Reviews
There are so many incredible books available at the moment that it is impossible to read them all, no matter how hard I try! Here are my thoughts about some of the books I have read and how I think they could be used in school as well as Q and A sessions with authors and illustrators.
Boing! A Bouncy Book of Bugs
If it jiggles just a little
or its home is in the mud
or it wiggles down its middle…
oh indeed- it’s a bug!
Exuberant, energetic and engaging, ‘Boing! A Bouncy Book of Bugs’ not only offers a collection of twenty-four poems about insects, but plenty of fascinating facts as well.
All manner of insects are included from ants to moths, fireflies to bed bugs. Each spread is full of brightly coloured appealing illustrations which capture the mood and theme of the verse. Children are sure to admire the strength of the mighty dung beetle, be fascinated by the Elephant Tear Moth and perhaps learn to appreciate the ‘woefully under-appreciated’ wasp.
For teachers, the book offers great potential! Many of the poems here would make brilliant performance pieces for classes, individuals or pairs- ‘The Moth and the Moon’, for example, or ‘Boing!’- which (like many in the collection) is perfect for adding movements to! The variety of poetic forms used is great for introducing young children to some of the different styles which can be used and might also be used as models to inspire their own writing. ‘Me No Dragon’ shows how successfully Kennings can be used as a way of describing something. But above all, the poems are fun, sure to engage and be enjoyed!
Boing! A Bouncy Book of Bugs
James Carter, illustrated by Neal Layton
Otter-Barry Books ISBN: 978-1915659507
Squeak! Squawk! Roar! Amazing Animal Poems
‘Squeak! Squawk! Roar!’ is a vibrant collection of poems celebrating the diverse and wonderful world of animals. From elephants to mice, cobras to chimpanzees, there is much to enjoy in these pages.
With so many lovely poems, it is hard to select just one or two to highlight in a review! However, I have done my best… For a cat-lover like me, ‘A Cat’s Day In’ is an absolute delight, capturing the essence of a cat’s activities as it tip-toes on its ‘quilted paws’ with a ‘mew of indecision’. Of course, dog fans might prefer ‘A Dog’s View’ which follows! ‘A Cat’s Day In’ is a joy to read aloud- and would make a wonderful performance piece for a class! great fun, ‘A Wombat is a Non-Bat’ is a delicious bit of fun, highlighting all the endearing qualities of these lovely creatures and ‘Dance of the Penguins’ is a wonderful example of how a few, carefully chosen words can so vividly encapsulate an idea.
The poems are accompanied by charming illustrations, one of my favourites being the cheeky little hamster. The collection is perfect for dipping in and out of and many of the poems could enliven odd moments between lessons, be enjoyed at story time or linked to work on animals in the curriculum as well as inspiring children to create their own verses. Great fun!
Squeak! Squawk! Roar! Amazing Animal Poems
Kate Williams, illustrated by Hannah Asen
Otter-Barry Books ISBN: 978-1915659552
Publication date: 9th January
A Poem for Every Day of Christmas
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
and never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot
and auld lang syne!
What other poem would be as perfect for today’s entry in a book of poems for this time of year? And, indeed, the poem selected by Allie Esiri for the 31st December is ‘Auld Lang Syne’.
Offering a collection of thirty-one poems, one for each day of December, ‘A Poem for Every Day of Christmas’ combines well-known carols and verses with some lesser-known poems. As the days pass, the choices reflect the anticipation and growing excitement of the season, mixing humour and poignancy, some dwelling on the religious significance of Christmas and some on the secular.
As perfect for sharing as for reading alone, the book offers an advent calendar of poems to be enjoyed- but be warned! Once started, it is very hard to resist flicking through the pages and delighting in each new offering. The eloquence of Christina Rossetti’s ‘In the Deep Midwinter’ one day contrasts beautifully with the joy of ‘Needles’, a wonderful shape poem by Brian Bilston; the traditional cumulative fun of ‘The Twelve Days of Christmas’ is followed by the humour of ‘On the Thirteen Day’, again by Brian Bilston. Teachers might enjoy sharing these, perhaps playing some of the traditional carols included, with their classes or in an assembly as much as families and friends will be entertained by them at home!
Although several of these poems also appear in ‘A Poem for Every Winter’s Day’ also edited by Allie Esiri, there is no doubting that this is a festive collection which can be enjoyed every year.
A Poem for Every Day of Christmas
Edited by Allie Esiri
Macmillan ISBN: 978-1035068388
Wisdom of the Woods
‘Wisdom of the Woods’ is a beautiful treasury, offering forty poems which celebrate the joys and the wonders of nature. Set in the world of Brown Bear Wood, the poems pass the wisdom of Nature’s ancient laws to the next generation.
Gathered into eight different sections, the poems explore a wealth of topics, including pollination, evergreens, fungi, grass, chlorophyll… Rachel Piercey does not ‘dumb down’ her writing and as a result, the poems are not only informative and enjoyable, but richly written, using a wide vocabulary. A glossary at the end of the book offers support with clear explanations of the scientific terms used- metamorphic, lenticel, omnivore- but there is also a sense of whimsy and joy in the poems which mange to combine learning and fun so successfully!
The book is the perfect size for taking on expeditions through the woods where they can be enjoyed and used to spark investigations in the heart of the habitat they are celebrating. For teachers, this book is perfect for enriching the curriculum either by using the poems as starting points for exploration or for enjoying at story times or as part of an assembly. Each work is accompanied by delightful illustrations, each a mini-masterpiece!
From its gorgeous cover to the last page, ‘Wisdom of the Woods’ is an absolute joy!
Brown Bear Wood: Wisdom of the Woods
Rachel Piercey, illustrated by Freya Hartas
Magic Cat ISBN: 978-1915569615
Why did my brain make me say it?
‘Why did my brain make me say it?’ is a wonderful collection of poems, loosely based around the passing of the school year. Full of word play and wit, there are poems to perform, poems to laugh at, poems to linger over- all to enjoy!
‘Love/Hate’ is not only perfect for starting discussions, but also for using as a model to inspire children’s own writing, allowing them to create phrases which capture what they consider to be negatives and positives. This could be done either individually or as a class and result in a fun piece of performance poetry. ‘Rumours’ is another poem which would be great fun to play with and present. Using kennings, ‘Granny and Grandad’ would be perfect for encouraging experimentation with this poetic device and no doubt, producing very satisfying results as children could describe their friends, family, pets…teacher?!
Many of the poems capture feelings or moments which children will readily recognise. in ‘Faux Pas’, a child has just called his teacher ‘mum’, something which happens with surprising regularity even in Year 6 classes! ‘Felicity’ is a poem about a friend who had moved away, leaving a huge hole in the child’s life. Many of the poems contain a surprise, benefitting from repeated reading- ‘Things Sian’s house house has that our house doesn’t’ for example.
The collection includes a wonderful range of poetic styles and devices, showing readers just how much fun poetry can be! Riddles, haiku (and Lie-ku and Bye-ku), shape poems, acrostics, opposites… so much to enjoy! I could comment on each and every poem, being inspired to share them with children and, in turn, inspire children by using them, but I think my favourite is ‘Growing a Poem’ which begins:
A poem begins as a seed
buried deep inside the imagination.
A must-have collection!
Why did my brain make me say that?
Sarah Ziman
Troika ISBN: 978-1912745395
Out of this World
‘Out of this World’ is a new collection of poems, offering a mixture of the poignant and light-hearted, moving from memories to possibilities and dreams. Some poems are rich with Michael Rosen’s trademark humour whilst others are deeply poignant.
‘Family Secret’ is a deeply moving reflection on past meeting the present, referring, I’m sure, to Michael uncovering the truth about his ‘lost’ ancestors as he recounts in his book ‘The Missing’. In contrast to this, ‘The Alphabet Eater’ recounts what would happen if all the letters were eaten by a monster which would make a fun performance piece as well a great starting point for children to play with sentences and investigate what would happen to them if the monster started to eat them!
The collection is beautifully illustrated by Ed Vere whose artwork complements the poems perfectly, particularly those which accompany ‘A Day in the Life of a Cat’. There is so much to enjoy and reflect upon here, making this a book which will be returned to again and again.
Out of this World
Michael Rosen, illustrated by Ed Vere
Harper Collins ISBN: 978-0008517175
Spooky Poems Aloud
One grain of gritty midnight,
One iota of dust.
The figure spoke inside my head,
‘It’s time to join us.’
Just in time for the spooky season comes this suitably scary collection of poems from Joseph Coelho. ‘Spooky Poems Aloud’ is the fourth book in the ‘Poetry to Perform’ series and offers a perfectly pitched selection of poems to add some shivers to Hallowe’en!
Each of these twenty-five poems just cries out to be performed, encouraging children to explore the use of dynamics, tone and gesture to support their presentation, having great fun in the process. ‘On a Cold Whispering Night’ (which the quote above comes from) is perfect for whispering in spooky tones whilst the onomatopoeic refrain of ‘The Skeleton in the Basement’ might need a louder, sharper voice!
An introduction is added for each poem, giving suggestions not only for performance, but also tips for creating poems along the lines of those given. ‘It Woke Me From a Dream’ uses a repeating line to create a creepy atmosphere and the note suggest creating a poem in the same style. ‘The Grey Lady’ is a poem which uses the senses to describe something scary- another fun thing to try!
The book introduces children to a wonderful range of poetic styles and techniques- pantoum, villanelle, regna, tanka- enriching the reader’s experience and understanding of the wonders of poetry, making this an invaluable resource for teachers and interested adults as well as children. Full of appealing illustrations, ‘Spooky Poems Aloud’ is sure to encourage a love of poetry in everyone!
Spooky Poems Aloud
Joseph Coelho, illustrated by Daniel Gray-Barnett
Wide Eyed ISBN: 978-0711287396
You can read my review of ‘Courage Out Loud’ here.
The River’s a Singer
The river’s a singer,
As he dances along,
The countryside echoes
The notes of his song.
A lively, joyous collection of poems, ‘The River’s a Singer’ offers a wonderful range works, celebrating nature, family, cultural heritage and identity. Many of the poems feature elements of Jamaican patois and, for those who need it, there is a very useful, detailed glossary at the end of the book with a few additional notes at the end of some poems. However, there is nothing quite like hearing Valerie Bloom perform her poems- an inspirational treat everyone should enjoy!
This collection contains a mix of new and previously published poetry, such as ‘Fruits’ and ‘Outdooring’, using a wide range of styles and techniques. As well as being wonderful for performing, sharing or reading alone, many of the poems here would make wonderful models to explore and enjoy with a class.
‘The River’, for example, could be used as inspiration for a topic about rivers. Through using personification and metaphor, the personality of the river is explored, and this could lead to discussions about the vocabulary chosen to capture this with children then offering their own suggestions and considering how these might alter the meaning/ effect of the poem. Word play- and history- are introduced in ‘Henry the Eighth’ and ‘Watt Tyler’ and there is a lovely collection of Christmas poems, offering a Caribbean flavour to the celebrations. ‘Christmas is Here’ gives a wonderful sense of building expectations and excitement and could easily be used as a model for children to create their own poems about Christmas – or other important occasions/ events. Another poem which lends itself really well to encouraging children to create their own work is ‘When Granny’ which would also allow them to try to capture emotions through phrases and words!
One of my favourite poems in this book is ‘The Artist’, but there are so many which could be commented on.
The River’s a Singer
Valerie Bloom, illustrated by Sophie Bass
Macmillan ISBN: 978-1035043767
You’re a Poet
‘You’re a Poet’ is a wonderful book. Blending story and poetry writing advice, it is perfect for encouraging adults and children to play with words and become poets! Many people (including teachers) are ‘scared’ of poetry and so this powerful form of expression and source of pleasure is often neglected. This book offers some very practical, achievable and effective ideas which help overcome this and produce some very satisfying results.
The book is organised into five chapters. Each starts with a section of story about Piglet, followed with ideas and advice for developing a different style of poem. Every chapter explores a new adventure as Piglet goes for a walk with his mum, goes on holiday, plays with his friend, Squirrel, makes a rope swing with his dad and paints his room. Each situation leads to Piglet exploring how he is feeling, what he notices or what he sees through poetry.
The beautifully illustrated stories are lovely and offer everyday situations as inspiration, making the book a very practical, fun way of encouraging children to create their own poems. The book begins with ‘Puddle Poems’, a very simple, but very effective and enjoyable way of gathering words to create a poem. Tips and suggestions are given for how this can be developed should the child be ready to do so, but this lovely idea means that even the youngest children can create spoken poems which adults might (or might not!) choose to record for them. This playing with words, developing ideas, choosing vocabulary and having fun is wonderful for helping children to express themselves and explore their emotions as well as for encouraging them to observe the world around them!
Each of the other poems offers a model to support children’s writing. Comparing poems encourage the use of a structure- ‘as…as’ -introducing children to similes without once mentioning the term whilst the ‘Making a person out of something’ poem develops the use of metaphors. The other ideas offer structures for children to play with and develop their own ideas.
An excellent book for enjoying and exploring creative writing, ‘You’re a Poet’ is a wonderful book for home, for school, for everywhere and anywhere, offering really practical ideas which will make everyone free the poet inside!
You’re a Poet: Ways to Start Writing Poems
Sean Taylor, illustrated by Sam Usher
Walker ISBN: 978-1529514063
On Poetry Street
In this collection, Brian Moses offers not only 52 poems (one for any week of the year), but oodles of inspiration and possibility. ‘On Poetry Street’ shows just how accessible and enjoyable creating poems can be and is sure to leave readers itching to get started.
This is a book for everyone, not just children. Each poem offers an idea or a model which can be enjoyed, perhaps performed, and then used as a starting point for creating new poems, whether using that framework or developing ideas of your own.
Notes at the end of the book from Brian Moses offer further information about the different styles of poems he has used, what triggered his ideas and says that ‘the two words, ‘What if?’ are the writer’s best friends.’ These pages are a real treasure trove of inspiration, a poet’s gift to other writers.
Many of the ideas here will spark not just poems, but discussion and debate as children share their ideas and explore possibilities. ‘If I Could Travel back in Time…’ is sure to raise questions about the events Brian Moses has chosen as well as encourage children to recall or investigate past incidents and consider why they might choose them for their poem. ‘A Mouthful of Words’ and ‘A Difficult Poem to Read Unless You’ve Swallowed a Dictionary’ both celebrate the joy of words, wordplay and dictionaries as well as encouraging curiosity.
The whole collection is peppered with Mark Elvins’ lively illustrations which add much to this enjoyable collection. This is an essential addition to any bookshelf, offering hours of pleasure and fun!
On Poetry Street
Brian Moses, illustrated by Mark Elvins
Scallywag Press ISBN: 978-1915252586
…And I Hear Dragons
I make no secret of the fact that I love poetry and am always excited to explore a new collection! Conceived and edited by the National Poet of Wales, Hanan Issa (who is also partially responsible for ‘We Are Lady Parts’, one of my all-time favourite programmes!), ‘…And I Hear Dragons’ is a wonderful collection featuring the work of Welsh poets and illustrated by Eric Heyman.
In her introduction, Hanan shares the fact that she used to have a book of dragon poems as a child which inspired her to gather together all the magic and wonder of those ‘unruly, mythical creatures’ in this new anthology- and what a fabulous ‘dragon-focused’ selection it contains!
‘Dragon Dreams’ is one of two poems in the collection contributed by Alex Wharton (Daydreams and Jellybeans and Doughnuts, Thieves and Chimpanzees) and would make a lovely poem to share and discuss with a class. Similarly, Emma Barton-Smith’s ‘The Dragon in my Pocket’ would spark plenty of ideas, perhaps inspiring children to write their own poems on this theme.
The collection is rich in its celebration of Wales- the country, its language, its culture, and its people. Some of the poems use/introduce (depending on your position!) Welsh words. E. L Norry (Fablehouse) entitles her poem ‘Hiraeth’ (a Welsh word that has no direct English translation, but is likened to homesickness tinged with grief and sadness) , a term which I had to look up, making her words even more poignant. Other poems feature short glossaries or quick notes to support the reader’s understanding- like ‘Marged Fwyn ferch Ifan’ by Grug Muse which led me on another voyage of discovery!
A veritable cornucopia of dragon-y delights, this collection offers a wealth of wonderful words!
…And I Hear Dragons
edited by Hanan Issa, illustrated by Eric Heyman
Firefly Press ISBN: 978-1915444578
Zooming the Zoo
‘Zooming the Zoo’ is packed full of a fabulous collection of poems, ranging from the light-hearted and humorous to those which are more poignant, using a range of poetic styles and techniques.
‘Poetry Rules’ is the opening poem of the collection, welcoming the reader with an understanding of the ‘rules’ of poetry- that there are none! It sets the tone for the joy which follows and is sure to appeal to poetry lovers and the poetry reluctant alike!
There are so many poems here worth commenting on. ‘Just Let Me Read’ is a real treat, celebrating the joy of books and reading for pleasure whilst ‘Learning to Walk’ offers excellent advice! ‘When You’re a Kid’ is great fun- sure to keep kids - and their teachers- giggling! And O agree wholeheartedly with ‘The Problem With Acrostics’!
But there are also plenty of poems which offer pause for thought. ‘Yellow Group’ breaks my teacher’s heart as each child should feel valued for any and all of their talents and not diminished by any perceived weaknesses. In ‘The First Time I Went to Scotland’, John shares a childhood memory which I’m sure will shock many, just as it shocked me! ‘If Somebody Hurts You’ is wonderfully empowering, a mantra to learn and share with everyone.
An excellent collection for home or school, ‘Zooming the Zoo’ is a treasure trove of poetic delight!
Zooming the Zoo
John Dougherty, illustrated by Tom Morgan-Jones
Otter-Barry Books ISBN: 978-1915659217
You can read my review of ‘The Hare-Shaped Hole’ here.
Picture a Poem: Hope is the Thing with Feathers
‘Hope is the Thing with Feathers’ is a poem written by American poet, Emily Dickinson, and published in 1891. In it, she compares hope to a bird, found singing even in the darkest times, and never asking for a thing in return, a reminder of what a powerful thing hope is.
This is the first in a new series called ‘Picture a Poem’ from Magic Cat which uses stunning illustrations to introduce young readers to a world of wonderful poetry. In this book, Tim Hopgood’s lively, colourful pictures support understanding of the poem, opening doors for plenty of discussion about Emily Dickinson’s words and the power of hope and as well as introducing the idea of metaphor without even mentioning the term! Children will enjoy spotting the bird on each page, following its travels through the pictures, bravely singing whatever the weather.
A short biography of Emily Dickinson is included at the end of the book, offering the perfect starting point for further investigation of her life and work, a brief explanation of the poem and a glossary of some of the terms used. All of this supports, not only a child reading independently, but a parent or teacher who wants to share the poem with their class. The final page shows the poem presented as plain text, allowing the reader to see the lines without illustrations.
Bringing the joy of poetry to younger children in this way is a wonderful idea, a gentle way of familiarising them with poems they are sure to return to, remember and enjoy as they grow. The benefits of a series like this to older children and adults should not be underestimated either. I can’t wait for the next title which is to be a poem from Benjamin Zephaniah.
Picture a Poem: Hope is the Thing with Feathers
Emily Dickinson, illustrated by Tim Hopgood
Magic Cat ISBN: 978-1915569196
Published 29th February
The Shape of Rainbows
‘The Shape of Rainbows’ is packed with wealth of poems which are prefect for sharing and performing, savouring and contemplating. There really is something for everyone to be found in these pages, all accompanied by Will Hughes’ witty illustrations.
Classes would have great fun performing poems like ‘Brother versus Sister’ and could easily be inspired to create addition ‘verses’, exploring comical opposites as the siblings bicker or creating their own versions using other opposing voices- perhaps cat and dog! ‘Fright’ is another poem which would work really well as a performance piece, encouraging children to consider the pitch, volume and pace of their performance as well as possible actions and effects they might choose to use! ‘Echo’ is another which would work well like this!
There are so many poems here which would make excellent models to inspire children to create their own poems and plenty which offer food for thought. There are those which help them to explore poetic techniques like ‘Metaphor Man’ and ‘Adam’s Apples’ which uses a mixture of alliteration and tongue twister, but above all the collection shares a love of language and word play which excites the imagination and engages the reader/ listener with the musical possibilities of poetry and the joy of expression through this medium. A must-have for every class and home bookcase!
The Shape of Rainbows
Neal Zetter, illustrated by Will HUghes
Otter-Barry Books ISBN: 978-1915659163
Doughnuts, Thieves and Chimpanzees
In his second collection of poetry, Alex Wharton (Children’s Laureate Wales 2023-2025) offers the same mixture of playful humour and poetic joy that made ‘Daydreams and Jellybeans’ so popular with adults and children alike. This collection has the added element notes in which Alex explains some of the styles and techniques he has used, encouraging everyone to have a go themselves- and above all, enjoy poetry! The book has a wonderfully interactive quality- Alex speaks directly to the reader, sharing his ideas, his love of music, creating poetry and songs, supported by illustrations by Rhi Smith.
And then, of course, there are the poems themselves! There are poems here crying out to be performed with others, with a partner or independently. There are those which would make great models to inspire the reader’s own creations. There are poems to giggle over and poems to ponder. For teachers, this collection offers so much support whether the teacher is confident with and experienced at teaching poetry or nervous and new to the (joyful!) task.
‘Doughnuts, Thieves and Chimpanzees’ is an essential addition to any poetry shelf!
Doughnuts, Thieves and Chimpanzees
Alex Wharton, illustrated by Rhi Smith
Firefly Press ISBN: 978-1915444585
You can read my review of ‘Daydreams and Jellybeans’.
Find Peace in a Poem
Things got very crazy at the end of last year so I took a couple of weeks off from reviewing…which means I am very behind in sharing all the lovely books I have been reading! However, new year and all that so let’s start 2024 with this gem!
‘Find Peace in a Poem’ is the latest in a series of poetry books from Little Tiger, joining ‘My Heart is a Poem’, ‘Courage in a Poem’ and ‘Our Earth is a Poem’. Making a lovely collection, each book is beautifully produced, with thoughtful details like biographies of each poet and illustrator and a name plate with the dedication ‘Words of calm for…’. Four illustrators have contributed to the collection with their differing styles perfectly complementing the poems.
Like a spell, poetry wields the right words at the right time and has the power to transform us.
Whoever wrote the book’s introduction obviously loves poetry as much as I do and has created the perfect starting point for the collection. As usual with this series, there is comment at the end of the book explaining that the poems have been presented in their original dialect as the poems are ‘rooted in the places they were dreamt up and written’.
The poems have been chosen with great care, each one offering a sense of calm and joyful optimism, encouraging the reader to focus on and appreciate the small things in life, the moments that create their days, the joy in the world around them. ‘A Lesson from the Trees’ by Nikita Gill reflects on the longevity of the trees around us and the constant, listening presence they offer. Kate Wakeling’s ‘The Ink Cure’ suggests a way of combatting feelings of sadness and letting your troubles go whilst ‘Over the Weather’ by Naomi Shihab Nye offers calming thoughts. Each poem is a joy!
The anthology is perfect for sharing at home or in school with many of the poems offering excellent models or starting points for children to develop their own poetic ideas. Zaro Weil’s ‘Hide and Seek’, for example, might inspire children to concentrate on and describe the sounds that they can hear in different locations as well as the importance of finding those quiet moments. ‘My Inner Weather Report’ by Georgia Heard is the perfect starting point for supporting children with identifying and sharing their feelings, recognising all the different moods and emotions which everyone experiences. And, of course, Kit Wright’s ‘The Magic Box’ - a perennial favourite- is a magical way of gathering all the special sights, sounds, people, places and imaginative details which make life so rich and joyful.
The perfect place to start 2024- happy New Year!
Find Peace in a Poem
Mandy Coe, Jack Prelutsky, Pat Mora, Kate Wakeling, James Carter, Nikita Gill, Joseph Coelho, Valerie Bloom, Amina Jama, Michael Rosen, Sue Hardy-Dawson, Mary Ann Hoberman, Georgia Heard, Sophia Thakur, Sanah Ahsan, Elizabeth Acevedo, Kit Wright, Naomi Shihab Nye and Zaro Weil
Illustrated by Annalise Barber, Mariana Roldan, Masha Manapov and Nabila Adani.
Published 4th January 2024
You can read my review of ‘My Heart is a Poem’ here, ‘Courage in a Poem’ here and ‘Our Earth is a Poem’ here.
Poetry Prompts: All Sorts of Ways to Start a Poem
I have always loved poetry and ever since I started teaching, I have tried to share this love with both children and colleagues, sneaking poems into every possible topic and encouraging children to create their own. ‘Does it have to rhyme?’ and ‘What rhymes with secret?’ by Sandy Brownjohn were two of my favourite books during teacher training and ones which I have frequently consulted over the years. ‘Poetry Prompts’ gathers together an amazing range of starting points - ways into poetry writing - offering amazing support for teachers seeking to inspire as well as for those wishing to write at home. It’s a real must have!
There are 41 prompts included in this brilliant book to support children in writing their own poems, but also to understanding poetic terms and devices which they might wish to use. The first suggestion is for making a mini-notebook for recording ideas and poems. Each activity offers plenty of examples and encouragement, sure to inspire readers of any age to emulate, experiment with and develop and the ‘Poetry Power-Up’ which accompanies each, extends the idea, offering a challenge. From tongue twisters to renga, from triolets to haiku, there are ideas for all occasions and all styles!
The whole book bursts with the message that poetry is about having fun with words and to encourage everyone to ‘discover the poet within’. Colourful, fun illustrations from four illustrators make the book appealing as well as making poetry writing accessible and enjoyable for all. Absolutely invaluable!
Poetry Prompts
All Sorts of Ways to Start a Poem from Joseph Coelho
Illustrated by Georgie Birkett, Grasya Oliyko, Amanda Quartey and Viola Wang
Wide Eyed ISBN: 978-0711285118
I Am the Wind
This is a gorgeous collection of poetry, offering a delightful mixture of well-known poems and those by newer poets, each beautifully illustrated. There are so many treasures here, making it perfect for sharing at home and at school.
For teachers the collection offers, not only many poems to enjoy reading, performing and sharing, but also those which can be used a wonderful models to inspire children (and adults!) to create their own. The anthology opens with a lovely poem by E R Murray called ‘This Poem Can…’ which is perfect for starting conversations, igniting imagination and creating their own works using the same format. ‘Ocean Song’, by the same poet, is also perfect for inspiring children to listen, reflect and express their ideas. Julie O’Callaghan’s poem ‘Earth Whispers’ is a fabulous piece of writing, offering a clear structure for children to plan and develop their ideas around- and to be inspired by the illustration as well.
Favourites like Spike Milligan’s ‘On the Ning Nang Nong’ and ‘Molly Malone’ also appear like familiar friends and it is a joy to see some poems in both Irish and English. ‘I Love These Hands’ is poignant whereas ‘Umbrella’ offers a touch of humour. There is so much to enjoy and cherish in this collection, making it an essential addition to any poetry shelf!
I Am the Wind
edited by Lucinda Jacob and Sarah Webb
illustrated by Ashwin Chacko
Little Island ISBN: 978-1915071460
And I Climbed and I Climbed
Yesterday, I had the great pleasure of visiting the Waterstones at the Galleries, Bristol for the launch of a very special book. It was a lovely occasion and it was a joy to catch up with some of the brilliant people who attended.
‘And I Climbed and I Climbed’ is a remarkable collection of poems, focusing on Cosmo, a young boy whose life changed forever when he fell out of a tree in his garden. Having a great deal to come to terms with, these poems explore his experiences. Poet, Simon Lightbrown, has drawn on personal experience to write these poems as, like Cosmo, he became paralysed after an accident.
Deeply poignant and captivating, these poems are really special. Raw emotion, courage, determination and resilience mix with fear, anger, curiosity and pain in the poems which invoke empathy, compassion and understanding. Although each works in its own right, the poems read almost as a verse novel, allowing the reader to accompany Cosmo through his experiences.
Cosmo is a very engaging character, full of spark and curiosity. Mingled with his words are poems from his family and the tree he fell from, offering different perspectives and thoughts. As he considers how his life has changed, Cosmo’s feelings fluctuate, running through a whole gamut of emotions, including moments of humour. The poems are all the more powerful and poignant as they are an authentic voice. Although Stephen Lightbrown was older when he had his accident than Cosmo is in the story, he draws on his personal experiences to create the poems, making this a unique and essential collection.
Listening to Stephen read his poems was wonderful! There are certain poems which had me in tears when I read them- and it was a real struggle not to sob hearing him read them in person. Shauna Darling Robertson read a couple of the poems written as Cosmo’s mother- she did really well not to cry too!
This is a fantastic collection- essential reading.
And I Climbed and I Climbed
Stephen Lightbrown, illustrated by Shih-Yu Lin
Troika Books ISBN: 978-1912745296
The Star Whale
Petr Horáček’s gorgeous illustrations are inspiring. Luminous colours glow from every spread as his artwork captures different creatures, habitats and ideas. It is almost impossible to chose a favourite as turning each page reveals new treasure to be lingered over and wondered at. Is it any wonder, then, that Nicola Davies took inspiration from his artwork and created the poems that accompany them?
‘Spider and Wind’ is set against a background in which Petr Horáček somehow manages to capture both the fragility and strength of these creatures and the ‘silver harp’ which they spin whilst the Furze Pig/Urchin/Hotchi Witchi emerges from a cascade of autumnal leaves as Nicola’s words lament how rarely these once-familiar creatures are now seen. In ‘Kingfisher’, Petr captures the ‘small glint of wonder’ in his painting as surely as Nicola does with her words.
For a teacher, there is so much here to inspire and develop creativity and curiosity. To catch sight of an illusive hedgehog, to identify the ‘puff of feathers’ that is a goldfinch, to discuss and discover the ‘names of a butterfly’ and their origins- to explore the wonders of the world and then try to capture something of their essence through art and word- this is a book bursting with potential! However, it is also a book to linger over and to love, to curl up with and dream, to share again and again and again…
The Star Whale
Nicola Davies and Petr Horáček
Otter-Barry ISBN: 978-1915659095