Forgive Me, I Meant To Do It: False Apology Poems

Forgive Me, I Meant To Do It: False Apology Poems
Written by Gail Carson Levine
Illustrated by Matthew Cordell

My rating: ★★★

ISBN: 9780061787256
Publisher: HarperCollins
Date of publication: March 13, 2012
Age: Grades 2 - 6
Genre: Poetry

Themes: fairy tales, non-rhyming poetry, apologies, wickedness

Inspired by William Carlos William’s poem “This Is Just to Say,” this book is a collection of false apologies: forgive me, not really. Using various fairytales or real life experiences, these poems are a representation of how tricksters and pranksters my really feel about their work. Or how Rapunzel really felt about the prince climbing her hair. Here's an example:

“I baked
a cottage
made all
of gingerbread

which
you and your sister
will be unable
to resist

Forgive me
I am hungry
and I prefer my food
young”

Some of the poems are fairly disturbing, but Levine does warn the reader that this is not “a nice happy book.” Indeed, rather hilarious and awfully snarky, you can tell Levine had a lot of fun writing this book. Cordell’s illustrations, in the style of Shel Silverstein, add some additional laughs, but it is really the poems that shine through. This is the perfect book to get kids to try their own hands at poetry—because who hasn’t given a false apology?

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The Lion and the Bird

The Lion and the Bird
Written and illustrated by Marianne Dubuc

My rating: ★★★★

ISBN: 978-1592701513
Publisher: Enchanted Lion
Date of publication: May 6, 2014
Age: 4 years and up

Themes: friendship, seasons, caring

On an autumn day, Lion is working in his garden when he looks over to discover an injured bird. He decides to take care of it, as the rest of the flock has already flown south. They quickly become friends and enjoy having fun together. But, come spring and the return of his flock, Bird flies away. Lion works away in his garden, through spring and summer, hoping that he may see his friend again.

It’s beautiful. Heartfelt. Just the right amount of sweetness. The simple illustrations match the simple message: nothing is better than a good friend. At 64 pages, it’s a hefty picture book, but it’s very light on words and focuses mostly on the pictures. I mean, how adorable is this:

Go and read and feel good.

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Can You Keep a Secret?

Can You Keep a Secret?
Sophie Kinsella

My rating: ★★★★

ISBN: 978-0385336819
Publisher: The Dial Press
Date of publication: March 23, 2004
Age: Adult
Genre: Romance

Themes: secrecy, communication, trust, marketing

Emma, like any girl, has a few small secrets. Her boyfriend may think her a size four. She may have fudged her CV for her job. These things go unsaid. Until, one very turbulent flight... Emma is sure she's going to die--this plane is FALLING--and so ends up spilling all of her secrets to the man next to her. They land safely and Emma never expects to see the man again...until she shows up to work on Monday and it turns out he's the CEO of her company. And he has a very sharp memory.

I loved it. Obviously. Because Kinsella is a guilty pleasure I have. So I don't know that I'll be unbiased in this review. I did like this one better than the others I have read so far, though. It came off more believable and deeper. Family issues, relationship issues, communication issues--it's all there and Emma has to fix them. It's fantastic. I recommend it.

Warning: Explicit Content
Language
Sexuality

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This Is a Moose

This Is a Moose
Written by Richard T. Morris, illustrated by Tom Lichtenheld

My rating: ★★★★

ISBN: 9780316213608
Publisher: Little, Brown Books
Date of publication: May 6, 2014
Age: 3 - 8 years
Genre: Educational

Themes: film direction, documentary, wilderness, disorganization

A film director wants to do a documentary on a moose, but this particular moose has other plans in mind. He doesn’t want to just walk in the woods, doing moose things—he has a dream! So with some help from his friends, he may just accomplish it. And the movie director will just have to deal with it. Maybe he’ll want to come along?

It’s hilarious. And you know how much I love hilarious picture books. The subtle jokes, the overall comedic plot line…it's just so good! Plus the illustrations are also fantastic, and fit well with the story. They’re done in a color pastel that adds the perfect amount of texture to this story in the woods. Besides the funny-ness, and pretty-ness, it is actually an educational look into movie making. It’s informative and factual. Good for a storytime about woodland creatures or to encourage the little movie makers in your life. Go and read!

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