A Whiff of Pine, a Hint of Skunk; A forest of poems By Deborah Ruddell

A Whiff of Pine, a Hint of Skunk: A Forest of Poems is filled with lovely poems and watercolor illustrations that take us into the forest to meet many friends. Mostly realistic, some fanciful (Proposal for a Squirrel Spa), all evoke powerful images:

"In a watery mirror - the rugged raccoon- admires his face - by the light of the moon: the mysterious mask; the whiskers beneath, the sliver of cricket - still stuck in his teeth."

Possible Strategy Instruction:

• C: Use prior knowledge to connect with text
• C: Make a picture or mental image
• C: Monitor and Fix Up

• A: Try a different letter sound
• F: Reread text
   
• E: Tune in to interesting words and use new vocabulary in speaking and writing
• E: Use prior knowledge and context to predict and confirm meaning