Elizabeth Andrade

Dr. Meadows
LAE 4424

Literary Analysis

Classic Picture Books

The Very Hungry Caterpillar

By: Eric Carle

Bibliographic Information:
Carle, E. (1987). The Very Hungry Caterpillar. New York: Philomel Books
Plot:
This is a story of a caterpillar eats his way through the different days of the week. It takes you through the
lifecycle of a caterpillar from birth, to when he builds a cocoon and becomes a butterfly.
Setting: A tree
The setting of the book is Alexanders house, his school, the dentist, the shoe store and his dads office.
Theme:
Eating healthy and changing for the better.

Characterization:
Caterpillar- One-Dimensional character, not much description is given.
Style:
Picture Book with sentence variations.
Point of View:
All-Knowing Narrator
Reflections:
I remember reading this book as a kid. The illustrations are eye-catching and the text is not
overwhelming. This is a great way to introduce the days of the week to younger students.
Where the Wild Things Are
By: Maurice Sendak

Bibliographic Information:
Sendak, M. (1963). Where the Wild Things Are. New York: Harper & Row.

Plot: The book is about a boy named Max who breaks havoc in his household after dressing like a wolf.
He is sent to his room without supper and then his bedroom turns into a jungle and he sails off to an
Island where The Wild things live. Once he gets the, he befriends the beasts and is proclaimed their
king.
Setting:
Maxs bedroom, living room and the imaginary Jungle.
Theme:
Imagination can take you to great places.
Characterization:
Max- A young, mischievous boy who is very confident. One dimensional character.
The Wild Things- Originally viewed as savage creatures that get change and get frightened by a magic
trick that Max shows them.
Maxs mom- One Dimensional Character
Style: Picture book
Point of View:
The story is told through the eyes of Max
Reflections: The book is about a fantastic journey and reminds people how important it is to use and
nurture your imagination.

Green Eggs and Ham

By: Dr. Seuss

Bibliographic Information:
Plot: Sam-I-Am pesters the narrator of the story to try green eggs and Ham. The narrator refuses and
continues to refuse while Sam follows him around. After Sam follows him to eight different places, the
narrator gives in and tries the dish to find that he does actually like it.
Setting:
A House, a box, a car, a tree, a train and a boat.
Theme:
Dont be afraid to try new things
Characterization:
Sam-I-am- One-dimensional
The Narrator- Multidimensional

Style: Picture book, pattern.

Point of View:
A narrator and some first person.
Reflections:
Reading this classic Dr. Seuss book brings back many memories from my childhood. It teaches a great
lesson that you dont know if you will like something or be successful at something until you try.