Bibliography for Poetry Breaks and Book Reviews

Poetry Book Reviews:

Bryan, Ashley. 1992. Sing to the sun. U.S.A: Harper Collins Publishers.

Florian, Douglas. 1994. Beast feast. New York: Harcourt Brace & Company.

Hopkins, Lee Bennett. 1976. Good morning to you, Valentine. Ill. by Tomie de Paola. New York: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich.

Janeczko, P. B. 2001. A poke in the I. Ill. by Chris Raschka. Cambridge, Massachusetts: Candlewick Press.

Prelutsky, Jack. 2007. Good sports: Rhymes about running, jumping, throwing, and more. Ill. by Chris Raschka. New York: Alfred A. Knopf.

Sones, Sonya. 2004. one of those hideous books where the mother dies. New York: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers.

Poetry Breaks:

Ciardi, John. 1981. Sylvester in The man who sang the sillies, 21. Ill. by Edward Gorey. Philadelphia: J. B. Lippincott Company.

Clifton, Lucille. 1974. September in Prelutsky, Jack. 1999. The 20^th century children’s poetry treasury, 68. Ill. by Meilo So. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, Inc.

Florian, Douglas. 1998. The caterpillar in Florian, Douglas. 1998. Insectlopedia, 6. New York: Scholastic Inc.

Grimes, Nikki. 2006. Dear author in Thanks a Million, 16. Ill. by Cozbi Cabrera. United States: Greenwillow Books.

Hobermann, Mary Ann. 2005. Jack, be nimble in Hobermann, Mary Ann. 2005. You read to me, I’ll read to you: Very short Mother Goose tales to read together, 8-9. Ill. by Michael Emberley. New York: Little, Brown and Company.

Prelutsky, Jack. 1984. I was walking in a circle in Prelutsky, Jack. 1999. The 20^th century children’s poetry treasury, 42. Ill. by Meilo So. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, Inc.

Poetry Book Review #6

Janeczko, P. B. 2001. A poke in the I. Ill. by Chris Raschka. Cambridge, Massachusetts: Candlewick Press.

Paul Janeczko displays a unique conglomeration of concrete poetry in his book, A Poke in the I. For this imaginative and entertaining collection, Janeczko chose poems that don’t follow any particular pattern, only the unique feature of being concrete ties them together. The shapes, forms and language of the poetry make it fun for readers to figure out, read and share with others.

Caldecott Award-winning illustrator, Chris Raschka brilliantly adds his distinctive illustrations to the text shapes. The pictures and words are subtly intertwined and work so well together that it would be difficult to read the poetry without the illustrations and the illustrations would mean nothing without the text forms.

Paul Janeczko and Chris Raschka’s collaboration on the concrete poetry extravaganza known as A Poke in the I envelops and engages readers in a wonderful poetry experience.

Here is one of my many favorites from this collection:

A Seeing Poem by Robert Froman (p.2)

Poetry Break #6

Introduction: Sometimes people write poetry to express how they are feeling inside. Other people read books and relate their experiences with the story. This is a poem written by Nikki Grimes. It's in the form of a letter to an author and is called Dear Author. The writer of the letter expresses how the author has affected his/her life.

Dear Author

When my father died last year,

Somebody threw a switch and turned me off.

I couldn’t breathe. Or cry.

My family wondered why.

Months passed, and they figured

I must be okay. But they were wrong.

I leaked sadness everywhere I went.

No one seemed to notice or understand.

Until Lotus, the girl in your last book.

She was also drowning deep inside.

Some nights, I’d crawl between the pages

of that novel and hide for hours.

The two of you made all the difference.

I just thought you’d want to know.

Sincerely,

Grateful

(p. 16)

Extension: Have students discuss or write about how they would deal or have dealt with a difficult situation. Would they read books or write poetry? Would they do something different? These can be shared on a voluntary basis. Students could also write a poem-letter to an author who has influenced them.

Grimes, Nikki. 2006. Dear author in Thanks a Million, 16. Ill. by Cozbi Cabrera. United States: Greenwillow Books.

Poetry Book Review #5

Prelutsky, Jack. 2007. Good sports: Rhymes about running, jumping, throwing, and more. Ill. by Chris Raschka. New York: Alfred A. Knopf.

In his newest book of original poetry, Jack Prelutsky peers into the world of sports in an unusual and creative way. The poetry in Good Sports: Rhymes about Running, Jumping, Throwing, and More reveals Prelutsky’s perspective on this universal hobby. He shows that sports are fun and exciting no matter if you win or lose, or if you have great talent or not.

Prelutsky makes his unique voice resonate through sports poems that range in topic from Frisbee and karate to football and soccer. This Poet Laureate displays his personality in the untitled poems included in his newest poetry book. Jack Prelutsky has a unique way of describing these sports experiences that captures the feelings associated with the particular event or circumstance. He uses language and sports vocabulary creatively in his book:

I concentrate, then let it go…

I know it’s good- I know, I know.

It makes an arc, I make a wish,

Then hear the soft, sweet sound of SWISH!

(no page number)

Sports are precious and intriguing to most males; however, Prelutsky includes sports like softball and gymnastics which appeal to girls too. The poems are universal and would be a great accessory to a unit on the Olympics or to begin a physical education class. Girls and boys, along with readers of all ages will be able to enjoy the humorous, playful and rhyming poetry describing experiences in the arena of sports.

Caldecott Medal winner Chris Raschka incorporates his one-of-a-kind illustrations to accompany Prelutsky’s text. The illustrations compliment the words in such a way that the reader is given a visual image to go along with their own mental picture of the poetry. The text and illustration placement enhance the design, feel and experience of Prelutsky’s poems.

Readers will find it hard to choose just one favorite out of this collection of Jack Prelutsky’s poems. Here is one of my many favorites:

My friend and I play Frisbee

In the summer in the park.

I flip the Frisbee to her,

It describes a graceful arc.

She runs and tries to catch it,

And I watch her miss and fall-

We both like playing Frisbee,

Though we aren’t good at all.

(no page number)

Poetry Break #5

Introduction: Read or review the classic Mother Goose rhyme, Jack, Be Nimble. Then introduce the book, You Read to Me, I’ll Read to You: Very Short Mother Goose Tales to Read Together. Before you read through the poem “Jack, Be Nimble,” tell the children that after the first reading they will be able to take turns acting out the parts.

Jack, Be Nimble

I will not jump, Jane!

Jack, why not?

That candlestick
Might be quite hot.

But Jack, the candle
Is not lit.

I still will not
Jump over it.

It isn’t even
Very high
But you won’t jump it.
Tell me why?

I’ll jump a wall,
I’ll jump a box,
Across a stream
Or over rocks.
But since it is
A silly trick,
I will not jump
A candlestick.

Just take one jump.
I wish you would.
A single jump,
I think you should.

If you’re so sure
What I should do,
Go jump yourself!
I dare you to!

The candlestick
Might be quite hot.

It isn’t lit.
Have you forgot?

I think it looks
A little high.

It’s very short.
Now will you try?

All right, I will.
I’ll jump it now.
But only if
You show me how.

It isn’t hard
As you can see.
Just start to run
And follow me.

Oh, Jack, you jumped it!
You were good!
You jumped so high!
I knew you could!

You tricked me, Jane!
I should have known.
But now go do it
On your own.

Well, here I go.
I’ll start way back.
I’ll run! I’ll jump!
I made it, Jack!

Jack, be nimble!
Jane be quick!
They both jumped over
The candlestick!

Extension: After reading the poem, allow the students to break into groups to recite and act out the poem. This can lead to whole group performances and even to ‘traveling’ classroom performances (other classrooms and grade levels). Students can be encouraged to rewrite their favorite Mother Goose rhymes for multiple voices and perform them. The possibilities are endless!

Hobermann, Mary Ann. 2005. Jack, be nimble in Hobermann, Mary Ann. 2005. You read to me, I’ll read to you: Very short Mother Goose tales to read together, 8-9. Ill. by Michael Emberley. New York: Little, Brown and Company.

Poetry Book Review #4

Florian, Douglas. 1994. Beast feast. New York: Harcourt Brace & Company.

Douglas Florian’s poetry book, Beast Feast, was the winner of the 1995 Lee Bennett Hopkins Poetry Award. His poems incorporate information about and characteristics of animals in fun and catchy ways. Through shape poems, rhyming lyrics and funny language, Florian captures readers’ imaginations. The poetry in this collection is humorous and through the use of inventive and creative language the words stay with the reader long after they have been read or heard.

Douglas Florian accompanies each poem with original paintings done in watercolor. Along with imaginative wording and unique structure, the illustrations reinforce and establish his authentic and strong voice.

The poems that comprise Beast Feast are universal and timeless- they can be read to go along with a science lesson or unit. It can be read aloud to younger children who are studying mammals or high school-aged students studying biology or zoology. The variety of animals portrayed in this anthology allow for the poems to be read individually, to be read as they fit into a category, such as sea creatures or insects, or to be read collectively. One of my favorites is titled, 'The Chameleon.'

The Chameleon

Although it may seem very strange,

The colors on a chameleon change

From mousy browns to leafy greens

And several colors in between.

Its very long and sticky tongue

On unsuspecting bugs is sprung.

It lashes out at rapid rates

On unaware invertebrates,

Then just as quickly will retract

With flabbergasted fly intact.

So bugs beware this risky reptilian-

The clever everchanging chameleon.

(p. 17)

This particular poem depicts the wonderfully clever vocabulary that Douglas Florian uses in his poetry. There are endless ways to share this with all ages of children. It would be a great way to model and practice using different strategies to figure out the meaning of new words. Also, educators can read this poem at the beginning and end of a unit on insects and/or reptiles and have students reflect on how their perception of the poem has changed since learning about and studying that particular topic.

I am fairly new to the poetry of Douglas Florian; however, the poems and books of his that I have read have left a lasting impression on my view of poetry and how it can be integrated into content area subjects in fun and creative ways.

Poetry Break #4

Introduction: It’s spring!! New life is all around us in the form of plants, tree blossoms, birds and insects. The butterfly is a symbol of new life and is a popular figure of spring. The Caterpillar by Douglas Florian can be read to celebrate that exciting feeling of spring fever:

THE CATERPILLAR

She eats eight leaves at least

To fill her,

Which leaves her like a

Fatterpillar,

Then rents a room inside

A pupa,

And checks out: Madame Butterfly-

How super!

Extension: Florian’s poem could be used to extend a science study on the life cycle of a butterfly. It is a great way to incorporate poetry into the content areas. Following this insect as she transforms from a larva into a pupa and finally into her adult form, the butterfly, students will enjoy listening to and reading this poem and the others in Douglas Florian’s Insectlopedia. The students, after hearing and reading it, could write their own poetry describing the transformation. Younger students could illustrate a picture that coincides with the poem. Insectlopedia would a great poetry book to read with a science unit on bugs.

Florian, Douglas. 1998. The caterpillar in Florian, Douglas. 1998. Insectlopedia, 6. New York: Scholastic Inc.

Poetry Book Review #3

Sones, Sonya. 2004. one of those hideous books where the mother dies. New York: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers.

Ruby sits on the airplane that's taking her clear across the United States, away from her aunt, best friend and boyfriend. She dreads every second that brings her closer to her “scumbag” father who she’s never met. Oh and did she mention that he’s a famous movie star?! To top it off, the reason she’s on her way to California is because her mother just died.

Through the witty voice of this fifteen year old, Sonya Sones creatively expresses the deep feelings and issues that unfold as the story progresses in short free verse poems. The reader can actually picture this teenager and her attitude as she rolls her eyes and makes smart remarks in her head at the ‘ridiculous’ things that her father tries to do to get to know her and make her feel loved. It is a quick, easy and enjoyable read because of the playful and clever language that describes feelings, emotions and events in such an imaginative, yet understandable way. An example of this:

So we say quick good-byes and hang up.

I feel a pang in my stomach,

like someone just handed me some Sour Skittles

and then grabbed them away again

before I even had a chance

to pop a single one of them into my mouth.

p.109

Sonya Sones references classic literature such as Catcher in the Rye, A Wrinkle in Time, and To Kill a Mockingbird within Ruby’s commentary. Newer, more contemporary young adult novels were mentioned as well (Speak, Hard Love, and Hope Was Here). There are also allusions to other things like movies, world events and current issues that face our country. One that I particularly enjoyed was when Ruby recounts her first morning of walking to school in her movie star-infested neighborhood:

If I had a dog named Toto,

I think you can guess

what I’d be saying to him right about now.

p.129

Readers experience the ups and downs, surprises and anticipated events in Sonya Sones’ inviting and entertaining poetry novel, one of those hideous books where the mother dies. Her style and voice are authentic, unique and captivating leaving the reader wanting to read more.

**One of those hideous books… is definitely intended for an older audience; it is a young adult free verse novel. I would even recommend it for older, more mature young adults because of some of the issues discussed within the book.

Poetry Break #3

Introduction: This is a fun shape poem written by Jack Prelutsky that can be shared anytime with a small group or large group of children. Here are some questions that can introduce the reading of the poem: “What do you think a shape poem could look like? What would be some shapes that you would write a poem in? I am going to show you a poem and read it to you as you follow along. It is called I Was Walking in a Circle by Jack Prelutsky.” Read the poem while turning the book to show the words as they wrap around a circle. It might be easy to have the words on a separate sheet for you to read so that the students can see the words and picture.

Extension: Have the children share what they were thinking when you kept reading the poem. Have the children write their own shape poem and share with a partner, in small groups or with the class. Introduce more shape poems to the students or have them search for some on their own.

Prelutsky, Jack. 1984. I was walking in a circle in Prelutsky, Jack. 1999. The 20^th century children’s poetry treasury, 42. Ill. by Meilo So. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, Inc.

Book Review #2

Bryan, Ashley. 1992. Sing to the sun. U.S.A: Harper Collins Publishers.

In the first book published containing his original poetry, Ashley Bryan successfully establishes an authentic voice through each piece in Sing to the Sun. This book received the first Lee Bennett Hopkins Poetry Award (1992) which honors the year’s most outstanding new book of poetry. Bryan reveals a strong persona through his poems in Sing to the Sun, but does it in such a way that does not overwhelm the reader.

This imaginative book of poetry appeals to both children and adults. The poems are real; they allow the memories and experiences of the reader to surface and replay as the words are digested. Even if readers have no connection with the subject of the poem, the language and word choice allow for connections to be formed and senses to be stimulated. The book contains a wide range of poetry from free verse to rhyming that celebrates the African and African-American cultures. Some of the poems are about serious times like parting with someone you love, some are fun describing a party for birds and others cover everything in between like weather, nature and family. It’s about life, what happens in it and the feelings that come along with those experiences.

One of my favorite poems from this collection:

FULL MOON (no page number)

Night on the verandah:
Across the bay
Village lights
Sprinkled on hills
Stripe the dark water

The silver round
Of the full moon
Slips into the cloud
As a coin
Slips into a purse

Ashley Bryan accompanies his poems with his own beautiful illustrations done in bright and colorful rectangles resembling abstract stained glass windows. The poems are supported by Bryan’s paintings and allow readers’ to visualize the poetry through the author’s eyes.

One of many extensions that can be used for Ashley Bryan’s book would be to read a poem or two without showing the pictures and allow the children to illustrate what they saw as they heard the words. Afterwards, the poems can be read and the new and original illustrations shown with the words. The children can look at what others saw and appreciate the perspectives of others. Ashley Bryan’s Sing to the Sun would also be a great book to read during February, as a part of the Black History Month celebration. This Corretta Scott King Honor and Award winning author/illustrator enchants readers in his debut book of original poems, Sing to the Sun.

Poetry Break #2

Introduction:

This is a fun poem that can be read at any time during the school year. It would be appropriate to incorporate during Valentine’s Day festivities. It is titled “Sylvester” and is by NCTE Award-winning poet, John Ciardi. The poem can be introduced by stating that it is a conversation poem that requires you to think about what could happen as a result of the discussion between the two speakers.

Sylvester

Sylvester wrote to Mary Lou.
Said, “Will you marry me?”
Replied a Lady Kangaroo,
“My darling, I agree.”

“Agree to what?” Sylvester cried.
“I’ve never before seen you!”
“Well, no,” the Kangaroo replied,
“But though that’s perfectly true,

Here is your letter sent to me.”
“To you! Don’t be absurd!”
“Don’t tamper with the mails,” said she,
“A man must keep his word!”

“My letter was sent to Mary Lou!”
“It came to me!” “Agreed.
But you saw it wasn’t addressed to you!”
“How could I?-I can’t read.”

“Then how could you read the letter
But not how it was addressed?”
“I could say your writing got better,
Or I could say I just guessed.

The point is,” said the Kangaroo,
“-And the mailman will agree-
Whatever you wrote to Mary Lou,
The letter came to me.

You must either learn to write what you mean
Or to mean what you write!” she cried.
“And though I’d rather not make a scene,
I insist you must make me your bride!”

“We’ll just see about that,” said Sylvester. “No doubt
We will,” said the Kangaroo.
-And how do you think it all turned out?
-I only wish I knew.

Ciardi, John. 1981. Sylvester in The man who sang the sillies, 21. Ill. by Edward Gorey. Philadelphia: J. B. Lippincott Company.

Extension:

Questions that can be asked after the reading: How many of you have gotten a letter in the mail before? What are some ways that we communicate besides through letters in the mail? How do you think that this situation turned out?-The students can then have a chance to discuss what they think might happen to Sylvester and the Kangaroo. Afterward, the class can split up into pairs or small groups and work on performing this poem to each other and/or to other classes.

Poem from Poetry Book Review #1

I apologize for the formatting of the below poem in the Poetry Book Review #1. Hopefully this will make more sense:

READ SEE THAT ME

Read.....see......that.......me
up.........will......I............love
and.......you.....love.......you
down....and.....you........and

~ Anonymous

from page 16 in:
Hopkins, Lee Bennett. 1976. Good morning to you, Valentine. Ill. by Tomie de Paola. New York: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich.

Poetry Book Review #1

Hopkins, Lee Bennett. 1976. Good morning to you, Valentine. Ill. by Tomie de Paola. New York: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich.

Lee Bennett Hopkins combines poems dealing with love, cards and other relevant subjects having to do with the season of Valentine’s in his anthology, Good Morning to You, Valentine. This creative collection includes several anonymous poems and also works from Shel Silverstein, Aileen Fisher and even William Shakespeare, to name a few. The poems are short, catchy and presented in a various and entertaining ways. Some are integrated into the art work, others are placed in playful form and then there are those that are unusually structured. One that I particularly enjoyed after attempting to read it many different ways before finally understanding it is called “Read See That Me” by Anonymous (p. 16):

READ SEE THAT ME

Read see that me

up will I love

and you love you

down and you and

The distinctive illustrations from Tomie de Paola are all done in the meaningful and symbolic color, red. The images extend the language within the poems. Even the text is red, which adds to the overall experience, mood and style of the collection.

Hopkins chose a variety of rhyming poems that leave the reader deep in thought, laughing, reflective, sentimental and filled with many other feelings. Although different genres of poetry make up this anthology, the common and universal theme of love ties the poems together. The poetry appeals to everyone, especially children because it reconnects them with the excitement and sweetness of past Valentine’s Days and Celebrations filled with parties, cards and most importantly candy!

There are many different ways to incorporate this poetry book into a classroom, library or school. Good Morning to You, Valentine could be used to inform students of the popular holiday that is approaching or the individual poems could be used to show that feelings can be expressed through poetry. Lee Bennett Hopkins’ collection, Good Morning to You, Valentine, effectively portrays poetry in an engaging and entertaining way to audiences of all ages.

Poetry Break #1

Introduction:

This poem can be introduced during the first day or first week of school. To introduce it, a few questions could be asked- How many of you don’t want to come to school right after summer vacation? How many of you do? What are some reasons that you give your family for not wanting to go to school? Write down the feedback that the students give and then read September by Lucille Clifton.

September

I already know where Africa is

and I already know how to

count to ten and

I went to school every day last year;

why do I have to go again?

~Lucille Clifton

Extension:

The students can reflect on the poem and give their feedback to some questions (Would you have let this boy or girl stay home from school? Why or why not? What are some reasons that he or she would want to go to school?). To close, each of the students can add on to this poem, come up with their own version or write a poem that tells why they would want to go to school.

*Following this Poetry Break, teachers could go over the fun things that the class will be learning and doing over the year, making a connection to the activity by giving a taste of what’s ahead so that they will be excited about coming to school and to class!

Clifton, Lucille. 1974. September in Prelutsky, Jack. 1999. The 20^th century children’s poetry treasury, 68. Ill. by Meilo So. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, Inc.

"I can't wait to enjoy Poetry Treats!"

Hello

Welcome to Poetry Treats. This site was built for a Poetry for Children course that I am taking, but it is available for anyone who wants to experience the many different tastes of poetry. Enjoy!