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Orangutanka: A Story in Poems Hardcover – March 24, 2015

by Margarita Engle (Author), Renée Kurilla (Illustrator)

3.1 5 ratings

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All the orangutans are ready for a nap in the sleepy depths of the afternoon . . . all except one. This little orangutan wants to dance! A hip-hop, cha-cha-cha dance full of somersaults and cartwheels. But who will dance with her?
Written in bold poems in the tanka style, an ancient Japanese form of poetry that is often used as a travel diary, this exuberant orangutan celebration from acclaimed poet Margarita Engle will make readers want to dance, too!

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

PreS-Gr 2—A sprightly introduction to orangutans through nimble wordplay and attractive book design. Kurilla's pen-and-ink illustrations frame Engle's tanka verses, which relate a simple story of an orangutan family in an animal sanctuary in Borneo. Massive papa, whose "great weight makes/low branches waltz slowly" and mama, baby, inquisitive big sister, and watchful grandma live an idyllic existence amid the tall trees. Child-friendly verse evokes the habitat and should have wide appeal: "Imagine/rain forest music—/insects/buzz, zoom, and hum/while green leaves swish." Teachers will also appreciate the page of orangutan facts, where they can find print and online suggestions for further reading. Readers learn that the long-term outlook for this species of gentle primates is in doubt as deforestation threatens their rainforest habitats in Borneo and Sumatra. Engle also includes a note describing tanka poetry, an ancient Japanese format; the modern form is unrhymed and consists of five lines (short, long, short, long, long) of linked poems. She concludes by inviting children to write their own poems and dance like orangutans "with energetic arms and legs." This well-crafted book, with its accomplished verses and smattering of facts, should earn a wide audience.—Marilyn Taniguchi, Beverly Hills Public Library, CA

Review

“A sprightly introduction to orangutans through nimble wordplay and attractive book design . . . This well-crafted book, with its accomplished verses and smattering of facts, should earn a wide audience.” ―School Library Journal, Starred Review

“[A] warm, rewarding portrait of these intelligent apes.” ―Publishers Weekly

“* Like the firefly light, Engle's poetry is a gossamer thread of subtle beauty weaving together three memorable characters who together find hope and courage. Another fine volume by a master of the novel in verse.” ―Kirkus Reviews, starred review on The Firefly Letters

“Engle presents a delightful tale of five orangutans in a string of linked tankas, an ancient Japanese form of poetry . . . A playful and instructive introduction to a little-known form of verse.” ―Kirkus Reviews

“Cleverly combining poetry with scientific information, Engle's modern tanka poems . . . express humor and energy. . . .The hilarious digitally colored pencil-and-ink illustrations depict the lush jungle environment and the furry orange orangutans' extended family at rest and play. Children will be inspired to move their arms and legs energetically like a happy orangutan, dancing the "Orangudance" to the music of the rain forest.” ―Booklist

“* This book is an outstanding choice for young people of all reading skills.” ―School Library Journal, starred review on Tropical Secrets

“* Readers will be caught by the compelling narrative voices.” ―Booklist, starred review on The Surrender Tree

“* An absolutely lovely book . . . that should be read by young and old, black and white, Anglo and Latino.” ―School Library Journal, starred review on The Poet Slave of Cuba

“* Readers will hear the stories--and never forget them.” ―Booklist, starred review on The Poet Slave of Cuba

“* The moving poetry and finely crafted story will draw readers in and leave them in tears and in awe.” ―The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books, starred review on The Poet Slave of Cuba

Product details

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Henry Holt and Co. (BYR) (March 24, 2015)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 40 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0805098399
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0805098396
Reading age ‏ : ‎ 4 - 8 years
Lexile measure ‏ : ‎ NP
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 14.7 ounces
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 8.86 x 0.39 x 11.28 inches

Best Sellers Rank: #3,448,995 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #1,642 in Children's Dance Books (Books)
- #1,848 in Children's Ape & Monkey Books (Books)
- #5,378 in Stories in Verse

Customer Reviews:
3.1 5 ratings

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Renée Kurilla

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Renee Kurilla is a children's illustrator, author, and designer. She loves drawing nature, animals, and working on projects that require a little bit of research.

She has illustrated many books for kids including ORANGUTANKA (by Margarita Engle), CHICKS RULE! (by Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen), RIGHT THIS VERY MINUTE (by Lisl H. Detlefsen), and the ADA LACE series (by Emily Calandrelli).

ONE SPRINGY, SINGY DAY, Renee's debut picture book as both author and illustrator, published in March 2021. THE FLOWER GARDEN, Renee's first young graphic novel, published in Spring 2022.

Renee has a BFA in Illustration and a minor in Graphic Design from Lesley University College of Art and Design. Before transitioning to a full time career in children’s books, she was a Lead Artist at FableVision Studios in Boston for 10 years.

She currently lives in MA with her illustrator husband Keith Zoo, their 6 year old daughter, Zoey, and Yoshi the fish.