LS 5663 Module 4: Science Poetry

Earthshake

Westberg Peters, Lisa. 2003. EARTHSHAKE: POEMS FROM THE GROUND UP. Ill. Cathie Felstead. Greenwillow Books. ISBN 978-0-06-029266-9

Review:

Lisa Westberg Peters helps us explore our world using twenty-two poems about geology. Covered topics include erosion, wind, lava, fossils, quartz, meteorites, and sandstone, among others. Peters poems range from concrete to haiku to free verse.

 The genius behind this short book is the way Peters takes subjects one might think of as dull and makes them come alive. She uses short, sometimes silly, yet interesting poems to discuss geology in an imaginative and unique manner. Peters also gives her readers three pages of endnotes. These endnotes give an explanation of each geological topic discussed within her poems.

Illustrator Cathie Felstead's use of mixed-media collage artwork creates the perfect complement to Peter's poetry. Her illustrations are vibrant and energetic. Predominantly in blues and green, they bring to mind earthly elements.

Highlighted Poem:

Continental Promises

Dear 

Africa,

Stay close!

We'll be 

friends 

forever.

Love,

South America

Dear

South America,

My coastlines 

are your

coastlines.

My deserts 

are your 

deserts.

We're rock-solid.

Love, 

Africa

Possible Uses:

Teachers can use the poem "Continental Promises" to begin a study on Pangaea. Students should also read "Obituary of a Clam" to further understand the changes our planet has undergone.

Genre 3: Insectlopedia

Insectlopedia


Florian, Douglas. 1998. Insectlopedia. Ill. by Doulas Florian. New York: Harcourt. ISBN 0152013067.




Plot Summary
Insectlopedia is a collection of twenty-one poems that uses rhymes to describe different types of arthropods such as the inchworm, praying mantis, weevils, and even ticks. Some of Douglas Florian's poems describe the insect’s physical features, while others discuss insect habitats, diet, or natural inclination.

Critical Analysis
The verse form in Florian's book is as varied as the bugs of which he writes. Florian's use of shaped or pattern poems enhances his writings of the inchworm, whirligig beetles, and termites. He creates a dramatic effect with his use of alliteration, rhythms, and rhyme. Florian incorporates rhymes at the ends of lines. Additionally, he plays with sound and meter, word choice, and even the placement of words on the page to create poems that entertain readers while evoking an emotional response. His use of action words in his description of the whirligig beetles paints a vivid visual image for readers.

The humor in each illustration adds to the overall appeal. As each selection is given its own page, Florian was able to use a large type and provide his readers with full-page watercolors. His portraits incorporate the anthropomorphic qualities he gives his insects, including the daddy longlegs lifting weights, the inchworm inching his way down the highway, and a waterbug reading his Father's Day card. The insects appear engaged in the action of the story and shape the mood with first person dialogue. Florian created his illustrations using collage and watercolor on primed brown paper bags to create effective and engaging visions.

Review Excerpts
School Library Journal: "There are other books of poetry about insects and lots of collections of humorous verses about animals but none match Insectlopedia."

Kirkus Review: "Read alone or read aloud, each of these ticklish tidbits features an individual member of the insect world, and focuses on attributes, foibles, and antics displayed in the eight-legged community."

Publishers Weekly: "The silly, imaginative verses about whirligig beetles and waterbugs (almost) match the exquisite pictures in playfulness and wit. The result is downright stunning."

Connections
Integrate Insectlopedia into a cross curricular study of insects with science classes.

Related Books
Other books by Douglas Florian:

Mammalabilia
Lizards, Frogs, and Polliwogs
On the Wing
Beast Feast: Poems


Book cover art from www.librarything.com