Messing Around on the Monkey Bars by Betsy Franco

Bibliography

Franco, Betsy. MESSING AROUND ON THE MONKEY BARS. Somerville, MA: Candlewick Press, 2009. ISBN 978-0-7636-3174-1

Plot Summary

Franco presents a colorful book full of poems about and at school. The poems include subject matter like a teacher not listening to her students, giving reports on animals, recess, lunch and homework. The book is set up to be read by two voices as well as the group. Each poem has regular, bold and bigger bold font to easily distinguish the separate voices.

Critical Analysis

This book is a very fun read. The poems are all topics that school aged children would be interested in reading about. Franco easily puts herself into the mind of a child who deals with the everyday problems of school. The use of techniques like the sound of the pencil tapping provides another level to the poems that make them fun and interactive. The illustrations done by Jessie Hartland really fit in with the theme of school. They look like drawings that may have actually been done by a child. These pictures tie the stories to the intended readers by allowing children to see pictures that may have been drawn by their peers with stories that explain their own day to day worries and activities. I think the best part of the book is the section at the end of the book titled “Adventurous Way to Read the Poems”. In this section, different poems are highlighted with an activity that highlights the poem. For example, the poem called “Jenny’s Pencil” involves someone saying “Tap, tap, tap” while the other voice reads about what is happening in the classroom. The “adventure” for this poem has someone tap a pencil to make the noise while the poem is being read. I think these suggestions really add another dimension to reading these poems. It shows the author/publisher put a great deal of thought into providing a story that was also very interactive.

Review Excerpts

Susan Treadway, M.Ed: “There are poems that have rhyme and rhythm while others are free verse. It is significant to note that much of the vocabulary is in the form of onomatopoeia which creates vivid mental images. This powerful technique is useful for educators and students who use it to address other subjects within language arts and across the curriculum, i.e. speaking, listening, reading and writing. It is unfortunate, however, that illustrations are not as bold or large enough for listeners toenjoy as portrayed by the excellent poetry. As a picture book for older elementary and middle schoolers, it could be somewhat of a disappointment for visual learners. Even so, wrapping up the collection is a very fine section called "Adventurous Ways to Read the Poems" that helps readers incorporate variety, unique forms, and unlimited presentations with friends and colleagues. Integrating poetry into classes becomes readily available with works such as this one. Dive in!”

Connections

• Look at other books illustrated by Jessie Hartland: Clementine Visits the City, Henri Matisse: Drawing with Scissors, and Night Shift.
• Read other books about school poetry: No More Homework! No More Tests!: Kids Favorite Funny School Poems by Bruce Lansky, Lunch Money and Other Poems About School by Carol Shields and If You’re Not Here, Please Raise Your Hand: Poems About School by Kalli Dakos.
• Have students write their own poems about their favorite (or least favorite) part of school.