Poetry Break - Newer Poetry Book

Oh, Theodore!: Guinea Pig Poems

by Susan Katz

Introduction

Since many classrooms in elementary schools have a resident guinea pig, bring one in for a visit. Talk a bit about the habits and characteristics of these popular pets. If time allows, share a number of poems from the book which chronicle the friendship between Theodore and his new owner.

Roomates

A faint whistle

In the dark.

What’s that?

I listen hard.

Sleepy wheet,

Soft chrrr.

Tiny peep,

Teeny squeep.

Theodore’s telling me,

Good night.

Sleep tight,

I whisper back.

I hope 

He doesn’t snore.

Extension

Guinea pigs are very popular pets. What kind of animal would they guess is the rarest pet every owned by someone in the group? Poll children to find out how many of them have ever had a dog, cat, or other animal as a pet. Graph the results onto poster board and glue on clip art pictures of the different types of pets represented. Perhaps discuss the pros and cons of owning an unusual pet.

Many other poetry books about pets are available:

Kirk, Daniel. 2003. Dogs Rule!. New York: Hyperion.

-----, 2007. Cat Power!. New York: Hyperion. 

        Both of these volumes come with an audio CD of the poet           and friends playing music and singing the poems.

George, Kristine O’Connell. Little Dog Poems. 1999.                          New York: Clarion.

Brown, Margaret Wise. Nibble, Nibble. 2007 (orig. 1959).                   New York: HarperCollins.

Gottfried, Maya. 2005. Good Dog. New York: Alfred A. Knopf 

Pearson, Susan. 2005. Who Swallowed Harold? and Other               Poems About Pets. New York: Marshall Cavendish.

Katz, Susan and Stacey Schuett. 2007. Oh Theodore!: Guinea          Pig Poems. New York: Clarion Books.