Friday, July 3, 2015

Poetry Friday: Firefly July

Happy first Poetry Friday in July! I thought today would be a perfect one for sharing a new favorite poetry book of mine, Firefly July: a year of very short poems (2014) selected by Paul Janeczko and illustrated by Melissa Sweet.


The book is arranged seasonally with a wonderful array of short poems for each season. Each poem is accompanied by the incredible art of Melissa Sweet, whose bright collage style ought to make anyone want to create art. A combination of one and two-page spreads as well as clever poem juxtapositions make this book a treasure.


Amazing illustrations aside, what I really appreciate about this book is the brevity of the poems. They are all such tight little snapshots and make great mentor texts for teaching kids how to write poetry - economy of words, creating a strong image, and more. This is a great poetry collection to add to any classroom or personal library.

Donna at Mainely Write has this week's Poetry Friday Roundup. Don't forget to join in next week when ... The Logonauts will be hosting Poetry Friday! Can't wait.

10 comments:

  1. Such a perfect firefly poem! And the art is beautiful too. I've been wanting to read this book. Thanks for the reminder!

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    1. Absolutely, Rebecca. I found it amusing that it took my until July to get around to it too!

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  2. Great choice. I wish I could share this with kids during firefly season.

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    1. Exactly! Got a chance to watch the neighbor kids chasing fireflies this past weekend - always so magical.

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  3. It is a beautiful book, I agree, and perfect for this weekend, Katie.

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    1. Thanks, Linda! It is definitely firefly season here.

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  4. This is just one of those perfect books that come along once in a blue moon. Right words, right order, right illustrations. Perfect.

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  5. Excellent book. You make great points about its power as a mentor text for young poets.

    Cathy

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    1. Thanks, Cathy! I hate how my students get this idea that haiku is the only type of short poem out there. I think there are tons of amazing examples here to get them writing.

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