Marshmallow Clouds: Two Poets at Play among Figures of Speech by Ted Kooser and Connie Wanek, illustrated by Richard Jones. Candlewick Press, 2022. 9781536203035
Rating: 1-5 (5 is an excellent or a Starred review) 5
Format: Hardcover picture book
Genre: Poetry
What did you like about the book? This collection centers on the four elements: fire, water, air, and earth and that’s where the traditional approach ends. Each of the poems invites the reader into a language laden experience that implores us to consider why pets don’t write, the importance of sleep, the usefulness of a flyswatter, and the innovative nature of the remote control. The painted artwork dances across each page and supports each poem without overpowering. Each poem offers myriad opportunities to explore figurative language with youngsters, and the afterword contains personal messages from the authors, encouraging children to let their imaginations run free. The poems honor a child’s ability to think in verse without having to rely on heavy rhyming schemes to enjoy the experience. Readers will also enjoy discussing their views of how each poem connects to the element it represents.
Anything you didn’t like about it? No
To whom would you recommend this book? Teachers who are exploring poetry with their students will welcome this collection of poems into their classrooms. It is begging to be read aloud! Anyone who enjoys poetry will find a favorite here.
Who should buy this book? Elementary schools and libraries
Where would you shelve it ? Poetry
Should we (librarians/readers) put this on the top of our “to read” piles? Yes!
Reviewer’s Name, Library (or school), City and State: Linda Broderick, Lincoln Street Elementary School, Northboro, MA
Date of review: April 18, 2022
Youth Services Book Review 
You must be logged in to post a comment.