by Michelle Hand for TWU Course Literature for Children and Young Adults
Florian,Douglas. 1994. BEAST
FEAST. San Diego, CA: Harcourt Brace & Company. ISBN 0152951784.
This is a book of twenty-one original poems about different animals and the weird, funny, sometimes perplexing things they do. It is written and illustrated by Douglas Florian.
Critical Analysis
First of all, I was not impressed with Florian’s paintings that accompany the poems. My first impression of the book was not positive. I don’t really care for the “Walrus”
poem or the “Barracuda” poem. The “Anteater” poem invoked the most emotion and
movement with the way the author emulates the anteater’s tongue with the words
of the poem. The actual words of the poem are clever , funny and
educational.
I don’t know if the style of Florian’s paintings in this book are indicative of
all his work or if he drew the animals in such a way that looks like children
drew them to attract young readers. I personally do not care for they style
but on the other hand, young readers probably can relate to his style of
artwork.
I do, however, I appreciate the fact that Florian introduces some species that
most young readers are not familiar with such as the Kiwi, Sloth and/or
Armadillo. I also like how in the “Lobster “ poem he describes how it uses the
different parts of the body to capture and kill prey.
Overall, BEAST FEAST is fun, entertaining and equally educational. It would be a great
source or introduction for a biology science unit in lower grades.
Review Excerpt(s)
“An ideal read-aloud, this volume will leave young listeners as lighthearted as its
own contents.” -Publishers Weekly
“It's easy to imagine readers becoming inspired to write and illustrate their own
poems after spending time with Florian. Clearly a wonderful book.” -
Lee Bock, Brown County Public Libraries, Green Bay, WI, School Library Journal
An ALA Notable Children’s Book
Connections
1. Write a group animal poem. Explain to kids that some poems (called concrete poems) are
shaped like the object they describe. You can show kids the Anteater poem from
Beast Feast. Choose an animal with a shape that is easy to recognize (such as a snake). Create a group poem by having each child contribute a line (verse) about the animal you’re describing. Write the lines in the shape or outline of the animal.
2. Write an “I am . . .”, “I remember . . .”, or “I like . . .” poem. Have kids write a
poem, with each line or verse starting with the words “I am.” Tell kids their poems can rhyme or not rhyme, be short or long, funny or serious. Remind your young poets to sign their poems. Have them illustrate their poems. (If you have an instant camera, display each poem with a photo of the child.)
Get Involved
Many animals in your local community need a good home. Have the kids launch
an adopt-a-pet campaign. Invite staff or a volunteer from the local animal shelter to talk with the kids about the shelter and about animals that need homes. Create flyers (with
kids’ art) to encourage people to adopt pets. Kids can post the flyers at the library, in
their schools and school newsletters, and at other locations throughout the
community.
Connections taken from:
Http://www-tc.pbs.org/parents/bookfinder/bookclub/PKGO_bc05_beastfeast.pdf.
N.p.: PBS, 2004. PDF.
Other similar poem books about animals for children.
Hollander, John, Ed. and Simona Mulazzani, Ill. POETRY FOR YOUNG PEOPLE-ANIMAL POEMS.
ISBN: 9781402709265
Lewis, J. Patrick (Compiler). NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC BOOK OF ANIMAL POETRY: 200 POEMS WITH PHOTOGRAPHS THAT SQUEAK, SOAR AND ROAR! ISBN: 9781426310096
Sidman, Joyce and Beth Krommes (Illustrator). SWIRL BY SWIRL: SPIRALS IN NATURE. ISBN:
9780547315836.
FEAST. San Diego, CA: Harcourt Brace & Company. ISBN 0152951784.
This is a book of twenty-one original poems about different animals and the weird, funny, sometimes perplexing things they do. It is written and illustrated by Douglas Florian.
Critical Analysis
First of all, I was not impressed with Florian’s paintings that accompany the poems. My first impression of the book was not positive. I don’t really care for the “Walrus”
poem or the “Barracuda” poem. The “Anteater” poem invoked the most emotion and
movement with the way the author emulates the anteater’s tongue with the words
of the poem. The actual words of the poem are clever , funny and
educational.
I don’t know if the style of Florian’s paintings in this book are indicative of
all his work or if he drew the animals in such a way that looks like children
drew them to attract young readers. I personally do not care for they style
but on the other hand, young readers probably can relate to his style of
artwork.
I do, however, I appreciate the fact that Florian introduces some species that
most young readers are not familiar with such as the Kiwi, Sloth and/or
Armadillo. I also like how in the “Lobster “ poem he describes how it uses the
different parts of the body to capture and kill prey.
Overall, BEAST FEAST is fun, entertaining and equally educational. It would be a great
source or introduction for a biology science unit in lower grades.
Review Excerpt(s)
“An ideal read-aloud, this volume will leave young listeners as lighthearted as its
own contents.” -Publishers Weekly
“It's easy to imagine readers becoming inspired to write and illustrate their own
poems after spending time with Florian. Clearly a wonderful book.” -
Lee Bock, Brown County Public Libraries, Green Bay, WI, School Library Journal
An ALA Notable Children’s Book
Connections
1. Write a group animal poem. Explain to kids that some poems (called concrete poems) are
shaped like the object they describe. You can show kids the Anteater poem from
Beast Feast. Choose an animal with a shape that is easy to recognize (such as a snake). Create a group poem by having each child contribute a line (verse) about the animal you’re describing. Write the lines in the shape or outline of the animal.
2. Write an “I am . . .”, “I remember . . .”, or “I like . . .” poem. Have kids write a
poem, with each line or verse starting with the words “I am.” Tell kids their poems can rhyme or not rhyme, be short or long, funny or serious. Remind your young poets to sign their poems. Have them illustrate their poems. (If you have an instant camera, display each poem with a photo of the child.)
Get Involved
Many animals in your local community need a good home. Have the kids launch
an adopt-a-pet campaign. Invite staff or a volunteer from the local animal shelter to talk with the kids about the shelter and about animals that need homes. Create flyers (with
kids’ art) to encourage people to adopt pets. Kids can post the flyers at the library, in
their schools and school newsletters, and at other locations throughout the
community.
Connections taken from:
Http://www-tc.pbs.org/parents/bookfinder/bookclub/PKGO_bc05_beastfeast.pdf.
N.p.: PBS, 2004. PDF.
Other similar poem books about animals for children.
Hollander, John, Ed. and Simona Mulazzani, Ill. POETRY FOR YOUNG PEOPLE-ANIMAL POEMS.
ISBN: 9781402709265
Lewis, J. Patrick (Compiler). NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC BOOK OF ANIMAL POETRY: 200 POEMS WITH PHOTOGRAPHS THAT SQUEAK, SOAR AND ROAR! ISBN: 9781426310096
Sidman, Joyce and Beth Krommes (Illustrator). SWIRL BY SWIRL: SPIRALS IN NATURE. ISBN:
9780547315836.
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