Sunday, November 29, 2009

Be thankful for poetry parties

It’s my last post to showcase our Dear One contest—inviting you to comment about your favorite NCTE Poetry Award winners and win a chance to receive a fee copy of the book of poems commissioned especially for poet and anthologist Lee Bennett Hopkins, the 2009 recipient of that award. In case you missed it, check out my postings from the last 5 days for more info on the award, Lee, and his tribute book. (And congrats to previous posters, Marilyn Hollinshead and Mary Lee Hahn who have won their very own free copies. Contact me please at svardell at twu dot edu.)



And while we’re celebrating his receiving the award at our fabulous Poetry Party at the NCTE conference on Nov. 20, I’ll plug a clever picture storybook all about performing poetry, Barnyard Slam by Dian Curtis Regan, illustrated in playful watercolor cartoons by Paul Meisel (Holiday House, 2009). For fans of Click Clack Moo (and all the sequels), here’s what happens when a barn full of talking animals get together to share poetry out loud at their very own Poetry Party. It’s full of groan-worthy puns, as well as heaps of dialogue that is perfect for readers theater performance. “Yo Mama” Goose is the host and Charley Horse, Bovina Cow, Hog, Duck, Lamb, and a reluctant Turkey all take their turns sharing riffs on classic poems and other nonsense. It’s sure to inspire classroom imitations with more kids creating more animal parodies or staging re-enactments of this animal slam.

Posting (not poem) by Sylvia M. Vardell © 2009. All rights reserved.
Image credit: HolidayHouse

4 comments:

  1. janet wong10:56 AM

    On this last day of the Dear One posts, I just want to let everyone know what an incredible collaborator Sylvia is. She is the ultimate blend of enthusiasm and optimism tempered by practicality and reason. This little book for Lee was her idea, and without her vast email database, great relationships with so many poets, and just-do-it attitude, it might've been a simple stapled 20-page photocopied handout. (I'm pretty enthusiastic, too, but sometimes I "envision" too much and allow myself to become discouraged by limitations.) There is no room for discouragement if you are doing a project with Sylvia Vardell...you just need to get it done!

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  2. I'd like to invite readers to my blog today and tomorrow to read Sylvia's bio today and her guest blog tomorrow. She is, as always, terrific.
    David
    http://davidlharrison.wordpress.com

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  3. Long LIVE encouragement!!

    I have so enjoyed this.

    Keep up the great love, work, positive attitude.

    Sharon

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  4. Aw shucks, I'm blushing! Thank you, Janet, for your kind words. Allow me to say that Janet Wong is also the most amazing and energetic collaborator ever. SHE was the one who pursued NCTE for funding, who worked with our book designer, who found our printer, and who transformed our conference session space into a super party place. She is second-to-none in turning dreams and plans into Reality! Thank you, Janet!

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