A New Anthology of Poems About Objects

I recently purchased this anthology of poems about objects from the Sun Book Shop in Yarraville. It supports the notion that ideas exist in things. I believe it would make a meaningful addition to a school's poetry resources. I can envision a resourceful teacher of poetry using student owned and cherished artifacts to inspire young writers to launch their own poetry from these treasures.

To further assist readers to appraise this collection of poems I have added an abridged addition of a review by Carole Phillips, Greenacres Elementary School, Scarsdale NY. Carole's review provides a comprehensive overview of this book.

'Poet Paul Janeczko has joined with illustrator Raschka to create this anthology of poetry for young people. The 50 selections are arranged in nine sections, each representing a different time period, from the early Middle Ages to the present day. The common thread is objects. The title poem discusses the demise of hat wearing in our society, while others take on such varied objects as ships, shadows, candles, stars, trees, cats and even stamp albums and manhole covers. Included are familiar offerings (e.g., Emily Dickinson's "The Railway Train," Robert Louis Stevenson's "My Shadow," and Robert Burns's "A Red, Red Rose"), as well some lesser known works. An in-depth introduction provides welcome context and explains how the examples were chosen from Janeczko's personal collection of more than 1,500 books.

Although the poems are mostly representative of Western literature, readers will find some examples of Eastern poetry. Women are also represented, such as Naomi Shihab Nye, Christina Rossetti, and Sylvia Plath.

Raschka's lively, vibrant watercolors frame the text, enhancing and imbuing the poems with life. This award-winning pair have once again delivered a book to be celebrated.

Though the subject matter makes this most appropriate for younger readers, this anthology may also find a home with older readers.

An excellent addition to any collection.—Carole Phillips, Greenacres Elementary School, Scarsdale, NY.'

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