Child's Calendar

Rating:
Summary: Terrific Pictures & Poetry
Review: I love the novels of John Updike and was curious to read one of his children's books. As always, Updike has produced a book of high quality. Each month is represented in a four- or five-stanza poem and has two illustrations. What I like about Updike is his obvious love of language, and he doesn't disappoint here. My favorite line is for July, "And Tabby dozes/in a pool/ of fur she sheds/ to keep her cool." What a beautiful summation of July!

Originally written in 1965, the book was re-released in 1999 with new illustrations by Trina Schart Hyman. The pictures are stunning and capture the elements of each month. Readers of Updike know that he lives in Massachusetts, and the poems and illustrations have a decidely northeastern feel. Most highly recommended for young readers (ages 4-8 years) as well as their parents who enjoy evocative poetry!

Rating:
Summary: Catchy Poetry
Review: Jan.
Fat snowy footsteps
Track the floor,
And parkas pile up
Near the door.

May.
Now children may
Go out of doors,
Without their coats,
To candy stores.
Jun.
There's Little league,
Hopscotch, the creek,
And, after supper,
Hide-and-seek.
Aug.
The sprinkler twirls.
The summer wanes.
The pavement wears
Popsicle stains.
Oct.
At last, small witches,
Goblins, hags,
And pirates armed
With paper bags
Dec.
Old carols peal.
The dusk is dense.

There is a mood
Of sweet suspense.

These classic poems are newly enriched by the beautiful illustrations by Caldecott Medalist Trina Schart Hyman.
The book has the feel of a Dr. Suess book, without humor.

Rating:
Summary: A Vivid, Visual Introduction to Poetic Imagery
Review: Today, many children only know about poetry from Dr. Seuss. A Child's Calendar is a rich introduction to the imagery of poetry that has entranced all who listen since the days of wandering story tellers and shamen. In this volume, classic New England situations and events are beautifully illustrated in warm, heavily inked water colors showing beautiful brown and pink faces amid nature's wonders. Although no one would buy this volume solely for the poetry, the resulting book of illustrated verses makes for the raw material for a garden of happy memories tended by reading to your child (or grandchild) and listening while she or he learns to read to you.

Each month is featured, beginning with January, with a brief poem and two beautiful illustrations spread over two pages. The illustrations are clearly well deserving of the Caldecott Honor.

I found some of the imagery particularly meaningful, and these lines are included below:

January -- "The sun a spark/Hung thin between/The dark and dark."

February -- "And snapping, snipping/Scissors run/To cut out hearts."

March -- "The timid earth/Decides to thaw."

April -- "All things renew./All things begin."

May -- "And Daddy may/Get out his hoe/To plant tomatoes/In a row."

June -- "In golden hours,/Silver days."

July -- "Bang-bang! Ka-boom!"

August -- "The pavement wears/Popsicle stains."

September -- "The breezes taste of apple peel."

October -- "Frost bites the lawn."

November -- "The ground is hard,/As hard as stone."

December -- "We were fat penguins,/Warm and stiff."

The subjects of sun, earth, plants, animals, and change recur in almost each poem.

One of the charms of this book is that it makes the harsh weather interesting and appealing, helping a child understand the balanced nature of the year and his or her role in that balance. For someone who lives in a warm climate year round this book will seem very magical.

After you have finished enjoying the book, I suggest that you and your child partner discuss other cycles that she or he has noticed. You could talk about the daily cycle of the sun, the monthly cycle of the moon, the twice daily tides, or even three meals a day. Young people often have trouble developing a perception of context for what is going on around them. This book and your discussions can help. You will also encourage someone who may want to write some poetry. If so, why not start with January and describe what is happening where you live?

See and hear the most in the beauty around you! Capture it for others to enjoy!