Poetry Children's Books

Animal Snackers
Author: Betsey Lewin
Publisher: Henry Holt and Company
ISBN#: 0-8050-6748-5


I chose this book because of the variety of lessons that could be taught to young students. Each poem is based on what a particular animal likes to snack on. First, Science is taught throughout these poems. What I found interesting is that the author used some animals that children might not be aware of like an ant eater or a puffin. They also learn what these animals like to snack on and their dining habits in a rhyming way. These simple poems are a great introduction to the poetry world.

The illustrations are bright watercolors depicting what the animal is snacking on. Not only do these children learn what these unusual animals eat, they get a visualization of what they look like.

The back cover also lists the animals that were used in the book along with some interesting facts about each one.

This is a fun and educational way to teach poetry to children using subjects that kids can relate to. Kids love animals and food. As a extension to this read aloud I would do, children can write a simple poem about what their pet at home likes to eat or their favorite animal. I would also have them draw their pet and hang their poems on the classroom wall for all to see.

This would be a great lesson for 2nd graders. Standards on writing will be taught. Standard 1 on Information and Understanding will be covered. Students will use information on writing their poems and connect with personal experiences. Standard 2 for literacy response and expression will be covered. Using rhythm and rhyme to create a short poem will be taught. Along with a mini-Science lesson explained throughout makes this a great interdisciplinary curriculum.

This author has over illustrated over 50 books and has written many as well for children. She received a Caldecott Honor for her illustration on Moo: Cows That Type by Doreen Cronin.