LS 5663 Spring 2012 Mod 3 New Poetry Book

Module 3


Kinds of Poetry-New Poetry Book

Bibliographic information:

Silverstein, Shel. Every thing on it: poems and drawings. New York: Harper, 2011. ISBN: 9780061998164

Review:

Shel Silverstein was a cartoonist, author, poet, songwriter, and playwright. He is best known for his many children's poems. In 2011, twelve years after his death, Everything On It was published. It is a familiar collection of Silverstein’s rhythmic talent and slightly dark yet upbeat sense of humor. This latest collection is definitely in keeping with what we have come to expect from Silverstein. His famous odd, peculiar and sometimes “gross” subject choices can be found in the collection alongside a few new surprises. The pace of the poetry and his use of figurative language create an emotional and stimulating experience for readers. Silverstein’s style is one of a storyteller. The fantasies and exaggerations he creates with words and simple drawings are quite appealing to children. The collection is arranged in such a way that readers can experience huge belly laughs as well as sensitive thoughtful moments as they make their way from beginning to end. Each poem is accompanied by his signature black and white sketch. The index and pagination make it easy for readers to locate a particular poem. The touching “For You” dedication and final poem entitled, “When I’m Gone” make this collection feel very personal.



Highlighted Poem:

Wild Weed

This kid-eating plant

Is a dangerous creature.

It can wind all around ya

And choke ya and eatcha.

I should chop it or clip it

Or pull it or prune it,

But its leaves are so pretty…

I do hate to ruin it.

Introduction/Activity:

1st grade-5th grade: predicting outcomes

After reading the book, re-read th epoem on page 160, Wild Weed. Have students create an original comic strip telling with pictures and captions what happened next.