The Lorax

The Lorax by Dr. Seuss

The Lorax tells the story of how a Lorax attempted to warn the Once-ler of how much damage he was invoking on the plant and his surroundings. Once-ler was killing trees, polluting the homes of fish, birds, and numerous other animals in order to produce his Thneeds. Once-ler would not listen due to all the money being made from his product. Until the day came when the last tree was cut down and he could no longer make the Thneeds. Once-ler had to close down the factory. Friends and family left him with nothing but his factory.

Webster’s defines didactic as a way to teach or instruct for an intended purpose. Due to these guidelines The Lorax can be considered a didactic book. Story attempts to get people to realize the harmful affects we are causing to our environment. Pollution from factories wasted being dumped in our water supply, and not replacing trees that have been cut down. The story line details what kind happen to our world and surroundings if we do not recycling.

Seuss, Dr. (1971). The Lorax. New York: Random House, Inc.

Image of book was copied from images on www.yahoo.com on October 13, 2007.

Cat In the Hat

The Cat in the Hat by Dr. Seuss

The Cat in the Hat by Dr Seuss is a book that offers events of what could happen when a brother and sister meet a Cat in the Hat. Cat in the Hat appears one rain day at the children’s door while their mother is gone to work. A fish in the story attempts to be a voice of reason for the children. The children like most people have difficult listening to the voice telling them right from wrong. Children also meet Thing 1 and 2 and this adds more mayhem to their already crazy day. The children eventually catch Thing 1 and 2 and convince the Cat in the Hat to straighten their home before mother arrives.

The Cat in the Hat is written with numerous rhyming and repetitive word phrases throughout the book. Book will entertain children and adults of all ages due to the adventures of the children. Children in the story are battling with whether or not to play along with the crazy tricks of the Cat in the Hat. The book reminds me of raining days as a child and wanting something exciting to do instead of sitting around the house.

Seuss, Dr (1957). The Cat in the Hat. NY: Random House, Inc.

Image of the Cat in the Hat was copied from www.yahoo.com images on October 13, 2007

Children Book/ Movie How the Grinch Stole Christmas

Children Book/ Movie Dr. Seuss How the Grinch Stole Christmas

How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss

How the Grinch Stole Christmas was made into a motion picture by Universal Studios in the year 2001. The book and movie have numerous similarities and differences. One similarity is that the same general story line appears in each story, that the Grinch did not enjoy Christmas and all the cheer brought by celebrating the holiday season. Another similarity is that both stories mention the Grinch, Cindy Lou, Who-ville, and his dog Max. The details of how the Grinch stole the Who’s Christmas presents, and Cindy Lou waking while he is doing this is discussed in both the movie and book. Both the movie and book share the same ending with the Grinch heat growing to a normal size.

The movie differs from the book in the area of giving more detail about the Who’s in Who-ville. For instance the movie offers more detail about how they celebrate Christmas, and shows many similarities of how we celebrate that time of year. Movie shows Grinch visiting the town before Christmas Eve night. Grinch also interacts more with Cindy Lou in the movie than in the book. For example Cindy Lou nominates the Grinch for the Cheer Meister and then goes to his home to inform him of the nomination. Another difference in the book and movie is Cindy Lou visits the Grinch on Christmas Day; this event does not happen in the book. Movie also offers a theory of why the Grinch turned against Christmas.

The movie is suitable for children of all ages that love the story of How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Viewers will remember that Christmas is a time for giving and sharing what we have to with all people.

Dr. Suess. (1985). How the Grinch Stole Christmas. New York: Random House.

Grazer, B. (2001). Dr. Suess' How The Grinch Stole Christmas [Motion Picture]. California: Universal Studios.

Image of the book was copied from www.yahoo.com images on October 13, 2007.

Caldecott and Newbery Medal

Newbery Medal is an award given by the American Library Association every June. The award is named after John Newbery an eighteenth century bookseller. Award is given to a book published the preceding year. The medal is given to the author that has contributed
to American literature by publishing a distinguishing book. Honor award books are also given along with the overall winner of the Newbery Medal. Newbery Medal considers fiction, non-fiction, and poetry books when determining the winner.

The nominating committee for this award has certain guidelines to follow in order to declare a winner. One of the criteria for considering a Newbery Medal winner or honor book is the following literary qualities:
• theme or concept is interpreted
• clarity, organization, and accuracy when presenting information
• plot is developed
• characters
• setting
• is written in an appropriate comprehension manner for people to read
The second criterion is that the book is considered to contribute to literature in overall positive manner. The third criterion requires that a book does not have any support from media equipment in order to enjoy the book.

Caldecott Medal is also given each year to a distinguished picture book in children’s literature by the American Library Association. The Caldecott Medal is named after a well known nineteenth century English illustrator named Randolph J. Caldecott. Illustrators of this order also need to have had their book published in the preceding year. Caldecott Medal also presents medals to honor books each year.

The nominating committee for this award has certain guidelines to follow in order to declare a winner. One of the criteria is the quality of the illustrations included in the book. Committee when judging is looking for overall artistic technique and appropriateness of how the pictures match the story. Second criterion is that the book does not depend on any form of media in order to enjoy the book. A third criterion in order to be considered for Caldecott Medal is not only does the book have excellent quality illustrations but overall meets high level of standard for written text and design.

Caldecott and Newbery Medal have some similarities and differences. A simulates for both awards is that each award is given to a book written or illustrated the preceding year. Each award also requires books to written or illustrated in a distinguished overall manner, and the ward is given by through American Library Associate. The awards are named after people in American Children Literature that have contributed in a positive manner. A difference is that Newbery is given to a distinguish children’s literature writer and Caldecott is awarded to a distinguished illustrator.

Images of Caldecott and Newbery Medal were copied form www.yahoo.com images on October 13, 2007.