SPLISH SPLASH
Reviews:
"A colorful collection of poems about water and the particular ways children may come in contact with it . . . cries to be read aloud . . . An enjoyable introduction to poetry that will also be a boon to teachers taking a whole-language approach to science units. A fun and useful purchase." --School Library Journal, starred review
"Whether describing water in such natural states as clouds, in such fanciful forms as crocodile tears, or in such artificially harnessed forms as a shower ("A shower is a private cloud/ it is a special place/ where I can make it rain so hard/ in such a little space"), Graham and Scott team to create a wonderful collection of concrete poetry that is easily as refreshing as a spring rain" --Booklist, starred review
"21 clever poems about water burble and dance across the pages of this vivid volume . . . A delightful blend of visual and verbal fun." --Publishers Weekly
"A set of wonderfully evocative rhymes about water: as steam, as ice, in waves and waterfalls, in oceans and ice cubes. Graham uses simple phrases and images, displaying both a fine ear and a lively imagination, inviting readers to enjoy the sound of the words as well as their sense: "Snow is made of crystal laces/ full of frost and empty spaces/ how can stringing holes together/ pile up into so much weather?" . . . An outstanding collaboration between poet and visual artist." --Kirkus
"Imaginative . . . appealing and entertaining." --Boston Globe
"sparkling . . . fascinating for young AND older readers, and invites aspiring writers to experiment with their own poetry" --Children's Book Review Services
"delightful . . . demonstrates the magical qualities of water as well as language" --Advisory List
"flamboyant . . . don't miss . . . science teachers will smile . . ." --Instructor
SPLISH SPLASH has received many honors, including
*71 Top Books of the Century (Nonfiction), Instructor Magazine
*A School Library Journal Best Book of the Year
*A NCTE Notable Trade Book in the Language Arts
*A Children's Book of the Year, Child Study Children's Book Committee at Bank Street College
*"100 Titles for Reading and Sharing"--New York Public Library
*Great Stone Face Book Award Nominee, New Hampshire
*A Kansas State Reading Circle Selection
*"Children's Books Mean Business," ABA-CBC Exhibit
*California Collection '97, '98, '99, & 2000
*Excellent 1994 Trade Books K-9, Marilyn Carpenter
*Many of the poems from SPLISH SPLASH appear in textbooks from kindergarten through college.