Poetry for Young People: Rudyard Kipling

Gr 4-8-Twenty-eight poems (or parts of poems) reverberate with Kipling's compassion for his fellow humans. A lengthy introduction details the events of his life and their relationship to his work. With dedication to the structure, rhythm, and rhyme of his craft, Kipling created poetry that, when read aloud, sings to its audience in every phrase. Sharpe's exquisite paintings illustrate the exotic quality of the verse, whether of animals in the jungle or ships at sea. Vibrant colors reflect the strong emotions of each poem-Viking women widowed by the sea, seal mothers singing lullabies to their young. The faces of children show humor, trust, curiosity, and moodiness. Familiar lines from "If" and "The Ballad of East and West" demonstrate the poet's universal appeal. As in other books in this series, each poem is preceded by background information, and difficult or unfamiliar words are defined at the bottom of each page. A worthy addition.-Betty Teague, Blythe Academy of Languages, Greenville, SC

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