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Poetry

Giant Squid

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Submitted by Ms. Tess!

With poetic text from Candace Fleming and cinematic illustrations from Eric Rohmann, Giant Squid tells the story of a majestic and mysterious underwater beast. The giant squid lives in the deep sea and very little is known about them. Scientists must hypothesize on limited observations and apocryphal stories about how the giant squid lives day to day. We know of its long tentacles, its large eyes, and its beaky mouth. But less is known about how and why a giant squid can change the color and even pattern of its skin. Or how many eggs it lays and where. The back matter of the book contains information about the anatomy of the giant squid, information about the precarious study of the giant squid, and resources for further information about the giant squid. This would be a wonderful book to share with an elementary-school-aged child in your life! See this book listed in our catalog

Won Ton and Chopstick

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Submitted by Ms. Sam!

Won Ton and Chopstick by Lee Wardlaw is the all too familiar tale about the rivalry between two furry pets: a cat and a dog. Won Ton and Chopstick’s story is told in haiku and is all about their mysterious future. Won Ton was the only pet in the house and loved his kitty life. That is until Chopstick comes home and makes Won Ton barking mad. Won Ton tries to get Chopstick in trouble but results in his own booting out of the house. Slowly over time Won Ton and Chopstick learn to live with each other and realize that they both can be purrfectly happy under one roof. See this book listed in our catalog

The Night Before Christmas

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Submitted by Ms. Sue!

The Night Before Christmas, poem by Clement C. Moore, illustrated by Holly Hobbie. This classic child’s poem of the night before Christmas was originally titled “Account of a Visit from St. Nicholas.” It rhythmically describes what can happen when Santa Claus comes on Christmas Eve as most children and parents are sleeping. But somebody wakes up upon hearing the clatter and the prancing and pawing of each reindeer hoof. In this illustrated version by Holly Hobbie, a new character is introduced. With a little magic and holiday surprise, Santa unpacks his bag full of toys and stuffs the stockings with presents and a teddy bear. “And laying his finger aside of his nose, and giving a nod, up the chimney he rose.” This enchanting poem and story will leave children with a feeling of anticipation and hope with one last message to all when St. Nicholas says, “Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!” See this book listed in our catalog

Wee Rhymes

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Submitted by Ms. Melissa!

Nursery rhymes are important! When children hear rhymes, they learn the sounds of different vowels and consonants. They also learn how to put these sounds together to make words. Rhymes are patterns repeat, which allows children to easily recall and memorize sounds. They also make great facial exercises for children’s tongues and mouths, which may help with speech later on. Not to mention, nursery rhymes are fun! Together you and your child will make lasting memories that will forever bond you. If you are interested in sharing rhymes with your child, check out Wee Rhymes: Baby’s First Poetry Book, a collection of Mother Goose nursery rhymes and original rhymes by Jane Yolen, with illustrations by Jane Dyer. See this book listed in our catalog

Slither Slide What’s Outside

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Submitted by Ms. Janis!

I really love this happy picture book and the way it inspires playful creativity. Slither Slide, What’s Outside? by Sheryl Shapiro is meant for preschoolers, but I think any child willing to move to his or her right-brain will find the freedom of thought and movement each page challenges its readers to enjoy. The poetry is fast, fun, and conveys excitement and joy. This book is one that adults will not get tired of reading to their little ones. Some poems are punchy and some use alliteration. I see parents playing right alongside their child, laughing, smiling, and creating. The bright, cheerfully colored illustrations add to the imaginative flow of the book, and it could be used in a STEM program for the library! See this book listed in our catalog

Otter and Odder

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Submitted by Ms. Tess!

There were many wonderful picture books that came out this year that I love (like this one, this one, this one, and this one). But this one is my favorite. Otter and Odder: A Love Story by James Howe, with illustrations by Chris Raschka. “The river sparkled the day Otter found love. He was not looking for it (love, that is). He was looking for dinner.” What he finds instead, or in spite of that I suppose, is a beautiful fish named Myrtle. It would seem impossible that an otter should fall in love with a fish, but when he gazes into her eyes for the first time, “he knew that he had found what he had not known he was looking for.” And as for Myrtle, she is equally smitten, for when she looks in Otter’s eyes she sees “the sparkling river reflected and a tender and lonely heart revealed.” And so, the otter and the fish swim into a new and surprising future together. In a perfect world, “an otter could fall in love with a fish, and a fish with an otter, and that would be that.” But the world is not perfect. Soon “the talking” begins. It’s not right. It’s not natural. It’s not “the way of the otter.” And in a way that’s true. How can Otter love Myrtle, but still eat fish? “They’re right.” Otter thinks. “It is impossible.” And yet, he can’t stop himself from thinking about Myrtle. “Is it the way of the otter… to be alone?” he contemplates miserably. One morning he meets wise Beaver along the river bank. Beaver asks Otter if he’d like an apple. Apples are tasty. Tastier than fish. “Have you ever eaten fish?” Otter asks. “No,” replies the beaver, “but I suppose I might if I ever fell in love with an apple.” And thusly, all hope is restored. Many things are more delicious than fish. In fact Otter wonders what he ever saw in fish, except for Myrtle, “Except for you, dear Myrtle,” he explains upon their tender reunion. And so “they lived happily ever after.” This is an amazing story of conquering obstacles, knowing what’s truly important, and not letting people’s opinions sway you from what you love. It is poetically written, and craftily illustrated. It is piece of art I think children and adults can appreciate, and a lesson we all need to learn. To quote Catherine Ryan Hyde, “Love always looks nice. I don’t really know anyone who doesn’t enjoy it when they see it. Anyone who doesn’t, I don’t really want to know them.” See this book listed in our catalog