The Cuckoo's Haiku: and Other Birding Poems by Michael J. Rosen and Stan Fellows, ill. Somerville, MA: Candlewick Press, 2009. ISBN 978-0-7636-3049-2

Annotation: Richly illustrated in both visuals and words, this picture book serves as both a poetic flight in haiku and a field guide for both new and old bird lovers alike.

Media: Watercolor and pencil.

Rating: 5Q/5P.

Curricular connections: English/Language Arts, Poetry, Science/Health.

School level: Middle school or junior high, High school.

Rhythm: As the title indicates, this picture book is filled with haiku, which is a form of poetry comprised of three un-rhymed alternating five, seven, and five syllable lines, This highly structured poetic form creates a short, regular rhythm that is not unlike the rhythmic calls of the birds featured in the text.

NP 07/04/09