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engpunk77's review against another edition
4.0
I loved these poems; perfect for kids & even for middle school. Simple enough to break down stereotypes that poetry is too difficult to write or understand, complex enough to delight & provide examples for studying poetic elements & devices, these poems include all aspects of the camping experience. I'm definitely buying a copy for home and school.
katherineg's review against another edition
3.0
In Toasting Marshmallows, Kristine O’Connell George lends her poetic touch to themes of nature and wilderness. Among the topics covered in this compilation are descriptions of deer, trees, storms, spiders, mosquitoes, and other denizens of the great outdoors. Activities and objects that focus more on human experiences with nature, such as those involved in camping, include pitching a tent, roasting marshmallows, a trip to the bait shop, and a fishing expedition. In all of her poems, George expresses an appreciation for the beauty of nature and stresses a harmonious relationship between humans and Mother Earth.
Publisher’s Weekly asserts that “George's poems are well crafted, varied and easily accessible” (Amazon.com 2004). George uses free verse to create nature poems filled with heartfelt imagery. The poems describe emotional reactions to nature without being overt or sentimental, thereby increasing their chance of appealing to children. Although most of her poems do not focus heavily on rhyme schemes or rhythm play, a few play with these elements, such as the title poem:
“This is art –
a time of serious reflection
as my pillowed confection
slowly reaches golden perfection” (22).
A switch in activity is signaled by a speeding up of the poem’s rhythm, as the narrator describes her brother’s marshmallow technique:
“My brother
grabs ‘em with grubby hands
shoves ‘em on the stick
burns ‘em to a crisp
cools ‘em off
flicks soot
eats quick” (22).
The choppier rhythm of this segment is appropriate for the description of the brother’s quick, no nonsense approach.
George uses a wealth of devices and constructs to create images, add variety, and stir up a response in the reader. Some poems are concrete, shaped like the objects they discuss, such as the crescent-shaped “Eavesdropping” which talks about the moon, and the tent shaped “Pitching a Tent.” Another poem, “Two Voices in a Tent at Night” is written for two voices, and would be perfectly suited to a class choral reading. Onomatopoeia is used in “Mosquito Song,” with the extended “eeeee” vowel sounds reminding the reader of a mosquito’s hum. In addition, George uses personification to help children relate to the moon in a familiar way in “Eavesdropping”:
“Tipping
a slender
silver ear,
Moon tries
to pretend
she isn’t
listening
to our
secrets” (25).
The artwork for the book was done by Kate Kiesler in oil paints. For the most part, the artwork matches up nicely with the poetry, adding visual appeal and complementing George’s imagery. Broad brushstrokes and experimentation with the dappling effects of light give some of the pictures an impressionistic feel. While the nature scenes and night skies are portrayed with an appropriate air of beauty and mystery, some of the animals and human figures seem a little muddily painted, or as Publisher’s Weekly calls it – “wooden.” Greater attention to the details of facial features would have lent the human figures a little more personality. Overall, however, the paintings are a nice complement to the poems in this collection.
Kids who enjoy the great outdoors should relish this collection. Take it along on a camping trip for an oral reading around the campfire.
Publisher’s Weekly asserts that “George's poems are well crafted, varied and easily accessible” (Amazon.com 2004). George uses free verse to create nature poems filled with heartfelt imagery. The poems describe emotional reactions to nature without being overt or sentimental, thereby increasing their chance of appealing to children. Although most of her poems do not focus heavily on rhyme schemes or rhythm play, a few play with these elements, such as the title poem:
“This is art –
a time of serious reflection
as my pillowed confection
slowly reaches golden perfection” (22).
A switch in activity is signaled by a speeding up of the poem’s rhythm, as the narrator describes her brother’s marshmallow technique:
“My brother
grabs ‘em with grubby hands
shoves ‘em on the stick
burns ‘em to a crisp
cools ‘em off
flicks soot
eats quick” (22).
The choppier rhythm of this segment is appropriate for the description of the brother’s quick, no nonsense approach.
George uses a wealth of devices and constructs to create images, add variety, and stir up a response in the reader. Some poems are concrete, shaped like the objects they discuss, such as the crescent-shaped “Eavesdropping” which talks about the moon, and the tent shaped “Pitching a Tent.” Another poem, “Two Voices in a Tent at Night” is written for two voices, and would be perfectly suited to a class choral reading. Onomatopoeia is used in “Mosquito Song,” with the extended “eeeee” vowel sounds reminding the reader of a mosquito’s hum. In addition, George uses personification to help children relate to the moon in a familiar way in “Eavesdropping”:
“Tipping
a slender
silver ear,
Moon tries
to pretend
she isn’t
listening
to our
secrets” (25).
The artwork for the book was done by Kate Kiesler in oil paints. For the most part, the artwork matches up nicely with the poetry, adding visual appeal and complementing George’s imagery. Broad brushstrokes and experimentation with the dappling effects of light give some of the pictures an impressionistic feel. While the nature scenes and night skies are portrayed with an appropriate air of beauty and mystery, some of the animals and human figures seem a little muddily painted, or as Publisher’s Weekly calls it – “wooden.” Greater attention to the details of facial features would have lent the human figures a little more personality. Overall, however, the paintings are a nice complement to the poems in this collection.
Kids who enjoy the great outdoors should relish this collection. Take it along on a camping trip for an oral reading around the campfire.
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