Reason for the Pelican

by John Ciardi

Rare second printing of first edition. Vintage Collectible illustrated edition of the Ciardi poem about the pelican and his splendid beak.

Genres: Poetry

32 pages, Library Binding

First published January 1, 1955

About the author

John Anthony Ciardi was an American poet, translator, editor, writer and etymologist.

Reviews

[Bret Parker · Rating 3 out of 5]

So silly! The opening, titular poem, I read with disinterest. So, we were not off to a smooth start in this poet-reader experience. From there it didn't improve much. The illustrations by Madeline Gekiere did not endear me any more to this collection. Then there were those poems that for their fresh perspective--often lending playful perceptions typically born of the time reserves of childhood and the freshness of youth--were a delight. Among these I would place "The River is a Piece of Sky" at the top and "Rain Sizes" a few notches down from that. Also in this group, "The Army Horse and the Army Jeep."

As a child, I never met this book. I wonder what I would have thought. As an adult, I imagine that Ciardi had fun writing this book, but some of the poems seemed strained.

For personal interest, I took note of some radio references ("The Saginsack" and "This is I at Work at my Desk.").

[Sarah G · Rating 4 out of 5]

Extra star for the terrific art by a Swiss illustrator. Reminds me of some of Paul Klee's work--really good.

[Bender · Rating 1 out of 5]

Magni excepturi esse numquam. Repellendus explicabo suscipit ut quod beatae accusamus aut. Qui qui cumque natus exercitationem quaerat. Sunt deleniti occaecati. Velit suscipit eaque odit facilis et odio.

[Cws]

JWAW-Cia

[Mckinley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun and silly poems.


Is forty much? When I'm nine or more
Will I be scratchy enough to shave?
How old do you have to be before
It's not much trouble to behave.

[John Weiss]

Loved it.