Wild in the Streets: 20 Poems of City Animals

Gr 4-6–Singer’s collection of poems explores 20 different wild animals that have made their homes among people. Her subjects range from white storks atop the rooftops of Munster, France, to the reticulated pythons traveling in the sewer systems of Singapore. Each section features a poem that showcases the animal’s point of view and a paragraph with more factual information. Singer’s rhymes are playful and snappy. For example, in the poem about brushtail possums, Singer writes, “They thump on your roof, enter your attic. / They eat your favorite fruits and blossoms. / They daily mark their turf with pungent scent. / At mating time they shriek to find a spouse.” The poems complement Wright’s engaging artwork. The illustrations firmly place the reader in each of these locations. Every detail of the book evokes nature, from the bright color palette to the soft features of the highlighted environment. The end of the book explains the types of poems Singer used for each animal. Back matter includes an author’s note, a glossary, and a page listing books, websites, TV shows, and conservation organizations.