• Craft & Create
  • Living Life
  • Rediscovering ME
  • Reviews and Reflection
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter

Once Upon a Time & Happily Ever After

Rediscovering Life after Retirement

Categories: Reviews and Reflection, Uncategorized

TGIFTF: Thank Goodness, It’s Fairy Tale Friday with Mirror, Mirror

onceuponatimehappilyeverafter.com

Welcome, one, welcome, all!

Teacher and librarian-types, mommies who read bedtime stories to their babies, and general readers of all shapes and sizes…climb up here and settle in for this review of a fabulous read.  Snuggle up with the covers pulled over your chinny-chin-chin, this evening I am sharing Mirror, Mirror:  A Book of Reversible Verse, cleverly written by Marilyn Singer and just as cleverly illustrated by Josée Masse.

onceuponatimehappilyeverafter.com

[source]

I was introduced to this adorable collection of poems through the 2011-2012 Texas Bluebonnet Reading Program Master List.  Being the connoisseur of fine folklore that I am, the cover of this book called screamed READ ME as if it had a little label dangling from it with just those directions, a la Alice in Wonderland.

onceuponatimehappilyeverafter.com

[source]

But this isn’t just another fairy tale.  This is a book of reverso poems each reflecting (hey, I like that…Mirror, Mirror and reflecting…I am kinda clever my darn self) the opposite points of view of two characters from the same fairy tale.  For example, the poems by the same name as the title of the book are told from the perspective of Snow White and her (wicked) step-mother.  (Having been a step-mother, myself, since 1991, I am a little sensitive to that W word)  Naturally, the illustrations are reversos themselves.

onceuponatimehappilyeverafter.com

This is the full-page spread accompanying the poem “Mirror, Mirror”.

But what, you are probably asking, is a reverso poem?

It is a poem whose lines can be read from top to bottom and then read from bottom to top.  Reversible.  When read from top to bottom, the poem reflects the point of view of the protagonist.  But when read from bottom to top, the poem represents the viewpoint of the antagonist.

Clear as mud?

Maybe this will help.

Here is an example of author Marilyn Singer’s first reverso.

onceuponatimehappilyeverafter.com

The words in the poems are exactly the same; the only thing that has changed is the punctuation and that the second poem is standing on its head.  Reversed, if you will.  The way I have been known to wear my underwear on occasion  and even a tee shirt or pair of sweatpants to the gym.

Singer’s first simple reverso reminds me of my friend Deena’s simple graphic tee that emphasizes how punctuation can completely change the meaning of a phrase.

onceuponatimehappilyeverafter.com

[source]

Doesn’t she look très chic?

Deena’s tee reads, “Let’s eat grandma.  Let’s eat, grandma.  Commas save lives.”

See how adding or (re)moving punctuation can completely change the meaning of a statement?

My second favorite fairy tale is “Little Red Riding Hood”.  I have used it for several years to teach Internet safety to my students.  We’ve done Reader’s Theater versions of LRRH that have rivaled Broadway productions complete with costumes, sets and make-up.  Singer’s reverso poem, “In the Hood”, about that disobedient little girl doesn’t disappoint this numero uno fan of Lil Red.

onceuponatimehappilyeverafter.com

Isn’t that just plain fun?  A girl!  Juicy and sweet.  Just like grandma on Deena’s tee.  Well, maybe gma is not quite as juicy and sweet.  The grandma writing this post is rather dried-up and downright sour at times!

Check out Josée Masse’s illustration for this reverso.

onceuponatimehappilyeverafter.com

When using this book in the library, I like to point out how the illustrations are divided.  This one in reversed quarters – the background on the top left quarter is the same as on the bottom right quarter of the picture.  The wolf – divided, partly camouflaged by the forest, that sneaky devil.  The other half of his body dressed as a dapper gentleman.

I would be remiss if I didn’t give you a glimpse at the poem and picture for my number one, all-time, absolute favorite fairy tale.  Can you guess which one that would be?

onceuponatimehappilyeverafter.com Oh, be still my heart.

Such.  Good.  Stuff.

Mirror, Mirror is a fun way to introduce or review point of view with your little readers.  And my sister, Valerie, just told me that there is a sequel to this book called Follow, Follow:  A Book of Reversos.  I need that book.  Singer has a poetry book on this year’s Bluebonnet Master List,  Rutherford B., Who was He?  I have used it with my fifth graders at Guerrero.  The kids picked a poem about one of our Presidents from Rutherford B., then looked up said Prez on PebbleGo database.  They took a few notes from the poem and the database article then put their facts into Taxgedo to create a biographical concrete poem.

Voila or as I sometimes like to say – viola…wait, is that a reverso?  My very first one.

onceuponatimehappilyeverafter.com

(I didn’t have an opportunity to proofread this one before he hit PRINT)

Please take a moment to visit Marilyn Singer’s webpage, here and Josée Masse’s webpage, here.  Plan to come back here, HERE, to find out if Rutherford B., Who was He? is the winner of the Bluebonnet Award this year.  The announcement will be made sometime in February.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Mirror, Mirror for your very own, take a moment to enter the giveaway by clicking the Rafflecopter link below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Have a fairy tale weekend, friends.

Hugs and kisses,

leslie

Get Updates

[jetpack-related-posts]

About Leslie Roberts Clingan

I am an aspiring blogger and children's author, wife, mother, daughter, sister, - in-law, responsible pet owner and recently retired elementary school librarian. I hope to figure out the next chapter of my life as I transition from crazy, busy work world onto totally idle retirement and now to something in-between.

Comments

  1. A. Green

    January 22, 2016 at 2:20 am

    Looks like a book I would love to give a special girl!

    Reply
    • Leslie Roberts Clingan

      January 25, 2016 at 10:13 pm

      Howdy! Thank you for taking time to comment and come by. Vice versa! Mirror, Mirror is the kind of poetry book that children can enjoy over and over. So glad to have you join the fun!

      Reply
      • A. Green

        January 28, 2016 at 7:01 am

        So thrilled my granddaughter will have this book to read! Thank you, Leslie.

        Reply
  2. deena

    January 22, 2016 at 5:55 am

    bahahahah, you should really get a shirt like that too! THanks for the love 🙂

    Reply
  3. Elements of Ellis

    January 22, 2016 at 1:17 pm

    I’m going to have to share this with my mom. She teaches a children’s literacy class (along with child development classes) and she would totally find this interesting 🙂

    http://elementsofellis.com/

    Reply
  4. Marg Wilson

    January 22, 2016 at 9:11 pm

    I want this book!!! What a creative, clever, fun read!! Gifts…. I see Mirror, Mirror as the perfect gift for all ages! Wonderful review sweet Leslie!!

    Reply
    • Leslie Roberts Clingan

      January 25, 2016 at 10:03 pm

      Marg!!! Thank you for coming by and commenting. I love Mirror, Mirror and am thrilled to hear there are two more books of reverso poems written by Marilyn Singer. That’s what I love about the Bluebonnet Reading Program, it introduces kids and their librarians to some pretty incredible books.

      Reply
  5. Ashley

    January 23, 2016 at 5:53 pm

    I would like to share this with my mom

    Reply
    • Leslie Roberts Clingan

      January 25, 2016 at 10:04 pm

      Yay! Here’s to sharing good books with someone you love. Thank you for coming by, Ashley, and thanks for the comment, sweet one!

      Reply
  6. Sarah @ Foxy's Domestic Side

    January 24, 2016 at 4:23 pm

    How cool is this?! thanks for a chance to win one!

    Reply
    • Leslie Roberts Clingan

      January 25, 2016 at 10:05 pm

      Yay, YOU! I think you will love the creativity of this book. Thank you for commenting, friend-o-mine.

      Reply
  7. Jill

    January 24, 2016 at 5:26 pm

    What a cool book and so interesting! The illustrations are also amazing!

    Jill
    Doused In Pink

    Reply
    • Leslie Roberts Clingan

      January 25, 2016 at 10:07 pm

      I am afraid I really didn’t do this book justice! Hope you will get an opportunity to see it up close. Really fun for all ages.

      Reply
  8. Lana

    January 24, 2016 at 5:36 pm

    What a wonderful book! I’m actually collecting books for my future grandchildren (hopefully), and I’ll add this to the list. Hope you’ve had a great weekend!

    Reply
  9. Shaunacey

    January 24, 2016 at 7:31 pm

    you could rock that shirt!
    love the idea of this book, so fun and so different

    Confessions of a Frumpy Mommy

    Reply
    • Leslie Roberts Clingan

      January 25, 2016 at 10:08 pm

      I so want that shirt. Wonder if Deena would loan it to me? Mirror, Mirror is such fun. The illustrations are full of surprises and the poems are very thought-provoking, like a puzzle.

      Reply
  10. Morgan

    January 24, 2016 at 8:01 pm

    Looks like a neat book! I would share it with my kids at Rusk!

    Reply
    • Leslie Roberts Clingan

      January 25, 2016 at 10:09 pm

      Yes, yes!! The kids at Rusk would love it!

      Reply
  11. Sheila @ Sheila's Potpourri

    January 25, 2016 at 8:53 am

    I’ve not heard of a reverso before! How intriguing! If I won this book I would share it with my poetry class (3 students) and then pass it on to my niece and nephew. Oh, and I *love* Deena’s tshirt! I *need* one! lol! Sheila DelCharco My blog: Making the Most of Every Day

    Reply
    • Leslie Roberts Clingan

      January 25, 2016 at 10:09 pm

      I need one of Deena’s shirts desperately. She has the best graphic tees. You would love this book, Sheila! Good luck!

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Hello!

graphic tee

In what felt like the blink of an eye, I have gone from full-time wife to my sweet husband, hands-on mom to my two beautiful daughters and elementary school librarian to a retired, empty nester with lots of time on my hands. Join me on my journey to rediscover who I am. Glad you are here...
About me

LET’S BE FRIENDS

Search

Archives

Disclosure

Once Upon a Time & Happily Ever After occasionally uses affiliate links. This means that if you click a link provided we may receive a very small commission. Thank you for your support!

Best of the Blog

Follow Me on Pinterest

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Goodreads
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Substack
  • Twitter

From My IG Feed

onceuponatimehappilyeverafter

View

Jul 1

Open
07.01.2025 Come Read with Me voted to read Martha Hall Kelly's latest novel. Historical fiction set during World War II. Can't wait to begin!!

Is this book on your radar?

07.01.2025 Come Read with Me voted to read Martha Hall Kelly`s latest novel. Historical fiction set during World War II. Can`t wait to begin!!

Is this book on your radar?
...

12 4

onceuponatimehappilyeverafter

View

Jul 1

Open
07.01.2025 Great way to kick off a new month. 🌧️ RAIN 🌧️. Welcome, July. 

#rainingrain 
#raindance 
#sofresh 
#insta2025📸 
#onceuponatimehappilyeverafter 
#elpasophotographer 
#elpaso915
#grandmasofinstagram
#elpasoblogger

07.01.2025 Great way to kick off a new month. 🌧️ RAIN 🌧️. Welcome, July.

#rainingrain
#raindance
#sofresh
#insta2025📸
#onceuponatimehappilyeverafter
#elpasophotographer
#elpaso915
#grandmasofinstagram
#elpasoblogger
...

18 4

onceuponatimehappilyeverafter

View

Jun 28

Open
06.28.2025 New photo challenge post. 

#photochallenges 
#sundaystills 
#everydayimages 
#worldthroughlens 
#lifeafterretirement 
#insta2025📸 
#onceuponatimehappilyeverafter 
#elpasoblogger 
#elpaso915 
#elpasophotographer

06.28.2025 New photo challenge post.

#photochallenges
#sundaystills
#everydayimages
#worldthroughlens
#lifeafterretirement
#insta2025📸
#onceuponatimehappilyeverafter
#elpasoblogger
#elpaso915
#elpasophotographer
...

6 3

onceuponatimehappilyeverafter

View

Jun 25

Open
06.25.2025 Gone fishing'. Nuff said. 

#onceuponatimehappilyeverafter 
#fishingday 
#fishermanlife 
#elpasoblogger 
#grandmasofinstagram 
#elpaso915 
#lifeafterretirement 
#elpasowomen 
#insta2025📸 
#fishermanswife 
#gonefishin 
#rainyday☔

06.25.2025 Gone fishing`. Nuff said.

#onceuponatimehappilyeverafter
#fishingday
#fishermanlife
#elpasoblogger
#grandmasofinstagram
#elpaso915
#lifeafterretirement
#elpasowomen
#insta2025📸
#fishermanswife
#gonefishin
#rainyday☔
...

17 5

onceuponatimehappilyeverafter

View

Jun 24

Open
06.24.2025 Forecast calls for rain!! 🤞🏽 
#prayingforrain 
#onceuponatimehappilyeverafter 
#elpasoblogger 
#grandmasofinstagram 
#elpaso915 
#lifeafterretirement 
#insta2025📸 
#motherearthhealing 
#dontmesswithtexas

06.24.2025 Forecast calls for rain!! 🤞🏽
#prayingforrain
#onceuponatimehappilyeverafter
#elpasoblogger
#grandmasofinstagram
#elpaso915
#lifeafterretirement
#insta2025📸
#motherearthhealing
#dontmesswithtexas
...

15 4

onceuponatimehappilyeverafter

View

Jun 23

Open
06.23.2025 Check ✔️out my summer bucket 🪣 list and goals. Going to be a grand summer 🌞 season. 

#onceuponatimehappilyeverafter 
#elpasoblogger 
#grandmasofinstagram 
#elpaso915 
#lifeafterretirement 
#insta2025📸 
#summerbucketlist 
#summergoal 
#summerfun☀️

06.23.2025 Check ✔️out my summer bucket 🪣 list and goals. Going to be a grand summer 🌞 season.

#onceuponatimehappilyeverafter
#elpasoblogger
#grandmasofinstagram
#elpaso915
#lifeafterretirement
#insta2025📸
#summerbucketlist
#summergoal
#summerfun☀️
...

4 0
Follow on Instagram

The 52 Book Club’s 2025 Reading Challenge

Historical Fiction Reading Challenge 2025

Title Talk 12.2024: What's on My Bookshelf

NaNoWriMo-2024 Participant Badge

NaNoWriMo-2024 Participant Badge

One Sentence a Day

Tell Us About…

What’s Been On Your Calendar

What’s On Your Bookshelf?

Copyright © 2025 · Theme by Blog Pixie

home · about me · where i link-up · disclosure policy · privacy policy
ONCE UPON A TIME & HAPPILY EVER AFTER

By continuing to browse this site, you agree to our use of cookies.