie is seen as the "ideal woman" considering the fact that America has set that culture to it and you can tell within the story that the young girl wants to be JUST like Barbie, but don't we all? :)

"Catcher in the Rye"

I had the opportunity to read "Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger which is more seen for adolescents, which I can see why... but it still portrays to our young readers that go through similar parallel situations within their life.

Poor Holden Caulifield. He was very outspoken and different compared to the rest of the students. Part of the reason of him being different could be because of the loss of his brother. His brother was not mentioned too much within the novel, but you can tell that Holden truly loved his brother, and whenever someone passes very close to you, you cannot help but change a little bit. I know this through experience. My mother battled breast cancer for two years and sadly passed away on July 2nd, 2007. Although it has almost been a year, I still have a difficult time dealing with her loss. I think about her at least a handful times a day. Not a day goes by without thinking of my mother, and I have changed dramastically as a person after her death.

The significance of "red" is seen throughout the novel. Holden wears a hat that is red whenever he wants to be noticed, and different compared to the rest of the kids at the school. Holden also truly loves his little sister who cares for her so much and even goes out of the way to see her. The book is written as if Holden were speaking out loud, like a transcription of him telling the story to another person. Holden is widely considered to be an unreliable narrator.

Overall, the book was not quite what I expected and after analyzing the story, I have learned much about young teenage boys!!!

Jack & Jill and Big Dog Bill

Since we have been studying picture books lately, I thought I would go on ahead and read a picture book from one of my kids that I babysit. The book mimics the singing ryhmn of "Jack and Jill." Which makes young children understand and know the lyrics because we have all been taught this very popular song ever since we were very little. The use of words within the picture book such as: "Bump. Plop. They all STOP!" shows the children and the dog, Bill falling down on there heads from the pile of snow from sledding. Even though you'd thinking falling down off a hill would hurt, the illustrations show us a humurous way that although the kids fell, it made it funny.

There is also a rabbit within each illustration that follows the kids and dog around the snowy mountain. You wouldn't know that the white rabbit is around unless you look at the illustrations. The rabbit also adds a kind of humor to the illustrations because when the kids and dog fall over, Bill (the dog) almosts lands on the poor rabbit!

The cute illustrations of the dog are so enjoyable, it reminds me of one of my dogs that I had while growing up.

What I found most interesting, which I want to note, there is a boy and a girl involved. My littlest girl that I babysit, mentioned that it was a good thing that both a girl and a boy are in it and not just one or the other. I find it so fascinating that we talked in class that most children really don't recognize a difference, but the girl I babysat brought it up which I find very interesting.

Flight of the Genie

I decided to up and read my little boy, Seth's book that he kept talking about. "The Flight of the Genie" is secrets of Droon by Tony Abbot... Tony creates a world called "droon" which is a vast land of diamonds, floating cities, deep forests, and castles of snow. It kind of reminds me of the author, "Lord of the Rings" who created a mythical world that involves magic and a whole different world where you can get away from. When I started to read this book, this is EXACTLY what I thought! With the different lands, magic, wizards such as Eric within the book.

There is also a bottle or world call the "Ut" which the kids had to take to a giant sand dune. Hoja, the genie is trapped in the city..

In the end, there is a battle with the bad wizard or Lord Sparr who troubles with the darkside and warriors. In the end, the battle is not over and Sparr is still out to get Eric and the rest of the kids. It's kind of like a never ending story!

"The Hobbit" Different Topics Throughout the Book...

Now, I want to discuss about the "Hobbit" since we are currently learning about it in class. I am so excited that we are reading this book in Children's literature because I loved "The Lord of the Rings." Because of owning all three of the movies and having wonderful friends who have read all the books and to ask them questions about it. So when I came to reading the "Hobbit," I was mildly surprised by all the characters and significant detail that I already knew from the "Lord of the Rings" series.

I wanted to discuss about certain topics within "The Hobbit" that I find interesting that we have not yet discussed in class. I wanted to research more about the subject and found the following: Greed is certainly a major role throughout the book (which I kind of figured due to the ring). First, although the dwarves try to claim that their journey is to reclaim their heritage, their real motivation is greed. They have spent over a hundred years in the mines working, not trying to reclaim their heritage. They are not interested until a wizard confronts them with a map and a key. The journey is for gold and treasure. At first, Bilbo is not impressed by their greed, but the idea of treasure becomes attractive to him, and it is one of the major reasons for his significant change of heart.

Children and activity involvement

I thought I would make a post about children's activity within the community or extra cirricular activities. The children I babysit for are VERY VERY active. I thought I would try and find out information about how much is too much for children?

The kids I babysit for are constantly busy. Both children attend piano lessons once a week, both children have two kinds of dance classes (Seth and Meagan have hip-hop) and Megan has ballet as well along with Sophie, they also and lastly have golf lessons that they take. I take both Seth and Megan on Tuesday/Thursdays.

I remember when I was young I took up piano, basketball, volleyball, and I even got into girl scouts. BUT, I took all these different things once for each year.

Along with being back in school, many children are returning to sports, clubs or other extracurricular activities. The trend for parents to get and keep their children involved in enriching activities seems to be growing and that’s great. Activities can give a child added self-confidence, discipline, social skills, and values along with whatever skills he or she is learning. But some experts warn that some parents can overdo it and get their children involved in too many activities. Children can suffer from burnout if they don’t have time to eat and rest properly, keep up with their studies, or have enough time to “just be a kid”.

Ella Enchanted

I think we should have watched the movie that was recently on abc family! Luckily, Meghan (the little girl I babysit for) wanted to watch the movie. She thought it was funny because my name is Mandy, just like the cook.

I thought I would make an entry because I am rather confused on what to think about with similarities and such:

Evil is clearly characterized in Ella Enchanted by Dame Olga, but goodness is a more murky issue. Mandy, Ella's fairy godmother should be a force for good. But unlike Cinderella's traditional fairy godmother, who appears with the answers to her godchild's difficulties, Mandy refuses to rescue Ella with her magic wand. She fears even a small alteration of natural events could have disastrous consequences. Lucinda, the other supernatural character, should be a dark force. But her curses stemmed from good intentions, not from anything sinister. Though she should be Ella's enemy because of the curse, it is her magic, not Mandy's, that creates Ella's pumpkin, its attendants, her crown, and jewels. Likewise, Prince Charmont's character is more shaded than Cinderella's charming Prince. Charmont is a dutiful, obedient prince and will be a good ruler like Cinderella's hero. But Ella's intended is capable of bad temper, taking revenge, and abusing his authority as Heir Apparent—all of which he nobly confesses.

Young Princesses Around the World

My little Meghan told me to read this. It was one of her first chapter books. Now I know why she is obsessed with me being a princess and is convinced that my boyfriend is my "prince charming" who will wisk me away!

The book is based on a true story of Elizabeth the I in England, which I find rather interesting! England is trying to teach her golden pony to jump over a stone wall, but no matter what she tries, he won't budge! after seeking advice from people in the kingdom, the princess finally asks her father; King Henry VIII for help. Of course, in the end.... he jumps!!!

I believe this is a wonderful children's story for girls who love the medevil times of young princesses. As I kept reading the book, I couldn't help myself but keep thinking of how my sister would have LOVED this book while she was young.

It also teaches young girls about Queen Elizabeth and Henry VII (even though this stuff really wasn't all true, OBVIOUSLY)

The Author of "The Stinky Cheese Man"

I couldn't help but didn't want to wait until the end of the year to talk about this. Jon Scieszka, is an amazing author. I can't help but still feel honored that I had the chance to meet him when I was in elementary school. His book "The Stinky Cheese Man" was by far my most favorite book all around. I had his book and he autographed it! I wish I could go back home to San Antonio and find it and bring it to our literature class when we finally discuss this book.

I wanted to research a little and find out why he wrote these books, here is what I found:

write books because I love to make kids laugh. I knew Lane Smith (illustrator of The True Story of the Three Little Pigs!, The Stinky Cheese Man and Squids Will Be Squids) would do a great job because we like a lot of the same cartoons and books and ideas. And we laugh at each other's bad jokes all of the time. Our audience is hardcore silly kids, and there are a lot of 'em out there! My motto in writing is: "Never underestimate the intelligence of your audience." Kids can be silly and smart!


I believe they are such great stories, just because its not like your "typical" fairy tale! :)

Veggie Tales

I thought I would do a little research on "Veggie Tales" Since it is such a huge hype right now with young children! Why is it so popular?!!

If it sounds too strange to be true, then you haven't seen Veggie Tales. Selling more than 25 million copies, this fresh franchise created for Christians has served up many crisp productions while keeping their promise of, "Sunday morning values, with Saturday morning fun."

The Ultimate Silly Song Countdown is a like a tossed salad of Silly Songs With Larry. a short musical interlude not originally intended to be a standard episodic feature, but has become one due to popular demand. Reminiscent of campfire sing-a-long fare, audiences everywhere can now count down the top ten tunes, thanks to an Internet survey conducted with their most faithful fans. Because this is a compilation effort, there isn't an overriding moral, although a mild reminder of the importance of honesty is included.

One critic reflects her view: "Veggie Tales dish up wholesome humor in an inoffensive manner for all who hold similar values. I've only found two negative side effects: The catchy jingles rattle around in your head, surfacing at the most embarrassing moments (like when you start singing the menu at a Chinese restaurant), and my children's sassy response when asked why they haven't finished their chores. Covering one eye they quip: We are the pirates that don't do anything. We just stay at home and lie around, and if you ask us to do anything... We'll just tell you... We don't do anything!"

Dogs going to Heaven

My children's dog died... and I thought I would show them this story to help them believe that all dogs DO go to heaven!!! It really helped and they were so surpised about the story!

Heaven

An old man and his dog were walking down this dirt road with fences on both sides, they came to a gate in the fence and looked in, it was nice grassy, woody areas, just what a 'huntin' dog and man would like, but, it had a sign saying 'no trespassing' so they walked on.

Next they came to a beautiful gate with a person in white robes standing there. "welcome to Heaven" he said. The old man was happy and started in with his dog following him. The gatekeeper stopped him. "Dogs aren't allowed, I'm sorry but he can't come with you."

"What kind of Heaven won't allow dogs? If He can't come in, then I will stay out with him. He's been my faithful companion all his life, I can't desert him now."

"Suit yourself, but I have to warn you, the Devil's on this road and he'll try to sweet talk you into his area, he'll promise you anything, but, the dog can't go there either. If you wont leave the dog, you'll spend Eternity on this road."

So the old man and dog went on.

They came to a rundown fence with a gap in it, no gate, just a hole. Another old man was inside. "'Scuse me Sir, my dog and I are getting mighty tired, mind if we come in and sit in the shade for awhile?"

"Of course, there's some cold water under that tree over there. Make yourselves comfortable"

"You're sure my dog can come in? The man down the road said dogs weren't allowed anywhere."

"Would you come in if you had to leave the dog?"

"No sir, that's why I didn't go to Heaven, he said the dog couldn't come in. We'll be spending Eternity on this road, and a glass of cold water and some shade would be mighty fine right about now. But, I won't come in if my buddy here cant come too, and that's final."
The man smiled a big smile and said "Welcome to Heaven."

"You mean this is Heaven? Dogs ARE allowed? How come that fellow down the road said they weren't?"

"That was the Devil and he gets all the people who are willing to give up a life long companion for a comfortable place to stay. They soon find out their mistake, but, then it's too late. The dogs come here, the fickle people stay there. GOD wouldn't allow dogs to be banned from Heaven. After all, HE created them to be man's companions in life, why would he separate them in death?"

Author Unknown

Book List

TO GO BACK AND LOOK AT PREVIOUS ENTRIES ON MY OLD BLOG: http://mandynicolemeyer.blogspot.com/

FIRST OFF: I have changed journals due to Blogger.com's insufficient information about using "Google." I want to express that it took me about a week to finally hear back a reply from the website manager team which did NOT answer my question. So, unfortunately, I had to start over with a new journal.

BOOK LIST:


Book List
Book 1:
"Oh, the Places You'll Go!"
by Dr. Seuss
Picture Book: Yes
Date Posted: 1/22/08


Book 2:
"Eat Your Peas, Louise!"
by Pegeen Show
Picture Book: Yes
Date Posted: 1/24/08

Book 3:
"Blubber"
by Judy Blume
Picture Book: No
Date Posted: 1/26/08

Book 4:
"Pollyanna"
by Eleanor Hodgman Porter
Picture Book: No
Date posted: 2/21/08

Book 5:
"Young Princesses Around the World"
by Joan Holub
Picture Book: No
Date Posted: 3/21/08


Book 6:
"Flight of the Genie"
Tony Abbot
Picture Book: No
Date posted: 4/15/08

Book 7:
"Jack & Jill and Big Dog Bill"
by Martha Weston
Picture book: Yes
Date posted: 4/17/08


Book 8:
"Catcher in the Rye"
by J. D. Salinger
Picture Book: No
Date Posted: 4/18/08

Book 9:
"Barbie-Q"
by Sandra Cisnero's
Picture book: No
Date posted: 4/22/08

Book 10:
"The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn"
by Mark Twain
Picture book? No
Date Posted: 4/27/08