Love Letters

Endearing poems that express children's feelings of love, friendship and curiosity are gathered together in the form of letters in this unique and creative collection. The charismatic letters penned to teachers, classmates, family members and others such as the playground snow girl or "fill-in-your-own-name" delight and intrigue 4 to 8 year old readers. Adding a different twist to modern free verse, Adoff makes brilliant use of word and letter placement to emphasize and capture the statement each love letter makes. There is a poem to which every child can relate, whether it is the boy with a secret crush- "Dear Tall Girl At Front Table: I love you more than peanut butter cookies crumble. I love you more than yellow bees bumble. I also love you more than dark thunder clouds rumble." -or the admiring son- "Dear Hard Working Dad: Even when you snore on the couch, I am proud with a full heart for you." Each poem stands alone as a distinctive piece, and is accompanied by innovative artwork for which illustrator Desimini used sculptured models, collages, oil paintings, photographs and mixed-media computer graphics. A true-to-life model of grandmother's head accompanies a tribute to her homemade treats, and an original collage of common objects forms a self portrait that accompanies a letter to oneself. This collection would make a great addition to a Valentine's Day celebration as a read-aloud, and children will be drawn to its humor and lightheartedness while reading independently as well.