Footprints on the Roof: Poems about the Earth

Module 4

Singer, Marilyn. 2002. Footprints on the roof: Poems about the earth. Ill. by Meilo So. New York: Alfred A. Knopf.

This individual poet compilation from Marilyn Singer presents poems about the world we live in. Most of the poetry is written in free verse but has a rhythm of its' own that flows when read aloud. She makes great use of alliteration, similies and other literary techniques as her words paint their own pictures. Even so, the black and white India ink drawings on rice paper, created by Meilo So add a great deal. A drawing of a dragon inside of a volcano which illustrates Dormant Dragons is a good example. It's easy to vizualize the fury of the volcano this way. Poems about caves, islands, dunes, mud and deserts show an appreciation for the natural world we live in. While this book is recommended for ages 8 and up, it will be enjoyed by adults as well.