*Image from bestchildrenpoems.blogspot.com
A. Bibliographic Data: Peck, Jan and David Davis. The Green Mother Goose: Saving the World One Poem at a Time. Illustrated by Carin Berger. New York: Sterling Publishing Co., 2011. ISBN 9781402765254
B. Critical Analysis: Plot Summary: The Green Mother Goose takes readers for a ride around the world as she revamps original nursery rhymes to emphasize the importance of recycling! Jan Peck and David Davis do a wonderful job of taking the “old” and applying more current, relevant topics to draw present day readers in. With thirty poems to choose from, children and adults will undoubtedly enjoy these poems and recognize the different ways each of us can begin to save our beautiful planet!
Appeal: The most obvious appealing aspect of this book stems from its foundation…nursery rhymes! Readers (and even their parents) will have some previous knowledge or experiences to connect to the reading of this book. The basic rhyming nature and sing-song rhythm of the poems will also appeal to young readers, or beginning poetry readers. This book also has the ability to stretch the minds of readers by providing insight into the importance of recycling, reusing and conserving energy. The language of the poems is simple yet advanced vocabulary and theories are mentioned as well. Lastly, because the topic of ‘saving our Earth through recycling’ is so broad it has the ability to be relevant to each and every reader. Living on Earth is a commonality that links us together as humans regardless of age, gender, race, or religion. This will draw readers in as well!
Meaning: The meaning of these poems is concrete and simple: we need to get busy and save our planet! With basic ideas and steps for doing so, the authors have provided readers with real life changes that can be made. In hoping to use this text during or as a complement to a science lesson, educators would need to be certain the text provides actual information. Though the poems are fictional, facts are woven in to create an entertaining yet educational collection.
Rhythm and Sound: As with most poetry collections, each poem has a different pattern and meter. Though rhyming is consistent throughout the book, each poem still differs. Aside from rhyme, other sound devices used include: onomatopoeia, repetition, alliteration, and personification. All of these devices in addition to the vocabulary and language of the poems give readers a great example of putting words together to present an idea. Readers will also be able to hear the rhythm of the poems as they are shared and read aloud. Readers may even find themselves singing the poems as I did!
Language: Metaphors and similes fill the pages of this book. Peck and Davis were able to bring images to mind by comparing two or more items together. For example: “If all the world were stinky, and our water black as ink…” (6). Overall, I would describe the language of this book to be simple with few complex words and ideas. Although readers may not fully understand solar panels or incandescent light bulbs they will be able to see the author’s purpose and comprehend the message. Though this is a serious issue, the language remains light and airy versus preachy and condescending. Readers will finish the book feeling encouraged and ready to make a difference, verses overwhelmed and depressed.
Imagery: Most often, Peck and Davis use sight to enhance the reading of this book. As mentioned, similes and metaphors do a great job of creating images for readers to see and relate to. Aside from the occasional sound, very little emphasis is placed on any of the other senses.
Emotional Impact: What an amazing and relevant topic to explore through poetry! Whether you are two weeks or two centuries old it is never too early or late to make a difference on this planet. Through these poems readers will not only read about the different ways to do so, but will also be given the hope that their changes can and will make a difference! We all need a safe and healthy world to live in now and in the future. With this huge of an impact on so many readers, emotions and thoughts will definitely run high while reading this book! Just as Peck and Davis intended, these thoughts and emotions will hopefully spark change for the better. J
Layout and Organization: Though this book was published recently, the classic feel of the poetry will provide readers with poems they can relate to regardless of age. The length of the poems is appropriate (no more than two pages) and gives readers ample scenarios for understanding and applying recycling strategies. The book begins with a table of contents and flows directly into poem one of thirty. Background information on the poets is provided on the back sleeve of the book. Turns out, both authors are from Texas!
C. Example: Poem:
Jack Be Nimble
Jack be nimble,
Jack be fun-
Turn off the tap,
Don’t let it run.
Jack be nimble,
Jack be slick-
Please close the door
And come in quick.
Jack be nimble,
Jack be bright-
Leaving a room,
Switch off the light.
Jack be nimble,
Jack be sweet-
Please use both sides
Of every sheet.
Jack be nimble,
Jack be fine-
Dry your wet clothes
Out on the line.
Jack is nimble,
Jack is smart.
He's a helper.
He did his part!
Introduction: Because the nature and language of this poem is so simple, I would begin by reading the poem aloud to students. I would then give them the opportunity to think to themselves about what the poem could be about. What are the different things Jack does helping to accomplish? What is he doing? I would then reread the poem and ask students to reflect on why recycling is important and begin my science lesson on recycling and preserving natural resources.
Ideas for Sharing: Because we should all be “doing our part”, I would ask students to create their own poems following this template. For example, my poem would be called Brittany Be Quick. In their poems students could recall the different things they do to help save the Earth. The poems could then be shared during parent conferences, at a school assembly or anytime during recycle week!
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