I love rhyming nonfiction, and the subgenre of song parodies especially. Parodies isn’t the right word, because this book isn’t a spoof, but it’s where you take a copyright-free song and write totally new lyrics that share loads of info on a specific topic. I did a set of 8 of these, including Eight Great Planets, and the books were both really exciting and very challenging to write.
Bateman’s book is a take-off on the song “Over in the Meadow,” and it teaches all sorts of great information about the prairie ecosystem. We learn about the plants, the animals, and the weather–in addition to practicing counting 1 to 10.
Trying to fit in content, match the meter of the original song, and find words to rhyme with specific numbers can be incredibly tough, and hats of to Bateman for handling that so well.
Here’s one that works really well:
Out on the prairie where the silver stars shine,
Lived a mother coyote and her little pups Nine.
“Howl!” said the mother. “We howl,” said the Nine.
So they howled and they whined where the silver stars shine.
My one nit-pick: There were some verses where I felt too much info was packed in, and it affected the meter. For instance:
Out on the prairie where the constant wind blows free,
Lived a mother meadowlark and her little chicks Three.
“Chupp, chupp!” called the mother. “Chupp, chupp,” called the Three.
So they called all morning where the constant wind blows free.
To me, the word “constant” blows (hehe) the meter in that verse. I think kids would have a much easier time singing it without “constant” in there. And repeated singing is what’s going to help kids really remember these facts.
Still, this is a terrific book! I think teachers would have a great time using it to teach kids about this ecosystem. Each time the class sings or chants Out on the Prairie, the teacher could read one of the excellent backmatter entries, which give even more detail about the animals discussed and their parenting styles. And it would be fun to have small groups within the class each sing one verse and perhaps act it out, howling like coyotes or huffing like the wind. Fun!
Simply Science has the Nonfiction Monday roundup today. Go learn something great!
I would say:
Out on the prairie where the west wind
blows free.
(constant wind has too many beats, but deleting it entirely leaves a beat missing, for my ear anyway.
I LOVE LOVE LOVE the art in this book including the cover art.
Thanks for coming by, Douglas. It’s so funny…for me that line needs a stressed syllable after the “the,” so “west” doesn’t quite do it for me there. Funny how individual our ears are, as you said. :>) I’m so glad you stepped in to say how much you love the art. I’m not overly wild about it, but wouldn’t have said so had a blog reader not specifically asked my opinion. But it seems like very skillful, thoughtful art–just not my particular taste. I’m thrilled for the artist to get to hear how much an artist like you loves it!
I have both Poem Runs and Shiver Me Timbers, when it comes out on my TBR list. Can’t wait to see your newest offerings!
“Out on the prairie where” is actually dactylic: a stressed syllable followed by two unstressed.
So technically we’re both wrong, and we should say
Out on the prairie where
West winds blow free.
Assuming, of course, that west winds still blow free.
And thanx for your support.
You didn’t mention the art. The cover art doesn’t especially grab me, so I wonder what you think of the inside illustrations.
The art is not a style I’m overly fond of. I love the details the artist included in the spreads, but I just don’t love the look. So I wasn’t saying anything:>) Art is so subjective–I always feel bad when I don’t like someone’s art all that much.
That is such a great learning tool! I can imagine how hard it would be to make though, my hat’s off to you and this author!
Thanks–Donna really did do a lovely job!
Thank you for participating in Nonfiction Monday. Can’t wait to read your new water book!
Shirley
THanks, Shirley (I wish it was coming out before 2014!).
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It looks like lots of fun. The prairie is amazing, Laura, so I’m happy to see a new book about it. Thanks!
I LOVE trees, so the prairie is not actually my favorite ecosystem. I think it’s beautiful to look at, but as far as spending time someplace, I want forests and/or mountains. But this book did give me a new appreciation for and interest in this environment. Every ecosystem has such amazing things to offer:>)