School Poetry

Book Review: Mrs. Cole on an Onion Roll and Other School Poems


Image: http://www.Amazon.com

Dakos, Kalli. 1995. Mrs. Cole on an Onion Roll and Other School Poems. Ill by JoAnn Adinolfi. New York. Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers. ISBN 0027255832


1. Review of Book:
Kalli Dakos' collection of poems features 32 humorous poems about school that children ranging in ages 5-10 will relate to. The poems discuss topics such as teachers, class pets, recess, lunchtime, and situations that will appeal to young children in school. Most of the poems are concrete so children will easily understand their meaning. All of the poems touch on emotions, feelings, or experiences that many young children face in school. While some may provoke silly and funny thoughts, others may bring about a sentimental feeling that all young children can connect with. Most of the poems rhyme, and when read aloud they have an obvious chanting rhythm that can be heard. All of the poems are also meant to be viewed by children because of the author's whimsical use of typography within each poem. For instance, in one poem titled, "Second-Grade Worms," Kalli Dakos positions the words carefully on the page to look like worms wiggling and slithering all around. This touches on children's sense of sight and makes the words jump out from the page. JoAnn Adinolfi's colorful yet simple illustrations add to the poems by adding a fun visual for children. The poems in the book will for sure get kids thinking about what makes school cool.

2. Classroom/ Library Connection
Follow Up Activity:
After giving children time to view the poems as well as share them aloud, the last poem of the book titled, "You're an Author Now," will leave young readers with a sense that they too can be writers and authors of poems, and it is a great lead into having students try their hand at writing some of their own poems about their own experiences at school.

You're an Author Now
I'm writing,
I'm writing,
I'm writing in my book.
I'm writing,
I'm writing,
Oh, Teacher, come and look.

You're writing,
You're writing,
Your story sure looks great.
You're writing,
You're writing,
To read it, I can't wait.

I'm writing,
I'm writing,
It's magic somehow.
I'm writing,
I'm writing,
I'm an author now.

You're writing,
You're writing,
I'm glad you've learned how.
You're writing,
You're writing,
You're an author now!

After reading and discussing the poem, children can brainstorm ideas with a partner for a poem that relates to their own adventures at school. The students come together as a whole class to share their ideas and make a list of topics that they may choose to write their own poem.

3.Review excerpts:
Publishers Weekly
The eccentric artwork matches the energy of these 32 goofy verses covering an array of subjects, from teachers to daydreaming to basketball games. Ages 5-8. (Aug.) Copyright 1999 Cahners Business Information.