Caldecott and Caldecott Honor Books

There was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly

Written and Illustrated By Simms Taback
Taback, S. (1997). There was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly. New York: Scholastic INC.
Genre: Fantasy
Recommended Ages: 5-8 years old
Awards Received: Caldecott Honor Book (1998)
Summary: This sing-songy book is about an old lady who swallows the fly. As the story develops the old lady swallows more things to catch the fly.
Personal Reflection: This book, with its outstanding pictures and cut out holes, leaves the students wanting more. When I read this to the class, I have to show the pictures very slowly because Taback’s illustrations are so involved. The students love the predictable text as the book’s pattern grows. This book has many teaching points. The most obvious is sequencing events. Students are able to understand the concept of sequencing events through an exciting, predictable text.
Recommendation: I would recommend this book for purchase in a school library because it has the predictability that young readers need and creative illustrations to guide the students in their own writing.

The Spider and the Fly

Written By: Mary Howitt
Illustrated By: Tony DiTerlizzi
Howitt, M. (2002). The Spider and the Fly. New York: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers.
Genre: Fantasy
Recommended Ages: 7 – 10 years old
Awards Received: Caldecott Honor Book, ALA Notable Children’s Books
Summary: In this poem, the spider is trying to convince the fly to come into her house, but the fly knows that she should not go in because the spider will eat her. The fly was finally trapped when the spider complemented her.
Personal Reflection: This story has a great life lesson, do not give in to flattering words, that is well suited for middle and upper elementary aged children. Its illustrations in tones of black and white strike the reader and keep them engaged. The rhythm of the poetry helps to move along the story. While reading, the teacher has many lessons to teach from this book. Such as: poetry, rhyming, details in pictures, and life lessons.
Recommendation: I would recommend this book for purchase in the library because it has valuable teaching points, mentioned above.