Author: Paul B. Janeczko
Illustrator: Chris Raschka
Publisher: Candlewick Press, 2005
Age Level: 8 and up
Themes: poetic forms
Opening: Tercet, by Joan Bransfield Graham
Kitchen crickets make a din,
sending taunts to chilly kin,
“You’re outside, but we got in.”
Summary: (subtitle) An Everyday Guide to Poetic Forms; In this splendid and playful volume — second of a trilogy — an acclaimed creative team presents examples of twenty-nine poetic forms, demonstrating not only the (sometimes bendable) rules of poetry, but also the spirit that brings these forms to life. Featuring poems from the likes of Eleanor Farjeon (aubade), X. J. Kennedy (elegy), Ogden Nash (couplet), Liz Rosenberg (pantoum), and William Shakespeare, the sonnet king himself. A Kick in the Head perfectly illustrates Robert Frost’s maxim that poetry without rules is like a tennis match without a net.
Why I like this book: All the poems are such fun, but what a great way to learn about all the forms – and feel inspired to write your own! Read it now and you’ll be ready for…next Valentine’s Day!
Resources/Activities: read more books on poems like: A Poke in the I, and A Foot in the Mouth, the other two in the trilogy; or great for boys: Good Sports, poems by Jack Prelutsky, illustrations by Chris Raschka; Alfred A. Knopf, 2007 – see the illustration spread from Good Sports below; AND WRITE POETRY!
For more PPBF picks, go to Susanna Leonard Hill’s blog – HERE
Love the illustrations! Looks like another good PB for my niece! 🙂 Thanks for continue to share!
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I don’t buy many books (haven’t got the space!), but this one’s worth it!
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That’s the plus of buying gifts! I don’t have to worry about the space. My sister does! 😉 Thanks again!
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Good thinkin’!
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What a fun looking cover. We’ll check this one out. Then, maybe we’ll be ready for Valentine’s Day.
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It’s a keeper!
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What fascinating book, Julie…for children and adults! I’m going to check it out right away. Although I don’t write poetry, I’m always looking for good examples. Thanks!
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Careful – you might feel the urge to write some after reading this!
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How did I miss this one? I love Paul Janeczko’s poetry books – and the artwork is way cool. Thanks for sharing!
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🙂 Wish I had found this earlier myself!
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This is a great book for kids and adults. I need to purchase this one! And, I love the cover and fun illustrations. Very unique book. Great choice!
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This one goes to the top of my potential gifts list!
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A must-read thanks Julie!
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🙂
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Oh, Julie – perhaps there is hope for me to learn….I love poetry (like Romeo & Juliet…abridged) and admire the creativity and diligence needed to accomplish a successful poem. And I like the illustrations – they are as poetic as yours. Thank you for calling this one to our attention.
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Thanks Laura, I hope you like this on too.
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This looks like a really cool book! I have yet to see a book from Candlewick Press that isn’t! Thanks for sharing!
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Then you share my sentiments about Candlewick!
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This looks wonderful. I love the illustrations. Thanks for sharing.
Kimberley
First in Maine
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Perhaps because I find it so hard to do-I love poetry. This looks wonderful. (btw-LOVED your puppets)
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I’m sorry they are not my puppets, Wendy. They are the lovely Renee’s creations!
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O wow, this sound just brilliant, I have to find a copy. I could learn so much. Renee would love this one.
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I haven’t gotten around to the others in the series – bet they are just as terrific!
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The illustrations look fabulous. Thanks for sharing.
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They are exuberant!
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Cool! I like it! 😀
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Glad!
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First off, how can you not love a book with this title? 🙂 Second, what a great idea for a book! I could learn a ton form this – forge the kids 🙂 I’m definitely going to have to read this one! Thanks so much for adding it to our list. I think it would be so fun and inspiring for kids – a great way to wade into poetry writing!
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…into the poetry pool!
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