Tag Archives: Tomie dePaola

Elementary

Emptying Oneself: A Review of ‘The Legend of Bluebonnet’

“Let us remember that love lives through sacrifice and is nourished by giving.  Without sacrifice, there is no love.” – St. Maximilian Kolbe

Reading Level

AR4.2 [0.5 points]

Interest Level

Grades 1-3

Review and Comments

The Legend of the Bluebonnet is definitely my favorite Tomie dePaola book.  This beautiful story shows how the selfless giving of an ordinary, little Comanche girl accomplishes something quite extraordinary and saves her people.

The Comanche people, especially the young and old, are suffering greatly during what seems like an endless drought.  They pray to the Great Spirits and ask what they must do to end this devastating trial.  The shaman also prays to the Great Spirits, and when he returns from his private prayer time, he tells them the drought is a result of their selfishness. They must sacrifice their most valued possessions as an offering, and then spread the ashes to the points of the earth.  If they do this, the drought and famine will end.  The People are relieved they have an answer.  They acknowledge their most prized possessions and talk about why each article is special, but in the end each person decides that the Great Spirits surely isn’t asking forhis or her particular item.

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Elementary, Preschool

TREASURED MEMORIES: A REVIEW OF ‘NANA UPSTAIRS AND NANA DOWNSTAIRS’

“You have taught me, O God, from my youth, and till the present I proclaim your wondrous deeds. And now that I am old and grey, O God, forsake me not, till I proclaim your strength to every generation that is to come.” – Psalm 71:17-18

Reading Level

3.4 AR [0.5 points]

Grade 3

Interest Level

Pre-K – Grade 2

Review and Comments

Nana Upstairs and Nana Downstairs is a true story based on Tomie dePaola’s early life.  His close relationship with his grandmothers is very touching.  Besides the obvious love Tommy has for his grandmothers, he also experiences the sad reality of grief from their deaths, which may be difficult for sensitive children.  During his healing however, he begins to understand that the love of his grandmothers is never lost or forgotten.  It will always be a cherished memory in his heart. 

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Elementary

A Simple Gift of Love: A Review of ‘The Clown of God’

 “I am not capable of doing big things, but I want to do everything, even the smallest things, for the greater glory of God.” – Saint Dominic Savio

Reading Level:  3.1 (according to Scholastic)

AR Reading Level:  3.7

Review and Comments:

The Clown of God is a story about Giovanni, a remarkable Italian juggler, who performed for royalty and became very famous.

Giovanni’s early life was definitely a harsh existence.  As a matter of fact, as a young boy Giovanni was an orphan who had to beg for food.  It was when he witnessed an ensemble of actors performing before an audience that a yearning began to grow in his heart.  He was begrudgingly given a chance to join the group after he demonstrated his amazing juggling skills.  He then added a bit of flare to his act by dressing as a clown. Continue reading A Simple Gift of Love: A Review of ‘The Clown of God’ →