BIBLIOGRAPHY
Schertle, Alice. 2009. Button Up!: Wrinklend Rhymes Ill. Petra Mathers. New York: NY: Harcourt Children's Books. ISBN: 978-0-15-205050-4.
PLOT SUMMARY
This delightful collection of fifteen rhymes is voiced by the clothing of various animal characters. From the ostrich that wears a turtleneck to mouse who wears undies. These delightful poems will entice young children, from shoelaces, hats, undies, jammies, jackets they all have their own story to tell.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
These whimsical stand-alone poems would highly engage children of the pre-school age. With each poem are beautiful watercolor animals dressed in a variety of outfits. Many of the poems are very relatable to young children and mirror many events in their life. "Emily's Undies" boast "She doesn't wear diapers, /not even to bed. / Now she wears undies with ruffles instead." Is a great read aloud to those young children who are going through potty training. Some of the rhymes appear in couplets and quatrains, “it tickles me / to be a little prickly” says Rick’s wool sweater. The personification in the rhymes is shown a very simplistic way. At times some of the poems rhythm seems a little forced, "I am Violet's hiking hat. / I live on Violet's head. / 'I never take off my hiking hat,'/ Violet said." Overall, this book is delightful and young children will love the picturesque creatures.
REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
Booklist starred (May 15, 2009 (Vol. 105, No. 18)
Schertle’s poetry is reminiscent of A. A. Milne and begs to be read aloud.
Horn Book (May/June, 2009)
Made for sharing, and worth learning by heart, too.
CONNECTIONS
· Math: Make a pictograph of the carious types of clothing the students are wearing.
· Writing: Make a flip book and have students draw the animal on the inside and draw and label the item of clothes in the inside flap.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Frost, Helen. 2008. Diamond Willow. New York, NY: Frances Foster Books. ISBN: 978-0-374-31776-8.
PLOT SUMMARY
When a shy young girl from Alaska wants to show her parents that she is growing up, she has a terrible accident that involves her greatest companion, her dog, Roxy. When she finds out that her parents are planning on putting down Roxy, Willow takes the injured dog to her grandparent’s house. Caught in a blizzard the young girl is looked after by the sprits of her ancestors. In the end, Willow discovers a family secret and her maturity is shown.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
The presentation of this poem is perhaps the most appealing part of the stories. The text is written out in a diamond shape when it is pertaining to Willow’s thought and certain words are bolder to give the underlying meaning behind the words. When her ancestors, who take the form of animals, are narrating the text is traditional. Young Willow is a relatable character that many young teens will be able to identify with. Through her journey she gains awareness of her own strength and place in her community. The imagery in this novel in verse is quite captivating and very thoughtfully placed. The subtle rhythms, when read aloud or silently, have a natural sway that captures the readers attention.
REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
Booklist (June 1, 2008 (Vol. 104, No. 19)
“Frost casts a subtle spell through innovative storytelling. Her poems offer pensive imagery and glimpses of character, and strong emotion.”
Publishers Weekly (July 28, 1989)
Frost “blends the young teen’s viewpoint with a strong sense of place and culture”
CONNECTIONS
*Writing: Research Alaska or sled dogs
*Writing: Have students write a journal entry about a time when they felt they had to prove something or prove themselves to someone
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Grimes, Nikki. 1994. MEET DANITRA BROWN. New York, NY: Lothrop, Lee & Shepard Books. ISBN 0-68812073-3
PLOT SUMMARY
In this spunky collection of thirteen poems two little girls who are best friends do everything from facing mean spirited children to forgiving each other for telling their biggest secret. Zuri Jackson tells us in rhyme about her best friend Danitra Brown. Danitra, “who only wears purple because she might be a princess”, is this dynamic character who always knows the right thing to say and do and is a true inspiration to Zuri.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
These collections of poems are insightful and humorous. Niki Grimes does an excellent job of connecting the life lessons in her poetry. The poem Coke-bottle Brown “dumb old Freddy Watson” was making funny of the two best friends. Danitra’s response was just to ignore him because she “can’t waste time on some boy who thinks it’s funny bein’ mean. / Got book to read and hills to climb that Freddy’s never seen.” The lessons continue throughout the collection. When Zuri becomes upset because her mother is a single parent, the wise Danitra simple states: “You’ve got it good,” Danitra, says when I’m sad. / “Your mama loves twice as much. Is that so bad?” For children who know what it is like to be raise by only one parent, this poem will give them reassurance and encouragement.
“Meet Danitra Brown” would be great for children in their pre-teen years. The lessons of friendship are throughout the collection. Simply messages like, “ So I kept Danitra company. ‘cause that’s what friends are for.” This simple rhyme is teaching how to act like a true friend.
REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
Publishers Weekly (September 15, 1997)
"Anyone who has a best friend can relate to this realistic but bubbly volume."
CONNECTIONS
*Writing: Have students write a poem about their best friend
*Reading comprehension: Write out several lines from the poetry collection and have the students discuss the meaning of the text.
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