Tap Dancing on the Roof

Tap Dancing on the Roof: Sijo (Poems)
by Linda Sue Park
illustrated by Istvan Banyai
Clarion Books
ISBN 978-0618234837
www.lindasuepark.com

Yes, yes, we know we're not supposed to judge a book by its cover, but it's tough to gaze upon the whimsical dust jacket of Tap Dancing on the Roof without feeling hopefully giddy about the pages inside. Happily for us and you and children of all ages, the poems within more than live up to the promise of that little red-dressed girl and her very large scissors.

As explained in the Author's Note (a gold mine of information and tips for readers, writers, and teachers alike), sijo is a form of Korean poetry with a fixed number of stressed syllables and a surprise joke or twist at the end. Poem after poem, Linda Sue Park serves up witty observations about everything from long division to bedtime snacks, with plenty of unexpected surprises along the way. Istvan Banyai's playful illustrations -- rendered mostly in gray tones with dashes of color here and there -- wisely complement the poems without ever overwhelming the text. It's the book equivalent of a hot fudge sundae with a cherry on top. Perfect!

The Snack Smasher: And Other Reasons Why It's Not My Fault

The Snack Smasher: And Other Reasons Why It's Not My Fault
by Andrea Perry
Illustrated by Alan Snow
Atheneum, 2007
ISBN 0689854692

The Three Silly Chicks are so relieved. We finally understand why we sometimes have bad hair days. No, it's not our hair--it's those awful Scary-Hair-Fairies! We're also relieved to learn that we are not going crazy (contrary to popular belief). There really are Ink Drinkers, thirsty and sly, who sip our ink when we're not looking. And, well, we just knew we didn't snore. It's those dastardly Snorists, of course! The Chicks certainly don't snore.

This zany poetry collection is all about the pesky hobgoblins who create havoc in our lives. We think students will have a great time coming up with their own monsters. What about that big goon who lives in the washing machine and eats our socks? What a pain he is. Or how about the mischievous imp who steals our car keys whenever we're late? That guy needs a name.

We love that this book is out in time for Poetry Month! Funny how that happens.

Frankenstein Makes a Sandwich

Frankenstein Makes a Sandwich
Written and Illustrated by Adam Rex
Harcourt, Inc.
September, 2006
ISBN: 0152057668
http://adamrex.com/adamrex-home.html


FRANKENSTEIN MAKES A SANDWICH is an uproariously funny poetry collection about the pesky little problems that monsters face each day. When Frankenstein decides to borrow deli slices from his neighbors to make a sandwich, they pick up their pitchforks and chase him out of town. They throw rotten tomatoes and loaves of moldy bread. Voila! A perfect sandwich! When the poor Phantom of the Opera tries to create a new song, he can’t get "It’s a Small World After All" out of his head. (Can't you just hear it now?) Wolfman’s dog is sick and tired of his master clawing at the door and leaving globs of hair in the tub. And the Invisible Man? Well, he can’t seem to get a decent haircut. The silly barber keeps cutting off the wrong parts. Such problems!

The best way to share this wonderful read-aloud is by pouring over the illustrations with a fiend. Each spread is a loving ode to a different illustrator. Careful readers will notice some unlikely influences, like Charles Schultze (Snoopy’s skeleton makes an appearance on page 33), Richard Scarry and Norman Rockwell. (Could that be Tony DiTerlizzi’s pug on page 13?) Be sure to read all the fine print—you’ll find some of the funniest jokes half-hidden in the illustrations.