Module 4: Toasting Marshmallows: Camping Poems

George, Kristine O’Connell. 2001. Toasting Marshmallows: Camping Poems. Illus. by Kate Kiesler. Clarion: New York. ISBN 0-618-04597-X.

Whether in the backyard or in the wilderness, many families enjoy camping. Memories are made as the family bonds during shared experiences. Toasting Marshmallows follows a family’s camping adventure. Many of the sights and events are captured by a poem. The simple and straightforward poems bring the reader into the campsite. When camping, the first one must pitch a tent. The first poem, Tent, does that for the reader: First/ smooth dirt/…Next sharp stakes, poles/ strong, nylon rope. Shake, snap/. When reading Campfire, Warm front/ Cold back/ I turn around/ warm back/ cold front, I turn around/, the reader can feel the warmth of the fire and the chill in the night air. The amazing illustrations ease the readers into interpreting and analyzing poetry. Whether one is an outdoorsman or not, one will feel as though one has spent time communing with nature and her beauty with the company of loved ones after reading this book. This would be an excellent addition to a poetry collection.