School Library Journal Review
Gr 1-3- Sharing the same format and (except for the poetry and related commentary) some of the same content, these books begin with a section called "What Is Poetry?" Here, simple terms like line, rhythm, and stanza are explained using examples from a short poem. An "I Can Read" section follows, with five or six compositions easy enough for early readers. In "Read with Me," the selections are a bit more difficult. "Kids' Corner" provides two poems written by children. Last is a spread of writing ideas called "Become a Poet!" The quality of the entries varies, from classics such as Eleanor Farjeon's "Cat!" to others that are less memorable. The colorful, simple graphics are greeting-card bland. Still, these books have appealing elements and offer some helpful ideas. If you can only buy one, Guppies is probably the best for both literary quality and child appeal.-Lauralyn Persson, Wilmette Public Library, IL (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Horn Book Review
Each volume begins with a simple definition of poetry and a poem that exemplifies such features as rhythm and rhyme. Twelve to fourteen child-friendly works follow, divided into "I Can Read," "Read with Me," and "Kids' Corner" (poems written by children) sections. Though sidebars add busyness, there are some useful tidbits about poetry on the brightly illustrated pages. Glos., ind. [Review covers these Super SandCastle: Poetry Power titles: Bees to Trees, Buses to Books, Carrots to Cupcakes, Fireworks to Fruitcake, Guppies to Puppies, and Nicknames to Nightmares.] (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. All rights reserved.
