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[CCBC-Net] Poetry and Art
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From: Sara VanCleef <vancleef>
Date: Thu, 06 Apr 2006 19:34:52 -0500
I agree with Megan that good poetry doesn't need illustrations, but carefully chosen illustrations can definitely enhance poetry. I find this to be particularly true with readers who maybe reluctant to try poetry, and younger children. Hoop Kings by Charles R. Smith is one book that I recommend to readers who like sports, and are unfamilar with poetry. The book and its' illustrations are big and bold. The author uses a variety of font types and sizes to help give the reader a sense of the agility, power, and grace present in basketball players.
The use of illustrations in A Wreath For Emmett Till by Marilyn Nelson are a comfort of sorts to the reader. The words are so powerful and at times so painful, I cannot read this poem without a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes. The illustrations with bright colors, beautiful birds and flowers and Emmett's young, hopeful face temper the images conjured by the words without diminishing their powerfulness.
Finally, one of my daughter's absolute favorite books is a renovated classic, Hush Little Baby by Brian Pinkney whose illustrations are capable of enthralling a 2 yr old night after night. ( I realize some might not consider this poetry but I do!) Sara VanCleef Young Adult Librarian Sun Prairie Public Library 1350 Linnerud Drive Sun Prairie, WI 53590 608.825.0702 vancleef at scls.lib.wi.us
Received on Thu 06 Apr 2006 07:34:52 PM CDT
Date: Thu, 06 Apr 2006 19:34:52 -0500
I agree with Megan that good poetry doesn't need illustrations, but carefully chosen illustrations can definitely enhance poetry. I find this to be particularly true with readers who maybe reluctant to try poetry, and younger children. Hoop Kings by Charles R. Smith is one book that I recommend to readers who like sports, and are unfamilar with poetry. The book and its' illustrations are big and bold. The author uses a variety of font types and sizes to help give the reader a sense of the agility, power, and grace present in basketball players.
The use of illustrations in A Wreath For Emmett Till by Marilyn Nelson are a comfort of sorts to the reader. The words are so powerful and at times so painful, I cannot read this poem without a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes. The illustrations with bright colors, beautiful birds and flowers and Emmett's young, hopeful face temper the images conjured by the words without diminishing their powerfulness.
Finally, one of my daughter's absolute favorite books is a renovated classic, Hush Little Baby by Brian Pinkney whose illustrations are capable of enthralling a 2 yr old night after night. ( I realize some might not consider this poetry but I do!) Sara VanCleef Young Adult Librarian Sun Prairie Public Library 1350 Linnerud Drive Sun Prairie, WI 53590 608.825.0702 vancleef at scls.lib.wi.us
Received on Thu 06 Apr 2006 07:34:52 PM CDT
