A Kick in the Head An Everyday guide to Poetic Forms

By Paul B. Janeczko http://www.paulbjaneczko.com/index.htm
Illustrated by Chris Raschka http://www2.scholastic.com/browse/contributor.jsp?id=2847
ISBN 978-0763606626
Published by Candlewick 2005, Massachusetts
Annotation

A Book of short poems giving examples of different poetic forms from Haiku to Epitaph. Each poem is followed by a simple explanation of the poetic rule it follows.

Personal reaction

This book is not just informative, it is fun to read. Each poem is enjoyable and friendly, while educational. The top left corner of each poem gives the poetic form, and a brief explanation of the form structure is found at the bottom.The illustrations are  bright watercolor and mixed media whimsey creating a delightful reading experience. At the end of the book all the forms are explained in easy to read language, but more detail, explaining the origin and history of the form. I loved this book because it simplifies a large amount of poetic information. Poetry is often over looked in schools, or covered briefly through textbook lessons, so this book would be an excellent piece to work out of for educators. Now that I have found it, I might incorporate it into "Poem in you Pocket Day", or my poetry club.

Watercolor; Ink drawing; Collage
**Poetry
Children’s core collection