Module 3: 2011 Poetry - Twosomes

Bibliographic Information
Singer, Marilyn. Ills. by Lee Wildish. TWOSOMES. New York, NY: Alfred A. Knopf. ISBN: 9780375867101

Summary and Analysis
These fifteen poems may be only two lines each, but are sweet and specific to the animal the poem is intended. Whether adding an animal trait, such as chameleons changing color, or a word pun ("Come leap with me and be my wife. You're the porpoise of my life." in Dolphins), these short poems are fun for children and adults alike, so the book appeals to all ages. While younger audiences will enjoy the funny rhymes that focus on love, the adults will catch the wittiness and puns. Poems have a natural flow with short, simple rhymes that are still clever. It evokes silliness and happiness in what appears as childlike rhymes, but are actually clever and knowledgeable rhymes. These love poems are consistent for each animal from around the animal kingdom and it will certainly put anyone in a loving mood, and possibly lead someone to spend some extra time with a pet.

The illustrations are cute and colorful, small and comical. It's a sweet little book that could be given to anyone of any age as Valentine's present or simply for the love of poetry.

Highlighted Poems
Caterpillars

"I'm finding a leaf. You're taking a bite.
Wait a few weeks and our hearts will take flight."

Porcupines
"Hugging you takes some practice.
So I'll start out with a cactus."

Connections
The poems are only two lines which would allow young children an example of poetry on a level in which they could grasp this genre. It also offers examples on a level in which a child could mimic. Five year olds can think of rhyming words and would possibly be able to take a trait from an animal they like and create a brief poem. This book would be a great introduction that would not make poetry intimidating or boring. It centers on the emotion of love, but also on the popular topic of animals. Both of these are elements a child can understand. Sometimes the explanations can be short and direct and the poems in Twosomes are short and clear examples of a type of poetry that all ages can understand.