Poetry Month Ends... But Poetry Lingers On.

Just in case you've missed the news, APRIL is NATIONAL POETRY MONTH, for all ages. So, now that April 30 has arrived, this will conclude my posts about poetry picture books. 

NO!

There's no cause for alarm as I survey the tall stack of poetry collections, patiently awaiting their turns in the spotlight. If you're new to this blog, you can read my longstanding objection to theme months here, going way back to the early weeks of this blog in 2012. In fact, the only issue I have with a stack of poetry books not yet shared is a slight worry that I could trip  over them and break something, possibly ME! There's always time in the year(s) ahead to share them here, but I'll improve the safety factor by powering through some favorite HAIKU collections before shifting gears for a few weeks to other genre. NO worries, though. Poetry will return before long.

Greenwillow Books, 2004

So, in rapid-fire succession, here are some of my favorite haiku picture books, with a sample poem from each. 

IF NOT FOR THE CAT features poetry by  Jack Prelutsky, illustrated by Ted Rand. Most are familiar with Prelutsky's tightly rhymed/metered poems, many bordering on rapid-fire raps, but these haiku offer reflections through the point of view of familiar creatures, enhanced by remarkably powerful illustrations. 

CROW: 

Raucously we caw.

Your straw men do not fool us.

We burgle your corn.

Henry Holt and Company, 2011

Next up is WON-TON: A Cat Tale Told in Haiku, written by Lee Wardlaw and illustrated by Eugene Yeltsin. In this case, this big-eyed, sharp-clawed cat shares the experience of being a shelter cat through selection, adjustment, and acceptance in a rescue home.

Here's the first of three poems as the cat arrives at the shelter. 

Nice place they got here.

Bed. Bowl. Blanket. Just like home!

Or so I've been told.

And one from the collection labeled HOME:

Your tummy, soft as 

warm dough. I knead and knead, then

bake it with a nap.

Simon and Schuster BYR, 2007

A similar premise reflects the arrival of a stray dog at a home whose family has no intention of adding a dog. DOGKU is written  by Andrew Clements with heart-tugging illustrations by Tim Bowers. This adds a bonus flap haiku:

A tale in haiku

of one adorable dog.

Let's find him a home.

Even the author's and illustrator's dedications are in haiku. 

Adjusting to a new home is never easy:

Chew on dirty socks.

Roll around in week-old trash.

Ahhh...that's much better.

Houghton Mifflin Books for Children, 2010

Last (for now), but certainly not least, Is GUYKU: A Year of Haiku for Boys, written by Bob Raczka and illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds. Organized by seasons, beginning in SPRING (isn't that when every year really begins?), these are action-packed insights into the power of poetry to capture pure joy. 

I free grasshopper

from his tight, ten-fingered cage--

he tickles too much!

And later in the year...

Icicles dangle,

begging to be broken off

for a short sword fight.

So, I invite you to join me in my resistance to the unconscious restrictions of theme months. Hustle on out (or click on your library hold access online) and check out these terrific books. I'm excited to add that these, and their authors, will lead you to additional outstanding titles. 

Enjoy!

OVERLOOK OGRE AT YOUR PERIL!

If I had any money to wager, I'd bet that poems kids recognize most come from collections by Shel Silverstein or Jack Prelutsky. Whether poetry is ubiquitous or undercover in classrooms, few escape childhood without becoming acquainted with one or both of these fine poets.

Prelutsky's collections and individual poems are available in paperback, online, and even on YouTube. Way back before The New Kids On The Block hit the airwaves as teen-tween heartbreakers, Jack Prelutsky’s New Kid On The Block collection of poems landed on bookshelves and continues to be a hit with kids.

When that happened back in 1984 Jack Prelutsky was already an established success, and one or more of his energized, intensely metered and rhymed romps is likely to be a familiar favorite among generations of now-grown kids.

Since it's April (Poetry Month, remember?) I can't resist calling attention to a pair of his titles that deserve just as much attention. Both are illustrated by the incomparable Paul O. Zelinsky. If you think the ogre in The Dreamworks version of SHREK was appealing, wait until you meet the Ogre starring in AWFUL OGRE'S AWFUL DAY.
This oversized, over-the-top collection of poems constitutes an ironically sensitive diary of a day in the life of the inimitable Awful Ogre. After he rises with his beloved tarantula, buzzard, and other pets, his face is scrubbed with weasel grease, he breakfasts on Scream of Wheat, and his busy day commences. Zelinsky's illustrations elaborate on the richly detailed verses with intricacies and extensions that merit close examination and provide additional laughs.

Awful Ogre first appeared in 2001, then returned to celebrate Prelutsky's year as Children's Poet Laureate in 2008. In AWFUL OGRE RUNNING WILD he's off on a series of wild and crazy adventures totally in character, yet utterly bizarre.

True to the Ogre we met in the first book, he is a renaissance fellow who paints, cooks, meditates, travels, and dragon-watches, among his other refined hobbies. In his first book he wakes screaming from a nightmare featuring disgustingly sweet images that would rival the most romantic rococo artist. In this latter title Ogre ends his day with insomnia which he cures by indulging a case of the munchies with snacks only an ogre could stomach.

In each case both the poems and the illustrations are refined, comic, and appallingly appealing. Explore a site hosted by Scholastic to share some interactive poetry coaching by Prelutsky.
Don't miss a chance to explore more of Zelinsky's classic and current books and adventures on his website, too. Kids who love "search" challenges and the eye-spy books (isn't that all kids?) will adore the labyrinthian layers of his illustrations.

While you're at it, slow yourself down and read Prelutsky's collection of animal haiku poems, IF NOT FOR THE CAT, illustrated by Ted Rand.


Do you have a favorite Prelutsky or Zelinsky title? Or other books that you worry might be overlooked?