Has it really been FIVE years since Mirror Mirror: A Book of Reverso Poems
by Marilyn Singer was released? I was contemplating poetry posts since April is National Poetry Month and many favorites came to mind. Then I remembered Singer's work and got all sparkly thoughts again. This book and the companion book, Follow Follow: A Book of Reverso Poems, are favorites on my fairy tale poetry shelf. I have some sample pages from the second book below with some of the reverso poems to read. Reversos are poems that read backward and forwards (by lines) with some punctuation changes and doing so reverses their meanings and/or perspectives, too. They are so clever and fun and I adore these.And the illustrations by Josee Masse fit the illustrations perfectly and colorfully. These should be owned in hardcover. It's the best way to enjoy them and that's from a confirmed ebook addict.
Publisher's description for Mirror Mirror: A Book of Reverso Poems:
What’s brewing when two favorites—poetry and fairy tales—are turned (literally) on their heads? It’s a revolutionary recipe: an infectious new genre of poetry and a lovably modern take on classic stories.Images from Follow Follow: A Book of Reverso Poems. You can click on the image to get a larger version for easier viewing:
First, read the poems forward (how old-fashioned!), then reverse the lines and read again to give familiar tales, from Sleeping Beauty to that Charming Prince, a delicious new spin. Witty, irreverent, and warm, this gorgeously illustrated and utterly unique offering holds a mirror up to language and fairy tales, and renews the fun and magic of both.
I ADORE these poems. I have the first book, Mirror Mirror, but not Follow Follow. Not only is the very ability to make reversible poems so impressive, but Singer brings out really interesting themes. She also shows how fairy tales are so often based in contrast and opposites.
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