A Pet for Me: Poems (I Can Read Book 3) - Hardcover

Lee Bennett Hopkins was born in Scranton, Pennsylvania, on April 13, 1938. As a child Mr. Hopkins read little other than comic books and movie magazines until a teacher inspired in him a love of the theater and of reading. He credits this teacher with his lifelong interest in education.

Mr. Hopkins began teaching sixth grade at a public school in Fair Lawn, New Jersey, in 1960. He enjoyed his job, and in his third year at Westmoreland School in Fair Lawn, he became the school's resource teacher, providing curricular support materials for the elementary school teachers. It was while serving in this position that Mr. Hopkins first used poetry to help children with reading problems.

In 1968 Mr. Hopkins became a curriculum and editorial specialist at Scholastic, Inc. His career as a writer soared. More than two dozen of his books were published during his eight-year tenure there. In 1976 Mr. Hopkins left his job at Scholastic in order to become a full-time writer and anthologist.

Mr. Hopkins is widely recognized as the nation's spokesperson for Children's Poetry. He has edited and written numerous books for children as well as several professional texts, including Pauses: Autobiographical Reflections of 101 Creators of Children's Books and Pass the Poetry, Please!, and his column, "Poetry Plus," is a regular feature in Creative Classroom magazine. Mr. Hopkins has been honored with the University of Southern Mississippi Medallion for "lasting contributions to Children's Literature."

Mr. Hopkins served on the Board of Directors of the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) from 1975 to 1978; NCTE Commission on Literature (1982-1985); and NCTE Children's Literature Assembly (1984-1987); and he twice chaired the NCTE Poetry Award Committee. He is also the donor of both the Lee Bennett Hopkins Poetry Award, presented by Penn State University, and the Lee Bennett Hopkins/International Reading Association Promising Poet Award.

The recipient of a Christopher Award and the University of Southern Mississippi's Medallion for "lasting contributions to childrens literature," Mr. Hopkins lives in Westchester County and Greenwich Village, New York.

PreSchool-Grade 3-A collection of 20 easy-to-read poems that celebrate pets of all shapes and sizes. Featuring such poets as J. Patrick Lewis, Tony Johnston, and Alice Schertle, among others, the selections sing the praises of turtles, ants, iguanas, and tarantulas along with more common animals like cats and dogs. Manning's cheerful watercolor illustrations suit both the format and the poetry perfectly. Smiling children of all sizes and colors hold, stroke, wave to, and play with their pets in obvious enjoyment. In one selection, a freckle-faced boy smiles down at the reptile resting blissfully in his lap as he proclaims, "I love my small iguana/I think that he loves me." In another, a girl and her cat are shown curled up together, encircled by broad bands of pastel colors. The accompanying poem asks, "You-me-/Lost in/Fragile fur./Why/would/we/ever/stir?" For storytime, classroom sharing, or quiet reading, this is a charming addition to either poetry or easy-reader shelves.
Jane Marino, Scarsdale Public Library, NY
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