Traditional fairy tales and familiar nursery rhymes are told through the form of short poems and in two opposing perspectives. The same set of words are used for each poem but in reverse order and from an alternate point of view than the original version. The illustrations literally mirror the words of the poems and often have a reflective quality about them to illustrate the opposition from one side of the story to the other. The poems are quick and clever. The illustrations are fully colored and filled with bright, fun colors that really bring the characters and the humor of the poems to life.
Singer, M. (2010). Mirror mirror: A book of reversible verse. New York, NY: Dutton Children's Books.
Review: School Library Journal
Marilyn Singer's innovative book (Dutton, 2012) presents poetry based on fairy tales that can be read in two ways--the lines can be read from top to bottom and from bottom to top. Crafted in a minimalistic free verse, each set of reversible poems presents the thoughts of characters from various fairy tales. Sometimes the two poems give two points of view of the same character, while other sets represent two different characters in the same fairy tale. For example, the Cinderella poems portray Cinderella's attitude before and during the ball, while the Red Riding Hood verses are written from the girl's and then the wolf's point of view. Each set of poems is illustrated with Josee Massee's stylized acrylic artwork in rich jewel tones. She skillfully incorporates the characters of the poems and the idea of mirror images into each of her illustrations. The female parts are read by the author, while the male characters are voiced by Joe Morton. Both readers skillfully use tempo, expression, and inflection to make the meaning and feeling of the poems clear. Appropriate instrumental background music has been added to each poem. A great choice for a reading/listening center at school, or just for fun.
Cardon, D. (2011). Mirror, mirror: A book of reversible verse. School Library Journal, 57(11), 69.
My Impressions:
Mirror, Mirror is such a fun, lighthearted book that creates a unique poetry experience. Students can look at the poems on each two-sided spread and see new ways words can work together in poetry. The different perspective shown with each poem and illustration forces the reader to shift their understanding of longstanding characters and reexamine familiar situations in a new light. The pictures are so bright and colorful. They really add to the whimsical nature of the book. Poetry can be seen in a less traditional yet structured environment throughout Mirror, Mirror. As a sign of good children's poetry, Mirror, Mirror gives a fresh vision to the same old tales most readers have always had.
Library Use:
The theme of reversal throughout Mirror, Mirror emphasizes the importance of perspective when dealing with people and the world around you. Mirror, Mirror can be used as an introduction piece for Diversity in Young Adult literature Month. Teaching students the difference a change of narrator can make in the progression and understanding of a story. Students can work to read books with protagonists who are less familiar and/or come from a completely different background than themselves. Introducing points-of-view through short poetry like Mirror, Mirror plants a seed that encourages students to start pursuing other voices and faces outside of their own.
The theme of reversal throughout Mirror, Mirror emphasizes the importance of perspective when dealing with people and the world around you. Mirror, Mirror can be used as an introduction piece for Diversity in Young Adult literature Month. Teaching students the difference a change of narrator can make in the progression and understanding of a story. Students can work to read books with protagonists who are less familiar and/or come from a completely different background than themselves. Introducing points-of-view through short poetry like Mirror, Mirror plants a seed that encourages students to start pursuing other voices and faces outside of their own.
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