A Crossing of Zebras: Animal Packs in Poetry [Hardcover]

Marjorie Maddox (Author), Philip Huber (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1, 2008 | Age Level: 7 and up | Grade Level: 2 and up

Everyone has heard the phrase "a school of fish." But what about "a rumba of rattlesnakes," "an army of ants," or "a crash of rhinos"? Derived from both oral and written traditions, collective nouns go back centuries. These terms not only charm us with their sound, but they provide a bit of insight into animal behavior. Readers can find these and other terms - from alley cats to zebras - in fourteen thought-provoking poems by Marjorie Maddox. She and artist Philip Huber create a wonderful combination of rich wordplay and captivating art that tickles the imagination.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 2–5—Starting with evocative collective animal nouns, such as a "tower of giraffes" and a "charm of butterflies," Maddox offers 14 brief poems. Teachers will appreciate the use of alliterative language, imagery, and lighter-than-air whimsy. In "A Rumba of Rattlesnakes," for example, the poet conjures up an image of the animals' dangerous, hypnotic dance with crisp rhythm and wordplay: "They rattle maracas and rat-tat on drums,/blow on tin trumpets, uncurl their tongues." Huber's appealing scratchboard with colored-ink illustrations add texture, color, and fanciful detail. An author's note gives some of the history behind the development and use of collective nouns. An enticing treat for would-be wordsmiths and animal lovers, this short collection will also make an excellent read-aloud.—Marilyn Taniguchi, Beverly Hills Public Library, CA
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Review

If you love to hear words dance, or can envision language in motion, you must pick up this book and read it aloud to someone who adores listening to fun and imaginative poetry. You will see rattlesnakes rumba, from a safe distance of course. Alley cats of all sizes will pounce. An army of ants will feast at your picnic, almost. The language is fun and fanciful and will keep your tongue hopping through the pages. Not only does this book introduce us to some unusual collective nouns such as a murder of crows, a crash of rhinos, and a charm of butterflies, but the poems will also waltz into your heart. The words come alive by the rhythm they keep as they are read. Anyone who remembers the sixties will reminisce when he or she reads about the band of coyotes. So come learn about collective nouns. Each poem is to be enjoyed and is found to be irresistible; let yourself go as you enjoy each expression. The poetry is animated with rich language and is full of life. --Library Media Connection

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 7 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Wordsong (April 1, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 159078510X
• ISBN-13: 978-1590785102
• Product Dimensions: 11.5 x 9.2 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,770,275 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Director of Creative Writing and Professor of English at Lock Haven University, Marjorie Maddox has published Perpendicular As I (Sandstone Book Award); Transplant, Transport, Transubstantiation (WordTech Editions); Weeknights at the Cathedral (Yellowglen Prize); When the Wood Clacks Out Your Name: Baseball Poems (Redgreene Press); six chapbooks, and over 350 poems, stories, and essays in such journals and anthologies as Poetry, Prairie Schooner, Crab Orchard Review, American Literary Review, US Catholic, The Art Times, Arabesque: International Literary Journal, Seattle Review, Anthology of Magazine Verse and Yearbook of American Poetry, A Fine Frenzy: Poets on Shakespeare, Hurricane Blues. She is the co-editor of Common Wealth: Contemporary Poets on Pennsylvania (PSU Press 2005) and author of two children's books from Boyds Mills Press: A Crossing of Zebras: Animal Packs in Poetry (2008) and The Rules of the Game: Baseball Poems (2009). Her short story collection, What She Was Saying, was one of three finalists for the Katherine Anne Porter Book Award, and a semifinalist for Leapfrog Press's book competition, Eastern Washington University's Spokane Fiction Book Award, and Louisiana University Press's Yellow Shoe Book Award. The recipient of numerous awards, Marjorie lives with her husband and two children in Williamsport, PA. For updated information and reviews, please see her Web site at http://www.lhup.edu/mmaddoxh/

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars engaging and not just for kids, July 23, 2008

By 

Emily (Stow, Morocco) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: A Crossing of Zebras: Animal Packs in Poetry (Hardcover)

Margie Maddox's poems entertain as well as educate -- they are lively but with puns and language play that make them equally interesting for grown ups reading this to children. Huber's prints make a rich complement to these engaging poems.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wow! Great Gift Book. Fun and Educational, August 22, 2008

By 

RG "mom2four" (Valley of the Sun) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Crossing of Zebras: Animal Packs in Poetry (Hardcover)

I gave this book to my niece for her birthday. She adored the illustrations at once and read the book before going to bed that night. She called me right away and said how much she loved the book. It is very well written, full of information, and fun to read. My sister was so impressed with the book she is going to give it for gifts as well. Who knew gatherings of animals could be so fun to learn about! This is the perfect gift book or coffee table book. I can't wait to get one for myself!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book with beautiful illustrations!, August 23, 2008

By 

SportsMom - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Crossing of Zebras: Animal Packs in Poetry (Hardcover)

My daughter loves this book. Her favorite page is "A Band of Coyotes." We read it together the first time and now she sits and reads it out loud for the rest of us. She really loves the illustrations and likes to count how many animals are on each page. Our whole family has enjoyed this book! It would be a great gift idea.