Patricia Polacco

Prolific picture-book author and artist Patricia Polacco once again draws upon her rich family history in this lovely title, setting out the story of her grandmother Estella. Born during a storm, in a "mermaid's purse" - a folk term for an intact birth membrane - Stella loves stories, and eventually books. She collects so many that her father builds her a little free-standing library on their farm, which she christens the "Mermaid's Purse." Sharing her books and knowledge with her neighbors, show more Stella becomes a popular figure, and her kindness is repaid when a tornado destroys the library, and she receives help in rebuilding and collecting her dispersed volumes...

As both a bibliophile and a storm lover - not to mention a Patricia Polacco fan! - I greatly enjoyed The Mermaid's Purse, both for its themes and for its storytelling. As is so often the case with this author/artist, there were moments where I was tearing up. I appreciated the idea of books and reading as being both imaginative and practical, as Stella entertains the local children with stories, but also helps stricken sheep and drowning boys with the knowledge she has gained from her tomes. I also greatly appreciated the inclusion of a brief author's afterword about the Estella, complete with photographs of her. Recommended to all young book and library-lovers, and to fellow Polacco fans. show less

When Tricia is invited to join Miss Keller's writing class, the young girl is both thrilled and terrified. "Killer Keller" has a certain reputation: for being acerbic, demanding, and an incredibly tough grader. It was said that she never gave an A! From the first day, Tricia found herself challenged by this prickly new teacher, and she worked hard at every assignment. No matter how hard she tried however, she just couldn't create the emotional connection that Miss Keller demanded of her. show more Then her beloved neighbor and elderly friend, Pop Schloss, died, and Tricia found a subject about which she could truly write something memorable and moving...

Patricia Polacco strikes again with An A from Miss Keller, another of her many autobiographical picture-books paying tribute to the teachers who influenced her as a girl! I found myself blinking back tears, as I read the scenes in which Pop died and Tricia struggled with her grief. Miss Keller was clearly an intimidating but also goodhearted teacher, and I appreciated the back story about how she helped Pop Schloss' son improve his writing and go to college. I think there is an important lesson here, in that Tricia simply wasn't able to create the kind of emotionally resonant essay Miss Keller wanted, until she had the kind of subject that truly moved her. Unless the writer feels deeply, he or she cannot communicate a depth of feeling through their words, cannot, as Miss Keller demanded, makes their words "sing." This is a lovely book, one I would recommend to fellow Polacco fans, and to anyone looking for children's stories about being a writer, dealing with a demanding teacher, or coping with the loss of a friend. show less

Acclaimed children's author and artist Patricia Polacco draws on her own youthful experience with dyslexia in this autobiographical picture-book, perfectly capturing both the anguish of a young person who wants to learn, and is made to feel stupid because of her disability, and the incredible difference an understanding teacher can make to a struggling student. Taught to revere books, and the stories they contain, young Trisha looks forward to the day when she too learns to read. But when show more she finally gets the chance, she discovers that the letters move before her eyes, "wiggling" in such a way that she cannot make them out. Soon, she has fallen far behind her peers, and starts to believe their taunting claims that she is dumb. It is only after many years, when fifth-grade teacher Mr. Falker comes into her life, that Trisha finally gets the help she needs...

Polacco has done it again with Thank You, Mr. Falker, creating an incredibly moving book, with visual and textual narratives that complement one another perfectly. The illustrations here really capture Trisha's embarrassment, frustration and shame, drawing the reader into her experience. I found myself choking up while reading this, and given the number of times this happens with Polacco's books, I'm starting to wonder if I should stop reading her books on the commuter train! In any case, this is one that I highly recommend to all young children who have a learning disability, and to the adults and children in their lives. Truly, an outstanding book! show less

The eight days of Hanukkah had always been one of Trisha's favorite times of the year. Her Ukrainian-born Babushka would make hand-dipped candles for the Menorah, and cook delicious latkes. Her Georgian-born Grandpa would carve colorful animals out of wood - presents for Trisha and her brother, Richard. Best of all, Momma would have two weeks off from her job as a school-teacher, and the entire family would be together on their Michigan farm! But when Trisha and her family learn that most of show more the members of their small farming community have been stricken with scarlet fever, and are unable to prepare for or celebrate their own holiday - that of Christmas - they decide to share the joy of the season with their neighbors...

Apparently based on an actual event from Patricia Polacco's own youth, The Trees of the Dancing Goats is a heart-warming holiday tale that emphasizes the importance of friendship and community, of sharing our blessings with others, and respecting diverse beliefs. I found myself tearing up, as I reached the conclusion. Truly a wonderful book, one that can be appreciated by those who celebrate Hanukkah, those who celebrate Christmas, those who celebrate both, and those who don't celebrate either one. show less