by Lee Bennett Hopkins
Good books.
Good times.
Good stories.
Good rhymes.
Good beginnings.
Good ends.
Good people.
Good friends.
Good fiction.
Good facts.
Good adventures.
Good acts.
Good stories.
Good rhymes.
Good books.
Good times.
Monday, May 31, 2010
Monday, May 24, 2010
HOW TO EAT A POEM (Monday Poem)
by Eve Merriam
Don't be polite.
Bite in.
Pick it up with your fingers and lick the juice that
may run down your chin,
It is ready and ripe now, whenever you are.
You do not need a knife or fork or spoon
or plate or napkin or tablecloth.
For there is no core
or stem
or rind
or pit
or seed
or skin
to throw away.
Don't be polite.
Bite in.
Pick it up with your fingers and lick the juice that
may run down your chin,
It is ready and ripe now, whenever you are.
You do not need a knife or fork or spoon
or plate or napkin or tablecloth.
For there is no core
or stem
or rind
or pit
or seed
or skin
to throw away.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Magnificent Mysterious Moms (FAMILY magazine reviews)
During the month of May we can take advantage of the opportunity to enjoy treasured books with and about mothers, and the mysterious connections we share with the magnificent women who birthed us. Don’t miss this chance to celebrate with any of these amazing books.
Seven Hungry Babies
by Candace Fleming
illustrated by Eugene Yelchin
Atheneum, $16.99, Ages 3-7
In this rollicking, rhyming story, Fleming sets a frenetic pace with Mama Bird dashing between nest and various locations -- involving garden, millpond, schoolyard, and orchard -- to feed loud, hungry offspring. The mom’s action with sounds: flappa-flap, swoop-swoop, yum, changes slightly each time she goes hunting, adding movement to the repetitive sounds, and a different yummy food treat for each tiny, noisy bird baby to “G-u-u-u-l-p!”
The mother endearments; “precious cuddle-fluffs, noisy warble pies, sweet hatchlings, little egg-crackers,” grow progressively distracted while the young birds continue to cry, screech, shout, shriek, roar and squall the incessant “Feed us! Feed us!” As Yelchin’s dazzling primary colors accent both the babies’ impatience and mother’s intensifying fatigue, readers breathe relief with Mommy Bird when she collapses in exhaustion on a nearby branch, just before the peeping begins again.
Perfect to read aloud, this irresistible picture book brings Daddy along, by granting Mama the final word.
Before You Were Here, Mi Amor
by Samantha R. Vamos
illustrated by Santiago Cohen
Viking, $15.99, Ages 3+
This tender story shows the preparations made by extended family, as members anticipate the new baby’s arrival, and make their own contributions to welcome a new life. Appropriately, Mami is central -- where the book begins and ends, as well as throughout -- eating, swinging, dancing, and especially with the recorded heartbeat.
Papí builds a rocking chair, hermana draws a picture, abuelo plants a tree, tío cooks arroz con leche, tía makes a mobile; all cooperate to greet the infant, each with an offering that confers a blessing, choosing gifts from their hearts to extend their love. The warmth of the bright colors and the content of Cohen’s joyful paintings supply clues for the Spanish words Vamos effortlessly weaves through her story, accenting the Latino cultural heritage of the newborn.
Using a familiar theme, the fluid narrative blends English with Spanish, furnishing a superb picture book for bilingual families, and particularly for children who are interested in what happened before they were born. A glossary at the end confirms any words in doubt.
Will You Still Love Me?
by Carol Roth
illustrated by Daniel Howarth
Albert Whitman, $15.99, Ages 3-5
Reassuring rhyming text comforts young animals, and notably a young boy, as each queries his mama, wondering “will you still love me?” when the new baby comes. From kitten to mouse, cub, duckling, even bunny, they individually ask similar questions: “Will we still have time to hop through the meadow and play? Will you help me find some carrots we can munch all day?”
The affectionate reminders, each one slightly different, are exemplified by this motherly reply: “’Of course,’ said Mother Bunny. ‘You’re my extra-special one. And I’ll love you just as much when the baby bunnies come.’”
Roth’s use of gentle rhythm and cheerful language emphasizes the strong links between mother and child, and harmonizes fluently with Howarth’s lovingly executed watercolor, ink and colored pencil illustrations. Together they combine, producing a sympathetic story, to settle any doubts a first child might entertain, about the approaching arrival of a new sibling.
Mama Says: A Book of Love for Mothers and Sons
by Rob D. Walker,
illustrations by Leo & Diane Dillon.
Scholastic, $16.99, Ages 5-9
Featuring cultures, religions and specifically, languages from around the world, this exceptionally beautiful book dramatizes the best hopes mothers (and fathers, although they are not mentioned here) have for their children to be courageous, compassionate, strong individuals. In this celebration of both our striking human similarities and profound differences, the powerful loving text chants its rhythmic rhymes in smooth step with elegant paintings.
In each of thirteen double page spreads, a single poem is spotlighted, with its translation into the language of the individuals highlighted: “Mama says/Respect all life/And treasure every tree/Mama says/Our planet needs/Each flower, bird, and bee.” The accompanying circular illustration is an intimate glimpse of the mother/son bond, and the full-page companion painting on the facing page offers a reflection of the child’s active participation in the mother’s counsel.
The final spread is a visual representation of the adults the boys from the earlier pages have become. (“I listened to what Mama said/And now I am a man.”) An Afterword identifies the twelve languages whose interpretations appear on the preceding pages, with an explanation and credit to the language experts consulted.
REVIEW PUBLISHED IN MAY 2010 ISSUE OF FAMILY MAGAZINE
Seven Hungry Babies
by Candace Fleming
illustrated by Eugene Yelchin
Atheneum, $16.99, Ages 3-7
In this rollicking, rhyming story, Fleming sets a frenetic pace with Mama Bird dashing between nest and various locations -- involving garden, millpond, schoolyard, and orchard -- to feed loud, hungry offspring. The mom’s action with sounds: flappa-flap, swoop-swoop, yum, changes slightly each time she goes hunting, adding movement to the repetitive sounds, and a different yummy food treat for each tiny, noisy bird baby to “G-u-u-u-l-p!”
The mother endearments; “precious cuddle-fluffs, noisy warble pies, sweet hatchlings, little egg-crackers,” grow progressively distracted while the young birds continue to cry, screech, shout, shriek, roar and squall the incessant “Feed us! Feed us!” As Yelchin’s dazzling primary colors accent both the babies’ impatience and mother’s intensifying fatigue, readers breathe relief with Mommy Bird when she collapses in exhaustion on a nearby branch, just before the peeping begins again.
Perfect to read aloud, this irresistible picture book brings Daddy along, by granting Mama the final word.
Before You Were Here, Mi Amor
by Samantha R. Vamos
illustrated by Santiago Cohen
Viking, $15.99, Ages 3+
This tender story shows the preparations made by extended family, as members anticipate the new baby’s arrival, and make their own contributions to welcome a new life. Appropriately, Mami is central -- where the book begins and ends, as well as throughout -- eating, swinging, dancing, and especially with the recorded heartbeat.
Papí builds a rocking chair, hermana draws a picture, abuelo plants a tree, tío cooks arroz con leche, tía makes a mobile; all cooperate to greet the infant, each with an offering that confers a blessing, choosing gifts from their hearts to extend their love. The warmth of the bright colors and the content of Cohen’s joyful paintings supply clues for the Spanish words Vamos effortlessly weaves through her story, accenting the Latino cultural heritage of the newborn.
Using a familiar theme, the fluid narrative blends English with Spanish, furnishing a superb picture book for bilingual families, and particularly for children who are interested in what happened before they were born. A glossary at the end confirms any words in doubt.
Will You Still Love Me?
by Carol Roth
illustrated by Daniel Howarth
Albert Whitman, $15.99, Ages 3-5
Reassuring rhyming text comforts young animals, and notably a young boy, as each queries his mama, wondering “will you still love me?” when the new baby comes. From kitten to mouse, cub, duckling, even bunny, they individually ask similar questions: “Will we still have time to hop through the meadow and play? Will you help me find some carrots we can munch all day?”
The affectionate reminders, each one slightly different, are exemplified by this motherly reply: “’Of course,’ said Mother Bunny. ‘You’re my extra-special one. And I’ll love you just as much when the baby bunnies come.’”
Roth’s use of gentle rhythm and cheerful language emphasizes the strong links between mother and child, and harmonizes fluently with Howarth’s lovingly executed watercolor, ink and colored pencil illustrations. Together they combine, producing a sympathetic story, to settle any doubts a first child might entertain, about the approaching arrival of a new sibling.
Mama Says: A Book of Love for Mothers and Sons
by Rob D. Walker,
illustrations by Leo & Diane Dillon.
Scholastic, $16.99, Ages 5-9
Featuring cultures, religions and specifically, languages from around the world, this exceptionally beautiful book dramatizes the best hopes mothers (and fathers, although they are not mentioned here) have for their children to be courageous, compassionate, strong individuals. In this celebration of both our striking human similarities and profound differences, the powerful loving text chants its rhythmic rhymes in smooth step with elegant paintings.
In each of thirteen double page spreads, a single poem is spotlighted, with its translation into the language of the individuals highlighted: “Mama says/Respect all life/And treasure every tree/Mama says/Our planet needs/Each flower, bird, and bee.” The accompanying circular illustration is an intimate glimpse of the mother/son bond, and the full-page companion painting on the facing page offers a reflection of the child’s active participation in the mother’s counsel.
The final spread is a visual representation of the adults the boys from the earlier pages have become. (“I listened to what Mama said/And now I am a man.”) An Afterword identifies the twelve languages whose interpretations appear on the preceding pages, with an explanation and credit to the language experts consulted.
REVIEW PUBLISHED IN MAY 2010 ISSUE OF FAMILY MAGAZINE
Monday, May 17, 2010
SHELL (Monday Poem)
by Myra Cohn Livingston
When it was time
for Show and Tell,
Adam brought a big pink shell.
He told about
the ocean roar
and walking on the sandy shore.
And then he passed
the shell around.
We listened to the water sound.
And that's the first time
I could hear
the wild waves calling to my ear.
When it was time
for Show and Tell,
Adam brought a big pink shell.
He told about
the ocean roar
and walking on the sandy shore.
And then he passed
the shell around.
We listened to the water sound.
And that's the first time
I could hear
the wild waves calling to my ear.
Monday, May 10, 2010
OUT IN THE DARK AND DAYLIGHT (Monday Poem)
by Aileen Fisher
Out in the dark and daylight,
under a cloud or tree,
Out in the dark and daylight,
out where the wind blows free,
Out in the March or May light,
with shadows and stars to see,
Out in the dark and daylight . . .
that’s where I like to be.
Monday, May 3, 2010
WHAT TO DO WITH A POPSICLE (Monday Poem)
by Lee Bennett Hopkins
Lick
and
lick
and
lick
and
lick
until
nothing
is
left
but
the
P
o
p
s
i
c
l
e
s
t
i
c
k
Lick
and
lick
and
lick
and
lick
until
nothing
is
left
but
the
P
o
p
s
i
c
l
e
s
t
i
c
k
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Perfect Poetry (FAMILY magazine reviews)
The month of April often produces a shower of poetry to refresh the winter darkness, bringing a breezy lightheartedness to sweep away the cold doldrums. Hunt up a favorite collection to tickle your memory and add a new title to savor from the list below.
Waiting Out the Storm
In a lovely blend of single and double page illustrations, artist Gaber has seamlessly drawn the lyrical text through the paintings. Macken’s lilting language invokes the mysterious nature of the world in a conversation between mother and daughter, as a spring storm approaches.
“Mama? Yes, buttercup? What’s that I hear? It’s only the wind in the treetops my dear.” Although the fluid rhythm and rhyme of the story introduce a common situation, the child voices uneasiness with stormy elements, as Gaber’s bright and dark acrylic colors amplify vigorous word images through wind, thunder, lightening and into rain. Yet, the comfort of resonant sounds and spirited word choices combine with vivid images, to present a reassuring sense of safety as a contrast to the storm’s energy.
Turtles and ducks, chipmunks and chickadees, and even a bunny toy serve to emphasize the varied experiences of a storm. The words and their melody of sound accent today’s “wet, windy weather,” and the counterpoint comforts of “snuggling together,” with the promise of tomorrow’s sunshine and play in the pond. With its nimble language and deft artwork, this skillfully crafted story is a gem to share.
Poetrees
Artist and poet Florian clearly is in love with both trees and language as this striking book demonstrates. Known for Insectlopedia and Mammalabilia, among many of his books of poems accompanied by imaginative illustrations, Florian’s lifelong fascination with trees is revealed in this newest addition to his successful children’s publications.
Showcasing his singular poetic style with its mix of rhythm, rhyme and wordplay, Florian introduces readers to thirteen trees from around the world, interspersed with poems about roots, rings, leaves, bark, and seeds. Beginning the book is a seed poem in the shape of a figure eight, the symbol for eternity. Later, another poem – this time in the round -- displays both the nature and shape of tree rings.
Designed to be read, and held vertically, the oversized book allows for a visual representation of the trees’ height and breadth in its double page spreads.
Florian’s decision to use watercolors, colored pencils, rubber stamps, oil pastels and collage on primed paper bags expresses his commitment to recycling, conserving and preserving trees and other aspects of the earth’s resources. In an intriguing synthesis of elemental and multifaceted forms, Florian has succeeded in fashioning poetry to merge with his earth-friendly artwork.
Concluding with a “Glossatree,” which also includes brief information about each tree, a bibliography, and an author’s note, this unique and timely book is an inventive collection of poetry to examine and enjoy.
Mirror, Mirror: A Book of Reversible Verse
In a fascinating blend of poetry and familiar fairy tales, award-winning author Singer has constructed a new genre of poem, reverso, that reads the same backward and forward. “When you read a reverso down, it is one poem,” she explains. “When you read it up,” with the only changes being for punctuation, capitalization, and line breaks, it’s a very different poem.
Choosing to represent two perspectives from each of a dozen different but well-known fairytales, Singer romps with language, poetry, and storytelling to craft this clever and magical selection of short, reversible puzzles. In the Hood begins its wordplay with Little Red speaking, while the facing poem features Wolf’s voice. Playing on the mirror image of Snow White with her stepmother, this animated collection -- which includes the Ugly Duckling, Jack and the Beanstalk, Hansel and Gretel, Rumplestiltskin, and Rapunzel -- tempts readers to travel new territory by spinning new versions from common and recognizable tales into unconventional retellings.
Name That Dog! Puppy Poems from A to Z
Here’s a perfect opportunity to meet dogs of all shapes, sizes, types and personalities in an amusing assortment of poems reminiscent of T. S. Eliot’s Old ‘Possums Book of Practical Cats. Often brief like “Snickers” (My dog’s a creamy caramel/With chocolate ears and whiskers./She’s just a little nutty, too./That’s why I call her Snickers.), this delightful alphabetical treasure trove of dog poetry includes a Boston Terrier named Bandit, Daisy the Dalmatian, a Cocker Spaniel called Elvis, a Dachshund who answers, of course, to Frank, even a Poodle identified as Noodles, and a Chihuahua who’s unexpected label, Valentine, contributes a bright accent to a humorous arrangement of charming canines, in bright, colorful illustrations by cartoonist Buscema, to accompany New York Times best selling author Archer’s bouncy rhymes.
New puppy in the house? Looking for a name? Get inspired by this cheery collection.
The month of April often produces a shower of poetry to refresh the winter darkness, bringing a breezy lightheartedness to sweep away the cold doldrums. Hunt up a favorite collection to tickle your memory and add a new title to savor from the list below.
Waiting Out the Storm
by JoAnn Early Macken,
illustrated by Susan Gaber.
Candlewick Press, $15.99, Ages 3-7
In a lovely blend of single and double page illustrations, artist Gaber has seamlessly drawn the lyrical text through the paintings. Macken’s lilting language invokes the mysterious nature of the world in a conversation between mother and daughter, as a spring storm approaches.
“Mama? Yes, buttercup? What’s that I hear? It’s only the wind in the treetops my dear.” Although the fluid rhythm and rhyme of the story introduce a common situation, the child voices uneasiness with stormy elements, as Gaber’s bright and dark acrylic colors amplify vigorous word images through wind, thunder, lightening and into rain. Yet, the comfort of resonant sounds and spirited word choices combine with vivid images, to present a reassuring sense of safety as a contrast to the storm’s energy.
Turtles and ducks, chipmunks and chickadees, and even a bunny toy serve to emphasize the varied experiences of a storm. The words and their melody of sound accent today’s “wet, windy weather,” and the counterpoint comforts of “snuggling together,” with the promise of tomorrow’s sunshine and play in the pond. With its nimble language and deft artwork, this skillfully crafted story is a gem to share.
Poetrees
by Douglas Florian.
Simon & Schuster, $16.99, Ages 6-12
Artist and poet Florian clearly is in love with both trees and language as this striking book demonstrates. Known for Insectlopedia and Mammalabilia, among many of his books of poems accompanied by imaginative illustrations, Florian’s lifelong fascination with trees is revealed in this newest addition to his successful children’s publications.
Showcasing his singular poetic style with its mix of rhythm, rhyme and wordplay, Florian introduces readers to thirteen trees from around the world, interspersed with poems about roots, rings, leaves, bark, and seeds. Beginning the book is a seed poem in the shape of a figure eight, the symbol for eternity. Later, another poem – this time in the round -- displays both the nature and shape of tree rings.
Designed to be read, and held vertically, the oversized book allows for a visual representation of the trees’ height and breadth in its double page spreads.
Florian’s decision to use watercolors, colored pencils, rubber stamps, oil pastels and collage on primed paper bags expresses his commitment to recycling, conserving and preserving trees and other aspects of the earth’s resources. In an intriguing synthesis of elemental and multifaceted forms, Florian has succeeded in fashioning poetry to merge with his earth-friendly artwork.
Concluding with a “Glossatree,” which also includes brief information about each tree, a bibliography, and an author’s note, this unique and timely book is an inventive collection of poetry to examine and enjoy.
Mirror, Mirror: A Book of Reversible Verse
by Marilyn Singer
illustrated by Josée Masse
Dutton, $16.99, Ages 7-11
In a fascinating blend of poetry and familiar fairy tales, award-winning author Singer has constructed a new genre of poem, reverso, that reads the same backward and forward. “When you read a reverso down, it is one poem,” she explains. “When you read it up,” with the only changes being for punctuation, capitalization, and line breaks, it’s a very different poem.
Choosing to represent two perspectives from each of a dozen different but well-known fairytales, Singer romps with language, poetry, and storytelling to craft this clever and magical selection of short, reversible puzzles. In the Hood begins its wordplay with Little Red speaking, while the facing poem features Wolf’s voice. Playing on the mirror image of Snow White with her stepmother, this animated collection -- which includes the Ugly Duckling, Jack and the Beanstalk, Hansel and Gretel, Rumplestiltskin, and Rapunzel -- tempts readers to travel new territory by spinning new versions from common and recognizable tales into unconventional retellings.
Name That Dog! Puppy Poems from A to Z
by Peggy Archer
illustrated by Stephanie Buscema
Dial, $16.99, Ages 3-5
Here’s a perfect opportunity to meet dogs of all shapes, sizes, types and personalities in an amusing assortment of poems reminiscent of T. S. Eliot’s Old ‘Possums Book of Practical Cats. Often brief like “Snickers” (My dog’s a creamy caramel/With chocolate ears and whiskers./She’s just a little nutty, too./That’s why I call her Snickers.), this delightful alphabetical treasure trove of dog poetry includes a Boston Terrier named Bandit, Daisy the Dalmatian, a Cocker Spaniel called Elvis, a Dachshund who answers, of course, to Frank, even a Poodle identified as Noodles, and a Chihuahua who’s unexpected label, Valentine, contributes a bright accent to a humorous arrangement of charming canines, in bright, colorful illustrations by cartoonist Buscema, to accompany New York Times best selling author Archer’s bouncy rhymes.
New puppy in the house? Looking for a name? Get inspired by this cheery collection.
REVIEW PUBLISHED IN APRIL 2010 ISSUE OF FAMILY MAGAZINE.
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