Sky Magic: Poems

by Lee Bennett Hopkins (Editor), Mariusz Stawarski (Illustrator)

Renowned poet and anthologist Lee Bennett Hopkins takes readers from sunrise to sunset as he presents whimsical and witty poems that pay tribute to the sun, moon, and stars. This beautiful collection brings together old favorites from the likes of Tennessee Williams and Carl Sandburg and new offerings from such poets as Georgia Heard and Tony Johnston. The brief poems inspire surprise, awe, and wonder as they give room and scope to stunning and thought-provoking paintings by illustrator Mariusz Stawarski.

Genres: Poetry, Picture Books, Childrens

32 pages, Hardcover

First published March 19, 2009

About the author

Lee Bennett Hopkins was inducted into the Florida Artists Hall of Fame in 2017. He holds a Guinness Book of Records citation for compiling the most anthologies for children. He has also received the Christopher Award, the Regina Medal, and the National Council of Teachers of English Excellence in Poetry for Children Award. He lives in Florida.

For more information, please see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lee_Ben...

Reviews

[Abigail · Rating 2 out of 5]

I can't say that I was especially impressed with this collection of fourteen poems, all addressed to the beauties of the sky. The selections - from contemporary authors such as Hopkins himself, as well as earlier figures such as Tennessee Williams and Carl Sandburg - take the reader from sunrise to moonset, but despite the promise of the title, there was little magic - textually speaking - to be found here.

I was struck by Avis Harley's Legends:

"In the language of stars
lie stories of old
brilliant legends
told; retold.


Spelling out sagas,
spilling out light,
a mythical manuscript
filling the night."

but it was one of the few pieces that truly appealed to me. Thankfully, the illustrations by Polish artist Mariusz Stawarski were quite lovely, making Sky Magic a worthwhile aesthetic experience, whatever it lacked from a textual perspective. His colors were lush, and some of his little surreal conceits quite amusing - I will definitely look for more of his work, going forward! But sadly, one decent selection and some appealing illustrations weren't enough, in the end, to lift this from a two-star to a three-star title.

[David · Rating 2 out of 5]

Pretty pictures but I found most of the poems mediocre, and even the better ones are unlikely to interest kids much.

[Susan Eubank · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great for a poem or two for any storytime involving sun, moon, and stars.

[Lisa Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adore the art and illustrations. So creative and serine. The poems were about the sun moon and stars. All very well written.

[Vee Precourt · Rating 3 out of 5]

i like the all poems in it

[Rebecca Tredway · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely little book for my students who are just learning to enjoy poetry.

[Jaclyn Tilden · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lee Bennett Hopkins has put together many fine collections of poetry for children, usually focused on a particular theme. Sky Magic has chosen poems about the sun, the moon and the stars-day and night. They are short, bright and evocative, leaving clear images and language that is sometimes elegant and often whimsical, but always appealing. This book of poems would be a great way to introduce the imaginative connection between text and pictures. It would be a wonderful addition to anyone's library.

[Jackie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Offerings from different poets which highlight the sun, moon, and stars. Richly colored illustrations accompany the poems that add interest and inspiration.

Used for "Sky and Stars" Storytime: October, 2011.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

2009 - Poetry

This books is made up of poems all about what happens during night and day. Readers are able to watch the cycle of sunrise, daylight, sunset, moons, stars, and sunrise again with both amazing pictures and imagery with the words.

[Victoria Whipple · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lee Bennett Hopkins works his magic again with a collection of poems about the sky and the celestial bodies found in it.

[Bridget R. Wilson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice collection. Loved the illustrations--such nice color and texture.

[Rohan · Rating 4 out of 5]

the book used very good rhymes like rising the poem writen by the author: like a fresh loaf, sun rises tempting dawn to break her golden crust- taste morning!(not my poem).

[Bookjeannnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Poems about all aspects of the sky, from new writers and classic poets. Most are short and will be wonderful for children. Just lovely!