Butterfly Eyes and Other Secrets of the Meadow

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Sidman, Joyce. Butterfly Eyes and Other Secrets of the Meadow. Ill. By Beth Krommes. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Co. 2006.
ISBN 978-0-618-56313-5

SUMMARY
 Joyce Sidman creates a distinctive combination of poetry and prose as the reader tours the peaceful meadow. There is a diverse mix of poetry style throughout the book and a striking arrangement of words on many pages that create visual images of the animals. A hint of the use of concrete poetry is evident in the shape of "Peal Deal" that resembles a snake, while "Ultraviolet" suggests the shape of a butterfly’s wings. Visual images in Krommes’s illustrations provide clues for readers who miss this clever style. The artful use of repetitive language captures a sense of urgency in "Shhh! They Are Sleeping."  Some poems like "Always Together" lend themselves to unique readings of two voices in paired recitations using partner words and phrases: We tumble/we twitter, we dip, float and flitter/ on thistle we rustle/and whistle and bustle/dip-dogging/leap-frogging/ we're birds of a feather...Sidman provides a scientific narrative explaining the habitats or behavior habits of the creatures in the meadow following each pair of poems and a useful glossary explaining scientific vocabulary.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Sidman tries a variety of different styles that work well for each poem. The artful arrangement of the words on each page let the reader experiment with different voice and techniques in reading the poetry. Her use of rhyming and repetitive language provides rhythm and cadence that add to the ease of reading and will keep the interest of intermediate readers. Beautiful bubbles/bubbles of foam/ bubbly castle/ snug bubble home/ keeps my skin tender/saves me from drought/ (I’ll never/I’ll never/ I’ll never come out!) Although the varied poetry may be difficult for young readers, the prose following each pair of poems makes this a pleasant read aloud for all children.

Beth Krommes, a Caldecott winner, uses a scratch-board technique that adds much detail to the illustrations. She skillfully uses a black and white drawing medium to create each picture, adding a thin veneer of fine, white clay covered by layers of india ink. Then each picture is finished with watercolor paint. Each two-page spread is filled with earthy tones and complimentary colors that draw the reader's attention to the hidden wonders of the meadow.  These beautiful illustrations will keep even the youngest reader entranced in observation of the detailed flora and fauna of nature.

REVIEW EXCERPTS
Starred Review: Kirkus, Aug. 3, 2006  
“Combining striking illustrations and evocative poems do double duty as riddles and lucid prose commentary. This venture into the natural world stands out for both its beauty and its unusual approach…A top drawer blend of art and science.”

Starred Review: The Horn Book Magazine, Sept-Oct. 2006
“The verse is vivid, melodious, and rich in variety…Krommes’s scratch-board illustrations are splendid…they reflect such precise observation that each species is easily recognizable…An elegantly conceived, beautifully integrated volume.”

Starred review: School Library Journal, Oct. 2006
“Sidman applies her flair with poetry to explore the interactions of creatures and plants in a particular environment. This book is a handsome and versatile compendium, melding art, poetry and natural history”

CONNECTIONS
*Invite children to compose their own “letter poem” to animals, seasons or types of weather. Ask them to include a compliment, question or wish. Share their poems in a display in the library. 

*Other topic poetry books:
George, Kristine O’Connell. Hummingbird Nest: A Journal of Poems. 2004
ISBN: 0152023259
George, Kristine O’Connell. Toasting Marshmallows: Camping Poems. 2001
ISBN: 0-618-04597-X
Hamilton, Virginia. When Birds Could Talk and Bats Could Sing. 1996
ISBN: 10:0590473727
Sidman, Joyce. Song of the Water Boatman and Other Pond Poems. 2005
ISBN: 10: 0618135472

RESOURCES
http://dadtalk.typepad.com/cybils/

http://bethkrommes.com/illustration/reviews-for-butterfly-eyes-and-other-secrets-of

http://www.joycesidman.com/butterflyeyesTG.html

Vardell, Sylvia. Children’s Literature in Action. Westport, CT: Libraries Unlimited. 2008

Picture:
http://www.bethkrommes.com/img/illustration/covers/butterfly-eyes-cover.jpg