Why and how do animals do what they do? Several top selections for youth poetry this year explore the rich subject of animals’ awe-inspiring bodies and behavior, from Douglas Florian’s giddy, irreverent rhymes and Diane Ackerman’s elegant phrases filled with wonder to The Body Eclectic, poems about the most public and private parts of human physiology. With poems that blend biological fact, beautiful metaphors, and clever phrases, these titles, reviewed in Booklist from April 1, 2002, through March 15, 2003, will encourage young people to look closely at familiar things and recognize the familiar in something new. —Gillian Engberg
Ackerman, Diane. Animal Sense. Illus. by Peter Sís. 2003. Knopf, $14.95 (0-375-82384-0).
Gr. 3–7. In poems grouped according to the five senses, Ackerman’s startling, original imagery celebrates animals’ miraculous bodies. Sís’ pointillist sketches add whimsy without detracting from the beautiful words.
Appelt, Kathi. Poems from Homeroom: A Writer’s Place to Start. 2002. Holt, $16.95 (0-8050-6978-X).
Gr. 7–12. In this combination of original poetry and prose-writing exercises, Appelt shares the motivation for writing her poems and offers warm instruction to young writers. The poems are tender and shine with memorable images; the prose has a contagious message to shed inhibitions and pick up the pen.
The Body Eclectic: An Anthology of Poems. Ed. by Patrice Vecchione. 2002. Holt, $16.95 (0-8050-6935-6).
Gr. 8–12. Hand, blood, elbow, breast—this international anthology celebrates the body in raw, beautiful poems by contemporary and classic poets.
The Drowsy Hours: Poems for Bedtime. Ed. by Susan Pearson. Illus. by Peter Malone. 2002. HarperCollins, $16.95 (0-688-16603-2); lib. ed., $16.89 (0-06-029421-3).
Gr. 2–5. Contemporary writers’ work mixes with the classics in this appealing title, illustrated with richly colored paintings, that explores the thrill of nighttime adventure as well as the quiet of sleep.
The Fish Is Me: Bathtime Rhymes. Ed. by Neil Philip. Illus. by Claire Henley. 2002. Clarion, $16 (0-618-15939-8).
PreS. This picture-book collection of splashy bath-time nonsense will hook young children with the words’ sound and rhythm. Large, brightly colored pictures add more energy and appeal to verses about the fun of not being clean, as well as the appeal of slippery, bubbly water play.
Florian, Douglas. Bow Wow Meow Meow. 2003. illus. Harcourt, $17 (0-15-216395-6).
PreS–Gr. 2. Florian creates another playful collection of animal-inspired poems and wild, funny paintings, focusing this time on cats and dogs. His familiar delight in puns and wordplay is matched by imaginative brushwork that is both clever and silly.
Hoofbeats, Claws & Rippled Fins: Creature Poems. Ed. by Lee Bennett Hopkins. Illus. by Stephen Alcorn. 2002. HarperCollins, $15.95 (0-688-17942-8); lib. ed., $15.89 (0-688-17943-6).
Gr. 3–7. Inspired by Alcorn’s masterful woodcuts, these 14 poems by well-known writers examine animals in all their bizarre shapes and mysterious wildness. The range of styles and tones will make these great additions to classroom poetry units.
Nye, Naomi Shihab. 19 Varieties of Gazelle: Poems of the Middle East. 2002. HarperCollins/Greenwillow, $16.95 (0-06-009765-5).
Gr. 5–10. This slim, timely collection brings together Nye’s own poems about the Middle East and being Arab American. Perfect for discussion and reflection, the poems focus on the small, fragile moments that can bring readers inside larger political events.
Smith, Charles R. Perfect Harmony: A Musical Journey with the Boys Choir of Harlem. 2002. illus. Hyperion/Jump at the Sun, $15.99 (0-7868-0758-X).
Gr. 4–7. Striking color photos of the Boys Choir of Harlem illustrate these energizing, educational poems that explain basic terms while expressing the excitement and joy of making music.
This Place I Know: Poems of Comfort. Ed. by Georgia Heard. 2002. illus. Candlewick, $16.99 (0-7636-1924-8).
Gr. 3–5, younger for reading aloud. Created in response to September 11, these poems by well-known poets speak about fear, grief, and the most essential comforts—friendship, hope, and love. Beautiful illustrations by picture-book artists complete a lovely book for private reading and classroom discussion.
(Booklist/April 1, 2003)