Module 4 Book Reviews: Poetry

The 20th Century Children's Poetry Treasury by Jack Prelutsky

Bibliography

Prelutsky, Jack, selector.  1999.  The 20th Century Children's Poetry Treasury.  Ill. by Meilo So.  New York, NY:  Alfred A. Knopf.  ISBN:  0-679-89314-8.

Review

This cheery anthology of over 200 poems from 20th century America is a collection that Jack Prelutsky feels represents the "scope and variety of children's verse."  Poem selections from each decade - mostly from the last half of the century - cover topics such as food, seasons, animals, music, and secrets.  Works from authors Ogden Nash, Robert Frost, Carl Sandburg, Kristine O'Connell George, Douglas Florian, Dr. Seuss, Nikki Grimes and many others span the pages along with comical watercolor illustrations.  An introduction from Prelutsky praises the renaissance of poetry in recent years and anticipates its continued popularity in the years to come.  This publication includes an Index of Titles with the year of original publication, an Index of Authors, and Acknowledgements of previous publishers.  A thorough 85 page compilation - this book provides an easily manageable foray into the world of poetry - for leisure or research.  

Module 4 Book Reviews: Poetry

Toasting Marshmallows - Camping Poems by Kristine O'Connell George

Bibliography

George, Kristine O'Connell.  2001.  Toasting Marshmallows - Camping Poems.  Ill. by Kate Kiesler.  New York, NY:  Clarion Books.  ISBN 0-618-04597-x.

Review

Anyone who has ever gone camping will certainly express delight in the authenticity of the subjects and illustrations in this topical collection of poetry.  As for the fledgling camper, the excitement and joys of these camping poems will serve as a snippet of information for future camping trips.  Accented by warm and inviting acrylic illustrations of nature’s beautiful and magnificent attributes, topics include setting up the tent, campfires, toasting marshmallows, rainstorms, and various encounters with wildlife, all written from a young girl’s perspective and in storylike form.  Kristine O’Connell George has struck gold with this collection of contemporary poetry for children.

Module 4 Book Reviews: Poetry

¡Pio Peep!  Traditional Spanish Nursery Rhymes by Alma Flor Ada, F. Isabel Campoy and Alice Schertle

Bibliography

Ada, Alma Flor and F. Isabel Campoy, comp.  Adapted by Alice Schertle.  2003.  ¡Pio Peep!  Traditional Spanish Nursery Rhymes. New York, NY:  Harper Collins Publishers.  ISBN: 0-688-16019-0. 

Review

¡Pio Peep! is a wonderful combination of age-old spanish nursery rhymes - some that crossed the ocean from Spain and a few that originated in Mexico, and modern English adaptations of the rhymes.  The hardback collection contains an explanation of the selections and sources by the authors, a table of contents, as well as an introduction to hispanic oral folklore written in both spanish and English.  What a treat for English speakers to be able to experience the history and content of spanish rhymes and folklore!  Full and double paged watercolor spreads connect the paired English and spanish poems with robust, expressive characters and a rainbow of colors captured between bright yellow endsheets.  True to the culture behind the rhymes, decorative borders outline introductory pages and characters showcase traditional clothing.  This book is a must-have for any library's poetry shelves.   

Module 4 Book Reviews: Poetry

My Man Blue by Nikki Grimes

Bibliography

Grimes, Nikki.  2002.  My Man Blue. Ill. by Jerome Lagarrigue.  New York, NY:  Puffin Books.  ISBN:  0-8037-2326-1.

Review

Nikki Grimes has crafted an entrancing collection of thought provoking poems encompassing a mysterious neighbor named Blue and his young counterpart, a boy named Damon.  Her poetry touches on several prevailing themes in Damon's life - no father, a working mother, his need for a positive male role model, friendship, and trust.  Through succinct language Grimes expertly fashions characters with strong virtues and second chances.  Artist Jerome Lagarrigue, with rough finish acrylic on Canson paper, uses negative space and pale colors to separate the poetry from the much heavier and intense paintings of a quite aloof Blue and a vulnerable Damon, allowing the reader to focus much deserving attention on the details in the "gentle-giant's" hard to read expression.  Very touching!