What The Heart Knows: Chants, Charms, And Blessings (2013) - Plot & Excerpts
This book came with a satin ribbon bookmark, like a Bible. It's that kind of book. Sidman is one of my favorite poets and Zagarenski, one of my favorite illustrators. A tribute to the power of words, these chants, charms and blessings touch on a multitude of hopes and emotions, from major to minor -- from death to lost pencils, from teddy bears outgrown, to having one's love rejected. And one blessing on the smell of dogs!As always Sidman's poems are simultaneously straightforward and oblique, and that obliqueness, rather than being confusing, puts the reader in the center of a mirrored room. To read her words is to reflect on oneself. Even about teddy bears. Zagarenski's timeless illustrations are perfect companion poems, whimsical, symbolic, and exquisitely rendered. I am not a lover of poetry so as far as poem books go, this one was good, I guess. I think my favorite part of the book wasn't a poem at all but the Note to Readers at the very beginning which explains that words have held power since the earliest human history. Words were used to "make crops grow, prevent illness, or keep rivers from flooding" and while we no longer believe that words hold that kind of power, we do believe in words. Words used in prayer, words used in singing, words used in books. The author says, "I wrote these poems for comfort, for understanding, for hope: to remind myself of things I keep learning and forgetting and learning again." And while I don't write poetry, I can understand comfort. I can understand understanding. I can understand hope. I can understand learning...and unlearning. And so there were some of the poems in this book that spoke to me because of those themes. I especially liked Chant to Repair a Friendship which I wish I felt I could still use in one particular close friendship that came to an end but it is too far gone now. I also really liked A List of Things That Will Set You Free because "I am too old to do this. I am too young to do this. I am too smart to do this." etc. are voices I hear myself saying routinely. It ends with "I can do this." which is hopeful. An "Invitation to Lost Things" reminded me of my college roommate who lost everything all the time, but especially her car keys. And finally, I like "I Find Peace", the last poem of the book.
What do You think about What The Heart Knows: Chants, Charms, And Blessings (2013)?
In collection as Teen.Lovely poetry, equally lovely illustrations. Perfection, together.
—amalina
Absolutely beautiful. Grades 9-12 and above.
—mandy123
