1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Lawson, JonArno. 2006. B;LACK STARS IN A WHITE NIGHT SKY. Ill. By Sherwin Tjia. Honesdale, Penn.: Wordsong. ISBN 9781590785218
2. SUMMARY
JonArno Lawson weaves together a poetic tapestry for a child that takes flights of fancy and of the mundane throughout the course of Black Stars in a White Night Sky. From the juxtaposition of light and dark, to the personification of tree-climbing kangaroos and dessert-preferring pigeons, Lawson makes sparkling poetry for the young and young at heart.
Old Man Margulis
“Old man Margulis
throws cake to the pigeons;
he claims that their feelings get hurt
by the same old dull bread crumbs and sunflower seeds --
‘What they coo for, my friends,
Is dessert.’”
While not specifically connected or associated with a particular theme this collection of works by JonArno Lawson does evoke, as a whole, a feeling of lightness and joy in the interesting aspects of life, as well as a recurring connection between the human and natural world that will entice young readers.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Rhythm, rhyme and sound play are at the forefront of Lawson’s work in this volume.
The Crepe Eaters
“They eat their crepes
behind drawn drapes,
they sneeze and cough politely.
How quickly they
avert their eyes
from anything
unsightly.
Whatever happens,
good or bad,
They take it
very lightly.”
Most, though not all, of the individual poems in this work have a strong rhyming pattern and a sauntering rhythm that is engaging and appropriate for children. Additionally the introduction of new words in rhyming patterns help support the acquisition of word sounds by young readers. Additionally Lawson’s use of sound adds an element of fun that is pervasive.
From The Knuckle-Nicking Buckle
“I nicked my knuckle
On my buckle
Fastening my belt;”
In addition to Lawson’s solid use of rhythm, rhyme and sound to draw in young readers, these delightful poems are couple with wonderful black and white illustrations by Sherwin Tija. The strong, dynamic images range from single drawings confined to a small portion of the page surrounded by whitespace, to full page detailed illustrations of environments that are often literal representations of the poetry they support. These illustrations use just enough detail to create a strong image while still remaining animated enough to support the fun and lightness of Lawson’s poetry.
Overall the entire collection is enjoyable and perfectly suited for young readers. The poems cover interesting topics in enticing ways and are paired with illustrations that enhance the whimsy of the poems. It is a wonderful choice for school, classroom and home libraries.
4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
Review in WASHINGTON POST BOOK REVIEW "These playful verses pass the true-poetry test: They show the world in a new light. As even his titles prove, Lawson likes to turn words and ideas inside out and upside down, roll them around and see what surprises shake out. Who could resist dipping into 'The Maple Leaves That Mabel Leaves' or 'Frog on the Cob'? But he also shows an unexpected range of feeling.”
Review in KIRKUS REVIEWS: Staid design masks a terrific collection of poetic surprises, observations and ruminations on topics as varied as discovering sunken treasure but not taking it, meeting an unusually eloquent ‘Elephant,’ considering the prospect of eating ‘Frog On A Cob’ again… and, in the title poem, using the ‘inward-gazing mind’ to reverse what the ‘outward-dazing eye’ sees.”
5. CONNECTIONS
*This book of poetry would be a wonderful choice as a stimulus for pen and ink drawing units in an art class. While a number of the poems have illustrations, students could choose poems that did not to illustrate themselves. Additionally students could seek out images, or the teacher could provide images, to stimulate writing in JonArno Lawson’s style and allow students the chance to create their own works.
*Students could, after finishing a study of Black Stars seek out Lawson’s other book of poetry for children, The Man in the Moon-Fixer’s Mask and compare and contrast the two books as a whole, using the elements of poetry to create diagrams and charts by element.
Other children’s poetry books:
McCord, David. EVERYTIME I CLIMB A TREE. ISBN 9780316158855 (*Out of print but many copies still able to be purchased.)
Viorst, Judith. SAD UNDERWEAR AND OTHER COMPLICATIONS. ISBN 9780689833762
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