Toasting Marshmallows: Camping Poems by Kristine O'Connell George

1. Bibliography
O’Connell George, Kristine. 2001. Toasting Marshmallows: Camping Poems. Ill. By Kate Kiesler. New York: Clarion Books. ISBN 061804597

2. Plot Summary
Camping can be such an exciting journey, and Kristine O’Connell George helps readers see vivid pictures through simple poems. Whether it is changing in a sleeping bag or setting and taking down a tent, readers can experience life in the outdoors. The creative paintings by Kate Kiesler add to the captivating poems that will have readers full of ideas of an exciting camping trip.

3. Critical Analysis
The simple poems created by George will capture the life of camping, from sitting by a campfire to sleeping outdoors. Readers will enjoy this well crafted book of thirty poems told through a child’s eye. As readers visit different areas of camping, one can enjoy the memories just like they were there. From sitting by the campfire and going from “warm front, cold back” it will entice someone to want to participate in the joys of camping.

The creative style used for rhythm and the pattern of each page gives a distinct look and feel for the readers. Like the pattern of Two Voices in a Tent at Night helps reveal two people in a joint conversation, although a reader can not see them. As one goes from the magical rain dance to the fierce mosquito song, children of all ages will be anticipating the next page.

Kiesler portrays the illusion of camping with the watercolor drawings included with each poem. The illustrations help build a more extensive idea of what camping is all about. Between the joint efforts of George and Kiesler, a magical book is created that will have readers wanting more.

4. Reviews
PUBLISHER’S WEEKLY: “this volume by George and Kiesler is as delicious as a toasted marshmallow treat.”
CHILDREN’S LITERATURE: “Anyone who has ever gone on a family camping trip will delight in this simple yet affecting collection of poems.”

5. Connections
*Similar books
WHEN WE GO CAMPING. BY Margriet Ruurs. ISBN 0887766854
SONG OF THE WATER BOATMAN AND OTHER POND POEMS. BY Joyce Sidman. ISBN 0618135472
LEAF MAN. BY Lois Ehlert. ISBN 0152053042