Sidman, Joyce, Dark Emperor and Other Poems of the Night. Allen, Rick. HMH Books for Young Readers. New York, NY. 2010. ISBN: 978-0547152288
Plot Summary
Do you ever wonder about the life that is lived by nature at night? In this poetry selection, you will find a variety of poems written to give insight to what goes on at night when animals move about.
Critical Analysis
Joyce Sidman wanted to uncover the nighttime activities of creatures that move about in the night. Her luminescent poetry is unexpected as when you read the title, "Dark Emperor" you feel as though the poetry will match its dark, ominous qualities. Quite the opposite as the creatures are described in comforting situations. Not only does Sidman offer poetry, but for each poem about, she gives facts for them on the opposing pages.
Rick Allen the illustrator for "Dark Emperor" did an impressive job. Using relief printing to create his images. Much like the potato stamp making of my younger days amplified by much more effort and skill. Allen uses blocks of wood to carve out his images to then cover in ink and press to the paper. Some of the illustrations taking up to six blocks to press. My children and I enjoyed the images immensely and after reading the "Dark Emperor," we decided to act as illustrators ourselves, cutting away at potatoes to create stamp art.
Not only was the poetry entertaining to read and talk about with my children, but the selection also gave them an opportunity to learn more about each creature. After each poem, we discussed the facts on the animals which I found to be an extra bonus because I would, to this day, not have known that porcupines climb trees to sleep and that their babies are called porcupettes.
My children have asked for me to read this selection every night and I will not argue.
Other Reviews
"Allen's detailed yet moody prints encapsulate the mysteries and magic of the midnight hours. In Sidman's delicious poems, darkness is the norm, and there's nothing to fear but the rising sun."—Publishers Weekly starred review
"This is a fine collection for classroom use at any time, but it'll bring extra impact to those who can find a way to share it at dusk with the lights dimmed, watching through the windows as the nocturnal ballet begins outside."—The Bulletin starred review
Connections
Newberry Honor Award - “Dark Emperor”
Caldecott Honor books - "Song of the Water Boatman" and "Other Pond Poems."
Sidman, Joyce. Swirl by Swirl: Spirals in Nature. Krommes, Beth. HMH Books for Young Readers, 2011
Exploring the world of spirals and the many things we can learn about them.
Potato Stamping – How to Make a Potato Stamp
https://www.thebestideasforkids.com/potato-stamping/
Sidman, Joyce. Winter Bees and Other Poems of the Cold. Allen, Rick. HMH Books for Young Readers. New York, NY. 2014. ISBN: 978-0547906508
Plot Summary
This selection of poetry about the creatures of winter gives us skillful images and playful poetry to bring the animals we read about in our laps, but cannot witness in person to life in our mind.
Critical Analysis
Joyce Sidman won the Award for Excellence in Poetry for Children for "Winter Bees," and after reading her poetry, you can tell it is well given. Sidman took the time to learn about each creature of winter before placing them in her poems. Which allowed the reader to have accurate descriptions in her poetry as well as through the facts she imparts.
Rick Allen does not disappoint in his second work of illustration with Sidman. Using nearly two hundred linoleum blocks that were hand-colored. Allen would then have each of the prints digitally scanned and layered to create the wintery scenes throughout this selection. This type of artistry was undoubtedly time-consuming, but the end result was exuberant. My children recognized Allen's work immediately as it is much like "Dark Emperor" and again wanted to attempt additional stamp printing art activities themselves.
Other Reviews
"Each poem brings a sense of humor, respect, or wonder to its subject." —Publishers Weekly starred review
"Winter Bees distinguishes itself with a focus on the science of animal survival, coupled with superlative illustrations. Readers young and old will enjoy this winter journey and marvel at the wonders of nature." —School Library Journal, starred review
Connections
Newberry Honor Award - “Dark Emperor”
Caldecott Honor books - "Song of the Water Boatman" and "Other Pond Poems."
I found both works by Sidman enjoyable to read with my two children. My five and two-year-old delighted in the illustrations immensely and extending the selection with potato printing blew their minds. For "Winter Bees," we went into nature this time and found leaves to create our stamp prints and it too was a blast for us all.
Leaf printing art
https://theimaginationtree.com/leaf-printing-art/
Singer, Marilyn. Rutherford B. Who was He?. Hendrix, John. Disney-Hyperion, New York, NY. 2013. ISBN: 978-1423171003
Plot Summary
"Rutherford B. Who Was He?" gives you thoughtful, sometimes humorous and even ponderous poetry about the presidents who have served for our country. Including quotes and facts to glean your insight for each.
Critical Analysis
Marilyn singer made my day with "Rutherford B. Who Was he?", Me being a daughter of a police officer who watched the History channel almost every day and read book after book on history and science. I couldn't have found more comfort and excitement with this book. My father would have reveled in this selection. An avid learner and reader, thirsting for knowledge he would have found playfulness and truth. Making it easy to add to any child's library. He would have added it to his grandchildren's library without haste. Leading my father into teaching my children more about the presidents. Not one author can capture the entire presidency of a man in a verse of poetry, but the information can lead to discussion as well as research. As my father would point out, "It should never be left to the author to form your opinion of someone." This introduction to the presidents of the United States will inevitably lead my children to question and wonder.
John Hendrix illustrations in caricature make this appealing to any reader. Adding almost regal colors and poster quality font. He changes the settings for each president to recall some of the images most remembered for those presidents in their time as Commander and Chief.
Singer offers short biographies and a quote for each president showcased in her poems. As well as the definition of what a president is and what they are intended to do. It was invaluable for Singer to show readers how she came about gathering her information by including her sources in reference. Helping future writers understand that information comes from somewhere and in using that information you must recognize it.
Other Reviews
“With her gift for unforgettable rhythm and innovative rhyme, Marilyn Singer brings the presidents of the United States to life-from Washington to Obama-and contextualizes them in their time.” - Goodreads.com
“This ambitious rhyming look at America’s commander in chief is, like the presidencies themselves, a mixture of hits and misses.” - Publishers Weekly
Connections
Rutherford B Who Was He? Book trailer:
https://youtu.be/ffwADGoUvP4
Readers Theatre Script:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1YMLAf1LA9vOvwIN8qvxrYY-Hm-fx-4I1Bt6u3r9vREU/edit Online president computer games:
http://www.apples4theteacher.com/holidays/presidents-day/games/
Frost, Helen. Diamond Willow. Frances Foster Books, New York, NY. 2008. ISBN: 13: 978-0312603830
Plot Summary
Willow, an ordinary young girl in an Alaskan town, wants to have more than one friend and to show her parents she can run a sled to her grandparents. On Willows journey, she has an accident injuring her dog Roxy. Now Roxy may be put down. Willow thinks if she can mush Roxy to her grandparents Roxy can be saved. Throughout this novel animals come to her aide in ways she could never know, but even more amazing is that the animals are Willow's family members reincarnate.
Critical Analysis
Helen Frost, an author that has earned the Micheal L. Printz honor book for "Keesha's House" uses the seven years she lived in Alaska and the gift of a Diamond Willow stick, to create "Diamond Willow," a novel written in verse. Using ideas, she gleaned from her stay in Alaska she writes of a girl that wants more than anything to run her own sled. Including animals of her family reincarnate. The novel starts out a bit confusing as you are in the shoes of Willow in verse, but transform to an animal that is viewing and speaking about Willow in the same time frame. After reading for a bit, you begin to understand the exchange and look forward to the family’s contributions.
The novel throughout includes poetry in verse each in the shape of a diamond. Included in each diamond are bolded lettering or words to impart a message. I think that the bolded lettering and words were a great touch as it highlighted each verses theme and ultimately Willows feelings and thoughts.
Other Reviews
“Frost invents an ingenious poetic form for her story that is both stable and fluid; like the diamond willow branches that she is imitating, the diamond shapes of her poems vary. . . Frost has spun metaphoric gold out of an evocative natural landscape, and she knows just how to craft it into an elegant and moving story of a young girl's deepening understanding of the relationships she shares with those around her.” ―The Bulletin for Center of Children's Books, Starred Review
“Set in a remote part of Alaska, this story in easy-to-read verse blends exciting survival adventure with a contemporary girl's discovery of family roots and secrets.” ―Booklist
Connections
Books Like Diamond Willow:
https://www.goodreads.com/book/similar/2910398-diamond-willow
Extension:
Have students write poetry in the shape of a subject they are writing about. Example: Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star would have been written in to form a star.
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