Poetry Friday - A review of Bugs: Poems about creeping things

When I was a child, I loved to watch insects. I once spent a whole morning watching some ants fix their home. Today's poetry title uses a collection of very creative poems to describe the lives of various kinds of "creeping things."

Bugs: Poems about creeping things

David L. Harrison
Illustrated by Rob Shepperson
Poetry Picture Book
For ages 5 to 8
Front Street, 2007, 978-1590784518
Wherever you go you are likely to run into "creeping things" of some sort or another. A mosquito in your room keeps you awake at night, a cicada sings its song outside your window, a butterfly dances past you on a summer's day. In this delightful little book we get to meet a flea who swallows a giraffe, a grumpy cicada, a dragonfly who is love with a flower, and many more little creatures. The poems are often funny, sometimes lyrical, and they take many forms. Some even call for two people to read them. This format in particular is sure to appeal to children because they can have a friend or a sibling read or recite the poem with them.

This amusing and very unique collection is not only enjoyable to read, but it will also show children that poetry can take many forms. It can rhyme or not, it can tell a story or not, it can be neat on the page or it can dance all over it. Children who fancy trying to write their own poetry will be delighted to discover that poems can be so versatile and creative.

The TTLG 2011 Picture Book Celebration - Book Seventy

When I was still very young, the country I was living in was plunged into civil war. For eighteen months I lived every day not knowing what the next day would bring. After we left the war zone and moved to a peaceful country, I quickly discovered that I wasn't too keen on surprises. I liked to know what was coming and when it was coming, just in case I needed to duck or get out of the way.
   Today's picture book is about a little boy who carefully prepares for situations "just in case." Needless to say I completely understand where he is coming from.
Just in Case

Judith Viorst

Illustrated by Diana Cain Bluthenthal

Picture Book

For ages 5 to 7

Simon and Schuster, 2010, 978-1-4424-1282-8

   Charlie is the kind of boy who likes to be ready “just in case” something goes wrong. Whenever it rains really hard - and just in case the house gets flooded - he puts on his waterproof boots, his goggles, and his rain coat. He inflates his plastic boat and opens up his umbrella.

   Charlie likes to be prepared for all kinds of possible situations. If “all the food stores are closed” for a long time and “there’s nothing left to eat except old dirty socks” Charlie will be ready because he has made a hundred and seventeen Peanut-butter sandwiches. He has even stockpiled canned food for the dog, crispy crackers for his mother, and bagels with cream cheese and lox for his father.

   Children will love the way in which Charlie prepares for some truly amusing situations. Just in case a lion gets loose, or his favorite sitter can’t come, or something sneaks up the stairs, or he is attacked by birds, or he is grabbed by a mermaid, Charlie will be ready.

   With its amusing story and its wonderful multimedia artwork, this picture book is a must for children who like to be in control of every situation. 

The TTLG 2011 Picture Book Celebration - Book Sixty-Nine

Many people like to daydream, imagining what it would be like to be famous and glamorous. They imagine that such a life would be delightful, and that it would make them happy. Today's picture book explores the idea that fame might not be as desirable as it seems.

Ordinary Oscar

Laura Adkins

Illustrated by Sam Hearn

Picture Book

For ages 5 to 7

Tiger Tales, 2010, 978-1-58925-085-7

Oscar Slimeglider is a snail who has a very ordinary life. Like all the other snails, he sleeps during the day and eats all night. He is “bored with being greenish-grayish-brownish.” More than anything Oscar wants to be special, he wants to be noticeable and different.

   Oscar’s parents cannot understand Oscar’s attitude. Their other children are perfectly happy with their lives, and they think that Oscar is being foolish. Despite this, Oscar is determined to change his life, so he goes to visit the Wise Old Snail. The Wise Old Snail warns Oscar that being famous isn’t always easy, but if Oscar is certain that this is what he wants he should ask the Fairy Godsnail to help him.

   The Fairy Godsnail is willing to help Oscar, and she gives him three wishes. Immediately, Oscar wishes for his appearance to change; he wants to look like a dazzling famous snail. His wish comes true, and Oscar is delighted, until he discovers that looking sensational is not all that wonderful after all.

   Many of us wish for a glamorous life, thinking that such a life will make us happy. Of course, fame does not guarantee happiness, which is what Oscar learns in this charming story. In his own way, he discovers that true greatness does not depend on one looking fabulous or being famous.

   With its amusing snail-centric illustrations and its meaningful story, this picture book is sure to charm young readers.

   

A letter from Monica Kulling about her book Merci Mr. Dash

A few weeks ago I reviewed a book called Merci Mr. Dash which was written by Monica Kulling. I was curious to find out how Monica got the idea for the book, so I asked her to write to us to describe how the book came to be. Here is her letter.

Dear TTLG readers:

Where did I meet Mister Dash, and how did he find his way onto the printed page, dressed to impress and ready for his adventures with the French lady he lives with, Madame Croissant, and Daphne, her granddaughter whom he tolerates?

I was walking our two big dogs in High Park, a gem of green space in the heart of downtown Toronto where our dogs — Charly, a Golden Retriever, and Roxy, a Black Lab/Shepherd mix — love running wild and free on its leash-free portions. Suddenly, on the trail ahead of me a woman called her dog, “Da-ash! Mister Da-ash!” What kind of dog will answer to that fun name, I thought? And then he materialized, jaunty and bouncing, like an actor making his appearance on stage. Mister Dash seemed so proud to be a black Standard poodle. The rest of my walk was spent conjuring up a picture-book story for this, to my mind, wonderful character that had landed in my lap.

By the time I got home, I had the bare bones of a simple story. Mister Dash, well mannered and cultured (aren’t all poodles well-mannered and cultured?), has an extensive wardrobe and can read the newspaper, but doesn’t speak because he isn’t a cartoon character. Madame Croissant is also well-mannered and cultured. She comes from Paris and owns and operates a gift store specializing in items from France. Their well-ordered life is “turned into a whirlwind” every weekend when Madame Croissant’s granddaughter comes to visit. The clash of the two temperamentally disparate characters, Mister Dash and Daphne, is the heart of the story.

I wrote the first draft quickly and easily; after my two trusted first readers (Nancy and Susan) provided me with their always reasonable, useful comments, I revised the story and sent it off to its first publisher where it was met with an odd reception. The editor turned it down flat with the comment: “I don’t like stories with poodles in them.” Huh? Okay. In response, I decided to flip the character on its head and turn Mister Dash into a mixed breed dog. Suddenly the character opened up to other possibilities. Mister Dash could now rely on five different breeds in his makeup to help save the day.

And just how would Mister Dash save the day? I drew on my life’s experience for the “disaster” Daphne winds up in and from which Mister Dash must rescue her. When I was six, my sister five, and my brother three, we were playing outdoors. (In those days kids were allowed a longer leash.) I was pedalling a fire truck with my brother sitting behind me, and my sister was pedalling her tricycle. We started down a steep hill at the end of our block. I managed to keep the fire truck on track. But a tricycle wasn’t so easy for a five-year-old to manage on a hill. My sister quickly lost control of her pedals and went careening down the hill, to be rescued by my father.

And what about Daphne? Where did I find that character? That was the easiest bit. Daphne, c’est moi!


Thank you so much for writing to us Monica. You can read my review of Merci, Mr. Dash here.

The TTLG 2011 Picture Book Celebration - Book Sixty-Eight

Ike LaRue is the kind of dog who would probably drive most of us completely mad. He does not react well when things don't go his way, and his fertile imagination leads him to get into all kinds of trouble. I have enjoyed all the Ike books since they started coming out in 2002. Here is a new Ike adventure that demonstrates once again that Ike likes to bend the truth when it suits him to do so.

LaRue Across America: Postcards from the Vacation

Mark Teague
Picture Book  
For ages 5 to 7
Scholastic, 2011, 978-0-439-91502-1

  Ike LaRue and his owner, Mrs. LaRue, are supposed to be going on a cruise for their vacation. Unfortunately, just before they leave, their neighbor, Mrs. Higgins, is taken ill. Mrs. Higgins has two cats who will need someone to take care of them. Being a good samaritan, Mrs. LaRue offers to take care of the two cats, and since cats are not allowed on the cruise ship, she changes her vacation plan. She, Ike, and the two cats, will take a driving tour instead.

   Ike is not at all pleased about this arrangement. In fact, he writes to Mrs. Higgins to share his opinion with her, but the trip proceeds as planned. As he and Mrs. LaRue drive across the country, Ike writes to Mrs. Higgins telling her that the cats are very unhappy and that he would be happy to “put them on the next bus to Snort city.” If they hurry, Ike and Mrs LaRue could still get to the cruise ship before it sails.

   Regretfully, Mrs. Higgins does not take Ike up on his offer and the cruise ships sails without Mrs. LaRue and Ike. Poor Ike is feeling much put upon, and he writes to Mrs. Higgins to tell her as much.

   When they reach Michigan, Ike begs Mrs. Higgins to put a stop to their trip. “Only you can end this fiasco,” he says, but the trip continues. At every stop, Ike writes to Mrs. Higgins to tell her how badly her cats are behaving and how much he is suffering. Of course, being Ike, he takes a great deal of poetic license in his accounts.

   Readers will find it hard not to laugh at the blatant lies that Ike tells in his letters to Mrs. Higgins. They will come to realize that the biggest problem on this vacation is not the cats, but Ike himself. Thankfully, there is a happy ending, and poor Mrs. LaRue is rewarded for her courage and forbearance.

   With wonderful illustrations and a hilarious story, this picture book will entertain readers both young and old. Readers who enjoy this book are sure to enjoy the other Ike LaRue titles. 

The TTLG 2011 Picture Book Celebration - Book Sixty-Seven

Every so often it feels great to read a picture book that is deliciously silly and fun. The picture book that I reviewed below is just such a book. It is a perfect book to read aloud, and it is sure to put a smile on even the gloomiest of faces.

Farmer Dale’s Red Pickup Truck

Lisa Wheeler

Illustrated by Ivan Bates

Picture Book

Ages 4 to 6

Harcourt, 2004, 0-15-202319-6

   Farmer Dale is driving to town to deliver a load of hay when he comes across “a bossy cow” who asks for a ride. It is a tight fit, but the cow manages to get herself in and they drive on. Farmer Dale soon discovers that there are others who want a ride; there is a singing sheep, a roller skating pig, and an accordion playing goat. Farmer Dale doesn’t seem to realize that there comes a point when a truck just cannot carry any more. Sure enough Farmer Dale’s pickup truck finally gives up. At first, none of the animals inside the truck are willing to get out, but the better side of their nature prevails. One way or another they are going to get the truck moving again.

   This richly illustrated and funny little story is perfect for read-aloud time, and is sure to bring forth much laughter and lots of sound effects.

The TTLG 2011 Picture Book Celebration - Book Sixty-Six

Lately the news has been full of stories about people demonstrating in the streets of cities in Egypt, Libya and other countries in the Middle East. Again and again we have heard about how the people in these countries are saying NO to their governments and leaders. They are no longer  willing to tolerate governments and leaders who refuse to listen to their demands. They refuse to be bullied and pushed around.

Today's picture book is about a little boy who says no. It is powerful and conveys a message that readers of all ages will appreciate

No!

David McPhail

Wordless Picture Book

For ages 5 and up

Roaring Brook, 2009, 978-1-59643-288-8

   A little boy has written a letter to the president and he is now ready to post it. He puts on his coat, hat, and mittens, and he walks down the street to the post box. As he is walking down the street, military aircraft fly overhead and they bomb some houses on a hill nearby. Then a tank drives up the street and it blows up on of the houses. Soldiers march past and as they boy watches, they break into a house, terrifying the people who live inside.

   Further down the street, the little boy sees that a big boy is leaning against the postbox. The big boy knocks off his hat and is about to strike him when the little boy says “No!” He is not going to tolerate another act of aggression. He is putting his foot down.

   We live in a world where there is so much bullying. We see it in schools and we see it on the national and international level. In this picture book, David McPhail uses one word (the only word in the book) to show readers of all ages that we don’t have to tolerate bullying. We can say “NO!” and show that we are not going to put up with violence any longer. With its empowering message of hope and David McPhail’s wonderful illustrations, this is a book that will resonate with readers of all ages. 

The TTLG 2011 Picture Book Celebration - Book Sixty-Five

Today's picture book tells the story of young witch whose curiosity gets the better of her. She gets into trouble, and then she has to find someone to help her get out of trouble.

The Curious Little Witch

Lieve Baeten

Picture Book

For ages 4 to 7

NorthSouth, 2010, 978-0-7358-2305-1

   It is a clear moonlit night, and Lizzy the witch and her cat are flying around on their broomstick. Lizzie sees that there are lights shining in the windows of one house. Being a curious young witch, Lizzie flies over to the house and she peeks through the open window on the top floor. Suddenly Lizzie’s cat sees some mice and it jumps into the room. Lizzie comes flying through the window and her broomstick is broken as she falls to the floor.

   Now what is Lizzie going to do? She can’t fly home on a broken broomstick. Then Lizzie hears the sound of music coming from downstairs, so she creeps down the ladder to see what is going on. On the floor below, Lizzie meets Music Witch, who makes beautiful magical music, but she cannot help Lizzie fix her broomstick.

   Smelling something delicious on the air, Lizzie follows her nose to the floor below, where she meets Kitchen Witch. Kitchen Witch makes Lizzie a deliciously magical meal, but she does not know anything about fixing broomsticks. Is there anyone around who is going to be able to help Lizzie?

   Packed with wonderfully detailed illustrations that are full of surprises, this picture book will charm readers who have a fondness for magic. Children will love the way Lizzie goes down through the house, visiting one witch after another as she tries to find someone to help her.

The TTLG 2011 Picture Book Celebration - Book Sixty-Four

As I have mentioned before, I have a deep fondness for pigs. For several years I had a delightful pot-bellied pig in my life and I still miss her very much indeed. For today's title I have a review of a book that shows you what happens when some pig children get into the kitchen to do some baking.

Piggies in the Kitchen

Michelle Meadows

Illustrated by Aard Hoyt

Picture Book

For ages 4 to 7

Simon and Schuster, 2011, 978-1-4169-3787-6

   Mama pig has gone out, leaving Papa pig at home with their five children. While Papa is outside mowing the lawn, the piggy children go into the kitchen and they start getting ingredients together. Busily they mix and stir, happily they turn the kitchen into a scene of chaos.

   Over and over again, the children experience anxious moments when they hear someone’s car outside. Has Mama come home? Thankfully, every time they peek out of the window they see that Mama’s car is not outside, so they get back to work. Trails of batter and drifts of sugar and flour are spilled on the flour, but the children keep on going. Which is when Papa comes in. They forgot about him!

   Full of wonderful noise words that children will enjoy saying, this delightful book is perfect for reading out loud. With its irrepressible pig characters and its surprising ending, this is a picture book that will surely become a favorite with children and their grownups. 

Poetry Friday - A review of Mirror Mirror by Marilyn Singer

Happy Poetry Friday everyone. Today's book is full of very unique poems, all of which explore popular fairy tales from two very different points view. If you have ever been considered reading a story backwards, then this is a book for you.

Mirror Mirror: A Book of Reversible Verse

Marilyn Singer

Illustrated by Josee Masse

Poetry Picture Book

For ages 5 to 8

Penguin, 2010, 978-0-525-47901-7

   We are often told that there are always “two sides to every story.” Actually, there are often more than two sides, because there are often many points of view, but that is another matter entirely. In this book Marilyn Singer looks at a number of classic fairy tales, telling the tales from two points of view using two poems, one of which is literally the upside version of the other.

   Here is a poem about Cinderella, “Stuck in a corner” shining the shoes belonging to her stepsisters who are at the ball “waiting for a chance / with the prince.” If you read the poem from bottom to top who get the second poem on the page, and the picture is altogether a more cheerful one. Here is Cinderella “shining / at the ball” as she dances with the prince for dance after dance, while her stepsisters are “stuck in a corner” waiting for their turn.

   Further on in the book we meet an ugly and doubtful duckling. In the first poem, the duckling is full of hope that one day he will “turn into a swan.”  In the second poem, which is the first one read from the bottom up, we meet a more pessimistic duckling who is convinced that he will always be “stubby and gray.”

   All together, Marilyn Singer looks at fourteen fairy tales in this book, using her unique reverso poems for each one. In addition to Cinderella and the Ugly Duckling, she tells the story of Beauty and the Beast, Rapunzle, Sleeping Beauty, Snow White, and many other familiar favorites. The poems are amusing, interesting, and beautifully complimented by Josee Masse’s luscious artwork.

   At the back of the book, Marilyn Singer shows readers how reverso poems work, and she encourages us to try writing their our own reverso poems.