Messing Around on the Monkey Bars

Bibliography
Franco, Betsy. 2009. Messing Around on the Monkey Bars and Other School Poems for Two Voices. Illus. by Jessie Hartland. Massachusetts: Candlewick Press. ISBN 978-0-7636-3174-1.

Summary
This is a collection of poems set throughout the school: the library, lunchroom, classroom and playground. Students are playing, engaging in conversation, and getting into trouble. This book opens up dialogue among readers about day-to-day activities at school using humor and being able to just have fun.

Critical Analysis
 Language- This book was meant for reading aloud with more than one voice. The language/dialogue used allows for readers to take turns reading as well as reading in unison. Some poems use simple words and language such as asking questions about the new kid. Many poems use onomatopoeias to get the point across.

(Reader 1)     (Reader 2)
Tap, tap        While we're reading
Tap, tap        and we're writing
Tap, tap
Tap, tap

The language use adds a little humor to the silliness that is the children. In one poem, the children are in the library making goofy noises while the librarian tries to tell the children to quiet down but the poor librarian loses her cool and shouts. One cannot help but feel bad for the librarian.

Rhythm and Rhyme- The rhythm in the lines makes it easy for readers during a read-aloud. The shorter lines allows younger readers to become involved in the read-alouds. The author mainly uses rhyming lines while also using a variety of verse structures.  This allows for readers to become familiar with the different structures of poetry.

Emotion- The emotion felt throughout the book can be described as humorous, witty, or happy in general. There's excitement conveyed in finding a new friend, finding a lost treasure in the lost and found, or messing around on the monkey bars! This book was meant to be read with a light heart and the joyful spirit of a child.

Imagery- The language used allows the reader to use sense besides sight. With the use of onomatopoeias, readers can hear the
"bounce, bounce Hear the swish!"
or
 "Snicker, snicker
Ouch, eeek
Burp, snort
Tee-hee"

The illustrations are in vivid colors and gives visuals to create images of each poem. The pictures of the students' faces portray the joy of childhood. Some of the pictures depict mischievious grins of students getting caught trying to lie about unfinished homework or trading in a little sister for a green iguana. The colors used in the illustrations are bright and bold which go along with the spirit of the book. The author is able to bring back memories of the carefree days of childhood and the joys of simply playing.

Review Excerpts

School Library Journal- "Teachers and librarians looking for readers' theater materials will be delighted with this collection; bold text indicates alternating voices, and suggestions for additional "adventurous ways to read the poems" are in the back matter."

Booklist- "Hartland's energetic gouache illustrations add interest, portraying relevant objects and lively scenes in a childlike style with cartoon like details and some hand lettering."

Connections

• Use book to create reader's theater: reading in chorus, call and response, and groups.
• Research similar books to be made available for students to engage in active participation.
• Have students create their own poems for two voices.