So Cool

by Dennis Lee

Dennis Lee is at it again and this time it’s something completely different.... In 1974, Alligator Pie changed the face of Canadian children’s literature. Dennis Lee has become an icon in Canadian children’s books bringing sheer delight to kids with other classics such as Jelly Belly, Garbage Delight, and newer works like Bubblegum Delicious and The Cat and the Wizard. This time around he offers a spellbinding collection about the trials,tribulations and unexpected joys of growing up. Featuring 36 remarkable poems for early teen readers, So Cool is a rollicking ride down a sometimes very bumpy highway. Written with Lee’s trademark wit and insight, and his brilliant use of language, the poems tackle matters of concern to young readers with sensitivity and wild humour. As the poems ricochet between self-doubt and swagger, nostalgia and exuberance, readers will recognize their own insecurities, fears, hopes and dreams. Throughout, Lee’s magnificent words are brought to life by a sophisticated array of illustrations from the talented and past Lee collaborator Maryann Kovalski. The result is a new collection to be savored and treasured by readers of all ages.

Genres: Poetry

74 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2004

About the author

Dennis Beynon Lee, OC, MA is a Canadian poet and thinker who lives in Toronto, Ontario. He is also a children's writer.

After attending high school at the University of Toronto Schools, Lee received bachelor's and master's degrees in English from the University of Toronto. He is best known for his children's writings; his most famous work is the rhymed Alligator Pie (1974). He also wrote the lyrics to the theme song of the 1980s television show Fraggle Rock and, with Philip Balsam, many of the other songs for that show. Balsam and Lee also wrote the songs for the television special The Tale of the Bunny Picnic. Lee is co-writer of the story for the film Labyrinth.

Reviews

[Norman · Rating 5 out of 5]

What I like about this book of poetry is how every single poem has the exact theme; which includes all the characters not accepting who they are as themselves. I don't have really much to say for this book, but this is just pure genius.

[Juta Kruusmäe · Rating 3 out of 5]

Teen angst. Nice!

[Brooke · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some of the poems were pretty good, and some of them were more childish then I would have liked. Overall, not bad though. I got some inspiration from it.