Marilyn Singer

Marilyn Singer is an American children's author who has written over 100 books across multiple genres, including poetry, picture books, novels, and non-fiction works. She is particularly recognized for creating "reverso" poems - a form of poetry she invented that can be read both forwards and backwards to reveal different meanings. Singer's career spans more than four decades, beginning with her first published work in 1976. Her work has garnered numerous awards and recognition, including the National Council of Teachers of English Excellence in Poetry Award and multiple inclusions in the Notable Books list by the American Library Association. The author's signature reverso poems appear in several acclaimed collections, including "Mirror Mirror" and "Follow Follow," which retell classic fairy tales from different perspectives. Her non-fiction works cover diverse subjects ranging from natural science to mythology, reflecting her background as a former high school English and science teacher. Singer's contributions to children's literature extend beyond writing, as she regularly conducts workshops and speaks at schools and literary conferences. Her works are noted for their ability to blend educational content with engaging storytelling, particularly in her science-themed picture books and poetry collections.

Readers praise Singer's inventive "reverso" poetry format, with many teachers and librarians noting its effectiveness in classroom settings. Parents highlight how her poems engage children while teaching different perspectives. Her science-themed books receive credit for making complex topics accessible to young readers. What readers liked: - Creative poetry format that works in both directions - Clear explanations of scientific concepts - Strong use of language that appeals to both children and adults - Educational value combined with entertainment What readers disliked: - Some find the reverso format confusing at first - A few poetry collections felt repetitive - Occasional criticism that some science books oversimplify topics Ratings across platforms: - Goodreads: "Mirror Mirror" 4.2/5 (2,100+ ratings) - Amazon: "Follow Follow" 4.6/5 (90+ ratings) - "A Strange Place to Call Home" 4.4/5 (Teacher reviews) One teacher reviewer noted: "The reverso poems spark great discussions about perspective and interpretation." A parent wrote: "Finally found poetry my kids actually want to read repeatedly."

Turtle in July - A poetry collection featuring various animals' perspectives throughout the seasons of the year.

Mirror Mirror - A collection of reverso poems that tells classic fairy tales from two different viewpoints.

Follow Follow - Fairy tale-themed reverso poems offering alternate perspectives on familiar stories.

Echo Echo - Greek myths retold through reverso poetry, presenting dual narratives of classic mythological tales.

Monster Museum - Poems about various monsters and creatures displayed in an imaginary museum.

Footprints on the Roof - Collection of poems focusing on observations of nature and everyday life.

A Strange Place to Call Home - Poetry collection about animals living in extreme habitats.

The Boy Who Cried Alien - Picture book telling the story of a boy known for telling tall tales about aliens.

A Stick Is an Excellent Thing - Collection of poems celebrating outdoor play and childhood activities.

All We Need - A picture book exploring the basic necessities of life shared by all living things.

Feel the Beat - Poetry collection exploring different types of dance from around the world.

First Food Fight This Fall - School-themed collection of poems arranged in alphabetical order.

The Superheroes Employment Agency - Stories about lesser-known superheroes looking for work.

Shel Silverstein wrote poetry collections that blend humor with deeper meaning and use playful language to engage young readers. His work, like Singer's, spans multiple styles and appeals to children while including layers of meaning that resonate with adults.

Joyce Sidman creates nature-focused poetry books that combine scientific observation with lyrical writing. Her work bridges poetry and non-fiction in ways similar to Singer's science-themed pieces.

Jane Yolen writes across multiple genres including poetry, picture books, and fairy tale retellings. She shares Singer's versatility and ability to reimagine traditional stories in new ways.

Paul Fleischman specializes in poetry with multiple voices and innovative formal structures. His experimental approach to poetic forms parallels Singer's development of reverso poems.

Douglas Florian focuses on science and nature themes in his poetry collections for children. His work combines factual content with wordplay in a style that mirrors Singer's approach to educational poetry.