  | Full Text Reviews: Booklist - 12/01/2015 Singer’s delightful third “reverso” poetry collection (after Mirror Mirror, 2010, and Follow Follow, 2013) here focuses on classic Greek myths. From the stories of Arachne and Athena to Pandora and Zeus and others, her intricately crafted, paired reverso poems, one for each featured character, lyrically lend differing perspectives and depth to the tales. For example, in “Eurydice and Orpheus,” Orpheus, having rescued true-love Eurydice from Hades, concludes hopefully—“A second chance at romance is what lies ahead / not / our final farewell”—while Eurydice’s poem opens less certainly— “Our final farewell, / not / a second chance at romance is what lies ahead.” Enchanting, lushly hued, split-panel illustrations portray the characters and scenarios in harmonious yet distinct artwork, reflecting the different viewpoints and story elements. Though the poems may have more dimension for readers already familiar with the myths, a footnote on each spread offers a brief abstract. Singer’s endnote provides background on Greek mythology, her reverso poems, and sources for the myths. A wonderful addition to poetry collections and accompaniment for the myths. - Copyright 2015 Booklist. School Library Journal - 01/01/2016 Gr 2–5—A companion volume to this team's Mirror Mirror (2010) and Follow Follow (2013, both Dial), this imaginative work is a symphony of cannily composed verse intensified by a palette of Aegean blues, sunlit golds, and delicate greens. Through reverso poems rendered in an elegant font on split blue and white pages, Singer presents two sides of different Greek myths. The demanding wordplay is deftly handled and prettily displayed. Perfectly complementing—indeed, enhancing—the sly subtlety of the text are Masse's compelling stylized acrylics: Narcissus gazing raptly at his reflection, Daedalus soaring into airy blueness while molting, and melting Icarus plunging into the ocean. For those unfamiliar with the Greek myths, an encapsulated summary is provided at the bottom of each spread. VERDICT A witty, seductive pairing of poetic imagination and artistic vision.—Patricia Manning, formerly at Eastchester Public Library, NY - Copyright 2016 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission. School Library Journal - 12/01/2016 Gr 2–5—A brilliant practitioner of the eponymous poetic form conveys both the drama and pathos of myths that have entertained throughout the ages, while establishing that there are two sides to every story. Full-page artwork, bathed in dazzling blue and gold tones, sets the stage for these timeless tales of gods and mortals told with a poignant and commanding lyricism. - Copyright 2016 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission. Loading...
 |