The Horn Book Guide

LITERATURE

Spinelli, Eileen

Polar Bear, Arctic Hare: Poems of the Frozen North

32 pp. | Boyds/Wordsong | March, 2007 | Trade ISBN 978-1-59078-344-3 $16.95

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Eugenie Fernandes. Spinelli treats her subjects, which range from orange-golden bumblebees to arctic poppies to polar bears, with respect and--when warranted--playfulness ("O ever clever ptarmigan"). Her poetry evokes myriad sensory impressions, suiting form to subject ("Thrumming and drumming / Caribou coming"), and the seemingly textured illustrations invite touching. Three "Arctic Facts" pages conclude the volume.

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian