TOASTING MARSHMALLOWS: CAMPING POEMS by Kristine O'Connell George

BIBLIOGRAPHY

George, Kristine O'Connell. TOASTING MARSHMALLOWS: CAMPING POEMS. 2001. Ill. by Kate Kiesler. New York: Clarion. ISBN 061804597-X

PLOT SUMMARY

The collection of 30 poems by Kristine O’Connell George chronicles a family camping trip. The poems, written from the perspective of a young girl, describe different aspects of the trip including pitching the tent, toasting marshmallows, fishing, hiking, and returning home again. Kate Kiesler’s illustrations bring the poetic imagery to life.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

This is a book anyone can enjoy, whether or not they have ever been camping. Children will be able to picture themselves pitching a “blooming, bright orange” tent or watching “/a chipmunk dash / past my feet, / a furry flash /” as it steals a bite of breakfast.

The words in several of the poems are shaped to convey the visual imagery of the verse. The poem “Tent” is presented in a conical shape that, even without Kiesler’s illustration, brings to mind the profile of a tent. In “Storm” the lines angle across the page in an image of windblown rain. The words in “Eavesdropping” are shaped like the crescent moon in the night sky of Kiesler’s illustration.

In addition to shaped poems, George’s use of language creates vivid images. In “Scooter, the reader gets a sense of the family dog’s personality change brought on by the camping trip.

At home, our dog snores
loose-boned easy,
sprawled between
fireplace and couch,
losing himself
in tennis-ball dreams.
Here, by the campfire,
he’s tightly coiled–
a thin, tense spring –
snarling into the night,
hackles lifting
his leather collar.
Tonight, Scooteris Timber Wolf.

This book would be perfect to read aloud to children. The conversational structure of the poem “Two Voices in a Tent at Night” also suggests a choral reading in a classroom or library setting. This book will bring fond memories for anyone who has been camping, as well as spark the imagination of anyone who has not had the experience.

REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

*HORN BOOK: “The pleasure and surprises of going camping are conveyed in eighteen brief poems. Familiar camping experiences--including pitching a tent, sleeping in a sleeping bag, and watching a chipmunk--are described, in addition to more unusual experiences like walking through a field of mustard, seeing a moose, and discovering a cave. Richly colored paintings enhance the verses.”

*BOOKLIST: “Infused with the wonder and thrill of living outdoors, these are direct, satisfying poems that will engage kids at school, across the curriculum, or at home.”

*PUBLISHER'S WEEKLY: “This volume by George and Kiesler is as delicious as a roasted marshmallow treat. George's poems shine, the images clear and startling.”

CONNECTIONS

This book could be used in conjunction with units on poetry, nature or camping.

Other books associated with camping:

James, Helen Foster. S IS FOR S’MORES. ISBN 1585363022

Lakin, Patricia. CAMPING DAY. ISBN 0803733097

Ruurs, Margriet. WHEN WE GO CAMPING. ISBN 0887766855

Other poetry books by the same author:

George, Kristine O’Connell. HUMMINGBIRD NEST: A JOURNAL OF POEMS. ISBN 0152023259

George, Kristine O’Connell. OLD ELM SPEAKS: TREE POEMS. ISBN 0395876117

George, Kristine O’Connell. THE GREAT FROG RACE AND OTHER POEMS. ISBN 0395776074