Sunday, July 17, 2011

34. Dark Emperor and Other Poems of the Night by Joyce Sidman (Houghton Mifflin, 2010)

BOOK: POETRY (ages 8 - 12)

Brief Description: The poetry of this book is beautiful, lush, descriptive and inviting. Each two-page spread features a poem, a gorgeous relief printing of the animal or nighttime feature of the poem. A tiny lizard graces the poetry page of each poem acting as a guide throughout the book. On the right, readers will enjoy a description of the night animal or feature with great details about its eating habits, and other unusual characteristics. Also includes a handy glossary.

Awards: Newbery Honor, 2011; Boston Globe-Horn Book Award for Excellence in Children's Literature, 2011; Lee Bennett Hopkins Poetry Award, 2011

Personal Opinion: This is an instance in which the illustrations and text work seamlessly to create a united whole that is most pleasing. Enchanting poetry and relief printing pair to form the perfect picture book. Educational and beautifully illustrated with enchanting poems, I loved this book!

Curriculum/Programming: Sidman's creation and Allen's illustration would make a great supplement to both science and English poetry units as well as a visual aide for relief printing in an art class. Certain sections might be highlighted for story time using the theme of the animals presented.

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