FIREFLY JULY: A YEAR OF VERY SHORT POEMS by Paul B. Janeczko

BIBLIOGRAPHY:

Janeczko, Paul B., comp. 2014. FIREFLY JULY:  A YEAR OF VERY SHORT POEMS.  ill. Melissa Sweet. Massachusetts:  Candlewick Press. ISBN 978763648428

SUMMARY:

Experience the work of art and poetry as you walk through all four season of a year.  The words are few, but the imagery and sensory language used in the poems will land you right in the center of the season you are reading about. Experience the wonders and beauty of that season, savor the moments and the memories each poem brings.  Then, move on to a new season ...

QUALITY & APPEAL:

Age Range:  6 years and up
Grade Level:  1st grade and up
Young students can learn about the four seasons we have in each year though the poems contained in this masterful compiled poetry book.  The selection of poems and the beautiful illustrations will appeal to all ages. The illustrations will catch the viewers eye and the catching poems will make them want to linger on that page as the words reinforce Sweet's artwork.

Educators will find this to be a jewel for any classroom or library.  The poems are short and can be used for quick poetry breaks.  Lesson can be created that center around using one of the gems as a mentor text for reading, writing, or to reinforce science concept.  Artist can express themselves using Sweet's work as a mentor art piece as well.  Students can work with watercolors and mixed medias like the illustrator did.

SPOTLIGHT POEM:  (Excerpt from pages 14-15)

LITTLE ORANGE CAT

by Charlotte Zolotow

Little orange cat,

you prowl

like a small tiger

(stalking what?)

in the field

of white daises

and shining buttercups.

CONNECTION:

Lesson for Pre-k-1st grade:

• Whole group/Circle Time:
• End of spring, beginning of summer, discuss summer and types of things student will see (flowers, dragonflies, etc.).
• Share the above poem with students, rereading it slowly several times while students study the illustrations.
• Discuss what the word "prowl" means.  
• Then, discuss what it means to "prowl like a small tiger".
• Allow students time to share their thoughts verbally.
• Then, allow students to show with their bodies what "prowl like a small tiger" means.  (Example:  Students slowly crawling around on their hands and knees.)
• Discuss that the word "stalking" means?
• Ask students to infer what the little orange cat might be stalking in the field.
• Art Center:
• Students will view pages 14 and 15 and create their own illustration of a little orange cat in a field of flowers.  
• Writing Center:
• With the help of the teacher, students will add to the poem by Charlotte Zolotow and say what they think the little orange cat is stalking in their newly created poem.  
• Students' art and poem will be displayed in the classroom or in the hallway with a blown up copy of pages 14 and 15 displayed in the center citing the source for their inspiration both artistically and for their poetry writing.