Jabberwocky - Lewis Carroll
Classic poem played out on the basketball court.
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- Author:Lewis Carroll
- # of pages: 32
- Publisher:Jump at the Sun
- Original Publication Date: 09/04/2007
- Genre: Fiction - Picture Book
- Hardcover: $15.99
- Publisher's Recommended Reading Level: 5-9
- Read Aloud: 5
- Read Alone: 8
Parents need to know
Families will enjoy reading and re-reading this poem book, which lends itself to dramatic play and surprising interpretation. What exactly is a "jabberwocky?" Or, for that matter, what do any of the other words mean? Besides discussing the nonsensical words, note the rhythms. And, of course, play with the basic question: How can we follow the story that is told in words we don't understand?
Message
Social Behavior:
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Common Sense says
What's the story?
Reviewed by Patricia Tauzer
Is it any good?
In this version, re-imagined by the award-winning talent of Christopher Myers, nonsense makes sense. Though the words don't always fit the story perfectly, the rhythms pull them through, and Lewis Carroll's poem takes on the personality of an energetic rap song. And the basketball court seems the perfect setting. With broad strokes, bright colors, and words that shout from the page, the inner city summer comes alive. The 14-fingered basketball player who dominates the courts as well as the entire playground is as scary a Jabberwock monster as could be imagined. And, after the "beamish" boy challenges, and beats, him, the neighborhood celebrates: CALLOOH! CALLAY! as the hero struts off "chort[ling] in his joy."
Other choices
Other books by Christopher Myers:
Love: Selected Poems by E.E. Cummings
Fly!
Blues Journey
Jazz
Parents and kids say



