Stranger in the Woods by Carl R. Sams II & Jean Stoick

Stranger in the Woods by Carl R. Sams II & Jean Stoick (Ages 3-8)

Sams II, C., & Stoick, J. (2000). Stranger in the woods. Milford, MI.

Genre: Photographic Fantasy

Lexile: AD180L

When there is a stranger in the woods who is to go and see what that stranger is? Should the Cardinal go? Should the little fawn go? How about the squirrel? This is a charming well-photographed book about a snowman in the forest and the animals that live near. You watch through photographs and words how the animals come to discover this stranger in the woods. When one of the animals builds up enough courage to go and see this “stranger” there are wonderful surprises that await all the forest animals.

Stranger in the Woods helps young children with language development by using sounds and rhythm. The chickadee says, “Howdy-dee-dee. It is me, the chickadee-dee-dee!” This type of language is stimulating for younger children because it rhymes. This book also allows children to visually see their world. By using picture books it lets children discuss what is in the pictures and find a language for the words. Cognitive development is also being supported because the story is fairly simple allowing children to re-create their own retelling of the story.

Characterization- There are no human characters that have a speaking role in this fantasy. The characters are the animals that live in the snowy forest. They all communicate with one another deciding on who should go and check out the stranger in their woods. The animals are all portrayed as happy and friendly characters that are living peacefully amongst one another. I think it is important to notice at the end of the story a brother and sister (human) are introduced- the ones who built the snowman. Instead of chasing the animals away they sit quietly and watch as they munch on the snowman. They add more food to the snowman as the animals leave, encouraging their coming back. This shows children good deeds and peace.

Modality- The ways that the words are spread across the pages are unique and help the story develop. The words “Stranger in the woods” are across the background of the page along with the plot of the story. The conversations that take place between the animals happen by where the text is placed on the page, making the words become active. The authors use interactive language throughout the book- the owl says, “Who-hoo’s in the woods?” Similarly the chickadee says, “Howdy-dee-dee. It is me, the chickadee-dee-dee!”

Setting- The setting is very important in this story; without the forest the story would not make sense. The story could not have taken place in a shopping mall or a school. The setting of the forest helps the readers develop a sense of location and perhaps relate it to a forest that they enjoy spending time in.

The illustrations in the book are highly valued because they are actual photographs that the writers have taken and compiled them into a story. They are photographs that capture the animals and the forest. The photographs help depict what type of an animal is in the story as well as helping to create a setting for the story.

Mini-Lesson- This would be a great book to introduce the concept of snow with. It allows the students to see what snow/winter looks like but also what types of animals and environmental things one would see while in the forest during winter. The end of the book there is a recipe for making a snowman and this could be something you could do with your students either in the snow (if available) or to make in your classroom for those who do not get snow in the winter.

Enjoyment- This book is good for around the ages of 3-8.The photographs make it a wonderful picture book for young children as well as the words allow older children to also enjoy the story. The adventure and photographs of the story appeal to many and a help make it a wonderful book through its characteristics and elements. 

Nappy Hair by Carolivia Herron

Nappy Hair by Carolivia Herron (Ages 8-10)

Herron, Carolivia. (1998). Nappy Hair. New York: Dragonfly Book Publishing.

Genre: Fiction

Lexile: AD200L

Nappy Hair is a book about a young girl who is proud of her nappy hair, no matter what others say. Our culture has put a large emphasis on looks and beauty, especially in young girls. This book is about showcasing African Americans nappy hair, and showing readers that nappy hair is beautiful. This is a unique book in that it also portrays an important form of communication that is popular among African Americans, a call and response book. The book has several characters that are involved including the girls: father, uncle, god, and other family members. Throughout the book we can see interactions with the family by way of call and response- making this a fun read aloud with groups of students or children.

This book portrays social development well for the age group 8-10. Around this age characteristics begin to show that children begin to be influenced by their peer groups and they begin to show others points of view and their reasoning. This book shows children that no matter who they hang out with and what those people say about nappy hair doesn’t mean that they have to believe it. It shows African American children that their nappy hair is beautiful. This book also helps children begin to grow in personality development as well. Middle age children begin to feel a sense of productivity and accomplishment. This book allows young girls to understand that their hair doesn’t have to be a negative part of their life or a hassle. This will improve the child’s sense of worth an important part of their personality development.

Characterization- The way that the young girl is portrayed makes her an important main character. She is portrayed as a happy, spunky girl that is proud of her hair. The way that she is characterized helps readers understand that she is proud of her nappy hair.

Style- Carolivia has given her story a style unlike many children’s books; she used a call and response style. This helps the readers to learn not just about being proud of nappy hair but also to learn a little about the African American culture and a way of communication that is important to their culture. The language helps to bring the story to life, which is an important aspect to literary elements. 

Theme- The theme in Nappy Hair allows children who have nappy hair, or know others with nappy hair, to identify with the story and become involved with the girl in the books story. This theme of self-understanding is carried throughout the book and allows children to see that being different that the social norm is okay.

The illustrations throughout the book are larger than life. You can tell from the cover of the book, just the girls head with her hair piled on top. The hair is huge and the girls face is cheerful. The illustrations throughout the book portray proudness and excitement over her hair. 

Mini Lesson- Style plays an important role in Author Herron’s book. This book would be good to incorporate when learning about writing and how different authors write in different ways. By pairing this book with another different “style” book and doing read aloud, then asking the students to write their own story using either a style they learned about in class or one of their own. This gives the students an opportunity to discover their own style of writing and to experiment with other author’s style and how they can incorporate it into their own styles.

*Give the students a blank book and ask them to write their own call and response book on something that is important to them. After the students are done writing their books ask if anyone would like to share their books with the class.

Enjoyment- Readers from around age 8-10 would find this book appropriate for their reading level. The book also focuses on African American culture specifically regarding their nappy hair- so it could also be used to help self-confidence in children with nappy hair, or to teach others about something they are unfamiliar with.