Quick Rundown:
Author: Paul B Janeczko
Illustrator: Melissa Sweet
Grade Range: 1-4
Blurb: “It takes only a few words, if they’re the right words, to create a strong image. Whether listened to in the comfort of a cozy lap or read independently, the thirty-six very short poems in this collection show readers young and old that a few perfect words and pictures can make the world glow.”
About: This book goes through the year and is grouped by season. The title comes from the poem Firefly July by J Patrick Lewis. Each poem has a beautiful illustration to go with. The poems are very short so they are perfect for kiddos learning about poetry. My favorite poem is probably Firefly July because as I was reading it, it brought me back to my childhood when I would catch fireflies.
Classroom Ideas:
Use these short poems to help students understand poetry, especially how poems do not have to rhyme. Have kiddos create their own poetry and illustrate them. You could also cover up the poems with a sticky note, have students study the illustrations, and try to determine what the topics of each corresponding poem are.
Interested in Firefly July? Click the picture below to go to Amazon.
Reading Through the Library 