DARK EMPEROR AND OTHER POEMS OF THE NIGHT

Nature poet Joyce Sidman piques children’s curiosity about the dark with this collection. Myra Taylor narrates with enthusiasm and curiosity about each topic. For creatures as diverse as a newt, a porcupette, and a primrose moth, the author provides a poetic vignette followed by an informational one. How many ways does a raccoon use his hands? What thing “anchors” the earth and also “touches” the sky? Who are the night weavers? Why might a creature prefer nighttime? Taylor varies her poetic voice and her informational one: The first is animated in character and offers pauses for contemplation; the second is matter-of-fact and speedy. A listening treat! A.R. © AudioFile 2011, Portland, Maine [Published: OCTOBER 2011]