Fold Me A Poem

George, K. O. (2005). Fold Me A Poem. Illus. Kristine O’Connell George. San Diego, CA: Harcourt, Inc.

Brief Annotation: This is a book of short poems in a variety of forms. Each poem corresponds to a different origami animal or thing. This book draws an explicit connection between the process of folding origami and poetic composition.

Genre: Poetry, Picturebook

Grade Level: K-4

Readers who will like this: students who like to work with their hands, origami lovers, children who digest literature best in short bursts, readers with a sense of humor.

Response/Rating (1-4): **** Kristine O’Connell George’s poetry and Lauren Stringer’s illustrations construct a creative and artful tone in which to enjoy poetry. I read this to a struggling first grade reader recently and he was captivated by the imagery, figurative language, and the possibilities of origami.

One question you would ask before a read aloud: How many different ways can you think of to describe and name your favorite animal?

Reading Strategies Connection: Double-Entry Journal (Yopp & Yopp, pp. 81-82). A double-entry journal is a way for students to respond to particular passages or quotes in a text, by providing an analysis or a personal connection. For Fold Me A Poem, students should choose quotes from the book’s poems and record them in the left column of the journal. On the right side, have students analyze the use of language and imagery in each quote. This exercise should prompt students to think about poetic language and its use in the context of this book.