Mirror Mirror: A Book of Reversible Verse

Review of Mirror Mirror: A Book of Reversible Verse by Marilyn Singer, Josee Massee From School Library Journal

This appealing collection based on fairy tales is a marvel to read. It is particularly noteworthy because the poems are read in two ways: up and down. They are reverse images of themselves and work equally well in both directions. "Mirror Mirror" is chilling in that Snow White, who is looking after the Seven Dwarves, narrates the first poem of the pair. Read in reverse, it is the wicked queen who is enticing Snow White to eat the apple that will put her to sleep forever. "In the Hood" is as crafty as the wolf who tells of his delightful anticipation of eating Red Riding Hood. The mirrored poem is Red Riding Hood reminding herself not to dally since Grandma awaits. The vibrant artwork is painterly yet unfussy and offers hints to the characters who are narrating the poems. An end note shows children how to create a "reverse" poem. This is a remarkably clever and versatile book that would work in any poetry or fairy-tale unit. A must-have for any library.—Joan Kindig, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc.

I am truly spellbound by Singer's ability to not only write a poem that can be read forward and backwards, but has 2 different meanings from 2 different points of view at the same time! My 7 year old was equally enamored by the poems. She takes it to school daily and we have checked the book out so many times that we can no longer renew it at the library. We just bought our own copy! This book is not only a must have for the library, it should be shown to teachers to use in units to support curriculum. Fantastic book!