from vegetable
to vegetable
lacy onion orb,
pale celery parasols
yellow-petalled broccoli.
We bzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
back to our hive.
We bzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
We bzzzzzzzzz"
Lots of practice is needed before reading this sound-filled book of poetry aloud. I can only imagine the fun when sharing it in classrooms, and having students fill the room with the sounds of the mammals, reptiles, birds, insects and fish that are featured in the 13 poems included here. Cacaphony in its purest form!
A 'performance key' provides guidance for reading. A choice needs to be made prior to performing the pieces. Two voices, two groups ... there are no rules about that. All words in blue are read by all readers. On we go!
The style of piece is constantly changing, and sound is the permanent connection. They are written in two colors to give focus for those reading them ... and as mentioned, blue invites participation for all voices.
The first poem, Animal Songs, sent me to the Internet to see if I could find examples of each. I did not, for example, know that kangaroos chortled or that scallops coughed. It was fun to check them out, and I'm sure that kids would love to do the same. I think it would make an awesome performance piece. Lots of collaboration for making it work, with a perfect ending for any group of young readers.
Listening to the Canada Geese passing over as they return to the north for the summer, We Call to Each Other would be fun. I taught in a grade two classroom for a long time; my students would have loved to share Song Thief. If rattlesnakes hold fascination, some might like to try Rattlesnake Warning. This sound bite is beneficial.
https://youtu.be/vaSeSIZ9Fgw
I appreciate the many fine details provided in the digital collage images created by Aaron DeWitt. They are sure to invite careful observation as the poems are read together. Occasional notes are provided to suggest directions for furthering the experience. The Nature's Notes in back matter will be useful to parents and caregivers who share this book. I found much of the information to be new to me.
"How can an animal the size of a small paper clip fill the air
with song? Peepers can be heard on spring evenings calling
for a mate from a mile or two away. The male frogs are the
singers; vocal sacs under their chins blow up like balloons,
letting loose a "peep" when they blow out the air. Peepers
typically perform in trios, and the one with the deepest voice
usually starts the round."
https://youtu.be/MnGE4e_ZC7g
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