Friday, February 26, 2010

Free Verse


Free Verse
All the Small Poems and Fourteen More
By Valerie Worth and Illustrated by Natalie Babbitt

Bibliography
Worth, Valerie. 1994. All the Small Poems and Fourteen More. Ill. by Natalie Babbitt. New York: Farrar, Straus and Giroux. ISBN 0374302111

Book Review
Valerie Worth presents a light and delicate viewpoint of every day ordinary objects and brings life to each of these through a collection of ninety-nine brilliantly written poems. It is a collection of her greatest small poem masterpieces brought together for the sheer pleasure of experiencing the powerful aspects of Worth’s poetic genius. These thought provoking poems allow you to tap right into Worth’s most inner imagination. Although each poem is short in length and demeanor, the message is strong and completely clear, and long lasting to the mind. It leaves the reader with a calming and soothing effect that begs for more.

Natalie Babbitt’s carefully sketched illustrations add an equal charm to blend perfectly and evenly with each crafted poem. Babbitt’s illustrations not only draw in readers to the details of her clean sketches, but also to the tiniest details brought forth in Worth’s poetry. For instance, in her poem simply titled, “grass,” Worth presents new and fascinating aspects of grass in ways we have never thought previously. After reading this poem, readers will embrace the beauty and integrity of grass. Add to this, Babbitt’s beautifully sketched drawing of a small field mouse sitting in a grassy field. It is a masterfully written poem like this, which gently nudges those to be more in tune to nature and the world around us.

grass

Grass on the lawn

Says nothing:
Clipped, empty,

Quiet.


Grass in the fields

Whistles, slides,

Casts up a foam
Of seeds,


Tangles itself

With leaves: hides

Whole rustling schools

Of mice.


Extensions
After reading and experiencing the poem “grass,” take children on a nature walk and listen for these subtle sounds that are described by Worth. Chart the similarities and differences between grass found in a manicured lawn to grass flowing footloose and fancy free in a field. Children can act out these differences through full body movements. Encourage them to sketch an illustration similar to Babbitt’s and write a poem of their very own describing this pleasant experience.

Enjoy other books of poetry by Valerie Worth:
Animal Poems - ISBN 9780374380571
At Christmastime - ISBN 9780062050199
Peacock and Other Poems - ISBN 9780374357665

Image Source: Barnes & Noble

Verse Novel


Verse Novel
Love That Dog
by Sharon Creech

Bibliography
Creech, Sharon. 2001. Love That Dog. New York: HarperCollins.
ISBN: 9780060292874

Book Review
Written in a journal format expanding an entire school year, this tenderly written novel in verse highlights the poetic transformation of a young student named Jack. The novel appropriately begins with a disgruntled Jack proclaiming, “I don’t want to because boys don’t write poetry. Girls do.” From there, an amazing adventure in poetry begins. Throughout his reluctance and genuine complaints, young Jack begins to accept and understand the true meaning of poems and incorporates these features within his own writing. Displaying outstanding instructional methods to poetry, Creech includes brilliant examples from some of the most famous poets to bring an authentic appeal throughout her entire novel. Poems from Robert Frost, Valerie Worth, and Walter Dean Myers are easily integrated throughout this poetry journal to enhance the process of appreciating this least understood of all genres. It is this kind of journal that will grab the attention of young readers and help them equally understand the power in poetry and the process of becoming an accomplished poet, while learning to appreciate poems in everyday life. Creech further grabs the attention of young audiences by displaying the relationships between poets and how they appreciate each others’ work. Her inclusion of Walter Dean Myers’ work from “Love That Boy” proves to be the inspiration of Jack’s most treasured poem titled, “Love That Dog.”

Readers will appreciate Creech’s simplistic style that permeates throughout the entire verse novel. The yellow colored book cover with the delicately sketched dog is continually referenced throughout Jack’s journal. Dates are included at the tops of pages to give this novel the true journalistic quality. The entire text appears in blue colored print to further add to the essence of a personal journal of a young boy. Creech ends her novel fittingly by including a section completely dedicated to recognizing the poems and the poets that are referred to throughout this verse novel.

The following poems play a special role throughout young Jack’s journal. As Jack gradually aspires to writing poetry, he realizes that Walter Dean Myers becomes his hero. It is Myers’ poem titled, “Love That Boy” that inspires Jack to write a poem about his beloved dog Sky. While Jack worries about borrowing words from his poem, a visit from Myers eases his tension. It shows how poets encourage young children to use their poetry for inspiration.

Love That Dog
(Inspired by Walter Dean Myers)
By Jack


Love that dog,
like a bird loves to fly

I said I love that dog

like a bird loves to fly
Love to call him in the morning
love to call him

“Hey there, Sky!”


Love That Boy*

By Walter Dean Myers


Love that boy,

like a rabbit loves to run
I said I love that boy

like a rabbit loves to run

Love to call him in the morning

love to call him

“Hey there, son!”


*First stanza


Extensions
After reading Love That Dog, children will look forward to making reference to each of the poems presented in this verse novel. Creech’s novel will act as a prime example for children wanting to begin their own poetry journals.

Learn more about Sharon Creech by visiting her web site. Visitors can also access resources for literacy activities related to her books through a link titled, Teach Creech!
http://www.sharoncreech.com/index.html

Children will enjoy the continuation of Love That Dog:
Hate the Cat - ISBN 9780061430923

Read other novels by Sharon Creech:
Heartbeat - ISBN 9780060540241
Pleasing the Ghost - ISBN 9780064406864
The Unfinished Angel - ISBN 9780061430954
Walk Two Moons (Newbery Award) - ISBN 9780064405171
The Wanderer (Newbery Honor Award) - ISBN 9780064410328

Image Source: HarperCollins Publishers

Poetic Form


Poetic Form
Technically, It’s Not My Fault: Concrete Poems
by John Grandits

Bibliography
Grandits. 2004. Technically, It’s Not My Fault: Concrete Poems. New York: Clarion Books.
ISBN: 9780618428335

Book Review
Through a laughable collection of concrete poems, Grandits tackles the usual middle school age issues which are experienced through the eyes of an eleven year old boy named Robert. It is through Robert, that readers are allowed to understand the calamities and frustrations which usually plague a middle schooler on a regular basis. Topics range from dealing with an annoying sister, to poisonous spiders, or to the infamous life cycle of a fart.

Written and illustrated by John Grandits, each poem is an illustration in itself by showing the unique nature and style of concrete poems. Every poem depicts the different elements that make up the art of concrete poems, which shows that anything goes in the production of a concrete poem. Readers will enjoy the comic strip sketches of black and red that contribute to the wild and crazy flow of each poem. The variety in fonts are equally amazing. Large grandiose fonts allow readers to integrate different voices and moods, while the tiny and minute fonts relay yet a softer ebb and flow to these poems. In addition, Grandits offers readers an explanation of how he formed these unique qualities through a special software program at the end of his book, because it is a sure bet readers will want to mock his concrete style and creativity.

Because of Grandits’ presentation of these poems, readers will enjoy an interactive flair while reading these poems. The construction of this book prevents it from being read in an idle position. Readers will be thoroughly engrossed in the interactive mechanics as it is meant to be read upside down, while turning around and around and around. Some poems twist and turn, while others are simply presented on tombstones as in, “Mom Says, ‘No to New Pets!’” Page after page is completely filled in with busy poetry. Each poem introduces a new surprise to the world of concrete poems.

Middle schoolers will definitely appreciate the poem, “The Thank-You Letter with Footnotes.” How many of us had to write a thank you letter for something we received that made entirely no sense at all to our lives? This frustration is outlined perfectly with supplied footnotes to make sure readers fully understand and are aware of young Robert’s sincerest feelings. Plus, it shows a comical approach to the function of footnotes.

The Thank-You Letter1

Dear Aunt Hildegard,

Thank you2 for the amazing gifts.3 It was terrific4 getting your package!5 I grabbed it immediately6. But when my parents saw it,7 they said8 I shouldn’t open it until my birthday. You can imagine how I felt when I found two gifts!9 The sweater was totally awesome.10 It’s amazing how well you know me.11

Then there was the poster you got for my room.12 You’re in luck; I don’t already have a Polka Hall of Fame poster.13 I’m putting it right under my World Wrestling Federation poster.14

Thanks,15 thanks,16 and thanks again.17 I’m already planning when to wear my new sweater.18

Your 11-year-old19 nephew,

Robert

  1. with footnotes
  2. for nothing
  3. Do you have the slightest clue what an 11-year-old boy likes?
  4. I almost croaked when I saw the package. I still remember last year’s gift. “Oh no! Not again!” I screamed.
  5. I was in luck. Mom didn’t see the mailman.
  6. I hid the package in the garage under the hose.
  7. What were the chances that Dad would decide to wash the car that day?
  8. What’s this? they said. “When did this come?”
  9. You monster.
  10. In the history of sweaters, there has never been an uglier waste of yarn.
  11. Where did you ever find a sweater that not only has Barney on it but also is two sizes too big for me?
  12. I’m old enough to decorate my own room.
  13. Just what I need -- a picture of an old guy with an accordion.
  14. And I do mean UNDER.
  15. For trying to embarrass me in front of my friends.
  16. For the lectures from my parents.
  17. For making me waste an hour of my life writing this stupid thank-you letter.
  18. I know they’ll make me wear it the next time you come to visit. I just hope nobody sees me.
  19. I’m 11!!! Get it?!?

Extensions
Middle schoolers will look forward to imitating the unique variety of Grandits’ concrete poems. Children can pull apart these poems and simply list them to fully understand the process of creating a concrete poem. Adding footnotes to poems like the “The Thank-you Letter” will be a favorite addition to poems children write.

Enjoy other books of concrete poetry:
Blue Lipstick: Concrete Poems by John Grandits - ISBN 9780618851324
Doodle Dandies: Poems That Take Shape by J. Patrick Lewis - ISBN 9780689848896
A Kick in the Head: An Everyday Guide to Poetic Forms by Chris Raschka -
ISBN 9780763606626
A Poke in the I by Chris Raschka - ISBN 9780763606619

Image Source: Barnes & Noble

Friday, February 12, 2010

Florian Poetry


Florian Poetry
Bow Wow Meow Meow: It’s Rhyming Cats and Dogs
By Douglas Florian

Bibliography
Florian, Douglas. 2003. Bow Wow Meow Meow: It’s Rhyming Cats and Dogs. New York: Harcourt, Inc. ISBN 9780152163952

Book Review
As author and illustrator of his poetry books, readers will truly get a taste of the poetic style and artistic quality of Douglas Florian. This extremely talented poet delivers nonfictional themes of insects, mammals, reptiles, trees, and outer space in a poetic grace that ties in perfectly with any science related subject. Bow Wow Meow Meow is one such book that not only discusses the comical characteristics of our beloved pets, but also branches out to expose the unique habits and lifestyles of wolves, cheetahs, and panthers in a laughable fashion. It is apparent that Florian does his homework when writing about each animal, and makes an effort in delivering this quality of detail to his young readers. This is a fun and unique path to teaching valuable scientific facts about animals in their habitats.

The brilliant detail included in each of Florian’s illustrations also successfully accompanies each poem. His whimsical approach to his illustrations are reminiscent of pictures found in classical children’s books. The curvy torso of the hungry wolf with a fork in his hand and a napkin around his neck visually enhance the actual poem, “The Wolf.” This poem is the first of twenty-one within the collection that deviates from dogs and cats as our beloved pets, and ventures into the wild relatives that fit within this animal kingdom. It is with this poem, that children can compare the similarities and differences between a family dog and a wild wolf. Children can use Florian’s comparisons from this poem to start the brainstorming process.

The Wolf
The wolf is cousin to the dog -
Except the wolf eats like a hog.
It doesn’t use a bowl or dishes
But chews in any place it wishes.
Its table manners are quite rude:
The wolf will wolf down all its food.
And though a dog eats from a pan,
The wolf must feed catch-as-catch-can.

Extensions
A perfect supplement to any science lesson that covers animal habits and their environment.
After sharing this poetry book aloud to children, they will be encouraged to write their own poem about a cat, dog, or a favorite pet and illustrate their work with watercolors or crayons.

In the poem, “Dog Log,” Florian journals the daily events of a typical family dog. Children will equally enjoy writing a poem journaling the habits and events of their family pets or of a wild animal.

Read other poetry books by Douglas Florian:
Autumnblings - ISBN 9780060092795
Beast Feast - ISBN 9780152017378
Comets, Stars, the Moon, and Mars - ISBN 9780152053727
Dinothesaurus: Prehistoric Poems and Paintings - ISBN 9781416979784
In the Swim - ISBN 9780152024376
Insectlopedia - ISBN 978015263358
Lizards, Frogs, and Polliwogs - ISBN 9780152052485
Mammalabilia - ISBN 9780152021672
Omnibeasts: Animal Poems and Paintings - ISBN 9780152050382
On the Wing - ISBN 9780152023669
Poetrees (Available March 2010) - ISBN 9781416986720
Zoo’s Who: Poems and Paintings - ISBN 9780152046392

Image Source: Barnes & Noble

Multicultural Poetry


Multicultural Poetry
My Mexico-Mexico mio
by Tony Johnston and Illustrated by F. John Sierra

Bibliography
Johnston, Tony. 1996. My Mexico-Mexico mio. Ill. by F. John Sierra. New York: Penguin Putnam Books for Young Readers.
ISBN: 9780698117570

Book Review
Tony Johnston introduces the culture and lifestyle of Mexico through eighteen poems written and shared in both English and Spanish. Not only are the poems splendidly written in both languages, but a carefully arranged table of contents lets readers know immediately of this unique paired language approach. Two separate tables of contents representing both languages parallel each other to set the tone of this wonderful Mexican adventure. A glossary accompanies these unique features by defining a number of Spanish terms like “tortilla” and “coyotl” in easy to read English terms for readers to better understand the complete meaning of each poem. Through these brilliantly created poems, readers are offered a chance of completely immersing themselves in Mexican culture and customs.

The subtle illustrations of F. John Sierra only amplify the beauty described in these poems. Each full colored picture shows Mexican citizens busily tending to their every day way of life. The entire book radiates the carefree nature of those who live in the hot dry desert known as Mexico. Both poet and illustrator equally display the serene beauty of Mexico through magnificently written words and visually appealing scenes.

One poem that truly depicts life in Mexico is titled, “Iguanas on the Taxco Road.” This animated poem describes young children in Taxco running through the streets trying to sell iguanas to everyone they meet. Readers can feel their anticipation and excitement as they maneuver these iguanas as if they were toys. While you feel sorry for the poor iguanas, you cannot help but laugh at such a sight, literally and visually.

Iguanas on the Taxco Road
“Iguanas! Iguanas! Iguanas to sell!”
Noisy Taxco children yell,

Running up the Taxco hills,

Swinging iguanas from their tails.

“Baratas! Baratas! Cheap!” they cry.

If the people do not buy,
They run all the way back down.

One girl wears an iguana-crown.


Iguanas en el camino a Taxco

“Iguanas! Iguanas! Se venden iguanas!”

gritan los ninos ruidosos de Taxco,

corriendo hacia la crima de los cerros,
meneando las iguanas por la cola.


“Baratas! Baratas! Baratas!” pregonan.

Si la gente no las compra,

regresan corriendo camino abajo.

Una nina lleva una iguana de corona.


Extensions
When sharing the poems in this book, have one person read the English version and another person share the Spanish version, particularly one who speaks it fluently. This will allow everyone to completely experience the full effect that Tony Johnston creates.

After reading “Iguanas on the Taxco Road” in both Spanish and English, have children make comparisons of what they would try to sell. For instance, many children in the United States sell lemonade at a stand in their neighborhoods, or sell their old toys in yard sales.

All the poems in My Mexico-Mexico mio discuss the lifestyles and customs of Mexican citizens. Compare these customs to those recognized in the United States. Encourage children to write poems about these customs and illustrate their work. Invite parents or older students to translate these poems in Spanish so children can see the difference in their work. These English/Spanish poems can be compiled in a class poetry book to share with others. This would be a perfect supplement to any social studies lesson covering customs and traditions.

Children will enjoy other books written by Tony Johnston:
Day of the Dead - ISBN 9780152024468
Desert Dog - ISBN 9781578051335
Desert Song (Available March 2010) - ISBN 9781578051717
My Abuelita - ISBN 9780152163303
P Is for Pinata: A Mexico Alphabet - ISBN 9781585361441
The Tale of Rabbit and Coyote - ISBN 9780698116306

Image Source: Barnes & Noble

NCTE Award Poetry


NCTE Award Poetry
I Can Draw a Weeposaur and Other Dinosaurs
by Eloise Greenfield and Illustrated by Jan Spivey Gilchrist

Bibliography
Greenfield. 2001. I Can Draw a Weeposaur and Other Dinosaurs. Ill. by Jan Spivey Gilchrist. New York: Greenwillow Books.
ISBN: 9780688176341

Book Review
Beautifully colored dinosaurs are created one after another by a little girl who describes her artistic process through eighteen eloquently written poems by the great Eloise Greenfield. Complete with a table of contents, Greenfield begins her picture book with a poem aptly titled, “Artist” which introduces the artistic impulses of a young girl that are just dying to get out and create the different types of dinosaurs represented throughout the book. Poems describing the little girl‘s feelings and experiences while drawing these hilarious dinosaurs are blended in between such poems as, “Smellasaurus,” “Shoppersaurus,” and “Babysaurus.” Young children will enjoy Greenfield’s poems because they are short in length and easy to understand. Children will equally enjoy the funny nonsense included within each poem. This is the perfect read aloud book for younger audiences.

Jan Spivey Gilchrist includes a lively blend of watercolors, markers, and black pen outlines that bring the poems further into being. The unique expressions included on each dinosaur further add to the positive and impulsive mood represented in these poems. Children will associate and react positively to the fully colored pages with the inclusion of added details mentioned in the poems. For instance, in the poem titled “Trickosaurus,” this dinosaur carries a tiny red umbrella while performing gymnastics stunts on a balancing beam. Then shows the outcome of this umbrella and the rest of the gymnastics team when his dismount was not what he initially expected. The sight of his flattened teammates and the floating umbrella add to the hilarious appeal of this determined, yet proud dinosaur.

Trickosaurus
He fell when he tried to do a handstand,
He fell when he walked the beam,

But he was the greatest at landing on top

Of his gymnastics team.

Extensions
This book will make the perfect partner with dinosaur units that are introduced to younger children. These poems can be read aloud and enjoyed by the class.

Children will enjoy creating their own comical make believe dinosaur complete with a poem to describe its hilarious antics. Pictures can be drawn with the same tools that Jan Spivey Gilchrist uses in this book (watercolors, markers, black pen outlines). The poems can be written with colorful markers that are present in each of Greenfield’s poems.

Enjoy other books by Eloise Greenfield:
Brother & Sisters: Family Poems - ISBN 9780060562847
For the Love of the Game: Michael Jordan and Me - ISBN 9780064435550
The Friendly Four - ISBN 9780060007591
Honey, I Love - ISBN 9780060091231
Honey, I Love and Other Love Poems - ISBN 9780064430975
In the Land of Words: New and Selected Poems - ISBN 9780060289935

Image Source: Barnes & Noble