Winter Bees & Other Poems of the Cold Review

by Allison Trippe

Bibliography

Sidman, Joyce. 2014. Winter Bees & Other Poems of the Cold. Ill. by Rick Allen. New York, NY: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company (USA).  ISBN 978-0-547-90650-8

Summary

Winter Bees & Other Poems of the Cold is a compilation of poems by poet Joyce Sidman. The book contains short poems, often comprised of between two to six stanzas. Poems are mostly about the survival adaptations of animals and plants during winter in the north. Additionally, with each page, the poet supplements her poems with a paragraph of facts about each animal or plant. The information aids the reader in discovering new details, thus combining poetry and nonfiction text. This effective technique elicits wonder, interest and intrigue in young readers. Though written for young children, even adults who reads Winter Bees & Other Poems of the Cold will surely find themselves learning something new.

Critical Analysis

Throughout her poetry compilation, poet Joyce Sidman uses many elements of poetry. She writes with rhythmic and lyrical phrases. When read aloud, the poem “Big Brown Moose” has such strong song-like qualities that it almost begs to be chanted or clapped. Many of her poems contain clever rhyming patterns that add humor and wit. Alliteration is widely used throughout the book, incorporating a playful use of sound. The use of similes and especially the strong metaphors help readers visualize the characters and their actions in the book.

Some poems, such as “Winter Bees” and “Vole in Winter,” are actually told in first person point of view from the perspective of the bee and vole. This writing approach, along with the poet's use of sensory language, allows the reader to take on the perspective of these characters in order to empathize and understand their struggles. Sidman’s poems that are written in this way almost seem as if the animals are sharing secrets or an inner dialogue with the readers. The poet’s use of personification adds another playful flare of descriptive language furthering the reader’s ability to relate to her characters.

Illustrations

Illustrator Rick Allen uses a combination of painterly and graphic techniques to create detailed pictures for Winter Bees & Other Poems of the Cold. Initially he cuts images into linoleum blocks and wood blocks, and then prints them on paper. Next, he intricately hand colors the prints with gauche. What culminates are beautiful, two-page spreads of stunning artwork with vibrant and complementary colors. On almost every page, the artist includes a red fox who makes sly, cameo appearance creating cohesion for the compilation of poems.

Awards and Review Excerpts

• 2015 Claudia Lewis Poetry Award
• ALSC Notable Children’s Book
• ILA Teachers’ Choice Award
• Midwest Bookseller’s Choice Award
• School Library Journal Best Book of 2014
• Kirkus Best Book of 2014
• The Bulletin Blue Ribbon Book
• Chicago Public Library Best Book of 2014
• New York Public Library's 100 Best Books for Reading and Sharing
• 2014 Nerdy Poetry Award

From School Library Journal: “Winter Bees distinguishes itself with a focus on the science of animal survival, coupled with superlative illustrations. Readers young and old will enjoy this winter journey and marvel at the wonders of nature.”

From Booklist: “Concluded with a glossary of big but fascinating words, this is equally suited to curricular units and cozy reads in front of a fire.”

Connections

• Use the poems and supplemental information on each page in this book to support science units about seasons, animals, adaptations, habitats, and biomes.
• Read the poem titled “Snowflake Wakes” as an introduction to a science lesson about the water cycle or forms of precipitation.
• After reading the book, students can write and share their own original poems.
• Teach students how to write Haiku poetry, which is usually about nature and seasons.
• Art teachers can read the poems and showcase the art when teaching printmaking techniques.
• Conduct an “Author Study” and read other poet compilations by Joyce Sidman such as:
• Song of the Water Boatman and Other Pond Poems. ISBN: 978-0618135479
• Butterfly Eyes and Other Secrets of the Meadow. ISBN: 978-0618563135
• Dark Emperor and Other Poems of the Night. ISBN: 978-0547152288

*Created as an assignment for a Texas Woman's University course.