Which animal poem was your favorite and why?

This is a discussion prompt for Carnival of the Animals and Other Poems by Mick Gowar. Use it to spark conversation with your child after reading.

How do you think the music for the lion sounds?

This is a discussion prompt for Carnival of the Animals and Other Poems by Mick Gowar. Use it to spark conversation with your child after reading.

If you were to write a poem about an animal, which one would it be and what would it do?

This is a discussion prompt for Carnival of the Animals and Other Poems by Mick Gowar. Use it to spark conversation with your child after reading.

What makes these poems funny or interesting?

This is a discussion prompt for Carnival of the Animals and Other Poems by Mick Gowar. Use it to spark conversation with your child after reading.

Have you ever heard music that made you think of animals?

This is a discussion prompt for Carnival of the Animals and Other Poems by Mick Gowar. Use it to spark conversation with your child after reading.

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Carnival of the Animals and Other Poems

Name: Carnival of the Animals and Other Poems
ISBN: 9780140347623

by Mick Gowar

Journey through the animal kingdom with this poetic companion to Saint-Saëns's "Carnival of the Animals." Each poem captures the spirit of a different creature, from the majestic lion to the graceful

About This Book

Mick Gowar's "Carnival of the Animals" is a charming chapter book of poetry designed to introduce young readers, ages 4-11, to the whimsical world of Camille Saint-Saëns's beloved musical suite. Each of the fourteen movements, representing different animals, is brought to life through engaging and often humorous verses. It's an excellent resource for fostering an appreciation for classical music, exploring animal characteristics, and enjoying playful poetry. Parents can read it aloud to younger children or let older children explore the poems independently, perhaps even listening to the music alongside the text.

Concepts

Curiosity & Wonder Creativity & Imagination Joy & Gratitude Empathy & Kindness Animals Ocean & Marine Life Birds Puzzles & Games

Wonderlit Review

Mick Gowar's "Carnival of the Animals" is a delightful poetic companion to Camille Saint-Saëns's iconic musical suite. This chapter book presents a series of poems, each dedicated to one of the fourteen movements of the original composition, bringing the various animals to life through engaging verse. The book captures the inherent humor and whimsy of Saint-Saëns's work, making it an accessible and entertaining introduction to classical music for young readers. The book handles its subject matter with lightheartedness and imagination, focusing on the characteristics and movements of each animal in a way that mirrors the musical interpretations. There are no sensitive topics; the emotional arc is consistently joyful, humorous, and filled with wonder, designed to spark curiosity rather than address complex feelings. This book is specifically for children who have an interest in animals, enjoy poetry, or are beginning to explore the world of classical music. It's an ideal choice for families looking for a read-aloud that combines literary and musical appreciation. A parent might reach for this book when seeking a creative way to introduce their child to Saint-Saëns's "Carnival of the Animals" or simply to find a collection of charming animal poems. To enhance the experience, parents could play the corresponding musical movements while reading each poem, allowing children to connect the words with the sounds. Younger children (4-7) will be captivated by the animal imagery and the rhythm of the poems, while older children (8-11) will appreciate the clever wordplay and the deeper connection to the musical allusions. What sets this book apart from other animal poetry collections is its direct and intentional link to a specific piece of classical music, offering a unique multi-sensory learning opportunity that enriches both literary and musical literacy.