Book Review Poetry #2

 Winter Bees & Other Poems of the Cold

By Joyce Sidman & Rick Allen

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Sidman, Joyce.  WINTER BEES & OTHER POEMS OF THE COLD.  Ill. by Rick Allen.  New York: HMH. 2014. ISBN 9780547906508

PLOT SUMMARY

This poem book contains a collection of twelve poems that transport the reader outdoors to the cold, snowy scenes of winter.  Each poem is easy to locate with the use of the table of contents.  There are poems about different types of creatures, each creature tells their own story of how they survive in the harsh winter.   Beautiful language is used in each poem to engage the reader, a perfect example of this beautiful language is in the poem "Winter Bees"  where it says: "We scaled a million blooms to reap the summer's glow. Now, in the merciless cold, we share each morsel of heat, each honeyed crumb. "Not only does Joyce Sidman tell the story through poems of how animals survive in the harsh winter, but she also provides the reader with facts about the different animals and how exactly they survive in the winter.  A glossary is also provided at the end of the book for unfamiliar words.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Joyce Sidman uses simple, but yet very descriptive language that transports the reader to the harsh winter each one of these creatures experiences in these poems.  The reader can create clear mental images of what each creature is experiencing and when the reader thinks they are done Sidman provides factual information about each creature, providing the reader with more information which will not only provide enjoyment, but also information.  Not only are these poems providing enjoyment, Sidman's purpose is also to provide information which is a great tool for teachers, librarians, parents, or anyone who is reading these poems to children. Descriptive language abounds on every page, Sidman describes the snow in the poem "Vole in Winter"  vividly, it says  "and snow-crust ceiling...how it bakes in the winter sun like a crumbly white cake studded with delectable: crunchy roots, savory seeds, and tender bark of trees..."

Allen's illustrations allows the reader to experience and visualize the snow and what creatures look like trying to survive in the snow.  He uses "stunning linoleum print illustrations" which celebrates nature's beauty and power. Allen's illustrations keep the reader engaged and wanting to see more. This collection of poems is a must have for the classroom.

REVIEW EXCERPTS

Starred review in BOOKLIST: "Concluded with a glossary of big but fascinating words, this is equally suited to curricular units and cozy reads in front of a fire."

Starred review in SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: "Winter Bees distinguishes itself with a focus on the science of animal survival, coupled with superlative illustrations. Readers young and old will enjoy this winter journey and marvel at the wonders of nature."

CONNECTIONS

*These poems can be used in a classroom when learning about the winter season, a venn diagram can be used to compare two of their favorite animals from the story and discuss their similarities and differences.

*Students can think of another animal they have background knowledge about and create their own poem.  They can research facts about that animal to help create their poem and write facts as well.

*Expose children to other wonderful poem books written by Joyce Sidman & illustrated by Rick Allen:

DARK EMPEROR AND OTHER POEMS OF THE NIGHT. ISBN 9780547152288