POETRY - MEOW RUFF

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Sidman, Joyce. 2006. MEOW RUFF: A STORY IN CONCRETE POETRY. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company. ISBN 9780618448944

2. PLOT SUMMARY
A delightful book and story of concrete poetry that tells of an unlikely friendship that is sure to develop. A dog slips out of his house and finds himself out alone on the street. A cat founds himself dumped and left to fend for himself out on the street. The two meet up, and are instantly at odds. Until, a thunderstorm starts to brew and they find themselves snuggled up for warmth and company. After the storm, the chase is back on!

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
MEOW RUFF is an excellent book to introduce young children to the world of concrete poetry. Joyce Sidman chooses basic vocabulary that is easily understood by even the youngest of readers. Michelle Berg illustrates those words by turning the words into the objects that they are describing. The words, “Silver-Glinting” and “Chrome Plated” are actually inside and become the basic design of the car, while the words, “Just a tiny puff, a swirl of frosting – cloud” are designed to actually be the cloud. All of the language is intricately intertwined that will have all readers eagerly looking for the next item while they follow the main characters (a dog and a cat) throughout their journey.

The illustrations are created using a very eye pleasing palette of pastel colors. Cartoon illustrations help to create the good feelings of the story, and are done in such a way that every inch of the page are filled with the basic symmetrical shapes. The reader is able to feel the eagerness of the dog while he is saying, “At last, at last- cat!” or “Scary hissing cat!” While at the same time the uneasiness of the cat can be felt while he is thinking, “Back arching –hiss starting- sworn enemy- dog!” The giant words, “KABOOM” and “SIZZLE, SLASH, LASH, SNAP, AND ROAR!” create a feeling of intensity and unease as they show the arrival of a thunder and lightning storm.

Altogether, MEOW RUFF is a very lively and entertaining story that adults and children alike will enjoy.


4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
BOOKLIST starred review: “It’s typically said of picture books that art and text are inseparable, but the truth of that has rarely been more evident than it is in this introduction to concrete poetry.”
HORNBOOK starred review: “A notable poet and a first time children’s book illustrator take concrete poetry to a new level……..”
KIRKUS review: “……the playfulness and originality of concept make this a welcome offering.”

5. CONNECTIONS
*Can be used to introduce concrete poetry about friendship, dogs, or cats.
*Other books of concrete poetry for K-3:
Graham, Joan Bransfield. FLICKER FLASH. ISBN 9780395905012
Lewis, J. Patrick. DOODLE DANDIES. ISBN 9780689848896