Poetry-Review 2

1.BIBLIOGRPAHY
Florian, Douglas. 1994. BEAST FEAST. Ill. by Douglas Florian. San Diego, CA: Harcout & Brace. ISBN 0152951784.

2.PLOT SUMMARY
The writing of one plot summary is impossible through this collection of 21 poems written and illustrated by Douglas Florian. The poems are all on the descriptive topic of a range of animals including mammals, birds, insects, and fish. Readers learn about the anteater with its long tongue with which termites are eaten. Also about the boa which is so long that we can always see “moa and moa and moa and moa” of it.

3.CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This collection of “beast” poems would be most appealing to those with interest in animals. The denotations used are also suiting for children and others who demand a very concrete use of words and experiences. In general, the use of figurative language is reserved to similes and metaphors. In one of the most personally liked pomes, “The Lobster”, Florian uses a simile by which the speaker compares a lobster with a “Mobster” armed with claws and an antenna ready to strike. This is a lyric poem with rhyme and written in a very concrete style. The literal meaning is quite straightforward and it is delivered through the speaker’s tone of a child who is an expert at this topic: Beware of lobsters whenever on vacation because with its physical parts it can be and is trouble for others. The illustration for this particular poem contributes to the humorous mood and to emphasize the message. Readers view a lobster with all its threatening physical body parts, reading a motel guide. Through the use of a combination of poem types such as concrete poems, lyric, and limericks the author provides a short, factual and sometimes humorous description of each special animal.

4.REVIEW (EXCERPTS)
Publisher’s Weekly: “An ideal read-aloud, this volume will leave young listeners as lighthearted as its own contents.”

School Library Journal: “It's easy to imagine readers becoming inspired to write and illustrate their own poems after spending time with Florian. Clearly a wonderful book.”

Kirkus Review: “Subtle, sophisticated, and quite charming.”

5.CONNECTIONS
-Other similar books by Douglas Florian
*INSECTLOPEDIA. ISBN 0152163352
*LIZARDS, FROGS, AND POLLIWOGS. ISBN 015202591X
*MAMMALABILIA. ISBN 0152050248
-Students can write personal poems about animals or insects to create a class collection.
-Students can make a poster for the school or classroom library to motivate others to read some of the poetry books they have been introduced to.