Hachette

June 2023

9780734421555 | RRP $24.99 |Lothian Children’s Books

Synchronicity is often amazing. Earlier this week a colleague was asking for suggestions for poetry for little people, and after much discussion and ideas, I picked this up from my bulging review shelves, and thought- PERFECT!

Because the poems contained within are of a wide variety of structures, this is an ideal book to share with little people trying out their own tentative poetic styles. And, also, because it is concerned with a topic that children everywhere find fascinating, it becomes copybook inspiration for their writing.

Take the kiddos outside, make observations, lead discussions about their thoughts on protecting our environment – I have found even the Preppies are able to offer many valid and cognizant suggestions for this – pick up things and closely examine them, have them draw what they see, show them beautiful images of stunning natural wonders. Then let them loose as you explore the various forms from haiku to several stanzas, rhyming to free verse, shape poems, cinquains – some may be dictated by curriculum needs but realistically, isn’t expression more important for their development as creative writers? Have them illustrate their work and make their own class book of poetry.

This is, overall, a sensational offering with Libby’s poems, lyrical, rhythmical, overflowing with imagery and figurative language so perfectly coupled with Christina’s always-evocative illustrations.

If, like my friend, you are planning working with your little readers on a poetry unit – whether in the classroom or library- I would strongly suggest you should buy this one for your collection. And even if you are not planning poetry, buy it simply for its beauty and share it with your Smalls. It really is a must-have!