From: Nina Lindsay <nlindsay>
Date: Thu, 14 Dec 1995 11:27:00 -600

There are two very handsome picture-book format books of poetry with illustrations by artist Romare Bearden, which make great picture books for older kids (upper elementary-YA?). One is "The Block", with poems by Langston Hughes, and illustrations taken from a single collage by Bearden. Criticisms of this book, which I agree with somewhat, are that by taking illustrations out of a larger work of art, they become less effective. True, but they're still beautiful, I think. The other is "i live in music", a single poem by Ntozake Shange. I think the illustrations work much better in this book. The poem is also wonderful for anyone who enjoys music. Both books are great presentations of poetry (for kids who say they don't like poetry) -- and Bearden's art is dramatic in the large picture book format.
Received on Thu 14 Dec 1995 11:27:00 AM CST