BIBLIOGRAPHY
Schertle, Alice. 2009. Button Up! Wrinkled Rhymes Ill. by Petra Mathers. New York, NY: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing. ISBN 9780152050504
PLOT SUMMARY
This kid-friendly book contains a collection of 15 poems, and all of them focus on the theme of clothing, in particular children’s clothing. The amusing verse is told in first person (or first piece of clothing, as it is).The quirky cast of unusual characters including shoelaces, a hiking hat, and a bicycle helmet speak out in this unique collection of engaging and humorous poems. The young readers can see immediately just how cool Bertie is by his sunglasses, or how much Harvey enjoys playing in the mud in his galoshes, or how sleepy Joshua looks in his jammies.
The poems focus not only on aspects of clothing’s view of self, but also reveal their relationship with their owners. These relationships are comparable to those some children somewhere in today’s world could experience, and would be understood by and would be of their interest.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
There has rarely been a more charming collection of poetry than you will find in this widely admired book. The verse focuses on the lives of pieces of clothing, told from their perspective. The use of personification, a metaphor in which nonhuman things are described as if they were human or animal is a strategy that wins children’s attention. Schertle’s mastery of rhyme and meter makes it clear that she is in command of the tools of poetry. The imaginative language is simple yet rich in image and expression. Skillfully, the poetess switches up her rhyme scheme from page to page:
“Bob’s on his bike/ and I ‘m on Bob/ I’m Bob’s helmet./ I’m on the job.”
from “Bob’s bicycle helmet” , and then in “Tanya’s old T-shirt the beat goes:
“I live in a bucket shoved under the stair./ They call me a dust rag!/ I don’t think it’s fair.”
Engaging readers in the secret dissatisfactions and fears of an old T-shirt, for example, can be a risky proposition, by Alice Schertle carries it off with a perfect tone and astounding grace. Petra Mather’s art does not disappoint either. The illustrations depict the wide variety of animals wearing the clothing with personalities that are both playful and stylish. Some are full-page, some are smaller size; and all are appealing to kids. Colors are bright and airy at the same time. The cover artwork shows the most adorable ostrich you have ever seen! Children will find easily recognizable images of objects and animals that are at a glance familiar to them. Each illustration helps the reader to guess whatever piece of apparel is commented upon in the accompanying poem in a fresh and engaging perspective.
The watercolor paintings are a perfect match for the text because they are as whimsical and as charming as the poems. The cheerful visual presentation of Wanda’s Swimsuit and Harvey’s Galoshes share center stage with the content of Schertle’s clever verse, combining into a sensory extravaganza. Check out the double page illustrations of Jack’s Soccer Jersey, which invites readers to follow the text as though they were watching the soccer game.
This wonderful book of poetry is great for a read alouds. Children will be drawn to the silly and enchanting poems, complemented by the action packed illustrations.
AWARDS
Lee Bennett Hopkins Poetry Award, 2010
Best Childrens Book of the Year, 2010
REVIEW EXCERPTS
Booklist Starred Review: "With varied rhymes and rhythms occasionally disrupted for emphasis, Schertle's poetry is reminiscent of A. A. Milne and begs to be read aloud."
Kirkus Reviews: “There are otters and pigs, alligators and rabbits, emus and moles. And these creatures have personality, exuberance and high style that perfectly match the verses. Loads of fun.”
School Library Journal: “Playful spreads and spot art suit the small, snappy verses beautifully. This whimsical little volume will make a delightful addition to poetry collections.
CONNECTIONS
- Spark a discussion on favorite clothing or on hand-me-downs. Children could even draw their own favorites.
- Introduce other mask poetry books:
Janeczko, Paul B. Dirty laundry pile: poems in different voices. ISBN 0688162517
- Invite children to compose their own poems. Button up shows them that you can write poems about your world and anything in it.
No comments:
Post a Comment