Module 2: Florian Poetry - Zoo's Who

Bibliographic Information
Florian, Douglas. ZOO'S WHO. Ills. by Douglas Florian. New York, NY: Harcourt, Inc. 978-0152046392.

Summary and Analysis
This collection features poems that are short, sweet, and to the point. Animals are described in funny rhymes, educational lines, and short stanzas. Common knowledge is shared as well as a few possibly unknown facts. Florian takes a visual element with his writing to include a dip or curve in a word with shaping the letters which children will find amusing in pattern. While most poems rhyme in small sentences, there seems to be a rhythmic pattern specific for each animal. Each poem takes on stereotypes of animals (or what we imagine the animals to be like). In the case of The Tortoise this is seen with pauses in the poem that seem to portray a slow motion, much like how the tortoises move. These poems would be short and simple enough for any child to memorize over time if read. The poems flow in ones mind or off of one's tongue if read aloud. They are comfortable to read and to say.

Douglas Florian also illustrates the corresponding painting with each poem. They are often simple, yet fitting for each. What is a hidden gem in each is that he incorporates other types of art in his paintings - clippings, typed words, and partial pictures which, along with the poems, makes every page unique and stimulating. With the illustrations and entertaining poetry, this collection is quality for parents and children.

Highlighted Poem
The Tortoise

Patience.
Persistence.
The will to endure.
The tortoise
Has taught us
All this
And more.

Connections

This collection could easily be incorporated in different elements of a school day or library program. First, writing brief poems about animals or reptiles may provide a child with not only a poetic experience, but as most kids like animals it would also provide the opportunity for read aloud poems or repeat poems. This would encourage the social aspect of poetry that is often neglected. Another way to incorporate this collection into a lesson plan or program would be to focus on Florian's paintings of using mixed media. Children could create their own paintings or collages of any subject and write a poem of their art. It would still be inspired by Florian, but it would be a different way to focus on this poet, showing students that there is more than one way to appreciate poetry.