Module 3 Book Reviews: Poetry

Beast Feast by Douglas Florian

1. Bilbiography
Florian, Douglas. 1994. BEAST FEAST. Singapore: Harcourt Brace & Company. ISBN 0152951784.

2. Plot Summary
Characteristics of various animals and insects are set to rhyme in a very beautifully illustrated collection with some silly twists!

3. Critical Analysis
This book is a clever collection of partly factual, partly silly, and 100% entertaining poetry. Poems range from very short, simple poems to longer, more thoughtful poems. Each illustration involves a visual dessert - that "something sweet to top it off." From the grouchy walrus' armchair, the lobster's reading material -"Mobster Motel," the chameleon's paintbrush and palet, and the armadillo's sleeping bag, Florian has embedded witty intepretations of the creatures' interests. Poems are set on a plain white background opposite full page color illustrations, making the poetry easily accessible to young eyes and ensures that the illustrations are well studied.

4. Review Excerpts
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: "an uncluttered, short presentation by an author/illustrator who knows what children will find funny-add to that the bonus of factual information tucked into each poem, and the result is a winner."
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY: "a feast--for the eyes and the ears--"
CHILDREN'S LITERATURE: "a delightful way to introduce kids to poetry."

5. Connections
For a range of animal poetry from quaint to lively add these books to your collection:
Chernaik, Judith (Editor). CARNIVAL OF THE ANIMALS - POEMS INSPIRED BY SAINT-SAENS' MUSIC. (Includes CD) ISBN 076362960x.
Heard, Georgia. CREATURES OF EARTH, SEA, AND SKY: POEMS. ISBN 1563976358.