Honey, I Love and Other Love Poems (Reading Rainbow Books) [Paperback]

Eloise Greenfield (Author), Leo and Diane Dillon (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 2 and up | Series: Reading Rainbow Books

An ALA Notable Children's Book

HONEY, I LOVE
and other love poems

Ages 7 to 11

Love don't mean all that kissing
Like on television
Love Means Daddy
Saying keep your mama company
    till I get back
And me doing it

Sixteen poems tell of love and the simple joys of everyday life, seen through the eyes of a child: playing with a friend, skipping rope, riding on a train--or keeping Mama company till Daddy gets back.

Each of these sixteen "love poems" is spoken straight from the heart of a child. Riding on a train, listening to music, playing with a friend...each poem elicits a new appreciation of the rich content of everyday life. And each poem is accompanied by a beautiful drawing, both portrait and panorama, that deepens the insights contained in the singing words.
For the first time Eloise Greenfield and Diane and Leo Dillon have combined teir rich talents to bring children a book that shows them the joys that come from seeing with a poet's eyes--the eyes of love.

Notable Children's Books of 1978 (ALA)
A Reading Rainbow Selection
Winner, 1990 Recognition of Merit Award (George C. Stone Center for Children's Books, Claremont, CA)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Abounds with that special tenderness surrounding the everyday experiences in a child's life. These poems beg to be read aloud." -- -- The Boston Globe

"Children will find many of their own feelings and experiences reflected in this marvelous collection." -- -- Y.C.

About the Author

Eloise Greenfield is the author of an illustrious list of books for young people, including The Friendly Four, a Texas 2x2 Reading List book; In the Land of Words, an NCTE Notable Children's Book in the Language Arts; and How They Got Over: African Americans and the Call of the Sea, winner of a Bank Street Children's Book Award—all illustrated by Jan Spivey Gilchrist. She is a recipient of the Virginia Hamilton Literary Award; the Coretta Scott King Author Award; the Award of Excellence from the Washington, D.C., branch of the National Writing Project; the Milner Award; the Hope S. Dean Award from the Foundation for Children's Literature; and the NCTE Award for Excellence in Poetry for Children. Ms. Greenfield lives in Washington, D.C.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 2 and up
  
• Paperback: 48 pages
• Publisher: HarperCollins (May 23, 1986)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0064430979
• ISBN-13: 978-0064430975
• Product Dimensions: 7.1 x 5.1 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #25,606 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #10 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > Literature > Poetry > General
  • #17 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > People & Places > Biographies > People of Color
  • #28 in Books > Children's Books > Biographies > People of Color

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

25 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Eloise, we love you too!, May 4, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Honey, I Love and Other Love Poems (Hardcover)

HONEY, I LOVE and other love poems is simply put, one of the all-time best books of poetry ever written - and it is loved and enjoyed by adults as well as children. Eloise Greenfield's poetry is full of wisdom, simplicity, and elegance. The title poem reflects a childhood any child would be privileged to have - a "flying pool," a cousin from the South whose words just kinda "slide" out of his mouth, a Mama whose arm is for holding her child...and for being kissed. What more could anyone need? The other poems are brilliant as well - especially HARRIET TUBMAN who didn't "take no stuff." This poem, in fact, is an anthem for school children everywhere, who love a hero and aspire to be one as well. Poetry doesn't get any better than the stuff that comes out of Eloise Greenfield's experiences, heart, and pen. As an author and teacher myself, I admire the timeless nature and awesome craftwork in this book, and I share it every chance I get. Honey, you'll love it!

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Pure, Beautiful Poetry for Any Age, May 10, 2005

By 

Amy Senk "Read it, Loved it" (Orange County, CA, USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Honey, I Love and Other Love Poems (Reading Rainbow Books) (Paperback)

This book is a must for any child's bookcase, particularly if one wants to rear a child who is sensitive, racially tolerant and in tune with the beauty of language.

These poems are of pure emotion: love, joy, loss, bravery, silliness. The voice is childlike but amazingly profound as the poems cover a squeaky school piano, a Southern cousin whose every word "just kind off slides out of his mouth" and the complete abandon one feels when dancing deep in the music of Earth, Wind and Fire.

My favorite two poems are a bit more serious. In "Keepsake," Greenfield uses just nine simple lines to convey loss, and the impact adults can have on children. This is not a maudlin poem that is too heavy or upsetting. Although it deals with death, it's respectful and loving. And the poem "Harriet Tubman" is amazing, deftly describing the woman's heroics and bravery in a satisfying and strong verse.

Honey, I Love is a thought-provoking work that stands the test of time. It's a book that adults and children can, and should, enjoy together.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful poems, July 1, 2006

By 

BookWoman - See all my reviews

This review is from: Honey, I Love and Other Love Poems (Reading Rainbow Books) (Paperback)

This books is a favorite of mine and memorable since childhood. The poems are sweet and the drawings are beautiful and made with love. A feel good book for adults and children that is simple and to the heart.