TOASTING MARSHMALLOWS

BIBLIOGRAPHY:
Kiesler, Kate. 2001. TOASTING MARSHMALLOWS CAMPING POEMS by Kristine O’Connell George. New York: Clarion Books. ISBN 061804597X

PLOT SUMMARY:
George’s collection of poetry pays tribute to fond outdoor memories. Although there is no formal table of contents, the collection flows nicely. The book opens with a poem about a family putting up a tent at the beginning of their trip and ends with a poem about a girl tucking her flannel shirt back into a drawer. The verses are simple and short yet moving and profound. Well articulated, readers can easily relate with the scenes George presents.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS:
George’s poems have a nice rhythm that flows naturally. Her word choice while simple enough for young readers to understand creates wonderful visuals. The frequent use of onomatopoeia such as “wriggle, scoootch, scrunch, giggle, Flop.” makes the reader feel as if he is in the scene himself. The text is arranged in a manner that complements the poems, trickling down for “Storm” and shaped like a tent for “Tent”.

The illustrations are phenomenal and beautiful. The soft brush strokes develop a day dreamy world adding to reminiscent nature of the poems. The paintings provide a scene the reader wishes he could enter.

George’s poetry strongly connects to the audience. As readers can relate to the scenes depicted, it brings them back in time evoking emotions of those memories. George’s book will not only draw kids into the wonder of camping but leave them yearning to go again.

AWARDS WON AND REVIEW EXCERPTS:
Starred review from Booklist: "fine collection brings the outdoors up close...direct, satisfying poems that will engage kids at school, across the curriculum, or at home."
Library School Journal: “All of the selections convey a child-focused sense of wonder as the campers explore the lakefront and surrounding terrain, enjoy the marvels of the natural world, relish meals round the campfire, and toast marshmallows.”


CONNECTIONS:
* Create the perfect setting for this story by constructing a large tent in the library. Read the book aloud from to the children inside the tent to make the poetry reading memorable.
* Ask the students what their favorite camping memories are and have them write their own poem.
* Share other books authored by Kristine O’Connell George
THE GREAT FROG RACE: AND OTHER POEMS. ISBN 0618604782
OLD ELM SPEAKS TREE POEMS. ISBN 0618752420