From School Library Journal
Gr 1-4-Florian spotlights the animals and geography of the polar regions. Poems about animals, the tundra, krill, and climate change are accompanied by his illustrations. Each poem features a short but detailed paragraph of information. For example, following the poem "Arctic Hare," readers learn that these animals are "active all year long and do not hibernate." Florian includes familiar mammals (polar bears and whales), as well as lesser-known animals (the ptarmigan and the wolverine). Each poem uses humorous wordplay. A moose is "un-moose-takable" and blue whales eat krill by the "trillions!" and "krillions!" The delightful illustrations are a highlight. Each poem is complemented by at least two of Florian's pastel drawings. There are subtle but discernible references to climate change throughout. The final poem, "Climate Change," captures what is happening in the arctic regions. The descriptive blurb explains that human activity is changing the natural habitat of the polar regions and offers specific suggestions on how to fight climate change. There is a website to visit to learn more. A bibliography is included. VERDICT This title is a terrific example of poetry and the wonder of the natural world. Although the collection only covers the polar regions, it could be used in the classroom to write poetry, draw, and learn facts about different biomes.-Susan Lissim, Dwight Sch., New York Cityα(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review
★ "There are lots of surprises in the inventive wordplay along with twisted syntax that gets the point across while invoking giggles from young readers. . . . Florian is a master of light verse with a purpose, and he matches it with art that charms. Thoughtful, fun, and delightful."—Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review
"The delightful illustrations are a highlight. . . . . a terrific example of poetry and the wonder of the natural world."—School Library Journal
"Informative facts about the regions and animals appear as mini notes below each poem . . . Florian's signature impressionistic illustrations in colored pencils and oil pastels add verve." —The Horn Book
"In typical Florian fashion, the rhythmic poems, mostly told from the animal’s perspective, use rhyme, wit, and occasional puns to give kids a taste of the animal’s physical characteristics, habitat, diet, adaptations, or other special traits. . . . As always, much of the humor comes from Florian’s distinctive, childlike mixed-media illustrations on paper-bag backgrounds. The final poem, 'Climate Change,' urges young readers to care for these animals and their environments. A funny yet socially conscious collection." —Booklist
"The poet’s quick rhyming lines and Ogden Nash–like love of a concluding pun on are full display here."—The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
"Florian's trademark whimsical art complements poems about life in the polar regions and the animals native to those environs . . . clever free verse poems include snippets of information that will make young readers eager to learn more."—School Library Connection
About the Author
Douglas Florian an award-winning poet and fine artist who has had much success with poetry collections that he has both written and illustrated. Frequently using wordplay, rhythm, and rhyme in his poetry and crayons and paper bags in his illustrations, he consistently uses humor to engage his young audience. He has written and illustrated two I Like to Read® books for Holiday House, Pig Is Big on Books and Pig and Cat Are Pals. He has read his poetry at Carnegie Hall, the Museum of Modern Art in New York, Poets House, and The White House, and his abstract paintings have been exhibited in numerous solo and group shows. He lives and works in New York City.
