The Pineapple Pages

Author: Liz Garton Scanton Illustrator: Maria Frazee Awards: Caldecott Medal Ages: Pre-K- 4th grade Pineapple Points: 3/5 🍍🍍🍍 Summary: An observation of the earth and its similarities in all parts and regions. A comparison of all the animals and the unique ability to grow crops all over the world. All of the world's inhabitants share the same struggles, every ocean have boats and waves of blue. All the world shares comparisons that shows everyone deserves hope, peace, love, and trust. Evaluation: Simplistic words that are exemplified by the artwork that surrounds them. The book comes off as a religious book but during further investigation I determined it was purely about the simple things in life that we take for granted. It has simple words for young children but a large meaning for older audiences.

Author/Illustrator: David Wisiewski Awards: Caldecott Medal Ages: 1st-5th Pineapple Points: 4/5 🍍🍍🍍🍍 Summary: In Prague, Jewish people were being oppressed and were put into gated slums. This prejudice was based of ignorance, and Judah Leow was determined to end the "Blood Lie". This would protect his people. He created Golam, a prophesied giant formed from clay. Golam did what he what he was created for, but once told he was to be returned to clay, was sad for his life to end. Golam loved life and all the little things everyone else took for granted. The Rabbi had to end his life and put his unmolded clay body behind locked doors for him to maybe be awakened if religious justice ever be needed. Evaluation: A Jewish legend told beautifully with accompanying paper crafted illustrations. Harsh themes may be hard for children to handle and adults to discuss. The cultural insight it gives is very enticing if choosing to give this book to children.

Illustrator: Jerry Pinkney Awards: Caldecott Medal 2010 Ages: Pre-K- 2nd Grade Pineapple Points: 5/5 🍍🍍🍍🍍🍍 Summary: A small mouse is trying to escape a hungry owl when he finds himself in the claws of a gracious lion. The lion decided to let his little mouse prey go. When wondering his territory the lion gets entangled in some poachers' net. He let out a ferocious roar out of fear and anger and helplessness. The tiny mouse heard his cries and came to gnaw him free from his ropes to repay him for previously letting him live. Evaluation: I would most definitely use this book in a classroom. The author left out text so that the reader would have to infer what was happening in the story and it also has a great message. It would be great for grades Pre-Kindergarten to Second grade. This would be a great work to teach foreshadowing and making inferences.