A Jar of Tiny Stars

Bibliography:
Cullinan, Bernice E. 1996. A JAR OF TINY STARS. Honesdale, PA: Boyd's Mill Press. ISBN: 9781563970870.





Review:
Bernice E. Cullinan's A Jar of Tiny Stars is a collection of 50 poems written by 10 NCTE Award-Winning Poets. The poems were selected first by teachers and then students around the county were asked to choose their favorite five poems for each of the 10 poets. The collection itself contains poems on a wide range of topics such as the joy in changing seasons, such as David McCord's “Snowman” and John Ciardi's “Summer Song”, the excitement of new experiences like building one's first sand castle in Lilian Moore's “Mine”, and expressing the love and happiness felt from one's household pet in “My Cat and I” penned by Aileen Fisher. A Jar of Tiny Stars is a collection full of light, laughter, and happiness that children will embrace wholeheartedly.

Excerpt: “Shell”

When it was time
for Show and Tell,
Adam brought a big pink shell.

He told about
the ocean roar
and walking on the sandy shore.

And then he passed
the shell around.
We listened to the water sound.

And that's the first time
I could hear
the wild waves calling to my ear.

Introducing the poem:
A Jar of Tiny Stars was published 15 years ago, but its shine has not diminished. Although readers of any age will delight in these award-winning poems, they are best suited for kids 10 years and younger. Cullinan's collection could be introduced in a classroom setting depending on the poems or the author. Poems pertaining to seasons can be introduced as the seasons change. Also, a lesson on a particular poet could lead to an introduction to some of his/her poems. Many of the poems speak of first experiences, new friends, and favorite animals which could lead to class discussions and the sharing of ideas and memories.