Sidman, Joyce. 2006. BUTTERFLY EYES AND OTHER SECRETS OF THE MEADOW. Ill. by Beth Krommes. Boston: Houghton Mifflin. ISBN 061856313X [Suggested Grade Levels 2-6]
REVIEW
Sidman’s BUTTERFLY EYES focuses on the ecosystem of the meadow with poems posed as riddles, followed by narrative explanations. Here she considers the grasshopper, rabbit, fox, spittlebug, butterfly, snake, toad, goldfinch, hawk, and deer, as well as the plant life of the meadow. Pairs of poem riddles are followed by the riddle answers on two pages of scientific facts in prose in this beautifully planned and executed poetry book. A variety of poem forms such as letter and apology poems, concrete or shape poems, and even a pantoum are included. Outstanding scratchboard illustrations perfectly complement the book’s exceptional format. A helpful glossary is provided.
CONNECTIONS
Bring a bug in a jar (with air holes) for children to study and describe. They can create thumbprint insect characters or draw pictures to accompany their writing. If the local natural history museum has guest speakers available, invite them to visit and bring inspect specimens to show.
Check out Joyce Sidman’s web site for in-depth guides full of activities for using her books with children. She provides information, photographs, links, and even printable resources like a lovely bookmark with an original poem about books to share.
RELATED BOOKS
Other books of insect-related poetry:
Bulion, Leslie. HEY THERE, STINK BUG! ISBN 158089304X
Sidman, Joyce. SONG OF THE WATER BOATMAN AND OTHER POND POEMS. ISBN 0618135472
Singer, Marilyn. TURTLE IN JULY. ISBN 0590443496
Singer, Marilyn. FIREFLIES AT MIDNIGHT. ISBN 0689824920
By Sylvia M. Vardell
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