Genre: Fantasy
Age Range: 5th-8th. Even though this book does not have any situations with physical development, has conflicts with adults and many problem solving situations enticing the readers to figure out what Coraline will do next.
Plot: Coraline is bored with her life. Her parents do not listen and her neighbors cannot get her name right. On a rainy day that forces her to stay inside, Coraline begins exploring the house. She finds a door which wasn't supposed to go anywhere but this time, it did. Crawling through the door she walked back into her home but it wasn't her home. This other home was much more exciting. The food smelled delicious and the garden was magnificent. Her other parents wanted her to stay very much but she must sew black buttons over her eyes. Coraline refuses, hurriedly climbs back through door and closes it behind her. She arrives back in her real home but cannot find her parents. She discovers her other mother has taken them and she must get them back. With help from the cat, she manages to defeat the other mother, save her parents, and the souls of others the other mother has captured. Coraline and everyone escapes safely to her home. However, the souls she saved tells her it isn't over. The other mother's great right hand is after the key to the door that hangs around Coraline's neck. She lures the hand to the deep, deep well in the garden. Laying a trap, she places the key on a table cloth over the well. Without hesitation the hand jumps for it, tumbles far down the well and Coraline quickly boards up the well preventing it from ever escaping.
Characters: Coraline, Mother and Father, Miss Spink, Miss Forcible, Mr. Bobo, Cat, Other Mother/beldam, Other Father, Other Miss Spink, Other Miss Forcible, Other Mr. Bobo, the rats.
Setting: It gives no mention of time but I'd guess present day in a suburban/rural area in England.
Theme: "When you're scared but still do it anyway, that's brave." A direct quote from the book.
Equity: No stereotypes or gender bias.
Illustrations: By Dave McKean. Sketches that help show both worlds Coraline is in.
No comments:
Post a Comment