Mirror, Mirror

Singer, M.  (2010). Mirror, Mirror.  NY:  Dutton.

Summary:

A book of poems of well known stories uses an unique style in this written version. Two poems are paired side by side that have a similar theme, but both poems deliver a message that is the total opposite of its counterpart.  Readers will enjoy reading this topsy-turvy book and enjoy differing points of views.

Evaluative Criteria:

Visual Element: Shape

The use of shape allows the illustrator to combine two pictures to look like one to match both poems. Each illustration in the text is able to complement the structure of the text through the use of shapes. On one page of text there is a poem written in one column, and then the other side of the page shows the poem in reverse. The pictures match the poems, and the shapes continue from one side of the page to the other. For example, the shape of the wolf's body continues to be formed by the leaves and trees, or the evil queen’s face is shown by the hills on the other page.

Evaluative Criteria:  Style

Mirror, Mirror is a fairytale written in poetic form that uses a unique style of writing.  The poems give two perspectives of the featured classic fairy tales in the form of reverse poetry. One poem is written on the left side and the same poem is written on the second side in reverse. Although these are the same poems, the reader is able to see two different points of view on the story. For example, in Longing for Beauty, the first poem is talking about how the beast can love Beauty and the second poem is talking about how the Beauty can love a Beast.