Another Important Book

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY

ANOTHER IMPORTANT BOOK

Author: Margaret Wise Brown

Illustrator: Chris Raschka

Publisher: Joanna Cotler Books

Year Published: 1999

ISBN: 0-06-026282-6

2. PLOT SUMMARY:
The beloved author of the classic, THE IMPORTANT BOOK, brings us another great story, only this time the subject is YOU and how important YOU are. This rhyming story reminds the youngest of readers that they are important at any age, particularly ages one through six. Children will quickly join in the repeating reminders about how important they are. Accomplishments for each age are highlighted in words as well as Raschka's colorful and engaging illustrations.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS:
I must admit that I have been a huge fan of the orginal IMPORTANT BOOK for years, so when I discovered this companion book, I was thrilled! Margaret Wise Brown's delightful rhyming pattern engages the youngest reader and allows them to discover the importance of whatever age they are, and even when you have "just begun," you are still making important discoveries about you. This book focuses in on important traits in children themselves, and would make a wonderful addition to a character development lesson. It is easy to see why Margaret Wise Brown's books are classics. Her simple, yet to the point, rhymes stay with you long after you have closed the book.

Chris Raschka's wonderful watercolor illustrations are perfect for this book. His illustrations start off simple, just as we do at age one. As the children in the story get older, we see the illustrations "grow" as well. The pictures become busier and even more colorful just as children do when they get older. The flowing lines and shapes allow your eyes to take in the entire picture and not miss a thing. I almost expected to see the figures move and dance about on the page as there is that much "movement" in Raschka's lines. Raschka used his own young son to help inspire him while creating the illustrations for the book. The delightful illustrations along with the rhyming of the text work together to create a wonderful piece of literature that every child should be exposed to.

4. REVIEW EXCERPTS:
From: SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: Raschka has done a lovely job of creating illustrations that capture the look and feel of books published during Brown's era."

From: PUBLISHER'S WEEKLY: A master at conveying emotion with a simple sweep of his watercolor brush, he (Raschka) launches a succession of sprightly imps to cavort against backdrops of mustard yellow, brick red and Prussian blue."

5. CONNECTIONS:
*The predictable pattern for this book lends itself to be "borrowed" as a writing pattern for young authors. Students can write their own "Important Book" about their lives highlighting special events throughout the first six years of their lives.
*Students can research Margaret Wise Brown and discuss the question, "Why do you think Brown's books appeal to children?"