D is for the Dinosaur and the Dodo, Symbols of all that have long vanished From the blue and green Ark adrift in the dark. Brian Patten, recognised as one of Europe's leading contemporary poets, and author of classic collections such as Gargling with Jelly and Thawing Frozen Frogs , has here written a poem to planet earth to mark the dawn of a new millennium. By taking each letter of the alphabet in turn, Patten focuses on the natural wonders of the world, from the creatures who swim in the depths of the ocean to the wonders of the heaven's above and the galaxies beyond. Sian Bailey has illustrated each letter in dramatic, exquisite detail, while each poem is illustrated by a different contemporary artist. The result of this collaboration is a stylish, thoroughly modern take on age old concerns, written and illustrated in emotive, clashing styles that perfectly capture the essence of the mood of the approaching millennium, highlighting the good and the bad without falling into a maudlin trap. The Blue and Green Ark would make an excellent gift to mark the turn of the century, and will delight the legions of Patten fans who will certainly not be disappointed by this latest offering. (Age 8 and over) --Susan Harrison

 

This book is part of a book series called Picture Books .

There are 64 pages in this book. This book was published 1999 by Scholastic .

Sian Bailey's exquisitely coloured and detailed illustrations have featured in many successful books. Sian studied illustration at Newport and Brighton Colleges of Art. She now lives in Birkenhead with her husband, Peter, who is also an illustrator. This is her first book for Macmillan. Brian Patten was born in Liverpool. His poetry for adults has been translated into many languages, and his collections include Collected Love Poems, Armada, and, from Penguin,