Sidman, Joyce. Winter
Bees & Other Poems of the Cold, illustrated by Rick Allen. Houghton
Mifflin Harcourt, 2014. $17.99. POETRY PICTURE BOOK. NONFICTION.
This poetry picture book is the perfect marriage of words
and illustrations. Poet Joyce Sidman
includes both free verse and rhyme poetry to tell the story of the creatures who
live in the cold. Each poem is
accompanied by a lengthy paragraph explanation of the animal and their winter habits
that is packed with interesting facts. The
poems beg to me read aloud, “Dusk fell / and the cold came creeping / came
prickling into our hearts. / As we tucked beaks / into feathers and settled for
sleep, / our wings knew” (Dream of the Tundra Swan). The discussion poem between, “Brother Raven,
Sister Wolf” is a fascinating view of their codependent relationship. The illustrations are unforgettable. Illustrator Rick Allen cleverly combines the
old technique of ink relief printing with digital scanning, creating a uniquely
new look.
EL-ADVISABLE.
Samantha Hastings, MA, MLS.
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