The Camping Capers...

Please click on the link below to view THE CAMPING CAPERS by Joyce Harris-Thacker.

https://storybird.com/books/the-camping-capers/?token=yfdbf66ty9

THE CAMPING CAPERS by Joyce Harris-Thacker

Activity Guide:

Text 

1. The text of a children's book is usually organized into simple sentences and short paragraphs. How is the text organized in this picturebook? Explain whether this organization was sufficient for the story that this book is telling. 

2. Children's book authors often employ literary tools to help make the story more vivid in the reader’s minds. Commonly used literary tools are rhythm, alliteration, repetition, refrains, onomatopoeia, simile, personification, rhyme, and imagery. Identify three different areas in the text where a literary tool has been employed. For each example you identify, state the type of literary tool that is used and how the employment of the tool helps support the story. 

3. Identify two areas in the text that use a question or other device to help move the reader to the next page. 

Images

1. Some picture books have images on the front cover that presents the main conflict or point of the story. Identify two or more elements from the front cover of the book you are reviewing and explain how they relate to the story. 

2. What is the primary medium (collage, drawings, photographs, etc.) used in the images? 

3. Identify the image that in your opinion is the most effective in developing the story as a whole. Explain how two or more elements in the illustration help support and develop the story. 

4. Identify two elements that are repeated throughout a majority of the images. Explain how these elements support the story. 

5. Find an example of how the images and text work together to create irony, metaphor and/or metonymy. 

Characterization 

1. What is the easily identifiable dominant trait of the story's main character? 

2. Identify a character trait of the main character that is established through the text. 

3. Identify a character trait of the main character that is established through the images. 

4. Identify two character traits of the main character that young children identify or sympathize with. 

5. What was the main problem that the main character faces in the book? How is this problem similar to a problem that most children have faced before? 

6. Sometimes a children's book character will solve the main conflict on his or her own. How did the character in the book you selected turn to self-reliance to solve the main conflict of the story? 

Picturebook Draft and Checkpoint...

Several years ago, I started writing a series of children's books called "Copper County Calls". The object has been to develop different characters involved in law enforcement and emergency services for children to relate to by developing stories with a lesson that would be fun and exciting for children to read and learn. To date, I have finished three stories entitled Ranger Ray Saves the Day, Trooper Trey the Right Way, and Deputy Dave A Life to Save. Other stories under construction include:  Patrolman Pete Walks the Beat, Fireman Fred Sees Red, and Emmy EMT and Me.  

My picturebook for class will be Ranger Ray Saves the Day. I have included in this blog the text and a draft of the activity guide.  I hope that the words and imagery together, once finished, will portray a great story that children will enjoy and will teach a lesson about one aspect of the job as a park ranger. 

COPPER  COUNTY  CALLS  ADVENTURE  BOOK  SERIES

RANGER RAY SAVES THE DAY

The campfires are burning low

As daylight is letting go

Of another great day in the park

Fireflies are getting their start.

The moonlight glistens on the lake

As the boats on shore move with the wake.

Bullfrogs begin their evening song

Shadows taking form but not for long.

Ranger Ray is making his rounds

A thrash can bandit to be found.

Will there be four legs or two?

There will be no exception to the rules.

Making a mess around the park

Coming out only after dark

To scatter papers, food and cans

Forcing the rangers to take matters into their own hands.

A tasty treat waits inside

He can run but he can’t hide.

The trap is set and Ranger Ray will wait

For the evening bandit to take the bait.

Returning to the scene of the crime

Our nighttime crook is caught this time.

Mr. Raccoon is escorted to the wildlife area today

Thanks to the quick thinking of Ranger Ray.

Activity Guide:

Text 

1. The text of a children's book is usually organized into simple sentences and short paragraphs. How is the text organized in this picturebook? Explain whether this organization was sufficient for the story that this book is telling. 

2. Children's book authors often employ literary tools to help make the story more vivid in the reader’s minds. Commonly used literary tools are rhythm, alliteration, repetition, refrains, onomatopoeia, simile, personification, rhyme, and imagery. Identify three different areas in the text where a literary tool has been employed. For each example you identify, state the type of literary tool that is used and how the employment of the tool helps support the story. 

3. Identify two areas in the text that use a question or other device to help move the reader to the next page. 

Images

1. Some picture books have images on the front cover that presents the main conflict or point of the story. Identify two or more elements from the front cover of the book you are reviewing and explain how they relate to the story. 

2. What is the primary medium (collage, drawings, photographs, etc.) used in the images? 

3. Identify the image that in your opinion is the most effective in developing the story as a whole. Explain how two or more elements in the illustration help support and develop the story. 

4. Identify two elements that are repeated throughout a majority of the images. Explain how these elements support the story. 

5. Find an example of how the images and text work together to create irony, metaphor and/or metonymy. 

Characterization 

1. What is the easily identifiable dominant trait of the story's main character? 

2. Identify a character trait of the main character that is established through the text. 

3. Identify a character trait of the main character that is established through the images. 

4. Identify two character traits of the main character that young children identify or sympathize with. 

5. What was the main problem that the main character faces in the book? How is this problem similar to a problem that most children have faced before? 

6. Sometimes a children's book character will solve the main conflict on his or her own. How did the character in the book you selected turn to self-reliance to solve the main conflict of the story? 

https://storybird.com/books/the-camping-capers/?token=yfdbf66ty9

Above is the link to my picturebook.  I had to make some changes as I developed it in Storybird, so my story as I wrote it originally is somewhat different.  You learn a lot as you go; and obviously, that is the object here.  If I was going to publish in PowerPoint or with an illustrator, I would emphasize Ranger Ray as the main character.  I had to downplay Ranger Ray when using Storybird because of the group of pictures I selected as I was looking for a raccoon .  When I went to a lake or camping group, there weren't any pictures of raccoons.  I kept thinking that I could select from different groupings and put them together, but found that I couldn't do that.  However,  I have to say, though, that it was amazing how this selection of pictures fit my storyline.  I loved the way it turned out, and I hope you do as well.   As you can tell from the link, the title changed to The Camping Capers. I hope that this blog entry is not too confusing. I am leaving my original blog entry when I starting the Picturebook Draft and Checkpoint blog earlier this week.  I think it is important that you know where I started and how I ended up here.    

Life...

Please click on the link below to view my StoryBird called Life...

http://storybird.com/books/life-1035/?token=8sb62wkxtu

1. Identify the image that in your opinion is the most effective in developing the story as a whole and explain why it was effective. Did the image and written narrative interact in a way that created irony, metaphor and/or metonymy?

The cover page with the owl sitting in the tree looking quite scared and transfixed begs to ask the question "Whoo am I"?  I think we ask that question of ourselves from the beginning of life to the end, because "who we are" is a life process, ever evolving.  Irony, metaphor and metonymy are all rolled up into one when we think that not only is an owl the epitome of wise, the sound that an owl makes is univerally considered to ask the question "Who".  The irony is that the owl is asking the question for us as human beings going forward in the poem, but as human beings we need to ask and answer that question of ourselves.  

This page to me symbolizes the beginning of life and shows the owl with her offspring with her back turned as she presents her babies into the circle of life facing the sun.  They will have to make their own way and discover their own purpose.  

3. Explain how two or more elements in the illustration help support and develop the story.

Continuing throughout the circle of life, we will find that a little rain will fall.  We will need to protect and brace ourselves for the storms of life.  

The seasons of life might be brutal for some of us; yet, if we prepare and persevere, we can weather anything that comes our way.

I used the owl throughout the poem and the seasons representing different stages in life that help us place ourselves within the circle and stages of life personified by our little owl.  

4. Identify two elements that are repeated throughout a majority of the images. Explain how these elements support the story. 

I used the owl, the circles of life, and the seasons to effectively yield support by the use of imagery connected to text throughout the picturebook to tell the story of life and that each of us have a unique purpose. Ultimately, I believe we are all created to love, and we discover what that means to each of us throughout the circle of our lives.  

Picturebook Review...

DAVID GOES TO SCHOOL

BY

DAVID SHANNON

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RHycHdllUrk

Area A: Text

1. The text of a children's book is usually organized into simple sentences and short paragraphs. How is the text organized in the book that you have chosen to review? Explain whether this organization was sufficient for the story that this book is telling. 

The Text in this picturebook is written on elementary school paper which is a great effect.  The statements are very short and direct and point out what David should or shouldn't be doing.  It is very significant for this story since children at this age are just learning very short sentences. 

2. Children's book authors often employ literary tools to help make the story more vivid in the readers’ minds. Commonly used literary tools are rhythm, alliteration, repetition, refrains, onomatopoeia, simile, personification, rhyme, and imagery. Identify three different areas in the text where a literary tool has been employed. For each example you identify, state the type of literary tool that is used and how the employment of the tool helps support the story. 

Repetition is used very effectively in this picturebook in the use of directives of rules that David needs to adhere to and the use of repetitive imagery of the text is presented written on the school writing paper.  David is personified as the epitome of rule-breaking at school.

 3. Identify two areas in the text that use a question or other device to help move the reader to the next page.  

Once again David is out of seat and ready to take a trip to the bathroom.

There is little doubt that David was the last one to finish since he is out of his seat more than he is in it.

Area B:  Illustrations

1. Some picture books have images on the front cover that presents the main conflict or point of the story. Identify two or more elements from the front cover of the book you are reviewing and explain how they relate to the story. 

It is very obvious from the cover that David is breaking the rules.  He is standing at the front of the class where the teacher should be and getting ready to fly a paper airplane that he obviously has worked very hard on instead of doing classwork.  

2. What is the primary medium (collage, drawings, photographs, etc.) used in the images? 

The primary medium is drawings.  These drawings are so typical of elementary students and school settings.  It is highly effective.  

3. Identify the image that in your opinion is the most effective in developing the story as a whole. Explain how two or more elements in the illustration help support and develop the story. If you can, insert a screenshot of the image into your blog. 

This picture showing the rules also shows David jumping and dancing over top of and all over the rules

4. Identify two elements that are repeated throughout a majority of the images. Explain how these elements support the story. If you can, insert a screenshot into your blog. 

Certainly, the pictures and images show David doing something in almost every frame that he shouldn't be doing.  That is very consistent.  The framing is consistent as well in that you focus on the picture in the foreground but also have the benefit of the text on school writing paper somewhere on the page making it clear what rule he is breaking.

5. Find an example of how the images and text work together to create irony, metaphor and/or metonymy. If you can, insert a screenshot of the image into your blog. 

Oh, how I love the background school paper with the words "I will not disturb class".  The irony is priceless. To be sure, David is probably writing a hundred of those sentences!

Area C:  Characterization

1. What is the easily identifiable dominant trait of the story's main character?

He can't still still long enough to get his work done.  He had to stay after school.

2. Identify a character trait of the main character that is established through the text.

David is a rule breaker.

3. Identify a character trait of the main character that is established through the images.

David can't be still (his mouth is always open), and he can't sit still.

4. Identify two character traits of the main character that young children identify or sympathize with. 

Young children can definitely identify with David in not being able to sit still or be still in school.  They just have to it seems get out of their seats.  They also can't seem to keep their hands off of each other.

5. What was the main problem that the main character faces in the book? How is this problem similar to a problem that most children have faced before? 

David just can't seem to behave at school.  It appears that school has probably just started, hence the title; and as with most students, it takes a little while at the beginning of school to get used to sitting and being quiet. It's usually very prevalent right when school first starts or after a break.

6. Sometimes a children's book character will solve the main conflict on his or her own. How did the character in the book you selected turn to self-reliance to solve the main conflict of the story?

Problem solved.  David got to go home.  He was skipping and appeared to be quite happy!

Voices in the Park: A Modern Picturebook...

1.  Explain why Voices in the Park is an example of postmodern picturebook.

Voices in the Park as with many other picturebooks allows the student to read at their own pace, to go back and review, to stop and explore, and to reflect and experience this wonderful and unique exposure to the world of reading and beyond.  Voices in the Park as with other picturesbooks are not dictated by technology, even though it is developed beautifully by technology, and can easily transport the youngster into the pages by the extraordinary use of multimodal ensembles.

2.  Give examples of how at least three of the picturebook codes listed on page 78 are used in Voices in the Park.

Code of Perspective is realized on the very first slide where Mummy, son Charles and Victoria the lab are walking down the sidewalk headed to the park.  As they are walking along, the rules of linear perspective is evident by their horizontal placement and the effect of them walking out of the frame's vision emphasizes our perspective using vanishing point influence.  The effect is that we are experiencing them moving closer to the park and getting excited about that.

Code of Position is represented in the slide where Mum, Charles and Victoria arrive at the park.  They are in the center of the frame, so we focus our attention on them.  Another element of position represented in this frame involves the other people walking and walking their dogs on the paths in the background.  They are smaller in size by virtue of their position in the picture.  However, they also help set the scene and our perspective of the scene.

Code of Color is made evident in the scene where Mummy cannot find Charles and she is hollering for him. Her head and face fill the screen with lots of color from her hat which extends beyond the frame lines.  Her eyes are so large and white reflecting the fear she is experiencing because she doesn't see Charles.

3.  Identify and explain the type of "interplay" between the written word and visual images on one of the pages in Voices in the Park.  

On the page where Mum, Charles and Victoria arrive at the park, and Mum is getting him off his leash so he can run and play, the written words and visual images are symmetrical and enhancing. The visual images parallel the text and they are enhanced as well by the people walking along the trail in the background and walking their dogs.  It is a great effect.

4.  Identify the art movement or technique that is being used in Voices in the Park.

The art movement is post modern.  The use of words is a central element with a simple collage of art enhanced by multimedia motion.

5.  Conduct an Ideological Analysis and Structural Analysis of Voices in the Park.  What is the message?  Provide evidence from images to support your opinion (i.e. pp 86, 87, 89). 

The structure of the picture pages in Voices in the Park is very important as it brings the characters to the forefront so you understand they are the focus.  In almost all the pictures there is background that enhances the scene giving the viewer a fuller conception of what the story is about. It reminds me of looking into an old 3-D viewfinder with added motion. For example, beginning with the journey to the park, the characters are in the forefront but in the background the scene shows a snapshot of the neighborhoods they are coming from to get to the park.  The same can be said for the return trip.  Another example I really liked is the scene where Smudge's dad is letting the do loose and says the dog really loves it there at the park.  You sense that it is a fun place, and that is brought more to life by "Mary Poppins" flying by in the background.

The ideological analysis of of Voices in the Park renders perceptions of the different characters as to the trip to the park.  Scenes from the different characters depict what was important to them when they took the dog to the park.  For instance, in the scene where Mummy caught sight of Charles way down the path surrounded by trees, she said that he was a rough-looking child even though you could barely see the children.  A similar scene of the path lined by the trees narrated by Smudge shows Charles and Smudge surrounded by a bright light at the end of a dark pathway, and Smudge is quite happy that Charlie gave her a flower.

Analyzing Visual Images and Design in Picturebooks...

Begin by considering the format of the images and their placement in the picturebook.

Where is the text located? Within the image? Separated by borders or white space, Why?

In all the frames the text is located parallel to the picture in a white space similar to a margin.  Neither the picture nor text is bordered.  I think it represents a linear view giving each their own importance on the page but the lack of border represents blending of the medium so you connect the two.  

Are the illustrations double page spreads, single page images, collages, overlapping images, or portraits? Consider the series of images in the picturebook. Do the images change over the course of the book? Do they get bigger, smaller, change?

The pages are single page spreads and single page images.  The images do not overlap nor are they collages. They are basically portraits with motions embedded.  The picture sizes do change, not substantially.  However, the changes are representative of landscape and portrait settings where the author is wanting the viewer to have a more narrow view or a broader view into the scene.  These variations in picture size evokes an emotional response such as fear when you are peering into the narrow expanse of the forest or down the narrow path where you can barely see Charles who is temporarily lost from Mum's sight.  Then the opposite is true when Mum's forbidding stature fills a larger screen. 

What is fore-grounded and in the background?
Two of the main characters are in the fore-ground and a wooded section of the park is in the background.

Consider the path your eyes follow as you approach the image. What catches your eye first? Why is that element salient?

What catches your eye is the separation between the man and woman characters in the fore-front.  The separator is a light post (I believe).  This path stands out in order to illustrate that Mum is uncomfortable and putting distance between her and the dad on the bench. 

 

What colors dominate the image? What effect does this have on you as reader?

There is a vivid contrast between the colorful and expensive clothes that Mum is wearing and the dark inconspicuous clothes that Smudge's dad is wearing. It lends credence to the trepidation that Mum is feeling.

Consider the use of white (negative) space. Are the illustrations framed or full bleed? How does this position you as a viewer?
The illustration is not framed. The illustration is full bleed which pulls the viewer into the scene.
 
What is the reality value or level of abstraction? Are the images life-like or stick figures?
The images are very life-like, and a very low level of abstraction.  

Are there any recurring patterns in the images?

There are shadows in this picture and similar ominous recurrences throughout the picturebook and in particular with Mum's narration.

 
Are there any anomalous elements? Things that stick out, or seem out of place? Are these important to consider?
In this picture, I mentioned earlier that the light post created a visual path and appeared to be positioned quite out of place or not normal in the scene.  It certainly appears to separate the two characters which resembles putting up a barrier. 

What is the artist trying to get you to look at through leading lines, colors, contrast, gestures, lighting?

I think the artist is trying to get the viewer to understand that Mum is very uncomfortable here in the park.  The character sitting beside her is someone she should keep a distance from.  There are shadows in the trees behind her, and she can't see Charles.  She is quite nervous.  Even the trees look like they have faces that are saying "ooh".  

Are there any recurring symbols or motifs in the images?

Probably the most prominent is the appearance of things being hidden or in the shadows.  Besides the stigma of the dark forest, the dad looks like he's hiding under his hat and dark glasses and behind his paper.  

Consider the style or artistic choices? Are they appropriate, and how do they add to the meanings of the picturebook?

The style is postmodern and yields realistic photography.  In this day and age of dangers lurking around each corner and in the park, there is cause for safety concern.

How are the images framed? Are there thick borders or faded edges?

This image and the others in the picturebook are not framed and are full bleeds which usually draws the viewer into the scene.

Consider the setting of the story. How is this realized in the images? Realistically? Metaphorically?

Well, it's pretty realistic if you don't take into consideration that the characters are not people.  In that case, it's a metaphor.

Consider size and scale. What is large? Why are certain elements larger than others? Does this add to meanings of power, control?

Mum is standing up and appears to be larger than the dad that is sitting down who seems to be cowering slightly and hiding behind his paper.  Certainly, Mum is wanting to appear in control of this situation.

Consider the viewers point of view. Do characters directly gaze or address the viewer? Are the characters close up or distanced? How does point of view add to relationships with the characters?

As viewers, we are looking at the characters who are pretty close in the fore-front, but they are not looking at the viewers. We feel like we are privy to the scene and can almost feel the tension in the air.  

Perception...

http://www.authorstream.com/Presentation/jharristhacker-2190867-bird-plane/

Foundation Processes

"Perception plays a central role in our understanding of the world."

Perception is a dynamic process, no longer considered passive, and what each person pays attention to and is able to understand is guided by their own knowledge and experience. Students bring meaning and understanding to what they see thereby developing their own perception.  Perception serves as our lense. Representation is the medium.  Interpretation is the process of making sense of it all.  We are always bound by our senses and interpretations which is dominated by our ideology.  

Understanding Multimodality

"What was once considered writing is now viewed as assembling, or designing and composing various modes and semiotic resources into apt configurations for representing particular meanings."

We are moving from page to screen which is changing the way students and teachers react to materials.  Taking into account that perception drives the train, how the ensemble is put together is vitally important.

Elements of Art, Design, and Visual Composition

"A rose may not symbolize the same thing from one social context to another."

The key term here is 'symbolize' which is tied directly to perception.  In different cultures there are varied symbolic representations.  Here in the United States, we develop different symbols representative of images or words that likely are not the same in other countries of the world.  However, there are many places here in our own country that colloquisums and other social influences contribute to the meaning and perception of visual literacy concepts. I am always amazed at the different pronunciations of the same words throughout certain sounthern and northern areas and communities across the state of West Virginia. I believe we can draw parallels between the audible word and visual texts because what the eyes see and and what the ears hear are influenced by social context. 

Images

Below are two multimodal images that are very symbolic and do a good job of visually expressing an idea or concept.  I just couldn't pick one, because I liked both equally well.

Cell Phone

My perception of the cell phone image is that it reflects the tools it provides to the user such as a desk, a notepad, a carry case, a trashcan, a clock, the world/maps, a typewriter, a calendar, a camera, books of information, and more.  Certainly, the image could be looked at differently and just be viewed as a picture of an office area. However, I think the visual message is very effective and very cool as a picture within a picture.  The background is likely a screen shot or a Goggle image and the forefront is a picture of a phone showing the background image.  I think the splashes of color in the background image with black and white being more prevalent suggests days of old are now absorbed into the new age.  

The Arts

This image is reflective of the many forms of art including ballet, stage drama, music, theatre, and painting. Each embedded image is symbolic of its particular form of art.  I think it displays a great message in a very artistic manner emphasizing the beauty and expression of art and the many ways that art is reflected and shared with the world.  

http://www.authorstream.com/Presentation/jharristhacker-2190867-bird-plane/