SONG OF THE WATER BOATMAN

BIBLIOGRAPHY:
Prange, Beckie. 2005. SONG OF THE WATER BOATMAN & OTHER POND POEMS by Joyce Sidman. Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin Company. ISBN 0618135472.

PLOT SUMMARY:
In unique form, Sidman unites science and poetry to create a fascinating book about pond life. Each page features a poem dedicated to a specific creature living in the pond. Adjacent to the poems are nonfiction excerpts that provide the reader with background information. SONG OF THE WATER BOATMAN & OTHER POND POEMS will both enchant and educate readers.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS:
Each of Sidman’s poems has a different style. Some are crafted beautifully using onomateopoeia such as “Spring Splashdown” where others like “In the Depths of the Summer Pond” feature a strong sense of rhythm. Sidman’s use of rhyme in “Song of the Water Boatman and Backswimmer’s Refrain” is brilliant as her word choice adds great musicality without detracting from meaning or feeling forced.

The poems personify the creatures by showcasing their specific attitudes. From the diving beetle saying “If it moves, it is mine. If it’s anywhere near me, it is mine. If I’m hungry (and I’m always hungry), it is mine, mine, mine” to the wood duck’s “Fluff, Fluff, wiggle, wiggle. Snooze, snooze…Mommy calling!” the words leave the reader with a strong impression regarding the demeanor of the creatures.

Prange’s blue and green woodcuts help to bind the poems together as the backgrounds flow nicely between pages. The soothing rhythm that is created by the poems is complemented through the use of watercolor.

While the illustrations would attract younger audiences, the text is rather advanced. Fortunately, there is a glossary in the back of the book to help guide stumped readers. Personally, I feel this book would be best for children 3rd grade and above.


AWARDS WON AND REVIEW EXCERPT(S):
Caldecott Honor Book
BCCB Blue Ribbon Nonfiction Book Award
Starred review in School Library Journal: “An organic union of poetry and science, this book encourages readers to ponder the minutiae and magnificent life of the natural world.”
Starred review in Booklist: “Sidman employs many poetic forms, including austere haikus and rollicking sea shanties, and her fine selections are both accessible and sophisticated.”

CONNECTIONS:
* After discussing the poem “A Small Green Riddle”, invite children to create their own riddles about their favorite part of nature. Have classmates try to guess the riddles.
* Take the students to a nearby pound and look for the creatures featured in the book.
* Compare and contrast this book with Sidman’s BUTTERFLY EYES AND OTHER SECRETS OF THE MEADOW. ISBN 061856313X