tap dancing on the roof written by linda sue park and illustrated by istvan banyai

Park, Linda Sue. Tap Dancing on the Roof, Illustrated by Istvan Banyai. New York: Clarion Books, 2007. ISBN: 9780547394121

Critical Analysis:
     Linda Sue Park is an Asian-American recipient of the Lion and the Unicorn Award for Excellence in North American Poetry. This award nationally recognizes excellent poetry written for children and young adults. Tap Dancing on the Roof is one of her many poetry works and is a compilation of poetry based on a traditional Korean verse form known as sijo. This verse form utilizes the emphasis of stressed syllables within each line and concludes in an ironic twist of humor. In the spotlight poem below, the first line contains fifteen syllabus which demonstrates the criteria of a sijo by containing fourteen to sixteen syllables. Another element of a sijo is the format that of which it's written. As seen below, the poem utilizes a three line format; sijos are formatted in either three or six lines. Outside of the typical sijo verse form, the author incorporates figurative language. The words warm, soft, and delicious are examples of figurative language that directly enhances visual appeal.
     Along with the figurative language used to enhance the content, Park collaborates with Istavan Banyai for illustrations. Banyai utilizes an unique but simplistic approach within his illustrations; however, each illustration successfully captures the essence of each sijo. Throughout this compilation, a majority of each illustration includes light blue. By using this specific shade of blue, Banyai conveys peace and serenity. The collaboration between Banyai and Park positively contributes to conveying the essence of sijo.

Spotlight Poem:

"Breakfast"

For this meal, people like what they like, the same every morning.
Toast and coffee. Bagel and juice. Cornflakes and milk in a white bowl.

Or -- warm, soft, and delicious -- a few extra minutes in bed.
         
                                                                                        - Linda Sue Park
Connections:

• In order to teach children about syllables, have children clap out each syllable.
• Teach children about imagery by having them describe a simple object such as a desk. 
• Ask children how they feel when they see specific colors throughout the books. After they share what they think, educate children on how different shades of blue convey differing emotions.