Top 10 Religion Books for Youth, 2005; American Library Association-Booklist; United States
ISBN: 0-8028-5183-5
Busy in the Garden
George Shannon
Pictures by Sam Williams
Babies and toddlers are notoriously "busy." In this absolutely delightful collection of poems the little ones are invited, encouraged, even exhorted to set about planting seeds, pulling weeds, and reaping the results of their efforts. "Zucchini" is one of my favorites as it addresses the plight of zucchini growers everywhere-too much of the green stuff. Beginning with "Zucchini/meeny/miney/moe." and ending with "Zucchini hash and succotash./Zucchini/meeny/miney/MOAN." this one is the perfect description of the zucchini gardener's overabundant crop. The charming illustrations show plants in all of their stages of development from seed to flower to fruit as an integrated part of the pictures of the darling children who cavort about the garden. One of the poems is a little riddle about the parts of a plant that people eat: "sister ate the seeds and tossed the rest" is the line about eating peas. This will result in lots of discussions about the parts of plants that are consumed and would pair well with the book Tops and Bottoms by Janet Stevens. Grab your own garden basket and pack it with these 24 poems for a "garden of delight"-guaranteed. You'll love the one about how to grow Jack O'Lanterns-plant a candle with every pumpkin seed! The cute-o-meter goes to the top on this one but do not overlook the many teachable moments captured in this celebration of all things "garden." Wrap this up with a "bunch of seeds" and give it as a wonderful gift of Spring. 2006, Greenwillow/HarperCollins, Ages 3 up, $15.99. Reviewer: Sheilah Egan (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-06-000464-4
ISBN: 0-06-000464-9
ISBN: 0-06-000465-7
ISBN: 978-0-06-000465-1
Count Me a Rhyme: Animal Poems by the Numbers
Jane Yolen
Photographs by Jason Stemple
Jane Yolen and her son Jason Stemple collaborated on an earlier book entitled Color Me a Rhyme. Yolen notes in the foreword that after that, her son worked on finding pictures of various numbers of animals. Once he had his collection, she then wrote the poems. Normally counting books would be targeted to a very young audience, but even though there are numbers, the poems are sophisticated and the number sequence goes to ten and then a bit beyond. The numbers are used both for the number of animals and also to present numbers in other words, as well as Arabic and Roman form. For two, Jane has created a poem for two voices and the picture shows two birds almost mirroring each other. She muses about the feeling they may have and possibly share. There is plenty of variety in the poetic forms, pictures, types of wildlife depicted, and more. The book closes with the word "countless" and a poem entitled "Many" to reflect the stars in the sky. 2006, Boyds Mills Press, Ages 10 to 12, $17.95. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 1-59078-345-X
Dante: Poet, Author, and Proud Florentine
John C. Davenport
Dante Alighieri was a writer who lived in 13th century Italy and the author of The Inferno, a vivid description of a journey through Hell. Davenport takes the reader on a guided journey through Dante's life, from his early love for Beatrice to his exile from the city of his birth, Florence. He lost both his city and his first love, but Dante still went on to become one of the world's greatest poets. With carefully selected illustrations and skillful writing, Davenport provides a glimpse into the life of a great writer who continues to dominate the Italian literary canvas nearly 700 years after his death. 2006, Chelsea House Publishers, Ages 8 to 12, $30.00. Reviewer: Suzanna E. Henshon (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-7910-8634-8
Dark Sparkle Tea and Other Bedtime Poems
Tim Myers
Illustrated by Kelley Gunningham
It is obvious from the title page on that the author has vast experience and knowledge of the bedtime routines parents try to perpetuate and the delaying tactics that children try to perpetrate. The 23 poems collected in this lovely bedtime title deal with the rambunctious approach to bedtime, the reluctant delayer, the sweetly drowsy and the simply silly. I adore the skunk mother who praises her smelly offspring in "At the Skunks' House." She calls them "dear stenchlings" and "little stinkhearts" as well as telling them how "we're proud of how badly you stink." They are happy to go to bed in their rooms "full of fumes." This silliness is balanced with the truly beautiful poem "My Brother and Me" as two young boys climb the stairs and settle into their beds "Like otters on waters, my brother and me,/ little bears in their lairs asleep,/ quiet and safe and dreaming/ like otters a-snooze on the deep." The illustrations are muted as is suitable for the subject matter but also glowing and luminous in places-like glimpsing the stars through the curtained bedroom window. The poems are written with different rhythms, styles, cadences, and meters which keep them fresh and lively as the reader turns the page anticipating the next little gem. My only reservation about this title is the inclusion of "A Burglar Came on Saturday Night" which is actually quite funny as the dog bites the burglar's behind and scares him away; but, sleepy time poems should, in my opinion, be aimed at helping little people face going to bed. This poem would be a wonderful addition to an older collection of poetry, where it would be greatly appreciated by the 9 to 11 year old group who find the idea of a bad guy being bitten in the "rumpus" quite humorous. 2006, Boyds Mills Press, Ages 3 to 8, $16.95. Reviewer: Sheilah Egan (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 1-59078-288-7
Earth Magic
Dionne Brand
Illustrated by Eugenie Fernandes
The brilliantly colored warmth of the Caribbean flows across each page as delicious collections of words make the earth come alive: "The sky blinked,/woke up,/ and might have changed its mind, /but day had come." Is there a child afraid of the dark? How comforting to think instead of day finishing, pulling "a black sheet about her./She sits in the west corner,/lights an old pipe - it is the moon." The ordinary becomes fantastic when the river meets the sea and the "current is strong and foamy/'Cause river wants to go to sea/but sea won't be her boat." The poetry and the illustrations are alive. Read "Rain" aloud and you will feel the drops all around you. See the old woman, quickly sketched, sitting on a newspaper, and you will sigh and feel her anguish. There are wonderful first poems to read aloud to young children and stronger images for older students or adults, who can attempt to put their own world into words or just savor the world Brand and Fernandes have created. 2006, KCP Poetry, Ages 6 up, $14.95. Reviewer: Karen Leggett (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-1-55337-706-1
ISBN: 1-55337-706-0
Emily Dickinson: A Biography
Milton Meltzer
Milton Meltzer's latest in his series of biographies for middle-grade readers delves into the life and times of the poet Emily Dickinson with intelligence and respect. His picture of the shy young woman-for she seems, like Peter Pan, never to have completely grown up and old-is developed from portraits of her conservative family and Amherst environment, her letters, and most especially her poems. Although Dickinson attended Mt. Holyoke for a year, that was nearly the last of her public appearances or travels. Hermit-like, she spent the rest of her days cloistered in the bosom of her family: caring for her ill, aging mother; piecing together tiny books of poems that she refused to have published. One is left with the image painted by a rare visitor, "A little plain woman . . . in white pique . . . thoroughly ingenuous and simple." But in her mind, Emily Dickinson soared. The volume is handsomely designed and produced, with a reinforced binding. Its thick stock shows off the well-selected photos and period illustrations. This would be a wise addition to any middle- or upper-school library. 2006, Twenty-First Century Books, Ages 10 up, $31.93. Reviewer: Kathleen Karr (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-7613-2949-8
The Entrance Place of Wonders: Poems of the Harlem Renaissance
Selected by Daphne Muse
Illustrated by Charlotte Riley-Webb
Having carefully selected a fine representation of Harlem Renaissance (1917-1935) poetry suitable for younger listeners, Muse has done a masterful job-a fine demonstration of her expertise in this area-presenting a wide range of the powerful poetry born of that era. She has included works from some of the most popular and influential poets of the time: Madeline G. Allison, Alpha Angela Bratton, Annette Browne, William Stanley Braithwaite, James Alpheus Butler, Jr., Carrie W. Clifford, Countee Cullen, Aquah LaLuah, Langston Hughes, Jessie Redmon Fauset, Dorothy Vena Johnson, Georgia Douglas Johnson, James Weldon Johnson, Claude McKay, and Effie Lee Newsome. Her introduction gives a concise but informative history of the time and the "Biographical Information of the Featured Poets" contains enough details to serve students and promote further research. The colorful, full page illustrations seem to have a life of their own as they swirl and sweep to the rhythms of the poetry. One can feel the unconditional delight emanating from the character in the Langston Hughes poem "Dream Variations" as the illustration truly matches the enthusiasm of the words "To fling my arms wide/in the face of the sun." Other images capture the reader's attention with eyes that are so mournful as to seem actually alive. The entire book is alive with images and impressions of the era as well as words that give hope in the face of dark times and inspiration for living well. 2006, Harry N. Abrams, Ages 5 up, $16.95. Reviewer: Sheilah Egan (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-8109-5997-6
Good Dog
Maya Gottfried
Paintings by Robert Rahway Zakanitch
Dog lovers will find this collection so doggone good that they will want to share them with friends and perhaps man's best friend-his dog. The ones featured here are among the more exotic-chow, Pekinese, pomerian, and maltese to name a few. Among the more common dogs that are pets are the chihuahua, corgi, bulldog, collie, Scottish terrier and a mutt. The full page illustrations are terrific-the westie has a truly sweet expression, the Pekinese is sad, the King Charles Spaniel doesn't look very friendly and the Chihuahua has a real in your face attitude. The poet relied on the drawings for inspiration. Among those that I particularly enjoyed include the poem about our friend the Chihuahua which ends with "Don't you mess with me." You have to feel sorry for the Pomeranian who lets everyone know that she is not pleased with how she looks "Now I'm as round as a powder puff./ This is just embarrassing." In addition to the large signle page illustrations, there are sketches of the featured dog scattered on the page containing the poem. This book is aimed at dog lovers but should appeal to most kids. 2005, Borzoi/Alfred A. Knopf/Random House, Ages 4 to 8, $15.95. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot
ISBN: 0-375-83049-9
ISBN: 0-375-93049-3
Guess Again!: Riddle Poems
Lillian Morrison
Illustrated by Christy Hale
Young readers will want to share these rhyming riddles with their friends, if only to show how smart they are to have figured them out. The double-page spreads present the answer on the lower left corner and the new riddle on the right. Hale does a fine job blending the two different items in the illustrations, which have a bit of a retro feel to them. Her clues on the riddle pages are strong and will help young readers as they attempt to figure out the answers. These twenty-three riddles can help strengthen reading comprehension skills. Topics include popcorn, sneakers, thunder and lightning, lakes and trees, and even a fingernail. The boy and girl shown on the cover provide continuity through the pages of the book. Morrison discusses why riddles are fun, how there is sometimes "a trick in the words," and tells the reader there is always a clue in the illustrations. Her focus is on the fun of deciphering the riddle. 2006, August House Little Folk, Ages 6 to 9, $16.95. Reviewer: Sharon Salluzzo (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-87483-730-8
I Just Hope It's Lethal: Poems of Sadness, Madness, and Joy
Eds. Liz Rosenberg and Deena November
Many a teen finds solace in poetry. As the teenage years are an emotional rollarcoaster, the raw emotion present in some poetry can be very comforting. For this reason, Liz Rosenburg and Deena November decided to collect some of the most emotional poems ever written into one volume. Each editor writes her own introduction and describes how she selected the poems. The collection is divided into sections based on emotion. The poems are written by a very wide range of authors, from the very famous (including William Shakespeare, T.S. Eliot, Sylvia Plath, and Edgar Allen Poe) to more modern authors, including some teenage poets. By placing young poets in such illustrious company, Rosenberg and November encourage creativity in their readers as well as introducing teenagers to a wide range of poems. There are brief but informative biographies of each poet at the end of the collection. Copies of I Just Hope It's Lethal will undoubtedly be carried in many a backpack and read to tatters. 2005, Graphia, Ages 12 up, $7.99. (Children's Literature). Reviewer: Amie Rose Rotruck
ISBN: 0-618-56452-7
I Love Our Earth
Bill Martin, Jr. and Michael Sampson
Photographs by Dan Lipow
The text is a single poem of praise for our earth that threads its way through splendid photographs of people and places around the world. The message of taking pleasure in observing the beauty that surrounds us is as clear and sharp as the images captured by the talented Lipow. This title does more than double duty as an appropriate title for any Earth Day celebration and a suitable entry for National Poetry Month; it is also a wonderful look at other cultures and earth science discoveries, stimulating questions about the where and whys of the pictures. Universally appealing, this title gives us common experiences of appreciating the world around us and, possibly, prompting readers to want to explore the various geographic regions or to think about how we can all strive together to preserve this beautifully depicted earth. Teachers, parents, or anyone sharing this book can also use it to teach about colors, seasons, counting, locating patterns as well as training the observant eye to spot similar moments they would want to capture forever. 2006, Charlesbridge, All ages, $14.95. Reviewer: Sheilah Egan (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-1-58089-106-6
ISBN: 1-58089-106-3
Keep Climbing, Girls
Beah E. Richards
Introduction by LisaGay Hamilton
Illustrated by R. Gregory Christie
The book opens with an introduction to Beah E. Richards, a performer as well as a poet. This poem was first published in 1951 and its emergence as a picture book, boldly colored and well presented, works quite well. The message is obvious: Girls should strive to succeed and not let the barriers of convention and sexism stand in the way. This may sometimes require a girl to ignore the rules. The text is not inflammatory but rather is boldly encouraging. A young girl, climbing a tree, ignores Miss Nettie's admonishments and climbs higher and higher. Miss Nettie is afraid the child will fall and hurt herself but the girl's ambition trumps any fears. And, despite punishment for not behaving as a young lady should, the girl persists. "Though the braids be pulled,/and the ear be tweaked,/t'won't dim the brave adventure."
2006 (orig. 1974), Simon & Schuster, Ages 4 to 8, $15.95. Reviewer: Carolyn Mott Ford (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 1-4169-0264-3
ISBN: 1-4169-0264-5
The Kitchen Talks
Shirley Mozelle
Illustrated by Petra Mathers
I bet you have never given much thought to the items in your kitchen as far as them talking. Mozelle sets us straight and provides a couple of poems that are real gems. Among my favorites are "Toaster"-"Jack-in-the box/For bread/Includes a tan" and "Refrigerator"-"My door/Opens/Closes/Opens/Closes/Opens/Closes/You know the routine./Still,/As a Rule/I keep my cool." Now you get the idea and the illustrations that go along with the poems are equally as amusing. Generally the poems are quite short, but they truly sum up each of the objects one would find in most kitchens. These poems would be good choices for younger kids because they are easy to memorize, but also food for thought for older students who might be challenged to come up with their own poems about the kitchen and its contents. 2006, Henry Holt, Ages 3 to 10, $15.95. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-8050-7143-6
ISBN: 0-8050-7143-1
Langston Hughes
Edited by David Roessel and Arnold Rampersad
Illustrated by Benny Andrews
The concise biographical introduction to this handsome collection of poetry by Langston Hughes is the perfect gateway to the world of words built by the poet during his quest to capture the sounds, rhythms, songs, and experiences of "his people." Greatly influenced by Walt Whitman, Hughes produced an influential body of work that left its indelible mark on American literature and culture. The editors have given enough historical information and educated insight in their introductions to each individual poem to give the reader a better sense of interaction with the impressions Hughes was endeavoring to convey. The art work is just as vibrant and lyrical as Hughes' splendid language-the colors and images leap off the pages while portraying an exuberant poem, and then sink down with poems like "The Homesick Blues" and "Genius Child." One of my favorite spreads is of the poem "I, Too" with its joyous image demonstrating Hughes' pride in and attitude toward being African-American. The illustration for "Dreams" is simply perfect. The range and variety of the selections give a good overview of the scope of Hughes' talent with different types of poetry and information about his plays and musical productions. This title is an excellent addition to the "Poetry for Young People" series and will be welcomed by librarians, media specialists, teachers, students, and lovers of fabulous poetry showcased by fabulous art. 2006, Sterling Publishing Company, All ages, $14.95. Reviewer: Sheilah Egan (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-1-4027-1845-8
ISBN: 1-4027-1845-4
Medieval Love Poetry
John Cherry, Editor
This little gem of a collection of medieval love stories and poems will serve the researcher of the time period as a guide to the sentiments of the times, its jewelry, clothing, architecture, and customs. The introduction covers the historical development of the concept of "courtly love" and gives an explanation for the format of the book which juxtaposes the actual stories/poems with visual images representing romance--explanative narratives placed between each of the sections serving as their own introductions to the specific selections. We are given the stories of Tristan and Isolt, Lancelot, Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, The Games of Love, The Chatelaine of Vergi, and the Romance of the Rose. The back matter includes "Text Sources and Further Reading" as well as "Illustration References." The individual pages also have annotations to aid the reader. The lovely language is decorated with the splendor of the exquisite tokens exchanged or inspired by lovers and their stories. The book contains extraordinary, stunning images of art, tapestries, sculpture, and jewelry of the age from the British Museum and the J. Paul Getty Museum, making it a perfect treasure to give as a special token of love itself. (One editorial oversight should not mar this beautiful book's reception: "Ivory, the tusk of elephants, was used to carve the sides of caskets, as well as writing tablets, mirror cases and combs.") 2005, Getty Publications, Ages 12 up, $19.95. Reviewer: Sheilah Egan (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-89236-839-X
ISBN: 978-0-89236-838-6
No Boys Allowed: Poems About Brothers and Sisters
Compiled by John Micklos, Jr.
Illustrations by Kathleen O'Malley
Even if you do not have siblings, it is easy to identify with the relationships explored here in a variety of poems from an array of poets including: Dorothy Aldis, Joyce Armor, Allan A. DeFina, Emanuel di Pasquale, Rebecca Kai Dotlich, Lois Duncan, Eleanor Farjeon, Karama Fufuka, Kristine O'Connell George, Nikki Grimes, Sara Holbrook, David L. Harrison, Mary Ann Hoberman, L. Patrick Lewis, Richard J. Margolis, Jane Medina, John Micklos, Jr., Eileen Spinelli, and William Wise. The poems cover the gamut of emotions of "siblinghood" from the new arrival to the tattle-tell brother of "I'm Telling." The predominant theme is that while having siblings can be very trying, they are exactly what being part of a loving family is really all about. I love the big brother in "Don't You Tease My Sister"-who admits that he might tease his sister but if you do "You'll have to deal with me." I think that families sharing this book, and story time readings will elicit lots of discussion and thinking about what it means to be a sister or brother-a very positive, loving experience from this springboard of thinking about siblings. The illustrations are modern watercolors that capture loving expressions, bemusement, tender moments of handholding, and other emotions with truth and honesty. Balancing the negative side of siblings with their importance will give children an opportunity to explore their own feeling about their family. Add this to the home or classroom library as an important influence for shaping people who grow to treasure their siblings. 2006, Boyds Mills Press, Ages 3 up, $15.95. Reviewer: Sheilah Egan (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 1-59078-051-5
Once Around the Sun
Bobbi Katz
Illustrated by LeUyen Pham
The title should give one pause to think-what does go once around the sun? The cover which shows kids in summer, fall, and winter really is the clincher that this book is going to offer a series of poems that takes readers through the months, which in turn make up the seasons and thus the entire year. For those in the northern hemisphere, January can be a very cold month with snow and ice. The poem and its accompanying illustration show city kids enjoying an outing on their sleds and even though they are bundled up, there is still no doubt that it is quite cold. April is one of my favorite months because flowers are blooming, especially the bright yellow daffodils. They all harbor the coming of longer days and warmer weather. By August it is hot and thoughts turn to ways of getting some shade to cool off and then it will not be long until school starts in September. Halloween comes and the days start to get cooler and shorter and then before we know it is December and winter again. Katz and Pham take us on a lovely trip through the year with poems that highlight the things that kids care about in a book that is meant just for them. Teachers and librarians can help students enjoy the special things that each month brings by reading and sharing these poems. 2006, Harcourt, Ages 5 to 10, $16.00.
Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-15-216397-2
ISBN: 978-0-15-216397-6
Phillis Wheatley: Colonial American Poet
Laura Purdie Salas
No one knows the name her parents gave her, where she was born in Africa, where her mother and father were, or if she had sisters or brothers. Yet she left her imprint on us. It is only through the kindness of the Wheatley family that Phillis developed into an extraordinary woman utilizing the talent she had as a poet. It is remarkable that this talent was recognized and steps were taken to publish her poetry. Her life is certainly a model of what a person can do under dreadful circumstances with the assistance and attentiveness of another human being. A colonial slave, Phillis is remembered as one of the first black poets in America. Although she died at the young age of 31 her poetry changed people's opinions of the intellectual capacity of African slaves. Her poetry is still read today, over 220 years after her death. 2006, Capstone Press, Ages 8 to 11, $22.60. Reviewer: Leila Toledo (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-7368-5435-5
The Poet Slave of Cuba: A Biography of Juan Francisco Manzano
Margarita Engle
Art by Sean Qualls
The author tells us in an end note that the story of Juan Manzano's (1797-1854) life had haunted her for many years before she realized that she would have to tell it in verse. This realization gave us the stunning power of this unique poet's life written in spare, compelling verse--it is a true gift to readers of poetry everywhere and a suitable tribute to the man who was called "The Poet Slave of Cuba." Juan Francisco Manzano was the son of a "pardo" (Negro) father and an African/Mulatto mother but for most of his early life he was forced to live with the woman who owned them and to call her "mother." Because he had a brilliant mind and an acute sense of language he was able to memorize long passages he had heard in the presence of his mistress, who took pride in showing him off as an entertainment. After her death his life suffered great change, and while he had been severely punished for even the smallest infractions as a young child, after his thirteenth year he was the victim of unimaginable tortures at the hands of his owner. His story is heart rending; but, the power of his poetry gives us hope now as it did to those who gathered then to hear him read his verses aloud. He was able to pour all of his emotions into poetry that reached the hearts of many. Of course, he was censored by the government and even jailed for the possibilities his word might have influenced-suspected slave uprisings (which did not occur). The author has brilliantly captured his voice and spirit in her own poems as she tells us the story of this amazing person. Using poems in the voices of the various people in Manzano's life, as well as his own, the author gives us the first half of a life that was, indeed, extraordinary. The haunting charcoal illustrations convey the plight of the slaves who endured lives of great misery. The back matter includes references, acknowledgements, historical notes, and some of Manzano's actual poetry. 2006, Henry Holt, Ages 12 up, $16.95. Reviewer: Sheilah Egan (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-8050-7706-5
R is for Rhyme: A Poetry Alphabet
Judy Young
Illustrated by Victor Juhasz
Where was this book when I was studying poetic forms in school? It is formatted like a picture book but really is so much more. The poems will appeal to the younger readers, but the information that accompanies each is a real goldmine. Running through the alphabet, readers learn what constitutes a ballad, what a ghazal is as well a haiku, kyrielle, onomatopoeia, quatrain, and plenty more. The poems are amusing and the illustrations provide even more humor. The sidebar contains some pretty detailed information about each poetic form and is probably even too detailed for the high end of the proposed age range. For a high school or college student, teacher, parent or librarian, this book will find many uses. It offers terrific examples and explanations to make poetic forms understandable, and even has a page of pointers on the last page with a special note to parents and teachers, as well as a glossary. A must have for any school or classroom library and a gem for any English teacher. 2006, Sleeping Bear Press, Ages 4 to 10, $17.95. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot
ISBN: 1-58536-240-9
Read a Rhyme Write a Rhyme
Selected by Jack Prelutsky
Illustrated by Meilo So
After a foreword inviting the readers to be participants in creating poetry, Prelutsky offers three poems (from a variety of authors) about ten subjects and one "poem start" he has created to be the inspiration for an entirely new poem composed by the reader. He does caution readers to use their own paper and not the book to do their writing. The book is indexed by both title and author, making it easy for writing teachers to select subjects for their own classroom poetry projects. Dogs, weather, feelings, food, friendships, insects, and farm animals are some of the subjects covered by poems--both silly and serious. The art work is just as appealing as the poems and "starter" ideas, perfectly conveying the mood and fun of this highly recommended book. I am particularly fond of the whimsical aspects of the picture of the child's shoe in the insect section with the brand name "BUGBUSTER." I also adore the cow picture, and the one of all the friends, and the one in the rain, and the one in the snow-oh, all right, I just love them all. 2005, Knopf/Random House, All ages, $16.95. Reviewer: Sheilah Egan (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-375-82286-0
ISBN: 0-375-92286-5
Rhymes for Annie Rose
Shirley Hughes
The drawings alone are enough to entice me to read this book and should do the same for others. The duo of Annie Rose and her brother Alfie are almost irresistible. Although previously published, this collection of twenty-seven poems should find a way into the hearts of a brand new audience. The rhymes depict the ordinary things in life-Alfie drawing a picture of his sister; Annie telling us about each one of the stuffed animals in her menagerie, especially the one that she loves the best; Alfie and Annie all bundled up and out in the snow looking at rabbit's footprints; and then the pair snug in mama's lap, counting and playing on fingers and toes and later hiding in a knobbly tree-where "no one can see Alfie and me…" Illustrations of young kids who get messy and live in a house that is not all neat and tidy make the book seem more real. The poetry may not be the very best, but it will be fun to join Alfie and Annie and enjoy seeing the world through the eyes of these charming kids. 2006 (orig 1995), Candlewick Press, Ages 2 to 5, $16.99. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-7636-2940-5
See for Your Self
Douglas Florian
The author-illustrator speaks as poet and artist directly to the reader, sharing both the facts of his life from his childhood and the way he works now. He recalls the influences of his father, an artist, his mother, a lover of reading and writing, and his teachers. After discussing the start of his career as picture book creator, Florian details how and where he puts his books together, as well as how he paints his works of "fine art" for galleries. He encourages his readers, as well as the enthusiastic children at his school visits, to "keep their eyes open, their ears open, and most importantly, their minds open." The clear color photographs, mainly one or two per page, show the artist's evolution visually, using many examples of his pictures to illuminate his research and his imaginative probing of our natural world. The several photos of his rather messy studio and his work habits are particularly insightful. A list of some of his books is included. This is part of the "Meet the Author" series. 2005, Richard C. Owen Publishers, Ages 7 to 10, $14.95. Reviewer: Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 987-1-57274-821-7
ISBN: 1-57274-821-4
See for Your Self
Douglas Florian
The title for this book comes from a quote from the author's father who taught him, "that seeing things all around me would help me understand the world better, and better understand myself." This presents the focus for the book. Florian provides pertinent details from his childhood that show his development as an artist and how he came to be a writer. He includes why he writes poetry and how his poems turn into books. Photographs of Florian when he was a child and now, his studio, the schoolyard he sees out his studio window, and book jacket images help acquaint the reader with him. Part of the "Meet the Author" series, this has a conversational tone that is both informative and entertaining and immediately draws in the reader. It is certainly very useful for students who need to do a report about an author/illustrator. Fans of Florian will be happy to read about him and how he works. 2005, Richard C. Owen, Ages 7 to 10, $14.95. Reviewer: Sharon Salluzzo (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-1-57274-821-7
ISBN: 1-57274-821-4
She's All That: Poems About Girls
Selected by Belinda Hollyer
Illustrated by Susan Hellard
Pre-teen and early teen girls typically have a lot of confusing thoughts and events in their lives. Belinda Hollyer has selected a wide variety of poems that address many of the issues that young girls confront. "Mirror, Mirror," "Best Friends," "I Remember You," and "Full of Zest" are some of the categories into which the poems are sorted. The poems range from funny to touching to gritty, but all of them are full of energy and feeling. The poets include those typically read by children (Roald Dahl) to the more adult (but still appropriate) poets such as Maya Angelou and Gertrude Stein. Susan Hellard's black and white illustrations accent the poems without detracting from the poems at all, almost like doodles. There is not only an index of the poets, but also an index of first lines. Too few children read really good poetry; this book is a wonderful introduction to a wide variety of poems sorted by issues to which every young girl can relate. 2006, Kingfisher, Ages 8 up, $14.95. Reviewer: Amie Rose Rotruck (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-7534-5852-7
Thanks a Million
Nikki Grimes
Illustrated by Cozbi A. Cabrera
The simple act of saying "thank you" can change relationships and attitudes. This lovely collection of 16 poems that describe thankfulness and expressing thanks is a wonderful way to share the importance and power of these two words with children. The opening poem "Reward" is worth the price of admission-simple but very moving: "Thank you/ is a seed I plant/ in the garden of your heart./ Your smile is the flower./ A slow and sweet surprise,/ it blooms before my eyes!" The illustrations are well suited to the tenor of the poetry giving visual substance to the word pictures so nicely drawn by the author. I especially like the wide range of poems which includes a rebus, a riddle, haiku, and other verse forms. The colorful pictures also show a range that showcases the talent of the artist. The image of the trees for the poem "Even the Trees" embodies the words themselves "Trees, arms raised in praise…" I do have a concern with the poem "A Lesson from the Deaf" in which the beautiful poem describes making the sign for "thank you" without "breathing a word." Just as speech patterns vary across the country, it could be just a difference in where and when a person learned "sign language" and which system was studied (American Sign Language or Signed English or another system); but, I do wish that the sign described did not seem to be the gesture for "good" instead of for "thank you." Otherwise, this is a notable addition to the world of poetry and will be utilized by all who work with children in any aspect of what is currently referred to as "character education." I think of books like this as enhancing basic life lessons-good for all of us. 2006, Greenwillow/HarperCollins, Ages 5 up, $15.99. Reviewer: Sheilah Egan (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-688-17292-3
ISBN: 0-688-17292-X
ISBN: 0-688-17293-8
ISBN: 978-0-688-17293-0
Wing Nuts: Screwy Haiku
Paul B. Janeczko and J. Patrick Lewis
Illustrations by Tricia Tusa
The authors define their "senryu" poems as "almost haiku-ckoo." They are intended to be silly jokes in a haiku form, but they fail to deliver either consistent humor or elegant word pictures, though they often touch on the bodily humor that appeals to some in this age group. "Solitary crow/calls its cousin in distant pine/with its…cawing card." "Noah Webster had/no choice except to put/the cart before the horse." In both cases, the poem will need to be explained to most young readers or listeners - and a joke that must be explained usually falls very flat. The illustrations are busy but appealing line drawings that are often funnier and more interesting than the poems. 2006, Little Brown, Ages 4 to 8, $15.99. Reviewer: Karen Leggett (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-316-60731-2
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Updated March 31, 2006
At Jerusalem's Gate: Poems of Easter
