A Poke in the I: A Collection of Concrete Poems

In a starred review, "PW" wrote, "Crisp black words on spotless backgrounds do double-duty as concepts and physical objects. Raschka's restrained illustrations leave most everything to the shaped poems. He and Janeczko provide an uncluttered, meditative space for the picturesque language." Ages 6-10. "(Apr.)" Copyright 2005 Publishers Weekly Used with permission.

Raschka's restrained collages of calligraphic watercolor lines and torn paper leave most everything to the poems. He and Janeczko provide an uncluttered, meditative space for the picturesque language.
—Publishers Weekly (starred review)

This book's playful vision that 'the arrangement of letters or words on the page, the typefaces chosen, and the way space is used, add meaning to the poem beyond that contained in the actual words' never wavers.
—The Horn Book (starred review)

These aren't poems to read aloud, but to look at and laugh at together, with young children and especially with older readers, who will enjoy the surprise of what words look like and what can be done with them.
—Booklist (starred review)

Every one of these poems is a winner, and each stimulates a kind of mental acrobatics that is as exhilarating as the exuberant art, and as refreshing and fun as the poems themselves. Truly a tour de force.
—Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

. . . kids will have little trouble figuring out what they are all about, or trying out their own. Beautiful and playful, this title should find use in storytimes, in the classroom, and just for pleasure anywhere.
—School Library Journal (starred review)