Tap Dancing on the Roof: Sijo (Poems)

A one-of-a-kind and funny book to share and read aloud from Newbery medalist Linda Sue Park and artist Istvan Banyai.

Carefully crafted and deceptively simple, Linda Sue Park's sijo are a pleasure to read and an invitation to experiment with a less-familiar poetic form. Istvan Banyai's giddy illustrations add a luster to a book that is truly a gem.

Sijo, a traditional Korean verse form, has a fixed number of stressed syllables and a humorous or ironic twist at the end. Like haiku, sijo are brief and accessible.

The verses in this book illuminate funny, unexpected aspects of the everyday—of breakfast, houseplants, tennis, freshly washed socks.

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"Fresh and collegial, this offering stands out." Kirkus Reviews, Starred

Banyai's illustrations enhance the collection with an extra element of wit and imaginative freedom.

Horn Book
Park wants readers to try sijo for themselves, and in an extensive author's note she offers history, advice and encouagement.

Publishers Weekly

A smart and appealing introduction to an overlooked poetic form.

School Library Journal, Starred
With this lighthearted collection of her own sijo, the form will take a flying leap into the consciousness of both children and teachers.

Booklist, ALA, Starred Review