Synopses & Reviews
This Is Just to Say
If youre looking for a nice happy book
put this one down and run away quickly
Forgive me sweetness and good cheer are boring
Inspired by William Carlos Williamss famous poem ”This Is Just to Say,” Newbery Honor author Gail Carson Levine delivers a wickedly funny collection of her own false apology poems, imagining how tricksters really feel about the mischief they make. Matthew Cordells clever and playful line art lightheartedly captures the spirit of the poetry. This is the perfect book for anyone whos ever apologized . . . and not really meant it.
Review
"A playful primer on insincerity for budding poets. This mischievous collection is sure to engage the devilish side of readers of all ages." Kirkus
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"Readers will enjoy sharing the surprising selections, which will make them rethink what they thought they knew." Booklist (starred review)
Review
"Gleeful false-apology poems. Taking as her model William Carlos William's poem about purloined plums, 'This Is Just to Say,' Ms. Levine has devised verses written from the point of view of any number of unrepentant malefactors. Matthew Cordell's comic drawings leaven the mordant wit." Wall Street Journal
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"Gail Carson Levine's gleefully snarky poems in 'Forgive Me, I Meant to Do It' go a long way in turning this high-minded literary form into a joy for youngsters — and their adults." Sacramento Bee
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“Levine models more than 40 poems after William Carlos Williamss “This Is Just to Say,” taking its quasi-repentant tone to a whole new level. Poetry fans fine-tuning their sense of sarcasm need look no further. ” Publishers Weekly (starred review)
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“The collection overall possesses appealing irreverence and vitality. The open and breezy format adds accessibility, with each spread offering one or two of the terse verses offset by Cordells humorous art, monochromatic, wittily scrawled images often containing their own exclamations or sound effects.” Bulletin of the Center for Children & #8217;s Books
Review
Praise for A Tale of Two Castles:“A thoroughly delicious romp from the author of Ella Enchanted. The plot is winningly unpredictable, the characters easy to relate to, the humor subtle and the action well-paced. Newbery Honor-winner Levine has once again breathed new life into old stories.” Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
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Praise for A Tale of Two Castles:“Readers are certain to be pulled, like Elodie herself, right into the midst of the rich and swirling life of Two Castles.” School Library Journal
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Praise for Writing Magic:“Levine encourages readers to take their work seriously while remembering to have fun. An informative and encouraging must-read for young writers.” School Library Journal (starred review)
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Praise for Writing Magic:“A veritable treasure trove of advice and guidance for writers across a range of ages.” Bulletin of the Center for Children & #8217;s Books
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Praise for Writing Magic:“Writing Magic is a great introduction to writing for children. The “voice” is upbeat and not condescending. It is clearly written, and includes examples when they are needed. As far as I know, there is nothing else like this available.” Harold Underdown, author of The Complete Idiot's Guide to Publishing Children's Books
About the Author
Gail Carson Levine's first book for children,
Ella Enchanted, was a Newbery Honor Book. Levine's other books include
Ever, a
New York Times bestseller;
Fairest, a Best Book of the Year for
Publishers Weekly and
School Library Journal, and a
New York Times bestseller;
Dave at Night, an ALA Notable Book and Best Book for Young Adults;
The Wish;
The Two Princesses of Bamarre;
A Tale of Two Castles; and the six Princess Tales books. She is also the author of the nonfiction books
Writing Magic: Creating Stories That Fly and
Writer to Writer: From Think to Ink, as well as the picture books
Betsy Who Cried Wolf and
Betsy Red Hoodie. Gail Carson Levine and her husband, David, live in a two-centuries-old farmhouse in the Hudson Valley of New York State.
Matthew Cordell spilled a whole bottle of ink while drawing this book. Forgive him, white carpet is painfully boring. Matthew lives in the suburbs of Chicago with his wife, writer Julie Halpern, and their daughter, Romy. He is the author and illustrator of Trouble Gum and the illustrator of Toot Toot Zoom!, Mighty Casey, Righty and Lefty, and Toby and the Snowflakes, which was written by his wife.