Hidden City is a collection of poems that connect nature with an urban environment. In my 6th grade classroom, I’m able to use this book to help students make a connection between their urban environment and nature. The poetry is accessible to all of my students regardless of reading ability. The pictures are fun, as well. ( )

Sarah Grace Tuttle and Amy Schimler-Safford’s Hidden City: Poems of Urban Wildlife reframes what any city dweller would recognize to be mundane as wild and new, fixing fresh eyes upon the flora and fauna coexisting with us in our neighborhoods and even our homes and driving home the fact that we too are the environment. To the reluctant who might think of poetry as grandiose or frilly or as something apart from daily life, Hidden City presents everyday images rendered newly meaningful through carefully framed words and invites them to reconsider. ( )

Hidden City is a beautifully illustrated poetry book focused on wildlife in the urban environment. What a beautiful way for young readers to learn about nature around them. ( )

I hadn't thought about it much before this, but many of the books of animal poetry I've read tend to focus on animals in their more rugged, wild environments, or perhaps farm animals -- but certainly in rural settings. Hidden City is a bit different, providing factual, descriptive poems about wild animals that live near people or make their habitats in populated areas.

From back yards and living rooms to dark alleys and skyscrapers, this book highlights the presence of animals of all sizes in these urban spaces, and gives a straightforward poem about each one, highlighting something that it does.

Whether reading about migrating geese that have stopped for a rest, moss in sidewalk cracks, or raccoons scrounging through a trash can, you certainly don't need to live in a city to appreciate these short glimpses into the lives of many different types of wildlife. The full-page illustrations are full of color and texture, making this a wonderful book to share with young children, and help them appreciate not only poetry, but the animals and other bits of nature that are all around them no matter where they go.

(In compliance with FTC guidelines, I disclose that I received this book for free through LibraryThing Early Reviewers. I was not required to write a positive review.) ( )