FICTION

Vanishing Trick

by Ros ASQUITH
illus. by Ros Asquith. 112p. Frances Lincoln/Janetta Otter-Barry Bks. 2015. pap. $7.99. ISBN 9781847805393.
COPY ISBN
Gr 3–5—In this debut collection, an established Guardian cartoonist presents an unusual combination of poems varying in subject, form, and tone. Lighthearted offerings touch on dragons and Batman, while others feature more sensitive topics, including dyslexia, religion, and childhood cancer. The result is an uneven assortment of verses that never quite find solid footing. Wistful illustrations complement the text and make it more appealing to young readers, yet curious word choices (scrofulous) and subject matter (such as a game of Spin the Bottle) bring the target audience into question. The poet's application of rhythm and rhyme is strained at times, and occasional British slang throughout may give readers pause.
VERDICT An additional purchase for large collections looking to expand their poetry selection.
Reviewed by Lauren Strohecker, McKinley Elementary School, Abington School District, PA , Dec 01, 2015

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