Author Unit: Douglas Florian

A collection of five Douglas Florian illustrated thematic books of poetry.

Winner of the Lee Bennett Hopkins Poetry Award and recipient of an ALA Notable Children’s Book Award, Douglas Florian is the author and illustrator of many children’s books. He believes there is only one rule when it comes to poetry, that there are no rules. Douglas Florian gives credit to his father as his first art teacher, who taught him to love nature. He begins his poems with research of the real thing and then uses that information to create an imaginary poem. Douglas Florian lives in New York City with his wife and five children.

In the Swim
When is a flounder like a dish?

Lizards, Frogs, and Polliwogs
Who reads the Newt News?

Mammalabilia
How many lumps on the Bactrian’s back?

Insectlopedia
How many words rhyme with weevil?

On the Wing
What does the hawk remind the reader to be thankful for?

These beautifully illustrated collections of 21 poems each are pure silly fun that blend science and whimsy to teach the reader about life in the sea, scaly slimy creatures, mammals, spiders and insects, and our fine-feathered friends.