Daniel Finds a Poem

(Hardback)

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Description

With gorgeous collage illustrations reminiscent of both Ezra Jack Keats and Eric Carle, this is a stunning picture book about finding poetry in nature. Stunning collage art full of rich color, glorious details, and a sense of wonder-reminiscent of the work of Ezra Jack Keats-illustrate this delightful story celebrating the poetry found in the world around us. What is poetry Is it glistening morning dew Spider thinks so. Is it crisp leaves crunching That's what Squirrel says. Could it be a cool pond, sun-warmed sand, or moonlight on the grass Maybe poetry is all of these things, as it is something special for everyone-you just have to take the time to really look and listen. The magical thing is that poetry is in everyone, and Daniel is on his way to discovering a poem of his own after spending time with his animal friends. What is poetry If you look and listen, it's all around you!

Reviews

Collage illustrations offer early readers an introduction to the beauty of poetry through the warmhearted relationships between a young boy and the friendly animals in his local park. . . . The liveliness of the language discloses early poetic mechanics such as alliteration ('sun-warmed sand'), onomatopoeia ('crisp leaves crunch'), a pinch of consonance (those internally rhyming 'cool pools'). . . . In accessible yet colorful language, Archer reminds readers that poetry exists all around us. A vividly illustrated, inventively told opportunity for early readers to grasp the power of language to observe, entertain, and mystify.Kirkus Reviews

Rich, multilayered collages illuminate a celebration of natures beauty. . . . A story like this might take place in the country, but in setting hers in a large urban park, Archer asserts that poetry and nature belong to city children, too.Publishers Weekly

Atmospheric and evocative collage illustrations enhance the sense of peace and contentment shared by Daniel and his animal friends. . . . Readers who revel in the everyday small miracles in nature will identify with Daniel and appreciate this lyrical story.School Library Journal

Fetching testament to the maxim that poetry is all around us. . . . Glorious flora and handsomely textured rocks are abundant. . . . The lush oil illustrations, which consist of collages made from tissue paper and patterned with handmade stamps, create a world saturated in color and texture, complementing the animals well-chosen words about beauty and poetry in the natural world. Readers will take many repeat visits to Daniels inviting park.Booklist

Beautifully illustrated. . . . A fantastic book to read aloud in the library or in the classroom to kick off a poetry unit or to celebrate National Poetry Month. Kindergarten teachers could even use this book to teach the days of the week, or for students to learn about different kinds of animals.School Library Connection

Author Bio

Micha Archer (www.artmicha.com) has illustrated The Wise Fool and Lola's Fandango, and Daniel Finds a Poem is the first book she's also written. Working in collage and oil, her use of color and pattern is influenced by the folk art, crafts, and architecture of the countries she has visited and lived in. She realized the importance of the book as a teaching tool after teaching kindergarten and raising two children. Micha divides her time between Costa Rica and western Massachusetts, where she lives in the house she and her husband built, surrounded by gardens and forest to roam in.