Synopses & Reviews
Inspired by Stephen Alcorn's magnificent animal portraits, popular poet and noted anthologist Lee Bennett Hopkins commissioned thirteen poets to craft verses to match the eloquence of this art. The resulting celebration of art and nature captures the subtle intensity and striking textures of a renowned artist's relief-block prints in a unique homage to the power, mystery, and beauty of the natural world.
Lee Bennett Hopkins and Stephen Alcorn's first poetry anthology, My America: A Poetry Atlas of the United States,, was honored as one of the best books of 2000 by School Library Journal, the American Booksellers Association, and the New York Public Library. A Junior Library Guild Selection, the book inspired an entire Reading Rainbow program devoted exclusively to it.
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“Alcorns powerful visual imagery underpins and binds together this striking tribute to the grandeur of natures creatures.” Horn Book Magazine
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“The images of the creatures are bold and impressive, and the poems are both serious and playful.” New Orleans Times-Picayune
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“An elegant poetic sampler for animal (and animal-art) lovers.” Bulletin of the Center for Children & #8217;s Books
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“Fans of Douglas Florian, Valerie Worth, or any of the fine poets in this collection will find plenty to enjoy.” School Library Journal
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“Animals and more depicted in descriptive verse and powerful woodcuts.” Bank Street Best Children's Books of the Year 2002
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“The range of styles and tones will make these great additions to classroom poetry units.” Booklist (Top 10 Youth Poetry 2003)
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“Stunning, detailed relief-block animal prints.” Minneapolis Star Tribune
Synopsis
An elegant poetic sampler for animal (and animal-art) lovers.
About the Author
Lee Bennett Hopkins was born in Scranton, Pennsylvania, on April 13, 1938. As a child Mr. Hopkins read little other than comic books and movie magazines until a teacher inspired in him a love of the theater and of reading. He credits this teacher with his lifelong interest in education.
Mr. Hopkins began teaching sixth grade at a public school in Fair Lawn, New Jersey, in 1960. He enjoyed his job, and in his third year at Westmoreland School in Fair Lawn, he became the school's resource teacher, providing curricular support materials for the elementary school teachers. It was while serving in this position that Mr. Hopkins first used poetry to help children with reading problems.
In 1968 Mr. Hopkins became a curriculum and editorial specialist atScholastic, Inc. His career as a writer soared. More than two dozen of his books were published during his eight-year tenure there. In 1976 Mr. Hopkins left his job at Scholastic in order to become a full-time writer and anthologist.
Mr. Hopkins is widely recognized as the nation's spokesperson for Children's Poetry. He has edited and written numerous books for children as well as several professional texts, including Pauses: Autobiographical Reflections of 101 Creators of Children's Books and Pass the Poetry, Please!, and his column, "Poetry Plus," is a regular feature in Creative Classroom magazine. Mr. Hopkins has been honored with the University of Southern Mississippi Medallion for "lasting contributions to Children's Literature."
Mr. Hopkins served on the Board of Directors of the National Council ofTeachers of English (NCTE) from 1975 to 1978; NCTE Commission on Literature(1982-1985); and NCTE Children's Literature Assembly (1984-1987); andhe twice chaired the NCTE Poetry Award Committee. He is also the donor of both the Lee Bennett Hopkins Poetry Award, presented by Penn State University, and the Lee Bennett Hopkins/International Reading Association Promising Poet Award.
The recipient of a Christopher Award and the University of Southern Mississippi's Medallion for "lasting contributions to childrens literature," Mr. Hopkins lives in Westchester County and Greenwich Village, New York.