Book Descriptions
for Mirror Mirror by Marilyn Singer and Josée Masse
From Cooperative Children's Book Center (CCBC)
Fourteen cleverly crafted pairs of poems look at a selection of familiar fairy tales from two points of view, with each pair comprised of the same lines in opposite order—a reversal that changes meaning and perspective entirely. The mirrored poems illuminate well-known tales such as Little Red Riding Hood (offering both Red Riding Hood’s and the Wolf’s perspective), Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, Rapunzel, Jack in the Beanstalk, and others. Not every pair works equally well as poetry in two directions but the best are masterpieces, and the collection as a whole is not only entertaining but offers intriguing possibilities for classroom use. Ingenious illustrations reflect the dual perspectives of each pair of poems in a single, brilliantly composed, richly hued painting. (Ages 7–10)
CCBC Choices 2011. © Cooperative Children's Book Center, Univ. of Wisconsin - Madison, 2011. Used with permission.
From the Publisher
With 6 starred reviews, 8 best of the year lists, and over 20 state award nominations, everyone is raving about Mirror Mirror!
"Remarkable."—The Washington Post
"This mind-bending poetry is accompanied by Masse's equally intelligent, equally amusing art."—Time Out New York for Kids
What’s brewing when two favorites—poetry and fairy tales—are turned (literally) on their heads? It’s a revolutionary recipe: an infectious new genre of poetry and a lovably modern take on classic stories.
"Remarkable."—The Washington Post
"This mind-bending poetry is accompanied by Masse's equally intelligent, equally amusing art."—Time Out New York for Kids
What’s brewing when two favorites—poetry and fairy tales—are turned (literally) on their heads? It’s a revolutionary recipe: an infectious new genre of poetry and a lovably modern take on classic stories.
First, read the poems forward (how old-fashioned!), then reverse the lines and read again to give familiar tales, from Sleeping Beauty to that Charming Prince, a delicious new spin. Witty, irreverent, and warm, this gorgeously illustrated and utterly unique offering holds a mirror up to language and fairy tales, and renews the fun and magic of both.
Publisher description retrieved from Google Books.