The Mitten

Wow!  I can't believe that I'm just now encouraging you to read The Mitten.  This is another one in that building list of "must reads"!  Which edition should you check out?  Hmmmmm, well, I leave that for you to decide.  Around here we have two favorites:

The Mitten, A Ukrainian Folktale adapted and illustrated by Jan Brett (c. 1989), is arguably Brett's best work.  There's something for everyone is this edition.  The younger set will enjoy the simplicity and humor of the tale while the older set will pick up on the additional narratives "told" in Brett's right and left sidebar illustrations.

Note: The youngest's preK class enjoyed it all last week -- first through reading and then through a hands-on coloring / sequencing activity, which you can download and print too.  Have your children color, cut, then reinact the story by stuffing their own mitten full of forest animals from these pages on Jan Brett's website: http://janbrett.com/put_the_animals_in_the_mitten.htm 

You also can't go wrong with The Mitten An Old Ukrainian Folktale retold by Alvin Tresselt and illustrated by Yaroslava (c. 1964).  Yaroslava's simple yet vibrant illustrations feel "old world" and lend a sort of different sort of credibility to the tale.

Either way, readers, I'd love to hear your preference!  Which story do your kids like best?

Hedgie's Surprise

Hedgie's Surprise (c. 2000) remains my favorite of all of Jan Brett's elaborately illustrated tales.  I know, that's saying a lot!  I encourage you to put me to the test, especially if you've never read this title before.  Hedgie holds a unique charm of intricate needle-pointed boarders, framing Brett's trademark Scandinavian settings, detailed in watercolor illustrations.  And what's more, it's a perfect tale for spring.

Poor Henny hen quickly tires of Tomten elf stealing her eggs for his breakfast.  Insult adds to injury when she sees Goosey-Goosey out with her brood of goslings.  The kids and I just love the humorous and satisfactory ending of Henny's tale, thanks, of course, to Hedgie's clever strategy.  Read Jan Brett's notes outlining her inspirations for Hedgie's Surprise here: http://www.janbrett.com/newsnotes/hedgies_surprise_newsnotes.htm.


Oh, and be sure to enter the most recent give-away by Friday!  Just click here: http://readmeastorynow.blogspot.com/2011/04/give-away-4.html