Round one for the CYBILS judging has begun. I am a round one judge for poetry. What this means for this poetry lover is there is a new book at my door every day. My collection is building, and I love reading them all. I look forward to discussions with other judges to see what they are thinking. I also love poetry people.
Today I’d like to review two of the books I have received. Note that this review does not in any way reveal where these books will go in the line-up for the CYBILS award. It is merely my opinion.
I have met Irene Latham thanks to a quick pass at a session at NCTE. She is as lovely as her picture. I did not know what a wildebeest was until I got her new book of poetry. It is a good thing that each page not only features a poem but also factual information.
The poetry bounces with the impala “twig pops/grazing stops” and peeps like the meerkat, “I sing my song:/peep peep peep/ It means, we’re safe!/ Forage! Sleep!”
Word play with “Saw-scaled viper/ rubs, shrugs,/ sizzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzles.”
Form play in Triptych for a Thirsty Giraffe.
Humor of “Dung Beetle lays eggs/ in elephant poop.”
And even danger, “Siren-howls/ foul the air./ Vultures stick to task:”
Children will love the language and learning that wanders in this book along with the animals of the watering hole.
You may be inclined to say enough with the ABC books, and I was too until I saw this delightfully evil book by Eve Bunting. The seven to eleven year old boys that I teach would love this book of short poems and loads of nonfiction commentary about pirates. I am saving it for next year’s Talk Like a Pirate Day. The illustrations by John Manders are full of action and character. My favorite one is the Movie Pirates. There is a hidden cheat sheet at the end of the book for identifying the actors.
What I love about both of these poetry books is students can gain a love of language while reading about an interesting and engaging topic. I am off to read more poetry!
I’m a round two judge–so bring them on!
Me, too with Diane, Margaret. Can’t wait to see what you send us! Thanks for sharing these. I have Irene’s book-love it!
I was looking at WILDEBEEST last week at Tattered Cover. It looks terrific! We need to make sure Ruth Ayres knows about the pirate poems.
Have fun with your Cybils judging. I love Irene’s book and will have to look for Eve Bunting’s pirate book. 🙂
What Diane said! Thanks for sharing these, Margaret.
Margaret, I am thrilled to have introduced you to the wildebeest. 🙂 Thank you for your lovely words. I learned SO MUCH serving on CYBILS… those conversations with fellow poetry-lovers can’t be beat! Loved meeting you. Next time, let’s take time for tea! xo
Would definitely love more time. You are such a generous soul.
Margaret,
Thanks for the peek about what’s landing at your door. I luv the lines selected from Irene’s WANDERING….
A tip o’ the bandana on me head for the new pirate book title & an extree shot o’ rum (or tea..) due, for sharing the spread with that handsome jack sparrow in the LR corner. Avast! for a row to ye olde bkstore.
You are good at speaking pirate!
Thanks for sharing your CYBILS reading, Margaret!
Oh, I love Irene’s work! I’ll be following the Cybils and learning from all of you.
After helping to choose the NCTE Excellence in Poetry Notable Poetry Books for the year, I’m excited to see the crossover on the CYBILS list! Have fun reading and choosing!
What a great way to discover and celebrate poetry! Thank you for sharing your impressions of these books and I hope you continue to do so. 🙂
What a labor of love, Margaret! I shared Irene’s book with kids all week and they love it! P is for Pirate looks like a lot of fun. Thanks so much for sharing!
Great choices, Margaret. I can’t wait to see which books make it through round one of judging! I hadn’t seen the pirate book, but I love the suggestion to read it on Talk Like a Pirate Day.