Fur, Fangs, and Footprints: A Collection of Poems About Animals (Poet's Toolbox)

An anthology of poems about animals, plus "Toolbox tips" that help the reader understand poetry and how poems are written.

Reviewed with Recess, Rhyme, and Reason.

Gr. 3-6. Part anthology, part textbook, entries in the Poet's Toolbox series match accessible poems with basic poetry concepts. On each spread, illustrated with bright and busy drawings, a poem appears above text that describes how the poem illustrates a poet's "tool," such as rhyme, imagery, or form. With such limited space devoted to explanations, a few of the concepts may not be clear to younger readers; many children, for example, will not know how to "count the stressed syllables." Stockland's selection of poems, though, is excellent. Familiar poets such as Gary Soto and Myra Cohn Livingston, as well as Stockland herself, write the mostly lighthearted entries, which are grouped around a particular theme. Even if children need help to make the connections between poem and concept, the books are excellent examples of what makes up poetry. The introductions, conclusions, and glossaries are similar, though not identical, in both books, but each title has different, helpful tips for getting young poets started. Fine classroom resources, these will also interest aspiring young poets working on their own. Gillian Engberg
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved