I shuffle softly.
Sneak up.
Pause.
There's that monster
ball of claws.
I unzip teeth
and open wide ...
Do kids think of such things? What do toys and other objects do when everyone in the house is sleeping? Who might be having all the fun? Do they wait for children to be tucked in and dreaming before they venture out on their own? These short poems will give young readers pause as they consider what could be happening while they sleep.
"After Hours
Sun and moon have traded places -
Time for games! Time for races!
We wait,
we wait,
we wait
all
day
for you to sleep, so we can play!
Your breathing settles, slow and deep.
Finally! You're fast asleep.
Shhhhhhh ... "
This series of 26 short poems is written for the 'stuffies', and then for a variety of other articles that make up a young child's day: a marker, a piece of paper, a comb, kleenex, a baseball cap, a book, even a jeans pocket.
"Empty Pocket
I'm an empty spot -
a vacant lot.
I'm alone
with nothing to do.
Come button, toothpick, pebble, gum -
I'm nothing without
you!
I'm a treasure chest
or a robin's nest.
You are jewels
or eggs, bright blue!
Come nickel, sticker, piece of string
I'm nothing without
you!"
This list goes on, offering numerous items for consideration. The points of view are equally varied, giving voice to objects that are very familiar to children as they go about their day. Using a number of poetic forms, Ms. Salas entertains with energetic fun.
It is evident that Ms. Matteson’s paintings, using acrylics, gouache with colored pencil on wood board, were created 'mostly in the hours after dark'! Blue is the predominant color, evoking all the nighttime action. Readers are sure to enjoy taking a close look as the changes in perspective, the expressions, and the imaginative activity.
Who knew that dental floss is much more than a tooth cleaner?
"Not Just Dental Floss
A bracelet.
A dog leash.
A jump rope!
The truth is
I have
more fun
without
a tooth."
Enjoy!
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