Poetry Break #9

Introduction: This amusing poem from a dog's point of view repeats the refrain "Feed me, feed me,/I'm a chowhound!" Perfect for pairing with a discussion on pets, food or just for fun.

Chowhound
by Daniel Kirk

I know what kind
of dog I am:
the kind that lives
for steak and ham!
My tummy makes
a grumbling sound.
Feed me, feed me,
I'm a chowhound!

I like chicken
topped with cheese.
Serve me one more
portion, please!
Give me burgers,
gently browned.
Feed me, feed me,
I'm a cowhound!

Give me prime beef,
lamb, and rice.
A T-bone steak
would be so nice!
I like sausage,
fat and round.
Feed me, feed me,
I'm a chowhound!

Jerky, rawhide,
leather chews--
those are treats
that I can use!
In my bowl or
on the ground,
feed me, feed me,
I'm a chowhound!

Moist and meaty,
soft and chewy…
I'll eat it if it's
nice and gooey!
Slop that stew
in one big mound
Feed me, feed me,
I'm a chowhound!

Below the table
by the sink,
I've looked
everywhere, I think,
but crumbs and scraps
are all I've found.
Feed me, feed me,
I'm a chowhound!

I'm starving, Master,
look at me!
Don't make me
wait in misery.
Before I lose
a single pound,
feed me, feed me,
I'm a chowhound!

Kirk, Daniel. 2003. Dogs rule!. New York: Hyperion Books for Children.

Extension: Read the poem aloud once. Then ask the kids to say the repeating refrain at the end of each stanza when you read it aloud again. Try it a third time with the students barking after saying the refrain.

Poetry Review #8

Florian, Douglas. 1998. Insectlopedia. San Diego. Harcourt, Inc.

Douglas Florian creates a whimsical collection of insect verse and art in Insectlopedia. This collection of twenty-one poems describes the unique aspects of various insects and arachnids often highlighting their most known features. This makes the collection an ideal accompaniment to any science lesson. Florian expertly and concisely provides insight to insect existence. He takes unusual scientific aspects of each example and highlights it through rhyme, rhythm, and imagery. By exaggerating a characteristic he often infuses humor into the piece, therefore creating a memorable association that will reinforce scientific concepts to children.

In most of the poems, Florian uses a lyrical rhyming format skillfully, which will easily appeal to young children. In a few instances, he employs a concrete technique creating a shape with his words. In "The Whirligig Beetles," the poem creates a circle, while in "The Inchworm" the verse makes an arch, both examples imitating the insects' movement. Through his clever wordplay, Florian disseminates significant information about many of these animals. For example, in "The Termites" he explains why these tiny creatures build such tall mounds, "Our nest is/blessed to be/immense. It gives/us all a firm/defense, superior/to any fence./It shields us from our/enemies. It keeps us/cooler, by degrees./From floods and droughts/it guarantees." Shaping the actual poem like a tower, it serves to reinforce the physical shape of an actual termite mound.

Florian also employs powerful imagery to make connections between concepts. In "The Giant Water Bug," he describes how the female of the species glues eggs to the males back, "And on his back they stay./But does he ever get a card/Or gift for Father's Day?" By focusing on this unique characteristic, then pairing it with this humorous image, he is subtly emphasizing what makes the water bug scientifically significant. This technique is also demonstrated in "The Io Moth," where he suggests that the false eyes on the mammoth's body are actually used to repel science teachers. By infusing the fact with humor, Florian ensures that children truly appreciate the distinct qualities of each animal.

The illustrations in the collection are abstract, certainly not acceptable for true scientific observation. However, in many instances they are humorous, which would perhaps stand out in the mind of a child. Florian uses mixed media to create collages for each insect. He attempts to incorporate images that represent each sentiment described in the verse. A picture for each poem compliments the book well without taking away from the words. This colorful representation may not be realistic, but it is an inventive way to underline the uniqueness of each creature.

Florian successfully creates a collection of fun interesting poems about bugs. It is well organized and appropriate for a wide age range of children. By blending interesting facts, witty wordplay and unique art, this book will certainly attract young readers. All of the scientific detail makes it ideal for use with an entomology lesson. The humor and whimsy that permeate the collection will only make it more attractive to readers. It may also encourage further interest in the animals presented.

Poetry Break #7

Introduction: As spring approaches the outside world begins to transform. Flowers bloom, insects abound and the sun begins to stay out later and later. Celebrate the transformation from winter's chill to the light of spring with this fun poem by Douglas Florian. Make it more entertaining by acting out some of the words described in the verse.

The March Wind
by Douglas Florian

The March wind growls.
The March wind howls.
The March wind rattles
And skedaddles.
The March wind whips
And whirls and skips.
Through the larches
The March wind marches.

Florian, Douglas. 2006. Handsprings. New York: Greenwillow Books.

Extension: What better way to celebrate Spring than with a parade! If space allows or if the weather is fair, have the children form a line and march to the beat of the poem. Encourage the students to act out what the wind does in the poem. For a more memorable experience, hand out streamers, noise makers and whistles if available.

If space is limited, split the students up into several groups assigning each group a verse. Ask them to come up with a movement or sound that matches with their particular verse. Then have them recite the poem inserting their action or sound on their turn.

For older students, discuss the way the wind is personified in the poem. Ask for additional ways the wind may be described using this form.

Poetry Book Review #6

Sones, Sonya. 2001. What my mother doesn't know. New York: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers.

Sonya Sones young adult novel What my Mother Doesn't Know is told in verse from the perspective of Sophie, a fourteen-year old girl struggling to understand her world while trying to find the right boyfriend. Through the verse, Sophie describes the challenges of deciphering her feelings for various boys. She also tries to understand her parents and the effect that their sour relationship has had on her mom. Finally, she speaks candidly about everyday things from dealing with your period to staring at your favorite painting in a museum. Sones propels the narrative forward through the free verse poems. The story consistently features realistic situations and characters that are recognizable. Sones' confessional style provides an intimate glimpse into Sohpie's thoughts and emotions.

Novels written in verse form are excellent tools for disinclined readers because of their brevity. At only 259 pages, most of the poems are one page long making this a quick read. Poetry is also the perfect vehicle for the emotional upheavals that often accompany teen lit. In this story Sophie falls in and out of love three times, describes the difficult relationship she witnesses between her parents, and gives a sense of her own challenging relationship with her mother. Each of these experiences carries heavy emotional impacts that can frankly be described through poetry. A perfect example of this is in the poem "All I Want to Know Is" where Sophie is describing the immediate aftermath of a fight with her mom. The numb tone of her mother's voice makes her feel incredibly guilty, but seconds after the fight when the phone rings, her mother answers it sounding as if nothing is wrong. The poem ends with Sophie enraged imagining herself attacking her mother physically, "…slapping her so hard/across her face/that the shape of my hand/will leave a stinging print?" (Sones 148). Despite the succinct style, the complexity of emotions is always evident.

The poetry in this story is accessible. It is as if overhearing a conversation or reading a teenagers personal diary. A few poems are e-mails from Sophie's friends. There are several pop culture references mainly to television shows like "The Twilight Zone" or "From Martha's Kitchen." Sophie is a smart girl and though she may be trying to make sense of her confused mental state, she does know when someone has crossed a line. She immediately ends the relationship with her cyber boyfriend, Chaz, when he makes a shocking confession. In the poem "Culture Clash," she describes an awkward moment with her first boyfriend Dylan. After he asks her not to mention to his mom that she is Jewish, she cunningly replies "okay, but can I/tell her about/the HIV positive thing?" (Sones 74). Sophie has a wile way about her. She is strong and eventually learns not to be afraid to do what you feel is right.

Because of the female protagonist and the introspective nature of the poems, this novel may appeal more to girls than boys. Sophie is the typical teenage girl that is angry at her parents, in love with lots of boys and unfalteringly loyal to her friends. Her wit shines through the poetry making the most mundane situations interesting. Sones' talent in keeping the narrative moving while getting to the essence of emotion makes this a worthwhile read.