Mirror Mirror

Singer, Marilyn. Mirror, Mirror. Illustrated by Josee Masse. Dutton Children’s Books, 2010. 32 pages. $16.99. ISBN 9780525479017.

Summary:

Singer has created something that is absolutely unique, with illustrations by Masse that are equally remarkable: reversible verses inspired by fairy tales. Each two-page spread features two poems facing a full-page illustration. The poems are in reverso style, which is a perfect way to show that there are always at least two sides of a story. Singer adds this note in the back matter, “When you read a reverso down, it is one poem. When you read it up, with changes allowed only in punctuation and capitalization it is a different poem.” For example, in the title poem we hear Snow White’s version first: “Sleepy, Dopey, Happy,/ you’ve been working day and night./ You look worn out.” And in the second poem, from the Stepmother’s point of view: “You look worn out./ You’ve been working day and night,/ sleepy, dopey, happy/ Snow White.” Masse’s illustrations are also two halves of a story, with interesting details that suggest the connections between the two.

Curriculum Connections:

Where to begin with this rich text? It is truly a book that can be accessed on many levels. It is a wonderful text to read aloud to convey and discuss point of view, as well as drawing attention to the skills of an experienced reader. With second graders, I made it a guessing game: guess which fairy tale and guess whose point of view we are hearing. For older students, examining the changes in punctuation and the resulting change in meaning could be a way to liven up a writing mechanics lesson. All readers and listeners will appreciate Masse’s detailed illustrations.

Personal Reflections:

The puzzle of creating poems that can read so well in both directions is astonishing! I was so excited to discover this book on the eve of April, which is National Poetry Month. Getting students excited and interested in poetry can be a challenge, but not with this book in hand!

Awards:

ALA Notable Children’s Book, All Ages, 2011; Booklist Editors’ Choice, Books for Youth, Middle Readers Category, 2010; Chickadee Nomination List, 2011-2012.

Age/Interest Range:

All

Genre/Themes:

Poetry, Fairy Tales

Read-Alikes:

Mirror Mirror has such a novel form, but Orange Pear Apple Bear (Gravett) is one that also uses language in a way that shows the importance of word order.