From Daybreak to Good Night: Poems for Children. Carl Sandburg. Illustrated by Lynn Smith-Ary. Toronto, ON: Annick Press, 2001. 24 pp., pbk. & cl., $7.95 (pbk.), $19.95 (cl.). ISBN 1-55037-680-2 (pbk.), ISBN 1-55037-681-0 (cl.). Subject Headings: Farm life-Juvenile poetry. Children's poetry, American. Grades 4-7 / Ages 9-12. Review by Betsy Fraser. *** /4

exerpt:

Try being a goat: put on a face of calm contemplations.

Look people in the eye as though unaware they gaze at you.

Read their innermost hidden secrets.

Then turn away toward other horizons chewing your cud.

Carl Sandburg's poetry is vivid, complex and highly imaginative. It also reflects the human condition, on its own and as a part of a larger entity. The selections in this collection of Sandburg's poetry are a first-rate introduction to this complex poetry. It serves as a slice of life, taking you along with Sandburg for a day in his country home. The book includes bibliographic information for finding the collections of Sandburg's poetry from which these poems were drawn.

     Lynn Smith-Ary, a Canadian and a film animator, has illustrated this collection as double-page spreads with Sandburg figuring prominently, sharing from a book of his poetry and surrounded by listening children. The illustrations add to the impression of Sandburg's sharing his work, thoughts and feelings.

     This collection is perfect as an introduction to Sandburg's work. Children interested in composing poetry will enjoy the various forms and vivid imagery of Sandburg's work, and the collection would be useful in a classroom for a unit on poetry, biography, nature or creative writing.

Recommended.

Betsy Fraser is a librarian with Calgary Public Library.

To comment on this title or this review, send mail to cm@umanitoba.ca.

Copyright © the Manitoba Library Association. Reproduction for personal use is permitted only if this copyright notice is maintained. Any other reproduction is prohibited without permission.

Published by
The Manitoba Library Association
ISSN 1201-9364

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