Module 5 - Joyce Sidman Poetry

Bibliographic Citation

Sidman, Joyce. 2006. Butterfly Eyes and other secrets of the meadow. Ill. by Beth Krommes. New York: Houghton Mifflin. ISBN 9780618563135.

Review

Sidman uses the living setting of the meadow for the home of her eight pairs of poetry-riddles featuring plants and animals and other natural things found in the meadow. Written in a variety of styles, these poems provoke the reader to think about the descriptions more deeply. Their thoughts may be confirmed by reading the two-page spread that follows each pair of poetry-riddles as details are given about each poem along with the answer to each riddle. The scratchboard illustrations by Krommes capture the essence and of the meadow as if one is standing next to each flower, insect, or drop of dew. This is a nice mix or poetry, art and science.

Poem Title

Ultraviolet

The eyes of these flies
See more than we see
They love scarlet
Adore pink
Thrive on orange
Lap up yellow with
Long curled tongues
But their favorite
Extra-special secret
Color sprinkled on
Tiny wingscales
Like valentines
And painted on the
Most delectable blossoms
Like bull’s-eyes
That we can’t see
Because our eyes
Are not theirs
Is ultraviolet

What are they?

Introduction or Follow-up Activity

This delightful book of poetry riddles begs to be shared with students outdoors. Why not share these riddles while sitting together on a nice spring day. Read the riddles and have the students predict the animals described. Next, read the following two-page spread that provides the answers to the riddles along with more details on each animal. While referencing the setting of the meadow, plan a culminating project by having students sow wildflower seeds in an area surrounding the school. This area could later serve as a designated space for sharing poetry aloud.