CONFETTI: POEMS FOR CHILDREN written by Pat Mora and illustrated by Enrique O. Sanchez

Review by Christi De Leon

a.    BIBLIOGRAPHY

Mora, Pat. Confetti: Poems for Children. Ill. by Enrique O. Sanchez. New York: Lee & Low Books, 1996. ISBN 9781880000857

b.    SUMMARY & CRITICAL ANALYSIS

This poetry collection includes thirteen narrative poems about the wondrous nature in the Southwest. These poems are written in free verse through the view of a Mexican American girl who resides in this region.

These poems are told as perceived from a Mexican-American girl who embraces the Southwestern culture. It is evident that the girl takes pride in where she comes from, making the poems celebratory in nature. Text in the Spanish language is mixed into many of the poems. A glossary is included at the end of the book that provides the pronunciation of each Spanish word used. As a window into the Hispanic culture, this collection of poems is insightful for all children by building familiarity with the Hispanic way of life. English Language Learners who speak Spanish can relate to these poems, and the repetition makes some poems more understandable. This book of poetry is especially great for sharing aloud or reading chorally. The poems encourage creative thinking and use of the imagination.

The title of the book along with the title of each poem is written in a fun, swirly font that complements the flowing rhythm. Most poems are relatively short, and are written on large, bold confetti-shaped pieces that overlap. Varying in form, some poems rhyme and others do not. "Words Free as Confetti," for instance, is an example of a free verse poem that is infused with similes and evokes sensory images. Although the subject of each poem varies, many capture the beauty of nature along with the artwork. The acrylic illustrations are colorful and spirited. The use of orange and yellow tones give a warm appearance to the book, while portraying the climate of the Southwest. The artwork also conveys the landscape, such as the wide open spaces and bright sunshine. Several pages are sprinkled with confetti. Overall, this lively book of poems is sure to engage readers!

c.    POEM TO SPOTLIGHT AND SHARE

"Castanet Clicks"

Uno, dos

one, two

baskets blue.

Tres, cuatro

three, four

one bell more.

Cinco, seis

five, six

castanet clicks.

Siete, ocho

seven, eight

copper plates.

Nueve, diez

nine, ten

count again.

This poem is a great example of how English and Spanish words are interwoven to create an exciting poem that rhymes. Some students are likely to recognize the familiar, catchy rhythm of this poem, since it is similar to the popular nursery rhyme “One, Two, Buckle My Shoe.” Those who speak Spanish as their native language are likely to be more receptive to the short lines, familiar words, and simple rhymes when hearing this poem for the first time.

Reading this poem aloud gives students a great opportunity to put music to the words. By giving students castanets, they can read the poem as they click along to the beat. Having this poem visible for all students during this activity would also benefit all students, including ELL’s. This would allow them to see the familiar number words in their native language in conjunction with the English number words. Students who are not ELL's can enjoy learning to count in Spanish with this poem.