Winter Bees and Other Poems of the Cold

 

Bibliography:

Sidman, Joyce. 2014. WINTER BEES AND OTHER POEMS OF THE COLD. Ill. by Rick Allen. Clarion Books. ISBN: 0547906508.

Plot Summary:

 This picture book is a wonderful addition to any collection. It is written by Newbery-winning poet, Joyce Sidman. In this book, we discover how animals stay alive during the winter and learn about their secret lives under the snow. The poetry has been matched with Rick Allen’s illustrations and his print technique of linoleum brings it all together into a mesmerizing text.

Critical Analysis:

Woah, I am not a fan of poetry typically, but I really enjoyed this book. I think it is because the author added the poetry piece with informational text to give you more information about the animals, plants, and more. My favorite pieces I liked were the Big Brown Moose and the Trees, and Skunk Cabbage. I was most impressed with the poem and informational text from the Skunk Cabbage, I’d never heard of this plant, and it was very interesting. To think that after the beautiful snow melts a “curious odd flower…..” with a “rotting meat smell”, is just mind-blowing. I think children would really enjoy this wrap-up of the book.

As for the illustrations I really loved them. It reminded me of when I was in high school, and we got to make linoleum prints. Now of course Rick Allen’s are much better than what I would have come up with, but I remember the fun of creating those prints. I know what it takes to create them and to see the detail he has added and the coloring he has done is quite impressive. He was able to portray each animal and plant with detail, and a winter-muted color scheme. I think that even if you are not a poetry person like me you will find the elements in this book to be very enjoyable.

Review Awards and Excerpt(s):

ALA Notable Children’s Book

Claudia Lewis Award

Minnesota Book Awards

School Library Journal Best Nonfiction Book

 "Each poem brings a sense of humor, respect, or wonder to its subject." —Publishers Weekly, starred review *

 "Concluded with a glossary of big but fascinating words, this is equally suited to curricular units and cozy reads in front of a fire." —Booklist, starred review 

* "A work to be savored by young artists and scientists." —Kirkus, starred review * "Winter Bees distinguishes itself with a focus on the science of animal survival, coupled with superlative illustrations. Readers young and old will enjoy this winter journey and marvel at the wonders of nature." —School Library Journal, starred review

 "A handsome, persuasive, and authentic ambassador for creatures in their natural state." —Horn Book

Connections:

      This book would be great for any poetry unit as a mentor text.

      A few different activity ideas are:

-          Read the poetry pieces that don’t mention the animal's name, and don’t show the students the pictures. Then see if the students can infer what they think the animal is, what words from the piece made them think this? It’s a great inferencing activity and kids really enjoy seeing if they are right.

-          You could let your students create their own miniature version of a linoleum print using erasers, and write a piece of poetry to go along with the image they created.

-          Compare this book to other Joyce Sidman books and see if she has a common theme or writing style.