Common Critters

Reviews / Votes

"Creatures receive their charming due in this bouncy collection of brief rhymes. The poems read and generally scan very well; each critter is the star of its own verse. Educators and parents will appreciate that the poems also provide interesting, easily digestible nuggets of scientific information. Delightful watercolor-and-ink cartoons add uncommon whimsy throughout and feature lush surroundings, shown additionally in lovely opening and closing spreads. An uncommon introduction to poetry. " -- Kirkus Reviews "Superlative back matter elevates this illustrated collection of jokey poems celebrating neighborhood wildlife: "There are creatures all around you,/ not exotic, but not tame./ Though most are pretty common,/ they're intriguing just the same." Each critter gets its own poem on a spread illustrated with Tavis's artful landscapes and goofily goggle-eyed wildlife. Brisson's wordplay ranges from obvious ha-has (of crows: "And could this fact be much absurder?/ A group of you is called a murder!") to sophisticated lines (of caterpillars: "It follows metamorphic urges/ to break out, and what emerges/ is a moth or butterfly/ that dries its wings and starts to fly"). A "Facts About Common Critters" section offers more information about the featured creatures ("A squirrel will crack open a nut and rub it on its face before burying it") alongside a brief discussion of artistic license, while "A Peek into the Poet's Toolkit" uses the poems to explain rhyme, meter, stanza, and poetic license." -- PW "The poems are light and fun, while the entertaining illustrations will draw in readers." -- Susan Lissim, Dwight School, NYC - School Library Journal