Just Us Two: Poems/Animal Dads

by Joyce Sidman

Provides young readers with a collection of easy-to-read poems about animal dads, such as the Emperor Penguin and Peregrine Falcon, in relation to how they tend to and care for their young.

Genres: Poetry, Picture Books

32 pages, Library Binding

First published June 12, 2000

About the author

The Newbery Honor winner Joyce Sidman is today's foremost nature poet for children. Accolades for her books include two Caldecott Honors, a Lee Bennet Hopkins Award, winner of the Claudia Lews Award, and many stars and best of lists. For her award-winning body of work, she won the Award for Excellence in Poetry for Children. She lives in Wayzata, Minnesota. Visit www.joycesidman.com

Reviews

[Elizabeth Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book of poems about animal dads. Poems varieties include poems for two voices, haiku, concrete poems and more.

Would be great for father's day. But also could include in penguin unit, habitat unit, or suggest for student that loves animal books. Great combination of fiction/nonfiction. Back of the book teaches about each animal. Would be a great resource for weaving poetry into other subjects.

[Paul Hankins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Non-Fiction poetry during National Poetry Month? Or anytime? You can't go wrong with Joyce Sidman. With JUST US TWO, Sidman celebrates the fathers of the animal kingdom, from the emperor penguin to the small mouse and his babies.

A focus on the father role here brings non-fiction into focus for younger readers.

Various poetic forms employed throughout the collection invite younger readers/writers to try their hand at their own non-fiction responses to subjects.

Susan Swan's paper cut illustrations make this book a feast for the eyes.

[June Pecchia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Much-neglected category... a great picture for a dad to share with his child, and one that opens the door to speak of the bond of love between father and child. Beautiful art and thoughtful poetry that is fun, too.

[Ms. B · Rating 3 out of 5]

A book for Father's Day!
Yay!
May I add
No deadbeat dads,

Instead of mamas,
This book is about papas.
Animal dads care for their young,
As much as anyone.

Emperor Penguin, ostrich,
Poison-arrow frog, arctic wolf,
And peregrine falcon,
All love their broods.

[Cws]

J811.54Sid

[Tamera Wissinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eleven fun and informative poems about how animal dads care for their young accompanied by beautiful cut paper art.