Genre Three - Poetry

BIBLIOGRAPHY:
Prelutsky, Jack. A PIZZA THE SIZE OF THE SUN. Ill. by James Stevenson. 1996. New York: Greenwillow Books. ISBN 0688132359.

PLOT SUMMARY:
A book written to be read aloud, A PIZZA THE SIZE OF THE SUN is filled with poems children of all ages will love. Jack Prelutsky writes rhyming poetry about whimsical topics that are humorous, entertaining, and often has a surprise ending. He also writes “outside the box” by writing in circles, backwards, and even in a triangle. James Stevenson provides simple black and white drawings to complement each poem. From the moment one reads the title, you know you’re in for a treat.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS:
A PIZZA THE SIZE OF THE SUN is a wonderful tool to use to teach children of all ages poetry or even just general reading skills. This fun and witty collection of poems by Jack Prelutsky grabs the attention of readers beginning with the title of the book, continues until the last page and James Stevenson adds a bit of whimsy with his drawings. Silliness is used in all of the poems. Anticipation builds in each poem as the reader waits find out what the ending will reveal and possibly what shape the poem will take on the next page. Anyone who reads this book will be laughing out loud possibly because he or she sees herself in the poetry.
REVIEW EXCERPTS:
School Library Journal (starred review)
"This book should be required reading for those out there who claim they don't like poetry."

Publishers Weekly (starred review)
"Poetry's bad boys are back again, teaming up to take another swipe at stuffiness."

Kirkus Reviews
“Prelutsky loosens his agile imagination in words, while around the pages cavort Stevenson's interpretive line drawings, shimmy-shimmying to the beat. Terrific.”

Booklist
“Prelutsky is up to his old tricks, using verbal sleight of hand to create another magical anthology of light verse.”

CONNECTIONS:
Use this poetry collection to read aloud to very young children.

First and second grade students can infer what will happen at the end of the poems and then create their own endings.
Third and fourth grade students can read the shorter poems such as My Brother’s Really Stingy and then write their own four line poem.

A Triangle Tale is written in the shape of a triangle. For eighth grade students studying the Triangular Trade routes, the students can write a poem that summarizes the objectives they have learned.