Book Review – Mirror Mirror
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Singer, Marilyn. 2010. MIRROR MIRROR: A BOOK OF REVERSIBLE VERSE. New York: Dutton Children’s Books. ISBN 9780525479017
2. PLOT SUMMARY
Do you remember the classic fairy tales such as Cinderella, Snow White, and Goldilocks? Maybe those that were characterized as villains could possibly be victims. This compilation of 14 short poems written in reverse fashion allows readers to consider a different perspective. Although established in the traditional and magical setting of each tale, a modern twist of reading verse from both top-down and bottom-up are explored. Thus, these legendary fairy tale characters show us that there are always two sides to a story.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Marilyn Singer’s self-created “reverso” is a delightfully contemporary take on character viewpoint. The rhythmic matter-of fact language, although not in rhyme for the majority of the poems, helps the reader feel the “disappointment” (as stated in the title of one of the poems) some of the characters face. The element of rhyme is not necessary, as the arrangement of words lend a surprisingly meaningful syntax when read both ways. For example, in one of the first poems entitled “Cinderella’s Double Life” the following lines appeared: “Stuck in a corner, while they’re waiting for a chance with the prince, dancing waltz after waltz…” (Cinderella’s perspective) and in reverse “…dancing waltz after waltz with the prince while they’re waiting for a chance, stuck in a corner” (still Cinderella’s perspective – but the outcome is more favorable for the character). The word arrangement in the pair makes sense in each instance.
Subtle changes in capitalization and punctuation alter the intonation of key words, which in turn transform the overall meaning. In addition, when reversed, one can see how the English language is so diverse because some words and phrases contain double meanings. For instance, the word “goose” in the Hansel and Gretel inspired poem “Have Another Chocolate” could be defined as a “type of bird” on one side of the paired poem and could mean “silly person” on the other side. Multiple meanings are also assigned to the word “fool” in the poem “Disappointment” – meaning “a silly person” and “trick.” The simple change of reversing the poem allowed some nouns to become verbs, and vice versa.
It would be remiss to exclude the wonderful contributions of illustrator Josee Masse. Great cover illustrations display a large mirror in which two counterparts look up (or down – depending on perspective) at each other. On the inside, her vibrant use of primary colors coupled with a collage type gathering complemented the side-by-side paired poem text. This “mirror” fashioned design is something in which children of all ages will be able to identify. It uniquely builds upon even the youngest reader’s background knowledge of T-charts and fairy tale characters. Undoubtedly, “Mirror Mirror” is a clever marriage between fairy tale and verse which marks a brilliant beginning to this distinctive art form.
4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
2011-2012 Texas Bluebonnet Award Nominee
BOOKLIST: Starred Review – “A must-purchase that will have readers marveling over a visual and verbal feast.”
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: Starred Review - This is a remarkably clever and versatile book that would work in any poetry or fairy-tale unit. A must-have for any library.
5. CONNECTIONS
· This is definitely a poem collection begging to be read aloud. Reading aloud the classic fairy tale version along with the “reverso” will help engage students into considering alternative perspectives in character study. An adaption of Reader’s Theater may be explored, also.
· Follow up read aloud sessions by taking Singer up on her offer of trying this format. Pairs of students may collaborate as they attempt to compose their own reversible verse.
· Another book that shows the importance of syntax:
Gravett, Emily. 2007. ORANGE PEAR APPLE BEAR. ISBN 9781416939993
· Another book of poetry that tell different perspectives of fairy tale characters:
Whipple, Laura. 2002. IF THE SHOE FITS: VOICES FROM CINDERELLA. ISBN 0689840705
· Websites of the author and illustrator – take time to view their other works:
Other resources used:
This book review was created as an assignment for a course at
Texas Woman’s University.
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