BUTTON UP! WRINKLED RHYMES by Alice Schertle

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Schertle, Alice. BUTTON UP!: Wrinkled Rhymes. Ill. By Petra Mathers. New York: Harcourt. ISBN 9780152050504

PLOT SUMMARY

This lively collection of topical poems directs the attention of the reader on particular items of clothing in relation to the personalized animals wearing them. It draws a deeper connection between the piece of material, like a swimsuit or a scarf with the one that wears it, which is interestingly realistic. Everyone has one shirt or pair of paints in their closet right now that hold some form of sentimental value, and Alice Schertle draws this parallel through catchy words and witticisms. Interestingly enough, each poem is told from the perspective of the clothing itself providing an insight into its feeling of friendship to the young animal. There is only one poem entitled “Hand-me-down Sweatshirt” that does not compare the clothing item to its counterpart wearing it. It is solely about the sweatshirt itself, which has been handed down to “Wendel, May, Karly, and Andrew today.” It in fact lays claim to numerous owners.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Schertle’s amusing collection of limerick poems draws giggles and smiles from both the reader and the audience. The rhyming words of “undies” and “bows” are sure to cause an immediate reaction and the changing from consonance and assonance makes the turning of the page unpredictable. The author utilizes literary devices of anthropomorphism to cast her whimsical animals in the role of a young child. It is somewhat ironic that both the wearer and the item are portrayed as possessing human characteristics meant to draw a link between the intended audience (young children) and their poetic stories.

Petra Mathers introduces the simplistic and colorful images of the animals and items of clothing stand out in vivid detail due to the stark contrast of the sometimes blank pages. The titles of the poems are also chosen to match the setting of the rhyming tale. The funny images of the mother alligator dressed in a pink nightgown carrying her little son in his jammies is a perfect example of this. These joyful images paired with the fanciful words of a hat or shirt completes a perfect assortment of poetry for children.

EXCERPT(S)

2010 Lee Bennett Hopkins Poetry Award
Honor for Excellence in Children's Literature

"From delicately comical to downright funny, the art perfectly reflects the contagiously rhythmic, playful verse. Made for sharing, and worth learning by heart, too."--Horn Book, starred review

". . . these poems will give readers a new perspective on getting dressed . . . Playful spreads and spot art suit the small, snappy verses beautifully. This whimsical little volume will make a delightful addition to poetry collections."--School Library Journal, starred review

"The whimsical illustrations pair perfectly with the wittiness of the text, and the whole is a clever and original poetic treat."--Booklist, starred review

CONNECTIONS
*This collection of poetry focuses on the endearing qualities found in clothing that each of us has, it can be helpful in eliciting responses from children concerning their favorite item they like to wear. They could then write a poem from its perspective and why it likes them so well.
Other fun and lively poetry picture books:

Beaty, Andrea. IGGY PECK ARCHITECT. ISBN 9780810911062
Nietzel, Shirley. Nancy Winslow Parker. THE JACKET I WEAR IN THE SNOW. ISBN 0688045871
Schertle, Alice. VERY HAIRY BEAR. ISBN 0152165681