Lisa's comments (member since Sep 16, 2008)

Lisa's comments from the Children's Literature Awards, LLED Fall 08 group.

October 29, 2008

Ms. Cuyler,
I am currently enrolled in the Elementary Education program at Penn State University. During my literacy course I was given the opportunity to create a literature award. The name of my award is the “Fearless Bill” award. I created this award in honor of my father, the only person I know that isn’t afraid of anything. The assignment meant that I would create an award nomination and my classmates were given the task of finding a children’s book that met the criteria. “Most children are afraid of something, whether it a monster under the bed or a stranger at the store. My hope was to find a book that clearly defines the fear of a child and how that fear was defeated.

I am pleased to announce the “100th Day Worries” was my award winning children’s book. Jessica’s worries seem so unimportant to many people, but as a mother of a worrier, I was able to connect with her. I could almost feel her anxiety and how hard it was for her not to know what to take to school for the 100th day. With the help and support of her family Jessica has solved her problem. I believe through this adventure Jessica realizes with the support and love of her family she will be able to conquer any frightening situation she may encounter.
Thank you for writing this story. I read it to my little worrier and I hope he also realized that he will be able conquer any fear with the support of his family. I know this is a story will definitely find a place in the library in my future classroom.

Sincerely,


Lisa Ickes

Every book nominated for this award was a pleasure to read. However the winning book touched a special place in my heart. As a mother of a worrier I could feel the stress that the main character felt. I know first hand how a little thing can make your life seem uncontrollable. My decision was tough, but I wanted to make sure that I chose a book that the main character was able to resolve his/her problem and what she learned from it. As Ralph Fletcher said, "Your ending is important-it's the last thing your reader will read."

My choice for the "Fearless Bill" award was 100th Day Worries written by Margery Cuyler. This book was nominated by Amanda Mitchell.

And the Winner Is.......

Every book nominated for this award was a pleasure to read. However the winning book touched a special place in my heart. As a mother of a worrier I could feel the stress that the main character felt. I know first hand how a little thing can make your life seem uncontrollable. My decision was tough, but I wanted to make sure that I chose a book that the main character was able to resolve his/her problem and what she learned from it. As Ralph Fletcher said, "Your ending is important-it's the last thing your reader will read."

My choice for the "Fearless Bill" award was 100th Day Worries written by Margery Cuyler. This book was nominated by Amanda Mitchell.

Miss Smith's Incredible Storybook

When Zack meets his second-grade teacher, Miss Smith, he can tellright away that her class will be different. But he has no idea just how different it will be! Miss Smith has a knack for telling tales: when she reads from her incredible book, the stories literally spring to life! Then one day Miss Smith is late for school. The principal takes over and things get out of hand. The classroom is swarming with storybook characters from princesses to pirates to the three little pigs! How will Zack and his classmates get them all back into their stories? All it takes is one spectacular teacher.

Ian's Walk: A Story About Autism

Tara and Julie, Ian's big sisters, take their brother, who is autistic, for a walk. Throughout the day Ian hears, smells, tastes and sees things differently than his sisters, sometimes annoying them. At one point Ian wanders away. They panic, but Julie closes her eyes and tries to think like Ian. Is he at the water fountain watching the stream of water gush past his eyes? Or is it the bell in the center of the park? She finds him ringing the bell. The sisters display their frustration but also compassion for their brother. This story provides an insight into the world of autism and how it affects the healthy family members.

17 Things I'm Not Allowed to Do Anymore

From stapling her brother's hair to the pillow to freezing a dead fly in the ice cube tray, the impish protagonist of 17 Things I'm Not Allowed to Do Anymore never rests. This unflappable mischief-maker leaves a trail of exasperated family members, teachers, and crossing guards in her wake, but somehow we suspect she will grow up just fine - as a brilliant writer or inventor, no doubt.

Love Is a Family

This is the story of a young girl being raised by her mother. She longs for a large noisy family like that of her friend. At the school family fun night, she sees all the different family combinations, and realizes it is love that makes a family.

My Friend Rabbit
When Mouse's airplane gets stuck in a tree, Rabbit enlists the help of all the neighborhood animals, large and small, to help get it out.

Big Words for Little Peoplee
This is a really cute book with great illustrations.
With grown-up words like cooperate, respect, patience and considerate, a big, boisterous and zany family celebrates the power of language and discovers that words—big or little—are the bridge that connects us all.

Shy Charles

Charles is the mousiest of mice proves that silent types sometimes can be the biggest heroes. Charles liked to play alone. He didn't speak to anyone. But when things become dangerous he knows just what to do.

Private and Confidential

Receiving a letter in the mail brings a special kind of thrill. A letter marked "private and confidential" is even more special. This story is about a girl, Laura, who receives a letter from her pen pal Malcolm. Laura finds out that Malcolm is almost blind. Laura is determined to learn to write a letter in Braille.

Alphabet Rescue by Audrey Wood

All the little letters from Charley's Alphabet are disappointed when the capital letters won't let them have fun with the grown-up fire truck.

Most children are afraid of something, whether it a monster under the bed or a stranger at the store. G.K. Chesterston said "Fairytales are more than true; not because they tell us that dragons can be beaten."

This book award is named for my father, the only person I know that isn't afraid of anything. Fearless Bill will be given to a children's picture book, published in the past 10 years, that tells a story of a child overcoming their fear. The book must clearly define the fear and tell of how that fear was defeated.

Please complete your nomination by Monday, October 13, 2008.