I discovered
Mites to Mastodons by Maxine Kumin during April. I still have a few poetry books that I haven't returned because I'm still reading them. This is one of them. I recognized Maxine Kumin's name, but I didn't know that she wrote poetry for children. From the back flap of the book: "Maxine is the author of fifteen books of poetry, four novels, five collections of essays, short stories, a memoir, and twenty children's books." This book was a delightful surprise.
Mites to Mastodons, published in 2006, is whimsically illustrated by Pamela Zagarneski. I love her dedication comment: "I dedicate this book to all who hold it in their hands . . . tall and small"
Put this book in the hands of students who love animals and they're certain to find poems they will love! It's hard to say which I like better, the poems or the illustrations. Here are a couple of my favorite pages from the book.
Cats
When I grow old I plan to keep
eleven cats, and let them sleep
on any bedspread that they wish
and feed them people's tuna fish
I'm so grateful for this community where we celebrate poetry every week of the year. Head over to Margaret's blog at Reflections on the Teche for this week's roundup of poetry love. I love Margaret's invitation: "Jump in line anytime or just stand on the side and wave. It’s all good."
I'm glad to read a poem with cat plans - they are cozy to have around, and I plan to have them, too!
ReplyDeleteThanks for this inviting review! I didn't know Maxine Kumin wrote children's poetry either. Thanks to you I am putting this book on my "want to read" list.
ReplyDeleteI always will regret not getting a chance to meet Ms. Kumin, who lived here in town just a few miles away. This was published shortly before she passed, and it taught me a lot about what children's poetry could be.
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