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