Review: If It Rains Pancakes Haiku and Lantern Poems by Brian P. Cleary (Author), Andy Rowland (Illustrator)

SUMMARY FROM NETGALLEY.COM:

What is a haiku? It sounds like a sneeze. And isn't a lantern a light source? Actually, they are two types of ancient Japanese poetry. Award-winning author Brian P. Cleary explains how each form works—and shows how these little poems can contain big surprises!
If It Rains Pancakes is packed with poems to make you chuckle, puzzle, and ponder. And when you’ve finished reading, you can try your hand at writing your own haiku and lanterns!

MY TAKE:

Prior to reading this book, I knew what haikus were but had no idea what lanterns were.

In If It Rains Pancakes, readers get to learn all about haikus and lanterns, as well as read some examples of both.

Some of the haikus are pretty ordinary, but there are a number that are quite inspired. For example, "My pet pig, Betty, in her full karate stance, performs the 'pork chop'." Usually, I'm not too keen on puns, but that one made me laugh.

The lantern, as it turns out, has a 1-2-3-4-1 structure, with the first syllable being the subject of the poem. Obviously, it's harder to create something awesome with these limits. I did like one lantern, though, that I think cat owners can relate to and will find funny: "Cat: 'Feed me.' 'Pet me too.' 'Feed me. Pet me.' 'Now.'"

The illustrations are just okay for me. It feels a little bit plain to me, although, the plain white background may have contributed to that effect.

Thanks to NetGalley and Millbrook Press for the e-ARC. Publication date of If It Rains Pancakes is on May 1, 2014.

THE GOOD:

1. Some of the haikus and lanterns are interesting and funny.
2. There are plenty of examples.
3. The explanations for the haiku and lantern are easy for kids to understand.

THE BAD:

1. Some of the examples included are forgettable.

FAVORITE QUOTE/S:

Philadelphia:
Birthplace of America
and tasty cheesesteaks. 

READ IT IF:

1. You like haikus and lanterns.
2. You want to teach your child about haikus and lanterns.
3. Your child likes poetry. 

RATING:


SOUNDS INTERESTING?