Poetry Friday: Switching on the Moon
September 23rd, 2010 by jules
(Click to enlarge.)
This is going to be brief, as I seem to have been visited this week by the same bug my daughters had within the past couple of weeks. But I wanted to check in—an early Poetry Friday post, if you will—with some art from one of my favorite illustrators, G. Brian Karas.
You all remember this wonderful poetry anthology, yes? That would be the book I now purchase for every baby shower or new-baby gift, as it’s simply perfect. Well, Jane Yolen and Andrew Fusek Peters are back with this second anthology (pictured left), subtitled A Very First Book of Bedtime Poems, called Switching on the Moon (Candlewick, September 2010). There are sixty poems here, old favorites—from Alfred, Lord Tennyson to Langston Hughes—as well as contemporary poems from Douglas Florian to Yolen and Peters themselves. And lots of others in between, including traditional rhymes, such as “Rock-a-bye, Baby” and “The Star” (the latter pictured above). The poems range from contemplative (“The Dream Keeper”) to fantastical (“The Mermaid’s Lullaby”) to upbeat and silly (“Bath Time Pirate”).
Karas was a great choice for this, his “chalky, dreamlike atmosphere” (Publishers Weekly) setting just the right mood.
And, because the room is still spinning a little, that’s about all I can say today. But here’s one more text-less spread, one that in the book includes Wes Magee’s “Here You Lie” and Marchette Chute’s “In the Night.” Enjoy.
(Click to enlarge.)
SWITCHING ON THE MOON. Text copyright © 2010 by Andrew Fusek Peters and Jane Yolen. Illustrations copyright © 2919 by G. Brian Karas. Reproduced by permission of the publisher, Candlewick Press, Somerville, MA on behalf of Walker Books, London.
Ooh, lovely. Just lovely. Thank you for rising from your bed of illness to share this little piece of pretty with us!
I LOVE that fox picture. This one looks like a keeper.
Jules,
Thanks for this post. I LOVELOVELOVE “Here’s a Little Poem.” Love the selection of poems in the book and love Polly Dunbar’s illustrations. It’s one of the children’s books that I give as a gift at baby showers or to parents of newborns. In fact, I just picked up a copy of the book yesterday to give to one of my daughter’s bridesmaids who is having a baby soon.
Can’t wait to get my hands on a copy of “Switching on the Moon.” G. Brian Karas is one of my favorite illustrators!
P.S. Get well soon, Jules!
[…] Here’s a blogger’s review. […]
When did this come out, Jules? I have not seen it yet and it is lovely.
Tanita, yes, I think it’s a keeper anyway.
Elaine, hi! I think you’ll like it.
Robin, according to IndieBound, it was a 9/14 release.
Jules,
I’m sure I’ll like it. I ordered the book today.
Jules–thanks for the heads-up–I haven’t seen this one yet! And feel better soon:>)
I’m ordering both books today. Thanks for the review, Jules. Feel better!
~Toby
Off to order the new book, thanks! Here’s a Little Poem is gorgeous, so thanks for the heads-up on this one.
It looks wonderful! I can’t seem to get enough of bedtime books lately.
Jules, feel better. Thanks for sharing this post even when you’re down-for-the-count.
I love moon books and bedtime poetry — this collection looks just lovely. And that little twinkle star reflection is the perfect touch.
Hey!!!
Amazing work!!! I really love it!!! Nice to writte you! My name is Kat! I’m also pasionedo of tales and storys!! 🙂