Genre 3 Book 2 - Poetry

1. Bibliography
Grimes, Nikki. 1995. C IS FOR CITY. New York: Lothrop, Lee & Shepard Books.
Illustrated by : Pat Cummings
ISBN 0688118089

2. Plot Summary
Nikki Grimes captures the wonders of New York City life through this irresistible alphabet rhyming book. The illustrations are so vibrant, and allow the reader to better understand urban life. Readers experience art shows, winter ice skating rinks, the opera and on to the zoo. Included also in the illustrations are alphabetical items to search for with the key in the back of the book to check your answers.

3. Critical Analysis
The hidden picture element combined with the exuberant illustrations and catchy rhymes makes this book a hit with young children. Grimes provides diversity within the poems and pictures with “block party bands, delis and donuts, Times Square, and taxis. The edginess that the city offers is quite clear.

The rhythms of the versus varies from poem to poem, and help keep the reader wanting more. Each picture is jammed back with color and drama. With pages flowing together, many scenarios play out. For example on pages 3-4, there is a butcher cooking bagels, and a band playing off to the side while two African American characters are dancing in the street. Also, there is a cab driver cruising through the streets, a cool cat, and couple who are talking underneath the city lights. The skyscrapers, balloons and stars portray the true essence of a night on a city street. Children will enjoy the rhymes, but the busy illustrations are what will keep wanting to read this book over and over.

4. Review Excerpt(s)
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “The rhythm of the verses is also varied, but it is always interesting and right on target for the audience.”
BOOKLIST: “The rhymes themselves are quite clever and packed with vocabulary-expanding images.”

5. Connections
C IS FOR CITY is a wonderful way to reinforce the alphabet. Young children will enjoy looking for other items that begin with the letter. Read this book together and look for the items. Then have the students come up with other words that begin with the same letter. In addition, Grimes creates an excellent example of urban life. When discussing communities and discussing city and rural, C IS FOR CITY would be a great addition to this discussion.
Other books that can be used would be Nina Crew’s, "THE NEIGHBORHOOD MOTHER GOOSE" and ALPHABET CITY by Stephen T. Johnson.