Poetry + art = beauty.
“Equation poems” explore the science and poetry behind the processes of nature.
“I am in awe of the scientific processes that make sunsets, storms, and, of course, spring,” states Salas. Her volume begins with late-winter scenes in New England as “spring tiptoes in.” Each page is a pleasing mix of colorful tissue-paper collage art, equation poems, and a bit of lively exposition discussing the science behind the equations. “Riverbank + otters = playground” features otters at play and text stating that “In spring, otters slip and slide in the dirty, slushy snow. No mittens. No hats. Just messy, muddy, mucky fun.” A pair of brown-skinned siblings initially decked out in colorful winter garb are on hand in some scenes, their clothes changing with the seasons. The children’s sense of fun and wonder enhances each scene they are in. One particularly beautiful page offers “1 dandelion x 1 breath = 100 parachutes.” It appears opposite the “dusk + skunks = parade” equation, but happily, skunks are nocturnal, as the text informs readers. Not every equation adds up, though. Is “stampede” the best word in “stream + snowmelt = stampede!”? All in all, though, beautifully original art complements the fun of the playful poetry.
Poetry + art = beauty. (author’s note, illustrator’s note, further reading) (Picture book/poetry. 4-8)Pub Date: Feb. 5, 2019
ISBN: 978-1-58089-798-3
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Charlesbridge
Review Posted Online: Nov. 25, 2018
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 15, 2018
Scintillating! (permissions, acknowledgments) (Picture book/poetry. 4-8)
Choosing from works spanning three centuries, Janeczko artfully arranges 36 elegant poems among the four seasons.
With each poem’s relationship to its season often subtle or tangential, Janeczko avoids the trite repetition flawing some seasonal poetry collections. The initial poem, by Cid Corman for “Spring,” lauds a dawn scene: “Daybreak reminds us— / the hills have arrived just in / time to celebrate.” Emily Dickinson’s poem shimmers in the “Summer” section: “The Moon was but a Chin of Gold / A Night or two ago —/ And now she turns Her perfect Face / Upon the World below….” (The moon’s presence shines throughout, in eight poems.) Jim Harrison and Ted Kooser, whose published 2003 collaboration is represented by two poems, offer this autumnal musing: “What is it the wind has lost / that she keeps looking for / under each leaf?” The winter poems are snowy, but they are also laced with fog; nature scenes alternate with depictions of a subway, a rusting truck, harbor boats and more. Sweet’s effervescent mixed-media collages include signature elements like graph paper and saturated pinks; the large format engenders some expansive compositions, such as one showing the curve of the Earth near an enormous, smiling full moon. Inventive details abound, too: The last spread shows a child asleep under a crazy quilt that incorporates motifs from all four seasons—a perfect visual ending.
Scintillating! (permissions, acknowledgments) (Picture book/poetry. 4-8)Pub Date: March 11, 2014
ISBN: 978-0-7636-4842-8
Page Count: 48
Publisher: Candlewick
Review Posted Online: Jan. 14, 2014
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 2014
Thirty-three poems about antic animals, matched with equally madcap illustrations. "The Zoo VIP (Very Idle Panda)" describes how "The giant panda at the zoo / Just sits and chomps / On fresh bamboo." "A Busy Day for Goslings" follows a mother goose's outing with her brood Pip, Pop, Peep and Squeak. Other highlights include "Natty Nat" (an impeccably dressed narwhal), "Mean Cuisine" (a goat chef who cooks up crazy concoctions from foraged items), "Theodore's Great Pitch" (a lemur door-to-door salesman) and, with a nod to Ogden Nash, "The Rhino's Wine" (a grape-harvesting family led by Amos the rhinoceros): "The wine of Amos is the last word: / Maqnifique in its ferocity: / The essence of rhinocerocity." Bunny, emu, seal, crocodile, dingo, octopus and vole are among the other subjects. Searle's accompanying pictures show most of the animals in action; impish details and busy backgrounds suggest Gahan Wilson or Quentin Blake. The quality of the verse is uneven, but there are several excellent selections in this generous compendium. (Picture book. 4-8)
Pub Date: Oct. 1, 2010
ISBN: 978-1-59020-409-2
Page Count: 78
Publisher: Duckworth/Overlook
Review Posted Online: Aug. 27, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 15, 2010
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