Poetry Friday: Dark Emperor & Other Poems of the Night

Dark Emperor & Other Poems of the Night
by Joyce Sidman
Illustrated by Rick Allen
Publisher:  Houghton Mifflin Books for Children
Ages:  8 and up
Review copy provided by McArthur Public Library


Night-Spider's Advice

Build a frame
and stick to it,
I always say.
Life's a circle.
Just keep going around.
Do your work, then
sit back and see
what falls in your lap.

You can read the rest of this poem in Dark Emperor & Other Night Poems by Joyce Sidman. 

In her latest book, Joyce Sidman invites readers into the fascinating world of night creatures as she demonstrates through her writing, the changes that take place after the sun goes down. One of many things I love about Sidman's work is that she uses a variety of poem styles in her collections- and this book is no different.  I also appreciate that she shares related facts that can expand on the reader's understanding of the poem. She is a master at blending poetry and nonfiction text that doesn't feel overwhelming.   The illustrations that Rick Allen created add a wonderful night time feeling the book as well, making the reading experience even more enjoyable.  

If you aren't familiar with her other collections of poetry, I would suggest you take the time to also read her Caldecott Honor Book, Song of the Water Boatman and Other Pond Poems, Butterfly Eyes and Other Secrets of the Meadow, and Ubiquitous: Celebrating Nature's Survivors, which along with Dark Emperor has been named an Outstanding Science Trade book by the National Science Teachers Association and the Children's Book Council.  Dark Emperor and Other Poems of the Night has many cross-curricular possibilities and will make an excellent addition to your classroom or home library!

Today's Poetry Friday Round Up is being hosted by Diane at Random Noodling.