a poke in the i selected by paul b. janeczko and illustrated by chrisraschka

Janeczko, Paul B. A Poke in the I: A Collection of Concrete Poems, Illustrated by Chris Raschka. Massachusetts: Candlewick Press, 2005. ISBN: 9780763623760

Critical Analysis:

     A Poke in the I is a compilation of thirty concrete poems selected by Paul B. Janeczko and illustrated by Chris Raschka. Janescko integrates these poems in a manner that showcases the varying ranges that the original authors use to create their pieces of poetry. Each poem is different; however, they all exhibit the fun and uniqueness found among concrete poetry. In the Spotlight Poem, “Giraffe,” the author uses words to construct the poem in the shape of an actual giraffe as well as using imagery to depict the physical description of a giraffe. Not only does the author use her words to create an image, but she also incorporates an end rhyme at the conclusion of the poem. This element adds a fun and entertaining beat that her audience will enjoy and remember. Paul B. Janeczko does a great job of selecting fun concrete poems to include within this compilation.

Spotlight Poem:

"Giraffe"

        A

 GIRAFFE

          I

           S

             S

             O

                  T

                  A

                  L

                  L

                     A

                     N

                     D

         HIS HEAD IS SO

   FAR ABOVE HIS LEGS

       HE PROBABLY CAN'T SEE

                 H       T         E        K

                  I       O         L        N

                 S       E          S        E

                          S          E        E

                 A                             S

                 D      O         B     

                 O      R         E         A

                 R                  L         N

                 A      A         O        D

                 B      N         W

                 L      Y                     E

                 E      T          H         L

                         H           I         B

                          I           S         O

                         N                     W

                         G                      S

                                         - Maureen W. Armour

Connections:

• Select a random poem, within this collection, and have children describe what it is the words depict.
• Have children choose a random object or animal and then have them create their own concrete poem in the shape of it.