The Wishing Bone and Other Poems

Bibliography

Mitchell, S. 2003. The Wishing Bone: And Other Poems. Ill. by Tom Pohrt. Massachusetts: Candlewick Press. ISBN 978-0763611187.

Review

Nine whimsical narrative poems are presented on heavy duty paper that gives this book a special quality that will appeal to children. The language of the poems is rich and rhythmical. The poems are divided into stanzas that allow for easy pauses as children read these lengthy poems. The rhyming stanzas provide a predictable form that will be comforting to children of all ages. The illustrations are created using soft watercolors and add to the magic created in the stories. Students will be delighted with stories such as “The Trial” where a sweaty pig is trying to prosecute an animal, but he’s not quite sure which one. They will also be curious to answer questions posed in the poem “Questions” that asks “How long must circles spin around?” and “Who taught the hummingbird to fly?” Students will be entertained as well as left wondering after reading this lovely book.

Classroom/Library Connection

Recommended audience: younger elementary students

Before reading: Allow students to share what they think they will be doing when they grow up.

During reading: Read the poem aloud.

When I grow up and I am wise,

I’ll know if needles shut their eyes,

If shadows dance, if worms have knees,

If bears say “Bless you” when they sneeze.

When I grow up and I am old,

I’ll know where secret tales are told,

Where dreams are born, where dragons fly,

Where ladders lean against the sky.

And when they think that I am dead,

I’ll know who puts the moon to bed,

Who lights the starts, who lifts the sun,

Who leads the planets, one by one.

After reading: Ask each student to write a question they will know the answer to when they grow up. Display their questions on a library bulletin board.