Bibliography: Rosen, Michael J. 2009. Ill. By Stan Fellows. Somerville Massachusetts: Candlewick Press. ISBN: 97807636
Review:
The Cuckoo's Haiku is a collection 24 haiku all featuring a different American bird. The haikus and birds are organized into different seasons and each page also features a few informative details regarding the birds. Micheal Rosen's haikus and Fellows watercolor illustrations complement one another. Fellows illustrations of the birds and nature bring Rosen's words alive. Fellows depiction o the Black Billed Cuckoo sitting on branch filled with fiery red leaves calls to mind the warm comforting smells of autumnn much like the illustration of the Ruby-throated Hummingbird hovering over a dazzlingfuchsiaa tulip make one yearn for the bright, sunny and refreshing spring. Although it may not hold the attention of young children, Rosen's haikus will entice those in the middle grades who are take in an interest in haiku's or those new to poetry altogether.
Excerpt:
“Eastern Bluebird”
on a staff of wires
blue notes inked from April skies
truly, springs first song.
“Chimney Swift”
twittering at dusk
chimney swifts sail above the
citronella glow
Introducing the poem:
Although readers of all age will take interest in Fellow's beautiful illustrations, Rosen's haiku are more suited for older children and those students in middle grades. The Cuckoo's Haiku is a great tool to use to introduce students to the haiku form. Also, students that are having a difficult time understanding poetry in general might form this book and other haiku's a great place to start. For the younger students, Rosen's book could be used in other subjects such as science to explain migratory patterns and how some birds are only in our area for certain seasons.
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