Winter Bees & Other Poems of the Cold

Bibliography:

Sidman, Joyce. 2014. WINTER BEES & OTHER POEMS OF THE COLD. Ill. by Allen, Rick. New York: Houghton, Mifflin, Harcourt. ISBN 9780547906508

Plot Summary:

Winter Bees & Other Poems of the Cold is a book of poems that talk about animals, insects, and nature during the Winter season. Each poem talks about the habits of wolves, swans, birds, and springtails. Giving details about what they do to prepare for the cold as well as how they survive during the cold season. There is also a brief summary that provides scientific information about the creature or nature effect on the page.

Critical Analysis:

Ms. Sidman writes with great detail to describes how animals prepare for the cold of winter. Her poems flow with what I would call a "lullaby" effect: slow and easy. The words inviting the reader to grab a blanket and settle in themselves. She also provides interesting facts and information about what these creatures do to get ready for winter and how they survive the cold temperatures. However, there are well crafted illustrations done by Rick Allen.  Upon first seeing the pictures, I thought they were hand drawn and colored; Mr. Allen uses a combination of drawing on blocks, cutting the shapes, and  using ink to print them. He then hand-colors each image giving it the brilliant colors. For example, when studying the illustrations that have snow for a background, Mr. Allen has taken great care to make sure no color bleeds on the page; taking away from the perfect white snow. This book will make a reader appreciate the beauty of winter and nature with all of its details.

Review Excerpt(s):

KIRKUS(starred review): "A work to be savored by young artists and scientists."

PUBLISHERS WEEKLY: "Each poem brings a sense of humor, respect, or wonder to it subject..."

Connections:

This book can be used in elementary science classes to introduce young children to animals and nature that adapt to the winter weather.

Teachers can read-aloud to students when talking about nature and imagery.

Art teachers can talk about the artistic methods that are used for creating the illustrations. How they look realistic, capture the smallest detail in shape, color, and size.

*This review are my own words and are part of a graduate studies class at Sam Houston State University.