K-Gr. 3. Both secular and spiritual experiences of Christmas are represented in this An I Can Read Book poetry anthology. Each of the 12 poems speaks succinctly to a familiar emotion associated with the holiday. Mary Fleming's "Waiting" is about anticipation ("I go on waiting . . and waiting . . . Waiting's the worst / Because Christmas is coming / and I'm ready to BURST"). Hopkins' own "Wonder" deals with reverence ("Wonder. Awe. Joy. / Birth of Him / Baby Boy"). Teachers will find many of the entries useful for demonstrating specific poetic devices. Impressionistic pastels by Hall, who also illustrated Hopkins'
Weather: Poems for all Seasons (1994), reflect the generally subdued mood with gentle pinks, blues, and purples rather than traditional holiday reds and greens. Interestingly, although a few of the selections discuss giving gifts, getting them doesn't figure into the equation here; the titular "Christmas Presents" are the poems themselves--along with the ineffable spirit of the season that they capture.
Jennifer MattsonCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
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About the Author
Lee Bennett Hopkins's poetry anthologies include Marvelous Math, which won a Parents' Choice Gold Award and was a Reading Rainbow selection, and Spectacular Science. The recipient of a Christopher Award and the University of Southern Mississippi's Medallion for "lasting contributions to children's literature," Mr. Hopkins lives in Westchester County, New York, and Cape Coral, Florida.