Fathers, Mothers, Sisters, Brothers: A Collection of Family Poems (Reading Rainbow Book) [Paperback]

Mary Ann Hoberman (Author), Marylin Hafner (Illustrator)

Book Description

Grade Level: P and up | Series: Reading Rainbow Book

Families of all kinds are celebrated in this collection of witty and wise poems, with verses about the only child, brothers, uncles, adopted babies, and others. Makes an ideal read-aloud for families to share. Full-color illustrations.

Editorial Reviews

From Kirkus Reviews

Thirty wise, witty, neatly constructed poems, from a spirited definition (``Whether there's ten or there's two in your family,/All of your family plus you is a family!'') to an inclusive celebration (``Our Family Comes from Round the World''). Between is a sampling of configurations (``I am a half- brother/I am a whole-brother/I am a step-brother/There's just one of me!''); comical glimpses of the family scene; and some quieter, affectionate moments. In her lively illustrations, Hafner captures both the hilarious--like an uproarious four-ring family at dinner--and such blissful moments as getting Mom's full attention while sick in bed. Full of insight and lots of fun. (Poetry/Picture book. 4-9) -- Copyright ©1991, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

Praise for Fathers, Mothers, Sisters, Brothers:

"Thirty wise, witty, neatly constructed poems...Full of insight and lots of fun." -Kirkus

"This humorous collection of poems is a real treasure." -Children's Literature

"The emphasis here is on diverse situations, and young listeners from nuclear, extended, fractured, foster, and adoptive families will all find a place in these poems and pictures" - The Bulletin

"Pleasant poems for and about everyone in the family; verses are happy, bouncy, poignant, and sometimes serious. A multicultural smorgasbord - nicely written and appealingly illustrated." -Horn Book

A Reading Rainbow Review Book

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Product Details

• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers; 1 edition (September 1, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0316362514
• ISBN-13: 978-0316362511
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 0.2 x 11 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #484,341 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A humorous and sensitive book, October 30, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Fathers, Mothers, Sisters, Brothers: A Collection of Family Poems (Reading Rainbow Book) (Paperback)

Genuine characters juggle their big sisters, step-mothers, and cheek- pinching aunts in this collection of family-centered poems. While Fathers, Mothers, Sisters, Brothers entertains young readers with situational humor and sprightly rhyme, selections such as "Half-Whole-Step" and "When Annie Was Adopted" deviate from its lighthearted verse to celebrate and explore diversity: "I am a half-brother / I am a whole-brother / I am a step-brother / There's just one of me!" Although metaphor is sparse, Mary Ann Hoberman's utilization of natural meter and playful diction spawns vocalization of each line. Readers will smirk and reminisce as they hear, "A not-everyday jacket / That's-not-for-play-jacket / A do-as-I-say jacket." Aside from the different features and members of families, this collection reveals those situations common in many households, such as new births, shyness around extended family members, and jealousy among siblings. Varying tone and dynamic narratives encourage children to read this book as a whole, but inclusion of different family types provokes students to focus on certain poems to which they relate. Marylin Hafner's lively illustrations complement the multicultural slant of Hoberman's poetry, encompassing a kaleidoscope of individuals and lifestyles. Each colored-pencil drawing supplies glimpses into the action of each poem and drives readers to consider what happens next. Children ages four to eight will enjoy the book's smooth, fun language, its action-packed pictures, and its sensitivity to their own lives.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fathers, Mothers, Sisters, Brothers, March 25, 2005

By 

Carmen Gordon "Krystal" (Cayce, SC USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Fathers, Mothers, Sisters, Brothers: A Collection Of Family Poems (Turtleback School & Library Binding Edition) (School & Library Binding)

Fathers, Mothers, Sisters, Brothers: A Collection of Family Poems by Mary Ann Hoberman is a specialized poetry book containing twenty-six different lyric and narrative poems all focusing on different aspects of families and their lives. The poems throughout the book are structured differently some structures include are: couplets, quatrains, and free verse. Each poem has different sound patterns, examples of sound pattern in some of the poems are: onomatopoeias, rhyme and assonance, and rhythm. All the poems describes an experience from a child's point of view to help the children gain meaning and understanding of different families. This book includes something that all different types of families can relate to. Marylin Hafner's illustrations provide pictures to help children gain a better understanding of the text and add comical entertainment to interest the children.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A lovely book, January 11, 2007

By 

Pride of Pawtucket - See all my reviews

This review is from: Fathers, Mothers, Sisters, Brothers: A Collection of Family Poems (Reading Rainbow Book) (Paperback)

I just love this book. There is only one caveat, and that's a sad poem about being a child of divorce, but, hey, that's reality and if it opens the mind of a kid whose parents are married, maybe not a bad thing.