Tap Dancing on the Roof: Sijo (Poems)

by Linda Sue Park, Istvan Banyai (Illustrator)

Overview

A one-of-a-kind and funny book to share and read aloud from Newbery medalist Linda Sue Park and artist Istvan Banyai.

Carefully crafted and deceptively simple, Linda Sue Park's sijo are a pleasure to read and an invitation to experiment with a less-familiar poetic form. Istvan Banyai's giddy illustrations add a luster to a book that is truly a gem.

Sijo, a traditional Korean verse form, has a fixed number of stressed syllables and a humorous or ironic twist at the end. Like haiku, sijo are brief and accessible.

The verses in this book illuminate funny, unexpected aspects of the everyday—of breakfast, houseplants, tennis, freshly washed socks.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780544555518
Publisher:	HarperCollins
Publication date:	09/15/2015
Edition description:	Reprint
Pages:	48
Product dimensions:	6.10(w) x 9.10(h) x 0.30(d)
Lexile:	650L (what's this?)
Age Range:	4 - 7 Years

About the Author

Linda Sue Park, Newbery Medal winner for A Single Shard and #1 New York Times bestseller for A Long Walk to Water, is the renowned author of picture books and novels for young readers. She lives in Western New York. Learn more at lindasuepark.com.

Istvan Banyai is the creator of the award-winning children's book Zoom and The Other Side. He lives in Connecticut.

Editorial Reviews

"Fresh and collegial, this offering stands out." Kirkus Reviews, Starred

Banyai's illustrations enhance the collection with an extra element of wit and imaginative freedom.
Horn Book

Park wants readers to try sijo for themselves, and in an extensive author's note she offers history, advice and encouagement.
Publishers Weekly

A smart and appealing introduction to an overlooked poetic form.
School Library Journal, Starred

With this lighthearted collection of her own sijo, the form will take a flying leap into the consciousness of both children and teachers.
Booklist, ALA, Starred Review —

From the Publisher

"Sijo," Park tells readers of this beguiling wee book, "is a traditional Korean form of poetry. . . . The first line introduces the topic. The second line develops [it]. And the third line always contains some kind of twist." Thus, "Pockets": "What's in your pockets right now? I hope they're not empty: / Empty pockets, unread books, lunches left on the bus-all a waste. / In mine: One horse chestnut. One gum wrapper. One dime. One hamster." Some sijo rhyme, some use six short lines instead of three long. All provide an intriguing glimpse into an art form that, like haiku, seems simple but is in fact exacting. The poems spring from roots in a child's everyday life, from school to the out-of-doors to sports to homey activities, each inviting readers to examine their familiar world in new and surprising ways. Banyai's whimsical decorations evoke the early 20th century, tiny moppets clad in knee pants gamboling about the page, adding their own droll commentary to the verses. A concluding note provides background, resources and tips for readers to try their own sijo. Fresh and collegial, this offering stands out. (Picture book/poetry. 9-12)

Kirkus Reviews