Science Poetry

Book Review: Animal Poems of the Iquazu/Animalario del Iguazu



Alarcon, Francisco X. 2008. Animal Poems of the Iquazu/Animalario del Iguazu. Ill by Maya Christina Gonzalez. California. Children's Book Press. ISBN 9780892392254

1. Review of Book:
In Animal Poems of the Iquazu/Animalario del Iguazu Francisco X. Alarcon writes a collection of bilingual poems celebrating Argentina's lush rainforest and the Iguazu Waterfalls, one of the wonders of the natural world. In the introduction, Alarcon explains that the Iguazu National Park was established in 1934 to protect the waterfalls and the surrounding tropical rainforest. The park is filled with thousands of species of trees, plants, and animals, and he wrote most of the poems in this book after his many visits there. He also writes that many of these plants and animals are in danger along with the rainforests, so he wrote the poems to motivate everyone to take action to protect the Iguazu area as well as the world. Throughout Alarcon writes short poems about the species and sites one might see if they visited the park. Poems about both small and large animals, insects, the sky, the water, and what people do when they come to visit. The poems are short and informational, and geared towards a young audience ages 6 and up. With some poems Alarcon also gives side notes to explain the significance of the specie described in the poem, which adds meaning and helps readers to better understand. Children who speak and read both English and Spanish will be drawn to the poems because they are beautifully laid out amongst Christina Gonzalez's large and colorful detailed paintings. After reading these poems children will be inspired to learn more about other animals in the rainforest and they will want to know what they can do to help protect them.

2. Classroom/Library Connection
After sharing many of the poems about the different animals and features of the Iguazu, share the final poem of the book, Same Green Fate.

Same Green Fate
let's listen to
the green voice
of the rainforest

the colorful chorus
of so many flowers
trees and birds

let's learn
the distinct
living alphabets

of so many species
so many insects
and butterflies

let's be part
of the clamor and
song of this land:

you all belong
to us as we all
belong to you

protect all of us
for the Earth's fate
for your own sake

let's make the world
a true Ybira Reta-
a Land of the Trees

After sharing this poem, discuss what it means. Then have a class discussion and brainstorm what are things we can do to help the Paranaense Rainforest? Then refer to the back of the book which gives more information and resources in finding out more about the Iguasu National Park and the tri-national conservation project of the Paraneaense Rainforest. Have students break up into groups to continue to further research the rainforest by using the given online resources. Then have students write a persuasive letter convincing others of the importance of the rainforest and giving suggestions of what can be done to protect and save it.

3. Review Excerpts/Awards Won:
Americas Award for Children's and Young Adult Literature, 2009 Honorable Mention United States
Cybil Award, 2008 Finalist Poetry United States

This eye-catching combination of brilliant illustrations and eloquently crafted bilingual poems celebrates the animal life and natural beauty of the rainforest. Alarc-n reflects his love for the biological diversity of Argentina's Iguazú Waterfalls National Park in graceful free-verse poems expressed in the voices of birds, lizards, jaguar, monkeys, river turtles, giant ants and even the "pesty mosquitos." The simple words—often playfully integrated into the illustrations as shaped poems—stress the natural balance of the Iguazú and remind readers that "for all of us / wild animals and / plants of the rainforest / there are no limits / only one Earth / without borders." The multimedia illustrations feature lush, glowing paints that depict the animals (including humans) set against a backdrop of cut-paper strips that comprise the rainforest's verdant growth. A concluding verse, "Same Green Fate," explicitly states the overall theme: "protect all of us / for the Earth's fate / for your own sake / let's make the world / a true Ybirá Retá— / a Land of the Trees." Kirkus (Kirkus Reviews, July 1, 2008 (Vol. 76, No. 13))