LLED, Spring 2010 discussion

My award will be called the "Best Message Award." This award will be given to the author of the children's picture book that sends the best message. As Lukens states in A Critical Handbook of Children's Literature, "Big ideas may appear in stories for the young" (p 142). For example, a book that shows that a brother and a sister shouldn't fight but be friends instead, or shows the values of responsibility, volunteering, etc. Lukens also says, "Even a simple story can make a significant point" (p 54). This idea will not be lost in my award. All stories, big and small, will be considered. Nominations will be accepted until Thursday March 25, 2010




Winner- "If I Only Had a Green Nose" by Max Lucado

Martha in the Middle by: Jan Fearnley
I chose this book as a nomination because it deals with how middle children sometimes feel and it has a nice resolution with simple ideas a child could understand to help them understand why being a middle child is just as important as being the youngest or oldest. This book would make other children aware of this issue and perhaps be more sensitive to their middle sibling

Nomination for Katee: If I Only Had A Green Nose
By Max Lucado

If I Only Had A Green Nose is a tale about trying to fit in. Punchinello and his friends have their noses painted so that others accept them. They realize that they don’t want or need to be like everybody else, and it is okay to be oneself. The message in this story is that every person is unique and different, and being unique and different is okay. If I Only Had A Green Nose is an exemplary choice for the Best Message Award.

Nomination for Katee: Fathers, Mothers, Sisters, Brothers, A collection of Family Poems, by Mary Ann Hoberman

I nominated Fathers, Mothers, Sisters, Brothers, A collection of Family Poems, by Mary Ann Hoberman because I felt that it sent out a really good message. This book sends a good message about the relationships between family members. This book is a collection of family poems that are humorous and serious poems that celebrate every kind of family member. I feel that this book sends out a good message because it shows different values and responsibilities. From the description on the back of the book, “ What is a family? Who is a family? Either a lot or a few is a family; But whether there’s ten or there’s two in your family, all of your family plus you is a family!” The message in this book is that all kinds of people can make up a family for someone. I believe this particular book is a great nominee for this award because it sends out a good message.

I nominate Frog and Toad are Friends by Arnold Lobel for the “Best Message Award”. The book includes five short stories that show the power of friendship. No matter the time of year or issue at hand, Frog and Toad are always there for one another. They are each other’s best friends and are willing to do whatever is needed to live up to that title. Even if it means, Frog sending a letter or two in the mail to Toad who is upset that he never receives any letters or telling a story while the other is ill in bed. The book shows a power friendship can be found in any shape or form, even if you are a frog or a toad. As a result, I believe this particular book is a great nominee for this award.

Nomination for Katee: The Berenstain Bears and The Truth by Jan Berenstain.

Even though The Berenstain Bears series consists of many stories that teach a moral lesson, I nominated this story because it teaches an important one. This story is about the two young cubs breaking something of their mothers and then lying about who did it. It teaches the children that lying is bad and shows that there are consequences for your actions. It is important that children learn lessons, such as this, and I feel that Jan Berenstain portrayed it well.

Nomination for Katee: Dex The Heart of a Hero by Caralyn Buehner

I selected this story because the message is very powerful. Often kids are told that they can't do something because of their size, sex, weight, etc. This should never be the case and this story sends the message that you can do anything you set your mind to.

Dex is a small dog with big dreams of becoming a hero. Everyone laughs at him because of his size but Dex is determined to reach his goal. He works hard and in time the dreams to become a hero prove to become reality, when Superdog must save the day.

Nomination for Katee-Listen to Me by Barbara J. Neasi

Date: April 1, 2010
Mr. Max Lucado
UpWords
PO Box 692170
San Antonio, TX
78269-2170
Dear Max Lucado:
I am writing to you in order to fulfill the criteria of a college class assignment. In my LLED (Language and Literacy Education) class I had to make up a special award for a picture book. Once I had figured out what my award and the qualifications, the rest of my classmates were to nominate a book for my award. After they had selected some titles, I ended up with eight picture books to choose from. After reading all of the books that were nominated, I had a tough decision to make.
My award was titled “The Best Message Award.” The criteria that I gave to my classmates for this award were as follows: “This award will be given to the author of the children's picture book that sends the best message. As Lukens states in A Critical Handbook of Children's Literature, "Big ideas may appear in stories for the young" (p 142). For example, a book that shows that a brother and a sister shouldn't fight but be friends instead, or shows the values of responsibility, volunteering, etc. Lukens also says, "Even a simple story can make a significant point" (p 54). This idea will not be lost in my award. All stories, big and small, will be considered.” I really wanted to find a quality book that would send children a good message to learn from. A lot of children do not always get the best messages from their family at home, so I wanted to be able to bring some meaningful stories into my future classroom.
I chose your book “If Only I Had a Green Nose” because it sends the message that you don’t need to blend in with the crowd. Even if you try, by the time you’re caught up with one trend there’s a new trend already starting. So it’s good to just be yourself and be happy with who you are and the way you were made to be. I really think that this is an important message, especially now, because kids feel that they need to be like the popular kids in order to “be happy.” But really, they can be whoever they want to be and do whatever they want to do.
I hope that you accept this award on my behalf. You did a wonderful job at expressing a great message. The Illustrator also did a great job with the pictures. They really tie into your story. I commend you both on a wonderful book.
Sincerely,


Katee Budzinski