MIRROR MIRROR by Marilyn Singer review

1.      BIBLIOGRAPHY

Singer, Marilyn. 2010. Mirror mirror. ill. by Josee Masse. NewYork: Dutton Children’s Books. ISBN 9780525479017

2.  PLOT SUMMARY

In this collection of reversible verse, Marilyn Singer puts a twist on many of the classic fairy tales. This book contains fourteen different poems that are uniquely written so that they can actually be read traditionally, top down and also in reverse, from bottom to top. Some of the fairy tales mentioned are Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, The Ugly Duckling and The Three Little Bears. By changing only the punctuation as the poem is read in reverse, two different affects are created. In some of the poems, such as “The Doubtful Duckling”, the reader hears two different opinions from the same character. The first poem reveals the wishes of the ugly duckling turning into a swan. When it is read in reverse, the same ugly duckling is stating that he will always be ugly without any hopes of turning into a swan. Some of the poems, when read bottom to top actually reveals two different points of views from two different characters. For example, in “In the Hood”, when read from top to bottom, the reader is listening to Little Red Riding Hood’s point of view. When read in reverse, from bottom to top, the wolf’s view point is shown.

3.      CRITICAL ANALYSIS

MIRROR MIRROR is a collection of fourteen reverso poems all centered around one genre, fairy tales. Since most children are familiar with the characters in fairy tales, they will be able to connect with the characters in the poems. With the use of the reverso, readers will be able to enjoy the traditional behavior of the character along with a second viewpoint or perspective. Marilyn Singer’s use of figurative language has a unique way of forcing the reader to create a visual image in their head. Phrases such as “juicy and sweet”, “stubby and gray” and “fragrant green air” enhance each poem.

Josee Masse’s illustrations compliment the text. Just as the reverso poem shows a different viewpoint or perspective than the original, the illustrations do the same. On each page, the illustrations are divided almost in half. One side complements the first, original poem while the other half expresses the reverso poem. Within one illustration, the reader is able to see two different interpretations of the same situation. The contrast in bright colors and the evident symmetry immediately draw in the viewer’s eye. Children of all ages will enjoy these pictures.  

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL review: “This is a remarkably clever and versatile book that would work in any poetry or fairy-tale unit. A must-have for any library.”

BOOKLIST review: “A must-purchase that will have readers marveling over a visual and verbal feast.”

KIRKUS starred review: “A mesmerizing and seamless celebration of language, imagery, and perspective."

5. CONNECTIONS

*At the end of the book, Marilyn Singer writes a short blurb about the reverso poem. Children can be challenged to write their own “reverso” poem either independently or with a group. When finished, these poems can be compiled to make a class poetry book.

*This book can be used to help teach character’s point of view. The teacher could read aloud one of the poems and students must guess which story is being referenced and who is talking.

*The illustrations can be used to discuss how different people or characters might view the same situation differently. Two children can be given a topic and then assigned a different perspective to illustrate their topic. When finished, compare and contrast the results and discuss why the illustrations might look different.