An introduction is provided at explain how the book is organized and a suggestion of how to read the book. Janeczko also mentions a few poems that vary from the “rules” of that poetic form. The poems range in subject matter. Some of the poems, like the haiku, have a required subject matter for it to be that format, but those that do not are more random, like “Ode to Pablo’s Tennis Shoes.” Liz Rosenberg’s “Haunted Poem Pantoum” basically explains the rules and how a pantoum poem works within the poem itself. The examples that Janezcko uses in this book are straight forward and easy to understand, while providing a clear model of various poetic forms.
The poetic forms range from the commonly known couplet and sonnet to the more unknown villanelle and aubade. Whether the poems are new to a reader or the reader is well-versed in the poetic forms, the examples will be appreciated. One of the epitaph examples that is used in the book is J. Patrick Lewis’s “Epitaph for Pinocchio” which is simply “Here Lies.” Though initially it may be unclear to readers, reading the explanation, “An epitaph is a short poem --- usually rhymed, often clever, with a play on words ---that draws on the tradition of versus that adorned tombstones in days of old” will provide readers with an insight and understanding of the poem.
Janeczko suggests reading the poem, reading the explanation, then rereading the poem with the rules in mind. By doing this readers will grasp the concept of each poetic form. “This is the introduction that will ignite enthusiasm. The airy space between the words and images will invite readers to find their own responses to the poems and encourage their interest in the underlying rules, which, Janeczko says, ‘make poetry—like sports—more fun’” (Booklist starred review).
The illustrations are done in watercolor, ink, and torn paper, and help to emphasize the poem examples. A small picture is also included above the name of each poetic form title to help readers have a reminder of what the poetic form is about. The pantoum, which involves reading lines throughout the poem, features a picture of two frogs as if the frog has been repeated. The pictures are then show again in the “Notes on the Forms,” which gives a longer explanation of each of the poetic forms.
In A KICK IN THE HEAD, “readers will have the good fortune to experience poetry as art, game, joke, list, song, story, statement, question, memory. A primer like no other” (School Library Journal review).
Engberg, Gillian. 2005. Booklist. American Library Association. Available at www.amazon.com.
Lukehart, Wendy. 2005. School Library Journal. Available at www.amazon.com.
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