The Lane Smith Collection

Pinocchio the Boy (or Incognito in Collodi) written and illustrated by Lane Smith

Pinocchio the Boy (or Incognito in Collodi) written and illustrated by Lane Smith presents the traditional Pinocchio story with a modern twist.  Lane Smith places emphasis on the simple, yet warm illustrations that consume the page rather than the text, that are written more as captions.  The somber mood throughout the book was countered by the subtle humor.  Teachers could use Pinocchio the Boy as a way to introduce the idea of illustrations telling the story, as well as telling a traditional story in a new way.  This book could also be used as a creative writing activity, where students write an alternate ending to the story. Overall, Pinocchio the Boy was an entertaining book that allowed the reader to accompany Pinocchio on his journey to discover himself through humor and expressive illustrations!

Madam President written and illustrated by Lane Smith

Madam President, written and illustrated by Lane Smith, follows Katy, a young girl obsessed with being President, through a day in her life as she hands out American flags, appoints cabinet members, and vetoes the school lunch!  Smith tells Katy's story through witty text and hilarious illustrations that allow readers to discover new details every time they read Madam President. 

 

Madam President could be used in early elementary grades to introduce the role of the President through the use of humor.  Students will be able to relate well to Katy and her aspirations of becoming President due to the humor in the illustrations!  Even though some aspects of the book are based on fact, Smith depicts the Presidential cabinet as including: Secretary of Dance, Secretary of Naps, and Secretary of Pizza.  Smith delights readers again with the entertaining story of Madam President!

 

 

 It's a Book! written and illustrated by Lane Smith
It's a Book! presents the issue of society's push to incorporate the use of technology in every day life while at the cost of losing touch with reading an actual book.  The two characters, a monkey and a donkey, banter back and forth regarding the capabilities of a book.  The donkey pesters the monkey by asking, "Can it text? Tweet? Wi-Fi?" The donkey becomes immersed in the book and assures the monkey he will "charge it up when I'm done!"  The monkey is clearly annoyed by the donkey's lack of understanding as he calmly states, "It's a book, Jackass!"  Smith's obvious use of crude humor makes this book hilarious yet controversial when being read in a school setting.  Teachers should allow the book to be present in the classroom but be prepared for any questions or misuse of the term "jackass".  If the book is read aloud to a class, I would suggest omitting the term in grades younger than second.  However, no matter what grade level reads It's a Book! the term "jackass" needs to be discussed as both a name for a donkey as well as a demeaning term that should not be used. 

The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs! written by Jon Scieszka, illustrated by Lane Smith
The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs! presents a new viewpoint to the traditional Three Little Pigs story.  This book is an account, told by the Wolf, of how the "Big Bad Wolf" came to be!  As many of the other books illustrated by Lane Smith, The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs boasts simple illustrations that show important details.  Teachers could use this book to present the concept of telling stories from various viewpoints, and follow with a writing activity.  Teachers should also take caution when using the repeated phrase, "dead as a doornail".  Many young students may not understand the idea of death and teachers should be ready for questions.  

 Science Verse written by Jon Scieszka, illustrated by Lane Smith
Science Verse is a compilation of short poems written to the tune of common children's rhymes that explain various science topics.  Reading Science Verse definitely made me laugh, especially when I found myself repeating, "Eenie, meanie, mynie, mo. Catch a virus, watch it grow. Once it's got you, it won't go. Eenie, meanie, my--oh no!"  By mimicking common children's rhymes students will be able to remember the silly words easily.  This book would be appropriate for students that enjoy memorizing facts or for teachers to pick out a rhyme that corresponds to the current topic being taught in science.  Students would be able to use the rhyme as introduction to a new topic in science!