Squeeze: Poems From a Juicy Universe [School & Library Binding]

Heidi Mordhorst (Author), Jesse Torrey (Illustrator)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 3-6–Familiar elements of a childs world are explored in these sensitive, free-form verses. The 24 original poems capture an imaginative view of commonplace things and happenings, such as Wherever you are/is somewhere sour or sweet–/a lemon heaven/full of juice to squeeze. The emergence of spring crocuses, a sandy beach, a honeysuckle vine, a full moon, swinging high on a swing, and riding in the backseat of a car take on new dimensions as the poets imagination enlarges the ordinary, creating new visions and possibilities. Artistic, full-page color photos add to the attractiveness of the book.–Sally R. Dow, Ossining Public Library, NY
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From Booklist

Gr. 2-4. "Let loose . . . hold safe." In a poem about soaring high on a swing, Mordhorst captures the rhythm and movement of holding on tight as a swing swoops back and rushes forward. Many of the other poems in this lively collection also blend immediate physical experience with the wonder of opposites in a child's daily life, whether it's the combination of noise and quiet that cause a child to wake in the morning or how being alone allows a child's imagination to fly ("what's inside me rushes out"). The best poem, "How to Run Away," could be a picture book in itself. Some of the color photos overwhelm the poetry; it's sometimes hard to get near the words printed on the bright, big images. Most pictures, however, leave space to imagine the fun. A book for writing classes as well as for reading aloud. Hazel Rochman
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 8 and up
  
• School & Library Binding: 32 pages
• Publisher: Boyds Mills Pr (October 1, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1590782925
• ISBN-13: 978-1590782927
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 8.1 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,420,771 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

I've been a teacher for about 20 years and a poet for twice that long. (I wrote the first version of "The Moon Moves" in SQUEEZE when I was eight.) I've been a choral singer, an improvisational comedian, a quilter and a salsa dancer (none of them professionally). I went to Wesleyan, Bank Street and the University of London, and I'm an Alpha Delt, a UU and an ENTJ (if you're interested in Myers-Briggs). I've lived in New York, London, Paris, Munich (everybody talk about pop musik). Now I live in Bethesda, MD with my partner and two children, where I get on with life while watching for ghosts--like the butterflies that gusted up from the pumpkins.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Poetry for Kids and for Remembering What It Was Like to be a Kid!, December 19, 2005

By 

NW (Virginia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Squeeze: Poems From a Juicy Universe (School & Library Binding)

I ordered 3 copies of Squeeze to give as Christmas presents, and now I've ordered a 4th--for my New Year's present to a friend. This book is a delight for all ages with its spare, evocative images, piquing the memories of childhood for those of us over 12, and putting words to the singularity of each moment for those under 12.

5.0 out of 5 stars turn off the television and start squeezing!, October 29, 2005

By 

Sharon Hyman Schaner - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Squeeze: Poems From a Juicy Universe (School & Library Binding)

What a pleasure to enjoy this fabulous book of poetry with your kids! My budding three year old son has memorized already several of the poems simply because we laugh, and act them out and have loads of fun. You can really feel the whimsical spirit of the writer, her sense of humor, her love of life, and just generally her creative way of looking at the world (the pictures too are so yummy!). My only criticism is that at some point the book ends!

5.0 out of 5 stars Creative poetry for kids!, October 19, 2005

By 

K. M. Tracy (Grantham, NH) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Squeeze: Poems From a Juicy Universe (School & Library Binding)

As a children's librarian I enthusiastically recommend Squeeze! It's poetic forms will connect children to their own experiences in a very special way. The beautiful photos serve to enhance the words, but it is the words that will have children forming their own pictures. I love this book and plan on sharing it with my young patrons!