Marine biologists generally aim to publish research in fancy-pants journals read by other science geeks. And that’s all good. But what a thrill to see our favorite critters — from bone-eating worms to eviscerating sea cucumbers to narwhals — in a book of poetry!
I’ve just received this wonderful new book of poems for all ages, that cameos all manner of bizarre and fascinating animals, and is written in engaging verse by Leslie Bulion with beautiful drawings by Leslie Evans.
Leslie (Bulion, that is) contacted me a while back with a few questions about snapping shrimp, and I’m delighted to say that they now star on the cover of her new book (at right). So maybe it’s not the cover of Rolling Stone, but it’s way cool – thanks Leslies! Here is her ode to my little friends:
Party Poppers
by Leslie BulionBubbledee troubledee,
Sponge-dwelling social shrimp
Clack one big claw to make
Trespassers stop.Causing explosions
Crustaceanologically,
Filling the ocean with
Snap crackle POP!
There are lots more where that came from, all beautifully illustrated, and as a bonus each vignette comes with a short explanation of the natural history of the animal, and in the back an explanation of the type of poem. I anticipate kids pleading to their local grown-up to read these poems over and over (and over and over) again. Should be a popular present for Christmas, birthdays, and summer reading this year — I know it will be on my shopping list!
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