2008-2009 Bluebonnet Nominee and Texas 2X2 (5)

One Potato, Two Potato
by Cynthia DeFelice

This 2008-2009 Texas Bluebonnet Award Nominee is a story of a poor, elderly couple, Mr. and Mrs. O’Grady, who no longer have anyone but each other since their children had grown up and ventured into the world to lead their own lives. In One Potato, Two Potato by Cynthia DeFelice, this couple lived simply. The O’Grady's also share one potato per day. “Mr. and Mrs. O'Grady were so poor they dug one potato from their little garden every day, called it breakfast, lunch, and supper, and considered themselves lucky to have it.” Even though the couple loved each other dearly, more than anything they each wished for a friend. One day, while Mr. O'Grady was digging, he uncovers a giant pot, which he put the potato in and carried home. The couple eventually discovers the pot's magic powers: whatever goes inside the pot automatically doubles. Then hilarious chaos results when Mrs. O'Grady trips into the pot, and her husband pulls out - you guessed it - two Mrs. O'Gradys. With the presence of an extra wife, he throws himself into the pot, to create not only a husband for the second Mrs. O'Grady, but a friend for himself as well. Now that the O’Gradys’ have friends, they rebury the pot for someone else to find. I thought it was unusual to see elderly people as main characters in a picture book, but the intended message will certainly be understood by young children. This sweet book tugs at the heartstrings while it celebrates friendship. This is also a good one to prompt discussions of: What would you like to double if you had a magic pot? Or discovery of wants and needs.


Up, Down, and Around
by Katherine Ayres

This Texas 2X2 is a great introduction to the process of growing vegetables for young readers. In Up, Down, and Around by Katherine Ayres, a little boy and his family plant seeds and then we are surprised to find out which vegetables grow “up”, “down”, and “around.” With simple text and colorful, entertaining illustrations, this celebration of an abundant garden is prone to encourage children to consider that having a vegetable garden might be fun. Children can learn how vegetables grow and they will see how vegetable gardens are alive with little creatures, flowers, birds, and people, trying to control zucchini and tomato plants. Best of all, when the vegetables are ripe, the boy and his family get to enjoy the fruits of their labor. This book reminded me of the Hidden Valley commercial, where in a perfect world, all the kids are eating their vegetables. This is a delightful book that if it does not interest students in planting, it will definitely leave them wanting a snack.


Very Hairy Bear
by Alice Schertle

This Texas 2X2 takes the reader season by season as the hairy bear prepares for hibernation. In Very Hairy Bear by Alice Schertle, this hairy bear, with no hair on his nose, perseveres through bee stings, angry squirrels, and cold river water to stock up for winter. I believe nature-loving kids will enjoy following the hairy bear throughout the year, and will learn the very simple way bears keep their noses warm during the long winter months. I felt the wonderful, soft illustrations done in pastels, by Matt Phelan add calmness to this beautiful book and enhance the gentle story-line. This book will allow students to discuss seasons as the hairy bear gets ready for winter, overcoming obstacles as the bear did, and making preparations for inclement weather as we do for hurricane season.



Babies in the Bayou
by Jim Arnosky

Babies in the Bayou, by Jim Arnosky, is a great visual to portray mothers’ protection of their young. This 2008-2009 Texas 2X2 book beautifully illustrates the Southern marshlands with animals in their natural habitats scouring for food while trying not to become someone else’s meal. This would be a great book to use for science in lower elementary grade levels to emphasize habitats or an animal unit. I felt this book could also be seen as an informational picture book for young readers. I did enjoy this book because of its simple text and rich depictions of the bayou. It very much reminds me of some parts of Louisiana.



Lily Brown's Paintings
by Angela Johnson

This picture book is the story of Lily Brown who loses herself through her imagination of her paintings. Lily Brown’s Paintings by Angela Johnson is also a celebration of family as her adventures begin and end with her two parents and baby brother no matter where her drawings take her. This would be an excellent book to use in creative writing because of the language to add details. I like this 2008-2009 Texas 2X2 book for the sheer presence of creativity and freedom of expression through art. So many times, in teaching we are focused on the reading, mathematics, science, etc. As children get older, we wonder why creativity can not be shown and why the joy of art is lost? It is stifled through core subjects and often times difficult to work in. I’ll get off my art soapbox now. Sorry!