Poetry Book Review: Douglas Florian

Bibliography:
Florian, D. 1996. ON THE WING. Ill. by Douglas Florian. New York, NY: Harcourt Brace & Company. ISBN 0152004971

Summary:
In On the Wing, Douglas Florian authors and illustrates a collection of 21 poems dedicated to birds. Among the birds he writes about are the egret, vulture, roadrunner, stork, and nightjar. Each poem explores the characteristics of the title bird while the authors’ illustrations complement the writing through whimsical watercolor paintings.

Critical Analysis:
This collection of poems focus on the variety of birds and the unique characteristics of each bird. Florian uses rhyme and rhythm to tell each part while giving personality to the birds. Most of the poems have a humorous twist such as the The Hawk where it ends saying that you are lucky not to be prey. Some of the poems have words that visually play with the reader. The poem The Quetzal curves in the same pattern as the bird’s tail which can be seen in the accompanying illustration.

Each poem is centered on a blank page in a large, clear font and on the opposing page Florian’s artwork fills the page. The illustrations are watercolors painted with loose, gestural strokes that feel casual as they visually convey the poems. In the painting for The Emperor Penguins, he fills two-thirds of the page with blue washes that become ice as as row of penguins follow the undulating curve across the page. The images become literal translations of the poems requiring very little imagination from the reader. Overall this book of poetry is an entertaining read that will help readers reconsider birds, but the greatest enjoyment may come from the illustrations.

Poem Excerpt:

The Nightjar
By day this bird
Will stay at rest,
For darkness seems
To suit it best,
To chase down insects
Near and far,
And capture night
Inside a jar.

Review Excerpts:
Booklist
“The imagery in these short poems finds visual expression in the full-page, watercolor paintings, illustrating verse with high spirits and ingenuous charm..., but the book's appeal lies in its fluent wordplay and generous use of humor in both the poetry and the paintings.”

Kirkus Reviews
“Nonfiction and humor don't always fit comfortably together, but in this book they become a delightful whole, a sturdy foundation from which to explore the playfulness of language.”

Connections:
Any of these poems are appropriate for a Poetry break or they can be integrated with science lessons about different types of birds. This book can also be a starting point for students to write poems about a favorite bird or begin a discussion on how the poems changed how the students look at birds. Students can also read more of Florian’s work such as Beast Feast or At the Zoo.