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Stone Bench in an Empty Park
Popular in Japan for centuries, haiku has found a vibrant new voice in English over the last few decades. In this exquisite collection, which celebrates the natural beauty on everyday city streets, a noted poet and acclaimed anthologist presents the work of both classic and modern masters of the genre: Buson, Issa, Myra Cohn Livingston, J. Patrick Lewis, Jane Yolen, among many others. Striking black-and-white photographs add their own lyrical perspective on city life. Just like the haiku, they invite readers to look closely at their world -- and discover the poetry all around them.
40 pages, Library Binding
First published March 1, 2000
26 people want to read
About the author
Paul B. Janeczko
62 books48 followersPaul B. Janeczko is a poet and teacher and has edited more than twenty award-winning poetry anthologies for young people, including STONE BENCH IN AN EMPTY PARK, LOOKING FOR YOUR NAME, SEEING THE BLUE BETWEEN, and A POKE IN THE I, which was an American Library Association Notable Book.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
March 13, 2010
Approximate Interest Level/Reading Level: Upper Elementary to High School
Format: Picture Book/Anthology
Awards: ALA Notable Books for Children (2001), Lee Bennett Hopkins Honor (2001)
The introduction on the opening pages explains a Japanese poetic form called renga, where several writers take turns contributing haikus to a longer collaborative piece. Accompanied by black and white photos, this collection of haikus, or renga, makes poetical observations about nature in a city setting.
This book would provide inspiration and be a great example for a language arts or English class project that could be published and shared as a class book.
Format: Picture Book/Anthology
Awards: ALA Notable Books for Children (2001), Lee Bennett Hopkins Honor (2001)
The introduction on the opening pages explains a Japanese poetic form called renga, where several writers take turns contributing haikus to a longer collaborative piece. Accompanied by black and white photos, this collection of haikus, or renga, makes poetical observations about nature in a city setting.
This book would provide inspiration and be a great example for a language arts or English class project that could be published and shared as a class book.
November 19, 2009
Wow! This book was not what I thought it would be at all! This Haiku anthology does not look particularly spectacular (don't judge a book and all of that) until it is opened and experienced. The author's note in the beginning is even worth reading, and then sharing with students as you begin to embark on the study of Haiku. Take the time to enjoy the pictures and the words of this sleeper anthology that is surely worth putting in your classroom library! Grades 1-5
January 13, 2023
Haikus are a Japanese form of poetry, picked up by the European writer in the early 1900s, so writes author Paul B. Janeczko. Oftentimes haikus deal with the seasons and nature. This beautifully photographed book focuses on the wonders in the city. Photographs are by Henri Silberman.
"At the glower stand
Mama's Valentine rose waits
while I count my coins. ---Nikki Grimes
There is wonder on each page. Good for those in my 7th grade classes who want to devour poetry in bite-size pieces.
"At the glower stand
Mama's Valentine rose waits
while I count my coins. ---Nikki Grimes
There is wonder on each page. Good for those in my 7th grade classes who want to devour poetry in bite-size pieces.
September 18, 2013
Category (Choice)
Found on pg. 241 in the textbook
Description
1. Poems have always been admired by many readers. The familiarity of the lines that ryhmn are experinced by many even in young children's literature. However, a new type of poetry has emerged in the U.S as of the 1940's; the Haiku are series of well structured of written feelings that are portrayed through pictures or simply words. The creater of such a construction has the option of either follwoing the syllable rules or making their interpretation unique.
Possible use in the classroom
2. Although rather difficult for younger students, the creation of a Haiku is something that can take practive and patience. One possible way to allow students to understand is to have the teacher write one and then take each line and show the students how to do it. This way, each child's unique creativity can be examined.
Visual elements
3. The book is only in black and white, but it shows every detail with real-life photography. Different locations are used to help the photos come alive, and all are taken during real-time, not setup to be taken. The illustrations are taken and shown in limited framing which suggests a less emotional perspective on the picture and more on the Haiku.
Personal reaction
4. I found this book to be informational although it was sporadic in terms of content. The reader does not get a chance to read similar Haiku from different people. So, the reader must understand how to read the Haiku before they can fully understand the intended message. I had a great time reading this entire book and exploring the Haiku.
Found on pg. 241 in the textbook
Description
1. Poems have always been admired by many readers. The familiarity of the lines that ryhmn are experinced by many even in young children's literature. However, a new type of poetry has emerged in the U.S as of the 1940's; the Haiku are series of well structured of written feelings that are portrayed through pictures or simply words. The creater of such a construction has the option of either follwoing the syllable rules or making their interpretation unique.
Possible use in the classroom
2. Although rather difficult for younger students, the creation of a Haiku is something that can take practive and patience. One possible way to allow students to understand is to have the teacher write one and then take each line and show the students how to do it. This way, each child's unique creativity can be examined.
Visual elements
3. The book is only in black and white, but it shows every detail with real-life photography. Different locations are used to help the photos come alive, and all are taken during real-time, not setup to be taken. The illustrations are taken and shown in limited framing which suggests a less emotional perspective on the picture and more on the Haiku.
Personal reaction
4. I found this book to be informational although it was sporadic in terms of content. The reader does not get a chance to read similar Haiku from different people. So, the reader must understand how to read the Haiku before they can fully understand the intended message. I had a great time reading this entire book and exploring the Haiku.
October 30, 2011
wide reading for CI 546
grade level: late middle to high school.
genre: poetry, haikus along with black & white photographs
themes: city as naturescape.
school use: I think this book would be a great teaching tool, not just about using the haiku limitations but about the overall ability of poetry to create images in readers' minds. The pairing with the B&W photographs is quite lovely and a great way to teach how poems can both tell without showing and show without telling.
review: A really lovely book. Beautiful combination of poems and images.
grade level: late middle to high school.
genre: poetry, haikus along with black & white photographs
themes: city as naturescape.
school use: I think this book would be a great teaching tool, not just about using the haiku limitations but about the overall ability of poetry to create images in readers' minds. The pairing with the B&W photographs is quite lovely and a great way to teach how poems can both tell without showing and show without telling.
review: A really lovely book. Beautiful combination of poems and images.
September 15, 2009
Not sure if I gave it only a 3 because I don't love poetry. I read this because I was looking for a more grown-up looking picture book to read and found this one recommended. The pictures are of the city and are to supplement the haiku poetry that is written throughout. It is supposed to show beauty and nature in an urban setting. Might work well with a writing poetry unit.
July 21, 2015
This book offers an interesting collection of urban haiku (or poems very much like haiku), paired with black and white photographs that help to tell the poem's story.
The book is a fairly quick read and it certainly shows how nature can still be an integral part of life in an urban setting. We enjoyed reading this book together.
The book is a fairly quick read and it certainly shows how nature can still be an integral part of life in an urban setting. We enjoyed reading this book together.
October 30, 2010
I really enjoyed the black-and-white photography and accompanying haikus! Very creative and artsy.
March 21, 2012
Lyrical haiku; very nice sepia photographs
July 30, 2012
Love the black and white photos in this poetry book!
July 1, 2017
A collection of haiku and complementary black & white photographs of city life.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews