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Rating: 
Summary: Sorry, Can't Suggest It
Review: First off, I'm a poet. Secondly, I've just finished writing my first children's book. So, naturally, I went to the bookstore, hoping to gather a bit of information on publishing my children's book. I picked up & purchased this book based on its' topic (and because I love Joe Cepeda's illustrations). The illustrations never fail. The children in this book seem to come alive. However, the poetry, the illusion of a storyline, just never seem to mesh with the awesome pictures. I gathered that these children have fun rhyming in the streets, but this is not the best introduction to poetry. The basics are covered, such as all poems don't have to rhyme. But if I was a child, I would still close this book thinking "what exactly is a poem" or "what exactly is a poetry slam". (I mean, why have "poetry slam" in the title, but not give a basic description of what it is?) Unfortunately, the poems -- dialogue -- do not compliment the fun and extremely colorful illustrations. The silly name poem was cute, but really had no purpose in the middle of the book. The poems about the aunt, rain, ice cream, etc. just seem random, and contributes to books overall confusion. Realistically, I wouldn't purchase this book for another child solely out of my belief that (s)he wouldn't read it again, that is if they get through it the first time. I don't want to give the illusion that I'm just trying to be negative. My honest opinion is based on my volunteer experience: workshops I've done with kids (not including this book) about writing and reading poetry, and based upon children's reactions to "storytime books" I read, etc.
Rating: 
Summary: A Total Blast
Review: I must completely disagree with the other posted review of this book. I first became acquainted with the book when I participated in a workshop performance of the book directed by Ms. Swados and produced at the Scholastic Publishing headquarters. While I can understand the hesitation of giving this book to a child as an introduction to poetry from an intellectual standpoint I cannot express how visceral and excited a reaction children who were not old enough to ask, "what is a poetry slam?" had to these poems. In my opinion, based my own time sharing these poems with New York City kids, this book is incredibly exciting as an introduction to non-traditional rhythms and edgier more modern young children's poetry. I think that the rhythm and style of the poetry coincides with Cepeda's awesome illustrations and makes for a book that just BEGS to be read out loud. My personal opinion...if you're not ready to FULLY participate in the reading of a poetry book this is NOT the book for you. But if you want to have a great time and connect to a kid on a goofy, fun, and more primal level, this is the way to go. My personal favorites are "The Storm" "Names" and "I'm Sorry"...
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