Joyful Noise: Poems for Two Voices

Written to be read aloud by two voices––sometimes alternating, sometimes simultaneous––here is a collection of irresistible poems that celebrate the insect world, from the short life of the mayfly to the love song of the book louse. Funny, sad, loud, and quiet, each of these poems resounds with a booming, boisterous, joyful noise.

In this remarkable volume of poetry for two voices, Paul Fleischman verbally re–creates the "Booming/boisterious/joyful noise" of insects. The poems resound with the pulse of the cicada and the drone of the honeybee. Eric Beddows's vibrant drawings send each insect soaring, spinning, or creeping off the page in its own unique way.

A clear and fascinating guide to the insect world––from chrysalid butterflies to whirligig beetles–– and an exultant celebration of life.

Ages 6+

If you're not into poetry, nevermind the complex rhythms, the creative imagery, and the texture of the carefully chosen words. Just sit down side-by-side with a friend and read your parts (out loud, of course)--one, then the other, and often together (and sometimes conflicting!). I guarantee you'll have a blast! (You'll have to try it to find out why!)

If you are into poetry, you'll get all the joy of perfect poetry in a brilliantly creative presentation plus something more... you'll have fun!

It's a fight... it's a dance... it's a song... it's just plain fun!


Kids love it!   November 12, 2004
Nancy Jacobsen (Monrovia, CA USA)
1 out of 2 found this review helpful

I am a high school ELD teacher and I have used this successfully in class over and over. My students, working with a partner, practice and then orally perform their choices. They love it. I think the book is unique.


Refreshing poetry   May 6, 2000
11 out of 12 found this review helpful

Here are fourteen poems about, of all things, bugs. Some may wonder at the subject matter; some may be disgusted. By the time you're done reading them, however, I'm sure you'll no longer feel that way.

Speaking of fireflies, book lice, and honeybees, Fleischman shows the unique perspective of each. At times his poems are hilarious, with the worker ant complaining in time to the languid satisfaction of the queen; some are poignant enough to touch your heart and make you think twice about that caterpillar you shuddered at the other day.

What makes these poems truly wonderful, however, is the fact that they are "for two voices". For full effect, they *must* be read aloud by two people, sometimes in chorus, sometimes speaking alone, and other times echoing each other. In such a manner, the already-delightful poetry becomes alive.