I Am The Book
Poetry- I AM THE BOOK
Bibliographic Data
I Am the Book
Poems selected by Lee Bennett Hopkins
Illustrated by Yayo
Holiday House Books ©2011
ISBN: 9780823421190
Brief Plot Summary
The paintings hide a book in each image as a way to celebrate reading for young readers.
Critical Analysis
This book is a topical collection of 13 poems that features multiple poets for youth. The poems represent many styles. Some of the poetry is like a song such as Rebecca Dotlich's "What Was That?" Another poem by Tom Shields is smooth, with rhyme and diverse patterns of verse.
Alliteration is used such as VanDerwater's, buried, blankets, bed, and books together. Onomatopoeia is used by Hopkins in "Poetry Time."
The illustrations by the artist allow the reader to feel the excitement coming off of the pages. For example, in pirates, the reader can work his or her way through the adventure because of the playful acrylic paintings that portray the intention of each poem. A reader's imagination can go wild as they read along and view the colorful images.
In each painting, there is a book that portrays something else such as a lunchbox, a popsicle, or a raft. Comparing the different poems and how they sound when the reader reads them aloud is a fun process. The variety of poetry throughout the book is for young children but even adults can relate to the poems.
The illustrations are unique because of the slanted images. Even though all of the poems are different the visuals are all very consistent throughout the book. The objects appear larger against the colorful backgrounds and it's a lot of fun.
Alliteration is used such as VanDerwater's, buried, blankets, bed, and books together. Onomatopoeia is used by Hopkins in "Poetry Time."
The illustrations by the artist allow the reader to feel the excitement coming off of the pages. For example, in pirates, the reader can work his or her way through the adventure because of the playful acrylic paintings that portray the intention of each poem. A reader's imagination can go wild as they read along and view the colorful images.
In each painting, there is a book that portrays something else such as a lunchbox, a popsicle, or a raft. Comparing the different poems and how they sound when the reader reads them aloud is a fun process. The variety of poetry throughout the book is for young children but even adults can relate to the poems.
The illustrations are unique because of the slanted images. Even though all of the poems are different the visuals are all very consistent throughout the book. The objects appear larger against the colorful backgrounds and it's a lot of fun.
Awards and Excerpt(s)
“In Yayo's acrylic spreads, an open book becomes a whale's tail, a treasure box, and a drifting raft, emphasizing the transformative potential of words.” Publishers Weekly
“In this picture-book collection from veteran anthologist Hopkins, 13 well-known children's poets celebrate how books can take readers on wild adventures.” (Booklist, Mar. 1, 2011 (Vol. 107, No. 13)
“In this picture-book collection from veteran anthologist Hopkins, 13 well-known children's poets celebrate how books can take readers on wild adventures.” (Booklist, Mar. 1, 2011 (Vol. 107, No. 13)
Connections
Promote reading by reading other poetry books. Ask students to pick their favorites and read out loud. Older audiences can create their own poetry books individually or in pairs.
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