A Bounty of Poetry Books From 2002 While Poetry is celebrated for the entire month, April 2nd is a special anniversary date -- Langston Hughes Poetry Day and many venues will be celebrating his poetry. This April The Academy of American Poets presents the National Poetry Map, a state-by-state guide to poetry in communities across America. 19 Varieties of Gazelle: Poems of the Middle East Naomi Shihab Nye    Inbetween the silly poetry of childhood (Mother Goose, Shel Silverstein) and the swirling, metaphoric, sometimes pretentious poetry of adulthood is the gray area of adolescence, when much of the reading done is required for school, and poetry is rarely touched. Many teachers often ask, "How can we make poetry a relevant medium for teenagers?" Naomi Shihab Nye may have the answer with her book of poetry from the Middle East. Teenagers are more interested in current events now than they have been since the Gulf War. This is poetry they can be interested in. The book starts with a tribute poem and an intro concerning the events of September 11. The Gulf War is mentioned explicitly once. The rest of the poems (60 in all) deal with the humanity of Arabs and their daily joys and struggles, so a new generation of readers can learn to appreciate this rich and ancient culture from a new perspective. Nye's words will always be slightly ahead of a teenage reader, but the reader will never feel left behind. These are excellent poems to start an even-handed dialogue on the daily struggle in Israel/Palestine. 2002 (orig. 1994), Greenwillow Books, Ages 14 and up, $16.95. Reviewer: Carey Ahr ISBN: 0-06-009765-5 The Body Eclectic: An Anthology of Poems Edited by Patrice Vecchione    This wonderful, wide-ranging collection of poetry for young-adult readers takes as its subject the human body: faces, hair, hands, fingernails, fat, scars, elbows, skin, breasts, penises, vaginas, pimples, feet. How on earth did Vecchione find all these magnificently varied poems? Represented here are classic authors such as Shakespeare, Sir Philip Sidney, Lord Byron, Thomas Hardy, Walt Whitman, and Virginia Woolf, as well as an amazing collection of newer voices drawn from all cultures: Chicana poet Sandra Cisneros, Native-American poet Sherman Alexie, African-American poet William J. Harris, Chicksaw poet Linda Hogan, Tamil poet A. K. Ramanujan, Vietnamese poet Van Hanh, and so many more. Most of the poems are triumphant hymns to the beauty of the body in all its manifestations, such as Lucile Clifton's sassy "homage to my hips" ("these hips are big hips... these hips are mighty hips. these hips are magic hips") and Minnie Bruce Pratt's comical exploration of the sexual potential of elbows. Some explore the darker side of bodies--the self-loathing of a fat girl in Lyn Lifshin's "Fat," or the lingering pain of abuse, in Claire Braz-Valentine's "Listen to Our Voices." Vecchione includes a richly detailed section of biographical notes on each author, from which the reader learns that Sherman Alexie's literary influences include the Brady Bunch, and that Paul Laurence Dunbar sold copies of his first book for a dollar to people riding on the elevator he operated. An absolutely splendid collection. 2002, Henry Holt, $16.95. Ages 12 up. Reviewer: Claudia Mills ISBN: 0-805-06935-6 Best Books: The Children's Literature Choice List, 2002 ; Children's Literature; United States Editors' Choice: Books for Youth, 2002 ; American Library Association-Booklist; United States Cock-A-Doodle-Doo!: Barnyard Hullabaloo Gile andreae Illustrated by David Wojtowycz    Rollicking rhythms and rhymes in this collection of verses introduce the child to all types of barnyard animals. The morning scene includes snorting, cock-a-doodle-dooing, barking, stomping, bleating, and mooing. Invited to jump on a tractor, we explore the farm close up until late at night as each animal has its own say in a short poem. The rooster rocks, the chickens lay eggs, the cow moos and chews, the sheepdog is faithful, the cat sleeps with one eye open, the pig takes care of its wriggling and snuffling piglets, the donkey sniffs flowers, the turkey gobbles and wobbles, the geese babble and cackle, the sheep skips in a cloud of fleece, the goat chuckles into its beard, the horse munches hay, the bull snorts and scrapes, the fox creeps, and finally the owl searches for prey. At the end, all of the animals turn in for the night. The illustrations in the large picture book are child-centered. They are simple and endearing with impressive two-page spreads of some animals, including a somewhat scary bull. The slinking fox and the cross-eyed owl are also a bit frightening, but this is nothing a curious child would really object to at story time. 2002 (orig. 1999), Tiger Tales, $14.95. Ages 3 to 7. Reviewer: Carol Raker Collins ISBN: 1-58925-020-6 The Company of Crows: A Book of Poems Marilyn Singer Illustrated by Linda Saport    A fresh and original collection of poems features comments from a crow point of view, and from a child's observations. They capture the annoying, curious, loud, and remarkable features of this often misunderstood bird. Saport's brilliant pastel illustrations are perfectly suited to this bold collection and show well to groups of listeners. Many are aerial views or shots through the trees with the black crow bodies as counterpoint and emphasis on brilliant backgrounds. An author's note conveys factual information about crows and would pair perfectly with Laurence Pringle's recent nonfiction title, Crows! Wild and Wonderful (Boyds Mills, 2002). 2002, Clarion Books, $16.00. Ages 7 to 12. Reviewer: Susan Hepler ISBN: 0-618-08340-5 Crowning Glory: Poems Joyce Carol Thomas Illustrated by Brenda Joysmith    The narrator remembers Mama, in the opening poem, and asks as she braids the child's hair, "Is this my crowning glory?" The other free verse poems are all in the present moment and depict African American family members and their hair customs or habits--from a cousin who is waiting for her dreads to lock, to Great-Grandma's practice of winding black twine into her hair to make the patterns strong. Mama wears her hair "natural/In memory of a faraway place" while others weave ribbons and beads, or a headdress to decorate their heads. There are also verses about a child's wonderful sensuous visit to the beauty shop, playing with hats, and modeling with Grandma's "helper," a wig or borrowed hair, as she calls it. An unfortunate spelling of "barrettes" as "berets" mars an otherwise exuberant poem about loosening a "do" to swim joyfully with hair free and unbraided. What is good hair? "Why it's understood,/Sister, if it's on your head it's good!" says Mama. Joysmith's illustrations appear to be pastels and colored pencils and glow with color. No two hairdos are alike and one opening picture of four girls reading a picturebook with free and unbraided hair depicts a quiet moment of beauty. Girls will revel in the many possibilities one can experience with hair, and, like other books about African American hairdos, will feel glad they have such versatility. The book comes with a purple-bobbled hairband to help the reader with her own crowning glory. 2002, HarperCollins, $15.95. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewer: Susan Hepler ISBN: 0-06-023474-1 Danitra Brown Leaves Town Nikki Grimes Illustrated by Floyd Cooper   This warm sequel to the Coretta Scott King Honor Book, Meet Danitra Brown, shows two friends that their friendship can endure separation for the summer when Danitra goes to visit her extended family in the country while Zuri stays home in the city. Both write letters detailing some of the joys--of weeding and the night sky, or a street party and making a new friend--and reveal that they are gutsy, savvy, and affectionate. Grimes tells the story in free verse with occasional rhymes, both ending and internal, that hint at poetry but don't sacrifice meaning for rhyme or rhythm. Cooper's paintings depict Danitra with glasses and Zuri with puffy hair but it is difficult to tell who each girl is without reading several poems first. The final picture of Danitra and Zuri hugging is accompanied by a poem that's sure to ring true with other friends-- "A good hello/is knowing/when we're far apart,/at heart/we're still together,/and being glad/you're home again/cause that is ten times better/." 2002, HarperCollins, Ages 8 to 12, $15.95. Reviewer: Susan Hepler ISBN: 0-688-13155-7 ISBN: 0-688-13156-5 Dinosaurumpus! Tony Mitton Illustrations by Guy Parker-Rees    Dancing Dinosaurs twist, stomp, swing, clatter, and generally gyrate across all the colorful pages of this delightful volume. Rhyming, rapping text introduces the prehistoric characters one at a time. Cavorting onto the boldly colored page, each new dinosaur creates its own rhythmic moves. " Shake, shake, shudder, near the sludgy old swamp. The dinosaurs are coming. Get ready to romp" concludes the introduction and creates anticipation for the next creature to appear. Deinosuchus, Brontosaurus, Pteranodon, Stegosaurus and others are dancing up a storm when, huge Tyrannosaurus "whallops" onto the scene, presumably to crash the party. What he really wants to do is join in the fun. Mitton and Parker-Rees have created a lively combination of poetry and pictures that will have children clapping and snapping their fingers from the first page to the last. This volume offers the perfect opportunity for classroom teachers or parents to prove that poetry comes in many forms and can be lots of fun. 2002, Orchard Books/Scholastic Inc, Ages 6 to 10, $15.95. Reviewer: Janice DeLong ISBN: 0-439-39514-3 Don't Step On the Sky: A Handful of Haiku Miriam Chaikin Illustrated by Hiroe Nakata.    Chaikin introduces the haiku poetic form in a brief introduction. She explains that in its ancient form these short poems consisted of seventeen syllables in three lines and the poems were usually playful commentaries about nature. Modern haiku is more flexible and the poems in this collection are true to the spirit while not necessarily rigid in following the form. Chaikin looks at nature but it is a combination that would appeal to those who live in the country as well as city dwellers. In one, a blade of grass pushes its way up through cement; in another the sound of a brook rushing over stones is "the sound of happiness." The pictures are full of little details and the watercolors do not overwhelm the poems, but bring an added dimension. The final page shows a young girl looking into a rain puddle with a reflection of herself and the sky with a poem that is reflected by the title "After the rain/a puddle. /Careful. /Don't step on the sky." 2002, Henry Holt, $16.95. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot ISBN: 0-805-06474-5 Best Books: Publishers Weekly Book Review Stars, March 11, 2002 ; Cahners; United States Doodel Dandies: Poems that Take Shape J. Patrick Lewis Illustrated by Lisa Desimini   In this collection of poems, the placement of the words and associated pictures for a whole¾neither would be that effective without the other. Kids will smile at the poem about a dachshund that is in the dog's shape, as well as the one about a giraffe. One of my favorites is "Umbrella" with the poem in that shape over a girl in a bright yellow slicker, another is "How Manu Humps" which also provides a great way to remember that the dromedary is ordinary with just one which the bactrian is extraordinary with two. It is a collection that has at least one poem that will appeal to even the most poetry adverse child and what great fun to challenge kids to write and illustrate some poems of their own. 2002 (orig. 1998), Aladdin, Ages 4 to 8, $6.99. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot ISBN: 0-689-81075-X ISBN: 0-689-84889-7 The Drowsy Hours: Poems for Bedtime Susan Pearson Illustrated by Peter Malone    Sixteen selected poems focus on bedtime themes--from moonlight, stars, screech owls and crickets, to the lullaby of a big city. The works of T.S. Eliot, Robert Louis Stevenson, Lilian Moore and other poets are represented. The poems illustrate a nice blend of familiar favorites like "Wynken, Blynken, and Nod" and Louis Untermeyer's "Questions at Night" as well as lesser well-known poems. The illustrations are simultaneously soothing yet magical, evoking the childlike wonder that is nighttime, whether of the San Francisco Bridge from a boy's bedroom or an evening by a campfire on the open range. The illustrations, while always accessible to younger children, are complex enough to interest readers of all ages. Bedtime stories may abound, but this collection is a welcome addition. 2002, HarperCollins, $16.95. Ages 3 up. Reviewer: Valerie O. Patterson ISBN: 0-688-16603-2 ISBN: 0-06-029421-3 Best Books: Publishers Weekly Book Review Stars, May 13, 2002 ; Cahners; United States Exploding Gravy: Poems to Make You Laugh X. J. Kennedy Illustrated by Joy Allen     A number of the eighty-six poems in this collection were previously published. Some, such as "One Winter Night in August," have strong rhythm and clear imagery. Kennedy knows what subjects have strong child-appeal: food, dinosaurs, ghosts, witches, and strange characters (both within and outside one's family). He capitalizes on this, presenting them in humorous verse. Unfortunately, much of it feels forced. He uses too many near rhymes, and a few of the poems go on too long. Often the nonsense is very far-fetched and makes the reader pause in thought rather than flow with the image. The black line drawn illustrations are inviting, varied and quirky enough to engage the reader. It is too bad that the humor falls flat so often. A disappointingly uneven collection, particularly from someone of Kennedy's stature. 2002, Little Brown and Company, Ages 8 to 12, $16.95. Reviewer:: Sharon Salluzzo ISBN: 0-316-38423-2 A Family Like Yours Rebecca Kai Dotlich Illustrated by Tammie Lyon   A family can take many shapes and consist of a variety of members some of whom may be related by blood, marriage or a desire to be together. The rhymes express the variety of families from large to small, fancy and proper to those who love fun, those who enjoy opera and those who love to visit the zoo. Some families live in spacious houses others in a crowded building. The variety is display in the pictures which are mostly of animals rather than people. The message is positive but somehow it just never seems to take off. Much of what is depicted is not mutually exclusive. Families that enjoy opera may also enjoy the zoo. Kids may have a little difficulty in relating to or identifying with the families depicted. 2002, Boyds Mills Press, Ages 7 up, $14.95. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot ISBN: 1-56397-916-0 Fearless Fernie Gary Soto Illustrated by Regan Dunnick    These guys have been friends it seems since the womb. They hang out together and share all of the good time growing up as well as the not so good. They have great imaginations and pretty good self-esteem, even if they are not the smartest, best-looking or greatest of athletes their school has known. They have each other to share life with. Some of their observation are terrific, the poem entitle "Rumor" is short and to the point "You know the girl in the third row?/ she's like an apple--sweet on the outside/But bitter at the core." These poems will resonate with kids and especially those who have a best friend, for those who don't they may feel a bit sad at what they are missing. Black and white illustrations are scattered throughout--sometimes they fill a page but often two smaller pictures appear on a spread. The humor is there, especially in ones like the teacher standing in the closet like a mannequin or fearless Fernie sucking his thumb after a slight injury during his weightlifting program. 2002, Putnam, Ages 8 up, $14.99. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot ISBN: 0-399-23615-5 FEG: Ridiculous [Stupid] Poems for Intelligent Children Robin Hirsch with the assistance of Benjamin Joshua Jaglom Hirsch and a critical introduction by Alexander Max Jaglom Hirsch Illustrated by Ha    Living in the Hirsch household must be fascinating. The poems collected in this volume were fine-tuned with the help of the author's two sons, as word games are a family passion. The poems illustrate different poetic forms, and work almost as well as puzzles as they do as poems. Some are sublime, rather than ridiculous--the sonnet also serves as an acrostic, with the first letters of each line spelling out the title "Sonnet for my Son." Other entries cause a snort of laughter at the end, with the poem serving as an elaborate set up for a pun. The title poem, "FEG," must be read aloud to be understood. Try a snippet and see if you can make any sense of it -- "Abie's seedy effigy/Eight chide Jake: a lemon/O peek:/." The author expounds on the poetic form in illuminating footnotes, full of etymology and whimsy. An intelligent child will enjoy noodling over these poems, and as a result will learn a lot about the subjects of poetry and the English language. The illustrator's name is apparently a pen name adopted for the purposes of this book--the jacket states that he/she is an acclaimed artist whose work has graced the covers of The New Yorker. The artwork consists of bright, kinetic, geometric forms--a perfect match for the cerebral text. 2002, Megan Tingley Books/Little Brown and Company, $15.95. Ages 10 up. Reviewer: Dr. Judy Rowen ISBN: 0-316-36344-8 Best Books: School Library Journal Book Review Stars, April 2002 ; Cahners; United States The Flag of Childhood Selected by Naomi Shihab Nye   Originally published in 1998, this collection of 60 poems from the Middle East demonstrates that despite cultural and religious differences, young people are basically the same no matter where they're from. The poems range from descriptions of commonplace occurrences, such as getting class pictures taken and sunsets, to heart-breaking images of war and its aftermath. The language used is simple and lyrical, and creates a sense of joy - even though some of the stories it tells are sad. A new introduction by Naomi Shihab Nye, written after the tragedies of September 11, 2001, implores readers to learn all they can about each other's lives, for this is one way to achieve lasting peace and understanding. In a world where so much is uncertain, the thoughts and feelings shared in these poems will be reassuring. 2002 (orig. 1998), Aladdin/Simon & Schuster, Ages 8 to 12, $3.99. Reviewer: Joanne Draper ISBN: 0-689-85172-3 Footprints On The Roof: Poems About The Earth Marilyn Singer Illustrated by Meilo So    Nineteen poems comprise this tall, slim volume. Marilyn Singer and Meilo So take us on a tour of our home--the earth. They open with a view of our planet set in a vast dark sky--not a realistic representation by So, but rather an image that a child might draw on a blackboard. Singer celebrates those who live in burrows below our feet, rain, trees, and natural disasters such as a volcano. The latter is cleverly depicted by So as a dormant dragon. Singer even writes poems about modern civilization and how we cover the earth with asphalt, tarmac, concrete and brick. From ocean to deserts, squishy mud and ice, she closes by noting that "No place on earth is ever undiscovered...all have been crossed/and crossed again/by wings whirring or silent/feet furred or scaled/hoofed or bare/By adventurers we will never know..." 2002, Knopf, $14.95. Ages 7 up. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot ISBN: 0-375-81094-3 Best Books: Children's Books of Distinction, 2003 ; Riverbank Review; United States The Frog Wore Red Suspenders Jack Prelutsky Illustrations by Petra Mathers   Jack Prelutsky's inventive use of wordplay and unpredictable rhyme has delighted children for many years. In this new collection, he takes a rollicking journey across America, with verses that are sure to be re-read and memorized. His subjects range from the mildly ridiculous to the downright outrageous, and he brings to each poem his own unique sense of fun. These are poems to be shouted out loud - their exuberance demands to be heard. The full-color illustrations by Petra Mathers bring each verse to vivid and uproarious life. In simple language, Prelutsky continues to delight, making this a great book to introduce young children to the joys of a well-turned verse. 2002, Greenwillow/HarperCollins, Ages 5 up, $16.95. Reviewer: Joanne Draper ISBN: 0-688-16719-5 From The Doghouse: Poems to Chew On Amy E Sklansky Illustrated by Karla Firehammer    This collection of poems about dogs is an appealing package for the 7 to 10 crowd. It will appeal to the dog lovers in the group and it is also relatively easy to read so the poems are accessible to even the weaker readers. I must admit that the poems are a bit inconsistent but, overall, I think it's a good collection. The illustrations were what drew me to this volume. They are bright and vibrant and from afar (or when you don't actually have your glasses on) they appear to be acrylic. Upon further inspection, I saw that all of the pictures were beaded. I have not seen that before and I was pleasantly surprised by it. This would be of interest to a lot of kids who like the whole idea of crafts and beading. The beading in these pictures is really quite remarkable. 2002, Henry Holt, $17.95. Ages 7 to 10. Reviewer: Joan Kindig ISBN: 0-805-06673-X Giant Children Brod Bagert Pictures by Tedd Arnold    The classroom hamster who opens this playful poetry collection sees the children as giants, but by the last poem, the kids are addressing him as a little player with a giant heart. In between, the poems rollick along in satisfying rhyme, touching on about every subject that appeals to younger readers who revel in the work of poets like Jack Prelutsky, X. J. Kennedy, and Sherree Fitch. There is a ball game in space, chocolate mania, monster trucks, and a dinosaur canary. Lurking in other verses are amusing, but serious, thoughts about anxieties like sibling rivalry, stage fright, gender conflict, and problems with the tooth fairy. One poem even comes with a warning that it should never be recited to grown-ups, but its disgusting subject does seem to have a strange juvenile appeal and at least some kids will be sure to recite it to each other (Parents be warned!). Award-winning illustrator Arnold's bug-eyed creatures, done in watercolor and color pencils, inhabit the pages in perfect accompaniment to the irresistible rhymes, at once funny and expressive of the frustrations children experience in their daily lives. After romping through these 23 entertaining poems, most young poetry-lovers (and their parents and teachers) will surely agree with the little girl in "Buffalo in the Library" who cries, "Poetry is the food I need/ To feed my hungry head." 2002, Dial, $ 15.99. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewer: Barbara L. Talcroft ISBN: 0-8037-2556-6 Girl Coming in for A Landing: A Novel in Poems April Halprin Wayland Illustrations by Elaine Clayton    In this pleasing volume of free verse poems, Wayland takes us through a year in the life of a teenage girl. As the year progresses, we feel her emotions about boys, school, music, writing, friends, family, her changing body and more. Wayland paints a refreshingly wide view of a young girl's life, steering clear of the endless angst that seems to fill so many books aimed at this age group. While we do see glimpses of teen insecurities, just as often, we see joy, laughter and wonderment. This complex young girl actually admires her parents, likes her sister (most of the time,) and learns from her teachers. Naturally, boys and teen romance enter into the mix as well. In artfully economical poems, Wayland conveys a wide range of emotions and revelations in an astonishingly sparse number of words. Clayton's collage illustrations add meaning to the text as well. Young readers will identify with many themes in this book, and older readers will keenly remember very real emotions. 2002, Alfred A Knopf, $14.95. Ages 12 up. Reviewer: Kimberly Norman ISBN: 0-375-80158-8 Best Books: Best Books for Young Adults, 2003 ; American Library Association-YALSA; United States Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers, 2003 ; American Library Association-YALSA; United States Give Yourself to the Rain: Poems for the Very Young Margaret Wise Brown Illustrated by Teri L. Weidner   Topics to which children can relate: seasons, day and night, holidays, boats, and the woods comprise these twenty-four never-before-published poems. They will elicit a variety of emotions from children whether it is the happy feeling of the jaunty "Pig Jig," the nostalgia of "Remember and Never Forget," the awe of "In the Sugar Egg" or the soothing feeling of "Sleepy, Creepy Squirrel." "I Like Apples" is the perfect poem for teachers who do a unit on this fruit in the autumn. In his Foreword, Leonard S. Marcus discusses why Brown is so successful in reaching children through her writing. Playful and creative, these poems have a thoughtful depth to them that is not always found in poetry for young children. Watercolor and colored pencil imbue the illustrations with soft, warm tones. Weidner has done an excellent job of presenting the right amount of whimsy or realism as befits each poem. 2002, Margaret K. McElderry Books/ Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing Division, Ages 4 to 8, $16.95. Reviewer: Sharon Salluzzo ISBN: 0-689-83344-X A Grand Celebration: Grandparents in Poetry Selected by Carol G. Hittleman and Daniel R. Hittleman Illustrations by Kay Life   For those who enjoy children's poetry most of the names associated with this collection will be familiar (Lucille Clifton, Nikki Grimes, Lee Bennett Hopkins and Jack Prelutsky) are just a few. All of the poems celebrate that special relationship kids have with grandparents. I fondly remember mine and was lucky enough to have them around until I was well into adulthood. From them, I learned many things and always felt comfortable. That theme comes through in so many of these poems. The picture of a wrinkled old adult with white hair or beards is quickly dispelled in the opening pages. These grandmothers are active, jeans wearing and definitely involved in life. They also have time to listen, back goodies and share stories. Grandpas are also shown as active and involved. In one poem entitled "Making Pies with Grandfather" a young boy is up and working at dawn helping his restaurant owning grandfather make six apple pies. In another a Native American grandfather reminds his grandson of their past. How fortunate are those kids who have loving, sharing grandparents, and this book is perfect for grandparents to share with those grandchildren. 2002, Boyds Mills Press, Ages 4 up, $16.95. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot ISBN: 1-56397-901-2 Hand in Hand: An American History Through Poetry Collected by Lee Bennett Hopkins Illustrated by Peter M. Fiore   From the Pilgrim fathers to space exploration comes a panorama of poems detailing American history. Some poets such as Walt Whitman, Robert Frost, Rachel Field and Carl Sandburg will be familiar poetic masters, while others are introduced here for the first time. Nine sections relate the milestones of America in chronological order, telling of her historic events, brave heroes and the various people who make up such a diverse country. Praises are sung to Harriet Tubman, Nat Love, Barbara Frietchie and Molly Pitcher. Other poems are dedicated to pioneers, farmers, soldiers and Native Americans. Some familiar songs such as "Casey Jones" and "America, the Beautiful" are among the 78 poems included here. Breezy soft watercolors help to evoke the emotions of various eras in a book that invites the reader to revisit time after time. What a delightful way to learn history. Hopkin's collection would be terrific in an American studies program and could be used in oral presentations or skits. 2002 (orig. 1994), Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, All Ages, $20.00. Reviewer: Laura Hummel ISBN: 0-671-73315-X Hey You! C'mere! A Poetry Slam Elizabeth Swados Illustrated by Joe Cepeda    Banging on a garbage can, Bam bam bam./ Mattie say it's time/ For a poetry slam." Seven city kids, in different voices, romp and roll and let their feeling soar as they go about their daily activities. From slurping spaghetti to licking ice cream we get a taste of their day. From smoochy kisses of Evelyn's to Great Gramma's personality we touch their lives. Rollicking with a be-bop beat and loaded with onomatopoeia, these poems are fun to read aloud. " Stepping on a melted candy bar,/ Squish/ Crunch, crunch/ Gravel on the street,/ Whoosh/ Hydrant waterfall..." paints a scene of summer. Most verses are joyous, but others address the fearful subjects of storms and monsters. Vibrant child-like oil paintings spill over the poems and make you want to join the fun! 2002, Arthur A. Levine/Scholastic, $15.95. Ages 8 to 12. Reviewer: Laura Hummel ISBN: 0-439-09257-4 ISBN: 0-439-09258-2 Best Books: Publishers Weekly Book Review Stars, February 18, 2002 ; Cahners; United States Home to Me: Poems Across America Lee Bennett Hopkins Illustrated by Stephen Alcorn    These fifteen commissioned works represent a wide range of types of homes and their locations found throughout the United States. Living on the prairie, by the sea, on a house boat, in a trailer park, on a reservation, in Chinatown, on a Christmas tree farm, near the mountains, in a small town and in a big city are all represented. Many well-known poets are included, such as Jane Yolen, Joseph Bruchac, Alice Schertle, Janet S. Wong, Lillian M. Fisher, and Sharon Darrow. Each gives a glimpse into the lifestyle of the people who live in the areas or types of home. The diversity presented in the poems is extended in Alcorn's intriguing art. The speckled and muted linocuts draw the reader to take a closer look at the illustrations. Front and back inside covers present symbols of the various kinds of homes. The cover shows a girl underneath a house made of books. In fact, the CIP information is in the shape of a house. Perfect for a discussion on the variety of lifestyles in America as well as for a unit on "homes." 2002, Orchard Books, $17.95. Ages 6 to 10. Reviewer: Sharon Salluzzo ISBN: 0-439-34096-9 If I Were in Charge, the Rules Would Be Different James Proimos    Ah, yes, the dream of a child to rule the world, or at least to set the rules at home and perhaps in the schoolroom. What a different world this would be! The title poem in this collection lets Mommy know that because she didn't eat her salami and has socks on both feet and keeps her room too neat, she may be sent to her room where she will have to stay until she can "learn to whine and pout." The author's ugly, evil "monster in the next room," who must be fought off, turns out to be his little brother. One poem is written from the perspective of a belly button and several deal with food issues. There is an "Ode to Spaghetti" as well as an "Ode to Asparagus" although the former is complimentary and the latter sarcastic. Then there is Paul Carolina who "flushed himself to China" and is then flushed around the globe so that he sees "the world from his toilet bowl." Giggles are guaranteed as kids read the poems and take in the clever illustrations. 2002, Scholastic Press, $16.95. Ages 5 to 9. Reviewer: Carolyn Mott Ford ISBN: 0-439-20864-5 If the Shoe Fits: Voices From Cinderella Laura Whipple Illustrations by Laura Beingessner    A now "old and quiet" Cinderella, "content with memories," opens a series of poems to lend fresh insight into a familiar, traditional tale as she recalls her youthful experiences. Each poem is told from a different perspective and in different but appropriate cadence and form. Voices that one expects to hear are included--the jealous stepmother, the dictatorial stepsisters, and the tortured voice of Cinderella's father, now a ghost, who admits he married a tricky woman in haste. Different perspectives are provided to lend a new twist to the tale. It was the garden cat that called the magical godmother. Each of two glass slippers, when separated, provides a glimpse into how they felt, one hidden in a pocket, the other abandoned. Stylized gouache paintings add characterization and create a sense of 17th century France to complement and extend the rhythmic verse. This unusual collection concludes with "Cinderella's Coda," which advises the reader, "Once upon your own time,/you will sing your own tale..../Gather your life/and go." 2002, Margaret McElderry Books, $17.95. Ages 8 to 12. Reviewer: Maria Salvadore ISBN: 0-689-84070-5 Best Books: Publishers Weekly Book Review Stars, May 6, 2002 ; Cahners; United States I Invited a Dragon to Dinner and Other Poems to Make You Laugh Out Loud Illustrated by Chris L. Demarest   More than two dozen rhyming verses have in common both a sense of fun and a list of subjects sure to appeal to young readers and listeners. Along with the title description of the chaos that ensues with such an unusual guest, the rhymes cover strange noises in the attic, a creature under the bed, many odd characters, problems with cleanliness, the time out, vegetables, and a Bedtime Prayer to end the day. Although the poems are replete with verbal imagery, Demarest adds a comic sparkle to his visual interpretations. Sketchy watercolor vignettes surround the blocks of text with their own stories to tell. Unfortunately there is neither table of contents nor index. Notes on all the poets are included. 2002, Philomel Books/ Penguin Putnam Books for Young Readers, Ages 4 to 8, $16.99. Reviewers: Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz ISBN: 0-399-23567-1 Johnny Appleseed Reeve Lindbergh Paintings by Kathy Jakobsen Narrated by Mary McDonnell Music by Randy Scruggs   Reeve Lindbergh has taken a story that we all know well and presented it in poetry. The poem is gorgeous with wonderful images and refrains and is accompanied by equally beautiful illustrations. Lindbergh frames the story nicely by introducing Hannah Goodwin who, as a child, meets Johnny Appleseed as he is setting off on his trek across the country to plant apple seeds. The story ends later with Hannah, as an adult, seeing him again on his last trip through her town. Johnny Appleseed's mission is a simple one of planting apples, sharp and sweet, across this country. His apples feed the settlers and help to make our country grow. In this version of his story, Johnny Appleseed says that no thanks were meant for him but to the Lord who made all things grow. This story of a gentle soul is well told by Mary McConnell, and the American primitive illustrations by Kathy Jakobsen suit the tale well. Weston Woods includes a teacher's guide on the inside cover of the videocassette complete with extension activities. The video is closed-captioned, animated and 18 minutes in length. 2002 (orig. 1990), Little Brown/Weston Woods/Scholastic, Ages 5 to 10, $60.00. Reviewer: Joan Kindig ISBN: 0-78820-755-5 Little Dog and Duncan Kristine O'Connell George Illustrated by June Otani    The poems in this collection tell a story. A young girls and her pup are paid a visit by a big dog. The house guest comes with his own suitcase full of important items, such as a sleeping mat, food dish and food. The little girl and Duncan do all they can to make their doggies guest feel at home, but Duncan doesn't' have the best manners. He eats Little Dog's food, and even naps in Little Dog's bed. The antics are amusing as they travel in the car, fetch sticks and try to avoid being groomed. Bed time is a challenge as they both try to snuggle up with the little girl. It ends on a reassuring note as the Little girl comforts her Little Dog after Duncan has gone back home. The poetic text and absolutely delightful watercolor illustrations will charm kids and adults, even if you aren't a dog lover. 2002, Houghton Mifflin, Ages 4 to 8, $12.00. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot ISBN: 0-618-11758-x Loose Threads Lorie Ann Grover    Family means a lot to seventh-grader Kay Garber. Kay lives with her mom, her Grandma Margie, and her great-grandmother Gran Eula in a loving household, where she learns from her older relatives how to knit and joins them on the couch to watch M*A*S*H. This comfortable routine is thrown out the window when Grandma Margie announces that she has found a lump in her breast. From that moment, Kay's life becomes a waiting game--waiting for biopsy results, chemo treatments, and finally, when treatment fails, waiting for Grandma Margie's death. In the meantime, Kay finds herself growing distant from friends and classmates, as her troubles at home become infinitely more serious than typical middle-school concerns. Kay's tentative friendship with another troubled girl, as well as her changing relationship with her perfectionist mother, evolve against the backdrop of Grandma Margie's illness. The novel is written in poems composed from Kay's point of view. Sometimes the poetic form seems unnecessary and distracting, as when the author uses it to convey dialogue. Other short vignettes, depicting beloved family rituals or Kay's school observations, are more successfully rendered. Kay's genuine emotional response to her grandmother's illness is made more realistic by her exceptional closeness to the women in her family. 2002, Simon & Schuster/Margaret K. McElderry, $16.95. Ages 9 to 12. Reviewer: Norah Piehl ISBN: 0-689-84419-0 Love to Langston Tony Medina Illustrated by R. Gregory Christie Langston Hughes, one of the most influential poets of the 20th century, comes to life in this homage by Tony Medina. Crafting his poems using the style of his subject, Medina sheds light on Hughes' life, from his childhood to his deathbed. Each poem covers a different phase of his life, from the struggle of sitting in the "Jim Crow Row" in school to his happiness at Alice Walker bringing him "A Bag of Oranges" on his deathbed. Because Medina mirrors Hughes' style in his biographical poetry, the reader gains more insight than he would have if it were just a straight-text biography. To further understand the meaning behind the poems, a section of notes at the end of the book describe in deeper detail what Langston was going through. This last section is particularly useful for teachers. Whether you're studying poetry, African-American history, or biography, Love to Langston will come in handy. 2002, Lee & Low Books, $16.95. Ages 7 to 12. Reviewer: Carey Ahr ISBN: 1-584300-41-8 Best Books: The Children's Literature Choice List, 2002 ; Children's Literature; United States School Library Journal Book Review Stars, March 2002 ; Cahners; United States School Library Journal: Best Books, 2002 ; Cahners; United States Mrs. Brown On Exhibit: and Other Museum Poems Susan Katz Pictures by R.W. Alley    Mrs. Brown, "the field trip queen," loves museums. Ann, who is thrilled to be in her class, reports reactions to the many kinds of museums they visit, from natural history and candy to art and baseball, in a series of rhyming or free verses filled with both vivid descriptions and humor. Butterflies and insects come to life, tornados and earthquakes astound, as the world and the minds of the students expands. Museum brochures decorate the end-papers; then Alley's colored drawings depict some of each museum's objects in their setting, along with the youngsters getting involved as only very curious, active, uninhibited kids can. Both words and pictures can enhance the appreciation of any museum. A list of some "amazing museums" around the country is appended. 2002, Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, $16.95. Ages 6 to 10. Reviewers: Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz ISBN: 0-689-82970-1 Muslim Child: Understanding Islam through Stories and Poems Rukhsana Khan Illustrated by Patty Gallinger Sidebars by Irfan Alli     A window opens on the Muslim world through a child's eyes as one reads the varied stories and poems comprising this book. We learn that, more than a religion, Islam is a way of life for Muslims, who gain peace and status among their people by observing strict rules and rituals in their daily lives. Yet these very processes leave them open to misunderstanding by others unaware of their significance. Is that really a black ghost, or could it be simply a child's mother who dresses in black cape and head covering? Is it okay to pretend to complete the complicated washing before prayers five times a day, or may one pray even if not quite perfect in washing? Might one be excused for eating something containing forbidden pork products if one has already bought it and is really hungry? The book presents a sympathetic picture of children stretching to embrace the ways of their religion while fitting into modern life in many countries. This reviewer found the constant refrain of "peace be upon him" following every mention of any of the prophets (including Moses, Abraham, Jesus and Mohammed among others) rather disconcerting, however, since this book is intended for general audiences rather than Muslim religious instruction. But the sidebars on nearly page, as well as materials following chapters and at the back of the book, provide excellent information while stressing the ties between Judaism, Christianity and Islam and their universal desire for peace. Includes appealing black and white illustrations throughout and a pronunciation and script guide. 2002 (orig. 1999), Whitman, Ages 8 to 12, $14.95. Reviewer:Judy Chernak ISBN: 0-8075-5307-7 My Chinatown: One Year in Poems Kam Mak   Kam Mak grew up in New York's Chinatown, and his memories of it bring a distinctly personal quality to this combination of free verse and luminous art. Told from the point of view of a young boy recently arrived from Hong Kong, the poems begin with Chinese New Year, when "the air dances with scraps of red, a snowfall the color of luck." Our young storyteller feels that the luck cannot be his because Chinatown isn't home. As the year progresses, he finds that his new home has links to the old, as well as surprises that become new favorites. Mak's paintings bring us into the boy's point of view at the same time that they reveal strong images of life in Chinatown. We see the old fortuneteller, the bird shop "where it sounds like the woods in spring," and the lanterns of the Moon Festival. Mak's art is both graphic, with strong color and spare perspective, and detailed. Portraits are beautifully rendered and speak to the culture and lives of their subjects. As the year ends with a new celebration, the joy that is life in this boy's Chinatown is apparent. The author is an experienced illustrator with a number of noteworthy books to his credit; My Chinatown is his first offering as author and illustrator. Teachers will find this book a useful tool for exploring the culture of life in immigrant Chinese communities and a lovely example of memoir. 2002, HarperCollins, Ages 5 to 8, $16.95. Reviewer: Anne Field ISBN: 0-06-029190-7 Once Upon A Farm Marie Bradby Illustrated by Ted Rand   This is a eulogy for a sweeter, simpler life. An African-American boy narrates the story, told in poetic form, of his family's life on their farm. The challenge of early rising and hard work and chores is immediately balanced with the sense of beauty and wonder in nature, and the love in this family. A well is dug, a new house built, and the reader is shown the children's joy as they grow. A lovely pairing of illustrations shows a pig with many nursing piglets opposite the family sitting at their dinner table giving thanks for their food. The sense of nurturing is strong in this beautiful picture book. The tender and warm watercolors are realistic and idealistic, in keeping with the text. Several lines of text are on each spread; each has an illustration that expands on the words. This is a lovely book that might be used in a variety of ways. The message of the intrusion of the city at the end is clear, and beautifully poignant. 2002, Orchard/Scholastic, Ages 4 to 9, $16.95 Reviewer: Candace Deisley ISBN: 0-439-31766-5 One Leaf Rides the Wind: Counting in A Japanese Garden Celeste A Mannis Illustrated by Susan Hartung    A counting book in English haiku (5-7-5 lines) reveals aspects of her Japanese garden that a kimono-clad girls notices. Carved temple dogs guard three bonsai pots while four birds soar overhead. Sophisticated use of oil paint glazes gives the accompanying artwork subtlety and depth and adds a pleasing aspect to the facing page of haikus. Below each poem, smaller typeface offers something about a tea ceremony, koi fish, or carved lanterns. While the artwork outshines the haikus, which elementary readers traditionally do not like, the book works well with other more informative books about Japan, such as Mari Takabayashi's inventive I Live in Tokyo (Houghton Mifflin, 2001) and Ruth Wells' backwardly read A to Zen: A Book of Japanese Culture, illustrated by Yoshi (Simon & Schuster, 1992). 2002, Viking, $15.99. Ages 6 to 10. Reviewer: Susan Hepler ISBN: 0-670-03525-4 Best Books: Publishers Weekly Book Review Stars, September 2, 2002 ; Cahners; United States Outside the Lines: Poetry at Play Brad Burg Illustrated by Rebecca Gibbon     Concrete poems have become very popular recently, both with children and teachers. There are several here that will be instant hits, such as "Skipping Stones," "Slide," and "Sand Castle." The topics focus on a child's world, whether it is flying a kite, playing soccer or softball, or bouncing on a bed. Don't let the picture book size deceive you. This collection requires good reading skills. Several of the poems read from the bottom to the top of the page. The final poem, "Connect the Dots," can only be read by following the numbers. The eye-catching, full-page illustrations in watercolor and colored pencil have the poems running through them in delightful ways. Not quite the caliber of A Poke in the I by Paul B. Janeczko. Nevertheless, the playfulness and joy within these poems will come through to the reader. It may be just the thing to turn a child on to poetry. 2002, G P Putnam's Sons, Ages 8 to 12, $15.99. Reviewer: Sharon Salluzzo ISBN: 0-399-23446-2 Peacock and Other Poems Valerie Worth Pictures by Natalie Babbitt   In this collection of 26 poems (all but two of which are new), kids will take great pleasure with the poet's observations of the ordinary in language that makes each and every item extraordinary. She describes an umbrella as if it were alive just waiting "To flap out/ And escape/ On the furious/ Sweep of/ The storm." Other items include the humble pencil, crayons. Icicles and a roller coaster ride. These poems are short, easy to memorize and like "ice cream" melting softly filling the mouth with something like velvet. Babbitt's black-and-white drawing either sit on a page of their own or are appropriately placed on the same page as the poem. A great choice for the classroom teacher looking to introduce poetry. 2002, Farrar, Ages 6 up, $15.00. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot ISBN: 0-374-35766-8 Poems from Homeroom: A Writer's Place to Start Kathi Appelt    Attention poets, teachers, writers, and teen and adult readers--this book has something for everyone. Appelt provides poems about real-life feelings, information on different poetic structures, and a multitude of ideas to get readers writing and thinking. Each poem has a separate section examining the feelings that inspired it. For example, accompanying a poem about getting a driver's license are suggestions to imagine other feelings of power--what would it feel like "if you could be boss, principal, parent, president?" There are litanies, sonnets, haikus, and villanelles. Elegies in the form of acrostics take a look at the lives of Kurt Kobain, Marilyn Monroe, Janis Joplin, and others. Additional subjects include tattoos, cyberlove, getting into a fight, and a funny twist on being short. Each is filled with memorable details--a spaghetti strap sliding off a shoulder, the smell of popcorn. Imaginative ideas complement each poem to help readers brainstorm their own creations, and would work equally well for fiction as poetry. This book, chockfull of inspiration, is erudite, elegant, and funny, all wrapped into one small, easy-to-read volume. An excellent resource for teachers and students, it is an entertaining and thought-provoking read for anyone. 2002, Henry Holt, $16.95. Ages 13 up. Reviewer: Betty Hicks ISBN: 0-805-06978-X State and Provincial Reading Lists: Tayshas High School Reading List, 2003-2004 ; Texas Poetry Matters: Writing a Poem from the Inside Out Ralph Fletcher     Budding poetry writers will receive plenty of encouragement here for both the creative process and the crafting of a poem. In part one, "Lighting the Spark," Fletcher addresses the emotional aspects, the imagery, the sound and what to write about. He tells his readers, "The best poems don't tell us what to think, they show us, and they let us feel it, too." In Part two, "Nurturing the Flame," he tells the reader to think fragments, consider the shape of the poem, the importance of the last line and wordplay. He addresses several problems that writers will encounter, such as flat language, vague ideas, and poems that go on too long. There are interviews with three renowned poets: Kristine O'Connell George, Janet S. Wong and J. Patrick Lewis in which they respond to questions about where their ideas come from, how they deal with writer's block and what advice they would give to young writers. Fletcher encourages "Bring Your Own Poetry" parties where everyone shares a favorite poem and sometimes there are group readings. He often uses student poetry as examples, which is a nice encouragement for other young writers. He keeps his tone light and his examples straightforward. An excellent annotated bibliography of contemporary poets and selected works is found at the back of the book. Teachers will find many helpful tips in working with students and their poetry efforts. The book is very approachable for the students themselves. 2002, HarperTrophy/HarperCollins, Ages 8 to 12, $4.95. Reviewer: Sharon Salluzzo ISBN: 0-380-79703-8 Remember The Bridge: Poems of a People Carole Boston Weatherford   This book was begun more than two decades ago as a graduate school photo-essay assignment where she pored over "hundreds of prints and photographs". Over the years she has written word images to go with the visual representations. Weatherford has created an amazing chronicle with her skillful pairing of pictures and poetry. Her introductory poem, "Remember the Bridge", begins, "Remember the bridge/ that your ancestors crossed, / the sweat that was spilled/ and the lives that were lost" . In concise, prosaic language, she goes on to explain the mission of her book. She sets out to remember slaves, conductors and passengers of the Underground Railroad, Civil War soldiers, people who told tales of traveling to a more industrialized north and those who fought for Civil Rights. This lofty goal is realized with twenty-seven emotive poems which speak for people who were captured in Africa, traveled across the ocean, were sold on slave blocks, fought for freedom, and strived for recognition in all fields. Not only does Weatherford honor people named and unnamed, she celebrates poetry as she alters tones to match periods and enlivens eras with poignant images. The illustrations for these poems are dramatic monochromes that vary from line drawings to a heart-breaking photograph of a horribly scarred run-away slave. Weatherford's well-shaped book spirals upwards to the final poem, "I Am the Bridge" which summarizes the strength of the voices of all the lives she's made vivid, and their impact on the world. She ends with a sense of continuance and hope, "The past is the foundation, / the future the next span. /We'll bridge the mighty river;/ brothers, sisters, hand in hand." 2002, Philomel, Ages 8 to adult, $17.99. Reviewer: Susie Wilde ISBN: 0-399-23726-7 Remember The Bridge: Poems of a People Carole Boston Weatherford   The author's note at the end of this collection of poems and photographs explains how the author began her "pilgrimage into my past." She had written poems and was searching for photographs to accompany them. The research led her to look at hundreds of prints and photographs that proved to be the inspiration for subsequent poems, which cover four hundred years of African American history. The poems take readers from the slave trade in Africa to the slave markets in the US, life on a plantation, escape, life as free men and women of color, heroes and heroines including contemporary singers, jazz musicians, star athletes, the civil rights movement and the joy of success and achievement. This look at African-American history will linger with the reader and it ends with the hope and belief in a bright future for all. The handsome book is a great choice for both poetry and African-American collections. 2002, Philomel, Ages 10 up, $17.99. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot ISBN: 0-399-23726-7 Seasons: A Book of Poems Charlotte Zolotow Illustrated by Erik Blegvad    The selections begin in winter with a gray sky, wind and snow falling in a ground already blanketed in white. Most of the poems in this section reflect on snow but some also address family relationships--often an issue when cooped up inside during cold wintry days. Finally spring arrives and the focus turns to bright flowers, warm winds and a few gray days when it rains. Then summer arrives filled with the sound of crickets, flashing fireflies and butterflies flitting through the air. When fall comes, the flocks of birds migrate south, fields and leaves turn gold and brown and that kids favorite holiday, Halloween, arrives. Interspersed in each section are poems that reveal the feelings and emotions of kids also passing through the seasons of life. They really are not associated with any particular season--just the many passages of our lives. The illustrations in pen and ink with watercolors are charming. While full of interest, they have an old fashioned flavor but do reflect contemporary scenes. They should delight the eyes of young readers as the poems resound in their ears and hearts. An "I Can Read" book. 2002, HarperCollins, $14.95 and $14.89. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot ISBN: 0-06-026698-8 ISBN: 0-06-026699-6 Best Books: Publishers Weekly Book Review Stars, January 2002 ; Cahners; United States Some Folks Like Cats: and Other Poems Ivy O. Eastwick Illustrations by Mary Kurnick Maass    Dr. Walter B. Barbe, former editor-in-chief of Highlights for Children magazine, was a friend of Ivy O. Eastwick and admired the poetry she sent him in letters from all over the world as she served in the British Diplomatic service. After her death, he compiled her poems into this collection. The twenty poems include nonsense, humor, nature, seasons, wishes, dreams and fancy. Not only cats, but magical mermaids, gnomes, sunflowers, raindrops, and dancing rabbits fill this collection. "It's a habit of Rabbit to leap in the sun, to dance in deep clover, to jump and have fun..." Written for children they truly reflect a child's perspective as shown in this excerpt from "Seven Raindrops." "I counted seven drops of rain-they spattered on my windowpane, then lay like diamonds on the sill and stayed there, bright and shining, till the sun came up above the hill." The lively color illustrations add to the fun and whimsy. Simple and rhythmic, these poems will appeal to children of all ages. 2002, Boyd Mills Press, Ages 3 up, $15.95. Reviewer: Cheryl Peterson ISBN: 1-56397-450-9 Splash! Poems of Our Watery World Constance Levy Illustrations by David Soman    Whether writing poems from the point of view of water, observing a butterfly seek a drink on a child's hand, or playing with the water sloshing in us that matches the water sloshing outside of us, Levy helps readers explore the many states of water. The strength of this collection is the wide range of its subject matter of water as salmon ladders, a tea-time necessity, a rainbow, or bathwater with a memory. Solman's watery blue wash paintings don't add much to the clarity of these water poems but rather suggest setting or mood. Some of the poems have more child appeal than others but as a companion to the classroom study of water in science, as a partner with Walter Wick's A Drop of Water (Scholastic, 1999), or as a thought-provoking look at the ubiquity of water, this book works well. 2002, Orchard Books, $16.95. Ages 7 to 12. Reviewer: Susan Hepler ISBN: 0-439-29318-9 Summersaults: Poems and Paintings Douglas Florian   Florian has charmed adults and children with his poems and paints and this new collection of twenty-eight poems celebrate the joys of summer. It is a sizzling contrast to his award-winning book Winter Eyes. What did summertime mean to most of us as kids. Days of freedom and time to play outside, barefeet, an ocean or pool to swim in and green grass for tumbling and running. Summer, however is not without its drawbacks¾there are flies, fleas, thunderstorms, heat and humidity, but that is not enough to dispel the joy of summertime. The poem "Some Summers" depicts a variety of suns and just as they differ so do various summers and summer days. One poem that may resonate with kids is appropriately titled "Three Words" "Three words/Most cruel:/Back to school." Never fear, the playful Florian does not end the book on that slightly unhappy note there are still more poems that celebrate fireflies, campfires and summer nights. A good choice for kids starting to feel the urge to let loose as the days grow longer and warmer. 2002, Greenwillow/HarperCollins, Ages 5 up, $15.95. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot ISBN: 0-06-029267-9 A Thousand Peaks: Poems from China Siyu Liu and Orel Protopopescu Illustrations by Siyu Liu   Shi poems have existed as a form for more than two thousand years. They are simple in style, containing four to eight lines, but hold within them worlds of subtle meaning. Liu-a native of China and an architect and artist-and Protopopescu-a poet-have collaborated successfully in bringing these poems to life. In the process, they also manage to present a history of old China that explains its social structure, the importance of the Jinshi exam system, and the role of women within it all. Each poem presented is explored lovingly. The original characters are laid out with a character-by-character translation. A smoothly flowing English version is also offered, along with fascinating notes on the author and his or her own life. Chinese idioms come alive, as do the struggles of long-ago poets. The layout of the pages, along with Liu's pen and ink sketches and occasional full page watercolors all combine to create a lovely book. This should be a must for middle and upper school libraries. 2002, Pacific View Press, Ages 10 up, $19.95. Reviewer: Kathleen Karr ISBN: 1-881896-24-2 Three Little Kittens Marilyn Janovitz    A new rendering of a classic rhyme, Janovitz's book will please all audiences. True to the original tale, three kittens can't seem to hold on to their mittens and keep them clean, much to their mother's chagrin. Small children may enjoy helping the kittens find their mittens, scattered around the backyard and will delight in pages of whimsical illustrations, like that of kittens eating blueberry pie in their mittens. The illustrations are sunny and warm, the rhyming text simple enough for beginning readers to attempt. Mother Goose told the tale, but Janovitz's delightful illustrations definitely bring it to life. This is a great version of a classic rhyme that will enjoy a long life on a library or home bookshelf. 2002, North-South Books Inc, $13.95. Ages 3 to 6. Reviewer: Bethany Miller Cole ISBN: 0-7358-1642-5 Visiting Langston Willie Perdomo Illustrated by Bryan Collier    A paean to Langston Hughes in lilting jazz rhythms, poet and Harlem native Willie Perdomo's spare narrative follows a young girl as she visits Hughes's brownstone home in Harlem. Coretta Scott King Awardee Bryan Collier's watercolor and collage illustrations match the feeling of Perdomo's words. His images are riff with emotion rather than realism. The little girl's pink-striped shirt and her daddy's faux alligator jacket add to the color of the place-and to each of them as individuals. This is a book filled with pride; a book meant to give pride. A prefatory Author's Note gives a brief biographical sketch of Hughes, which emphasizes his motivations as a writer. 2002, Henry Holt, $15.95. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewer: Kathleen Karr ISBN: 0-8050-6744-2 Awards, Honors, Prizes: Coretta Scott King Awards 2003 Illustrator United States Society of School Librarians International Book Awards Honor Book 2002 Language Arts-Picture Books United States Wham! It's a Poetry Jam Sara Holbrook     This slim volume is quite deceptive. It is jam-packed with useful information for teachers or anyone who has an interest in performance poetry. In her introduction Jane Yolen stated that Sara "…sticks her hand down a poem's throat and pulls it inside out. She makes you laugh, cry feel." Her book is filled with tips identified with catchy titles such as "Toot Your Own Horn," "Voice Your Attitude," and "Going Solo." The section opens with some suggestions and then a poem to practice the technique with. For the call and response example, the text is even color-coded to identify the parts. Towards the end of the book, there is good advice about running a poetry contest (jam), who can play, how to score, basic rules and the like. A good book to have on hand in the media center or library and inexpensive enough for individual purchase. 2002, Wordsong/Boyds Mills Press, Ages 8 to 14, $9.95. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot ISBN: 1-59078-011-6 When Daddy Prays Nikki Grimes Illustrated by Tim Ladwig   The African-American father in these poems is a big strong man, and his size is a symbol for his strong belief in God and the power of prayer. He sets a good example for his son and is always there supporting and providing his physical strength as well as his enduring belief in the power of God. Grimes poems are strong and some such as "Like Him" have a bit of humor as the young boy tries to dress up and look like his father or when he admonishes his father in "Lost and Found" to aks God to give him help as he hunts all over the house for his keys. The strength of the family is epitomized in the size of the man who looks like he could play football for any team and who on Monday nights is an armchair coaches in front of the TV. But when his feverish son climbs in his lap, the world once again centers on family and the hope that God will provide the strength to help his boy get well. A collection that should appeal to all who have belief in the power of prayer regardless of race or creed. 2002, Eerdmans, Ages 4 up, $16.00. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot ISBN: 0-8028-5152-5 Whisper and Shout: Poems to Memorize Edited By Patrice Vecchione     There are as many reasons for memorizing a poem as there are poems. In her well-written introduction, Vecchione discusses not only why someone would want to memorize a poem, but also provides some tips on learning that poem by heart. There are thirty-eight poets represented in this collection of fifty-two poems. Poets such as Shakespeare, Edna St. Vincent Millay, T. S. Elliot, and Herman Melville are here. So are Nikki Giovani, Paul Fleischman, Langston Hughes, Gwendolyn Brooks and Ashley Bryan. Several of the poems are traditional, anonymous, or from a culture that did not ascribe a particular author (such as the Cherokee poem). There are long and short, and pensive and humorous poems in the six sections: Poems About Life, Wordplay Poems, Poems of Family and Friends, Humorous Poems, The Natural World, and Wisdom and Wonder. With such a variety, a reader will certainly find a poem to memorize. I've already marked mine. The back of the book includes brief biographical information about each poet and suggested books by and about that person. There is an index of titles, an index of first lines and an index of authors. 2002, Cricket Books, Ages 9 to 12, $16.95. Reviewer: Sharon Salluzzo ISBN: 0-8126-2656-7 Wild Wings: Poems for Young People Jane Yolen Photographs by Jason Stemple     In "A note from the author," Yolen explains that she received a few of these photographs from her son and immediately asked for more. She knew she wanted to write poems about them. It's no wonder, for they are crisp, clear and fascinating with their lush colors and varied backgrounds. Since the photographs were taken along the South Carolina shore, the Florida everglades and in Colorado the birds are seen in their natural habitats. There are both large and small birds, air and water fowl such as two kinds of heron, a hawk, a Wilson's warbler, a hummingbird and a Canada goose. The pictures are the inspiration, and as such Yolen has used the action to create her verse. These short poems have good rhythm and are fresh in their perspectives. Along with the poem is an interesting informational tidbit on each bird. This just might encourage some children to become bird watchers. It is an eye-catching addition to units on birds and spring. 2002, Wordsong/Boyds Mill Press, Ages 5 to 10, $17.95. Reviewer: Sharon Salluzzo ISBN: 1-56397-904-7 Wings on the Wind: Bird Poems Collected by Kate Kiesler Illustrated by Kate Kiesler     Birds are so beautiful to watch in flight and some of them have lovely songs. Kiesler obviously shares a love of these feathered creatures and has selected a group of poems that follow them from spring to fall. The return of many birds lets us know that spring has arrived. The air is filled with blossoms and barn swallows fly back to barns where they will find nesting room. Carl Sandburg celebrates six eggs in a mockingbird's nest and the songs that soon will come from those little birds. The watercolor pictures are full of interest. The swallows lined up on a telephone wire while a woodpecker peeks out form a hole. The five little owls are show with varying expressions from one that seems to be still asleep to others that are wide-awake an anxious to hunt for their suppers. In one of the closing poems by Elizabeth Coatsworth, great swarms of birds are heading south as the winter nears. This is a book of poems that highlights famous poets and also several familiar poems not attributed to anyone, but they all celebrate those wonderful and fascinating creatures known as birds. A nice addition to any home or library collection. 2002, Clarion/Houghton Mifflin, Ages 4 up, $14.00. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot ISBN: 0-618-13333-X A World of Wonders: Geographic Travels in Verse and Rhyme J. Patrick Lewis Pictures by Alison Jay    Lewis who has written many poetry books loves to travel. This collection reflects that love and has lots of fun with geography. His poem about Christopher Columbus is also an acrostic spelling out the name of one of the sailing ships. He plays around with the Yellow, Red Black and Dead Seas in "Is the Yellow Sea Yellow?" And of course teaches kids why these bodies of water earned their distinctive names. I particularly liked his short poem "How to Tell Latitude from Longitude" "Lines of latitude/Have a flatitude./Longitudinal lines /rise like porcupines." Easy to remember and very helpful when puzzling over which is which. Alsion Jay has created some unusual artwork to accompany these poems. There is humor, information and due to the use of a crackling varnish the pictures almost look like they are puzzle pieces that could be taken apart and reassembled. This is a delightful selection that could be used in English language and social studies programs. 2002, Dial/Penguin Putnam, Ages 4 to 8, $16.99. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot ISBN: 0-8037-2579-5 You Remind Me of You Eireann Corrigan   TYou Remind Me of You Eireann Corrigan This is a poetry memoir about the author's struggle with eating disorders, the attempted suicide of her high school boyfriend and how love and pain lead to recovery. The first poems give an indication of the upcoming struggles as she and her boyfriend reminisce about their rocky relationship. Frequent references to the differences between his Jewish traditions and her Catholic background are expressed in the poems. They continue to see each other despite these differences and become intimate. The poems are an important part of the author's recovery as they chronicle her struggle with herself, her family and her friends. She shares intimate details about her eating habits, her hospitalization and her successful rehabilitation. The circumstances of her boyfriend's attempted suicide are obscure, but her devotion and visits are clearly described. Her college experiences are combined with emotional swings, which are mixed with past and current events. I found the memoirs interesting as a diary but the poetry is rather depressing for an outsider, yet has the potential of being therapeutic for someone who has shared the author's experiences. The author is open and honest about her condition, but with humor and grace the strange path to recovery becomes evident. 2002, PUSH/Scholastic, Ages 15 up, $6.99. Reviewer: Karen Werner ISBN: 0-439-29771-0 Young Adult Poetry: A Survey and Theme Guide Rachel E. Schwedt and Janice DeLong Foreword by Mel Glenn    This reference guide offers teachers, librarians and young adult readers an annotated bibliography of 198 poetry volumes and a thematic guide to over 6,000 individual poems. The Foreword is written by Mel Glenn. The poems included in this survey are intended for children in grades six through twelve. Authors Rachel Schwedt and Janice DeLong successfully balance the collection within the guide to meet the curriculum needs of teachers as well as the interests of adolescent students. The thematic guide reflects a range of topics, from insects to loneliness. Each annotation offers an in-depth description of content and how teachers, librarians or parents might use the poem/poem collection. One of the most refreshing aspects of this guide is its inclusion of multicultural titles. Works by Carl Sandburg and Lee Bennett Hopkins appear alongside poems by Walter Dean Myers, Pat Mora, Janet Wong, Naomi Shihab Nye and Gary Soto, offering readers a variety of styles and perspectives. The publication dates of the selected poems span more than fifty years, with the bulk of selections written in the 1990s. Through this well-organized and engaging collection, the authors invite teachers and students to include poetry in their everyday lives. This reference guide is highly recommended for classroom, library or family library collections. 2002, Greenwood Press, $49.95. Ages 12 up. Reviewer: Elizabeth Marshall ISBN: 0-313313-36-9 Additional Poetry Book Reviews 2000 2001 2003 2004 To stay up to date on new books on this topic, consider subscribing to The Children's Literature Comprehensive Database. For your free trial, click here. Updated 4/2/04