By: Poetic Justice,
on 4/2/2015
Every year to celebrate Poetry Month, we select 32 poets to battle it out in a competition for the ages: Poetry Madness. This year, we decided to do things a little differently: instead of choosing the players ourselves, we asked four awesome poets — Saeed Jones, Andrea Gibson, Robert Lashley, and Hajara Quinn — to [...]
By: Chris Singer,
on 8/18/2011
Valentine the Porcupine Dances Funny by Derrick Brown
Review by Chris Singer
About the author:
Derrick Brown – former paratrooper for the 82nd Airborne, gondolier, magician, and fired weatherman – has performed at over 1350 venues and universities internationally, including The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, La Sorbonne in Paris and CBGB’s in NYC. As president/captain of Write Bloody Publishing, he is dedicated to bringing American poetry into rock and roll status. He has performed with The Cold War Kids, the White Stripes and Clap Your Hands Say Yeah. His work has been featured in books with Jeff Tweedy of Wilco and Billy Collins.
About the book:
Her clothes don’t fit, she dances crazy, and this porcupine could sure use a hug. Will she ever find someone to dance with? A great tale about how to make friends.
My take on the book:
For me, picture books aren’t just about cute pictures and funny little rhymes. I want the books I read with my daughter to not only be fun, but to also have a nice positive message. I was pleasantly surprised to find a host of excellent messages for young children in my reading of Valentine the Porcupine Dances Funny.
While this book is filled with amazing illustrations (see below) and excellent rhymes by Derrick Brown, it’s the beauty of the book’s many positive messages which make this a real winner. If you’re looking for a book to share with kids featuring messages celebrating the importance of tolerance, friendship and acceptance of those who might be different, you can not go wrong with this one.
Be sure to check out the wonderful video below of illustrator Jenny Lewis’ unique creation of the book’s artwork. This is an added bonus for sure and will delight children who wonder at how picture books can be created.
Bonus Video: Watch how illustrator Jenny Lewis creates the artwork for Valentine the Porcupine Dances Funny
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