A Crossing of Zebras - Hardcover

Maddox, Marjorie

3.75

12 ratings by Goodreads

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 159078510X ISBN 13: 9781590785102

Publisher: Wordsong, 2008

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A poetic slant on collective nouns. Everyone has heard the phrase a school of fish. But what about a rumba of rattlesnakes, an army of ants, or a crash of rhinos? Derived from both oral and written traditions, collective nouns go back centuries. These terms not only charm us with their sound, but they provide a bit of insight into animal behavior. Readers can find these and other terms—from alley cats to zebras—in fourteen thought-provoking poems by Marjorie Maddox. She and artist Philip Huber create a wonderful combination of rich wordplay and captivating art that piques the imagination.

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About the Author:

Marjorie Maddox is a professor of English and the director of creative writing at Lock Haven University. She has received a number of awards for her work, including an Academy of American Poets Prize and the Robert Chasen Poetry Prize fro

From School Library Journal:

Grade 2–5—Starting with evocative collective animal nouns, such as a "tower of giraffes" and a "charm of butterflies," Maddox offers 14 brief poems. Teachers will appreciate the use of alliterative language, imagery, and lighter-than-air whimsy. In "A Rumba of Rattlesnakes," for example, the poet conjures up an image of the animals' dangerous, hypnotic dance with crisp rhythm and wordplay: "They rattle maracas and rat-tat on drums,/blow on tin trumpets, uncurl their tongues." Huber's appealing scratchboard with colored-ink illustrations add texture, color, and fanciful detail. An author's note gives some of the history behind the development and use of collective nouns. An enticing treat for would-be wordsmiths and animal lovers, this short collection will also make an excellent read-aloud.—Marilyn Taniguchi, Beverly Hills Public Library, CA
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