Module 3: Book Review 9-New Poetry

 Follow the Recipe: Poems about Imagination, Celebration, & Cake

Bibliography

Singer, M. & Priceman, M. (2020) Follow the Recipe: Poems About Imagination, Celebration, & Cake. New York: Dial Books for Young Readers. ISBN 9780735227903

Summary  

Indulge yourself in this spectacular collection of Marilyn Singer poems written in the form of recipes with themes that touch on family, seasons, school subjects, and so many more.  Become immersed in poems that rhyme, are written backwards, and are in haiku form while finding life lessons for oneself.  With vibrant and lively artwork by Marjorie Priceman to give even more energy to each poem, readers young and old will sure savor in this delicious piece of art by Singer.  

Analysis

Follow the Recipe is an anthology of innovated poems that help teach readers with some of the most basic to complex things in life.  From the first, a Recipe for a Good Recipe to the last a Recipe for Celebration, each poem in this book educates the reader in ways of compassion, patience, support, and evolving in society. 

With so many poetic elements used throughout this book like rhyme, metaphors, and sensory image, there is sure to be something pleasing to all readers.  The poem Recipe for Reading is full of rhyming and sensory image like in the lines “A book can be cheesy/A book can be please-y/Something to eat carefully/or devour in big bites/during the days/or deep dark nights.” Those lines provide rhyme plus images, taste, and touch to someone who is reading it.  In Recipe for a Poem, there are related metaphors of “similes and metaphors not being scattered haphazardly like grains of rice tossed at a wedding,” and “taking care of the words on a page as you would food on a plate.” 

Readers of all ages will genuinely enjoy these upbeat poems with so many different poetic elements and forms.  Appreciate Singer’s signature-style reverso poem, where the poem is written from top to bottom, then reversed from bottom to top in, Recipe for Science and become encouraged to try one on your own.  Relish in Recipes for Enjoying the Seasons, written as a haiku, conjuring up items that remind us of that season.

 
Although this book is filled with vibrant, collage-like artwork by Marjorie Priceman that would make it appealing to a younger audience, the words Singer uses in her poems make it appropriate for readers of an older audience.  Grades 4^th through 8^th would understand the advanced vocabulary like used in the Recipe for Measurement, with words of smidgen, heaping, and gill.  A read aloud of poems from the book to a younger audience would be applicable though to make students laugh and make connections to as in the poems Recipe for Disaster and Recipe for Fairy Tales.  There are sweet messages readers can take from each poem and apply it to their own recipe for life.   

The brilliance of each poem and liveliness of the illustrations make this combination festive and joyous to all readers.  It will keep them engaged and craving for more from Singer and Priceman.    

Excerpt

Recipes for Enjoying the Seasons

Summer                                                                    Winter

Lemonade. If I                                                          Icicles hanging

            had a butterfly’s tongue, I’d                                  from the pine tree. After school,

never need a straw.                                                 choose a free dessert.

 

Autumn                                                                    Spring

Pomegranate seeds:                                               Asparagus spears

            In fall, I am rich enough                                          appear, grand marshals leading

to dine on rubies.                                                    the parade of green.

Use

This poem is an excellent example to teach kids about the poetry form, haiku.  Using the poem, teach students the construction of a haiku, the 5-7-5 syllable rule having kids clap out the words of each line in the poem.  Discuss with them the use of nature and their senses when writing a haiku on their own.  Allow students to practice and create a new haiku.

Module 3: Book Review 8- Verse Novel

 Gone Fishing: A Novel in Verse

Bibliography

Wissinger, T.W. & Cordell, M. (2013) Gone Fishing: A novel in verse. New York: Houghton Mifflin. ISBN 9780547820118

Summary

Join in with Dad, Sam, and an unwelcomed little sister, Lucy as they embark on a sunrise to sunset fishing trip with an enormous amount of different poetry techniques and forms used throughout the story.  Share in the preparation of gathering Sam’s tackle box, launching the boat, singing to Lucy’s song, and even getting to know Catfish Sam.  Delight in the family bonding that occurs on the lake with just a fishing pole and net, a bucket of worms, and poems from ballads to lyric.  This novel in verse is a sweet and charming story to be read by all, even including the fishing fanatics and poetry lovers. 

Analysis

In this unique and wonderful verse novel, Gone Fishing is a story that presents a young boys adventures about a day of fishing with his dad and little sister told in varying styles of poetic forms and techniques. It evokes feelings we all have shared in our lifetime from frustration, to annoyance, even forgiveness.  The poem, Can’t Go Fishing Yet Blues, provides readers with the message of frustration like used in the lines, “Our boat’s not wet and I’m not fishing: GRRRR/ My line’s not wet and I’m not fishing: GRRRR.” 

It is also relatable with the outdoor fishing adventure, sibling rivalry, and the family relationships experienced in the story.  The poem, We Love Fishing, is a dramatic poem that shares Dad, Sam, and Lucy’s voice and expresses the love and bond that they created that day. 

The poetry forms and techniques that were used did a fantastic job at helping to narrate the story.  Each was nicely woven into one another to share the perspectives of Sam, Dad, and Lucy.  Not once does a reader get lost or confused at how this story is told.  At the end of the book is “The Poet’s Tackle Box” that helps explain the different techniques and forms of poetry used throughout the pages and in what poems.  It is a great resource that can help teach students these different techniques and forms for a lesson. 

Each illustration drawn in black ink pen and with a watercolor form, is sweet and heartwarming.  They are simple and truly depict the emotions of the characters and of the events that occur on the fishing trip.  Matthew Cordell did a marvelous job at making each illustration compliment the poem. 

This poetry book would be great for students who enjoy reading short and quick novels.  With the story told in verse, easy to follow and understand, students in grades 2^nd through 6^th will genuinely appreciate the work Wissinger put into this book.  

Excerpt

What to Pack?

What to pack?
I’ll need a snack:
Apple juice, granola bar.
 
Puzzles, games,
my teddy, James,
My nature books, my toy guitar,
 
My wooden box
of pretty rocks,
My art supplies—that’s all I’ll take.
 
I can’t forget
my Play-Doh set.
Sam! Aren’t you ready for the lake?

Use

This is just one of three list poems used in the story Gone Fishing.  This is a silly and witty list poem told from the perspective of little sister Lucy.  Discuss and share the excerpt from “The Poet’s Tackle Box” about what a list poem is.  Explain that list poems can either rhyme or not and create one with the class.  After students have helped the teacher create a list poem, allow students to create one on their own.  Their topics/subjects can be of their interests.  

Module 3: Book Review 7-Poetic Form

 Wet Cement: A Mix of Concrete Poems

Bibliography

Raczka, B. (2016) Wet Cement: A Mix of Concrete Poems. New York: Roaring Brook Press. ISBN 9781626722378

Summary

In this creative and laugh out loud collection of poems by Bob Raczka, readers are delighted by the structure and form each poem takes in this book.  Beginning with the front cover to the very last page, experience words that twist and turn to take shape of the ideas that are presented and described on each page. Enjoy seeing concrete poetry at its finest with Raczka, with a variety of poems that will inspire readers.  When you are finished with this collection, you will be more than eager to try your hand at one yourself.  

Analysis

In Wet Cement, Bob Raczka does a stellar job at getting readers excited about poetry.  With this collection of concrete poems or shape poems, each one written brings delight to the reader page after page.  With words that are written upside down, from bottom to top, and backwards, like in the poem “CROSSWORDS” and others written to take the shape of the object that is being described like in “hanger,” Raczka does a brilliant job to make the meaning of each poem comprehensible. With no drawn illustrations, the title and words of each poem help create the picture for the reader.  It is fun and magical to see illustrations in an inventive way. 

With each poem being a concrete poem, it can become a bit of a playful challenge, but a joy once discovered.  They can be mentally and visually stimulating which is why this collection would be best for older students in grades 2nd through 6^th but would be great to read aloud and explained to younger children.  It can encourage kids to try their hand at concrete poetry and allows them to play with words in a fun and unique way. 

This is a very engaging and clever collection of concrete poems that readers will enjoy.  It is a quick read that will be appreciated for the uniqueness and spunk Raczka created.  

Excerpt

Use 

“Balloon” is a perfect example of concrete poetry.  With it, children are encouraged to write their own concrete/shape poem.  With student help, create a list of things or objects for support of ideas to choose from.  Have them write and create their poems from examples in the book or in their own, imaginative way.  Then, present and display poems for all to enjoy. 

Module 2: Book Review 6-Florian Poetry

 Friends and Foes: Poems About Us All

Bibliography

Florian, Douglas. (2018) Friends and Foes: Poems About Us All. New York: Beach Lane Books. ISBN 9781442487963

Summary  

In this spectacular collection of heartfelt poems about the highs and lows of friendship, Douglas Florian does it with fun rhymes and childlike illustrations.  Experience best friends, new friends, old friends, and even imaginary friends with Florian.  Share in poems that capture the challenges and triumphs of friendships and enjoy reading some of his poems with two people. Be immersed in the playful artwork with crayon drawn and brightly colored pictures of silly figures that can be identifiable to children of that age.  Kids will genuinely enjoy this book especially those who are just beginning to navigate the aspects of friendship.

Analysis

In Friends and Foes, Douglas Florian does a marvelous job at writing on how to get along with peers and making friends.  With an overall theme of friendship throughout the book, Florian recognizes the troubles and triumphs these friendships can have.  With topics such as lying, jealousy, moves, and how to be a friend, like in the poem Friendship is a Flower, children are taught the complexities of friendship through simpler terms that is easier to understand.  He also writes with entertaining and fun rhymes and has opportunities for two voices to be heard in his poems. 

Not only are the poems appropriate and relatable to children, but the illustrations are too.  The artwork looks to be drawn and colored by children with the use of crayons and colored pencils.  Kids of all ages are sure to be engaged with the book through the appealing and lively colorful illustrations.

This is a fantastic book that is very relatable to readers who experience the roller coaster rides of friendships.  The book is sweet and truthful and a lovely share for children of all ages. 

Excerpt

How Do You Say “Friend”?

In Spanish they say “amigo.”
The Danish word is “ven.”
Italians say “amico.”
In Afrikaans it’s “vriend.”
 
The Maltese say “habib.”
While French folk say “ami.”
The Irish word is “cara.”
Swahili “rafiki.”
 
In different countries friendship
may have a different name.
But though the spelling’s different,
the meaning is the same.
 
Use

This poem is a great jump start to a discussion about diversity amongst one another.  Allow students to talk about their heritage and have them share similarities and differences with one another.  As an extension, allow students to bring in pictures or personal possessions that represent their culture.  

Module 2: Book Review 5-Multicultural Poetry

 Bookjoy Wordjoy

Bibliography

Mora, P. & Colon, R. (2018) Bookjoy Wordjoy. New York: Lee & Low Books Inc. ISBN 9781620142868

Summary

Come and truly immerse yourself with the joy and wonders of Bookjoy Wordjoy by Pat Mora.  Share in the fun with the collection of poems that Mora has compiled together to make reading and writing enjoyable for all ages.  Engage in the adventures with characters from the story at grandma and grandpa’s house, the library, and a stroll through the woods with Mama.  Practice a little Spanish such as ¡Vámos! and ¡Olé! or choose to read the poem Dueto de jazz in Spanish too.  Do all these things while also taking in the beautifully drawn illustrations by Raul Colon that will for sure bring smiling faces to all who read this book. 

Analysis

In this beautifully illustrated book with Mora’s collection of poems that celebrate reading, writing, and wordplay, readers are truly inspired and motivated to try poetry on their own.  The book includes a variety of poems of different themes from nature, childhood, the world around us, and many more, that is sure to resonate with any reader.  Several of her poems can have emotional impacts like Happy Visits and Our Cottage in the Woods that provide a sense of comfort and happiness to the reader. 

This book also shines light onto the Hispanic culture through the mural-like illustrations and Spanish used throughout the story.  Colon’s use of watercolors and colored pencils in his pictures create captivating images and make it seem as if the pictures dance right off the pages. 

Bookjoy Wordjoy has plenty of magic through its poems and illustrations and will sure inspire creativity in readers of all ages.  It celebrates and engages people from different cultures and adds joy to reading, writing and wordplay.

Excerpt

Wordjoy

W hy do I like to rhyme,
O pen a special story,
R epeat my favorite words,
D iscover what I can write?
J uggling round, singing sounds,
O yes! It’s música I hear,
Y ear after wordjoy year.

Use

This acrostic poem can be used at any grade level, beginning with as young as first grade.  Children at that age can write an acrostic poem with their name, using words that describe them; a perfect opportunity to teach the term adjective, a part of speech. It can be used with older grades, where students would choose a topic of their choice and create sentences about the focus word of the poem and allow students to present them if they wish.  

 

Module 2: Book Review 4- NCTE Award Poetry

  Mirror Mirror

Bibliography

Singer, M. & Masse, J. (2010) Mirror Mirror: A Book of Reversible Verse. New York: Dutton Children's Books. ISBN 978052547901

Summary

Take part in the delight that Mirror Mirror has to offer about beloved fairy tales that can be read forwards and backwards.  Enjoy the perspective of two sides of one poem such as Red Riding Hood and the Bad Wolf from the poem In the Hood.  Singer takes the impossible and makes it possible with a sweet and simple concept where both poems are easy to understand for any reader.  Marvel in the beautiful artwork by Josee Masse that blends perfectly into each other and unites with each poem.  This book is tons of fun and something that all readers can relish in time and time again.

Analysis

Mirror Mirror is a collection of 14 familiar fairy tales presented in reverso form, meaning that each poem can be read forwards and backwards.  Singer does an excellent job of doing that to which each poem is easy to understand.  She makes each poem be read from one perspective of one character and with just a change of some punctuation and capitalization, arrives at a different perspective from another character of the fairy tale.  Shared at the back of the book, Singer describes this type of form as “both challenging and fun -- rather like creating and solving a puzzle.”

Masse’s dazzling illustrations are split evenly down the middle of the page to complement and enhance the meaning of the poem.  He does a fantastic job at making the saying “there’s always two sides to every story” true, as shared in the poems throughout the book.  Read about Sleeping Beauty and Prince Charming and their different points of view in the poem The Sleeping Beauty and the Wide-Awake Prince or Red Riding Hood and the Bad Wolf from In the Hood.  Not only do reader’s read these points of view, but also see it in the illustrations. 

This book is a wonderfully written piece that is suitable for children, ages 7-10.  With the theme of fairy tales, kids at that age are sure to be drawn to the story.  The two perspectives make it a bit more challenging though for younger children, possibly finding it difficult to understand and relate to.  The cleverness and wit that comes from each poem and illustration, will sure delight each reader of Mirror Mirror time and time again.

Excerpt

Mirror Mirror

Let me help you get some rest.                          Time to get off your feet.
Mother knows best.                                             What would you like?
Listen to me,                                                          An apple to eat?
Snow White.                                                          A blanket?
Sleepy, Dopey, Happy,                                        A long nap?
You’ve been working day and night.                You look worn out.
You look worn out.                                              You’ve been working day and night
A long nap?                                                           Sleepy, dopey, happy
A blanket?                                                             Snow White,
An apple to eat?                                                   listen to me.
What would you like?                                         Mother knows best.
Time to get off your feet.                                    Let me help you get some rest.

Use
This poem along with several other poems from the story can be shared in a reader’s theater form for students in grades 2^nd through 5^th.  The use of reader’s theater will help in the comprehension of the two voices of the poem, Snow White and the Evil Queen as well as build listening and speaking skills.  This activity will also encourage cooperation with one another and increase confidence in one’s self.