Follow Follow - Book Review

This post was written as a Master's course assignment for Texas Woman's University.

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Singer, Marilyn. 2013. FOLLOW FOLLOW. Illustrated by Josee Masse. New York, NY: The Penguin Group. ISBN 9780803737693

2. BOOK SUMMARY
Marilyn Singer created the intriguing form of poetry that appears in this book, called "reverso" poems. Intricately designed and difficult to execute, the lines of poems appear on the page, giving the reader one impression, and on the opposite side, the lines appear in reverse (with minor changes in punctuation and capitalization, if needed) with a completely different meaning, sometimes the direct opposite of the first. With this fascinating concept, bolstered by beautiful, colorful illustrations by Josee Masse, Singer's book offers a fabulous take on some old favorite fairy tales. This book would appeal to very young children, especially those who have had some exposure to the classic fairy tales that are highlighted throughout the book. Adults may also find enjoyment and a nostalgic look back at a new take on their old childhood favorites.

Within each page, the reverso poems offer a contradictory perspective, often with an element of sly humor. For instance, in the first poem, "FAIRY TALES," the reversed lines look like this:
         I.                                             II.
"I beg your pardon-                  "Fairies helped?
fairies helped."                        I beg your pardon!"

The author demonstrates a lot of thought in each line, because it must be considered both backwards and forwards in the stanza. The illustrations spice up the poems and add a lot of winking humor as well, as in "BIRTHDAY SUIT" (based on "THE EMPEROR'S NEW CLOTHES"), where a nearly naked Emperor appears, with his mirrored reflection showing a man clothed in elegant garb.

Throughout FOLLOW FOLLOW, the reader starts to really understand that there are two sides (or more) to every story. This sets a wonderful example for children, especially in learning about perspective and perception. The word choices are phenomenal and sparse, adding to the impressive feat that is accomplished on each page.

"SILLY GOOSE" (based on "THE GOLDEN GOOSE") is a wonderful example of how to approach and appreciate life, based on a positive vs. a negative attitude:

       I.                                                  II.
 "Laugh?                                        "Who can
 I was born to                                be serious all the time?
 be serious all the time."               I was born to 
                                                    laugh."

The author uses a current approach to the poem titles, updating the classics to fit the modern day, such as: "READY, STEADY, GO" (based on "THE TORTOISE AND THE HARE") and "WILL THE REAL PRINCESS PLEASE STAND UP?" (based on "THE PRINCESS AND THE PEA"). And a clear feminist perspective emerges in "THE LITTLE MERMAID'S CHOICE" (based on "THE LITTLE MERMAID"), which is highlighted below.

Playing on the concept of "the other side of the mirror" and "the devil's advocate," Singer offers a new spin on these classic fairy tales, and of course, the final poem is a perfect ending to send the reader off to sleep: "NOW IT'S TIME TO SAY GOOD NIGHT."

3. POEM HIGHLIGHT
The one poem I would like to highlight from this collection, since I can't share them all, is the new take on "THE LITTLE MERMAID," Singer's "THE LITTLE MERMAID'S CHOICE." The classic side appears first, as the Mermaid debates about whether or not to give up her life, and her voice, in order to please her potential mate. The reverso, from a feminist's perspective, offers a contradictory voice that urges the Mermaid to consider what it's worth to give up her home and her talents. 

As an educational follow-up activity, I would use this poem to introduce a learning section (with slightly older children) about meaning of feminism, the feminist movement, and some of the notable written works about it. I would also lead a written reflective assignment in which the readers will think and write about a time that they chose to give up something they cared very much about, and what kinds benefits or disappointments were the result.

THE LITTLE MERMAID'S CHOICE

For love,                                      You'll never catch me
give up your voice.                       playing
Don't                                            "Catch him."
think twice.                                 You can't
On the shore,                               be docile
be his shadow.                              in the unruly sea.
Don't                                            Keep your home.
keep your home                            Don't
in the unruly sea.                          be his shadow
Be docile.                                     on the shore.
You can't                                      Think twice!
catch him                                     Don't
playing                                         give up your voice
"You'll never catch me!"                 for love.

(By Marilyn Singer)