retrieved from kidscorner.org on 5/3/2013

A Kick in the Head: An Everyday Guide to Poetic Forms

Selected by: Paul B. Janeczko

Illustrated by: Chris Raschka

Published by: Candlewich Press

Year: 2005

ISBN: 0763606626

Critical Analysis:

This colorfully illustrated selection of poems aptly demonstrates 29 poetic forms in creative, sometimes amusing, and sometimes poignant ways. From the humorous couplet The Mule by Ogden Nash, to the somber elegy Little Elegy (for a child who skipped rope) by X. J. Kennedy, and the heartbreaking list poem The Paper Trail by Georgia Heard, each poem demonstrates a different poetic format in a well written and creative way. Each form is clearly and simply described, although in very tiny print, at the bottom of the page. A further explanation is given in a simple glossary at the back of the book. Raschka also gives visual clues using clever illustrations that remind the reader of the poetic form for that particular poem.

Janeczko has chosen a variety of poets to demonstrate how to follow the rules (or not) of a particular poetic form with choices ranging from contemporary poets like April Halprin to older classics such as Shakespeare and William Blake. He is careful to state in his introduction that poets sometimes follow the spirit of the form rather than the written rules giving children and adults alike, permission to experiment.

Lots of white space on each page makes for easy reading while the visual clues cleverly created by the illustrator aid the reader in remembering what each form contains. An index at the front of the book makes it easy for the reader to find a particular format and the glossary at the back adds further information. It is a bit unfortunate that the description of each form is in such tiny print and might be easily overlooked by the reader if they have not read the author’s introduction.

This is a great book for all ages, well put together, beautifully illustrated, and a perfect accompaniment to the classroom or library.

Awards, Honors, Prizes:

Claudia Lewis Award, 2006 Winner United States

Lupine Award, 2005 Winner Picture Book Maine

Parents’ Choice Award, 2005 Gold Picture Books United States

Booklist Book Review Stars, Mar. 15, 2005; American Library Association; United States

Kirkus Best Children’s Books, 2005; Kirkus Reviews; United States

Notable Children’s Books, 2006; ALSC American Library Association; United States

Publishers Weekly Book Review Stars, March 14, 2005; Cahners; United States

School Library Journal Best Books, 2005; Cahners; United States

Connections:

Utilize this book to discuss poetic forms in an ELA unit on poetry; Have students each choose a different form, read poems that fall within that category, experiment with writing their own poetry in the form they chose, create a classroom anthology.

Choose selected poems to match lessons in other subjects. For example: when studying about the Vietnam War in history read Whispers to the Wall by Rebecca Kai Dotlich, or when learning about different forms of music read The Shooting of Dan McGrew by Robert W. Service.

Share Back to School Blues by Bobbi Katz on the first day of class to help students transition to a new teacher or new school. One could also use a list poem in science class to create a poem about the different characteristics of whatever is being studied. For example: after researching the different characteristics of the various planets.  Have the students create a list poem about each planet to reinforce the facts about each one.

Slug File by Avis Harley is a wonderful example of a list poem. It would be great to use in a lesson about noticing the characteristics of an animal, planet, or element. It would even be a great way to introduce students to each other at the beginning of the school year.

                                                                Home Address:

                                                                                “Shady Lawn”

                                                                Working Hours:

                                                                                dusk ‘til dawn

                                                                Hobbies/Sports:

                                                                                likes to climb

                                                                Special Skills:

                                                                                making slime

                                                                Occupation:

                                                                                midnight thief

                                                                Favorite Food:

                                                                                salad leaf

                                                                Color Choice:

                                                                                veggie green

                                                                Height and Weight:

                                                                                long and lean

                                                                Next of Kin:

                                                                                Mollusc clan

                                                                Appetite:

                                                                                gargantuan

Other Works by This Author:

 A Poke in the I; Turtleback Press; 2005; 9781417689538

Blushing; Orchard Books; 2004; 9780439530569

Brickyard Summer; Orchard Books; 1989; 9780531084465

Dirty Laundry Pile; HarperCollins; 2001; 9780688162511

Going Over to Your Place; Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing; 1987; 9780027476705

Good for a Laugh; Scholastic Inc.; 1948; 9780439409636

The Place My Words are Looking For; Simon & Schuster; 1990; 9780027476712