Bibliography
Kadohata, Cynthia. 2006. WEEDFLOWER. New York: Antheneum. ISBN 0689865740.
Plot Summary
WEEDFLOWER is the story of a young, twelve year old girl, Sumiko, and her family during the tense times before and after the attack on Pearl Harbor during World War II. Before Pearl Harbor, Sumiko and her family are happy flower farmers in California, Sumiko was aware of the tensions between Japanese Americans and Caucasians, but these tensions were solidified when she and her family were forced to move to Potson, Arizona to an internment camp. While there, Sumiko is able to revive her love of flowers and gardening, and she makes her very first true friend in a Native American boy, Frank, and to see how the two groups of people are helping each other in a time of great need.
Critical Analysis
This story is told in a way that allows the reader to easily identify with Sumiko and her family, and to see the hardships and injustices they suffered for their heritage. The book gets it title from the name of Sumiko’s favorite flower, stock, often call Weedflower. Kadohata presents authentic historical information in a vivid way, describing the setting of the internment camp in such a way that the reader can visualize the barracks sprawled in the desert, and later, the lush, green gardens growing where it once seemed impossible. The familial ties are so well described that the reader can feel Sumiko’s ties to her younger brother “Tak-Tak”, her cousin Bull, and her grandfather Jiichan. Sumiko evolves from a young girl wanting nothing more than to attend the birthday party of the popular girl from school, into a young lady who understands her families history, her own feelings, and her strengths. This book brings to light a subject that is otherwise little discussed, and often overlooked in history books and classes. Kadohata’s knowledge stems from her own fathers experience at the internment camp, as well as much study of the history, giving this book much credit, and authentic historical value.
Review Excerpt
School Library Journal- “Kadohata brings into play some complex issues, but they realistically dovetail with Sumiko's growth from child to young woman. She is a sympathetic heroine, surrounded by well-crafted, fascinating people. The concise yet lyrical prose conveys her story in a compelling narrative that will resonate with a wide audience.”
Connections
This book should lead students to further explore the Japanese Internment camps of WWII, and the history involved.
Students could participate in a science experiment, testing various typed of soil, fertile, and dry, to understand the work that went into Sumiko’s garden at the camp.
Other books by Cynthia Kadohata:
KIRA-KIRA. ISBN 0689856407.
OUTSIDE BEAUTY. ISBN 0689865759.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
The River Between Us
Bibliography
Peck, Richard. 2003. THE RIVER BETWEEN US. New York: Dial Books. ISBN 0803727456.
Plot Summary
Howard Leland Hutchings, with his two little brothers in tow, accompanies his father to his hometown of Grand Tower, Illinois. Once there, with the four adults who had raised his father, he is taken back to a time when the civil war was brewing, and to a family struggling through this tough time. The worlds of Tilly, Cass, and Noah Pruitt are forever changed when Delphine Duval and Calinda come ashore off a steamboat headed north from New Orleans. We see things change as Noah and Delphine fall in love, Tilly grows into a woman, Cass is able to come out of her shell with the help of Calinda, and eventually, as Noah goes off to fight in the Civil War. Much is discovered about all of the characters, as they struggle, overcome tragedy, and in the end, tighten the bonds that tie them as a family.
Critical Analysis
This book is written in such a way that the reader is truly able to visualize the characters, setting and struggles that this family encounters. Delphine’s prissy “southern” ways contrast greatly with the country lifestyle of the Pruitt family, adding interest and humor to the storyline. We also see her growth as an individual as she lets her guard down, and allows herself to get dirty when caring for injured soldiers in the field. As the characters are teenagers themselves, they are easy to relate to, and have feelings and thoughts that are understandable to young readers. This book certainly addresses many heavy issues such as slavery, mental illness, prejudice, and human rights. While these heavy themes are present, there is a light heartedness to it, allowing for some fun and fancy as well.
Review Excerpt
School Library Journal – “In this thoroughly researched novel, Peck masterfully describes the female Civil War experience, the subtle and not-too-subtle ways the country was changing, and the split in loyalty that separated towns and even families.”
Connections
Have children explore their thoughts about how they would behave during the Civil War, and their opinions of the reasons behind the war.
Children could create their own works of historical fiction by imagining themselves during the Civil War, and creating their own stories.
Other books about the civil war for children and young adults:
Herbert, Janis. The Civil War for Kids: A History with 21 Activities. ISBN 1556523556.
Cohn, Scottie. Beyond Their Years: Stories of Sixteen Civil War Children. ISBN 0762710276.
Furbee, Mary Rodd. Outrageous Women of Civil War Times. ISBN 0471229261.
Peck, Richard. 2003. THE RIVER BETWEEN US. New York: Dial Books. ISBN 0803727456.
Plot Summary
Howard Leland Hutchings, with his two little brothers in tow, accompanies his father to his hometown of Grand Tower, Illinois. Once there, with the four adults who had raised his father, he is taken back to a time when the civil war was brewing, and to a family struggling through this tough time. The worlds of Tilly, Cass, and Noah Pruitt are forever changed when Delphine Duval and Calinda come ashore off a steamboat headed north from New Orleans. We see things change as Noah and Delphine fall in love, Tilly grows into a woman, Cass is able to come out of her shell with the help of Calinda, and eventually, as Noah goes off to fight in the Civil War. Much is discovered about all of the characters, as they struggle, overcome tragedy, and in the end, tighten the bonds that tie them as a family.
Critical Analysis
This book is written in such a way that the reader is truly able to visualize the characters, setting and struggles that this family encounters. Delphine’s prissy “southern” ways contrast greatly with the country lifestyle of the Pruitt family, adding interest and humor to the storyline. We also see her growth as an individual as she lets her guard down, and allows herself to get dirty when caring for injured soldiers in the field. As the characters are teenagers themselves, they are easy to relate to, and have feelings and thoughts that are understandable to young readers. This book certainly addresses many heavy issues such as slavery, mental illness, prejudice, and human rights. While these heavy themes are present, there is a light heartedness to it, allowing for some fun and fancy as well.
Review Excerpt
School Library Journal – “In this thoroughly researched novel, Peck masterfully describes the female Civil War experience, the subtle and not-too-subtle ways the country was changing, and the split in loyalty that separated towns and even families.”
Connections
Have children explore their thoughts about how they would behave during the Civil War, and their opinions of the reasons behind the war.
Children could create their own works of historical fiction by imagining themselves during the Civil War, and creating their own stories.
Other books about the civil war for children and young adults:
Herbert, Janis. The Civil War for Kids: A History with 21 Activities. ISBN 1556523556.
Cohn, Scottie. Beyond Their Years: Stories of Sixteen Civil War Children. ISBN 0762710276.
Furbee, Mary Rodd. Outrageous Women of Civil War Times. ISBN 0471229261.
Number the Stars
Bibliography
Lowry, Lois. 1989. NUMBER THE STARS. New York: Bantam Doubleday Dell. ISBN 0440403278.
Plot Summary
This story is told through the eyes Annemarie Johansen, a young girl living in Copenhagen, Denmark during WWII. This brave young girl and her family are able to face the oppression of the Nazi forces in their town, and come to the aid of their close friends and neighbors, the Rosen family. This brave young girl is able to lead her friend to safety, by helping her Mother, Uncle, and family friend, as they work with the Danish Resistance to carry Jewish families across the sea to Sweden, where freedom awaits.
Critical Analysis
Lois Lowry has created an engaging cast of characters in this work of Historical fiction. While it is full of historical facts and information, it is presented in a style that is readable, and easy to comprehend. The reader is able to sense the fear and concern within the residents of Copenhagen, as Annemarie, Ellen, and Kirsti are confronted on a street corner by Nazi officers, and as their home in invaded on a search for the missing Rosen family. The setting is well described, and it is easy to visualize the streets of Denmark as it was, and had once been. It is often pointed out that the Danes are to help each other, and to do what’s right, even in the face of danger and adversity. The historical information presented by Lowry is factual, and based upon her own research, as well as the stories she had been told by a close friend who lived through this time in Denmark. The strength and bravery of this cast of characters, and the Danish resistance as a whole is tremendous, and touching. This story provides great opportunity for the discussion and exploration of themes such as bravery, freedom, and human decency.
Review Excerpt(s)
1990 Newberry Award winner
Booklist- “Lowry tells her story well, fashioning a tense climax…”
School Library Journal- “[a story of] Denmark and the Danish people, whose Resistance was so effective in saving their Jews.”
Connections
Lowry, Lois. 1989. NUMBER THE STARS. New York: Bantam Doubleday Dell. ISBN 0440403278.
Plot Summary
This story is told through the eyes Annemarie Johansen, a young girl living in Copenhagen, Denmark during WWII. This brave young girl and her family are able to face the oppression of the Nazi forces in their town, and come to the aid of their close friends and neighbors, the Rosen family. This brave young girl is able to lead her friend to safety, by helping her Mother, Uncle, and family friend, as they work with the Danish Resistance to carry Jewish families across the sea to Sweden, where freedom awaits.
Critical Analysis
Lois Lowry has created an engaging cast of characters in this work of Historical fiction. While it is full of historical facts and information, it is presented in a style that is readable, and easy to comprehend. The reader is able to sense the fear and concern within the residents of Copenhagen, as Annemarie, Ellen, and Kirsti are confronted on a street corner by Nazi officers, and as their home in invaded on a search for the missing Rosen family. The setting is well described, and it is easy to visualize the streets of Denmark as it was, and had once been. It is often pointed out that the Danes are to help each other, and to do what’s right, even in the face of danger and adversity. The historical information presented by Lowry is factual, and based upon her own research, as well as the stories she had been told by a close friend who lived through this time in Denmark. The strength and bravery of this cast of characters, and the Danish resistance as a whole is tremendous, and touching. This story provides great opportunity for the discussion and exploration of themes such as bravery, freedom, and human decency.
Review Excerpt(s)
1990 Newberry Award winner
Booklist- “Lowry tells her story well, fashioning a tense climax…”
School Library Journal- “[a story of] Denmark and the Danish people, whose Resistance was so effective in saving their Jews.”
Connections
*This book should prompt student interest and discussion of the events of World War II, and the treatment of Jews in Denmark, and across Europe.
* Other Books about children in World War II
Vos, Ida. HIDE AND SEEK. ISBN 0140369082.
Napoli, Donna Jo. STONES IN WATER. ISBN 0141306009.
Deedy, Carmen Agra. The Yellow Star: The Legend of King Christian X of Denmark. ISBN 1561452084.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
We Are The Ship
Bibliography
Nelson, Kadir. 2008. WE ARE THE SHIP: THE STORY OF NEGRO LEAGUE BASEBALL. New York: Hyperion. ISBN 0786808322.
Plot Summary
In this book, Kadir Nelson explores the history of the Negro Baseball Leagues. With the input of some of the players themselves, he reveals the struggles, injustices, and triumphs of the leagues, and the players. The story is told from the viewpoint of a player looking back on their experiences playing the game. The book begins as they players struggle through the challenges of being discriminated against, and travelling in less than desirable conditions “that cramped bus would get pretty ripe on some of those summer nights” to the end of the Negro leagues after Jackie Robinson made it into the major leagues.
Critical Analysis
Nelson really opens the reader up to the world of the Negro Baseball Leagues in this historical book. The style is really engaging, as the story is told through the mind of a past player looking back on his experience in the early years of Negro baseball. The paintings that accompany the text are remarkable, and help to paint the pictures of the past, and open up this world to the reader. The title We Are the Ship is derived from a memorable quote by the founder of the Negro National League, Rube Foster, “We are the Ship: all else the sea.” This is a truly outstanding work that pulls the reader into the world of baseball.
Review Excerpt
School Library Journal - “A lost piece of American history comes to life in Kadir Nelson's elegant and eloquent history (Hyperion/Jump at the Sun, 2008) of the Negro Leagues and its gifted baseball players.”
Connections
Have students explore the history of baseball and how the game has changed over the years.
Create Biographies of players featured in We Are The Ship, and other memorable players.
Other books about baseball history:
White, G. Edward. CREATING THE NATIONAL PASTIME. ISBN 0691058857
McKissack, P.C., and McKissack, F.L. BLACK DIAMOND: THE STORY OF THE NEGRO BASEBALL LEAGUES. ISBN 059068213X.
Nelson, Kadir. 2008. WE ARE THE SHIP: THE STORY OF NEGRO LEAGUE BASEBALL. New York: Hyperion. ISBN 0786808322.
Plot Summary
In this book, Kadir Nelson explores the history of the Negro Baseball Leagues. With the input of some of the players themselves, he reveals the struggles, injustices, and triumphs of the leagues, and the players. The story is told from the viewpoint of a player looking back on their experiences playing the game. The book begins as they players struggle through the challenges of being discriminated against, and travelling in less than desirable conditions “that cramped bus would get pretty ripe on some of those summer nights” to the end of the Negro leagues after Jackie Robinson made it into the major leagues.
Critical Analysis
Nelson really opens the reader up to the world of the Negro Baseball Leagues in this historical book. The style is really engaging, as the story is told through the mind of a past player looking back on his experience in the early years of Negro baseball. The paintings that accompany the text are remarkable, and help to paint the pictures of the past, and open up this world to the reader. The title We Are the Ship is derived from a memorable quote by the founder of the Negro National League, Rube Foster, “We are the Ship: all else the sea.” This is a truly outstanding work that pulls the reader into the world of baseball.
Review Excerpt
School Library Journal - “A lost piece of American history comes to life in Kadir Nelson's elegant and eloquent history (Hyperion/Jump at the Sun, 2008) of the Negro Leagues and its gifted baseball players.”
Connections
Have students explore the history of baseball and how the game has changed over the years.
Create Biographies of players featured in We Are The Ship, and other memorable players.
Other books about baseball history:
White, G. Edward. CREATING THE NATIONAL PASTIME. ISBN 0691058857
McKissack, P.C., and McKissack, F.L. BLACK DIAMOND: THE STORY OF THE NEGRO BASEBALL LEAGUES. ISBN 059068213X.
Encantado: The Pink Dolphin of the Amazon.
Bibliography
Montgomery, Sy. 2002. ENCANTADO: PINK DOLPHIN OF THE AMAZON. Photo. by Dianne Taylor-Snow. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company. ISBN 0618131035.
Plot Summary
This informational text brings light to a little known creature, the pink dolphin of the Amazon, or Encantado. These creatures are only found in the waters of the Amazon river, and are the subject of much interest and mystery. Montgomery take s the reader to the Amazon, and explores this creature’s habitat, while informing about other interesting animals of the Amazon, and the people who live there. This book explores the science of these creatures, and compares them with other types of whales and dolphins, and uses the knowledge of experts and natives to do so.
Critical Analysis
Sy Montgomery writes this book in a way that allows to reader to feel the experience. You are transplanted to the Amazon, and adventure through the wild with her as the world of the Encantado is revealed. The information within the book was all gained through the Authors personal experiences and studies in the Amazon, where she worked with scientists and locals to uncover as much as possible about these pink dolphins, making this a very accurate bank of information. The photography featured supports the text (some were taken in the Amazon, while the close-ups featured are from the Pittsburgh Zoo), and enhances the feeling of having been on this adventure with the author. The text is also supported with graphs and maps of information about the area and the Encantado.
Review Excerpt
Booklist- “ instead of a traditional animal study, children are treated to a captivating travelogue, complete with numerous color photos of the people and places that incorporates political, environmental, and zoological aspects of the region.”
Connections
Students can research and explore the Encantado, as well as other dolphins and whales.
Other books about dolphins:
James, Sylvia. DOLPHINS. ISBN 1590340108.
Carwardine, Mark. Whales and Dolphins. ISBN 0789489902.
Hesse, Karen. THE MUSIC OF DOLPHINS. ISBN 0590897985.
Montgomery, Sy. 2002. ENCANTADO: PINK DOLPHIN OF THE AMAZON. Photo. by Dianne Taylor-Snow. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company. ISBN 0618131035.
Plot Summary
This informational text brings light to a little known creature, the pink dolphin of the Amazon, or Encantado. These creatures are only found in the waters of the Amazon river, and are the subject of much interest and mystery. Montgomery take s the reader to the Amazon, and explores this creature’s habitat, while informing about other interesting animals of the Amazon, and the people who live there. This book explores the science of these creatures, and compares them with other types of whales and dolphins, and uses the knowledge of experts and natives to do so.
Critical Analysis
Sy Montgomery writes this book in a way that allows to reader to feel the experience. You are transplanted to the Amazon, and adventure through the wild with her as the world of the Encantado is revealed. The information within the book was all gained through the Authors personal experiences and studies in the Amazon, where she worked with scientists and locals to uncover as much as possible about these pink dolphins, making this a very accurate bank of information. The photography featured supports the text (some were taken in the Amazon, while the close-ups featured are from the Pittsburgh Zoo), and enhances the feeling of having been on this adventure with the author. The text is also supported with graphs and maps of information about the area and the Encantado.
Review Excerpt
Booklist- “ instead of a traditional animal study, children are treated to a captivating travelogue, complete with numerous color photos of the people and places that incorporates political, environmental, and zoological aspects of the region.”
Connections
Students can research and explore the Encantado, as well as other dolphins and whales.
Other books about dolphins:
James, Sylvia. DOLPHINS. ISBN 1590340108.
Carwardine, Mark. Whales and Dolphins. ISBN 0789489902.
Hesse, Karen. THE MUSIC OF DOLPHINS. ISBN 0590897985.
Walt Whitman: Words for America
Bibliography
Kerley, Barbara. 2004. WALT WHITMAN: WORDS FOR AMERICA. Ill. by Brian Selznick. New York: Scholastic Press. ISBN 0439357918.
Plot Summary
This picture book bibliography follows the life of the famous American poet Walt Whitman from his early childhood in Brooklyn, to his experiences during the Civil War. Whitman’s early experience with the printing press sparked his love of the printed word, and led him to create his own writing. It began with articles contributed to the local paper, then to a paper all his own, and eventually the poetry he is so well known for. This particular biography focuses on Whitman’s experiences with the civil war, and how it affected him personally, as well as artistically. Whitman’s civil war experience began as his younger brother George was wounded in the field of battle. Whitman searched for his injured brother, and once he found him to be safe, he spent time with the soldiers, and found a very special place in his heart for these soldiers, and committed himself to help in any way he could. He spent time simply keeping injured soldiers in D.C. company as they recovered, or passed away. This experience shaped much of Whitman’s most memorable poetry.
Critical Analysis
This book is made up of beautiful double page spreads combining illustration, text, and Whitman’s poetry. The author’s ability to make the historical elements interesting and easy to read is impressive, as well as the accuracy of the accounts. The Illustrations truly match the text, and enhance the meaning and understanding of the text. For example the poem “ O my soldiers, my veterans, my heart gives you love…” is set within illustrations of wounded soldiers who Whitman was close with during his aide at the hospital, making the poetry even more meaningful. The Author, as well as the Illustrator, clearly devoted much time to researching the subject, and forming an understanding of his experiences during the Civil War. This is truly an engaging biography.
Review Excerpt
School Library Journal- “Libraries will want to add this unabashedly glowing tribute as well for the infectious zeal both author and illustrator bring to their subject and his writings, excerpts of which can be found woven seamlessly into the text and the art”
Connections
Share poetry by Walt Whitman:
LEAVES OF GRASS: The Original 1855 Edition. ISBN 0486456765
DRUM-TAPS. ISBN 1110441398
Kerley, Barbara. 2004. WALT WHITMAN: WORDS FOR AMERICA. Ill. by Brian Selznick. New York: Scholastic Press. ISBN 0439357918.
Plot Summary
This picture book bibliography follows the life of the famous American poet Walt Whitman from his early childhood in Brooklyn, to his experiences during the Civil War. Whitman’s early experience with the printing press sparked his love of the printed word, and led him to create his own writing. It began with articles contributed to the local paper, then to a paper all his own, and eventually the poetry he is so well known for. This particular biography focuses on Whitman’s experiences with the civil war, and how it affected him personally, as well as artistically. Whitman’s civil war experience began as his younger brother George was wounded in the field of battle. Whitman searched for his injured brother, and once he found him to be safe, he spent time with the soldiers, and found a very special place in his heart for these soldiers, and committed himself to help in any way he could. He spent time simply keeping injured soldiers in D.C. company as they recovered, or passed away. This experience shaped much of Whitman’s most memorable poetry.
Critical Analysis
This book is made up of beautiful double page spreads combining illustration, text, and Whitman’s poetry. The author’s ability to make the historical elements interesting and easy to read is impressive, as well as the accuracy of the accounts. The Illustrations truly match the text, and enhance the meaning and understanding of the text. For example the poem “ O my soldiers, my veterans, my heart gives you love…” is set within illustrations of wounded soldiers who Whitman was close with during his aide at the hospital, making the poetry even more meaningful. The Author, as well as the Illustrator, clearly devoted much time to researching the subject, and forming an understanding of his experiences during the Civil War. This is truly an engaging biography.
Review Excerpt
School Library Journal- “Libraries will want to add this unabashedly glowing tribute as well for the infectious zeal both author and illustrator bring to their subject and his writings, excerpts of which can be found woven seamlessly into the text and the art”
Connections
Share poetry by Walt Whitman:
LEAVES OF GRASS: The Original 1855 Edition. ISBN 0486456765
DRUM-TAPS. ISBN 1110441398
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Witness
Bibliography
Hesse, Karen. 2001. WITNESS. New York: Scholastic. ISBN 0606274537.
Plot Summary
This verse novel is set in 1924 Vermont in a town that is being torn apart as the Ku Klux Klan moves in and stirs up trouble in the community. The story is told from various points of view, including those who are in the most danger, Leanora Sutter, a 12 year old African American girl, and Esther Hirsch a six year old Jewish girl. The town’s allegiances are split between the appeal of “the good American men” of the KKK and their personal convictions about humanity, religion, and their very own neighbors. In the end, after violence and struggle, it appears the town has come to its senses, and driven the Klan out of their lives.
Critical Analysis
Hesse does a wonderful job of letting the reader into the hearts and minds of the eleven characters featured in Witness. There is no rhyme to this poetry, it is written in free verse, and flows like dialogue, “Only the little girl from new york, Esther, that funny talking kid, only Esther didn’t mind about me being colored.” This verse novel is easy to read, and to follow the progress of this community as they struggle to overcome prejudice, violence, and ignorance.
Review Excerpt(s)
School Library Journal – “Remarkable and powerful…a thoughtful look at people and their capacity for love and hate.”
Kirkus Reviews - “What Copland created with music, and Hopper created with paint, Hesse deftly and unerringly creates with words.”
Connections
*Other books of poetry by Karen Hesse
OUT OF THE DUST. ISBN 0590360809
COME ON, RAIN. ISBN 0590331256
THE MUSIC OF DOLPHINS. ISBN 0590897985
Hesse, Karen. 2001. WITNESS. New York: Scholastic. ISBN 0606274537.
Plot Summary
This verse novel is set in 1924 Vermont in a town that is being torn apart as the Ku Klux Klan moves in and stirs up trouble in the community. The story is told from various points of view, including those who are in the most danger, Leanora Sutter, a 12 year old African American girl, and Esther Hirsch a six year old Jewish girl. The town’s allegiances are split between the appeal of “the good American men” of the KKK and their personal convictions about humanity, religion, and their very own neighbors. In the end, after violence and struggle, it appears the town has come to its senses, and driven the Klan out of their lives.
Critical Analysis
Hesse does a wonderful job of letting the reader into the hearts and minds of the eleven characters featured in Witness. There is no rhyme to this poetry, it is written in free verse, and flows like dialogue, “Only the little girl from new york, Esther, that funny talking kid, only Esther didn’t mind about me being colored.” This verse novel is easy to read, and to follow the progress of this community as they struggle to overcome prejudice, violence, and ignorance.
Review Excerpt(s)
School Library Journal – “Remarkable and powerful…a thoughtful look at people and their capacity for love and hate.”
Kirkus Reviews - “What Copland created with music, and Hopper created with paint, Hesse deftly and unerringly creates with words.”
Connections
*Other books of poetry by Karen Hesse
OUT OF THE DUST. ISBN 0590360809
COME ON, RAIN. ISBN 0590331256
THE MUSIC OF DOLPHINS. ISBN 0590897985
Meow Ruff
Bibliography
Sidman, Joyce. 2006. MEOW RUFF: A STORY IN CONCRETE POETRY. Ill. By Michelle Berg. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Co. ISBN 0618448942
Plot Summary
On a bright sunny day, a dog slips quickly out of an open door. Simultaneously, a small white cat is dropped out of a car onto the curb, let the chase begin! As the two animals run, a sudden storm begins to brew, leading them to seek shelter in the same place. They form an unlikely bond, and in the end, the dog’s owner brings the cat home to live with them.
Critical Analysis
The illustrations and poems in this book come together as one. Sidman uses concrete poetry to bring the scenery in these poems to life. The clouds in the beginning are made up of the words “plump bright dome of sugary white sky-muffin”, but as the storm heats up, they transform into “dense dark drenching murk.” Even the grass, lining the bottom of the pages, is composed of descriptive words like “Ticklish, Feathery, Earth-smell, Sun-Warmed, Paw-Soft Grass” that transform along with the weather to a “soaking, sinking, seeping, draining, slurping sponge of grassy dirt.”
This book is wonderfully designed, so that the poetry and illustration become one, and really engage the reader in the text. This book would be great to share with students as they begin to explore poetry, and understand its many forms.
Review Excerpt
Booklist- “It's typically said of picture books that art and text are inseparable, but the truth of that has rarely been more evident than it is in this introduction to concrete poetry--which, unlike most books about the form, doesn't just collect unrelated poems, but tells a story through them. With the same creativity of expression that marked Song of the Waterboatman (2005), a 2006 Caldecott Honor Book, Sidman develops a simple tale about a cat and dog trapped in a rainstorm, coding much of the substance right into the physical landscape.”
Connections
*Have students create their own concrete poetry using the shapes of animals, foliage, and common objects.
* Other Books if Concrete poetry for children
Graham, Joan. Flicker FLASH. ISBN 0618311025
Lewis, J. Patrick. DOODLE DANDIES: POEMS THAT TAKE SHAPE. ISBN 0689848897
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Bow Wow Meow Meow
Bibliography
Florian, Douglas. 2003. BOW WOW MEOW MEOW: IT’S RHYMING CATS AND DOGS. San
Diego: Harcourt. ISBN 0152163956.
Plot Summary
Dogs and cats of all kinds are brought to life through poetry in this fun book of animal poetry. These 21 poems, each personifying a different animal, really bring the creatures to life as they discuss their features, lifestyles, and quirks. The accompanying paintings add to the liveliness of these animals.
Critical Analysis
The watercolor paintings that accompany each of these original poems make the characters more dynamic. One poem titled “The Bulldog” ends with “His jowls are long. I’d say his face was full of charm If he would let go of my arm.” On the accompanying page, a painting of an otherwise sweet looking bulldog, with an arm stretched between his teeth. While the illustrations are eye catching and amusing, the poetry with in the book stands alone. The words create imagery, and allow the reader to picture the animals just as Florian has described them. The humor throughout his poetry makes this book even more enjoyable. Florian also uses concrete poetry in this collection to personify the “oodles and oodles of curls” that can be found on the Poodle.
Review Excerpt(s)
School Library Journal- “There are short poems ("I am a cat of longhaired version./A pet-igree that's known as purrrsian"), some a bit longer, and one that curls like poodles' hair. The language has flair, and the writing is zany and creative. The watercolor paintings in primarily pastel colors are great fun, revealing an attribute or the character of each animal. This is a delightful selection to read aloud to younger children, and it offers older students models of simple poems that really work.”
Connections
*Explore other books of animal poetry by Douglas Florian
Beast Feast. ISBN 0152017372
Mammalabilia. ISBN 0512050248
Lizards, Frogs, and Polliwogs. ISBN 0152052488
*Have students create pieces of animal poetry inspired by their favorite animals
Florian, Douglas. 2003. BOW WOW MEOW MEOW: IT’S RHYMING CATS AND DOGS. San
Diego: Harcourt. ISBN 0152163956.
Plot Summary
Dogs and cats of all kinds are brought to life through poetry in this fun book of animal poetry. These 21 poems, each personifying a different animal, really bring the creatures to life as they discuss their features, lifestyles, and quirks. The accompanying paintings add to the liveliness of these animals.
Critical Analysis
The watercolor paintings that accompany each of these original poems make the characters more dynamic. One poem titled “The Bulldog” ends with “His jowls are long. I’d say his face was full of charm If he would let go of my arm.” On the accompanying page, a painting of an otherwise sweet looking bulldog, with an arm stretched between his teeth. While the illustrations are eye catching and amusing, the poetry with in the book stands alone. The words create imagery, and allow the reader to picture the animals just as Florian has described them. The humor throughout his poetry makes this book even more enjoyable. Florian also uses concrete poetry in this collection to personify the “oodles and oodles of curls” that can be found on the Poodle.
Review Excerpt(s)
School Library Journal- “There are short poems ("I am a cat of longhaired version./A pet-igree that's known as purrrsian"), some a bit longer, and one that curls like poodles' hair. The language has flair, and the writing is zany and creative. The watercolor paintings in primarily pastel colors are great fun, revealing an attribute or the character of each animal. This is a delightful selection to read aloud to younger children, and it offers older students models of simple poems that really work.”
Connections
*Explore other books of animal poetry by Douglas Florian
Beast Feast. ISBN 0152017372
Mammalabilia. ISBN 0512050248
Lizards, Frogs, and Polliwogs. ISBN 0152052488
*Have students create pieces of animal poetry inspired by their favorite animals
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