Book Review – DARK EMPEROR & OTHER POEMS OF THE NIGHT
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Sidman, Joyce. 2010. DARK EMPEROR & OTHER POEMS OF THE NIGHT. Ill. by Rick Allen. New York, NY: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. ISBN 978-0547152288
2. PLOT SUMMARY
“Welcome to the Night!” This informational poem picture book features 12 selections that focus on what goes on in the woods when the sun goes down. Snails leave slick trails of silver, horned owls search for mice to eat, porcupettes raise their quills, and much more. Children will have a new appreciation of everything that goes on when they are in their beds sleeping! There are plenty of adventures until the sun comes up again. “Another eternity of sunbeams to wait.”
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Children will enjoy this glimpse into the strange world of the woods at night. It is a concept that is mysterious and threatening, yet fascinating at the same time. This book would make an excellent read-aloud, with simple rhythms and rhymes selected carefully to evoke mental images of the night in the listener. In the sidebar of each poem, a more literal and scientific explanation is provided to give more information and background for the reader. The two sections complement each other very well and really capture a feeling of a trip to the woods in the dark of night. A glossary is also provided at the end to help with any of the tricky words. The pictures are simply a visual treat. The process used to develop these images is called relief printing, and it is explained in detail on the copyright page. It requires quite a bit of effort, but the illustrations are detailed, unique, and quite beautiful. They do an excellent job of creating that unique, forbidding atmosphere from sundown to dawn.
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
2011 Newbery Honor Book
Reviewed in BOOKLIST: “This picture book combines lyrical poetry and compelling art with science concepts.”
Reviewed in SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “The bookmaking is beautiful with the concept of night lending itself generously to poetry.”
5. CONNECTIONS
* More nature poetry by Joyce Sidman:
Sidman, Joyce. SWIRL BY SWIRL: SPIRALS IN NATURE. ISBN 978-0547315836
Sidman, Joyce. BUTTERFLY EYES AND OTHER SECRETS OF NATURE. ISBN 978-0618563135
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