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[CCBC-Net] Poetry and Art
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From: Steven Engelfried <sengelfried>
Date: Thu, 6 Apr 2006 22:44:12 -0700 (PDT)
I agree with Sara's point below. We librarians often complain that poetry isn't read enough, but well executed illustrations can make the difference between a book that sits on the shelf and one that draws child readers. When I think of my favorite poetry books, including ones I like to share with kids, they all have just right illustrations: Douglas Florian's simple but clever verse works great when read aloud, but the pictures are just such perfect matches for his words. A recent favorite of mine is "Oh No! Where Are My Pants?" an excellent collection of funny and sometimes poignant poems about childhood "disasters." The poems, selected by Lee Bennett Hopkins, have a common general theme, but are nicely varied in tone and style, and the distinctive illustrations by Wolf Erlbruch help to unify the collection. I'm also sure that those pictures will draw some kids to the book who might not otherwise pick it up....Yes, the poems could stand alone, but I think their
appeal is extended by the illustrations, without detracting from the impact of the words.
- Steven Engelfried, Senior Youth Services Librarian
Beaverton City Library
12375 SW 5th Street
Beaverton, OR 97005
503-526-2599
sengelfried at yahoo.com
Sara VanCleef <vancleef at scls.lib.wi.us> wrote:
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
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Received on Fri 07 Apr 2006 12:44:12 AM CDT
Date: Thu, 6 Apr 2006 22:44:12 -0700 (PDT)
I agree with Sara's point below. We librarians often complain that poetry isn't read enough, but well executed illustrations can make the difference between a book that sits on the shelf and one that draws child readers. When I think of my favorite poetry books, including ones I like to share with kids, they all have just right illustrations: Douglas Florian's simple but clever verse works great when read aloud, but the pictures are just such perfect matches for his words. A recent favorite of mine is "Oh No! Where Are My Pants?" an excellent collection of funny and sometimes poignant poems about childhood "disasters." The poems, selected by Lee Bennett Hopkins, have a common general theme, but are nicely varied in tone and style, and the distinctive illustrations by Wolf Erlbruch help to unify the collection. I'm also sure that those pictures will draw some kids to the book who might not otherwise pick it up....Yes, the poems could stand alone, but I think their
appeal is extended by the illustrations, without detracting from the impact of the words.
- Steven Engelfried, Senior Youth Services Librarian
Beaverton City Library
12375 SW 5th Street
Beaverton, OR 97005
503-526-2599
sengelfried at yahoo.com
Sara VanCleef <vancleef at scls.lib.wi.us> wrote:
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
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Received on Fri 07 Apr 2006 12:44:12 AM CDT
