The Great Frog Race and Other Poems by Kristine O'Connell George

George, Kristine O'Connell. The Great Frog Race and Other Poems. Ill. by Kate Kiesler. New York, NY: Clarion Books, 1997. ISBN:978-0-395-77607-0

SUMMARY

Join  a child as she explores the mysteries of nature found in the countryside. Beginning with spring, each season in the country reveals new discoveries told in delightful poems that capture each moment using vivid descriptions that awaken all senses. Watch the tiny tadpoles "snuggled in mud," feel the cool night breeze that stirs the ghost children, or find frogs to race in a summer night. Through this book of poetry, the beauty found in the country and the simple pleasures enjoyed by children will enchant readers of all ages.

ANALYSIS

Kristine O'Connell George's The Great Frog Race and Other Poems brings to life the joys found in the countryside. The poems, simple in format but deep in description, reveal the pleasures found when one takes the time to just hear sounds, observe sights, or inhale scents that surround us. In her poem, "Meadows," she uses a simple haiku to describe insects in the meadow:

                                                A cloud of white gnats

                                                hatching in the grass, swirling

                                                a summer snowstorm.

Normally one thinks of gnats as annoying little insects that buzz near ears and tangle in hair, but after reading her poem, they become artistic beauties that can remind one of winter, even when experiencing the heat of summer.

When describing the wind in "Spring Wind," she uses personification in her free verse poem. The spring wind becomes a graceful lady, "smelling of lavender"  with "long elegant fingers" who gently enters a home "for tea and scones" and then "After tea/she whispered her thanks,/lifted her silk skirts,/and rustled away." The words are soft and light, capturing the essence of the wind.

Kate Kiesler's oil paintings use soft colors and hues to accompany each poem. The illustrations match the tone of the book - gentle, fun, and wholesome. George and Kieler successfully capture the spirit of life in the country in The Great Frog Race and Other Poems.

AWARDS

Lee Bennett Hopkins Poetry Award, 1998: Winner, United States

Lee Bennett Hopkins Promising Poet Award, 1998: Winner, United States

Best Children's Book of the Year, 1998: Bank Street College of Education, United States

SUGGESTED ACTIVITY

"Metal Bucket"

No one remembers when

(or even if)

they ever bought one.

One day, it's just there,

sharp and shiny

in the sun. Proud.

A thin strong handle,

lip rolled just so for pouring

smooth flat bottom for sitting.

Later, grayed and dented,

it is even friendlier,

loyal and steadfast.

A metal bucket

stays with its family

for life.

Share this poem with your students, reading it aloud. First read the title, the poet's name, and then read through it once. Pause...and read it one more time. Open a discussion by asking the students why this bucket is so important to the family. Imagine the ways it was used by the suggestions in the poem. Then, have a basket of common household items we use every day. Let students look through the basket and choose an object, and invite them to write about its value to a family.

Activity credited to: Kristine O'Connell George - http://www.kristinegeorge.com/teachers_guide_great_frog_race.html

and to Dr. Sylvia Vardell in her book Poetry Aloud Here!

Vardell, Sylvia. Poetry Aloud Here! Chicago, IL: American Library Association, 2006.

The Great Frog Race and Other Poems. cover illustration. Internet on-line.  Retrieved on April 14, 2013 from http://www.flr.follett.com/search?SID=cb05aae0609482338b0720ef2912133c