1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Montgomery, Sy. 2006. THE GOOD GOOD PIG: THE EXTRAORDINARY LIFE OF CHRISTOPHER HOGWOOD. Detriot, MI: Thorndike Press. ISBN 0786289511
2. PLOT SUMMARY
Sy Montgomery is a naturalist who would spend many months living on her own in remote areas, such as the Amazon. Montgomery reveals her life with a family pet named Christopher Hogwood. “Christopher Hogwood came home on my lap in a shoebox. He was a creature who would prove in many ways to be more human than I am.” Christopher not only survived his runt beginnings of seven pounds, but also flourished into a seven hundred and fifty pound hog. The life and times of Christopher Hogwood is inspiring to all readers. During Christopher’s fourteen years of life, he taught the rural New Hampshire community many lessons which includes, supporting your community, the value of family and friends, the ability to be self-accepting, and never giving up. After reading this book, I will never eat pork again.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
THE GOOD GOOD PIG is a wonderful chronicle of a pig named Christopher Hogwood. This narrative acquaints the reader with Christopher Hogwood and Sy Montgomery’s life story. This book includes interesting facts about pigs and pig lore. For instance, there are more than three hundred different breeds from around the world, from the fat Poland China developed in Ohio to the long-bodied Yorkshire from England. From New Zealand breeders come the small, docile Kune-Kunes, with cute dewlaps hanging from the lower jaw. From the Austro-Hungarian Empire came the fleecy-coated Swallow-Bellied Mangalitsa, bred for meat suited to Hungarian salami” In addition, “For their strength and cunning, wild pigs were emulated by warrior, invoked by wizards, consulted by soothsayers. In pre-Christian Europe, fortune-tellers looked into the fresh livers of pigs to see the future, for it was said their organs reflected the divine rays sent down by the gods.”
This book consists of six-paged colored photographs, which informs the reader of interesting tidbits about Christopher Hogwood. For example, on the first page of the two colored photograph spread, Montgomery writes,“ Even when he began to bulk up, at first, Chris stayed about the size of a cat.”
This book reveals to readers the relationship Mrs. Montgomery had with her parents. Montgomery tells the reader how her parents did not approve of her husband. Montgomery states, “When we announced our plans to marry, Howard came to Virginia. My father was pained. He knew what was in store. My mother was livid. Speaking to me even more slowly than her Arkansas accent normally flowed, as if belaboring the obvious. She detailed Howard’s unsuitability: he didn’t have a ‘real’ job, he laughed too loudly, his hair was wild, and his sneakers were coming untied. Then attempting to sound sympathetic, she added, ‘And he can’t help it that he’s Jewish.’”
Sy Montgomery’s THE GOOD GOOD PIG THE EXTRAORDINARY LIFE OF CHRISTOPHER HOGWOOD is a must read for middle school age to adults. This book is filled with clever humor. I enjoyed reading this book and learning interesting facts about pigs and Sy Montgomery’s adventurous life.
4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY: “Montgomery's books on exotic wildlife (Journey of the Pink Dolphins, etc.) take her to the far corners of the world, but the
story of her closest relationships with the animal kingdom plays out in her own New England backyard. When she adopts a sickly runt from a litter of pigs, naming him Christopher Hogwood after the symphony conductor, raising him for slaughter isn't an option: Montgomery's a vegetarian and her husband is Jewish. Refitting their barn to accommodate a (mostly) secure sty, they keep Christopher as a pet. As he swells to 750 pounds, he becomes a local celebrity, getting loose frequently enough that the local police officer knows to carry spare apples to lure him back home. The pig also bonds with Montgomery's neighbors, especially two children who come over to help feed him and rub his tummy. Montgomery's love for Christopher (and later for Tess, an adopted border collie) dominates the memoir's emotional space, but she's also demonstrably grateful for the friendships the pig sparks within her community. The humor with which she recounts Christopher's meticulous eating habits and love of digging up turf is sure to charm readers.”
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “Adult/High School–For
writer and world traveler Montgomery, the grounding force of her New Hampshire home was a 750-pound pig. This book is not merely a chronicle of her love for and life with Christopher Hogwood, but also a testament to the lessons learned through her 14-year relationship with him. Usually preferring the company of animals to most people, Montgomery developed an extensive network of friends who were willing to cache and freeze their food scraps for the always grateful, bottomless pig. In turn, these friends witnessed an enjoyment of life's bounty as only a pig can experience–with utter abandon. Montgomery's delightful anecdotes about Christopher's personality, neighborhood wanderings, and haute skin care à la Pig Spa are entwined with biographical details about her family life and fascinating animal-research projects. Christopher was undoubtedly Montgomery's muse for this introspective account of personal growth and her underlying mantra of caring for all the Earth's creatures. He also helped her weather the pain of intractable parents who would not accept their Jewish son-in-law. Like Montgomery's earlier books, this title blends facts about animal behavior, natural history, geography, and culture with myths, legends, and a large helping of adventure. The color photographs of Christopher from runt to virtual behemoth are an added attraction. More importantly, the author's engaging writing style will captivate even the most uninspired teen readers.”
BOOKLIST: “Starred Review No less an authority
than the great biologist E. O. Wilson has affirmed the significance of our intrinsic affinity for other living organisms, our biophilia, and it's obvious from naturalist Montgomery's unforgettable books about tigers, pink dolphins, and the golden moon bear that she is an animal lover of the first order. Now she chronicles the life of the animal her life revolved around for 14 years, a pig named Christopher Hogwood: 750 pounds of bliss, affection, and good cheer. Even as a runt he had a special aura, and once Montgomery and her husband, the writer Howard Mansfield, nursed him into robust health on their New Hampshire homestead, he proved to be an exceptionally intelligent, sociable, and loving companion, if rather demanding. It took a village to keep Christopher fed and entertained, and Montgomery's descriptions of Christopher's amazing adventures and celebrity status are hilarious, enchanting, and deeply affecting. Joyful and serene, smart and friendly, Christopher soothed many a troubled heart, and Montgomery writes with extraordinary lucidity, candor, and grace about what this good, good pig taught her and others about life, love, happiness, and all that we share with our fellow species on this precious planet.”
CONNECTIONS
*Arrange for an employee of an animal care-facility to be a guest speaker in your classroom.
*Plan a school class fundraising activity such as a car wash or bike-a-thon to help our local animal shelters.
*Investigate volunteering at The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
*Allow students to bring pictures of their pets to school and discuss how the pet(s) have changed their lives.
*Other books written by Sy Montgomery:
Montgomery, Sy. SEARCH FOR THE GOLDEN MOON BEAR: SCIENCE AND ADVENTURE IN THE ASIAN TROPICS. ISBN 0743205847
Montgomery, Sy. QUEST FOR THE TREE KANGAROO: AN EXPEDITION TO THE CLOUD FOREST OF PAPUA NEW GUINEA. ISBN 0618496416
Montgomery, Sy. JOURNEY OF THE PINK DOLPHIN: AN AMAZON QUEST. ISBN 0753156083
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Simon, Seymour. 1991. SNAKES. 1992. New York, New York: HarperCollins Publishers. ISBN 0-06-0229-752
2. PLOT SUMMARY
This is a very interesting book about snakes. The information included in this book are about the snake’s predators, their prey, the way they survive, and how they live. Also, included in SNAKES are visually captivating photographs. Readers will learn about the snake’s characteristics, habits, and the natural environment of all kinds of snakes.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Seymour Simon is the author of over two hundred and fifty well written science trade books. The National Science Teachers Association has named over half of these books Outstanding Science Trade Books for Children. Therefore, the information presented in SNAKES is very accurate. For example, my children loved reading these facts, “Giant snakes sometimes attack people, but they almost never try to eat them. One reason is that most humans are just too large and too quick to be caught easily. Another reason is that humans are smart and in a group can help one another fend off the snake. If a giant snake does attack a person, it is probably because the snake mistakes the person for an animal that it normally preys upon. A person is more likely to be hit by lightning than attacked by a giant snake.” My students enjoy reading these facts about giant snakes. This trade book is very engaging and appropriate for young readers. The organization of SNAKES is sufficient. There are no reference aids in this book. This trade book is without subheadings, no table of contents, and no index page. Even though these reference aids are missing, SNAKES is a good read aloud and browsing trade book.
My second grade students loved the photographs. The full-page photographs are remarkable. My students were thrilled to see the photograph of the cobra. The photographs complement the text. The size of font and the photographs clearly communicate the subject matter effectively. The overall layout of SNAKES is appropriate to the subject matter. After reading this book, my students were drawing pictures of cobras, vipers, and boas for days. This trade book by Seymour Simon, illustrate the brilliance of his work. Simons writing is interesting and offers the reader the opportunity to want to learn more about snakes. I utilize Simon’s work in my curriculum because he is an outstanding author of children’s trade books, his writing is accurate, and his knowledge of the subject matter is exceptional.
4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “Grade 1-4-- An attractive, well-written easy reader. Demuth looks
at how several types of snakes live, what they eat, and how they protect themselves. Comparisons are made between small and large varieties, and between snakes and familiar objects in order to describe their size and weight. Some facts are merely mentioned with little or no follow-up, e.g., How is the snake's venom used for medicine? How does a cobra know to raise its head and look around in response to a snake charmer? Moffatt's cut-paper illustrations are interesting, colorful, and well designed. While not as naturalistic as photographs or some representational art, the collage technique has the advantage of appearing three dimensional and does a fine job of conveying movement and texture. Alexandra Parsons's Amazing Snakes (McKay, 1990) offers similar coverage, and its full-color photographs effectively enhance its informational value. Make a place for Snakes in primary-level nonfiction collections.”
KIRKUS REVIEWS: “The dramatic cover photo of an orangey-gold boa snaking from a black background will insure
that this doesn't sit long on the shelf. Inside, riveting full-page color photos on every spread and the clearly written (if rather difficult) text on life cycle, anatomy, reproduction, classification, movement, diet, and poisonous snakes will also draw an appreciative audience. Another winner from the prolific, reliable Simon. insure that this doesn't sit long on the shelf. Inside,
riveting full-page color photos on every spread and the clearly written (if rather difficult) text on life cycle, anatomy, reproduction, classification, movement, diet, and poisonous snakes will also draw an appreciative audience. Another winner from the prolific, reliable Simon.”
BOOKLIST: “Simon offers a clear, siccinct text illuminated with stunning, large color photographs of these graceful felines.”
5. CONNECTIONS
*Allow students to categorize Seymour Simon’s books according to subjects.
*Students will use the computer and trade books on snakes. Students will choose a snake from SNAKES and draw a picture of their favorite snake. Students will write interesting facts about their snake. Students will share their final product with the class. Place all completed work on the bulletin board in the classroom.
*Other books by Seymour Simon:
Simon, Seymour. GIANT SNAKES. ISBN 0811854116
Simon, Seymour. WEATHER. ISBN 0688175211X
Simon, Seymour. TORNADOES. ISBN 0788146465
Simon, Seymour. STARS. ISBN 0060890002
Simon, Seymour. OCEANS. ISBN 0688094538
* http: www.seymoursimon.com
Simon, Seymour. 1991. SNAKES. 1992. New York, New York: HarperCollins Publishers. ISBN 0-06-0229-752
2. PLOT SUMMARY
This is a very interesting book about snakes. The information included in this book are about the snake’s predators, their prey, the way they survive, and how they live. Also, included in SNAKES are visually captivating photographs. Readers will learn about the snake’s characteristics, habits, and the natural environment of all kinds of snakes.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Seymour Simon is the author of over two hundred and fifty well written science trade books. The National Science Teachers Association has named over half of these books Outstanding Science Trade Books for Children. Therefore, the information presented in SNAKES is very accurate. For example, my children loved reading these facts, “Giant snakes sometimes attack people, but they almost never try to eat them. One reason is that most humans are just too large and too quick to be caught easily. Another reason is that humans are smart and in a group can help one another fend off the snake. If a giant snake does attack a person, it is probably because the snake mistakes the person for an animal that it normally preys upon. A person is more likely to be hit by lightning than attacked by a giant snake.” My students enjoy reading these facts about giant snakes. This trade book is very engaging and appropriate for young readers. The organization of SNAKES is sufficient. There are no reference aids in this book. This trade book is without subheadings, no table of contents, and no index page. Even though these reference aids are missing, SNAKES is a good read aloud and browsing trade book.
My second grade students loved the photographs. The full-page photographs are remarkable. My students were thrilled to see the photograph of the cobra. The photographs complement the text. The size of font and the photographs clearly communicate the subject matter effectively. The overall layout of SNAKES is appropriate to the subject matter. After reading this book, my students were drawing pictures of cobras, vipers, and boas for days. This trade book by Seymour Simon, illustrate the brilliance of his work. Simons writing is interesting and offers the reader the opportunity to want to learn more about snakes. I utilize Simon’s work in my curriculum because he is an outstanding author of children’s trade books, his writing is accurate, and his knowledge of the subject matter is exceptional.
4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “Grade 1-4-- An attractive, well-written easy reader. Demuth looks
at how several types of snakes live, what they eat, and how they protect themselves. Comparisons are made between small and large varieties, and between snakes and familiar objects in order to describe their size and weight. Some facts are merely mentioned with little or no follow-up, e.g., How is the snake's venom used for medicine? How does a cobra know to raise its head and look around in response to a snake charmer? Moffatt's cut-paper illustrations are interesting, colorful, and well designed. While not as naturalistic as photographs or some representational art, the collage technique has the advantage of appearing three dimensional and does a fine job of conveying movement and texture. Alexandra Parsons's Amazing Snakes (McKay, 1990) offers similar coverage, and its full-color photographs effectively enhance its informational value. Make a place for Snakes in primary-level nonfiction collections.”
KIRKUS REVIEWS: “The dramatic cover photo of an orangey-gold boa snaking from a black background will insure
that this doesn't sit long on the shelf. Inside, riveting full-page color photos on every spread and the clearly written (if rather difficult) text on life cycle, anatomy, reproduction, classification, movement, diet, and poisonous snakes will also draw an appreciative audience. Another winner from the prolific, reliable Simon. insure that this doesn't sit long on the shelf. Inside,
riveting full-page color photos on every spread and the clearly written (if rather difficult) text on life cycle, anatomy, reproduction, classification, movement, diet, and poisonous snakes will also draw an appreciative audience. Another winner from the prolific, reliable Simon.”
BOOKLIST: “Simon offers a clear, siccinct text illuminated with stunning, large color photographs of these graceful felines.”
5. CONNECTIONS
*Allow students to categorize Seymour Simon’s books according to subjects.
*Students will use the computer and trade books on snakes. Students will choose a snake from SNAKES and draw a picture of their favorite snake. Students will write interesting facts about their snake. Students will share their final product with the class. Place all completed work on the bulletin board in the classroom.
*Other books by Seymour Simon:
Simon, Seymour. GIANT SNAKES. ISBN 0811854116
Simon, Seymour. WEATHER. ISBN 0688175211X
Simon, Seymour. TORNADOES. ISBN 0788146465
Simon, Seymour. STARS. ISBN 0060890002
Simon, Seymour. OCEANS. ISBN 0688094538
* http: www.seymoursimon.com
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