Stardines Swim High Across the Sky - Jack Prelutsky, ill. Carin Berger

Notes: A collection of poems describing imaginary creatures such as Bluffaloes, Swapitis, and Stardines.

From the Publisher: The poet, author, and indomitable naturalist Jack Prelutsky, having returned safely from far-flung places with an extensive collection of unique creatures that are a blending of the animate and inanimate, has worked in close collaboration with the fine artist Carin Berger, who herself conducted considerable field operations in preparing Mr. Prelutsky's specimens for exhibition and publication. While many creatures (two dozen species in all) were discovered and recorded and their precise qualities examined, we are presenting sixteen here for the first time and for the enjoyment and education of the general public.

Strengths: The poems in this book are funny and as delightful as Prelutsky always is. I think this would be a terrific book to use with a class as a model for student writing. The art is exceptional. Check out this amazing art illustrating Prelutsky's poem "Jollyfish". Carin Berger creates art in the book from all kinds of ephemera including cigar boxes (and I'd JUST read The Matchbook Diary when I picked up this one!). Lots of 3-d looking stuff. Just amazing. Should get a Caldecott something or another. Truly outstanding.

Weaknesses: Vocabulary is very challenging, so this book will probably best be read with an adult for most young readers. To my mind, however, that's not actually a weakness, just a point to note.

LOVE this book.  One of my favorites of the 2013 crop. Hoping it gets a shiny sticker!