Manfish is a picture book biography that tells the story of Jacques Cousteau from birth to becoming one of the best-known oceanographers in the world. The book is illustrated with modern, rich acrylic paintings and uses a variety of formats throughout - from full page illustrations to panels, as well as a gatefold center that opens up to represent the deep sea.
This book could be used in a biography unit, but it also includes poetry and touches on environmentalism. There are also author's notes at the end that highlight Cousteau's films, books, and the Cousteau Society.
Overall, a gorgeous book!
Recommended for ages 4-8.
Showing posts with label poetry. Show all posts
Showing posts with label poetry. Show all posts
3/11/2009
A River of Words: The Story of William Carlos Williams by Jen Bryant
Illustrated by Melissa Sweet
Engaging colorful mixed media illustrations tell the story of a family doctor who practiced medicine in his hometown, Rutherford, NJ for over forty years. Carlos knew by age 10 that he loved to write poetry, but when he became a young adult he felt that he needed to make a good living. He liked the idea of helping people and supporting his family so he decided to become a doctor. He wondered if he could continue to write as a doctor. Throughout medical school and once he became a doctor he set aside time to continue his writing. He published numerous books of poetry. So talented was he that the Pulitzer Prize was awarded to him posthumously for his last poetry collection, Pictures from Brueghel. At the back of the book is an interesting timeline of Williams’ life presented alongside concurrent world events. Also included are an author’s note, an illustrator’s note and a “further reading” list.
Engaging colorful mixed media illustrations tell the story of a family doctor who practiced medicine in his hometown, Rutherford, NJ for over forty years. Carlos knew by age 10 that he loved to write poetry, but when he became a young adult he felt that he needed to make a good living. He liked the idea of helping people and supporting his family so he decided to become a doctor. He wondered if he could continue to write as a doctor. Throughout medical school and once he became a doctor he set aside time to continue his writing. He published numerous books of poetry. So talented was he that the Pulitzer Prize was awarded to him posthumously for his last poetry collection, Pictures from Brueghel. At the back of the book is an interesting timeline of Williams’ life presented alongside concurrent world events. Also included are an author’s note, an illustrator’s note and a “further reading” list.
3/09/2009
Blacker the Berry by Joyce Carol Thomas
This book of poetry is beautifully illustrated by Floyd Cooper. Told through the voices of African-American children, these twelve poems depict the skin colors of each individual (e.g. cranberry red for a child with Irish ancestors). It is easy to see why this is a CSK Author Honor book and a CSK Illustrator Award winner. Cooper's illustrations realistically portray the varied skin tones ending with a two-page spread of laughing, smiling children.
The final lines in the poem, Cranberry Red reinforce the theme of identity:
When we measure who we are
We don't leave anybody out
We count who we are
And add all who came before us
The way we figure it
We're just great
This title could be used to teach poetry, Black History month, identity, and acceptance.
The final lines in the poem, Cranberry Red reinforce the theme of identity:
When we measure who we are
We don't leave anybody out
We count who we are
And add all who came before us
The way we figure it
We're just great
This title could be used to teach poetry, Black History month, identity, and acceptance.
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