Poetry Friday - A review of Lemonade and other poems squeezed from a single word

I am always delighted when I encounter poets who are finding new ways to explore their craft. Bob Raczka is just such a person, and in today's poetry title you will see how he is able to create a poem using the letters that are found in just one word. Really. He does, and he does it so well too!

Lemonade and other poems squeezed from a single word

Bob Raczka

Illustrated by Nancy Doniger

Poetry

For ages 8 to 12

Roaring Brook Press, 2011, 978-1-59643-541-4

   Our lives as so full of words that we tend to take them for granted. We read the word “moonlight” and never imagine that the letters in this word can be mixed up in many different words to create not just new words, but also poetry. For this very clever and creative collection of poems, Bob Raczka has selected twenty-two words, and for each one he jumbles up the letters to create a poem. He pulls meaning and images out of each word, telling a story, or creating a picture that is funny or meaningful.

   Some of the words, like “snowflakes,” “flowers,” and “spring,” conjure up images that are beautiful, While others, like “chocolate,” “television” and “bicycles,” are more mundane and everyday

   In “Moonlight,” the jumbled up words flutter down the page to tell us about a “hot night” where the “thin light” illuminates a “moth in motion.” The images are silvery and soft. By contrast, in “Earthworms,” the words seem to wiggle around, telling us about what happens when worms come out of the ground after a storm. The poem ends abruptly after we are told to “wear shoes.” It is hard not to smile as one reads these words.

   Young readers who explore how these unique poems work will be intrigued to see how one word can say so much if one is creative enough. They might even be tempted to try their own poems that are “squeezed from a single word.”

The TTLG 2011 Picture Book Celebration: Book three hundred and forty-three

When you are a young child, it is hard not to feel rather small at times. You cannot see over counters, you cannot reach items that are on tall shelves, and you cannot open a car door by yourself. On the whole, the world is a place that is full of hugeness and huge things. It is easy to believe that you are too small to make a difference.

In today's picture book you will meet a character who is very small, but who discovers that being small does not preclude one from doing big things. 

The snail and the Whale

Julia Donaldson

Illustrated by Axel Scheffler

Picture Book

For ages 5 to 7

Penguin, 2003, 0-14-240580-9

   There once was a sea snail who lived on a rock near the sea. More than anything, the sea snail, who had “an itchy foot,” wanted to see the world. The other snails on the rock told the little sea snail to “Sit still! Stay put!” but the snail couldn’t bear to spend her entire life on that rock.

   Being a clever creature, the snail wrote a message on her rock asking someone to give her a ride “around the world,” and not long after, a whale came along who was happy to take the snail to “far-off lands.” Off went the whale, with the snail on his tail, and together they saw icebergs, tropical islands, huge waves, and underwater caves. Seeing such wonders made the snail feel very small.

   Then one day the whale accidentally got beached. If he didn’t get some help soon he would die, and the only living creature who knew of his plight was the snail. What could a tiny sea snail do to help a whale?

   With its wonderful rhyming text and its delightful story about an unusual friendship, this picture book will surely resonate with young children who think that they, like the snail, are too small to make a difference. Children who long to have grand adventures in distant lands will enjoy swimming in the world’s oceans with the whale who carries a snail on his tail. 

The TTLG 2011 Picture Book Celebration: Book three hundred and forty-two

So many of the world's problems seem to arise because people are suspicious of other people who are not like them. They are taught or conditioned to distrust people who look different, who speak a different language, or who come from a different country.

In this picture book, the authors address this issue with humor and sensitivity. Children will see that being different is not a bad thing, and that the first step to understanding others is to be open minded and non-judgmental.

The sandwich swap

Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah and Kelly DiPucchio

Illustrated by Tricia Tusa

Picture Book

For ages 5 to 8

Hyperion, 2010, 978-142312484-9

   Lily and Salma are the best of friends. At school, they draw together, play together, and eat lunch together. The girls are so much alike, except that they eat very different foods for lunch. Salma has a hummus and pita sandwich, and Lily has a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Salma thinks Lily’s lunch looks “strange and gross,” and Lily thinks Salma’s lunch looks “weird and yucky,” but both girls keep their feelings to themselves.  

   Then one day Lily can no longer keep her opinion to herself, and she tells Salma what that she thinks Salma’s food looks “yucky.” Not surprisingly, Salma’s feelings are hurt and she gets angry, and she responds by saying that Lily’s food “looks gross, and it smells bad too!”

   That afternoon the girls avoid one another, and the next day they don’t have lunch together. Worse still, some of the kids in school are supporting Lily, while others are supporting Salma, and a state of war reigns in the lunchroom. Then, to Lily and Salma’s horror, a food fight breaks out. How did their silly disagreement create such an unfortunate situation?

   It is all too easy to negatively judge people who are different simply because they are different. With their wonderful story, Queen Rania Al Abdullah of Jordan and Kelly DiPucchio explore the idea that the first step towards tolerance and understanding is to have an open mind and to be willing try new things. All too often, people decide that something is “yucky” without even trying it. They decide that a person is “weird” because they look and sound different.

   One hopes that many children and their families will read this picture book, and take in the important message it contains. 

The TTLG 2011 Picture Book Celebration: Book three hundred and forty-one

One of the things that I like about living in my town is that I have a circle of friends who are there for me in good times and in bad. They celebrate with me when something good happens, and they help me out when I am struggling. These friends are truly priceless.

In today's picture book you will meet a wonderful person whose kindness and compassion earns him the love and friendship of all kinds of people, people who are there for him in good times and in bad. 

The Postman’s Dog

Lisa Shanahan

Illustrated by Wayne Harris

Picture Book

For ages 5 to 7

Allen and Unwin, 2006, 1-74114-252-0

   Charlie is a wonderful postman who is loved by the people he visits every day because he takes the time to talk to them, helps them with their chores, and pat their dogs. He is “the most well loved and well licked postman” in town, and he loves his job.

   One day Charlie’s wife dies, and poor Charlie is so lonely and full of grief that he isn’t a cheerful postman anymore. All the people he has befriended are worried about him, and the people who have dogs are all sure that what Charlie needs is a dog of his own.

  Encouraged by his friends, Charlie goes to the pound and he gets a dog; a nice calm and quiet little dog called Lucy. All of Charlie’s friends love Lucy, and soon Charlie starts to feel alive again. Then Charlie puts on his postman’s uniform and he discovers something very upsetting. Lucy “hates postmen.”

   In this charming and heartwarming picture book, Lisa Shanahan explores the ways in which relationships can enrich our lives. We see how the Charlie’s kindness to others is appreciated and returned, and we see how the love a dog changes Charlie’s life for the better. This feel-good celebration of friendship is a delight to share with children.

The TTLG 2011 Picture Book Celebration: Book three hundred and forty

There must be literally thousands of parents out there whose children have told them that they want a pet. How many hours of negotiation have taken place in homes around the world, as parents and children try to come to an understanding about what kind of pet they should get, and who will take care of it. The mind boggles just thinking about it. Or at least mine does.

In today's picture book you will meet a little girl who wants a pet, and her parents who don't want anything that will shed fur, dirty the house, or eat the child.

I want a pet

Lauren Child

Picture Book

For ages 4 to 6

Frances Lincoln, 1999, 978-1-84780-289-7

   A little girl wants a pet, so she asks her mother if she can have one. Though her mother doesn’t exactly say no, she does say that the pet will have to be something “with not too much fur.” Dad wouldn’t mind a pet who“lives outside.” The pet shop lady says that goldfish can be fun pets, but the little girl is not convinced. She would like something with a little more pizzazz.

   Like a lion perhaps. Though, of course, a lion might decide that the little girl would make a great snack. A sheep would be a nice pet, except that sheep are notorious “copy-cats.” The little girl suggests that perhaps a bat would be the pet for her. She and her bat could “dangle upside-down in the closet.” The little girl’s mother makes it clear that a bat in the closet would not work for her. In fact, she says that even suggesting such a thing could mean that there will be no chocolate éclairs. Imagine life without any chocolate éclairs! What is a little girl to do if none of her ideal pets pass muster with her family.

   Young children and their grownups will laugh out loud as they look through this clever and deliciously funny picture book. The ending is perfect, because we are left wondering, speculating, and knowing that what happens next is probably going to be the best surprise of all. 

The TTLG 2011 Picture Book Celebration: Book three hundred and thirty-nine

There are times when we have to do what is expected of us. We have to work, we have to pay our taxes, we have to go to the dentist. Then there are those time when we perhaps should do what is expected, but we don't because it just doesn't feel right. We are invited to go to a posh party, and instead of wearing a boring a black tuxedo we wear a purple suit with a red bow tie. Why not? 

In today's picture book you will meet a group of animals who decide that instead of saying what is expected, they are going to say what they want to say. So there!

What animals really like

Fiona Robinson

Picture Book

For ages 4 to 6

Abrams, 2011, 978-0-8109-8976-4

   Professor Timberteeth, conductor extraordinaire, is presenting his new song “What animals like most” to the public for the first time. So, get comfortable, settle back in your seat, and prepare yourself for a great performance.

  The curtain opens and there are all the animal performers, carefully dressed in suits and elegant dresses. Professor Timberteeth raises his baton and soon the lions are singing about how they “like to prowl,” and the wolves are crooning about how they “like to howl.” All goes well until the cows decide that they like to “dig” instead of to moo.

   After a few moments of discussion, Professor Timberteeth is able to resume the song, and for a few more bars everything is at it should be. Until the warthogs sing that they like to “blow bubbles.” The poor conductor gets quite flustered because once again these words are not the ones that are supposed to be in the song. His performers are not singing what they are supposed to be singing, and his song is falling to pieces before our eyes. What is this poor professor going to do? Will he insist on performing his song his way, or will he let the animals tell us what they really like?

   Young readers will find it hard not to laugh as they read this clever and unique picture book. Who can resist a story that is hijacked by the characters, and that demonstrates to great effect that some animals (and people) simply cannot be forced to conform. Readers are sure to be delighted when they see how the professor gets several big surprises at the end of the performance. Encore, encore!

The TTLG 2011 Picture Book Celebration: Book three hundred and thirty-eight

I don't know if any of you have seen what happens when an animal gets loose in a place where animals are not welcome. I once saw a cat get out of a carrier in an airport, and I was amazed to see how much chaos this one small animal managed to cause in a relatively short period of time.

In today's picture book, you will see what happens when a pet mouse pays an unwelcome visit to a very posh hotel.


Pip in the grand Hotel

Johannes Hucke

Illustrated by Daniel Muller

Picture Book

For ages 4 to 6

NorthSouth, 2009, 978-0-7358-2225-2

   Mary has a new pet mouse who is called Pip, and she is eager to introduce him to her friends. Unfortunately, when she open the box that Pip lives in, the little gray mouse hops out and dashes towards the doors of the Grand Hotel. The doorman is convinced that Pip could not have got by him, but it soon becomes clear that he is wrong.

   In the main lobby of the hotel, the children see all kinds of people, many of whom clearly come from distant places. The hotel manager is appalled when Mary explains that she is looking for her pet mouse. As for as he is concerned having a mouse in his elegant and posh hotel is a “Disaster!” Then one of Mary’s friends sees Pip running along one of the steps in the lobby, and soon the children (and the hotel manager) are following him into the hotel kitchen.

   The kitchen is packed with people who are all busy doing something. Kitchen assistants are chopping and prepping food, chefs are tasting food, and through this scene of organized chaos runs Pip, the children, and the hotel manager.

   Children are going to love this large format picture book with its wonderfully detailed illustrations. They will enjoy trying to find Pip hiding in the art, and will appreciate how everything works out in the end, especially when they see how Mary and her friends get the better of the fussy hotel manager.

The TTLG 2011 Picture Book Celebration: Book three hundred and thirty-seven

I like to think that I am a good listener, but there are times when I hear myself talking for too much and saying "I" far too much, which is when I endeavor to shut my mouth and do some listening instead. This picture book is about a bear who cannot find anyone who is willing to listen to what he has to say, and who feels very frustrated as a result.

I know that this book is out of print, but I so enjoyed reading it that I reviewed it anyway. You can still buy it on Amazon and in stores.

I have a little problem,” said the bear

Heinz Janisch

Illustrated by Silke Leffler

Picture book

For ages 5 to 7

NorthSouth, 2009, 978-0-7358-2235-1

   One day a bear tells an inventor that he has a problem. Without waiting to hear what the problem is, the inventor announces that he knows exactly what the bear needs. Convinced that the bear’s problem is his great weight, the inventor gives the bear a pair of wings so that he can “feel lighter.”

  His problem still very much unsolved, the bear moves on. He meets a tailor who, just like the inventor, does not let the bear explain what his problem is. Instead, the tailor gives the bear a scarf, which the tailor is sure the bear needs.

   Every person the bear meets is convinced that he or she has the solution to the bear’s problem, and each one of these people fails to let the bear explain what his problem is. Soon the bear is loaded down with a hat, a pair of glasses, a jar of honey, a box of pills, a good luck charm, and a pair of boots. Since none of these items will solve the bear’s problem, he sets them aside, feeling very despondent. Is there no one who will listen to what he has to say?

   Many of have a tendency to talk too much and to listen too little. We think that we know all the answers, even when we don’t really know what the questions are. In this clever picture book, Heinz Janisch helps his readers to see that being a good listener is very important. Indeed, being a good listener can help you make new friends, and it can make you a better friend to the people you already know.  

   With wonderful collage illustrations and a story that conveys a meaningful message, this picture book will resonate with anyone who doesn’t have someone who will listen to them.

   

Poetry Friday - A review of A dazzling Display of Dogs

Until recently I had never encountered concrete or shape poems. No, these are not poems carved in cement. Instead they are "poems in which the typographical arrangement of words is as important in conveying the intended effect as the conventional elements of the poem, such as meaning of words, rhythm, rhyme and so on. It is sometimes referred to as visual poetry, a term that has evolved to have distinct meaning of its own, but which shares the distinction of being poetry in which the visual elements are as important as the text." 

What on earth does this all mean you are thinking. Well, concrete poems are poems where the words are placed on the page to create an image or picture. Thus, a poem about a tree might be arranged to have a tree shape, or a poem about a snake may have a snake shape. 

Today's poetry title is full of poems about dogs, and readers will not only enjoy the sounds and meanings of the words, but they will also enjoy the ways in which those words appear on the page. 

A dazzling display of dogs

Betsy Franco

Illustrations by Michael Wertz

Poetry

For ages 8 to 12

Tricycle Press, 2011, 978-1-58246-343-8

   Dogs provide love and companionship to millions of people around the world. They greet us when we come home, and somehow they know just what to do to cheer us up when we are feeling blue. In this unique book, Betsy Franco’s poems are paired with Michael Wertz’s artwork in such a way that the words and the art become one, and they give dog lovers of all ages a delightful canine-centric treat.

   As they turn the pages, readers will meet Baloo, a pompom-ish poodle who manages to get out of his yard and who gets into Ms. Johnstons’ house, were he eats all kinds of things, including a teddy bear, a cupcake, a steak, a taco, and some popcorn.

  Further on in the book, we get to meet Willy, a beagle who lives behind a fence that has a “Beware of Dog” sign on it. The funny thing is that Willy “rarely ever growls.” Instead, the “harmless beagle only yooooowls!”

   Jake is quite different because he barks at everyone. He may be small, but this jack russell terrier “hasn’t been frightened by any dog yet.” Fearlessly he barks at friend and foe alike because he is a “barking machine.”

   Then there is Gwen the bassett hound. Gwen is always going in and out the door, and her person faithfully opens and closes the door for her “again and again and again.”

   This book will charm people who have dogs in their lives. Many of the doggy traits mentioned in the book will be familiar, and readers will be reminded of all the charming, infuriating, and funny things that dogs do that make our lives richer.

The TTLG 2011 Picture Book Celebration: Book three hundred and thirty-six

There are some books that are a joy to read out loud because the language the author used is just so beautiful, and so perfectly put together. Today's picture book is just such a title, and I think that it would be wonderful to share it with a child just before bedtime.

I took the moon for a walk

Carolyn Curtis

Illustrated by Alison Jay

Picture Book

Ages 4 to 6

Barefoot Books, 2004, 1-84148-611-6

   One night a boy takes the moon for a walk. The boy, with the moon faithfully following him like a “summer kite,” has all sorts of little adventures. The moon, being perhaps a little unused to going for walks with little boys, almost ends up stuck to a church steeple. Later, the gently smiling and glowing moon carries the boy across the night sky, holding his hand, and letting his friend see the countryside from up above where the owls fly.

   Alison Jay’s richly detailed folkloric style paintings beautifully compliment the simple rhythmic and lyrical text in this book. In this gentle and evocative little story, we get to share a little boy’s dreams. We also get to see a night time world bathed in moonlight, and the many animals that come out at this time of day.

   At the back of the book, the author includes information about “The Mysterious Moon,” and facts about “The World at Night.”