Thursday, April 26, 2007

Log Blog

Butterfly Eyes and Other Secrets of the Meadow by Joyce Sidman, illustrated by Beth Krommes.

Sidman’s previous poetry collection, Song of the Water Boatman and Other Pond Poems, a joyous celebration of the seasonal life of a pond, won a Caldecott honor for Becky Prange’s stunning woodcut illustrations. Once again, Sidman uses a variety of poetic styles to explore the ecosystem of a meadow. Fascinated by interrelationships she saw in there, Sidman groups her poems in complimenting pairs, and, with visual clues from Krommes’ lush scratchboard illustrations, ends each poem with a riddle, inviting children to guess which flora or fauna the poem is about:

“ … PALESLIMYBELLYBLOWNUPLIKEABALLOON
stringy
legs
softwormtoes …”

What am I? (a toad)

From “Don’t I Look Delicious?”

The pages following each poem answer the riddle and provide basic information about the life represented in the poem. Like its predecessor, this book is a handsome blend of art, science, and poetry recommended for ages 5-9, but can be enjoyed by all.

Want more Sidman? Visit her website: http://www.joycesidman.com/

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