Week 8: Graphic Story Book

The Magic Rabbit by Annette LeBlanc Cate

Genre: Graphic picture book

When I selected the list of books I wanted to write on for this blog, The Magic Rabbit was not one of them. That is because I didn't know this book existed until yesterday. As I was browsing through the reduced-price kid's section at Cole's (a favorite pass time of mine) I spotted this book. What caught my attention was the word rabbit in the title. As a bunny-mom (yes, you read that right!) I collect all things rabbit, including books. As this book was only $4.99 I immediately bought it without even looking through the pages. As soon as I reached my car I sat inside and read the book. I must have looked absolutely ridiculous as I sat in the driver's seat reading a children's book and laughing hysterically. Because by the end of this book I was in stitches.

First of all, the plot is touching and sweet. It's about a magician, Ray, and his business partner, Bunny. They are best friends and do everything together (including washing dishes). Every Saturday they perform a magic show. Unfortunately, one Saturday Bunny becomes lost in the big city and must navigate his way home to Ray. Eventually he finds a trail of popcorn (Bunny's favorite treat) which leads him back to his friend. The story is cute but what makes this book stand out are the illustrations. They are simply phenomenal. The text was hand-lettered by the author-illustrator in pen and ink and watercolor, and they are DETAILED!! From end page to end page Cate captures every last detail of Ray and Bunny's life which is what makes this book a winner. There are three main aspects to Cate's illustrations which make this book so successful (in my opinion): attention to detail (as mentioned above), use of black and white, and her ability to capture the subtle nuances of a rabbit.

1. The author-illustrator really puts a significant amount of effort into depicting Ray and Bunny's life together in the big city. Their apartment is what you would expect of a bachelor and his pet rabbit: it's tiny, cluttered, and messy but has a comforting and homey feel. Dying houseplants and mis-matched chairs epitomize the bachelor life. You need to devote a lot of time to reading this book. Although the story is short there are so many subtle details that it could really take hours to digest them entirely. For instance, if you look carefully at the drawing of Ray's bedroom you can deduce that he has most likely done a lot of travelling although this is not mentioned in the story. There are posters of foreign countries, a globe on a shelf, and ornaments which look to be different cultures. Another example is when Ray and Bunny are washing dishes. In the kitchen there is a calendar on the wall with pictures of bunnies. Obviously Ray has an affinity for these animals. You can learn so much about his personality by simply examining the illustrations.

2. The entire book is done in black and white with the exception of a few hints of yellow. It is strategically placed as the bright spots in Ray and Bunny's life: on the front end page, it is the light coming from their bedroom window, the stars falling from Ray's wand when he and Bunny are preforming, and the stars which help Bunny find his way home. Cate's choice to draw 99% of the illustrations in black and white suits her style of drawing. The illustrations look like sketches from The New York Times which highlights the big city life central to the story.

3. The final aspect of Cate's illustrations which makes her picture book so successful is her portrayal of Bunny. For anyone who has a rabbit and appreciates the very subtle but significant characteristics which make them unique will acknowledge the great job Cate does at capturing Bunny's personality. Rabbit's are endearing, stubborn, clever and amazing little creatures (see below for my inspiration). Bunny is all of these things. Cate illustrates rabbits' affectionate side as Bunny cuddles with Ray while watching T.V., their fear of other animals as he runs from a dog, their curiosity as he plays with a squirrel in the park, and their love and loyalty for their owners as Bunny searches desperately for Ray. The facial expressions of Bunny and Ray as they find each other are one of the best parts of the story and definitely the funniest. Cate ends the book on a humorous note and I had to include the scene in which Ray and Bunny are reunited. (This is what provoked my laughter.) Sometimes no words are needed:

Although it's hard to see the facial expressions with such small pictures, I think one can understand the hilariousness of the situation. There are several pages such as this where Cate lets the illustrations tell the story as with all graphic picture books. The wordless drawings seem to be the most effective and it forces the reader to closely examine the illustrations.

This is definitely a Top 10 Book in my opinion. It has all the elements of a wonderful graphic picture book: an interesting plot, likable characters, and fantastic illustrations.

Rowan: My Magic Rabbit

Week 7: Traditional Literature

When the Root Children Wake Up by Audrey Wood

Genre: Picture book, folktale

This beautifully illustrated picture book is based on an old German folk tale about Root Children who sleep, below ground, through the winter and wake in time for their Spring Masquerade. Wood's retelling of this timeless story of birth and rebirth could not be expressed so convincingly if it were not for Ned Bittinger's haunting illustrations. His stunning traditional paintings with hints of fantastical elements do not disappoint.

The story line is simple and alluring. Wood uses uncomplicated language but this does not impede the captivating images she creates through the story's wording. Although the illustrations are central to this book, if I covered them and read only the written text I could still enjoy the enchanting story. This line in particular stood out to me: "Deep beneath the ground, the Root Children awaken the bugs and lead them up through tunnels lit by fireflies." This unique image conjures up pictures in my head of cozy tunnels deep underground and insects, single file, marching through them to reach the surface. For a child's wild imagination this story gives them the opportunity to explore the world of children beneath the ground. Children can relate to the Root Children and their love of dressing up in pretty clothing for a party, and their boundless energy which keeps them going day and night through the summer season.

Having looked through many picture books over the course of this semester, it seems that authors who illustrate their own texts often have the best illustrations. Obviously, this makes sense: they know their stories best and have a keen vision of they subtleties they want to express in their work. In the case of this book, however, the author and illustrator are not one in the same. Nevertheless, the paintings by Ned Bittinger seem, to me, like visions plucked from the author's mind and transferred onto paper. (It is interesting to note that upon researching Audrey Wood I discovered that she usually illustrates her own stories. Her decision to leave the Root Children illustrations to someone else indicates that she must have trusted Bittinger's work.) One of my favorite aspects of the illustrations is how Bittinger portrays Mother Earth and the four seasons. Each season has a character: Old Grandfather Winter, Aunt Spring, Cousin Summer, and Uncle Fall. Mother Earth is a beautiful young woman, not the old lady we often see depicted in literature. Bittinger's decision to paint her in this light suits the uncomplicated, blissful atmosphere of the story. Another surprise for me is Cousin Summer. This is whom I imagine as the lovely young woman, however, he is a jovial young man! With a wreath of foliage around his head and a scruffy red beard, Summer laughs and plays with the Root Children, giving this season an unexpected, modern twist.

A final point regarding the physical appearances of the characters is that the Root Children vary in ethnicity. It is not glaringly obvious as the illustrations are soft and unassuming to begin with. But as I examined them carefully I noticed African American children, Asian children, Indian children, and so on. It is a refreshing change for a tradition folk tale.

The technical aspects of the paintings also accurately reflect the mood and images in the story. The book begins with Grandfather Winter surrounded by swirling whites and blues on a barren landscape that is winter. The sweeping snow across the page suggests the endless feeling which often accompanies the season. When the Root Children emerge and it is spring soft greens, tans, blues, and yellows express the newness and rebirth of springtime. In a scene where a Root Child is pulling Aunt Spring from her bed of ferns and lilies, her golden hair flows all around her. These lines of movement make it seem as though she will rise from her bed and off the page. Soon it is summer which introduces reds emphasizing the vibrancy of summer and the Root Children's never ending masquerade. Autumn brings clear blue skies and golden leaves.

Overall I love this book. I love not only the fantastic illustrations (which are nice enough to be framed art on anyone's wall) but also the charming tale of children excited for the warm seasons of spring and summer so they can play. These Root Children could be any child. They could be a rambunctious class of grade 1 students, or the neighborhood kids who play in your yard. That is part of the beauty of this tale: it is timeless and ageless. Both children and adults will enjoy When the Root Children Wake Up.

Week 6: Biography

Anastasia's Album By Hugh Brewster

Genre: Picture book, biography

Winner of the 1996 Silver Birch and Red Cedar Awards

The mystery of Anastasia, daughter of Tsar Nicholas II of Russia, is an enthralling and curious subject. Did she really survive the slaughter of her entire family? No one truly knows for certain. This picture book by Hugh Brewster examines her life from birth to (possible) death. It includes facts about her family, her father's rule, and the state of Russia at the time. It is written in such a way that is easy for children to read without being bombarded with information. It also includes many family pictures which bring the mysterious Anastasia to life.

The book is divided into five sections: Babyhood, A Life Apart, Imperial Retreats, The War Years, and Revolution. It is obvious that the author has done an extensive amount of research to remain true to history. As with any good biography he simply tells the facts and does not insert any of his own personal opinions. He paints the picture of a typical young girl. Although she dresses in fine gowns and is the daughter of a tsar, Anastasia feels like any other child. She goes to school, plays with her siblings, draws pictures, rides her bike, and enjoys making her family laugh. She is a very relatable character to any young child. In reading this biography, I gained a sense of compassion for the tsar's children trying to live their lives as normally as possible. The entire family seemed unpretentious and caring, despite the misguided actions of the tsar.

The book reads as a scrapbook. There are pictures, quotes and excerpts from letters randomly inserted on every page. The layout is not formal which is appealing to children (as it is to me). It makes me feel as though I am stepping into Anastasia's life, gaining a unique look at her world through family photographs. This also reaffirms the normal family life she lead.

As the book progresses so begins the downward spiral of her father's rule which eventually results in their exil and death. Despite the unbiased view of the author, it is difficult not to feel anguish for helpless Anastasia and her siblings. Having looked through countless photographs and read snippets of her personal letters, you feel as though you know her and her family. The epilogue which describes the execution would be somewhat disturbing for young children, especially since it shows a picture of the bullet holes in the wall where they were killed.

In the end, the mystery of Anastasia remains. This biography not only educates the reader on historical events but also entices and enthralls with the secrecy surrounding her death, encouraging us to read futher into her life and possible untimely end.

Week 5: Poetry

Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening by Robert Frost and illustrated by Susan Jeffers
Genre: Poetry



From the time I was a small child I have always loved this timeless poem by Robert Frost. So, when I discovered this beautifully illustrated hard-cover version last year I was very excited to purchase a copy. First of all the poem itself is a classic. It never fails to fill me with a sense of calmness and serenity each time I read it. The technical aspects of this poem are very well done, as with all of Robert Frost's work. The diction he has chosen takes the reader into the pages of the book, creating a mood of stillness and appreciation for the beauty and simplicity of nature. The following line exemplifies this idea: "The only other sound's the sweep of easy wind and downy flake." Each time I read this line I can almost hear and feel Frost himself as he was writing this piece.

Another element which complements Frost's use of diction is imagery. Without viewing the illustrations (although they certainly add to the poem) one can clearly picture the scene Frost is trying to paint. When he describes the woods as "lovely, dark and deep" I feel as though I can almost see and smell the enchanting forest. The power of his words creates a compelling sense of harmony within me.

In addition to Frost's masterful writing, Susan Jeffer's illustrations truly bring this poem to life. She uses a clever and effective technique throughout the book of using shades of grey to illustrate the background and filling in the human or animal elements of the poem with color. This allows the man who is recounting the poem to jump off the page in stark contrast to the nature scenes which blend into the background. I believe this was done purposefully to emphasize Frost's theme of taking the time to acknowledge the simple beauty of our environment. Futhermore, Jeffers also includes subtle animals drawn into the forest scenes which require the reader to stop and study in order to clearly see. This is another way of underscoring society's need to slow down, admire and value what we often do not see around us.


The combination of Robert Frost's elegant writing-style and Susan Jeffer's magificent illustrations produce an enduring text which is a must-have for anyone who appreciates quality literature.