Talking Like the Rain: A Read-to-Me Book of Poems [Paperback]

X. J. Kennedy (Author), Dorothy M. Kennedy (Author), Jane Dyer (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1, 2002 | Grade Level: K and up

"What's the matter with
With Dickery Dean?
He jumped right into
The washing machine!"

"Nothing's the matter
With Dicker Dean -
He dove in dirty,
And he jumped out clean!"

With over 180,000 copies sold since its 1992 debut, Talking Like the Rain is now being reissued in a deluxe paperback edition with a bold new cover design. This fine collection includes over one hundred classic children's poems, all divided into familiar subjects such as "Birds and Beasts," "Wind and Weather," and "Just for Fun." With soft, cheery watercolor illustrations by Jane Dyer, Talking Like the Rain is the perfect way to introduce even the youngest of readers to the art of poetry, and is sure to be treasured by families for years to come.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

In both content and design this is an unusually striking anthology. The title, from Isak Dinesen's Out of Africa ("Speak again. Speak like rain"), provides a selection basis for the more than 120 poems, handily grouped in such sections as "Wind and Weather" and "Just for Fun." Many of the verses are well-known in the canon of children's literature--Hilaire Belloc's "The Early Morning"; Edward Lear's "The Owl and the Pussy-Cat"--but there are intriguing additions. Wallace Stevens's "John Smith and His Son, John Smith," for example, delights with its vigorous rhythm "Voila la vie, la vie, la vie, / And-a-rummy-tummy-tum / And-a-rummy-tummy-tum."Dyer's vibrantly colored, splendidly detailed illustrations, some of this gifted artist's finest work, pick up elements from well-known art associated with children's poetry, a device that imparts a soothing quality to these captivating pages. Ages 3-up.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 4-- This collection is clearly the product of editors and an illustrator who know poetry and appreciate its bone-deep beauty. Dyer's watercolors reflect the wonder in each selection. Imaginative as the poetry selections are, her pictures dance off the page. The book is divided into nine sections; each poem within each section seems exactly right, and all are timeless. Within the sections and between them, the poems flow seamlessly. The poets range over time, and include Stevenson, Milne, Lear, Janeczko, Ciardi, Livingston, and Bodeker to name a few. Three poems about night, set against a dark city skyline, are followed by four lullabies, including Jane Yolen's lovely ``Shepherd's Night Count.'' The book opens with a quote from Isak Dinesen: ``Why they should feel verse to be like rain I do not know. It must have been, however, an expression of applause, since in Africa rain is always longed for and welcomed.'' So is this book. --Kathleen Whalin, Belfast Public Library, ME
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 96 pages
• Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers (April 1, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0316384917
• ISBN-13: 978-0316384919
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 0.4 x 12.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #338,440 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

DOROTHY M. KENNEDY is a writer and editor whose articles and reviews have appeared in both professional and academic journals. She has taught composition at the University of Michigan and Ohio University and, with X.J. Kennedy, is the recipient of the NCTE Teacher's Choice Award for Knock at a Star: A Child's Introduction to Poetry.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book of Poetry For Children (and Parents), July 10, 2002

By 

Kevin Durkin - See all my reviews

This review is from: Talking Like the Rain: A Read-to-Me Book of Poems (Paperback)

Last night, my not-quite-three-year-old daughter spontaneously recited a couple dozen poems from this book to my wife and me. We were astounded. She's been requesting that we read TALKING LIKE THE RAIN to her day and night since I bought it last month, but we had no idea how deeply the poems had sunken in. What better endorsement can one give to such a book? We plan to buy several more copies as presents for my daughter's friends . . . and their parents.

X.J. Kennedy is a terrific poet as well as a top-notch editor. I highly recommend his own children's poetry books, particularly his irreverent BRATS, as well as his poetry books for adults, which include the excellent DARK HORSES and CROSS TIES.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Lovely, January 19, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Talking Like the Rain: A Read-to-Me Book of Poems (Hardcover)

Tastefully and carefully selected verses by the Kennedys will help give children a fondness for the musical power of words. Lavish watercolors by Dyer enhance the experience.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars My daughter won't let us stop reading it., August 21, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Talking Like the Rain: A Read-to-Me Book of Poems (Hardcover)

A beautiful book with wonderful poems. The illustrations by Jane Dyer are absolutely gorgeous! Every night my daughter asks for her poems. And always wants just one more. It would be a great gift for a new mom and dad.