There's something special about holiday books. I can't quite explain it. I think it's the fact that not only are you going to enjoy the holiday, but you will have a great book that goes with it -- illuminating a memory, and creating anticipation for you own celebration.
And when that book is poetry, that is made even more special.
So, as the holiday season gets in full swing, I thought I'd share a poetry book I've been rereading recently:
Raczka, Bob. Santa Clauses: Poems from the North Pole. Illus. by Chuck Groenink: Carolrhoda Books, 2014. Print.
In this picture book, Santa shares the poetry he has written, inspired by a gift from Mrs. Claus --a book of haiku. Kept as a journal for the month of December, the light, wispy verses give us a glimpse into Santa's busy month. Along the way, he thinks about eggnog, watches Mrs. Claus make a snow angel, helps her untie the Christmas lights, and observes the nature around him. I was struck by the poignancy of the moments caught in each poem, such as on Dec. 19th when Santa takes a moment to enjoy a candy cane -- or when he reads "A Christmas Carol" by the fire to Mrs. Claus. Santa (Raczka) has picked the most simple and perfect of moments to spotlight with text.
Honestly, Santa won my heart here --by writing crisp, simple, and very authentic verse.
An introduction explains the premise of the book and the haiku form. The text is appropriately presented as a paper in the typewriter Santa uses to write his poetry.
Each verse is illustrated by Chuck Groenink, and these pages reveal a quaint and pleasant life: star garland hung over the fireplace, a happy cat sitting by the fire, and an elf checking his cell phone when he's supposed to be asleep. Pages alternate between nighttime and daytime scenes, both outdoors and in Santa's home, and will make readers feel as if they are spending time with Santa -- staying over for the holidays, enjoying his hospitality. Some illustrations are two-page spreads, and some are panels -- framed like windows into Santa's world. Blues are dusk-midnight-glowing-in-the-moonlight-perfect, and the slightest hints of red are warm and classic. Elves are whimsical and lively, and appear as if moving across the page -- and the workshop.
In these scenes, I noticed Santa's love for books and reading. That won my heart over yet again.
Excellent mentor texts? Yes -- for anyone wishing to write haiku. For anyone wishing to write about themselves.
Check Chuck Groenink's website here.
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