Module 3 Book Reviews: Poetry

Fold Me A Poem by Kristine O'Connell George

1. Bibliography
George, Kristine O'Connell. 2005. FOLD ME A POEM. Ill. by Lauren Stringer. Singapore, Harcourt, Inc. ISBN 0152025014.

2. Plot Summary
A child's clever imagination is revealed through his creation of brightly colored Origami animals and excitement is in the air as the playful animals seem to come to life. A list of Origami resources is included.

3. Critical Analysis
The first poem sets the tone for the book with the lines, "Square sheet of paper -folded, suddenly wakes up." As rigid paper comes to life with the touch of his fingers, the young boy's imagination comes to life, and the story comes to life. Through the progression of the poems, more creatures liven and the narration shifts from the boy's point of view -poems about the animals, to the animals' points of view - poems by the animals, then flows into a conversational type rhetoric with poems that speak to the animals - answering their questions and admonishing their unruly behavior.
A side story carried through the illustrations is the mischieviousness of the boy's cat- drinking milk from the cereal bowl, lying in wait for the peacocks, pouncing on the rabbit, and injuring the ostrich. This added character confirms the animation of the creatures. He is an avid participant on each page -whether observing with a twitching tail or jumping in on the action. He also serves to reinforce the idea that Origami can be appealing to any audience.
Children will identify with the main character even though the Origami animals seem to be perfect at first glance, which is difficult for most children and probably most beginners. Children can relate to the poem concerning the camel, who is missing a leg as a result of a mishap in direction following. Instead of giving up and trashing the camel, the boy opts to re-read the directions. What a simple form of encouragement! Other minor setbacks do not prevent the boy from forging ahead. When the glue spills on the floor, the wind blows the animals and the snowflakes into a flurry, and the ostrich requires first aid, he calmly continues working.
The liveliness of the book slowly fades as the boy prepares for bed with the line, "Night unfolds softly." However, this line refers only to the boy. The animals, on the contrary, under the ever-watchful eye of the cat, quietly make their way to the dance floor in a poem entitled, "Mystery."

4. Review Excerpts
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY: "This unusual poetry volume is a dazzling celebration of imagination."
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: "The vividly colored acrylics depict the boy actively engaged in play with his creations, and the details that Stringer provides infuse the verses with both energy and humor."

5. Connections
To lift poetry up off of the page and breathe life into it as O'Connell has, try the following multiple intelligences poetry books:
Fleischman, Paul. BIG TALK: POEMS FOR FOUR VOICES. ISBN 0763606367.
Holbrook, Sara. WHAM! IT'S A POETRY JAM - DISCOVERING PERFORMANCE POETRY. ISBN 1590780116.