Mirror Mirror: A Book of Reverso Poems

Bibliography

Singer, Marilyn. 2010. Mirror Mirror: A Book of Reverso Poems. Ill. by Josee Masse. New York, NY: Dutton Children’s Books. ISBN 978-0-525-47901-7.

Plot Summary

This collection of 14 poems brings new meaning to classic fairy tales. There are two poems on each page. The poems show two sides to the same story. The words are the same, but the order of the lines is reversed on each one. The author uses slightly different punctuation to help give new meaning to the reverse poem. The book includes classic fairy tales such as Rapunzel, Little Red Riding Hood, Beauty and the Beast, and Snow White.  

Critical Analysis

Marilyn Singer’s idea of reversible poems breathes new life into these traditional fairy tales. The poems are written in free verse. The lack of need for rhyming words allows the author to choose the precise words to create meaning. Children of all ages will enjoy this unique spin on familiar tales.

The beautifully, detailed illustrations help show the varying perspectives of both poems. A line down the middle of the page helps to show the two points of view. The illustration for Little Red Riding Hood, has the lines of the wolf transform into the trees in the opposite illustration. While you only see the danger of the wolf on one side, the girl is shown on both sides since she is essential to both perspectives.

My favorite poem was “The Doubtful Duckling.” I loved how you were able to see the confidence of the duckling in the first poem, but his self-doubt in the second. I feel that children can relate to the mixed emotions of the duckling in this poem pairing.

Review Excerpts

Booklist – “Matching the cleverness of the text, Masse’s deep-hued paintings create split images that reflect the twisted meaning of the irreverently witty poems and brilliantly employ artistic elements of form and shape—Cinderella’s clock on one side morphs to the moon on the other. A must-purchase that will have readers marveling over a visual and verbal feast.”

School Library Journal – “This is a remarkably clever and versatile book that would work in any poetry or fairy-tale unit. A must-have for any library.”

Connections

·         Students can write their own reverso poems.

·         Students can read and study the fairy tales that inspired the poems.

·         Use as a point of discussion during a study of point of view.

·         Other poetry books about animals:

o   Singer, Marilyn.  Follow Follow.  ISBN: 978-0803737693.

o   Singer, Marilyn.  Echo Echo.  ISBN: 978-0803739925.