Sunday, April 18, 2010

Janeczko Collection


Janeczko Collection
Dirty Laundry Pile: Poems in Different Voices
by Paul B. Janeczko and Illustrated by Melissa Sweet

Bibliography
Janeczko, Paul B. 2001. Dirty Laundry Pile: Poems in Different Voices. Ill. by Melissa Sweet. New York: HarperCollins Publishers.
ISBN: 0688162525

Book Review
In this collection of twenty-seven poems written in the voices of average ordinary objects, or that of animals, Paul Janeczko delivers true poetic brilliance with the inclusion of works from such accomplished poets as Douglas Florian, Kristine O’Connell George, Karla Kuskin and others. Along with great poems like “Dirty Laundry Pile” and “Grandpa Bear’s Lullaby,” readers will experience beautifully written verses describing the little peculiarities or details of the unnoticed aspects of those things we come in contact with throughout our lives. Janeczko supplies a variety of poems to hold the interest of different readers as well. Some poems are written in free verse, while others rhyme. Some poems are all over the page twisting and flowing, and a few are even written as lists. During the “Introduction” at the beginning of the book, Janeczko does an equally brilliant job in informing readers about the unique qualities of his collection. He encourages us to imagine ourselves as these objects, while also tapping into the feelings these objects may have. For example, what might it be like as a mosquito, a scarecrow, or a vacuum cleaner? Janeczko further explains to readers how these types of poems are also called, “persona or mask poems” when writing about commonplace objects or animals. Readers of these poems are also offered an element of surprise, as you never know what object or animal comes next in this splendid collection of poems.

An entertaining assortment of beautifully colored illustrations equally parallel the greatness of these poems. Melissa Sweet provides a stunning display of watercolor paintings detailing the different moods presented in each poem. Pictures that visually describe the wild and crazy antics of a ferocious vacuum cleaner sucking everything up in its sight, or the desperate plea of a cold and lonely horse standing in a freezing barn hungering for a carrot and a warm cozy blanket. Throughout her illustrations, Sweet offers a vast array of images with the tiniest of details to further entice the reader.

In the following poem, “The Vacuum Cleaner’s Revenge,” poet Patricia Hubbell hilariously depicts the characteristics of a vacuum cleaner. Readers can actually hear each sound of the crunching and munching made by this crazy electric floor sweeper sucking up everything in its sight. Children will further enjoy acting out the motions of the vacuum cleaner as it does its duty.

The Vacuum Cleaner’s Revenge
by Patricia Hubbell

I munch. I crunch.

I zoom. I roar.

I clatter-clack

Across the floor.

I swallow twigs.

I slurp dead bugs.


I suck the cat hair

From the rugs.


My stomach full
Of dirt and dust


I gulp another

Pizza crust.


A tiresome life-

All work, no play-


I think I’ll swallow you today!

Extensions
After reading this poem, children will surely be excited about writing a poem of an ordinary object. The entire writing process can be followed with children listing unique traits about their object, and then forming phrases and sentences into perky little verses. Expose children to different poetic forms so they can be encouraged to try writing these for themselves.

For a different twist from the poems found in Dirty Laundry Pile, try another Janeczko collection titled, Hey, You! In this book, poems are actually written to objects and animals, instead of written from their point of view.

Hey, You!: Poems to Skyscrapers, Mosquitoes, and Other Fun Things
ISBN 9780060523473

Enjoy other books written by Paul Janeczko:
A Foot in the Mouth: Poems to Speak, Sing and Shout - ISBN 9780763606633
A Kick in the Head: An Everyday Guide to Poetic Forms - ISBN 9780763641320
The Place My Words Are Looking For: What Poets Say About and Through Their Work
ISBN 9780027476712
A Poke in the I - ISBN 9780744589405
Poetry from A to Z: A Guide for Young Writers - ISBN 9780027476729

Image Source: LibraryThing