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librariandest's review against another edition
4.0
It seems crazy, but this is four stories being told simultaneously. It doesn't completely make sense, but it's really fun and the kind of book you'll want to read over and over again. Definitely for the more sophisticated picture book crowd.
neilrcoulter's review against another edition
5.0
I love when an author can subvert the picture-book format and make something unexpected and intriguing out of it. My favorite example is Chris Van Allsburg’s The Mysteries of Harris Burdick, and David Macauley’s Black and White is now another favorite. The book invites multiple ways of reading and rereading, and though it suggests connections among all the stories presented, there is no twist or reveal at the end that gives The Answer. Such fun!
swinchester234's review against another edition
2.0
Black and White is a Caldecott award winner and a four part story written by David Macaulay. This book is broken into four distinct stories that are told simultaneously. One story is about a boy riding a train back to his parents, while another is about a commuters waiting for a train. Another section is about a boy’s parents who do not communicate effectively and the final story is about a herd of cows in the way of a moving train.
This was my least favorite Caldecott winner because of the complexity of the story. As a future elementary education teacher, I felt that this story was a bit too complex for a young reader even though it is marketed for children. This may be an interesting book for older children to try and figure out the connection, though I feel it may be even complex for the age group it is targeted for.
This was my least favorite Caldecott winner because of the complexity of the story. As a future elementary education teacher, I felt that this story was a bit too complex for a young reader even though it is marketed for children. This may be an interesting book for older children to try and figure out the connection, though I feel it may be even complex for the age group it is targeted for.
belgatherial's review against another edition
4.0
Really clever little book. Four intertwining tales. Great stuff.
a_manning11's review against another edition
2.0
I did read this book several times because my initial response was confusion. My response didn't really change. I see that is is unusual for telling four stories parallel on one double page, and maybe some will appreciate that. But I think this format would have to be justified by a purpose, message, joke, point, something; and with this book I don't think this is the case.
Well, not all books were written with me as the intended reader - I hope it gives lots of children joy.
Caldecott Medal Winner 1991.
Well, not all books were written with me as the intended reader - I hope it gives lots of children joy.
Caldecott Medal Winner 1991.
mjfmjfmjf's review against another edition
1.0
Confused Caldecott Award Winning picture book. So instead of one pointless story you have 4 garbled pointless stories that are basically the same story kind of. With art that does nothing to unmuddle the work.
beecheralyson's review against another edition
4.0
Caldecott Winner 1991 - Some books are just beyond me. Brilliant concept but I need a tutorial.
chandlerleighk's review against another edition
5.0
Although this book confused me while I was reading it, I loved it. It appealed well to my sometimes distracted brain. This story left me with a weird feeling that I liked but can't explain. I probably wouldn't use this story in my classroom, unless I was teaching how to read unfamiliar texts. I could have students break up into groups and read each story separately, and then come together as a class and have a discussion about what they read. It would be interesting to see where the discussion would lead. I think it appealed to me because it was so strange and interesting and I loved it.
bibliotexas's review against another edition
5.0
Fascinating book! What an interesting book for a class book talk after all the students have read it independently. I would want students to read it on their own and then offer guidance later if they are confused. Engaging illustrations and the four stories going on in the book make you think!