If I Had a Million Onions
by Sheree Fitch, illustrated by Yayo
CM, Volume XIII Number 4, October 13, 2006
Sheree Fitch's wonderful collection of poetry coupled with Yayo's delightful illustrations make If I Had A Million Onions a pleasure for all readers. A collection of 26 poems, this creative read challenges tongues in some as it twists, and provides facts and fiction through the wit of words. As a parent or teacher to read to the young, or for an independent reader to read alone, you're destined to both laugh and think as you work through the pages.
-- by Adriane Pettit. Resource Links, Volume 11, Number 3, February 2006
A delight from first line to last, these 25 poems --
each featuring small, whimsical colored-pencil
sketches from a Colombian illustrator -- take on
topics from the simple joys of riding a bumper car,
the relief that comes from turning a library book in
on time and "Grampy's Borborygmus" (look it up) to the qualities that enrich a life. " . . . May your fingernails get dirty / May your underwear be clean / May your monsters all be friendly / May your grass be mostly green." Unusually varied in voice, form, length and meter, but showing consistent sensitivity to the sound and flow of language, Fitch's rhymes will leave even the most tone-deaf ears and souls eager to (as the title poem puts it) "juggle some / Then huggle some / And give the rest away." (Poetry. 8-12) -- Kirkus Reviews, January 15, 2006
This new hardcover collection of nonsensical poetry by
one of Canada's favourite children's poets will bring
a chuckle to many young readers.
From the Alligator Waiter ("First customer he had/He
ate her") to the Saskatchewan Sasquatch who "danced a
tango on our lawn," Fitch's marvelous dexterity with
words and quirky sense of humour will delight her old
fans and make new ones. --Winnipeg Free Press Sunday, December 18th, 2005.
By Helen Norrie
Bedtime books sure to please kids and parents: From
Funky Hipster Sheep to Hockey Heros
Susanne Hiller, Weekend Post
Children's books are meant as much for grownups as for little people.
After all, we're the ones who have to read the stories aloud a zillion
times over. The best books offer a magical escape before bedtime.
Herewith, a selection of some of the most engaging of the recent
batch -- for your child (or your own inner child). --National
Post ,December 3, 2005
The poetry of Dennis Lee inspired Sheree Fitch to submit her own
work for publication. This is one collection of poetry you won't
mind reading again and again. Yayo's perfect little sketches complement
Fitch's delicious nonsense verse. Some poems are pure fun, such
as Saskatchewan Sasquatch and Beggs & Acon. Others make a point.
Do your Best Under the Circumstances reads: "There is no land of
perfect, child / There is no sea of ease / There is no candy apple
trail / There's broccoli and peas." A must for the bookshelf.
--CanWest Interactive, a division of CanWest Global Communications
Corp. Times Colonist (Victoria, British Columbia)
It takes love to raise a child, and stories to raise a reader. People
don't usually talk the way books are written, so hearing stories
-- from daily experience as well as from books -- is very important.
Sharing literature with kids may begin as soon as they are ready,
and should continue as long as it's enjoyable for everyone involved.
Discussing books with teens, rather than reading aloud, is a great
connecting point. Here are 10 new books that would contribute to
a reading list: TEN NEW BOOKS 5. If I Had a Million Onions by Sheree
Fitch (Tradewinds hardcover, $18.95). A kid-centred collection of
poetry, with whimsical illustrations. Ages seven and up. --The
Star Phoenix (Saskatoon, Saskatchewan) December 3, 2005 Saturday
Final Edition, Books that connect with kids. Bev Brenna, Special
to The StarPhoenix |
