ANIMALS, ANIMALS

ANIMALS, ANIMALS

Poems compiled by Laura Whipple

Illustrated by Eric Carle

Image credit: www.sonlight.com

Bibliography:

Whipple, Laura. 1989. Animals, Animals. Ill. by Eric Carle. New York: Puffin Books. ISBN 9780399217444

Critical Analysis and Review:

Whipple has created an exquisite anthology of animal poems from some of the world's greatest poet's.  From the historical words of Rudyard Kipling, Lewis Carroll and Edward Lear to the modern voices of Jack Prelutzsky, X. J. Kennedy, Judith Viorst and Bobbi Katz, this collection is a who's who of notable poets.  In this collection, there are even poems from ancient texts such as the Talmud and the Bible.  Along with the variety of poets, there is also variety in form.  From several haiku, to rhyming couplets, to free verse, there is something for every reader.  Animal lovers of all ages would find this anthology enjoyable.

Eric Carle's illustrations in his signature style are what really set this collection apart from other poetry books.  While the poems are varied in style and form, Carle's illustrations work together to create a cohesive collection of animal poetry.  The vibrant painted tissue paper collage is engaging for even the youngest readers to enjoy.  Highlights of Carle's work are the diving ducks, the brightly feathered peacock, the horned narwhal, and the wildly colored roosters.  This collection also contains an "Index of animals alphabetically arranged" as there are more than sixty animals featured and an "Index of first lines."

Spotlight Poem

GIRAFFES

by Mary Ann Hoberman

Giraffes

     I like them. 

     Ask me why.

          Because they hold their heads up high. 

          Because their necks stretch to the sky.

          Because they're so quiet, calm, and shy.

          Because they run so fast they fly,

          Because their eyes are velvet brown.

          Because their coats are spotted tan.

          Because they eat the tops of trees.

          Because they their legs have knobby knees.

          Because 

          Because

          Because. That's why

I like giraffes.

I chose this poem about giraffes because the repetition makes it fun to read aloud.  Also, the illustration jumped out at me as it is stretched vertically across the double-page spread causing one to turn the book to see it.  The simplistic style of this poem would make an excellent mentor poem for young students to use as a model for their own animal poem. 

In a science class, in which students learn about mammals, amphibians, reptiles, etc., students would choose a favorite animal and incorporate its characteristics into their own poem in the style of Hoberman.  After performing basic research, each "Because..." statement would contain a fact about their animal of choice.  Students could even use collage or paint to create an illustration of their favorite animal incorporating its physical characteristics. 

Interested students can read more about author and poet Mary Ann Hoberman here.