Module #14:  

Castles: Old Stone Poems

Book Summary:  This is a children’s picture book, but it can be enjoyed by teens and adults.  Sixteen castles from around the world are beautifully illustrated and their histories are written about in verse.

APA Reference of Book:

Lewis, J., Dotlich, R., & Burr, D. (2006). Castles: Old Stone Poems. Honesdale, PA: Wordsong.

Impressions: The illustrations in this book are beautiful; my favorite was the Tower of London and Anne Boyle being lead to have her head chopped off, and Bran Castle in Romania. The poems are history lessons on their own, which is great - you get to read poetry and look at some of the world’s most historic castles.

Professional Review:

Lewis. J. Patrick & Rebecca Kai Dotlich, Castles: Old Stone Poems, illus, by Dan Burr. Boyds Mills Wordsoug. 2006.  $18.95. ISBN 978-1-59078-380-1, Gr 4-8-European power struggles are chronicled in all bt three of these 16 castle- connected poems. A legendary Castle in the Air. Hearst's California abode and the Himeji in Japan further expand the definition of fortress. Luminous oil paintings transport students to bygone realms of grandeur. Extensive explanatory notes and a 1O-century time line are valuable springboards for further study.

Wysocki, B. (2007). Castles: Old Stone Poems. School Library Journal, 53(4), 59.

Library Uses: This would be a great selection to include at storytime during National Poetry Mo