Advanced Chldren's Literature: Poetry

Paschen, Elise, editor. POETRY SPEAKS TO CHILDREN. Illustrators, Judy Love, et. al.
Sourcebooks MediaFusion, 2005.

I've never read a better anthology for young children. The audio and book are both stronge enough to stand alone but it is a very rich multisensory experience for children when both are used. The most compelling tracks on the CD were those read by the authors, especially authors that have passed away long ago. I guess my favorite was "Wolf" by Billy Collins, a poet hitherto unknown by me and his presentation was marvelous. Gwendolyn Brooks, "The Tiger Who Wore White Gloves, or, What You Are You Are." was my absolute favorite, the delivery perfection. I had not heard or read this since my childhood so it was an absolute delight, it made me laugh and scream with joy! I listened to the CD separately from reading the book and missed identifying the narrations by Sandburg and Tolkein. James Berry's "Okay, Brown Girl, Okay" was a very moving illustration and the performance stellar as well. Langston Hughes, a favorite poet friend to many children has one of his signature poesm, "The Negro Speaks of Rivers" included in the collection. This is not one of Hughes best oral deliveries but it is pure Americana with its talk of the Midwest, the Mississippi River, and Abe Lincoln. Included is a multifaceted delivery of "The Dentist and the Crocodile" by Roald Dahl who is both droll and animated simultanesouly. Ogden Nash is another very much suited to the oral tradition and his selection may introduce his humorous essence to children for the first time. The inclusion of American icon, Robert Frost reading "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening" is one of the crown jewels of the collection. Frost is the voice of a forgotten America, an America of daily interaction between neighbors, where working with one's hands and working the land were standard daily fare. The Frost recitation is a very teachable moment. I would recommend teachers, librarians, and parents showing photos of the poet at the JFK inauguration. With the current political season they may be inspired to watch the inauguration of our 44th President. After teaching a unit of poetry, teachers of all aged children could speculate and have the children themselves guess which poet Barack Obama might select for his inauguration. The illustrations, some full color, some black and white are overall inspired. The idea of putting every word in the title in a different color is effective and will draw in a child's eye. Using a standard type for the author's name and multiple fonts for the titles proved very successful, a thoughtful concept that added to the volume. I like the fact that every poem was not on the audio. Some poems and books are better read silently, other better read aloud, still others listened to. First rate editing by Paschen in that decision and many others. Exemplary!