Mirror Mirror: A Book of Reverso Poems

Gr 36This appealing collection based on fairy tales is a marvel to read. It is particularly noteworthy because the poems are read in two ways: up and down. They are reverse images of themselves and work equally well in both directions. "Mirror Mirror" is chilling in that Snow White, who is looking after the Seven Dwarves, narrates the first poem of the pair. Read in reverse, it is the wicked queen who is enticing Snow White to eat the apple that will put her to sleep forever. "In the Hood" is as crafty as the wolf who tells of his delightful anticipation of eating Red Riding Hood. The mirrored poem is Red Riding Hood reminding herself not to dally since Grandma awaits. The vibrant artwork is painterly yet unfussy and offers hints to the characters who are narrating the poems. An endnote shows children how to create a "reverse" poem. This is a remarkably clever and versatile book that would work in any poetry or fairy-tale unit. A must-have for any library."Joan Kindig, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA" Copyright 2010 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Singer uses reverso poems, a form of her creation, to show that there are two sides to every fairy tale (the poems can be read backward and forward). On each page, two poems appear, one an inversion of the other with minor changes in punctuation. In In the Hood, Little Red Riding Hoods poem ends: But a girl/ mustnt dawdle./ After all, Grandmas waiting, while the wolfs poem begins: After all, Grandmas waiting, / mustnt dawdle.../ But a girl! Masses clever compositions play with symmetry (in Longing for Beauty, Beauty and the Beast appear as one being, split in half, her tresses echoing his fur), bringing this smart concept to its fullest effect. Ages 6up. "(Mar.)" Copyright 2010 Publishers Weekly Used with permission.