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3.57 AVERAGE
3.57 AVERAGE
An enchanting depiction of nature.
A little island experiences the seasons and a little cat learns its secret "a part of the world and a world of its own."
A little island experiences the seasons and a little cat learns its secret "a part of the world and a world of its own."
Caldecott winner, 1947
text shows the transition the island goes through as the seasons pass. An inquisitive kitten finds the island and all it has to offer.
text shows the transition the island goes through as the seasons pass. An inquisitive kitten finds the island and all it has to offer.
Even though this book was on a bookshelf in my house, from when I was a kid, I really don't remember it at all.
The artwork actually didn't hold a lot of meaning for me, even though it was pretty - so (depending on other books that year) I probably wouldn't have picked it for a Caldecott.
I liked the flow of the words, though, and the philosophical "aside" with the Island, the kitten, and the fish.
The artwork actually didn't hold a lot of meaning for me, even though it was pretty - so (depending on other books that year) I probably wouldn't have picked it for a Caldecott.
I liked the flow of the words, though, and the philosophical "aside" with the Island, the kitten, and the fish.
Interesting to see how favorite or lauded books change. This was first published in 1947, and the beat seems slower, the pictures muted and rolling in a different way than currently published books do. Might be interesting to do a unit on how stories change. And what pushes that change.
adventurous
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
The Little Island is a Caldecott Medal winning book—and for good reason. Its illustrations are perfect for the material. I especially love the range of blues that the illustrator Leonard Weisgard used.
As for the text, the reader is lulled by the cycle and seasons that come and go from the little island, not unlike the tides that come in and out. But, of course, life is not all ebb and flow—one day a kitten comes to the island and is very impressed with it. The philosophy underpinning this kitten's questioning is within a child's reach precisely because it is.. a kitten! The child may, like the kitten, wonder: how can I be me and yet be a part of my family? Have my own opinions and thoughts in my head, and yet be part of all of humanity?
This would be a great one to read and discuss with a thoughtful child.
As for the text, the reader is lulled by the cycle and seasons that come and go from the little island, not unlike the tides that come in and out. But, of course, life is not all ebb and flow—one day a kitten comes to the island and is very impressed with it. The philosophy underpinning this kitten's questioning is within a child's reach precisely because it is.. a kitten! The child may, like the kitten, wonder: how can I be me and yet be a part of my family? Have my own opinions and thoughts in my head, and yet be part of all of humanity?
This would be a great one to read and discuss with a thoughtful child.
I liked this book. I am always a fan of a cat in a story, but this was a neat little adventure. 1947 Caldecott winner
adventurous
reflective
relaxing
The Little Island is alone in a sea of crystal blue water, but enjoys the change of seasons. A little cat visits the island and learns something about nature. Flowers bloom, animals molt or have babies, birds migrate, and fruit ripens.
Margaret Wise Brown (best known perhaps for [bc:Goodnight Moon|32929|Goodnight Moon|Margaret Wise Brown|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1439223893s/32929.jpg|1086867]) wrote this book under the pen name of Golden MacDonald. It’s a very nice story that gives a young child an introduction to the natural world. Leonard Weisgard’s illustrations are beautifully rendered.
Margaret Wise Brown (best known perhaps for [bc:Goodnight Moon|32929|Goodnight Moon|Margaret Wise Brown|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1439223893s/32929.jpg|1086867]) wrote this book under the pen name of Golden MacDonald. It’s a very nice story that gives a young child an introduction to the natural world. Leonard Weisgard’s illustrations are beautifully rendered.
