LSSL 5360 Module 3, review #4- FOLLOW FOLLOW

Book Review #4, Module 3
FOLLOW FOLLOW by Marilyn Singer, Illustrated by Josée Masse

1.      BIBLIOGRAPHY

Singer, M., & Massee, J. (2014). Follow Follow: a book of reverso poems. New York: Scholastic.

2.  PLOT SUMMARY
Follow, Follow is a collection of reverso poems- read them top to bottom, they mean one thing, but if you reverse and read them bottom to top, they tell a different story! This clever and witty book gives us an intriguing twist on some of our favorite classic fairy tales.

3.      CRITICAL ANALYSIS
In this interesting story where poems are presented forwards, and then backwards, we learn to appreciate an entirely new form of poetry where the sheer structure of the words changes the meaning entirely! The thing that struck me the most about this book is the raw talent of Marilyn Singer- I don’t think I could construct a pair of reverso poems if I wanted to, and she has put together an entire collection of them. Each one is unique and draws you in, making the reader interpret some of the most classic, well-known stories in a completely new way. Josée Masse’s illustrations are vibrant and fitting- I loved the bright colors and the “yin-yang” split of the drawings, each character reflecting off of each other while also reflecting the poetry itself.

My favorite reverso poem was “The Little Mermaid’s Choice.” The opening lines of the first poem lead us to the expected, traditional plot: "For love, / give up your voice. / Don't / think twice." However, this very opening line has an entirely different meaning as it closes out the second poem: "Think twice! / Don't / give up your voice / for love." It's a perfect transposal, and my favorite example of a twist on the classic princess tale.

4.   REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

“Marilyn Singer’s verse in Follow Follow practically dances down each page .  . . the effect is miraculous and pithy.” – The Wall Street Journal

“Singer’s poetry begs to be read aloud as listeners savor Masse’s accompanying illustrations. This is a must-have book for a library’s poetry section as well as for any personal collection.” – Library Media Connection, starred review

*Booklist’s 30 best books of the year
*Cybils Award Finalist
*IRA Teachers’ Choices Reading List pick

5. CONNECTIONS
*A great introduction to a unqiue type of poetry that will intrigue elementary aged kids
*Create teams and have them write their own small, simple reverso poems
*Other book to consider: Mirror Mirror: a book of reverso poems by Marilyn Singer