Saturday, June 30, 2012

Mirror Mirror: A Book of Reversible Verse by Marilyn Singer and Josee Masse



Mirror Mirror: A Book of Reversible Verse

Singer, M., & Masse, J. (2010). Mirror Mirror: A Book of Reversible Verse. New York, N.Y.: Dutton Children's Books. ISBN: 978-0525479017.

Annotation
A picture book of reversible poems based on popular fairytales that includes different perspectives from the main character and villain using the same words.

My thoughts
Talk about misunderstanding someone’s words. It’s fascinating how the same words, the same poem, can be written in the opposite direction to give a new meaning and different tone. The only changes are capitalization and punctuation, but the points of view and perspective are entirely different. This book is a clever turn on words and an interesting word play with familiar characters from childhood fairytales. And, it makes an individual think about word order and perspective. The book truly shows that there are two different sides to the story and entire picture.

Curricular connections
Humanities- poetry grades 2-6: Recommended for readers who enjoy poetry and playing with words, lovers of fairy tales, teachers who teach writing (or poetry/fairy tales), or anyone who loves children’s books.


Lesson Plan
See 'Lesson Plan' page

Reading level/ Interest Age
Grades 2-6

Reviews and Awards
2011 ALA Notable Children’s Books, All Ages; 2011 NCTE Notable Children's Books in the Language Arts; CLA Notable Children's Books in the English Language Arts 2011; Children's Book Committee Bank Street College of Education Children's Choices - Best Books of 2011, Special Interests, Poetry; Booklist 2010 Editor’s Choice, Books for Youth, Nonfiction, Middle Readers; Booklist Lasting Connections of 2010, Language Arts; Horn Book Fanfare, Best Books of 2010, Poetry; Kirkus Reviews 2010 Best Children’s Books; Publishers Weekly Best Children’s Books 2010, Picture Books

"The poems are both cleverly constructed and insightful...giving us the points of view of characters rarely considered." --Horn Book

"A mesmerizing and seamless celebration of language, imagery, and perspective." --Kirkus, starred review

Author website: marilynsinger.net/
Illustrator website:  www.joseemasse.com/
Media: acrylic paint on illustration board
Genre: poetry

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