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Humor: Pick it and Analyze it...
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From: Karen L. Simonetti <karensue>
Date: Sun, 3 May 1998 09:51:32 -0500
You all have been providing such great titles (and memories) of humor in children's books that I feel compelled to step up to the plate and mention two of my all time favorites. Honestly, every time I just think of these titles I start to giggle....
1. -Marvin Redpost: Why Pick On Me?For those unfamiliar with this title, out hero Marvin (second grader?) is caught picking his nose in class! At the same time, Marvin has the deadline pressure of finishing his science survey project. The author captures the feeling that (I, at least remember) of fitting in and wanting to do good in school at this tender young age. Marvin comes up with a brilliant game plan! He will survey the entire class (including his teacher) to determine whether or not they pick their noses. Of course, everyone but the school bully answers, "Yes!"
I'll admit it...I do recall picking my nose (although maybe not in class) at that age and Marvin takes such an ordinary (yet not to be discussed) personal habit and exposes it for all its worth. A definite 4 star roar!
2. -Anatasia, Ask Your AnalystAdmittedly, I'm not super thrilled with all of Lowry's titles in this series. But, this intermediate grade book sums up the dynamics of the family and this young girl. Here, our hero Anatasia wants to have a
"reasonable conversation" with her about seeing an analyst. But, alas she is turned down. Not to be stymied, Anatasia finds an alternative. She finds a plaster bust of Freud and begins keeping a science project diary
(the diary in inset in diary form text) and begins: "I also have a psychiatrist. His name is Freud. His is dead. But there is no need to be grossed out by that because with some psychiatrists it doesn't seem to matter much if they are alive or dead."
I suppose what I like best about both these titles is that they are so easily to imagine as "true life events" which could be totally awful, yet the authors capture the spirit of success through humor. And always having that sense of humor is something that young readers need to recognize as a good and necessary part of life.
Karen Sue...running to find a tissue and checking out if my "bunny puppet" works as well as a bust of Freud...
Karen L. Simonetti
email: karensue at mcs.net
phone: 312.337.7114
"Walk gently, breathe peacefully, laugh hysterically."
Nelson Mandela, 1994 Inaugural Speech
Received on Sun 03 May 1998 09:51:32 AM CDT
Date: Sun, 3 May 1998 09:51:32 -0500
You all have been providing such great titles (and memories) of humor in children's books that I feel compelled to step up to the plate and mention two of my all time favorites. Honestly, every time I just think of these titles I start to giggle....
1. -Marvin Redpost: Why Pick On Me?For those unfamiliar with this title, out hero Marvin (second grader?) is caught picking his nose in class! At the same time, Marvin has the deadline pressure of finishing his science survey project. The author captures the feeling that (I, at least remember) of fitting in and wanting to do good in school at this tender young age. Marvin comes up with a brilliant game plan! He will survey the entire class (including his teacher) to determine whether or not they pick their noses. Of course, everyone but the school bully answers, "Yes!"
I'll admit it...I do recall picking my nose (although maybe not in class) at that age and Marvin takes such an ordinary (yet not to be discussed) personal habit and exposes it for all its worth. A definite 4 star roar!
2. -Anatasia, Ask Your AnalystAdmittedly, I'm not super thrilled with all of Lowry's titles in this series. But, this intermediate grade book sums up the dynamics of the family and this young girl. Here, our hero Anatasia wants to have a
"reasonable conversation" with her about seeing an analyst. But, alas she is turned down. Not to be stymied, Anatasia finds an alternative. She finds a plaster bust of Freud and begins keeping a science project diary
(the diary in inset in diary form text) and begins: "I also have a psychiatrist. His name is Freud. His is dead. But there is no need to be grossed out by that because with some psychiatrists it doesn't seem to matter much if they are alive or dead."
I suppose what I like best about both these titles is that they are so easily to imagine as "true life events" which could be totally awful, yet the authors capture the spirit of success through humor. And always having that sense of humor is something that young readers need to recognize as a good and necessary part of life.
Karen Sue...running to find a tissue and checking out if my "bunny puppet" works as well as a bust of Freud...
Karen L. Simonetti
email: karensue at mcs.net
phone: 312.337.7114
"Walk gently, breathe peacefully, laugh hysterically."
Nelson Mandela, 1994 Inaugural Speech
Received on Sun 03 May 1998 09:51:32 AM CDT
