Water Can Be… and A Leaf Can Be… Poetry Mentor Texts

Water Can Be..

By Laura Purdie Salas

Illustrations by Violeta Dabija

Millbrook Press, 2014

If you love the sound of words and really love to be surprised by them, then you need to get this book. Water Can Be… is truly a beautiful piece of poetry, but there is so much packed into so few words. Here’s a short sample:

“Water can be a…

tadpole hatcher

picture catcher [picture of a girl looking at her reflection in a puddle]

otter feeder

downhill speeder [picture of a racing waterfall].” 

It is an excellent companion book to Salas’ other book A LEAF CAN BE… and it could be used in the science classroom to teach seasons because she shows water in all seasons. It would also be useful in a water cycle unit.

But of course, my forte, is talking about how it could be used in the writing classroom.

Writing Skills:

* Specificity of language

* Word Choice

* Use of poetic language to describe

A Leaf Can Be..

By Laura Purdie Salas

Illustrations by Violeta Dabija

Millbrook Press, 2012

A leaf is not just a leaf. A leaf is so much more. This very spare text is written as a poem, but the language is packed with specificity. Salas offers a truly unique perspective on leaves. Here’s a short sample:

“A leaf can be a…

Soft cradle

Water ladle

Sun taker

Food maker…”

This book could easily tie into science units on plants and seasons. Back matter explains more facts about how a leaf is a “soft cradle, water ladle, sun taker, food maker” and more.

Writing Skills:

* Specificity of language

* Word Choice

* Use of poetic language to describe

More Information for Teachers

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