Poetry
Since 1996 National Poetry Month is celebrated every April. Introduced by the Academy of American Poets, many different events take place all month long, celebrating and highlighting poetry. One such event, Poem In Your Pocket Day, falls on April 14, 2011. Another, the Poems on the Range Project, is a collection of videos and photos of places associated with iconic poems.
There are many ways to celebrate and teach poetry this April. Browse through the these titles and those from previous years for some selections to share. Books from the past year show the diverse subject matter of quality poetry available to young people--historical, passionate, inspirational, humorous--something for everyone.
And for more information on National Poetry Month visit:
http://www.poets.org/page.php/prmID/41
http://www.loc.gov/poetry/
Contributor: Emily Griffin
Reviews
The Carnival of the Animals By Camille Saint-Saëns
Jack Prelutsky
Illustrated by Mary GrandPré
Created as an orchestral piece, this score has been inspiring poets and writers for over one hundred years. Here, America's first Children's Poet Laureate adds his trademark whimsy to it. Fourteen poems examine different animals, including elephants, donkeys, chickens and more. While "Donkeys of the Wild" and "Personages with Long Ears" are so similar they may cause readers to wonder why pianists are lumped in with animals, in whole Prelutsky's verses strut like elephants, flutter like chickens and bounce like kangaroos throughout the work. Grand Pre's detailed artwork is worth poring over. Colorful birds are constructed from sheet music, an ill-intentioned cat stares through an aquarium and a swan fit for the stage glides through the water. The accompanying CD features each poem followed by the musical movement, with the full score played as an extra track. A note to parents and teachers gives a brief history of the musical score, as well as extension ideas that will make it easy to incorporate this book into classes and story times. This is an excellent interpretation of a classical work and will be a good addition to school and public libraries. 2010, Alfred A. Knopf/Random House, $19.99. Ages 5 to 10. Reviewer: Tiffany Torbeck (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 9780375864582
ISBN: 9780375964589
Chicken Scratches: Chicken Rhymes and Poultry Poetry
George Shannon and Lynn Brunelle
Illustrated by Scott Menchin
Do you like chickens and roosters? They are actually quite adorable when dressed in tights or Halloween costumes. This silly book is filled with goofy rhymes and poems, and the entire book is dedicated to honoring chickens, baby chicks, and roosters. This wacky book on poultry is an entertaining read featuring funny rhyming lines. The poems are simple and short. The subject matter will make anyone laugh. There is a chicken that lays square eggs, Halloween chickies dressed in costume, an opera chicken, a worm picnic, a sumo chicken wearing a small outfit, and a ballet chicken giving a performance while accidentally laying an egg in her tights. Children will enjoy having this lyrical picture book read to them. Additionally, early readers will find the language easy enough to read alone. The illustrations are colorful, humorous, and tell a story. The colors are bright and punchy. Different eye catching fonts can be found on each page. This fun story will fit nicely in an elementary school classroom, as well as an elementary school library. 2010, Chronicle Books, $14.99. Ages 5 to 7. Reviewer: Cheryl Williams Chang (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 9780811866484
Contemporary American Poetry: Not the End, But the Beginning
Sheila Griffin Llanas
Among many of the twelve poets selected for this volume in the series, several were new to me. One such poet was Theodore Roethke. His life was difficult, but he managed to get an education and graduated with honors form the University of Michigan. He taught and wrote poetry and in 1953 won the Pulitzer Prize for his book of poetry, The Waking. Another is William Stanley Merwin who hails from my home state of New Jersey. After studying Romance languages, he began translating poetry and even worked abroad in Spain. His own works began to attract attention and win awards including a Pulitzer Prize. He continues to publish his own works as well as translations and has served on prestigious committees such as one of the U.S. Poet Laureate Consultants for the bicentennial year of the Library of Congress. Among those who readers may know better are Elizabeth Bishop, Gwendolyn Brooks, Sylvia Plath, and Allen Ginsberg. It was particularly gratifying to see a number of women included in this book about modern poets. In addition to the brief descriptions of these poets' lives and excerpts from their major works, there are also descriptions of poetic forms and techniques. There are some interesting fact boxes scattered throughout for those who love trivia. This is a useful book for students and even adults who may want a reintroduction to these poets and their works, which may spur them on to read some of the world's greatest poetry. There are chapter notes, a glossary, a list of further readings and internet sites, and an index. This book is part of the "Poetry Rocks!" series. 2010, Enslow, $34.60. Ages 14 up. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 9780766032798
Dark Emperor and Other Poems of the Night
Joyce Sidman
Illustrated by Rick Allen
With "Welcome to the Night," the first of twelve deftly crafted and both visually and emotionally evocative poems, Sidman begins a journey from dusk to dawn. Through a variety of verse forms, from rhymes with refrains and free verse to concrete poetry, we encounter places and creatures in action in the dark of night. Each: raccoon, snail, moth, owl, trees, spiders, porcupines, crickets, mushrooms, bats, and moon, tells its nighttime story on one side of the double page with vignette illustration. Across the gutter along with the full page illustration comes a sidebar of factual information on the subject. On the final wordless page, the sun rises over the forest for a new day. This scene is the same one that begins the nocturnal adventure, but here the owl that was in flight now rests on a quiet branch, while the corner of the house on the side formerly glowing in the sunset now takes on a bish tone in the early orange sunlight. Allen's striking illustrations are produced in relief printing, a complex process described in detail on the copyright page. They retain considerable black to shape the flora and fauna, leaving sufficient space for the intense colors printed from additional wood blocks. Although naturalistic, they convey the emotional quality of the poems. There is a glossary of terms included. 2010, Houghton Mifflin Books for Children/Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, $16.99. Ages 6 to 10. Reviewer: Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 9780547152288
A Dazzling Display of Dogs
Betsy Franco
More than thirty brief, humorous concrete poems describe a wide variety of dogs and their activities. On separate pages they greet and cheer their depressed masters, overeat, race in circles or chase seagulls, slobber over tennis balls, join a family, get lost and found, go to dog school, and do other doggy things. All the poems, page by page, share a style generated by monoprints manipulated by a computer in Adobe Photoshop. Words and pictures are visual equals. All letters are in upper case, in different colors and sizes, set in varying positions, even vertically or in circles. The overall visual effect of each page is busy, making the reading a challenge. The text for "Bubbles" is set in eight varying sizes and colored circles with words that change colors. "Old Jumbo" tells about his chair with words that are set in the shape of a chair. The dogs are somewhat abstract but recognizable, as are the other objects that fill the shape. This collection may require several reading for full appreciation. 2011, Tricycle Press/Random House Children's Books, $16.99. Ages 7 to 12. Reviewers: Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 9781582463438
ISBN: 9781582463872
An Eyeball in My Garden and Other Spine-Tingling Poems
Jennifer Cole Judd and Laura Wynkoop
Illustrated Johan Olander
Frankenstein's bulging blood-shot eyes glare at the readers from the cover of this book. But instead of repelling the readers, the cover works as a magnet to attract them. Creepy, crawly worms, ghost ships, shadows in the night, a talking jack-o-lantern, and a graveyard are but a few of the chill-producing topics addressed in the compilation of forty-four poems. The scary topics quickly grab the attention of middle grade readers who can't get enough of such subjects. Black and white illustrations include bony fingers, masked creatures, a rickety haunted house, bats, monsters, and a bubbling cauldron. They not only add interest, but also relate to the text making comprehension easier. In addition to the scary themes, the poems contain dry humor that middle graders love. For the most part, the well-written text will be easily read by youngsters and if they find words they do not know, they can pick them up from context. The overall package places this book right up there with Scary Stories to tell in the Dark. Whether read at a sleepover or just by one curious thrill-seeker, this book is "spine-tingling," as touted on the cover. 2010, Marshall Cavendish, $15.99. Ages 8 to 12. Reviewer: Nancy Garhan Attebury (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 9780761456551
Fancy Nancy: Poet Extraordinaire!
Jane O'Connor
Illustrated by Robin Preiss Glasser
Fancy Nancy's name rhymes, so she is "naturally poetic," and in this introduction to poetry, she shows her fans how they can write and appreciate poetry as well. Nancy shows off her family and friend's favorite poems and offers examples from a class "poet-tree" project in which each student writes a short poem on a construction paper leaf. She even creates an anthology of her own favorite poems. Writing poetry is easy for Nancy's best friend Bree, but despite having all the necessary tools (like "a pen with a plume" and a notebook with a "glittery cover"), Nancy just cannot find her muse until her teacher urges her just to write without worrying about the rules. During Nancy's exploration of poetry, she defines some important terms such as "couplet" and "ode" and offers examples of highly structured poems such as limericks as well as non-rhyming poems. Robin Preiss Glasser's characteristically cheerful, pink-hued illustrations contribute plenty of humor. Fancy Nancy's many young fans are sure to try their own hand at poetry--or at least seek out other examples of poetry to read--after reading Nancy's inspiring tale. 2010, HarperCollins, $12.99. Ages 4 to 7. Reviewer: Norah Piehl (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 9780061896439
Give Me Wings: Poems
Lee Bennett Hopkins
Illustrated by Ponder Goembel
Thirteen poems are presented using flying and wings as themes for the freedom to dream, to wonder, to sing, and to laugh. Children will want to soar and whoosh while hearing these imaginative verses read aloud. The poems are brief yet demand creative thought from the listener. The language used in the poems is rich for beginning readers and writers. All of the poems display common childhood experiences such as watching birds migrate, singing in a group, and dreaming of flying. Each verse is accompanied by a lovely double-page illustration using colored-ink lines with an acrylic wash. Most of the illustrations feature a single child dreaming, flying or wearing wings. The poem, "Fairies" by Langston Hughes, is beautifully paired with a vivid illustration of sprites sporting rainbow wings. The selection of poems comes from a diverse group of poets and would be a welcome addition to a science and poetry study for young children or story hour. 2010, Holiday House, $16.95. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewer: Nancy Baumann (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 9780823420230
Guyku: A Year of Haiku for Boys
Bob Raczka
Illustrated by Peter Reynolds
Because poetry is not considered a "guy" thing, Raczka has written twenty-four poems in haiku form celebrating the seasons, with direct appeal to boys. He begins with a section for spring, with subjects ranging from wind and kite to grasshopper and fishing. In the summer, mosquitoes and toasted marshmallows are included. For the fall, there are falling maple tree "helicopters" and leaves: "From underneath the leaf pile, my invisible brother is giggling." Then, "Winter must be here. Every time I open my mouth, a cloud comes out." Finally, "Last week's snowman looks under the weather. Must be a spring allergy." Reynolds offers lively drawings of boys in all sorts of activities as visual interpretations, with watercolor yellows, browns, and greens plus digital additions. The text is hand printed. Notes from both author and illustrator on why they did this book add background interest. 2010, Houghton Mifflin Books for Children/Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company, $14.99. Ages 5 to 8. Reviewers: Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 9780547240039
I Didn't Do It
Patricia MacLachlan and Emily MacLachlan Charest
Illustrations by Katy Schneider
Fourteen simple poems, written primarily in short, blank verse give the reader a delightful glimpse into the world as seen by a puppy. The well chosen vocabulary emphasizes objects a puppy would understand--vacuum cleaner, food, slippers, and jelly beans. But the real power of the poetry comes from the actions - flopping, pecking, shaking and from the repetitive phrases, "I didn't' do it", which form the refrain of several of the poems. Schneider's broad brush strokes evoke the specific mood in each poem--joy, regret, love, curiosity, and mostly love. Her illustrations figure prominently in this picture book as they occupy more than half of the available space. Schneider has chosen to use a different breed to represent each poem. This ensures that each has a distinct personality and that children are likely to find a dog much like their own pet somewhere in these pages. This would be a delightful "read aloud" for both home and school use. It could also be used to start a conversation about responsibility and owning up to one's mistakes. 2011, Katherine Tegen Books/HarperCollins Publishers, Ages 4 to 8, 16.99. Reviewer: Leigh Geiger, Ph.D. (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-06-135833-3
Instructions
Neil Gaiman
Illustrated by Charles Vess
When one sets out on an adventure into unknown territory, it is helpful if someone with insight and experience can offer advice on how to navigate. This quest begins as a never-seen-before door appears in the garden wall, and the androgynous cat--an artistic allusion to "Puss in Boots"--steps into a landscape filled with the characters of traditional fairy tales: a crowned frog, three pigs on a picnic, Little Red Riding Hood, and a club-wielding giant. As the cat walks on, the landscapes become darker, the characters less familiar, and the instructions more detailed. For those who are brave enough to trust their dreams, legendary experiences beckon; then, when the journey is done, home and rest await. The text of this unusual picture book is a poem previously published in A Wolf at the Door, a collection of creatively revised fairy tales for the middle grade to young adult audience. Now paired with Vess's imaginative and ethereal illustrations, the picture book format with its costumed cat as the protagonist is designed, ostensibly, to appeal to young audiences. The hero's journey will resonate with readers of all ages, who will sense the deeper significance of the strange lands and curious characters encountered. More than a set of directions to navigate through the realm of fairy tales, this quirky tale will appeal to those seeking a unique graduation gift with more gravitas than Dr. Seuss, as well as anyone interested in fantasy and fairy tales. 2010, Harper/HarperCollins, $14.99. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewer: Keri Collins Lewis (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 9780061960307
ISBN: 9780061960314
One Big Rain: Poems for Rainy Days
Rita Gray
Illustrated by Ryan O'Rourke
The illustrations in the anthology are eye-catching. In fact, the cover art will immediately grab readers with winsome frogs and birds dressed for seasonal changes. This is a collection of poems with a lot to recommend it, including the charming drawings of animals, children, and trees being pelted with raindrops. The poets in this rain-influenced collection range from the well-known (Carl Sandburg and Eve Merriam) to lesser known poets. Even the author's prose introduction conveys the poetry of rain in different seasons. Words like shower, sprinkle, drizzle and descriptions of transformative power of winter to turn showers into ice and snow will give young readers (or listeners) a new way to think about gray days. In addition to the visualization and onomatopoeia provided by the words, there are multiple forms of poetry in the book: rhymed and unrhymed, couplets and stanzas, skillful translations of haiku, and longer form poems. The haiku is particularly attractive as an example for creative writing. Rather than rely on the syllable count, the structure is based on three lines (approximating three Japanese phrases), and contains seasonal and nature references that could be imitated by children. The schoolroom applications for this book seem almost limitless. Use it to illustrate seasonal changes, enrich weather units, provide inspiration for art projects, or as the subject of readers' theater. 2010, Charlesbridge, $9.95. Ages 6 to 12. Reviewer: Lois Rubin Gross (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 9781570917165
Pocketful of Posies: A Treasury of Nursery Rhymes
Salley Mavor
Simple Simon, Jack Sprat, the Old Woman in the Shoe, Little Miss Muffett--the Mother Goose gang is all here, and though their rhymes may be familiar, you will not want to miss a single page of Mavor's unique collection. Illustrated with embroidered scenes, hand-sewn dolls, cozy felt, and unusual embellishments, Pocketful of Posies is truly a labor of love, sewn one stitch at a time. The fabric scenes seem to jump off the page, practically begging to be touched and played with. As a quilt is pieced together one square at a time, Mavor masterfully weaves together common nursery rhymes with the less familiar ones, and the illustrations feel as if they, too, are part of a larger masterpiece. Perhaps most striking is her pairing and juxtaposition of rhymes within a single setting. The pat-a-cake baker, mend-my-shoe cobbler, and put-the-kettle-on Polly are imagined as shopkeepers on a busy street, deftly tying three verses together in one gorgeous scene. Old Mother Hubbard, her poor dog, and the hickory, dickory dock mouse are pictured living together in a spare yet tidy home. And Mary and her little lamb will have you turning the book itself around and around as they go to school and back again. This beautiful picture book will be equally cherished by preschoolers and adults alike for its rich detail, inviting texture, and warmth. Indeed, Pocketful of Posies feels like a hand-made gift just for you! 2010, Houghton Mifflin Books for Children, $21.99. Ages 3 up. Reviewer: Leah Hanson (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 9780618737406
Reading, Rhyming, and 'Rithmetic: Poems
Dave Crawley
Illustrated by Liz Callen
This is Crawley's third book of poetry for kids (preceded by Cat Poems and Dog Poems). Whimsical and brightly colored cartoonlike drawings accompany this collection of thirty-one poems that address the everyday dilemmas of school life: cafeteria food, terrifying teachers, spelling tests, homework, and new kids in school. Poems are one to two pages long with lots of white space and large illustrations, making them very accessible to even reluctant readers. And of course the topics will be bound to entice many who would shy away from more serious fare. Why does Vanessa eat paste anyway? And how did the class pet snake get loose from his cage? This book offers options for enjoyable independent reading as well as a stimulus for introducing poetry reading and writing. Several of the topics covered here in lyric form could also serve as discussion starters or critical thinking activities about more serious issues like bullying and cheating. 2010, Wordsong/Boyds Mills Press, $17.95. Ages 8 to 13. Reviewer: Paula McMillen, Ph.D. (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 9781590785652
Roots and Blues: A Celebration
Arnold Adoff
Illustrated by R. Gregory Christie
This book is a beautiful, poignant look at the history of the blues, an American form of music created from the stories and experiences of African-Americans throughout their history in the United States. Through what Adoff calls the "shaped speech" style, the reader is presented with a narrative prose/poetry form that follows the history of the origins of this important musical form. The poetry-prose is, in and of itself, beautifully wrought; the addition of Christie's paintings, dramatic one- and two-page works that illustrate Adoff's words, make this work even more vibrant and human. Not only is history cited, but some of the specific singers of this musical style are highlighted: Ma Rainey, Robert Johnson, W. C. Handy, Muddy Waters, and Johnny Lee Turner. This is a beautiful book that should be in every upper elementary and middle school classroom, if not for the simply enjoyment of reading it, then to make students aware of the various approaches a poet or songwriter can take in sharing ideas. 2011, Clarion Books/Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, $17.99. Ages 10 to 14. Reviewer: Jean Boreen, Ph.D. (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 9780547235547
Shakespeare Makes the Playoffs
Ron Koertge
Kevin Boland is not a typical teen. He loves to play baseball and has a girlfriend, but he also has a passion for writing poetry. He has certainly earned his nickname, Shakespeare. His father provides a new journal one day after practice, and so begins the reader's glimpse into Kevin's teenage angst. Although he really does care for his girlfriend, Mira, sometimes it feels more like a chore to maintain the relationship. She is also completely unaware of poetry and connecting with Kevin. Ever since his mother died, his life has centered on his connection with his father--until his father tells Kevin that he is bringing a new "friend" to the next open mike. Open-mike night proves worthwhile after all, when Kevin meets Amy, another teen poet. Through this story written in haiku, blank verse, and couplets, readers feel privileged to be a part of Kevin's life. Whether he is dealing with his father's decision to throw out his mother's belongings or his indecision over two female possibilities, readers willingly go along for the ride. Koertge clearly is an expert in portraying the teenage experience. This novel would make an excellent addition to a middle school language arts class, not only because of the poetry aspect but also because of the sheer brilliance in relating to teenage life. Readers might not speak in poetic verse, but they will recognize that they are not alone as they grapple with their own life experiences. 2010, Candlewick Press/Walker Books, $15.99. Ages 9 to 12. Reviewer: Summer Whiting (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 9780763644352
Switching on the Moon: A Very First Book of Bedtime Poems
Jane Yolen and Andrew Fusek Peters
Illustrated by G. Brian Karas
Three sections of bedtime verse are nicely gathered up in a marvelous anthology written by classic and modern poets from the United States, Great Britain, the Caribbean and Australia. Sixty poems are a mix of different types; some are quite short as four lines while a few others are rather long on double pages. Fanciful illustrations are rendered in various media which adds to delightful imagination for all ages. The first section, "Going to Bed," tangles romping on the bed with taking baths and other well-known routines, but also presents calming, twinkling nighttime skies heralded by whimsical moons. "Sweet Dreams" soothes youngsters with precious lullabies collected from different cultures, including one by the American Children's Poet Laureate, Mary Ann Hoberman. The last section, "In the Night," brings darkness and vivid dreams alive through familiar sounds both reassuring and perhaps not so comforting. There are a variety of moods with much personification presented in childlike fashion. Poems showcase little ones pretending both silly and serious themes. Some are traditional toddler songs, too. As a read-aloud, there are rich possibilities for sharing stories with hearts and minds captured on every page. Young and old alike can spend a quiet night together with this treasured collection knowing that more special memories will be made to last a very long time. Quite helpful are an Index of First Lines, an Index of Poets, and a listing of Copyright Acknowledgments. 2010, Candlewick Press, $21.99. Ages 3 to 8. Reviewer: Susan Treadway, M.Ed. (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 9780763642495
Time You Let Me In: 25 Poets Under 25
Naomi Shihab Nye
In the angst ridden world of many adolescents, poetry is a natural medium for expression. In this collection of 100 poems from twenty-five poets, the journey from adolescence to adulthood is portrayed with all its conflicting emotions and stumbles. The poets come from a variety of backgrounds and ethnic origins but they all display the desire to make sense of their world through words. The poems deal with a wide range of subjects and portray a surprisingly resilient acceptance of hardships, including death and abandonment. While the young poets accept the conditions of their lives, they do not necessarily forgive those who inflicted those conditions on them. Some of the poems eloquently express the anger and frustration that the poet feels while others express their feelings through humor. Regardless of the emotion and the form that the expression of it takes, there is an underlying current of hope in these poems that appeals to readers of their own generation and of older generations as well. It is time we let them in. 2010, Greenwillow Books/HarperCollins, $16.99. Ages 12 up. Reviewer: Ellen Welty (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 9780061896378
ISBN: 9780061896385
Volcano Wakes Up!
Lisa Westberg Peters
Illustrated by Steve Jenkins
A sleepy "baby" volcano is the first narrator of this tale of an eruption, told in free, carefully crafted, evocative verse. It warns us to watch out for a nasty tantrum when it wakes up. Ferns enjoy the cool morning when the volcano sleeps. A lava flow cricket anticipates trouble. Signs on a small black road warn of danger. The sun wishes the moon a good morning. All these narrators exchange information as the day goes on and we build toward the climax. The volcano greets the returning moon with a gift of red lava: "Moon, watch this!" Jenkins's cut and torn papers are chosen and manipulated with imaginative insight to create double-page scenes filled with strong emotional images. Esthetically designed, they produce naturalistic pictures of the landscapes and organic life that survive on the bursting mountain. The visuals share the poetic sensitivity of the text, resulting in a book that defuses the potential horror of this destructive natural force. The author has added personal as well as factual information. 2010, Henry Holt and Company, $16.99. Ages 4 to 9. Reviewers: Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 9780805082876
Won Ton: A Cat Tale Told in Haiku
Lee Wardlaw
Illustrated by Eugene Yelchin
A cat tells his story in a series of terse senryu poems, a form of Japanese poetry similar to haiku, but focused on the foibles of human nature. This cat begins his story in a cage in a shelter. In "The Choosing," he is taken from his cage. He is then driven in a car to a new home and named Won Ton. He explores the home with a cat's typical superior attitude; then he ventures outdoors. Finally he chooses one of the family to be "My Boy," and feels that he is happily at home at last. This slick, imperious cat, detailed in graphite and gouache, is shorthaired and gray, with big blue eyes. He exhibits the usual sleek feline moves, wrapping himself around a leg or leaping over furniture, repeatedly demanding to go out and then come in. He endures being dressed in a dress and silly hat and enjoys total repose on a pile of laundry. Only minimal props are needed to illustrate his story. The end pages are textured just like his fur. A note explains senryu. 2011, Henry Holt and Company/Macmillan, Ages 4 to 8, $16.99. Reviewers: Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-8050-8995-0
For reviews on this topic from last year, click here.
Added 3/28/11
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