Marilyn Singer, Author
Josee Masse, Illustrator
- BIBLIOGRAPHY
Singer, Marilyn. 2010. MIRROR MIRROR: A BOOK OF REVERSO POEMS. Ill. by Josee Masse. New York: Dutton Children’s Books. ISBN 9780525479017.
2. PLOT SUMMARY
Mirror Mirror is a collection of well-known fairy tale poems that are written in “reverso” form. Each poem begins in its traditional format and then reverses the lines to tell the story from a different perspective. In the alternative version of the poem there is a reversing order of the line and adjusting the punctuation and capitalization to created an mirrored effect of version of the original narrative.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This collection of poetry is unique for its structured poetic form. The reverso technique forces the reader to see how meanings can change depending on the word order and perspective. The author uses fairy tales that are well known by the reader, which allows them to highlight how perspective changes interpretation. An example is characters that are calm and passive in one version may have a different stance in power or a misunderstanding in the mirror version.
The illustrations by Josee Masse complement the mirrored structure as their illustrations themselves are mirrored in color. The artwork visually reflects the duality of the text and allows for contrasting moods to be shown. The colors show the symmetry and opposition, which reflects the reverso concept.
4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
Library Media Connection: “Truly a visual, as well as a literary, puzzle and such a treat!”
Publishers Weekly: “Masse’s clever compositions play with symmetry, bringing this smart concept to its fullest effect.”
5. CONNECTIONS
- Teachers can challenge students to write out their own reverso poems using familiar fairy tales.
- There can also be discussion that allows students to engage in how changing word order changes the meaning or context of a story.
- Other Books:
Singer, Marilyn. FOLLOW FOLLOW
Grimes, Nikki. BRONX MASQUERADE
The Literary Compass 