September 9, 2012
National Geographic Book of Animal Poetry
200 Poems with Photographs that Squeak, Soar, and Roar!
J. Patrick Lewis, our United States children’s poet laureate, chose 200 poems from such varied writers as Ben Franklin, Leadbelly, Jack Prelutsky and Joyce Sidman. There is a mix of old and new in the limericks, haiku, shaped poems and free verse poems. Accompanying photographs feature wildlife portraits that vividly illustrate each poem: a white egret’s plumage is dramatically contrasted against a black background, a towering elephant is photographed from a ground-level perspective. Lewis adds advice for young writers at the end. Lighthearted and enjoyable – a stunning combination of verse and photography. Ages 7-10