bow wow meow meow
A Review by Amanda Kendall
Bibliography:
Florian, Douglas. 2003. Bow Wow Meow Meow: It's Rhyming Cats and Dogs. San Diego: Harcourt Inc. 0152163956
Plot Summary:
This collection of twenty-one unique cat and dog poems includes a variety of styles of poetry that beg to be read aloud. Divided into two distinct sections, the animal poems consist of various breeds of household pets including the prideful bulldog and long-haired Persian as well as various members of the canine and cat families found in the wild. From the wild wolf and carnivorous lion to the spotted ocelot, each poem captures the unique and wonderful traits of the cat or dog.
Analysis:
Douglas Florian has a knack for creating unique and surprising poems on any given topic. Bow Wow Meow Meow is a eclectic collection of poems and art that is filled with fun. Of the twenty-one poems included, many of the poems are short, only a few lines, and pair perfectly with the watercolor illustrations. Humorous word play and creative rhymes make these poems fun to read aloud over and over again.
His concrete poem on poodles, is not only visually stunning, but an auditory gem as well, with the repetition of "oodles and oodles" and the alliteration of "whirls, while the whirls may have swirls." Another poem, "Dog Log" is particularly notable with it's carefully chosen words, witty rhyme, and beautifully paired illustration of a dog's brain broken into the most important dog thoughts. Although short in length, these canine and feline poems do not disappoint in depth. Each illustration extends the message of the poem, bringing the words to life in humorous and unexpected ways. The poems are deliberately centered on a page of white, while the illustrations consume the other page completely, directing the reader's eye first to the illustration, then to the poem, and finally back to illustration. This beautiful give and take in the layout of the book, engages the reader in thoughtful discourse while reading and enjoying these seemingly simple poems.
This collection showcases Florian's witty writing and his dynamic art perfectly. His zany personality comes through with each poem he writes using his talent for word choice, word play, rhythm and rhyme in each poem. A guaranteed crowd-pleaser for cat and dog lovers of all ages.
His concrete poem on poodles, is not only visually stunning, but an auditory gem as well, with the repetition of "oodles and oodles" and the alliteration of "whirls, while the whirls may have swirls." Another poem, "Dog Log" is particularly notable with it's carefully chosen words, witty rhyme, and beautifully paired illustration of a dog's brain broken into the most important dog thoughts. Although short in length, these canine and feline poems do not disappoint in depth. Each illustration extends the message of the poem, bringing the words to life in humorous and unexpected ways. The poems are deliberately centered on a page of white, while the illustrations consume the other page completely, directing the reader's eye first to the illustration, then to the poem, and finally back to illustration. This beautiful give and take in the layout of the book, engages the reader in thoughtful discourse while reading and enjoying these seemingly simple poems.
This collection showcases Florian's witty writing and his dynamic art perfectly. His zany personality comes through with each poem he writes using his talent for word choice, word play, rhythm and rhyme in each poem. A guaranteed crowd-pleaser for cat and dog lovers of all ages.
Awards & Reviews:
From Booklist: "In this winning collection, both clever and silly, Florian again shows how much fun poetry can be."
From School Library Journal: "This is a delightful selection to read aloud to younger children, and it offers older students models of simple poems that really work. A definite contender for "best in show."
- 2004-2005 Texas 2x2 Reading List
From Booklist: "In this winning collection, both clever and silly, Florian again shows how much fun poetry can be."
From School Library Journal: "This is a delightful selection to read aloud to younger children, and it offers older students models of simple poems that really work. A definite contender for "best in show."
Connections:
More Animal Poetry Books by Douglas Florian:
More Animal Poetry Books by Douglas Florian:
- Beast Feast: Poems & Paintings.0152017372
- Mammalabilia. 0152050248
- Insectlopedia. 0152163352
- Lizards, Frogs, and Polliwogs. 0152052488
- In the Swim. 0152024379
- Poetrees. 1416986723
- Winter Eyes. 0688164587
- Comets, Stars, the Moon, and Mars: Space Poems and Paintings. 0152053727
- Laugh-eteria: Poems and Drawings. 0141309903
- Poem Runs: Baseball Poems and Paintings. 0544456106
- Create a shared choral reading experience for kids with each poem. Add movement and bring the poems to life by reading them aloud together.
- Invite children to write their own dog or cat poem. Compile the poems together to create a class poetry book.
- Use oil pastels and water color paints to create abstract animal portraits like those shown in the book.
