Read A Rhyme, Write A Rhyme not only includes poems that will appeal to 8-12 year olds, it also includes “poemstarts” to inspire young readers to write their own poetry. The oversize illustrations by Meilo So provide vibrant and exuberant splashes of color in the artwork that accompanies the poems selected by poet and educator Jack Prelutsky.
Read A Rhyme, Write A Rhyme: Poemstarts
Each double-page spread includes several poems on the same subject, related illustrations, and a poemstart. Each poemstart consists of a partially finished poem awaiting a young poet’s words to finish it. Prelutsky provides suggestions, and in some cases, rhyming words, to assist the young writer.Read A Rhyme, Write A Rhyme: The Poems and the Poets
The subjects of the poems include dogs, food, birthdays, friends, and other subjects of interest to kids. This is a book to be enjoyed at home and in the classroom. Read A Rhyme, Write A Rhyme contains poems by 26 poets. Among them are Dr. Seuss, Douglas Florian, Mary Ann Hoberman, J. Patrick Lewis, Myra Cohn Livingston, Eve Merriam, Jack Prelutsky, and Alice Schertle.Jack Prelutsky and Meilo So
Jack Prelutsky and Meilo So have also collaborated on two other poetry anthologies, The Beauty of the Beast and 20th-Century Children’s Poetry Treasury. Jack Prelutsky is not only the author of 40+ books of verse, he has also been responsible for nine poetry anthologies. His poetry books include The Frogs Wore Red Suspenders and If Not For the Cat.Meilo So is the author and illustrator of Gobble, Gobble, Slip, Slop. She has illustrated numerous children’s books, including Tasty Baby Belly Buttons by Judy Sierra and Countdown to Spring! by Janet Schulman.
Read A Rhyme, Write A Rhyme: My Recommendation
Eight to 12 year olds will be able to enjoy Read A Rhyme, Write A Rhyme on several levels. They can simply enjoy the poems and the accompanying illustrations, or they can read the poems and then use the poemstarts to write their own poetry. Teachers of upper elementary and younger middle school students can use the book to encourage their students to enjoy and write poetry. (Alfred A. Knopf, an Imprint of Random House Children’s Books, 2005. ISBN: 0375822860)
