Swamp Angel

Swamp Angel is written by Anne Isaacs. Anne Isaacs grew up writing at a young age. Her love for children’s books inspired to begin writing them. She was also a teacher. She has written many different children’s books that have won awards.

This book is about a girl named Angelica that was born taller than her mother. She built her first log cabin at just two years old. Ever since she was twelve years old she had helps travelers through the swamp. She was known as the Swamp Angel. She was tougher than any man or bear. She saved the town from a huge bear.

Swamp Angel is a fantasy children’s picture book. This book is full of details that are imaginative and logical for the story. I would consider this to be a high quality fantasy story because the writing is rich and the theme is meaningful. The story is so detailed that it seems believable. I enjoyed read in this book because it has a great sense of humor. Angelica had to face diversity because she was the only girl who could defeat the big bear. All of the town’s men tried to hunt the bear but we unable to capture him. The men made rude comments about her being there instead of being at home doing things women did back in that time frame. She proved herself though because she was able to capture the bear and get rid of him.

The illustrations are unique drawn by Paul Zelinsky. The pages are full of detailed illustrations. Paul Zelinsky paints beautiful pictures that look realistic. He uses textures that make you think that the illustrations are photographs. The illustrations are so big and detailed that the reader feels a part of the story while reading.

Discussion Questions:
·         How do you think everyone felt about a giant girl saving the day?
·         How do you think Angelica felt after she defeated the bear?
·         Does think book make you think about girls differently?
·         Do you think girls and boys are equal?

Activities:
·         For writing lesson, have students write their only tall tale. Build onto this activity by having them illustrate their story.
·         For history lesson, have students look at maps of the area during that time frame. Have them compare to maps of the current time. Build onto this activity by having them do a research project.

Other books by this author:
·         Meanwhile Back at the Ranch
·         Dust Devil
·         The Ghosts of Luckless Gulch
·         Pancakes for Supper
·         Cat Up a Tree
·         Treehouse Tales

Reference:

Isaacs, A., & Zelinsky, P. O. (1994). Swamp Angel. New York: Dutton Children's Books.